The pathogenesis of migraine is still, today, a hotly debated issue. Recent biochemical studies report the occurrence in migraine of metabolic abnormalities in the synthesis of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. These include a metabolic shift directing tyrosine metabolism toward the decarboxylation pathway, therein resulting in an unphysiological production of noradrenaline and dopamine along with increased synthesis…
While scientists hotly debate the existence of cancer stem cells, three related new studies, all conducted on mice, provide some supporting evidence. Stem cells are the foundation for healthy cell growth in the body. Some researchers believe that malignant stem cells also exist — so-called cancer stem cells that generate tumors and resist treatment by…
A coalition of 37 physicians that includes pain management and addiction experts petitionedthe US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday to tighten label restrictions for opioid analgesics as a way to combat the epidemic of addiction and fatal overdoses associated with these drugs. Under the proposed label changes, opioids would no longer be indicated for…
High levels of a family of lipids called ceramides in the blood may be predictive of developing Alzheimer’s disease, a new study suggests. Women with the highest levels of ceramides had a 10-fold higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s compared with those with the lowest levels, said Michelle M. Mielke, PhD, from the Mayo Clinic, Rochester,…
Pfizer Inc has announced topline results of a phase 3 trial of bapineuzumab showing treatment failed to meet the co-primary endpoint of change in cognitive or functional performance versus placebo in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease (AD) who are positive for the apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) risk allele. Bapineuzumab is an investigational monoclonal antibody…
Video demonstrations of a common maneuver for managing benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) are readily available on YouTube, and most are accurate depictions of the treatment, according to a new study. The study, published in the July 24 issue of Neurology, shows that 64% of 33 videos had correct information on how to perform the…
Try holding a piece of paper with your hand extended out in front of your body for a short time and you’ll likely see a slight tremble of the hand. This is totally normal and goes largely unnoticed. It’s caused by the motions of your body processes — your heart beating and your chest moving…
Whether it’s a ringing, buzzing, roaring, whistling or a hissing noise, tinnitus (TIN-i-tus) is the label for those sounds you hear in your ear or head. It can range in severity from being only mildly annoying or temporary to being so loud and constant that it interferes with your ability to concentrate or get a…
Concussion injury — which is a form of traumatic brain injury — is commonplace on playing fields. Recent estimates indicate head trauma due to contact sports occurs nearly 3.8 million times a year in the U.S. Concern has grown over concussion brain injuries in professional athletes as well as in teens and children. Youngsters —…
Background Chiari malformations, types I-IV, refer to a spectrum of congenital hindbrain abnormalities affecting the structural relationships between the cerebellum, brainstem, the upper cervical cord, and the bony cranial base. History Of The Procedure Although Cleland described the first cases of Chiari malformation in 1883, the disorder is named after Hans Chiari, an Austrian pathologist,…
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Botox injections may provide some relief from arm tremors caused by multiple sclerosis, according to a small study published Monday. Botulinum toxin type A is sold under different brands, but it’s best known by the Allergan brand-name Botox. Botox gained fame for smoothing aging skin — by blocking nerve signals…
Over the past 18 months, 81-year-old Bill Bunnell has visited the doctor a half-dozen times to take memory tests, provide blood samples, and undergo a spinal tap and imaging scans. It’s all part of the most extensive study ever conducted on Alzheimer’s. Now researchers are about to take an even closer look at Bunnell, a…