Neurological Disorders

Overview Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive degeneration of nerve cells that control muscle movements. The disease, the most common motor neuron disease among adults, became known as Lou Gehrig’s disease after the New York Yankee’s Hall of Fame first baseman. Gehrig’s career …

Definition Charcot Marie Tooth Disease or CMT is named after the three neurologists who first described the condition in 1886. It is the most common inherited neuromuscular disorder, affecting approximately 1 in 2,500 individuals. The other term commonly used to describe the condition is hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (HMSN). …

Definition Moebius syndrome is a rare neurological condition that primarily affects the muscles that control eye movement and facial expression. Palsy of the muscles in the face is a common component of Moebius syndrome, and children who have this disorder typically lack the ability to smile, frown or raise their …

Understanding Dystonia Dystonia is a neurological disorder that causes excessive, involuntary muscle contractions. These muscle contractions result in abnormal muscle movements and body postures, making it difficult for individuals to control their movements. The movements and postures may be painful. Dystonic movements are typically patterned and repetitive. It can affect …

What is Dyslexia? Dyslexia is a brain-based type of learning disability that specifically impairs a person’s ability to read. Dyslexia is not a result of lack of motivation, sensory impairment, inadequate instructional or environmental opportunities, or other limiting conditions, but may be made worse by these conditions. It is also …

What Is Apraxia? Apraxia is a poorly understood neurological condition. People who have it find it difficult or impossible to make certain motor movements, even though their muscles are normal. Milder forms of apraxia are known as dyspraxia. Apraxia can occur in a number of different forms. One form is …

Definition Peripheral Neuropathy also called peripheral neuropathy refers to any condition that affects the normal activity of the nerves of the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system is the network of nerves that connects the central nervous system the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. …

Definition of Guillain Barre syndrome Guillain Barre syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks part of its peripheral nervous system the network of nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord. GBS can range from a very mild case with a …