Brain

Stroke – A Heart Attack In The Brain

14/08/2009 byRoy

Danger level: High What is it? A stroke happens when your brain stops functioning normally due to problems with its blood supply. You should also know the term Transient ischemic attack (TIA) – this is the same as stroke, but

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Tension Headache – The Toll We Pay for a Stressful Living

01/06/2009 byRoy

About 90% of headaches are caused by one of three conditions: migraines, cluster headaches and tension headaches. Today we’ll cover the last one. Danger level: Low What is it? Tension headaches (or tension-type headaches) are the most common cause of

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As Seen on Grey’s Anatomy – IL-2 treatment, Anterograde Amnesia

15/05/2009 byRoy

Anyone who watched last night’s season finale of Grey’s Anatomy has two different questions on their mind right now (and to not spoil it for anyone who didn’t, neither of them involves either IL-2 or anterograde amnesia). But tradition is

Asperger Syndrome – A Life of Misunderstandings

29/04/2009 byRoy

Danger level: Medium What is it? Asperger syndrome is one of the autistic spectrum disorders (ASD. Also called Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD)) (other disorders in this spectrum include autism, Rett syndrome and childhood disintegrative disorder), in which people have difficulties

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As Seen On 24 – Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease – A Disease Caused by Prions

28/04/2009 byRoy

On season 7 of the hit series 24, a disease spread by “prions” is said to threaten the United States, and even infects Jack Bauer. What are these prions and what can they do? Danger level: High What is it?

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As Seen on Grey’s Anatomy – Tay-Sachs Disease – Fat Accumulating in The Brain

24/04/2009 byRoy

After a long break, Grey’s Anatomy has returned last night, and with it this column covering a disease seen in the last episode. Today’s disease is Tay-Sachs. Danger level: High What is it? Tay-Sachs disease is a rare disorder in

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Parkinson’s Disease – 1 Out of 100 People Over Age 60

19/04/2009 byRoy

Danger level: Medium What is it? Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder that can affect the body’s movement, speech and other functions. Who gets it? About 1% of people over age 60 have Parkinson’s disease. It’s about 1.5 times more

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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Repetitive, Disabling Thoughts and Behaviours

16/04/2009 byRoy

Danger level: Medium What is it? Obsessive compulsive disorder (or OCD for short) is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by repetitive thoughts and behaviors. Who gets it? In the US, 2-3% of people have OCD. It may happen in

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Cluster Headaches – Excruciating Attacks of Headaches

14/04/2009 byRoy

Danger level: Medium What is it? Cluster headache is a type of headache (we recently covered here migraine type headaches) that occurs repeatedly for weeks to months, followed by periods with no headache. Who gets it? It’s estimated that 0.4%

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Meningitis – The Brain Infection That Could Kill You, and How To Recognize It

09/04/2009 byRoy

Danger level: High What is it? Meningitis is an infection of the coverings of the brain and spinal cord (which are called meninges). If not treated on time, it can lead to death. Who gets it? Meningitis can happen at

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