neurology

Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The four types of diabetic neuropathies involve: Peripheral distal symmetry polyneuropathy: It is the most common form of neuropathy. It affects the nerves going to the legs, feet, hands, and arms. Autonomic neuropathy: It affects the autonomic nerves that control the majority …

A person with ALS may live for about two to five years from the time of diagnosis On average, a person with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) may live for about two to five years from the time of diagnosis. This may vary as studies have shown that many people may live for five years or more. More than half of …

Who is at high risk for multiple sclerosis? Many factors may put an individual at a higher risk for MS, including genetics, obesity, environment, smoking, and more. The cause of multiple sclerosis (MS) is not known. But scientists believe that a combination of various factors may put an individual at a higher risk for MS. These factors include: Immunologic factors: …

What does an MS attack feel like? Multiple sclerosis (MS) attacks can include tingling, numbness, fatigue, cramps, tightness, dizziness, and more. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder in which your own antibodies (autoantibodies) start attacking and destroying the nerve cells of your body. This disease affects the central nervous system, which is responsible for various functions including, balance, and …

What is ventriculoatrial shunt placement? Ventriculoatrial shunting (VAS) is a procedure used to treat hydrocephalus that enables the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to flow from the brain to the heart's atrium. Ventriculoatrial shunting (VAS) is a procedure that allows the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to flow from the brain to the atrium of the heart. This procedure is typically used to treat …

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 needle goes in. The procedure is …

What is the endocannabinoid system? The endocannabinoid system is a nerve signaling system throughout the human body that helps maintain physiological, emotional and cognitive stability. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex nerve cell signaling system that modulates the central nervous system’s function and helps maintain homeostasis. Homeostasis is the state of equilibrium in the body in which all the …

What is multiple sclerosis? Multiple sclerosis causes the immune system to attack the central nervous system, specifically the myelin sheath that insulates and protects nerve fibers. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system (spinal cord and brain) by damaging and destroying the protective myelin sheath around the nerve fibers. Someone with …

What is a muscle biopsy? A muscle biopsy is used to diagnose a neuromuscular disorder like Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, or Huntington's disease. A biopsy is an examination of tissue removed from a living body to discover the presence, cause, or extent of a disease. A biopsy of skeletal muscle tissue (muscle biopsy) is a diagnostic procedure used in the evaluation …

What are antiepileptic drugs? Antiepileptic drugs aim to rebalance the chemo-electric activity in the brain, the dysfunction of which causes seizures. Antiepileptic drugs (AED) are medications given to control epileptic seizures and convulsions. Antiepileptic drugs do not cure epilepsy, but may reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of seizures. Most people must continue taking antiepileptic drugs for their entire lives. …