Neurology is a branch of medicine that deals with disorders related to the nervous system, also known as neurological disorders. The nervous system, the body’s electrical wiring, is a sophisticated system that regulates and coordinates body activities. The nervous system is a complex collection of nerves and specialized cells, known as neurons, that transmit signals between different parts of the body. The nervous system is made up of two parts – the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS is made up of the brain and spinal cord and is called central because it combines information and coordinates activity across the entire body. The PNS is made up of sensory neurons, clusters of neurons, known as ganglia, and nerves that connect to one another and to the CNS. The PNS contains all the nerves outside of the CNS. The main role of the PNS is to connect the CNS to the organs, limbs and skin.
ALS, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord which causes the loss of muscle control. Eventually, people with ALS lose the ability to initiate and control muscle movement, which often leads to total paralysis and death within two to five years of diagnosis. Although there is currently no cure and no life-prolonging treatments for the disease, a recent FDA-approved medication has been demonstrated to slow the decline of various physical activities.
The Roseman Medical Group ALS Clinic, southern Nevada’s second clinic, is dedicated to treating those diagnosed with ALS. The ALS Clinic provides evidence-based, multidisciplinary ALS care and services in a supportive atmosphere with an emphasis on hope and quality of life.
Click here to learn more about ALS at Roseman Medical Group.
Botulinum toxin, also known as Botox, is a drug made from a toxin produced by the bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. Botox, in small doses, is used as an injection by doctors to treat certain health problems. Botox injections work by weakening or paralyzing certain muscles or by blocking certain nerves. The effects of the Botox injections typically last three to 12 months. Roseman Medical Group utilizes Botox injections for chronic migraines, blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm, dystonia and spasticity.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke, Dystonia is a disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that cause slow repetitive movements or abnormal postures. The movements may be painful, and some individuals with dystonia may have a tremor or other neurological symptoms. There are several different forms of dystonia that may affect only one muscle, groups of muscles, or muscles throughout the body. Some forms of dystonia are genetic but the cause for most cases is not known.
Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that identifies abnormalities in the brain waves or in the electrical activity of the brain. An EEG uses small metal discs, known as electrodes, attached to the scalp. The electrodes detect tiny electrical charges that result from the activity of the brain cells. The charges are amplified and appear as wavy lines on a graph on a computer screen or as a recording that may be printed out on paper. The EEG is a snapshot in time of the electrical activity in the brain. An EEG is one of the main tests used to diagnose epilepsy, but also plays a role in diagnosing other neurological disorders.
Electromyography (EMG) is a diagnostic procedure that evaluates the health condition of muscles and the nerve cells that control them, also known as motor neurons. Motor neurons transmit electrical signals that cause muscles to contract and relax. An EMG translates these signals into graphs or numbers, assisting physicians to make a diagnosis. EMG results can reveal nerve dysfunction, muscle dysfunction, or problems with nerve-to-muscle signal transmission.
Nerve conduction studies (NCS) measure the speed and strength of electrical impulses as they move down a nerve. NCS determines whether a nerve has been damaged. Nerve damage or a blockage in the conduction will slow and weaken the transmission of the electrical impulses.
May is ALS Awareness Month and we look forward to sharing the work of Dr. David Ginsburg and the Roseman Medical Group. The Roseman Medical
Living a healthy life is about more than just being physically active. Keeping mentally busy is important too! Just like any other muscle, your brain
Raising awareness about Alzheimer’s, brain health by: Bianca Holman Posted: Jun 7, 2021 / 08:01 AM PDT/ Updated: Jun 7, 2021 / 09:38 AM PDT
