Brain Conditions

Chiari Malformation

Chiari malformation refers to deformity of the cerebellum, the lower part of the brain associated with controlling balance. It occurs when the cerebellum and brainstem (posterior part of the brain) are pushed downwards because of lack of space in the skull that is if the back of the skull is smaller than normal. This limits the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord) causing symptoms such as dizziness, muscle weakness, numbness, headache, difficulty with vision, and coordination problems.

Chiari malformation may be caused by abnormal brain formation during fetal development. This may be caused by exposure to harmful substances during fetal development or with genetic problems that may have a tendency to run in families.

Chiari malformations are categorized into four types depending on the severity of the disorder and the parts of the brain displaced into the spinal canal

Type I is the most common type, often remains non-symptomatic and is observed during examination for another condition. In this condition the bottom portion of the cerebellum extends through the opening at the base of the skull into the spinal canal.

Type II also called as Arnold-Chiari malformation accompanies a form of spina bifida, called myelomeningocele that occurs when the backbone and the spinal canal have not closed properly before birth. A portion of the lower back part of the brain (cerebellum) along with the brainstem extends into an opening at the base of the skull.

Type III is one of the severe forms of chiari malformation that causes neurological defects. In this condition the cerebellum, brain stem, and also part of the brain’s fourth ventricle (communicating cavities filled with cerebrospinal fluid) protrudes through the opening at the base of the skull into the spinal cord.

Type IV: In this condition the cerebellum fails to develop normally.

Many people with chiari malformations often do not have symptoms and may be observed when diagnosis is done for other conditions. Diagnosis includes combination of patient history, neurological examination, and imaging tests such as X-ray, CT scan, and an MRI of the brain and spine.

Surgery is the most preferred option to treat chiari malformation. The goal of the surgery is to stop the progression of changes in the central nervous system. The surgery can reduce pressure on the structures on the base of the skull and re-establish the normal flow of the fluid in the area.

Posterior fossa craniectomy or posterior fossa decompression is the most common operation for chiari malformation. During the procedure an incision is made at the back of the head and a small portion of the bone from the skull and occasionally portion of the first or second vertebrae of the back bone is removed (spinal laminectomy). This creates room for the brain and relieves the pressure exerted on the brain. The dura, covering of the brain is then opened and a patch is sutured into place to expand the space and restore normal cerebrospinal fluid flow. The patch may be a natural tissue harvested from your own leg or neck or may be an artificial patch.

Infection and problems with healing are the risks of the surgery. Regular follow up may be needed to know the outcome of the surgery and the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid.

Chorea

Chorea is neurological disorder characterized by involuntary movements of the body, which may sometimes appear like dance movements. They are irregular and do not follow any pattern, and may move from one part of the body to another, usually involving the extremities and face. The involuntary movements may involve facial grimacing, grunting noises, tongue movement and jerking, seen even during rest. Mild forms of movement may involve restlessness or fidgety movements of the hands, while more severe forms may show as an unstable dance or a continuous flow of violent, disabling movements.

The exact cause is not known, but many factors can lead to chorea:

Inherited disorders: Huntington’s disease, Wilson’s disease
Infectious disorders: AIDS, meningitis, encephalitis
Immune disorders: Rheumatic fever, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis
Endocrine disorders: Hyperthyroidism
Pregnancy
Medications
Central nervous system tumors or trauma

To investigate your condition, your physician will perform a detailed review of your medical history and physical examination. You will be examined for signs of infection and neurological symptoms. Blood tests and imaging tests such as MRI are performed to determine the underlying condition.

Your treatment is based on the underlying condition causing chorea. If the cause is infection, your doctor prescribes antibiotics. Other medications including anticonvulsants and drugs that lower the brain chemical dopamine, may be prescribed. If symptoms do not improve with medication, your doctor may suggest deep brain stimulation, a surgical procedure where electrodes are implanted in the brain to regulate nerve activity.

Epilepsy and Pregnancy

Epilepsy is a condition characterized by recurrent episodes of involuntary shaking (seizures) that occur due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. While epilepsy does not stop you from becoming pregnant, particular care needs to be taken to protect you from seizures and also help you give birth to a healthy baby.

During pregnancy, seizures may remain the same or in some cases even reduce, but in many, it may increase due to emotional stress and reduced sleep. A seizure episode during pregnancy may cause a drop in fetal heart rate, fetal injury, and the need for premature labor and delivery. Controlling your seizures is critical during pregnancy. However, regular anti-seizure medication may produce skeletal, heart and urinary tract defects, or fetal anticonvulsant syndrome characterized by glow intellectual ability, poor language skills, problems with memory, delayed developmental milestones and autistic spectrum disorders.

If you think you might be pregnant, it is important to contact your doctor and neurologist immediately. Your doctor may alter your medications to something safer for your child and you. In addition to altering your medications your doctor will prescribe medication to reduce the chance of birth defects.

You will need to make regular visits to your doctor’s office during your pregnancy where your blood pressure and weight are checked, and blood tests are performed to assess medication levels. Your baby’s growth and development is also closely monitored. You will be prescribed with a higher dose of folic acid and vitamin K supplement as well.

Seizures do not usually occur during labor. If they do, they can be adequately managed by medication, or in case of prolonged seizures, a C-section may be performed. Breastfeeding is generally considered safe, but you are advised to check with your physician before starting.

Epilepsy in Children

Epilepsy is a condition caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain that produces symptoms such as confusion, staring spells, and most commonly, episodes of involuntary shaking (seizures), which may be followed by periods of unconsciousness. Epilepsy usually begins in childhood.

Seizures may be generalized, involving the whole brain, or partial, where a part of the brain is involved. Generalized seizures may present as staring spells, unconsciousness, sporadic jerking movements, muscle rigidity, or loss of muscle tone causing your child to fall down. Partial seizures may produce changes in sensation (hearing, vision, smell, taste or touch), involuntary chewing, lip smacking and other repetitive movements, and emotional disturbances.

Your child’s doctor will try to rule out other possible causes of seizures before confirming a diagnosis of epilepsy. A thorough history and physical examination is performed. Your child’s doctor may order blood tests, an electroencephalogram (EEG), to study the electrical activity of the brain, and an MRI to look for brain abnormalities.

After diagnosing epilepsy, your child’s doctor will decide whether or not anti-seizure medication should be started. This will depend on the kind of epilepsy, chances of recurrence, age of your child and presence of developmental or behavioral abnormalities. If medications are ineffective, surgery may be suggested such as vagus nerve stimulation, where an implanted device reduces the frequency of seizures, or resection of specific regions of the brain from where the seizures arise. You may be advised to start your child on a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet.

