Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Although its symptoms can be managed with medications, currently it has no cure and invariably progresses over time. However, this may change as stem cell therapy is increasingly being viewed as a possible cure. The theory The idea of using stem cell therapy to treat Parkinson's disease is not new. The first experiments were conducted almost 30 years ago, when fetal stem cells were injected into the brains of a few volunteers[...]

Throughout the world, approximately seven to 10 million people have Parkinson’s disease. This disorder affects your nervous system and it is progressive. It mostly affects the neurons in the brain that produce dopamine, a type of neurotransmitter. While there is no cure for this disorder, there are treatments that may help to slow the progression and help you to better cope with your symptoms. Carbidopa-Levodopa This medicine is considered the most effective for Parkinson’s disease. On[...]

People often think of neurosurgery only in the context of tumor removal. However, there are actually several reasons why a patient may need neurosurgery. Neurosurgeons address issues across the entire nervous system rather than solely the brain. This means they are trained to treat spine, neck and brain disorders. Epilepsy is one of the main reasons that patients seek neurosurgery. Typically, neurosurgery is only recommended after several medications have failed to resolve the seizures. Some [...]

The pain associated with some levels of chronic discomfort or nerve-related pain can make it difficult to participate in physical therapy. A comfortable and productive solution for many patients whose recuperation, conditioning, or rehabilitation is impeded by pain is water-based therapy, or pool physical therapy. The recommended form of pool PT will depend on what a patient hopes to accomplish and the nature of the pain experienced. How It Works Water therapy sessions typically take place[...]

Serving as an entry point into the skull as part of a surgical procedure performed by neurologist, a burr hole allows access to the affected area of the brain or skull. A burr hole is sometimes the only procedure needed to perform surgery. This type of hole may also be used to allow for the placement of drainage catheters, for exploratory purposes, or as the starting point for a more complex brain procedure. When Burr Hole Surgery Is Necessary A burr hole is needed when there's a problem w[...]

A Gamma Knife procedure is an alternative to the traditional approach to brain surgery. It’s performed with beams of radiation that can be precisely targeted at a tumor or area that needs to be treated. Gamma Knife procedures, which can be used in a wide range of neurological procedures involving the brain, often have a minimal effect on healthy surrounding tissues, resulting in fewer complications and risks. How Does the Gamma Knife Work? The Gamma Knife delivers a single high dose of radia[...]

A gradual and noticeable change in the ability to use the fingers and hand could be an indication of the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. This disorder involves the compression of a nerve in the wrist and can interfere with the comfortable and effective use of one or both hands for some people. What Causes the Condition? Many people associate carpal tunnel syndrome with work-related repetitive stress. In actuality, the condition can develop for a variety of reasons. The existence of othe[...]

A craniotomy is a surgery that involves removing a small section of the skull in order to reach the brain. Neurosurgeons perform this procedure to repair traumatic brain injuries or to remove abnormal lesions. Many craniotomy surgeries are necessary on an emergency basis after a patient has had an accident. There are also craniotomy procedures that are designed to relieve the symptoms of chronic conditions such as epilepsy or Parkinson’s disease. A surgeon might use a craniotomy to reach the b[...]

Brain vascular lesions affect about one percent of the population. Many people live full lives without ever being aware they have this condition, but it can also cause disability or sudden death. What Are Brain Vascular Lesions? Think of a vascular lesion like a little snarled area in your blood vessels. This snarl can be located anywhere in your brain and can vary in size. It causes a problem because it disrupts the flow of blood through your neurological tissue. A vascular lesion can caus[...]

Chiari malformation is a structural defect involving the portion of the brain known as the cerebellum, which is responsible for balance and coordination. The condition occurs when part of the skill is too small or misshapen, which causes the brain to press down onto the spinal cord. It is estimated that one in 1,000 children are born with the defect. The number may even be higher since some individuals born with the condition never develop symptoms. Types of Chiari Malformations There are four[...]