Facts you should know about brain lesions Picture of the brain The brain is perhaps the most important organ in the body, responsible for the unconscious autonomic activities like breathing, blood pressure and temperature control, sensation, movement, and thought processes. Neurons and glia are the two types of cells that make up the brain. Each...
What are cladribine tablets, and what are they used for? The cladribine 10mg tablet is a prescription medicine used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include relapsing-remitting disease and active secondary progressive disease, in adults. Because of its safety profile, oral cladribine is generally used in people who have tried another MS...
A lumbar puncture is also called a spinal tap, spinal puncture, thecal puncture, or rachiocentesis. A lumbar puncture is usually not painful, as a patient is first given a local anesthetic. Most patients feel nothing except for the mild sting of the local anesthetic needle. It is possible to feel a pressure sensation as the...
What is Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate), and what is it used for? Tecfidera is a prescription medicine used to treat people with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) It is not known if Tecfidera is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age Who should not take Tecfidera? Do not use Tecfidera if you have had...
Do balance disorders go away? Most balance disorders last for a few days to a few months. Generally, balance disorders last for a couple of days and the patient recovers slowly over 1 to 3 weeks. However, some patients may experience symptoms that can last for several months. For symptoms that don’t go away with...
Facts you should know about migraines and strokes A migraine headache is a type of headache that causes severe, intense, and throbbing pain on one side of the head. A migraine “aura” describes visual, sensory, speech, motor, or other central nervous system symptoms that precede a migraine headache. A stroke or "brain attack" occurs when...
Full recovery from Guillain-Barre can happen, but it may take months to years. Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) may last between 14 and 30 days and you may slowly recuperate from it. Usually, recovery takes 6 to 12 months, but for some people, it could take up to 3 years. Some people need surgery, physical therapy, or...
Brain aneurysm facts Picture of a brain aneurysm Four major blood vessels supply blood to the brain. They join together at the Circle of Willis at the base of the brain. Smaller arteries leave the circle and branch out to supply brain cells with oxygen and nutrients. Artery junction points may become weak, causing a...
Peripheral neuropathy definition and facts Readers Comments 9 Share Your Story Peripheral neuropathy is nerve pain that affects the limbs. Peripheral neuropathy is a condition in which the nerves in the peripheral nervous system become damaged. Peripheral neuropathy symptoms and signs depend upon the cause. Usually, the disorder affects the nerves that provide sensation, which...
Mercury poisoning definition and facts* Readers Comments 7 Share Your Story *Mercury poisoning facts by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP The severity of mercury poisoning depends on the level of exposure, usually determined by a blood test. Mercury is a naturally occurring element found in air, water and soil. A highly toxic form (methylmercury) builds...