Epilepsy and epileptic treatment may lead to learning disabilities and changes in behavior. Appropriate support should be provided to help your child to cope.

Epilepsy: Refractory

Epilepsy is a condition characterized by recurrent episodes of involuntary shaking (seizures) that occur due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It is usually treated with medication, but sometimes patients do not respond adequately to treatment with medications. In such cases seizures continue, affecting activities of your daily living. This is a drug resistant form of epilepsy called refractory epilepsy.

You are considered to have refractory epilepsy when your doctor orders at least two different types of medication and you do not respond to them. Refractory epilepsy can also occur when you are more prone to potential side effects or non-tolerant to epileptic medication, which makes it difficult for your doctor to prescribe them. Hence, easily treatable seizures can become hard to treat.

If you have refractory epilepsy you have a greater risk of injuries, cognitive problems, social issues, and fear of when your next attack will interfere with your daily activities.

To diagnose your epilepsy as refractory, your doctor may perform a detailed medical history and physical examination. The nature of your seizures and your existing medication regimen will be reviewed. An electroencephalogram (EEG) may be ordered to study the electrical activity of your brain, and CT or MRI scans may be performed to look for abnormalities.

At first your doctor may try altering your medications or trying a combination of drugs. If this does not show improvement, non-medication approaches may be suggested. Your doctor may recommend a ketogenic diet (low-carbohydrate, high-fat). Your surgeon may perform a surgical resection of a region of your brain where seizures arise. If you do not respond to surgery, vagus nerve stimulation may be suggested, where a device implanted in your chest stimulates the vagus nerve in the neck, which sends impulses to your brain, reducing the incidence of seizures.

Epilepsy Surgery

Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain characterized by recurrent seizures which are episodes of involuntary shaking, produced as a result of abnormal electrical brain activity. Medications are available and effective in controlling a large number of epilepsy cases; however, if your epileptic attacks are severe and cannot be controlled by medications alone, or you are experiencing severe side effects from the medication, surgery may be a good option to consider.

Before deciding on surgery your doctor will confirm the exact area of your brain producing the seizure (seizure focus) and ensure that it is not responsible for vital functions such as movement and language.

Surgery may be performed to either remove the region producing seizures, interrupt nerve pathways spreading the seizures in the brain or to implant a device to treat the epilepsy. Some of the different forms of surgery performed include:

Lobe resection: Resection of a cerebral lobe (one of four regions that comprise most of the brain tissue), mostly the temporal lobe of your brain where seizures usually arise
Lesionectomy: Specific lesion (tumor or abnormal blood vessel) in your brain causing the seizure is removed
Corpus callosotomy: Cutting the band of nerve tissue that connects the two halves of your brain to prevent seizures from spreading to the opposite side.
Vagus nerve stimulation: Implantation of a device under your skin to control the vagus nerve, which is responsible for regulating activity between the brain and major organs.
Responsive neurostimulation: Implantation of a neurostimulator in your skull to detect and normalize abnormal electrical activities of seizures before they occur.

Surgery is effective in a large number of cases. However, as with all surgical procedures, epilepsy surgery may be associated with certain risks such as infection, bleeding, failure and requirement for reoperation or the development of new neurological problems.

You may be completely free of seizures following surgery, but may have to continue your anti-seizure medication until your doctor decides it is safe to discontinue them.

Epilepsy: Temporal Lobe (TLE)

The temporal lobe of your brain is responsible for memory, emotions, and visual and auditory perception. Seizures (abnormal brain activity) may sometimes originate in the temporal lobe and produce a mixture of emotions such as sudden unprovoked fear, an odd taste or odor, a feeling of déjà vu, and involuntary movements like chewing and smacking your lips. Following a seizure you may be aware of your surroundings or have a period of confusion and no recollection of the event. Repeated seizures over time can lead to memory loss and learning difficulties. The cause of temporal lobe seizures (TLS) is mostly unknown, but may result from traumatic brain injury, stroke, infections like meningitis and encephalitis, and tumors.

To diagnoses TLS, your doctor will question you and your family members in detail regarding your symptoms, and perform a thorough physical examination. Neurological examinations to test reflexes, muscle strength, coordination and balance may be performed. Blood tests and imaging scans may be ordered to identify possible causes of seizure. Electroencephalography (EEG) may be performed to study the electrical activity of the brain.

In order to treat temporal lobe epilepsy, your doctor may start you on appropriate anti-seizure medication. In case medications do not adequately control the seizures and symptoms are severe, your doctor may recommend surgery which is effective in reducing the incidence of seizures and sometimes even stopping them. Vagus nerve stimulation, responsive neurostimulation and deep brain stimulation are procedures that may be suggested to deliver electrical stimulation to the affected part of the brain, and control the seizure.

Focal Dystonia

Dystonia defines a group of movement disorders characterized by slow repetitive involuntary muscle spasms and contractions. Focal dystonia is a type of dystonia in which the movement disorder is localized to one part of the body. Focal dystonia may affect the eyelids (rapid blinking or closure), neck (contractions cause the head to twist or pull to one side), vocal cords (spasm affect voice) and arms (writer’s cramp).The two most common areas affected are the eyelids and the neck. Task-specific dystonias, such as writer’s cramp and musician’s cramp, show uncontrolled movements of the hands only during the specific task (while writing or playing an instrument) and not during other activities.

Focal dystonia may be primary, caused by an abnormality in a part of the brain called the basal ganglia which is responsible for controlling movement, or may be secondary, associated with other conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. Most cases of focal dystonia can be identified by physical examination alone; however, your doctor may order blood tests, urine tests or imaging scans to identify related conditions, and electromyography (EMG) to measure the electrical activity of muscles.

Focal dystonia cannot be cured, but symptomatic relief can be obtained through medications and Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, which are useful in reducing the painful muscular spasms in a particular area like the neck. Some ways of coping with focal dystonia include reducing stress, getting adequate sleep, moderate exercises and reducing the movements that trigger or worsen the condition. Sometimes touching the affected area or a surrounding area can alleviate the symptoms. This is known as a sensory trick.

Friedreich’s Ataxia

Friedreich’s ataxia is rare inherited neurological disorder affecting movement. It causes degeneration of the spinal cord and the lower part of the brain called the cerebellum, leading to progressive loss of muscle control (ataxia) and sensory functions. It is also associated with heart and spine problems.

