Brain disorders

Overview Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is an alteration in brain function, or other evidence of brain pathology, caused by an external force. It occurs when an external force impacts the brain, and often is caused by a blow, bump, jolt or penetrating wound to the head. However, not all blows …

Description Coma, sometimes also called a persistent vegetative state, is a profound or deep state of unconsciousness. A persistent vegetative state is not brain death. An individual in a state of coma is alive but unable to move or respond to his or her environment. Coma may occur as a …

Definition Pineal tumor is an abnormal growth in or near the pineal gland. Depending on the type of tumor, surgery may involve a craniotomy to remove it. The pineal gland, a tiny, pinecone-shaped area located in the midline of the brain behind the third ventricle, synthesizes and secretes the neurotransmitters …

What is Convulsion? A convulsion is an episode in which you experience rigidity and uncontrolled muscle spasms along with altered consciousness. The spasms cause jerky motions that generally last a minute or two. Convulsions can occur during certain kinds of epileptic seizures, but you can have convulsions even though you …

 What is Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS)? Post-Concussion Syndrome, or PCS, is the persistence of concussion symptoms beyond the normal course of recovery. The majority of concussion symptoms will resolve within about two weeks. In cases where symptoms last longer than one or two months, doctors may diagnose Post-Concussion Syndrome. Patients with …

Definition Concussion is a brain injury caused by a force transmitted to the head from direct or indirect contact with the head, face, neck, or body.  This can cause either a collision between the brain and skull or a strain on the neural tissue and vasculature. When there is trauma …

Definition Vertigo is a type of dizziness that can last just for a short period of time (minutes) or that can last for hours or even days. People who have vertigo have a false feeling of their surroundings moving or spinning. This is usually accompanied by a feeling of sickness …

Definition Lissencephaly, which literally means “smooth brain,” is a rare, gene-linked brain malformation characterized by the absence of normal convolutions (folds) in the cerebral cortex and an abnormally small head (microcephaly). In the usual condition of lissencephaly, children usually have a normal-sized head at birth.  In children with reduced head …