ME/CFS is a complex neurological disorder characterized by severe fatigue, post-exertional malaise, and a range of other symptoms, affecting multiple body systems. It is often misunderstood as a psychological condition, but scientific evidence confirms its biological basis. Diagnosis is challenging due to varying criteria, and current treatments like graded exercise therapy are controversial. Emerging guidelines aim to improve diagnosis and management, emphasizing pacing and rest to manage symptoms effectively.
Originally Published 6 months ago — by Rolling Stone
Eric Dane has revealed that his ALS has progressed, with his right arm losing control and his left side functioning only partially, raising concerns about further decline and his ability to watch his daughters grow up. Despite the challenges, he remains committed to fighting the disease and continues his acting career.
Chronic wasting disease, also known as "zombie deer disease," has spread to a new county in West Virginia, with the first confirmed case in Jefferson County, bringing the total affected counties in the state to five. The disease, which has no known harmful effects on humans, has prompted the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources to enforce regulations on deer carcass transport and baiting to prevent its spread. CWD causes neurological symptoms in deer and hunters are urged to report any suspected cases to local wildlife authorities for testing.
Celine Dion's sister, Claudette Dion, provided an update on the singer's battle with stiff-person syndrome, revealing that Celine has lost control over her muscles. The rare neurological disorder causes debilitating muscle spasms triggered by noise, touch, or emotional distress. Celine canceled her Courage World Tour in 2022 due to severe and persistent muscle spasms and has been working to regain her strength. The future of her career remains uncertain, but both Celine and her sister hope she can return to the stage. Celine is currently staying with family in Las Vegas, receiving specialized care for her condition.
Scientists at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) have developed a small molecule compound that shows promise as a potential new treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). The compound targets the glutamate system, which is involved in the damage to myelin, a protective sheath around nerves in the brain and spinal cord. In pre-clinical studies, the compound reduced MS-like symptoms and repaired damaged myelin in animal models. The researchers are now seeking industry partners to advance the compound towards clinical trials.
A 6-year-old girl with Rasmussen's encephalitis, a rare neurological disease, underwent a 10-hour surgery called a hemispherotomy in California to disconnect half of her brain in an attempt to cure the condition. The surgery was performed by Dr. Aaron Robison at Loma Linda University Medical Center. Rasmussen's encephalitis is characterized by frequent seizures, inflammation of the brain, and progressive loss of neurological functions. The girl is now in the recovery phase, undergoing rehabilitation to regain motor skills, speech, and use of her left side.
This article highlights five famous individuals who were diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a rare neurological disease that affects motor neurons and voluntary muscle movement. The list includes renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, American actor Lane Smith, baseball player Lou Gehrig, folk and blues musician Lead Belly, and photographer Bryan Randall, who recently passed away from ALS.
A new study from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden provides further evidence of the link between the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and multiple sclerosis (MS). The study reveals that certain individuals possess antibodies against EBV that mistakenly target a protein in the brain and spinal cord, causing damage. These misdirected antibodies were found in about 23% of MS patients and 7% of healthy individuals. The research also suggests that T cells of the immune system may be involved in the cross-reactivity. The findings highlight the need for personalized therapies in MS treatment, as current therapies cannot prevent disease progression.
Antibodies against the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can mistakenly target proteins in the brain and spinal cord, leading to multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms, according to a study by researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. The study found that this antibody misdirection was present in roughly 23% of MS patients studied. The findings highlight the need for personalized therapies to combat MS, which is a complex disease.
Sarah Mendenhall, a recent graduate from the University of Oklahoma, walked across the stage with her service dog, Oliver, by her side. Seven years ago, she was paralyzed from the neck down due to a rare neurological condition known as acute flaccid myelitis. With Oliver's help, she slowly started to move again and fought for each step forward. She graduated with a degree in communications and hopes to work for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to make a change for kids like her.
Nodding syndrome, a rare neurological disease characterized by repetitive head nodding and other severe symptoms, has haunted families in northern Uganda for two decades. While many experts believe the disease is related to the parasitic roundworm Onchocerca volvulus, which causes river blindness, others argue for other possible causes, including malnutrition and the consumption of a toxic mushroom. The lack of understanding of the disease's origins could delay current treatment and perhaps even the scientific know-how needed to combat the next nodding syndrome epidemic. Efforts to control Simulium fly populations and the distribution of anti-parasitic drugs like ivermectin have been rolled out in many rural villages affected by onchocerciasis, resulting in a decrease in new cases of nodding syndrome.
Migraines are a complex neurological disease that affects many parts of the nervous system and can have a wide range of symptoms beyond head pain, including dizziness, brain fog, and food cravings. Migraine triggers are different for everyone, but can include weather changes, stress, and hormonal changes. Medication and lifestyle modifications, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and taking vitamins, can be effective in reducing migraine frequency. It is important to find a doctor who understands migraine conditions to get a proper diagnosis and effective treatment.