Symptoms first appear as gait abnormality, usually between the ages of 5 and 15. This loss of muscle control later spreads to your trunk and arms. You may experience loss of sensation and reflexes, problems with speech and vision, shortness of breath. Heart problems such as cardiomegaly (enlarged heart) and fast heart rate, orthopedic conditions such as foot deformities and scoliosis, and diabetes may develop.

When you present to the clinic with the above symptoms, your doctor performs a thorough history and physical examination including testing your gait, loss of reflexes and sensations like touch. You may be asked to undergo nerve conduction studies, electromyogram (study the electrical activity of muscles), electrocardiogram and echocardiogram (study heart rhythm and rate abnormalities). MRI and CT scans of your brain and spinal cord may be ordered to rule-out other neurological problems. Blood tests may be performed to check your sugar levels, and genetic testing helps confirm on the diagnosis of Friedreich’s ataxia.

There is no cure for the nerve degeneration seen in Friedreich’s ataxia; however, your symptoms and complications may be adequately managed by your physician. Physical therapy may be helpful in retaining muscle control of the arms and legs. Diabetes, orthopedic conditions and heart diseases can also be managed.

Encephalopathy

Encephalopathy is a functional or structural disorder of the brain that is considered to develop from a primary problem, such as brain tumor, kidney problem, or liver disease. The chief characteristic feature of encephalopathy is an altered mental state. Encephalopathy is best described by terms that precede the word “encephalopathy”. Each of these terms gives an idea about the reason, cause, or special conditions of the patient that lead to malfunctioning of the brain. For example, the term anoxic in anoxic encephalopathy means lack of oxygen. Hence, anoxic encephalopathy is damage to the brain caused due to lack of oxygen.

Symptoms

Encephalopathy symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Common neurological symptoms include loss of high-level brain functions such as thought processing and remembering information, subtle personality changes, concentration issues, lethargy, and progressive loss in consciousness.

Causes

There are numerous and wide range of causes for encephalopathy. They include

Brain tumour
Impaired metabolism
Insufficient nutrition
Infection
Exposure to toxins
Limited blood flow to the brain

Diagnosis

Encephalopathy is diagnosed based on physical examination and medical history review. Your doctor may order tests such as blood tests, spinal tap, scans (CT, MRI), and EEG.

Treatment

Treatment is decided based on the type and severity of the encephalopathy. Symptom-specific medication along with vitamins or supplements may be given. Nutritional supplements and diet changes may be recommended for some patients. In conditions such as an excess of toxins in the body, dialysis or organ transplant would be required.

Prevention

Prevention is better than cure. Some of the preventive steps that can be taken include avoiding over dose of alcohol, drugs and medicines, opting for early treatment in conditions such as liver disease, and taking precautions to avoid exposure to poisons or toxins.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a condition of the nervous system in which the person experiences recurrent seizures or convulsions. The seizures occur because of the abnormal signals sent by the cluster cells or neurons in the brain.

Epilepsy has no known cause, but may develop because of illness, brain injury and abnormal brain development. People with epilepsy may experience strange sensations, emotions, and behavior along with convulsions, muscle spasms, and even loss of consciousness.

Types of epileptic seizures:

Your doctor will perform physical examination and use other tests to diagnose epilepsy. Your doctor may suggest an Electroencephalogram (EEG) test to check the electrical activity in the brain. An EEG records your brain’s electrical activity via electrodes attached to your scalp. People with epilepsy can have irregular electrical activity on their EEG. Scans of the brain, such as a CT scan or MRI scan may also be done.

Epilepsy is usually not cured, but is controlled with anticonvulsant medications. If medications do not work, your doctor may suggest surgery or implanted devices such as vagus nerve stimulators. Some patients with epilepsy may benefit from brain surgery where the abnormal brain cells causing the seizures are removed in order to control the seizures. In some cases, a device called a vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) is implanted underneath the skin of your chest, similar to a heart pacemaker, to control the number of seizures experienced by patients. Some children with epilepsy are recommended to follow a special diet called a ketogenic diet to help prevent seizures.

Headaches

A headache is pain or discomfort anywhere in the region of the head or neck. Headaches are the most common health complaints experienced by every person at some point during their life. Most headaches are not serious and can be treated with medications and lifestyle changes. There are many different types of headaches and it is important to know the particular type of headache you have and also methods to treat the same.

Types

Depending upon the cause, headaches can be divided into three major categories:

Primary headaches: Primary headaches are those headaches that are not associated with other medical conditions. The most common types of primary headaches include:

Tension headaches: Tension headaches are the most common type of headaches that occur when the head and neck muscles contract due to stress, poor posture, fatigue, eye strain, alcohol and tobacco use, and with hormonal changes in women before and after a menstrual period. Tension headaches may occur at any age, but occur mostly in adults and adolescents.
Migraine headache: A migraine is felt as a throbbing pain on one side of the head. The exact cause is unknown, but may occur from a series of changes in brain activity, and may be associated with alcohol use, smoking, lack of sleep, prolonged muscle tension and stress, changes in hormone levels during menstrual periods, or with the use of oral contraceptives. Migraines occur more often in women than men and may run in families.
Cluster headaches: Cluster headache is a less common type of primary headache. The cause is unknown, but abnormalities in an area of the brain called the hypothalamus may be involved, and are triggered by certain factors such as changes in sleep patterns and use of certain medications. It is most common in men in their late 20s, and tend to run in families.

Secondary headaches: Secondary headaches are those that are caused by other underlying diseases. Some medical conditions that can cause secondary headaches include bleeding in the brain, brain tumors, meningitis and encephalitis.

Cranial neuralgias, facial pain, and other headaches: Cranial neuralgia is pain or discomfort in the head or neck caused by inflammation of the nerves located in the head and upper neck. Facial pain can be caused from a nerve disorder, an injury, or an infection in a structure of the face or it may occur for no known reason.

Symptoms

People with tension headaches have generalized pain in the head and neck described as a band-like tightness or pressure.

Migraine headaches often cause a throbbing or pulsating sensation usually on one side of the head. It may occur with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, and sensitivity to light and sound. The pain can last a few hours or even up to one or two days.

Cluster headaches have a characteristic grouping or clustering of attacks. People with cluster headaches usually have pain lasting for 30 to 90 minutes, once or twice daily, for weeks or months, followed by pain free periods. Attacks tend to occur at the same time each day and often wake the person from sleep. The pain is extremely painful and may occur behind and around one eye.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will question you about your headache, its location, length, duration, causative factors and associated symptoms. Your doctor will also review your family history, medical history, diet and lifestyle. The following diagnostic procedures may be ordered:

An MRI or CT scan of the head may be needed to rule out other causes of the headache.
An X-ray of the sinuses may be taken to evaluate sinus problems.
Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is the removal of cerebrospinal fluid, or CSF (fluid surrounding the spinal cord and the brain) from the spinal canal to diagnose disorders affecting the brain and spinal cord.
Temporal artery biopsy is the removal ofa sample of blood vessel from your temple to check for signs of inflammation.

