Neurological Disorders

Definition Moyamoya disease is a disorder of blood vessels in the brain, specifically the internal carotid arteries and the arteries that branch from them. These vessels, which provide oxygen-rich blood to the brain, narrow over time. The narrowing of these vessels reduces blood flow in the brain. In an attempt …

Description Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common causes of vertigo — the sudden sensation that you’re spinning or that the inside of your head is spinning. BPPV causes brief episodes of mild to intense dizziness. It is usually triggered by specific changes in your head’s …

What is cervicalgia? Cervicalgia is a term used to describe pain or significant discomfort in your neck, especially at the back and/or sides. Lumbago is a similar term to cervicalgia except that it refers to pain in the low back. Basically, cervicalgia is neck pain, or pain that occurs in …

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 …