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What is Encephalitis lethargica?

Encephalitis lethargica is an unusual form of encephalitis, also known of as “sleepy sickness.” The condition was first defined in 1917 by Constantin von Economo, a neurologist who described the classic symptoms of speechlessness and loss of motion that the condition causes.

26 May 2014

Cerebral Hypoxia

Cerebral hypoxia refers to a reduced supply of oxygen to the brain. Prolonged cerebral hypoxia eventually causes nerves in the brain to die, leading to hypoxic brain injury. When the oxygen supply to the brain is cut off completely, the condition is referred to as cerebral anoxia.

22 May 2014

Hyponatremia Diagnosis and Tests

The diagnosis of hyponatremia involves assessing levels of sodium in the blood. A healthy sodium level is between 135 and 145 mmol/l and a person is considered to be hyponatremic if the level falls to below 135 mmol/l. The hyponatremia is considered severe if this level falls to below 125 mmol/l.

21 May 2014

Hyponatremia Treatment

The treatment of hyponatremia is aimed at addressing the underlying cause of the condition and replenishing the blood sodium levels, without causing the blood to become too dilute.

21 May 2014

Dyslexia Management

There are a range of educational programmes and interventions available to help improve reading and spelling ability among children with dyslexia. The extent to which a child benefits from early intervention depends on several factors including their age and the severity of their condition. Similarly, the type and intensity of the intervention depends on the severity of their dyslexia.

19 May 2014

Hyponatremia Complications

Hyponatremia or a low blood sodium level is associated with several complications. In cases of chronic or long-term hyponatremia, the level of sodium in the blood drops gradually over days or weeks symptoms may therefore develop gradually and be of moderate severity.

14 May 2014

Hyponatremia Prevention

Hyponatremia or a low blood sodium level can sometimes be corrected before it causes complications. The condition can also be prevented altogether by following certain preventive measures.

14 May 2014

Vasculitic Neuropathy - Inflammation of the Vasculature

Vasculitis refers to inflammation of the vasculature. This inflammation can lead to blockage of the blood vessels that then deprives various organs and tissues of vital blood supply.

7 May 2014

Neuronal Migration Disorder

Neuronal migration disorder refers to a group of disorders that arise from the abnormal migration of nerve cells during embryonic development. If the migration of neuroblasts is disturbed during neurogenesis, neural circuits do not form properly in the correct parts of the brain. This is referred to as cerebral dysgenesis.

7 May 2014

Multiple-System Atrophy (MSA)

Multiple-system atrophy (MSA) is a progressive neurological condition in which specific areas of the brain undergo neural degeneration.

7 May 2014

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) - Devic's Disease / Syndrome

Neuromyelitis optica is a condition that involves loss of the myelin sheath (demyelination) that surrounds the optic nerve and spinal cord. The condition is also referred to as Devic's disease / syndrome. This is a rare disorder that resembles multiple sclerosis. Some also consider it to be a variant of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis.

7 May 2014

What is Hepatic Encephalopathy?

Hepatic encephalopathy refers to the neurological symptoms that can occur as a result of liver failure. In the advanced stages, hepatic encephalopathy is referred to as hepatic coma and can eventually lead to death.

7 May 2014

Neurocutaneous Syndrome

A neurocutaneous syndrome is a general term for disorders that affect the brain, spine, and peripheral nerves.

6 May 2014

What is Neuroacanthocytosis?

Neuroacanthocytosis refers to a group of genetic disorders that give rise to movement disorders, neurological deficits and abnormally shaped red blood cells (acanthocytosis).

6 May 2014

Neurosarcoidosis

Neurosarcoidosis is a form of sarcoidosis that involves the central nervous system. Sarcoidosis refers to the formation of growths made up of immune cells and in 5% to 15% of cases, these growths or granulomas occur in the brain and spinal cord.

6 May 2014

What is Empty Sella Syndrome?

Empty sella syndrome is a rare condition that describes an abnormality of the sella turcica, a depression in the bone at the base of the skull where the pituitary gland is contained. The condition refers to when this saddle-shaped structure is malformed and filled with cerebrospinal fluid, which compresses and flattens the pituitary gland, making the sella turcica appear empty.

6 May 2014

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Causes and Diagnosis

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a congenital condition caused by a mutation in the NF1 gene.

29 Apr 2014

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Treatment

There is currently no cure available for neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Management of this condition is primarily focused on continued monitoring and assessment of the disease for further problems or complications that can be treated if they develop.

29 Apr 2014

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Symptoms and Features

The symptoms of neurofibromatosis vary widely between individuals, with some people only experiencing mild health problems and others finding they are severely affected on a day-to-day basis.

29 Apr 2014

Idiopathic Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is the most extreme form of severe allergic reactions which can be life threatening and requires emergency medical treatment. It can affect anyone of any age, sex, race and stature.

28 Apr 2014