Treatment

Your doctor may suggest keeping a headache diary to help identify your headache type and recommend effective treatment.

To control tension type headaches, over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications are prescribed.

Medications for migraine headache fall into two categories:

Abortive medications are taken during migraine attacks as they work quickly. They are effective in people who have nausea and vomiting with their migraine.
Preventive medications are taken on a daily basis, to reduce the severity or frequency of the migraine attacks.

The treatment of cluster headaches is very difficult. Your doctor may treat cluster headache with oxygen inhalation, triptan medicines (constrict blood vessels and block pain pathway to brain), and the use of intranasal applications of a local anesthetic agent. Medications used to prevent additional headaches include blood pressure medications, antidepressant medications, and drugs used to treat seizures.

Headache Basics

Pain in any region of the head is called a headache. It may involve one or both sides of the head and may radiate to the neck and shoulders. You may experience dull pressure, a throbbing sensation or sharp pain that may last anywhere between an hour to days. In some cases it may indicate a serious underlying disease.

Headaches are broadly classified into 2 types:

Primary headaches are caused by stress, anxiety or certain triggers. They occur due to an overactive pain-sensitive region in the head and are not associated with any other condition. Common primary headaches can include tension headaches (result from tight muscles in the neck, scalp and shoulders), migraine (throbbing pain in one side of the head) and cluster headache (occurs in patterns or clusters).
Secondary headaches may be described as a symptom of another condition such as ear infections, sinusitis, dehydration, panic attacks, meningitis (inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord) and concussion (brain injury), which may trigger the pain-sensitive region in the head.

If your headaches are severe and occur frequently it is necessary to contact your doctor who will perform a detailed exam of your head, ears, eyes, nose, neck, throat and nervous system, and question you about your symptoms and lifestyle to identify any triggers or underlying disease. A CT or MRI scan and blood tests may be ordered. A lumbar puncture that studies the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal canal may be helpful in diagnosing infections.

To treat tension headaches your doctor may prescribe pain medications. Medication may be provided for other symptoms such as nausea. For secondary headaches, treatment is focused on the associated condition. Your doctor may also recommend other ways of managing headaches, such as massage, relaxation therapy and avoiding triggers.

Headache: Chronic Daily

If your headaches occur on a daily basis, at least 15 days a month for 3 months, and is not associated with any underlying cause, you may have a condition called chronic daily headaches (CDH).

Chronic daily headaches may present as different types of headaches and are usually classified as:
Short duration (less than 4 hours) CDH: rare and includes

Cluster headaches: intense pain from neck to temple and around the eye, on one side of the face, mostly at night

Long duration (more than 4 hours) CDH: more common and includes

Chronic tension-type headaches: mild to moderate pain present on both sides of the head; develops from episodic tension-type headaches
Chronic migraine headaches: throbbing pain on one side of the head with associated symptoms such as light sensitivity and nausea, but lacking aura symptoms
Hemicrania continua: persistent pain that peaks in severity
New daily persistent headache: mild to moderate pain present on both sides of the head, with no past history of headaches

The cause of chronic daily headache is unknown, but could be due to an abnormal development of low pain threshold or lack of pain suppression in the brain.

To diagnose your headache your doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical examination to define the type of headache and possible causes. You may need to undergo CT and MRI testing to look for abnormalities, blood and urine tests, or electroencephalography to study the electrical activity of the brain.

In the absence of secondary causes, your doctor will focus treatment on preventing headaches. You may be prescribed antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, NSAIDs and blood pressure medication. Relaxation therapy may be recommended and botulinum toxin (Botox) injections may be given.

Headache: Menstrual

Headaches in women are more likely to occur around the time of a woman’s monthly period. This is caused by shifts in the level of a female hormone called estrogen that regulates the menstrual cycle. The headaches may be migraine-like in quality and occur before or during the menstrual cycle. A migraine is a type of headache characterized by severe throbbing pain on one side of the head accompanied by secondary symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

To diagnose the cause of your headaches your doctor performs a thorough medical history and physical exam to rule out other causes. You will be asked to maintain a diary and note down the pattern and coincidence of the headaches with menstruation.

To treat your headache, your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter pain relievers or migraine medication. You may be instructed to take these medications a day or 2 before your menstrual cycle and continue it until the end of your cycle. If these don’t work, your doctor may prescribe drugs that alter your hormone levels. You may also be advised to follow a low salt diet.

Headache: Migraine

A migraine is a type of headache characterized by severe throbbing pain on one side of the head accompanied by secondary symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light, sound or smell. Other symptoms may include lightheadedness and blurry vision. A migraine may be preceded by an aura, a neurological warning sign, which may occur 10 to 15 minutes before an attack. These include flashes of light, tingling sensations, or speech problems. Sometimes, you may have migraines without an aura. A migraine may last from a few hours to 3 days.

The exact cause of migraines is unknown, but they are thought to be due to dilation and constriction of blood vessels as a result of abnormal nerve communication. It may have a genetic or environmental cause, triggered by missing meals, hormone changes during menstruation, use of birth control pills, stress, poor sleep habits, alcohol and high levels of caffeine, bright lights, loud sounds, unusual smells (paint thinner) and certain foods such as dairy, chocolate and peanuts.

When you present to the clinic with migraine symptoms, your doctor will study the nature and history of your headaches and associated symptoms and identify any family history of the condition. Blood tests, CT and MRI scans may be ordered to rule out other possible reasons for your headache.

To treat migraine your doctor may prescribe medications that prevent migraines to be taken on a regular basis, or abortive medications that are taken when a migraine occurs. Certain medications used for other purposes such as anti-nausea medication, blood pressure medications, anti-seizure medications, or antidepressants are also effective in treating symptoms of migraine.

Headache: Rebound

Long-term use of headache medications to treat conditions such as migraines may produce rebound headaches, also called medication-overuse headaches. If taken more than a few days a week on a regular basis, any pain medication can trigger rebound headaches if you already have a headache disorder.

Rebound headache depends on the original headache being treated. They may occur frequently, nearly every day, mostly on waking, and may be accompanied by restlessness, nausea, memory problems, difficulty concentrating and irritability. Severe forms of rebound headaches may be associated with fever, double vision, stiff neck, seizures and difficulty speaking. It may worsen even after rest and pain medication and wake you up from sleep.

