neurology

What is Aubagio and what is it used for? Aubagio is a prescription medicine used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Aubagio can decrease the number of MS flare-ups (relapses). Aubagio does not cure MS, but it can help slow down the physical problems that MS causes. It is not known if Aubagio is safe …

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 medicine that they could not …

Parkinson’s disease facts Most people who develop Parkinson's disease are 60 years of age or older. Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder, which leads to progressive deterioration of motor function due to loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. The cause of Parkinson’s Disease is unknown but researchers speculate that both genetic and environmental factors are involved; some genes have been linked …

What is an occipital neuralgia headache? Readers Comments 10 Share Your Story Occipital neuralgia causes pain along the upper neck and the back of the head. Occipital neuralgia is a form of headache that causes pain along the upper neck and back of the head. The pain is in the distribution of the nerves known as occipital nerves (sensory nerves …

What is sciatica? Picture of Sciatica Symptoms The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It’s rooted in the lower back and extends through the rump, providing nerve endings through the leg. Sciatica or sciatic nerve pain is centered on the lower back, and the cause is usually from a ruptured disc in the spinal column that irritates …

What is MS (multiple sclerosis)? Share Your Story Over half of people with MS experience some kind of short- or long-term pain. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that causes demyelination, or disruption of the substance that coats and protects nerve cells, in the spinal nerve and brain cells. The specific symptoms and severity of the disease are related to …

What is levodopa-carbidopa, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Carbidopa-levodopa is a combination of two drugs, levodopa and carbidopa. Carbidopa-levodopa is used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is believed to be caused by low levels of dopamine in certain parts of the brain. When levodopa is taken orally, it crosses into the brain through the …

What is Moyamoya disease? What does it mean? Share Your Story Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a rare, progressive cerebrovascular disease that causes stenosis or a blockage to one or both of the primary blood vessels (internal carotid arteries) that supply the brain as they enter the skull. Moyamoya disease was first noted in Japan in 1957 and it is seen mainly …

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 up in fish, shellfish and …

What is a balance disorder? SThe bony labyrinth inside the ear is how you sense balance. Disorders of this organ lead to dizziness and vertigo, among other symptoms. A balance disorder is a condition that makes you feel unsteady or dizzy, as if you are moving, spinning, or floating, even though you are standing still or lying down. Balance disorders …