What is urinary incontinence? Urinary incontinence is loss of bladder control. Loss of bladder control is urinary incontinence. Severity ranges from occasionally leaking urine while straining, coughing or sneezing to having a frequent sudden urge to urinate. Urinary incontinence can affect daily activities and quality of life. Therefore, it requires appropriate treatment. Neurological disorders that...
An illustration of the brain, spinal cord, and nerve cells that are affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). There are four types of MS.Source: MedicineNet Multiple sclerosis (MS) facts Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that causes demyelination (disruption of the myelin that insulates and protects nerve cells) of spinal nerve and brain cells. Although the...
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...
What is an occipital neuralgia headache? Readers Comments 9 Share Your Story Occipital neuralgia causes pain along the upper neck and the back of the head. Occipital neuralgia is a form of headache that causes pain along the upper neck and back of the head. The pain is in the distribution of the nerves known...
What are electromyography and nerve conduction studies? Electromyography and nerve conduction studies use electrodes to test the function of nerves and muscles to diagnose various problems. Nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography (EMG) are tests performed to assess the health of nerves and muscles. A neurophysiologist stimulates specific nerves and muscles and studies the resulting...
What is meningitis? There are two vaccines that help protect against the varieties, or serotypes, of the most common meningococcal bacteria in the US. The MenACWY (conjugate) vaccines last around five years and the MenB (recombinant) vaccines last around one or two years. Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes that cover your brain and...
What is a nerve conduction velocity test (NCV)? Readers Comments 6 Share Your Story A nerve conduction velocity test (NCV) is an electrical test that is used to determine the adequacy of the conduction of the nerve impulse as it courses down a nerve. This test is used to detect signs of nerve injury. In...
Stroke vs. mini-stroke (TIA) comparison of differences Readers Comments 12 Share Your Story A stroke and mini-stroke (transient ischemic attack) have similarities and differences. Mini-stroke (transient ischemic attack, TIA) and stroke usually are caused by blockage of an artery in the brain, and less often by bleeding into the brain tissue. Strokes usually are classified...
Migraine and seizure definitions, auras, symptoms, and signs Readers Comments 6 Share Your Story Migraines and seizures have similar symptoms and signs. A migraine is a collection of neurological symptoms that usually includes a severe and throbbing headache. A seizure is a change in the brain’s electrical activity that may affect how a person acts...
Hydrocephalus facts *Hydrocephalus facts medical author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain. Hydrocephalus may be congenital or acquired. Communicating hydrocephalus occurs when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can still flow among the ventricles. Noncommunicating hydrocephalus, also called “obstructive” hydrocephalus, occurs when the flow of CSF is...