To treat rebound headaches your doctor may advise you to reduce or stop your current pain medication. Your symptoms may worsen initially and you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, nausea or constipation for 2 days to sometimes several weeks. You may require hospitalization if you have developed drug dependency or if you have associated conditions such as depression and anxiety. Your doctor may prescribe alternative medications to manage your headaches and the side effects of medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy may be recommended, which teaches you ways of coping with headache.

Headache: Tension-Type

Tension-type headache is the most common type of headache and is characterized by dull pain and tightness in the head, neck and shoulders on both sides. It may be either episodic (30 minutes to a week) or chronic (more than 15 days a month for three months) but does not usually affect activities of daily living. It is more common in women.

The exact cause of tension headaches is not known but it may be due to an increased sensitivity to stress. Poor posture, eye strain, dehydration, bright sunlight or missed meals are some of the triggers of tension headaches.

Tension headaches are usually diagnosed with a thorough physical exam and neurological tests that study the characteristics and location of your headaches. If your headaches have an unusual pattern, imaging tests such as CT orMRI may be performed to rule out underlying causes such as a tumor or injury.

Tension headaches may be treated by making appropriate lifestyle changes and avoiding triggers. Relaxation techniques such as massage, yoga and exercise may be suggested. Your doctor may prescribe simple pain relievers or muscle relaxants to treat headaches. If your headaches are frequent or severe, your doctor may prescribe medications to prevent headaches that you take on a regular basis.

Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus means water on the brain. It is characterized by the excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounding the brain inside the skull. Excessive accumulation of fluid within the limited space of skull imparts pressure on the brain and causes damage to the brain tissue. It mostly occurs in children but may also occur in adults and old people. It occurs due to birth defect, genetic defect, and infection of the central nervous system, injury or tumors of the brain or spine. The diagnosis can be confirmed by CT scan of the head. Other imaging test such as skull X-rays, brain scan, ultrasound and arteriography may also be used. Sometimes lumbar puncture and examination of the cerebrospinal fluid is also done.

Treatment aims at improving the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid from the brain. It is done surgically by directing the brain fluid to other parts of the body such as abdominal cavity by placing a flexible plastic tube, shunt, from the brain to that region where it is absorbed. The shunt may get blocked, separated, kinked or infected. An alternate surgical procedure is called third ventriculostomy. Third ventriculostomy is done by the surgeon using images from an endoscope a pen-sized thin instrument with an attached camera that sends pictures on the screen. The surgery involves making tiny hole in the floor of the third ventricle thus bypassing the site of obstruction into the region where the CSF can be reabsorbed.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis(MS) is a disease of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) caused by destruction of the myelin insulation covering nerve fibers or neurons. When myelin sheath is destroyed, nerve signals between your brain and the rest of the body slow down or stop. As a result, people with MS have visual disturbances, muscle weakness in the extremities, difficulty with balance and coordination, and difficulty walking. As the disease progresses other symptoms occur such as sensations of numbness, prickling, or pins and needles, pain, tremors, dizziness, speech difficulty, hearing loss, and problems with thinking, learning and planning may also occur.

Multiple sclerosis may be an autoimmune disease, meaning a disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys its own tissues. Multiple sclerosis (MS) usually appear between the ages of 20 and 40 and women are more likely to be affected than men.

In order to diagnose MS, the physician will ask your detailed medical history and perform a complete physical and neurological examination. A MRI scan of your brain and spinal cord may be done to reveal lesions in the central nervous system. An evoked potentials test may be done to determine whether electric impulse travels through nerves normally or slower. Your doctor may also perform a cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord) examination to look for the presence of abnormal antibodies or cells that indicate the presence of MS.

There is no known cure for multiple sclerosis, however treatment such as medications and therapies may help relieve the symptoms and relapses and slow the progression of MS. In some cases steroids may be recommended to decrease the duration and severity of attacks. Muscle relaxants are prescribed to reduce muscle spasms.

Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and assistive devices such as foot braces, canes, and walkers may also be helpful for people with MS to improve their quality of life.

Multiple Sclerosis and Bladder Problems

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) affecting the myelin sheath which insulates nerve cells and is important for the transmission of nerve impulses. This causes the relay of information between the brain and the rest of your body to either slow down or stop and can lead to muscle weakness, difficulty with coordination and balance, vision and speech difficulties, tremors, dizziness, and cognitive difficulties.

A large percentage of people with multiple sclerosis also have bladder problems. These may include urinary urgency, incontinence (no control over urination), nocturia (frequent urination at night), and hesitancy (difficulty initiating urination). This is caused by loss of control of the bladder muscles that governor the flow of urine. If left untreated, bladder problems can lead to urinary tract infection, kidney damage and problems with hygiene.

To aid in diagnosis, your doctor may order an ultrasound scan to check the residual volume of urine in the bladder.

Treatment is based on avoiding complications such as retention of urine and infection. Your doctor may ask you to limit your fluid intake to 2 liters per day, and minimize coffee, tea, soda and alcohol which can worsen bladder control. You will be taught to train your bladder to void only at specific interval, and perform Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles that control bladder function. Your doctor may prescribe medications to help with incontinence and suppress urgency. Diapers, shields, and other absorbent material may be recommended to aid with hygiene. Certain mechanical aids such as the use of a catheter (thin long tube is inserted to drain urine), urethral insert (thin solid tube is inserted to block urine) and external urethral barriers (adhesive patch is placed over the opening of the urethra), may be used to control incontinence.

Multiple Sclerosis and Bowel Problems

Multiple sclerosis may affect coordination and control of the muscles responsible for emptying the bowels. This may lead to constipation(bowel movements are infrequent and strained), bowel incontinence (no control over bowel movements), diarrhea (frequent loose waterystools). Bowel problems can also aggravate other symptoms of multiple sclerosis such as bladder dysfunction (inability to control urine flow) or spasticity (stiff muscles).

In order to treat bowel dysfunction, your physician may suggest drinking plenty of fluids (6-8 glasses a day), increasingthe fiber in your diet (cereals, whole wheat bread, fruits, vegetables, or fiber supplements), maintaining a routine for bowel evacuation and exercise. Your doctor may prescribe stool softeners, enemas and laxatives for constipation or medication to control diarrhea.

Multiple Sclerosis and Cognitive Changes

Cognitive difficulties are seen in about 50% of cases of multiple sclerosis, and include difficulties in learning, memory, attention and concentration, visual perception, finding the appropriate words while speaking, information processing, planning and organization. Your long-term memory, general intelligence and reading ability remain intact.

