Myasthenia Gravis (MG): Symptoms, Management

Myasthenia Gravis (MG)

Introduction Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an acquired, rare autoimmune disorder caused by antibody-and cell-mediated destruction of acetylcholine receptors and blockade of neuromuscular transmission that results in episodic skeletal muscle weakness and easy fatigability. The autoimmune attack occurs when autoantibodies are produced against the nicotinic acetylcholine postsynaptic receptor (neurotransmitter-gated ion channel) at the neuromuscular junction of … Read more

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer's Disease

Introduction Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that is progressive and occurs due to the death of nerve cells in the brain. It is the most common form of dementia caused by protein build-up in the brain affecting the transmission of messages in the brain cells. In general, Alzheimer’s disease affects parts of the brain … Read more

PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography Scan)

PET Scan

Introduction PET scan (positron emission tomography Scan) is a functional scanning technique that uses radiotracers (radioactive substances), a special camera, and a computer to project and measure variations in metabolic processes, and other physical activities inside the body including blood flow, local chemical composition, as well as absorption. The scan reveals both normal and abnormal metabolic or biochemical activities of the tissues and … Read more

CT Scan (Computed Tomography Scan)

CT Scan

Introduction CT scan (or Computed tomography scan) is a computerized x-ray imaging technique in which a narrow beam of x-rays is focused on a person and rotated quickly around the body that produces signals that are processed by the computer to create cross-sectional tomographic images (slices). CT scans are also called Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) … Read more

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Introduction An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a diagnostic test which measures the electrical activity of the brain or the electrical signals sent between brain cells. This electrical activity is seen on a computer screen as ‘brain waves’, which are interpreted by a specialist doctor or a technician. EEG is usually done to identify seizures in clinical … Read more

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Introduction Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is a type of scan that uses a large magnet or strong magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to create a thorough, cross-sectional image of internal body organs, tissues, and different structures. Mechanism of MRI Scan Types of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Indications of Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI has … Read more

Encephalitis: Causes, Treatment, Prevention

Encephalitis

Introduction Encephalitis is derived from the Greek word enkephalos meaning “brain” and itis meaning “inflammation”, which simply means the inflammation of the brain. It is an infectious condition (mostly viral) of the central nervous system (CNS) and can be life-threatening. Incidence Types of Encephalitis Primary Encephalitis When a virus directly infects the brain and spinal cord, this is called primary … Read more

Tetanus (Lockjaw): Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention

Clostridium tetani

Introduction Tetanus is an acute and serious infection caused by toxin-producing bacteria named Clostridium tetani. It was first described in Egypt over 3000 years ago and is still prevalent in the developed world as a major health problem. When the bacterial spores enter deep into the body, they produce a toxin that results in painful spasms … Read more

Epilepsy: Types of Seizures, Treatment of Epilepsy

Symptoms of Epilepsy

Introduction Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder in which a group of nerve cells (neurons) in the brain signal abnormally and cause seizures.  Status epilepticus Incidence According to World Health Organization (WHO), epilepsy accounts for more than 0.5% of the global burden of disease and is one of the most common neurological diseases globally. Low … Read more

Myelography (Myelogram)

Myelography

Introduction Myelography is an invasive diagnostic procedure used to examine the spinal canal using x-rays. The method was first described by Sicard and Forestier in 1921.   Indications of Myelography Contraindications of Myelography Absolute contraindications Relative contraindications Procedure Before the Procedure During the Procedure After the Procedure Benefits of Myelography Risks of Myelography Summary References