Tag Archives: neurology

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 …

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. …

What is peripheral neuropathy? The nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body are called the PNS. Any damage to these nerves, due to disease, injury, drugs, or toxins, is called peripheral neuropathy. The nervous system has two main parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The brain and spinal cord are …

How do you get multiple sclerosis? The prominent feature of MS is what is called an “attack” wherein symptoms occur and then resolve (remit) and may appear again (relapse) sometimes months or years apart affecting different organs. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, neurodegenerative, and autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord of the central nervous system (CNS).  …

What are electromyography and nerve conduction studies? Electromyography and nerve conduction studies use electrodes to test the function of nerves and muscles to diagnose various problems. Nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography (EMG) are tests performed to assess the health of nerves and muscles. A neurophysiologist stimulates specific nerves and muscles and studies the resulting activity to evaluate if the …

What is intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring? Intraoperative neurophysical monitoring is one way surgeons can make sure they aren't severing nerves by accident during delicate surgeries. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring is the continuous evaluation of a patient’s nervous system during surgery, especially procedures involving the brain and spinal cord. Electrical and electromagnetic sensors connected to the patient via adhesive electrodes or needles transmit …