Craniopharyngioma is a benign brain tumor that rarely becomes cancerous. Learn about cure rates, causes, symptoms, treatment, and potential complications Craniopharyngioma is a benign brain tumor that rarely becomes cancerous. Most people treated for craniopharyngioma are cured (approximately 80%-90% chance). Treatment involves resection (surgical removal) of the tumor or treating it with high doses of radiation …
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Phenobarbital: Seizure Uses, Warnings, Side Effects, Dosage
Generic Name: phenobarbital Drug Class: Anticonvulsants, Barbiturates What is phenobarbital, and what is it used for? Phenobarbital is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat generalized and partial seizures and to induce sedation and anesthesia. Phenobarbital belongs to a class of medications known as barbiturates, and is a long acting medication. Phenobarbital induces sedation and reduces seizure activity by depressing the …
Read More »How Can I Test Myself for Memory Loss? 6 Tests
You can test yourself for memory loss using online tests that can help you detect early signs of cognitive decline. Here are 6 at home tests that evaluate your memory Some degree of forgetfulness is common with advancing age. However, if you find yourself unable to remember why you entered a room or names of people you’ve met before, you …
Read More »Can Craniopharyngioma Be Cancerous?
Craniopharyngiomas are benign (noncancerous) brain tumors that are slow-growing and unlikely to spread. Only in very rare cases do craniopharyngiomas become cancerous Craniopharyngiomas are benign (noncancerous) brain tumors that are slow-growing and unlikely to spread. Only in very rare cases do craniopharyngiomas become cancerous. What is a craniopharyngioma? A craniopharyngioma is a rare type of benign central nervous system (CNS) tumor …
Read More »Is Exercise a Trigger for Migraines? 8 Tips for Prevention
Vigorous exercise can trigger migraines for some people, possibly due to changes in blood vessel caliber. Here are 8 ways to prevent exercise-induced migraines Vigorous exercise can trigger migraines for some people, possibly due to changes in blood vessel caliber. Some studies suggest that there is a link between exercising in hot, humid temperatures and headaches, which are most likely …
Read More »Levetiracetam: Generic, Epilepsy Uses, Warnings, Side Effects, Dosage
Generic Name: levetiracetam Brand and Other Names: Keppra, Keppra XR, Spritam, Elepsia Drug Class: SV2A Ligands What is levetiracetam, and what is it used for? Levetiracetam is an antiepileptic drug used to treat certain types of seizures in adult and pediatric epileptic patients. Levetiracetam is a novel anticonvulsant drug chemically unrelated to any of the other existing anticonvulsant drugs. Levetiracetam has …
Read More »How Do They Do a Lumbar Puncture With an Ultrasound?
Ultrasound guidance during a lumbar puncture allows surgeons to more accurately identify landmarks. Learn what happens during the procedure Ultrasound guidance during a lumbar puncture helps reduce the risk of injury, allowing surgeons to identify landmarks with greater accuracy. Learn about what happens during an ultrasound guided lumbar puncture. What is a lumbar puncture? A lumbar puncture procedure (also called a …
Read More »4 Mental Illness Similar to Dementia: Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder
Despite not being classified as a mental illness, here are four mental health disorders often mistaken for dementia due to their similar symptoms. Considering dementia, one might think of it as a mental illness because of its effects on the brain; however, there are a few major differences among dementia and other mental illnesses that must be clearly and carefully …
Read More »Does Red Wine Help With MS? Multiple Sclerosis
Scientists do not fully understand how red wine affects multiple sclerosis (MS). Learn about the potential benefits and risks of drinking wine with MS Scientists do not fully understand how red wine affects multiple sclerosis (MS). Although alcoholic beverages like red wine may be able to help calm an overactive immune system, they may also worsen some MS symptoms. What are …
Read More »Does Alcohol Mess With Multiple Sclerosis? Symptoms, Causes, Types
Studies suggest that consuming alcohol may worsen some symptoms of multiple sclerosis, such as the following. The implications of alcohol consumption in multiple sclerosis (MS) are unclear. Various research suggests alcohol directly affects the central nervous system by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) in oligodendrocytes (cells that make myelin) that leads to demyelination, thus temporarily worsening multiple sclerosis symptoms. While …
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