If you experience cognitive difficulties with multiple sclerosis it is necessary to contact your physician as there could be other causes such as ageing, drugs, depression, anxiety, fatigue or other health conditions. You may be referred to a speech pathologist, neuropsychologist or occupational therapist for further testing. Early detection and assessment are important for effective treatment outcomes, which could significantly improve your quality of life.

Cognitive issues may be treated with memory exercises, notebooks, filing systems and organizers to help processing difficulties. Your doctor may suggest disease modifying drugs that alter the course of multiple sclerosis and reduce new lesions, which may slow the progression of cognitive issues. Medications used for Alzheimer’s may be recommended to help focus and memory.

Multiple Sclerosis and Depression

Depression is frequently seen in multiple sclerosis. It can arise out of the stress of dealing with multiple sclerosis, the disease process itself, which causes abnormal nerve communications to affect mood, or the side effect of drugs used to treat multiple sclerosis.

The symptoms of depression include long periods of sadness, lack of energy, uncontrollable crying, feeling of worthlessness, lack of pleasure in activities, irritability, thoughts of death or attempting suicide, inability to sleep or a desire to sleep often. If left untreated depression may lead to suicide.

If depression affects your activities of daily living and relationships, it is necessary to seek help from your doctor. Your doctor may rule out other possible causes of depression such as illness or medicines before proceeding with treatment. You may be referred to a mental health provider for a thorough examination.

Your doctor may prescribe antidepressant medication in combination with psychotherapy to effectively treat depression.

Multiple Sclerosis and Fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom in multiple sclerosis. It is an unusual lack of energy which cannot be relieved by rest and affects your participation in daily activities. It may be acute or chronic (lasting more than a month), and occurs every day, progresses during the day, can occur suddenly and is exacerbated by heat and humidity.

When you consult your physician with fatigue that is affecting your daily life, your doctor performs various tests to rule out other possible causes of tiredness such as thyroid disease, anemia, depression, or a side effect of medication. Your doctor may suggest physical therapy to learn methods of conserving energy, occupational therapy to simplify your routine tasks, avoiding heat and techniques to cool down, stress management, and psychotherapy. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to help reduce fatigue.

Multiple Sclerosis and Disability

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) affecting the myelin sheath which insulates nerve cells and is important for the transmission of nerve impulses. This causes the relay of information between the brain and the rest of your body to either slow down or stop and can lead to disabling symptoms such as muscle weakness, difficulty with coordination and balance, vision and speech difficulties, tremors, dizziness, and cognitive difficulties.

Multiple sclerosis-related disability is characterized by experiencing at least one of the following:

Deficiency in the use of at least 2 limbs producing difficulty in walking or inability to work
Uncorrectable decrease in vision
Mental disorder producing memory loss, alteration in mood, or decrease in IQ
Severe muscle weakness and fatigue due to the affected central nervous system in multiple sclerosis

If your symptoms have progressed to the point that you are significantly disabled, you may not be able to support yourself financially and should seek assistance by filing a disability claim with social security.

Multiple Sclerosis and Pain

Pain is present in about half of all people suffering from multiple sclerosis. It is more common in women. You may experience pain in multiple sclerosis due to immobility, wear and tear, and medication.

Some of the prominent types of pain experienced in multiple sclerosis include:

Acute pain

Trigeminal neuralgia: Stabbing pain in the face
Lhermitte’s sign: Brief electric shock-type pain in the back of your head, traveling down your spine as you bend your head forward
Dysesthesias(MS hug): Aching or burning pain that usually feels like constriction around the legs and feet

Chronic pain

Spastic pains: Muscle spasms or cramps
Burning, aching, prickling type pain
Musculoskeletal pain: Due to spasticity, pressure caused by immobility, struggle to offset gait problems and balance problems

When you present to the clinic with multiple sclerosis-related pain, your doctor will perform tests to rule out other possible causes of pain. You may be prescribed pain medication along with anticonvulsant or antidepressant medication. You are advised to exercise and stretch regularly to help with muscular pain. Other forms of pain management such as acupuncture, yoga, hypnosis, meditation and stress management may also be recommended.

Multiple Sclerosis and Spasticity

One of the common symptoms of multiple sclerosis is spasticity, which may range from mild stiffness to painful spasms of the muscles. It may cause lower back pain and decreased range of movement around the joints, and can lead to contractures (shortening of muscles producing frozen or immobile joints) and bedsores due to immobility. These complications can in turn aggravate symptoms further. Spasticity usually affects the legs, and may be brought on by sudden movement or changes in position, very hot or cold weather, tight clothing or infections.

To treat your spasticity, your doctor may recommend physical therapy in order to strengthen and lengthen the muscles and retain mobility around the joints. Medication for spasticity may be prescribed. If pain is present with spasticity, appropriate treatment is given. Occupational therapy may be recommended to help you make appropriate changes to your daily activities. Braces and splinting may help with range of motion and flexibility. If these fail, your doctor may suggest surgery, which involves cutting the nerve supply to specific muscles to prevent spasm and releasing tight tendons.

Parkinson's Disease

Background

Parkinson disease (PD) affects the brain and causes difficulty with movement. The main symptoms are slowness, stiffness, decreased balance. About two-thirds of people with PD have a tremor, usually a tremor that occurs at rest.

There are approximately 1 million people in the United States with PD. The average age at diagnosis is 60, and the risk of PD increases with older age. The cause of PD is not fully understood. Known risk factors that increase risk of PD include pesticide exposure and head injuries. Only 10-15% of cases are genetic.

In PD the brain does not make enough of a certain compound called dopamine. PD is a progressive disease because the amount of dopamine gradually decreases over time. Researchers are working to find treatments that can slow or cure the disease. Although there is currently no cure, there are multiple medicines that can improve the symptoms of PD.

Symptoms

Each person with PD is different. It is important to know that not everyone will have all symptoms, but identifying symptoms and working with your doctors to address them can improve quality of life.

The physical symptoms of PD are called motor symptoms- slowness, stiffness, decreased balance, and often a resting tremor. There may also be decreased facial expression, smaller handwriting, difficulty getting out of bed or out of a car, and a shuffling walk.

There are also multiple nonmotor symptoms that can occur. Decreased sense of smell, bothersome constipation, and acting out dreams are common symptoms and may begin many years before motor symptoms. Other symptoms can include insomnia, mood changes, overactive bladder, blood pressure fluctuations, and slowing of thinking and memory.

