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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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What is motion sickness (sea sickness, car sickness, altitude sickness)? Readers Comments 4 Share Your Story Motion sickness symptoms can include headache, nausea, dizziness, and cold sweats. Motion sickness is the feeling you get when the motion you sense with your inner ear is different from the motion you visualize. It is a common condition that occurs in some people …
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What is zonisamide-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Scientists do not known how exactly zonisamide works in the body. Zonisamide is presumed to work on the sodium and calcium channels in the brain cells where it controls electric-currents that are responsible for seizure activity. The FDA approved zonisamide in March 2000. The brand name for zonisamide is …
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What are tremors? Stress or strong emotions can trigger tremors. Tremor is an involuntary, rhythmic muscle contraction leading to shaking movements in one or more parts of the body. It is a common movement disorder that most often affects the hands but can also occur in the arms, head, vocal cords, torso, and legs. Tremor may be intermittent (occurring at …
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What is glatiramer, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Glatiramer acetate injection (glatiramer) is indicated for the treatment of patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. Glatiramer's mechanism of action is not completely understood. Available data suggests that it may work by modifying immune processes by suppressing T-cells (white blood cells of the immune system) that cause inflammation …
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