What is an endolymphatic shunt? An endolymphatic shunt is a silicone tube that drains fluid from the inner ear. Endolymphatic shunt placement is a surgical procedure that involves implanting a small silicone tube in the inner ear to drain excess fluid. This procedure can reverse damage to the ear due to fluid buildup. This eliminates …
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What does electronystagmography test for? Electronystagmography is used to evaluate unexplained dizziness, vertigo or hearing loss. Electronystagmography (ENG) is a test that evaluates involuntary (not under conscious control) movements of the eyes (nystagmus). It is generally advised if you have unexplained dizziness, vertigo or hearing loss. The physician may ask for an ENG if you have the symptoms of vertigo, …
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What are cranial nerves? The 12 cranial nerves extend from your brain and brain stem, responsible for helping you control different motor and sensory functions. Twelve cranial nerves extend from your brain and brain stem, responsible for helping you control different motor and sensory functions. Cranial nerves facilitate communication between the brain and other parts of the body, mainly to …
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How do doctors evaluate dizziness? Doctors evaluate dizziness by taking a patient's medical history and doing lab work, scans and other tests. Dizziness is a common symptom among patients visiting the doctor. The doctor will first look for other signs and symptoms to check if the dizzy spells are a sign of a life-threatening condition. Most dizzy spells are not …
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What is Bell’s palsy? Bell’s palsy, the most common form of facial paralysis, is caused by swelling of the seventh cranial nerve as it passes through a narrow, bony passage. Bell’s palsy, the most common form of facial paralysis, begins with inflammation of a facial nerve. It causes drooping on one side of the face. Symptoms may improve in around …
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What is meningitis? The three types of meningitis are viral meningitis, fungal meningitis, and bacterial meningitis. The meninges are membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis occurs when these membranes become inflamed, potentially causing serious complications for the nervous system. There are three basic kinds of meningitis: viral, bacterial, and fungal. Of these three, viral meningitis is the …
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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 changes, depression, loss of memory, …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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