Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a debilitating disease Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a debilitating disease that can be classified as a disability if symptoms are severe enough to cause significant impairments. SMA is hereditary and progressive, affecting both the central and peripheral nervous systems as well as voluntary muscle function. The disease destroys motor...
Cluster seizures are episodes of increased seizure activity in which two or more seizures occur in 24 hours. Multiple seizures occur one after the other typically with a recovery period between each seizure and are different from a person’s usual seizure pattern. Cluster seizures are episodes of increased seizure activity in which two or more...
What is the hypothalamus? The hypothalamus is a part of the midbrain. An important function of the hypothalamus is to link the nervous system to the endocrine (hormonal) system through the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus is considered the regulator of all hormonal functions in the body. The hypothalamus is a part of the midbrain. It...
Can you heal a damaged brain? Brain damage may be caused by ruptured or blocked blood vessels or a lack of oxygen and nutrient delivery to a part of the brain. Brain damage cannot be healed, but treatments may help prevent further damage and encourage neuroplasticity. No, you cannot heal a damaged brain. Medical treatments...
What is ataxia? Common ataxia symptoms and signs involve a lack of coordination and include unsteady gait and difficulty walking. Ataxia describes the lack of muscle coordination when a voluntary movement is attempted. It may affect any motion that requires muscles to work together to perform a function, from walking to picking up an object...
Aneurysm vs. stroke: which is worse? Strokes and aneurysms are serious brain conditions that may result in death or permanent damage. Aneurysms and strokes are brain conditions that require immediate medical attention. When your brain has become damaged and isn't receiving blood and oxygen in the right proportions, it begins to affect your thoughts, speech,...
What is a seizure? Share Your Story A seizure is single occurrence of uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain, usually for short time span. A seizure disorder is a medical condition characterized by episodes of uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain, thus producing symptoms that include two or more seizures. A seizure and a seizure...
After seeking medical treatment for a concussion, you should continue to rest, stay hydrated, eat at regular times and avoid any activities that may result in another head injury. A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or violent shaking of the head and body. While most head...
Cerebellar disorders may result in symptoms such as incoordination, clumsiness and tremors in limbs, posture and gait. Cerebellar diseases cause incoordination, clumsiness and tremors because the cerebellum is responsible for smoothing out and refining voluntary movements. The cerebellum is the region of the brain responsible for controlling stance, gait and balance, as well as the...
Neuromyelitis optica facts* NMO leads to loss of myelin, which is a fatty substance that surrounds nerve fibers and helps nerve signals move from cell to cell. *Neuromyelitis Optica facts medical author: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) is an uncommon disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the optic nerves...