Neurology

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

Posted in Brain

Congenital Insensitivity to Pain – A Life Without Pain

12/06/2009 byRoy

Danger level: High What is it? Also called congenital analgia, congenital analgesia and congenital pain insensitivity, it is a rare condition in which a person can’t feel pain. Who gets it? This condition runs in families. Since the number of

Posted in Whole Body

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

Posted in Brain

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

Posted in Brain Kidneys Skin

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?

Posted in Brain

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

Posted in Brain

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%

Posted in Brain

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

Posted in Brain

Migraine Headaches – How To Tell If Your Headaches Are Life Threatening, and What You Can Do About Them

02/04/2009 byRoy

Danger level: Low What is it? Migraine headaches are the second most common type of headache. It affects many people, causing periods of pain and sometimes debilitation. Who gets it? More than 23 million people in the United States alone

Posted in Brain

Myasthenia Gravis – The Body Attacking Its Own Muscles

26/03/2009 byRoy

Danger level: Medium What is it? Myasthenia gravis is a disease in which there is muscle weakness and fatigue. Who gets it? It usually happens around the ages 20-30 and after age 50 (but can occur anytime in life). When

Posted in Whole Body