Parkinson’s disease facts Most people who develop Parkinson's disease are 60 years of age or older. Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder, which leads to progressive deterioration of motor function due to loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. The cause of Parkinson’s Disease is unknown but researchers speculate that both genetic and environmental factors are involved;...
Introduction The largest part of the brain, the cerebrum, is divided into four paired sections — the frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal lobes. Each lobe controls a specific group of activities. The temporal lobe, located on either side of the brain just above the ear, plays an important role in hearing, language, and memory. In...
What is Tourette syndrome? Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, stereotyped, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics. The disorder is named for Dr. Georges Gilles de la Tourette, the pioneering French neurologist who in 1885 first described the condition in an 86-year-old French noblewoman. The early symptoms of Tourette syndrome are...
What Is Restless Leg Syndrome? Restless Leg Syndrome is an often uncontrollable urge to twitch and move your legs – especially when sitting or lying down. It isn’t curable and the cause is unclear, but it’s a neurological problem that researchers theorize may result from a lack of iron in the brain or a physiological...
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...
What is an amygdalohippocampectomy? An amygdalohippocampectomy is a surgical operation to remove a portion of the brain as a treatment for temporal lobe epilepsy. An amygdalohippocampectomy is a surgical operation to remove a portion of the brain as a treatment for temporal lobe epilepsy. The procedure involves the selective removal of certain portions of the...
What is tardive dyskinesia? Share Your Story Tardive dyskinesia symptoms include involuntary movements of the face and extremities. Dyskinesias are involuntary movements of the face (including lips, tongue, eyes), trunk, and extremities, which are identified in patients who have been treated with certain (dopamine-antagonist) medications. Dyskinesias are difficult to control. Many different conditions can lead...
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...
Children affected with Dravet syndrome, however, may develop severe disability leading to problems that affect their lifespan. Dravet syndrome is a rare, severe, and lifelong form of epilepsy (seizure disorder). Most people affected by this condition have a good life expectancy. The disease typically starts in the first year of life, and around 80-85% of...
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) causes symptoms, such as a strong urge to move the legs while in bed trying to sleep. It may also cause burning, tingling, and aching in the legs, and potentially lead to insomnia.Source: Photodisc/Getty Images Restless leg syndrome definition and facts Restless leg syndrome is a condition marked by a strong...