The human lumbar spine, like the entire spine, is an engineering marvel, uniquely evolved to support upright posture and permit a wide variety of movements. Crucial to these functions are the thin, compressible, fibrocartilaginous intervertebral disks. With age, the disks undergo progressive degenerative changes that affect their ability to subserve these roles. In certain circumstances,…

Vestibular schwannomas (VS) arise typically from the vestibular division of the eighth cranial nerve just within the internal auditory canal (IAC). It can be presented as a sporadic disease or in the spectrum of genetic disease like neurofibromatosis. As the VS grows, there is gradual compression of the fifth and seventh cranial nerves as well…

meningiuma Meningiomas are tumors that arise from the membranous layers that cover the brain and spinal cord, not from the brain tissue itself. Biologically, most meningiomas are benign, but some can be very aggressive and difficult to treat, especially when they surround nerves — such as the optic nerve, affecting vision How likely is a…

Cushing’s syndrome 1- 1 What is Cushing’s syndrome? Cushing’s syndrome occurs due to abnormally high levels of the hormone cortisol. This can happen for a variety of reasons. The most common cause is overuse of corticosteroid medications. Your doctor may recommend several different diagnostic tests and treatments. In most cases, medication can help you manage…

Cervical Disc A herniated disc occurs when the gel-like center of a spinal disc ruptures through a weak area in the tough outer wall, similar to the filling being squeezed out of a jelly doughnut. Neck or arm pain, numbness or tingling may result when the disc material touches or compresses a spinal nerve. Treatment…

Meningioma A meningioma is a tumor that forms on membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord just inside the skull. Specifically, the tumor forms on the three layers of membranes that are called meninges. These tumors are often slow-growing. As many as 90% are benign (not cancerous). Most meningiomas occur in the brain. But…

What’s the difference between sciatica and a herniated disc? Sciatica is pain originating in the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the back of your legs. Symptoms of sciatica include burning in the leg, pain in the back of the leg when sitting, leg weakness, shooting pain, and more. Most often, this…

Link between blood sugar and brain cancer Surprising link between blood sugar and brain cancer found COLUMBUS, Ohio – New research further illuminates the surprising relationship between blood sugar and brain tumors and could begin to shed light on how certain cancers develop. While many cancers are more common among those with diabetes, cancerous brain…

Treatment of persistent depression with brain surgery What is deep brain stimulation? DBS is a surgical procedure that involves implanting electrodes in the brain. It has been shown to be useful in the treatment of persistent depression. Doctors recommend that you try drugs and therapy before opting for DBS. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been…

Cervical Osteoarthritis Vs Cervical Disc Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage in a joint begins to break down and no longer facilitates smooth movement between bones, which can eventually result in the joint becoming swollen and painful. When this condition develops in the cervical spine, it is called cervical osteoarthritis. Sometimes confusion is created when…