Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis is a debilitating neurological disease that is thought to be caused by destruction of the myelin sheaths (fatty protective insulation) around axons of the brain and spinal cord. Loss of myelin impacts the ability of these tissues to conduct signals and the inflammatory process can lead to scarring resulting in a broad range…

Peripheral Neuropathy

PN peripheral neuropathy is a degenerative disorder of the nerves (usually of the hands and feet) and has many causes including traumatic injuries, infections (neuritis), metabolic problems and exposure to toxins. One of the most common causes is diabetes, and many cases are due to auto-immune disorders, but frequently, the cause of neuropathy cannot be…

ALS Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

ALS Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ALS also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease is a debilitating neurologic disease that results from the destruction of upper and lower motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. ALS is associated with rapidly progressive weakness, muscle wasting, spasticity, and difficulty breathing, swallowing and speaking. There is no known cause for…

Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that affects close to one million Americans.  PD is a chronic and progressive disorder, which is thought to be caused by the destruction of dopamine (an important neurotransmitter) that generates cells in the midbrain.  The cause of PD is unknown and there is…

Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a disease characterized by progressive skeletal muscle weakness, defects in muscle proteins (dystrophin concentration is greatly reduced), and the death of muscle cells and tissue. Diagnosis is based on muscle biopsy, laboratory evaluation (increased levels of creatine phosphokinase) and EMG findings. There are nine major types of MD and most types of…

Stroke

Stroke, also known as cerebro-vascular accident, is caused by a disturbance in blood supply to the brain. Stroke affects millions of Americans every year. The result is ischemic brain injury which means that part of the brain has suffered from lack of oxygen and this has resulted in vital tissue destruction. Symptoms vary depending on…