Treatment

One of the main treatments for many people with PD is levodopa, also called Ldopa or Sinemet. Levodopa can enter the brain and be converted to dopamine. For most people with PD, this is the most effective medicine for motor symptoms. There are also multiple other medications for PD. Treatment is chosen by considering a person’s most bothersome symptoms, and weighing the potential benefits and potential side effects of available treatments.

Exercise is also considered a treatment and is vitally important for people with PD. Exercise improves strength and balance, improves quality of life, and slows the progression of the disease.

More Information

Parkinson Association of the Rockies: http://www.parkinsonrockies.org

The Parkinson’s Foundation: http://www.parkinson.org

The Davis Phinney Foundation: http://www.davisphinneyfoundation.org

Sleep Disorders

Sleep is essential for your physical health and emotional wellbeing. Everyone experiences occasional sleeping problems, but if you experience problems sleeping repeatedly, it could indicate an underlying health problem. Sleep disorders are problems associated with sleeping, including difficulty falling or staying asleep through the night, feeling sleepy during the day, or waking up feeling exhausted. Because of lack of sleep you may find it difficult to concentrate and perform activities of daily living. This lack of sleep can lead to depression, mood swings, or other health problems.

Some of the common types of sleep disorders include:

Insomnia: Insomnia is a type of sleep disorder in which the person has difficulty falling asleep or staying a sleep.
Sleep apnea: Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder in which breathing stops or gets very shallow during sleep. These breathing pauses last between 10 to 20 seconds or more.
Restless leg syndrome (RLS): Restless leg syndrome is a disorder characterized by a tingling or prickly sensation in the legs and an urge or need to move the legs.
Narcolepsy: Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime drowsiness and sudden onset of sleep.
Parasomnias: This refers to abnormal behaviors that occur during sleep. Parasomnias include nightmares, night terrors, sleep walking, and sleep talking, head banging, wetting the bed and grinding teeth.

Treatment

Sleep Disorder treatment can be classified into two main categories: pharmacological treatment and non-pharmacological treatment.

Pharmacological treatment includes any prescription or non-prescription medications to help prevent the onset of the symptoms or treat the developed symptoms. Depending on the type of disorder, treatment could include sedatives (in case the condition is related to insomnia), or stimulants (in case the condition is related to narcolepsy or sleep apnea).

Non-pharmacological sleep treatment refers to those options that do not require the use of prescription or non-prescription drugs. These may include behavioral therapy, medical equipment, surgery, and other options. Surgery may be needed to correct the anatomic abnormalities of the upper airway which can lead to the onset of obstructive sleep apnea. Behavioral treatments for sleep problems may include relaxation training, cognitive therapy, stimulus control (SC), sleep restriction therapy (SRT), and sleep hygiene. Behavioral therapy can be used to treat people with insomnia, parasomnias, bedwetting, and other sleep problems. Another option is the use of different types of medical equipment such as “continuous positive airway pressure” (CPAP) and bilevel — or BiPAP for the treatment of sleep apnea. CPAP is a device that prevents narrowing of the airway during inspiration and expiration by providing a persistent increased pressure. Another similar option is “bilevel” in which the face mask allows for two different alternating pressures: one with inhalation and one with exhalation. Other non-pharmacological treatment options for sleep disorders include mandibular advancement devices, nasal strips, positional therapy, and playing didgeridoo (a wind instrument) to strengthen the upper airway.

Lifestyle changes, such as beginning a regular exercise program, establishing regular sleep patterns, and eliminating or decreasing the use of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, may also be helpful.

Spasmodic Dysphonia

Vocal sounds are produced when air is pushed through the vocal cords (elastic structures in the throat that vibrate to produce sound). Spasmodic dysphonia is a rare and chronic neurological disorder that causes spasm and involuntary movements of the muscles that control the vocal cords. This produces voice breaks and a strained, tight voice. The spasms may initially be mild, producing voice breaks every few sentences, but as the condition worsens, they occur at more frequent intervals, making speech difficult to understand. The symptoms may begin suddenly and progress gradually. Spasmodic dysphonia is seen more in women than men, and occurs usually between the ages of 30 to 50. Spasmodic dysphonia may be of two types:

Adductors spasmodic dysphonia: Spasm causes the vocal cords to stiffen and close shut producing a strained voice where the words are cut off.
Abductors spasmodic dysphonia: Spasm causes the vocal cords to open, producing a weak voice that sounds breathy.

The cause of spasmodic dysphonia is unknown. It is thought to be due to brain abnormalities. Psychogenic and genetic causes are attributed in some cases. Dystonias or involuntary muscle movements of other parts of the body, may be associated with spasmodic dysphonia.

Diagnosis is difficult because the symptoms are similar to other voice disorders, and is therefore made using a multi-specialty approach. Your doctor may pass a lighted tube through your nose to monitor the movement of the vocal cords during speech, review your voice for characteristic speech patterns and examine you for other dystonias.

There is no cure for spasmodic dysphonia, so treatment is centered around alleviating symptoms. Your doctor may suggest injection of botulinum toxin (Botox) into the larynx, which may provide relief for 3 to 4 months. Voice therapy and psychological counseling may also be recommended. Your doctor may recommend the use of augmentative and alternative devices with the help of a computer to amplify or translate text into synthetic speech. Surgery of the larynx may be performed when conservative measures fail.

Status Epilepticus

Status epilepticus is a neurological disorder where a seizure lasts for a more than 5 minutes or occurs in clusters (closely spaced events) over a prolonged period with little or no recovery in between. It may be convulsive (associated with convulsions) or non-convulsive. It may occur as a result of stroke, low blood sugar, too much alcohol, changing or stopping medications or metabolic disturbances. Convulsive status epilepticus is considered a medical emergency as it can lead to brain damage and death if left untreated. Non-convulsive status epilepticus is rare and generally not considered a medical emergency, and may present as changes in mental status, vision, speech, fluttering eyelids and lip smacking.

When you present with the above symptoms, your doctor will check your cardiac and respiratory functions, provide oxygen and start an intravenous line. Drugs are then administered to control the seizures. Blood and urine tests are performed to check your levels of glucose and electrolytes. If any underlying cause is identified, appropriate treatment is provided.

Stroke

A stroke occurs when blood flow is cut off from part of the brain. In the sameway that a person suffering a loss of blood to the heart can be said to behaving a “heart attack,” a person with a loss of blood to the brain can be said tobe having a “brain attack.” Brain cells can die from decreased blood flow andthe resulting lack of oxygen. There are two kinds of stroke, haemorrhagic andischemic. Haemorrhagic strokes are caused by bleeding within the brain.Ischemic strokes, which are far more common, are caused by a blockage ofblood flow in an artery in the head or neck leading to the brain.

