What is a balance disorder? SThe bony labyrinth inside the ear is how you sense balance. Disorders of this organ lead to dizziness and vertigo, among other symptoms. A balance disorder is a condition that makes you feel unsteady or dizzy, as if you are moving, spinning, or floating, even though you are standing still...
MS vs. ALS differences Share Your Story Both MS and ALS are disabling. ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Lou Gehrig’s disease) and MS (multiple sclerosis) are not the same disease. They sometimes are confused because they have some similarities. However, they have more differences than similarities. MS is neurodegenerative disease that results in the destruction the...
What is ropinirole? What is ropinirole used for? Ropinorole is an anti-Parkinson's medication. Ropinorole works by binding to dopamine receptors in the brain. Ropinorole stimulates the dopamine receptors and improves symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The FDA approved ropinirole in September 1997. It is also a treatment for Restless legs syndrome (RLS ). What brand names...
What is rasagiline? What is rasagiline used for? Rasagiline is an oral drug that is used for treating Parkinson's disease. It belongs to a class of drugs called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO) that also includes selegiline and tranylcypromine. Monoamine oxidase is an enzyme that breaks down serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, tyramine and similar chemicals that serve...
What are tremors? Stress or strong emotions can trigger tremors. Tremor is an involuntary, rhythmic muscle contraction leading to shaking movements in one or more parts of the body. It is a common movement disorder that most often affects the hands but can also occur in the arms, head, vocal cords, torso, and legs. Tremor...
What is Dilantin? Phenytoin is an oral and injectable anti-seizure medication first synthesized in 1908. Why is Dilantin prescribed to patients? Phenytoin is an anti-seizure medication (anticonvulsant) used for preventing or treating generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures, complex partial seizures (psychomotor seizures), and seizures occurring during or after neurosurgery. It may be used alone or...
What is motion sickness (sea sickness, car sickness, altitude sickness)? Readers Comments 4 Share Your Story Motion sickness symptoms can include headache, nausea, dizziness, and cold sweats. Motion sickness is the feeling you get when the motion you sense with your inner ear is different from the motion you visualize. It is a common condition...
What is the right brain vs. left brain theory? What is brain lateralization (split-brain)? Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Illustration of Left Brain vs. Right Brain Some neuroscience researchers believe that the function of the human brain is be best explained by the concept of lateralization, meaning that the right and left hemispheres of...
What is oral pyridostigmine? What are the uses for oral pyridostigmine? Pyridostigmine (Mestinon) is an oral cholinesterase inhibitor. Acetylcholine is one of many neurotransmitters in our bodies. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that help our cells communicate with each other. Depending on the organ that it acts upon, acetylcholine produces different effects. One important function of acetylcholine...
What is tizanidine-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Tizanidine is a skeletal muscle relaxant. It works on alpha2 receptors in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and blocks nerve impulses from reaching muscles which produces muscle relaxation. The FDA approved tizanidine in November 1996. What brand names are available for...