What are seizures and epilepsy? Epilepsy is a condition which causes seizures. A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. It can cause jerking movements, changes in behavior, changes in feelings and may affect levels of consciousness. A seizure is usually a single episode. When there are two or more seizures or...
What is an electromyogram? Readers Comments 100 Share Your Story An EMG is often performed when patients have unexplained muscle weakness. An electromyogram (EMG) is a test that is used to record the electrical activity of muscles. When muscles are active, they produce an electrical current. This current is usually proportional to the level of...
What Are Arteriovenous Malformations? Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are defects of the circulatory system that are generally believed to arise during embryonic or fetal development or soon after birth. They are comprised of snarled tangles of arteries and veins. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the body’s cells; veins return oxygen-depleted blood to...
Do vaccines cause autism spectrum disorders (ASDs)? Share Your Story Many studies that have looked at whether there is a relationship between vaccines and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). To date, the studies continue to show that vaccines are not associated with ASDs. However, CDC knows that some parents and others still have concerns. To address...
What is a coma? Share Your Story Coma occurs when the brain does not have enough nutrients. Coma is a state of decreased consciousness whereby a patient cannot react with the surrounding environment. Outside physical or auditory stimulation does not waken the person. Patients may have different levels of decreased consciousness and responsiveness depending upon...
Arachnoiditis is a pain disorder caused by the inflammation of the arachnoid, one of the membranes that surround and protect the nerves of the spinal cord. It is characterized by severe stinging, "burning pain", and neurological problems. Symptoms Arachnoiditis has no consistent pattern of symptoms, but in many people it affects the nerves connecting to...
What Is Epilepsy Surgery? Most people with epilepsy can control their seizures with medication. But they aren’t effective for about 30% of patients. In some cases, brain surgery may be an option. Epilepsy surgery is an operation on the brain to control seizures and improve the person’s quality of life. There are two main types...
ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) definition and facts* *Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis facts medical author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a rapidly progressive, invariably fatal neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, is sometimes called Lou Gehrig's disease. As many as...
Facts you should know about autism Impaired development in communication, behavior, and social interaction characterize autism. Autism and related disorders are now referred to as autism spectrum disorders. Characteristics of autism include impaired development in social interaction, communication, and behavior. The degree of autism varies from mild to severe. Severely afflicted persons with autism can...
Alternative treatment (CAM) for MS facts Fatigue and muscle spasticity are the symptoms of MS that are best addressed by complementary or alternative treatment or medicine (CAM). Complementary or alternative treatments or therapies that have been shown to be helpful in helping reduce fatigue include: Yoga, exercise, (including swimming and walking), magnet therapy, and gingko...