New treatments are available that greatly reduce the damage caused by astroke. But you need to arrive at the hospital within 60 minutes after symptomsstart to prevent disability.

Types of Stroke

There are two major kinds of stroke, Ischemic Stroke and Haemorrhagic Stroke.

Ischemic stroke is caused by a blood clot that blocks or plugs a blood vessel orartery in the brain.

Haemorrhagic Stroke is caused by a blood vessel in the brain that breaks and bleeds into the brain.

Warning Signs of a Stroke

Warning signs are clues your body sends that your brain is not receivingenough oxygen.

Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Other danger signs that may occur include double vision, drowsiness, andnausea or vomiting.

Diagnosis

Physicians have several diagnostic techniques and imaging tools to helpdiagnose the cause of stroke quickly and accurately. The first step in diagnosisis a short neurological examination. When a possible stroke patient arrives at ahospital, a health care professional, usually a doctor or nurse will ask thepatient or a companion what happened and when the symptoms began bytaking a medical history. Medical Tests your stroke care team may order caninclude the following:

CT Scan
MRI
Cerebral Angiogram
Arteriography
Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
Carotid Duplex Doppler Ultrasound
Blood Tests
Electrocardiogram

Treatment

Initial treatment of a stroke will depend on which type of stroke is occurring,ischemic or haemorrhagic. Although there is no cure for stroke, medical andsurgical treatments are available to minimize stroke damage and offer strokevictims hope for optimal recover.

Surgery can be used to prevent stroke, to treat acute stroke, or to repairvascular damage or malformations in and around the brain.

SUDEP (Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy)

Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP)

Sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a rare condition that usually occurs in young or middle-aged individuals with a history of epilepsy. Death happens suddenly and may not necessarily be preceded by a seizure. The cause is unexplained, but a possible explanation is that the region of the brain that controls the functioning of the heart or breathing is damaged by seizures. Death may be caused by a combination of apnea (difficulty in breathing), being face down on the bed and increased collection of fluid in the lungs, which impairs the exchange of gases.

Your chances of developing this condition increases if you have severe and more frequent seizure attacks, have developed epilepsy at an early age and take multiple antiepileptic drugs in high doses. Males are more affected than females.

You may reduce your chances of developing this condition by taking your antiepileptic medications as prescribed by your doctor, having regular doctor visits and avoiding triggers for seizures. Caretakers are advised to monitor you whenever possible, provide first-aid (turn you over to one side to facilitate proper breathing) and learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Tardive Dyskinesia

Tardive dyskinesia

Tardive dyskinesia is a neurological side-effect of the long-term intake of neuroleptics, a class of drugs prescribed for gastrointestinal, neurological and psychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The condition is characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements of the face, lips, tongue, trunk, arms and legs. Movements may include tongue protrusion, rapid blinking, puckering and smacking of the lips, and swinging the jaw back and forth.

Treatment usually consists of stopping the offending drugs and replacing them with more appropriate ones. Newer antipsychotic drugs have a lower risk of developing tardive dyskinesia. Early intervention has the best results, however, symptoms may persist even after withdrawal of the medication. Botulinum toxin and dopamine-depleting agents may be helpful in these cases.

Todd’s Paralysis

Todd’s paralysis is temporary paralysis following a seizure (abnormal electric brain activity). It usually occurs on one side of the body, and the area of the brain affected by the seizure reflects the part of the body that is affected by paralysis. The paralysis may be partial or complete, lasting from half an hour to 36 hours, after which it resolves on its own. Speech and vision may also be affected in Todd’s paralysis. Todd’s paralysis is usually seen in those with epilepsy (recurrent seizures).

This condition may present like a stroke, so care needs to be taken to differentiate between the two as both require different treatments. Treatment is usually only supportive as the condition is temporary. The cause of the seizure and its affects need to be identified and treated

Tremor

A tremor is an involuntary muscle movement characterized by shaking of a body part, usually the hands and arms, and difficulty holding and controlling objects. It may also involve other parts of the body such as the vocal cords and head. A slight tremor is normally present in all of us, especially the elderly. It increases when we are angry, fearful, under stress, fatigued, smoke, drink a lot of caffeine or as a response to certain medications.

Tremors due to a neurological disease that do not resolve require medical intervention. Neurological causes of tremors may be due to conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and dystonia (a movement disorder); damage to the cerebellum (the lower part of the brain) due to stroke, tumor or disease; psychological disorders; and alcoholism. Tremors occur due to problems in regions of the brain that control muscles.

Tremors may be resting tremors, which occur in a body part at rest, as seen in Parkinson’s disease, or action tremors, which may occur when holding a body part against gravity or performing a task.

When you present with tremors, your doctor reviews your medical history and performs a physical examination to determine the characteristics of your tremor and if there is any underlying disease. Blood, urine and imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans may be performed. Neurological tests and electromyography may be ordered to assess motor and sensory skills.

Tremors can improve with the treatment of the underlying cause. Therapies may include:

Medication
Psychotherapy
Reduction or stoppage of medications causing tremors
Physical therapy to improve muscle coordination and control
Surgery if the symptoms are severe and conservative options fail
Avoidance of alcohol and caffeine which may be triggers

Tremor: Essential Tremor

A tremor is an involuntary muscle movement characterized by shaking of a body part. A slight tremor is normally present in all of us, especially the elderly. Tremors due to a neurological disease that do not resolve require medical intervention. Essential tremor is a neurological condition which causes rhythmic shaking of a part of the body, especially the hands, when performing simple tasks such as writing or drinking from a glass. It is the most common type of tremor seen in those above age 40, and is not associated with any other disorder. Essential tremors may be an inherited condition due to genetic abnormalities. It may also occur due to changes in the part of your brain that controls muscle movement.

Essential tremors usually begin slowly, mostly involving a hand and occur when you try to engage in a task. It is worsened with movement, fatigue, stress, stimulants such as caffeine, and temperature changes. Your head may be involved making rhythmic up and down or side to side motions. It may also affect your voice.

When you present with essential tremor, your doctor will review your family and medical history and perform a thorough physical examination. Neurological tests, performance tests (perform certain tasks) and certain blood and urine tests may be ordered to look for a possible cause and to rule out other conditions.

You may not require treatment if your symptoms are mild, but if you cannot perform activities of daily living your doctor may prescribe blood pressure or anti-seizure medications, tranquilizers or Botox injections. Physical or occupational therapy may be recommended to improve muscle control and coordination. Surgical techniques such as deep brain stimulation, where a device is implanted in your brain to reduce tremors, may be suggested if your symptoms are severe and other treatment fails.