While doctors and researchers have mapped the various parts of the brain, they still cannot explain exactly how the entire brain works. No one knows where “memory” resides in the brain. The medical community understands which portion of the brain controls which facets of the body, but doctors are essentially stumped in regards to where
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Brain Tumor Signs and Symptoms
A brain tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue that has grown in the brain. Brain tumors are either malignant, which means cancerous, or benign, which is noncancerous. It’s impossible to see a brain tumor with the naked eye, so how do you figure out if you have one? Signs and symptoms can help determine
Read MoreNeurosurgeon vs. Orthopedic Surgeon
When choosing a doctor to perform your spine surgery, you have a choice between a neurosurgeon and an orthopedic surgeon. The emerging field of spine surgery incorporates aspects of both specialties. Before choosing which type of doctor should perform your surgery, it is important to understand the differences between them. What Do Neurosurgeons Do? When
Read MoreWhat is a Neurological Condition?
A neurological condition involves the brain of course and the spinal cord, but it also encompasses disorders involving the nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord. Nearly 50 million Americans suffer from neurological disorders. That’s one in five people who have damage or injury to their nervous systems. A simple definition of a neurological
Read MoreMost Common Neurological Disorders
The nervous system is a complex mechanism that regulates and coordinates voluntary and mechanical body activities. It includes the Central Nervous System consisting of the brain and spinal cord and their nerves networks; and the Peripheral Nervous System consisting of autonomic nerves, muscles, neuromuscular junctions, and peripheral nerves, and roots. Diseases and disorders of the
Read MoreWhat Is the Difference Between a Neurologist and a Neurosurgeon?
Neurological conditions are diseases, injuries, and disorders of the nervous system. These conditions can impact learning and mental abilities, impair mobility and balance, cause personality changes, or cause debilitating, chronic pain. Physicians in two closely related roles – neurologists and neurosurgeons – treat these conditions. There are some overlaps but also some significant differences. Both
Read MoreIs My Brain Tumor Cancer?
A brain tumor may be the scary conclusion a panicked person jumps to when experiencing constant headaches. While headaches can be a symptom of a tumor, it doesn’t always indicate cancer. Headaches can occur if you need glasses or are dehydrated as well. If you are experiencing any symptoms that you suspect are due to
Read MoreThe Neurosurgery Dictionary for Patients
The central nervous system is a complex structure consisting of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves that act as the control center for the human body. Movement, speech, breathing, eating, learning, feeling, and thinking all depend on an efficient central nervous system. Neurosurgery is the branch of surgery that involves the nervous system. It encompasses
Read MoreWho Should I See for a Concussion?
A concussion, otherwise called a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), is commonly described as a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts the function of the brain. A concussion can result from a sports injury, a car crash, fall or other accident. It can also occur from a violent shaking of the head or
Read MoreWhat is a Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is an augmentation or strengthening of vertebrae that have suffered compression fractures. This minimally invasive procedure alleviates pain, stabilizes the bone, and restores some or all vertebral height that was impacted by the fracture. A catheter with a balloon-like device creates space in the vertebra, and a special cement-like substance is injected to fill
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