neurology

What is levetiracetam (Keppra)? What is levetiracetam used for? Levetiracetam (Keppra) is an antiseizure (antiepileptic) drug. Its mechanism of action is unknown, but it inhibits the spread of seizure activity in the brain. In studies, addition of levetiracetam to other antiseizure drugs reduced the frequency of seizures more than placebo. What brand names are available …

Peripheral neuropathy definition and facts Readers Comments 10 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 causes pain, tingling, and burning …

What is the right brain vs. left brain theory? What is brain lateralization (split-brain)? Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Illustration of Left Brain vs. Right Brain Some neuroscience researchers believe that the function of the human brain is be best explained by the concept of lateralization, meaning that the right and left hemispheres of the brain perform very different …

Migraine and seizure definitions, auras, symptoms, and signs Readers Comments 6 Share Your Story Migraines and seizures have similar symptoms and signs. A migraine is a collection of neurological symptoms that usually includes a severe and throbbing headache. A seizure is a change in the brain’s electrical activity that may affect how a person acts or what they do for …

What is Plegridy? What is Plegridy used for? Peginterferon beta-1a (Plegridy) is a protein produced by recombinant DNA technology using genetically engineered Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells into which the human interferon beta genes have been introduced. It is used for treating multiple sclerosis (MS). It differs from interferon beta-1a by having polyethylene glycol attached to the interferon molecules (peglated) that …

What is alemtuzumab, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Alemtuzumab is an injectable drug used for the treatment of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). People with CLL have too many of a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes in the blood and bone marrow. Alemtuzumab is an antibody that targets a protein called CD52 that is found …

What is fingolimod? What is fingolimod used for? Fingolimod is an oral medication used for treating multiple sclerosis (MS). Its mechanism of action is unknown, although it may work by reducing the number of circulating lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell), leading to reduced migration of white blood cells into the central nervous system. White blood cells cause inflammation …

What is botulinum toxin type A, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? OnabotulinumtoxinA is an injectable neuro-toxin, that is, a toxic chemical that blocks the ability of nerves to make muscles contract. In other words, it paralyzes muscles. To cause muscles to contract, nerves release a chemical, acetylcholine, where they meet muscle cells. The acetylcholine attaches to receptors …

What is gabapentin enacarbil? How is gabapentin enacarbil used? Gabapentin enacarbil is used for treating restless leg syndrome (RLS) and postherpetic neuralgia. It is a prodrug of the anticonvulsant gabapentin, which means it is first converted to gabapentin in the body before it can have its effects. The mechanism of action of gabapentin in treating restless leg syndrome (RLS) or …

What is gabapentin (Neurontin), and how does it work (mechanism of action) Gabapentin is an anti-seizure (anti-convulsant) drug that is used for preventing seizures and for treating post-herpetic neuralgia, the pain that follows an episode of shingles. Doctors do not know how gabapentin works (the mechanism of action). Gabapentin structurally resembles the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). (Neurotransmitters are drugs …