neurology

What is Parkinson’s disease? How you get Parkinson's disease is not known, though scientists believe it's a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that affects a person’s physical and mental abilities. As the disease slowly progresses, people begin to develop difficulties walking and talking. They will also experience behavioral …

What is the hippocampus? The hippocampus is part of the limbic system in the brain, the part of the brain that regulates our emotional and behavioral responses. The hippocampus is part of the limbic system in the brain, the part of the brain that regulates our emotional and behavioral responses. The hippocampus contributes to learning and memory as well as …

What is epilepsy? Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder often caused by stroke or brain tumors. Symptoms usually consist of fainting, dizziness, muscle spasms, and twitching.  Epilepsy, sometimes called a seizure disorder, is a chronic neurological disorder in which your brain goes through abnormal activity that triggers a seizure. Seizures are the main indicator of epilepsy, with each episode lasting …

What is neuropathic pain? Visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. When the sensory system is impacted by injury or disease, the nerves within that system cannot work to transmit sensation to the brain. This often leads to a sense of numbness, or lack of sensation. However, in some cases when this system is injured, individuals experience pain in the affected …

What is anoxia? Anoxia symptoms include problems focusing, memory loss, poor judgment, difficulties with motor coordination, visual disturbances, decrease of executive function and impulsive behavior. Anoxia occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen. It's often used interchangeably with hypoxia, although hypoxia refers to a partial loss of oxygen and happens first, typically leading to anoxia or a total lack …

What is MELAS? MELAS is a rare genetic disorder which results in stroke and dementia. MELAS is an abbreviation that stands for Mitochondrial Encephalopathy, Lactic acidosis, and Stroke-like episodes. What causes MELAS? MELAS syndrome is caused by mutations in the genetic material (DNA) in the mitochondria. While most of our DNA is in the chromosomes in the cell nucleus, some of …

What is the most common head and neck cancer? More than half a million people worldwide are diagnosed with head and neck cancers annually. All cancers start with abnormal uncontrolled growth of cells in part of the body. Cancer in the head and neck region may affect your mouth (oral cavity), tongue, parts of the throat (pharynx), nose or nasal …

What is urinary incontinence? Urinary incontinence is loss of bladder control. Loss of bladder control is urinary incontinence. Severity ranges from occasionally leaking urine while straining, coughing or sneezing to having a frequent sudden urge to urinate. Urinary incontinence can affect daily activities and quality of life. Therefore, it requires appropriate treatment. Neurological disorders that cause loss of bladder control …

How long does it take to get lead poisoning? Lead poisoning usually happens due to prolonged exposure at home, work or daycare. Lead poisoning usually takes months or years of exposure to a small amount of lead at home, work or daycare. When exposed to large amounts of lead, it can quickly lead to lead poisoning (acute poisoning). What is …

What does a pseudotumor cerebri headache feel like? Pseudomotor cerebri headache is a headache at the back of the head. Pseudotumor cerebri occurs when intracranial pressure (pressure within the skull) increases. The cause is usually unknown. Hence, it's also called idiopathic (unknown cause) intracranial hypertension. The condition is characterized by headaches, which is also the first symptom of pseudotumor cerebri. …