What is carbamazepine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Carbamazepine is an anti-seizure medication. Recurrent seizures (epilepsy) are divided into two main categories according to how much of the brain is involved, either partial or generalized epilepsy (which includes petit mal, grand mal, and myoclonic epilepsy). Seizures are called "simple" if there is...
What is Aubagio and what is it used for? Aubagio is a prescription medicine used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Aubagio can decrease the number of MS flare-ups (relapses). Aubagio does not cure MS, but it can help slow down the physical problems that MS causes. It is not known if Aubagio is safe...
What is Austedo (deutetrabenazine) and how is it used? Austedo is a prescription medicine that is used to treat: the involuntary movements (chorea) of Huntington's disease. Austedo does not cure the cause of the involuntary movements, and it does not treat other symptoms of Huntington's disease, such as problems with thinking or emotions. movements in...
What are cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs)? How do they work? Cholinesterase inhibitors or acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are medications that prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine in the body. Cholinesterase inhibitors block the action of acetylcholinesterase. Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine to an inactive form. This reduces nerve cell communications in your body that use acetylcholine...
What is alemtuzumab, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Alemtuzumab is an injectable drug used for the treatment of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). People with CLL have too many of a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes in the blood and bone marrow. Alemtuzumab is an antibody that targets a protein...
Who is at high risk for multiple sclerosis? Many factors may put an individual at a higher risk for MS, including genetics, obesity, environment, smoking, and more. The cause of multiple sclerosis (MS) is not known. But scientists believe that a combination of various factors may put an individual at a higher risk for MS....
Which is more serious: encephalitis or meningitis? Meningitis is an infection of the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Encephalitis is brain inflammation. Meningitis and encephalitis are both medical emergencies that require immediate treatment. Meningitis and encephalitis are medical emergencies that require immediate treatment. Meningitis is an infection of the membrane that surrounds the...
Alzheimer’s factors Most people with Alzheimer’s are 65 years of age and older. One in 10 people who is 65 years old and older has Alzheimer’s. After the age of 65 years old, the risk doubles every five years. Age, family history, genetics, chemical exposure, infections and other factors play a role in who gets...
Generic drug: repository corticotropin Brand name: Achthar What is Achthar (repository corticotropin), and how does it work? Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin) is a prescription medicine that is used to treat infantile spasms in infants and children under 2 years of age. It is also used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. What are the side...
What is the endocannabinoid system? The endocannabinoid system is a nerve signaling system throughout the human body that helps maintain physiological, emotional and cognitive stability. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex nerve cell signaling system that modulates the central nervous system’s function and helps maintain homeostasis. Homeostasis is the state of equilibrium in the...