Medical News Today • 28th February 2025

Migraine sticks: Benefits, uses, and more

Migraine sticks are a homeopathic, topical approach to managing migraine symptoms. However, support for their effectiveness only comes from anecdotal evidence with no scientific validation. Migraine is a neurological disorder that involves episodes of throbbing headaches that accompany nausea and light and sound sensitivity. People may also experience visual disturbances that last a few hours to several days.

Medical News Today • 31st January 2025

Newborns and headaches: What to know

Newborns can experience headaches, reflected in continuous crying, feeding issues, and sleep changes. It can be challenging for caregivers to identify headaches in newborns due to their inability to articulate discomfort verbally. A newborn with a headache may cry persistently or display fussiness that does not respond to typical soothing methods, such as feeding, changing, or rocking. The crying can be intense and prolonged, indicating that the baby is in significant discomfort.

Medical News Today • 21st November 2024

Essential tremor treatments and natural therapies

Treatment options for essential tremor include medications, exercises, lifestyle changes, and, in severe cases, surgical procedures such as deep brain stimulation.

Essential tremor is a neurological disorder involving uncontrollable shaking, usually affecting the hands, head, voice, and sometimes other body parts. While not life-threatening, essential tremors can affect a person’s quality of life and complicate everyday tasks.

Medical News Today • 20th November 2024

Meningitis during pregnancy: Risks, complications, and more

Meningitis can be life-threatening. If someone is pregnant with meningitis, they must seek immediate medical attention.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which are called the meninges. It can result from bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections. Meningitis may also result from cancer, SLE (lupus), or brain injury. Pregnant individuals have a higher meningitis risk as their immune system is naturally suppressed during pregnancy.

Medical News Today • 20th November 2024

Mollaret’s meningitis: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

Mollaret’s meningitis is a rare type of meningitis that causes recurring episodes of inflammation around the brain and spinal cord.

It is a rare and chronic form of aseptic (nonbacterial) meningitis involving recurrent episodes of meningitis-like symptoms, including severe headaches, fever, and neck stiffness. Other names include benign recurrent lymphocytic meningitis and idiopathic recurrent meningitis.

Medical News Today • 8th October 2024

Migraine vs. tension headache

Migraine and tension headaches can disrupt daily life but differ in severity and symptoms. Migraine is more likely to cause debilitating pain, while tension headaches are generally milder but persistent.

Although migraine and tension headaches are among the most prevalent types of headaches, they differ significantly in their symptoms, causes, and impact on daily life. Migraine is a complex neurological disorder characterized by intense, throbbing pain, typically on one side of the head.

Medical News Today • 8th October 2024

How does MS affect salivary glands?

Multiple sclerosis affects the central nervous system and other bodily systems, including the salivary glands, leading to dry mouth and related oral health issues.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition that disrupts the functioning of the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. This disruption leads to various physical and cognitive (thinking) symptoms, from muscle weakness and coordination problems to memory and mood changes.

Medical News Today • 23rd July 2024

What causes absence seizures in adulthood? Risk factors and FAQ

Absence seizures usually occur due to atypical changes in brain activity. They tend to have a genetic cause. Although more common in children, they may persist into adulthood. Absence seizures are most common in children ages 4 to 14 but can extend into early adulthood and beyond. Individuals may have absence seizures for years before recognizing the issue. This is because absence seizures cause brief episodes of disconnection from the surrounding environment without causing body movements.

med • 3rd July 2024

Oligodendroglioma: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

Oligodendroglioma is a rare type of slow-growing tumor of the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord. Treatment includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Oligodendroglioma may arise in cells in the brain known as oligodendrocytes. These cells produce the protective sheath that surrounds nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Though uncommon, oligodendrogliomas can significantly affect a person’s neurological function and overall health.

Medical News Today • 1st July 2024

What are the early signs of dementia in women?

The early signs of dementia in women include memory loss and confusion. Dementia is a collective term that describes various symptoms of cognitive decline, such as forgetfulness, confusion, and changes in behavior. It is not a specific disease but a group of conditions characterized by impairment of at least two brain functions, such as memory loss and judgment. Dementia is more common in females than males.

Medical News Today • 19th June 2024

Alzheimer's disease and interacting with babies and children

Alzheimer’s disease changes a person’s behavior. This means it may be unsafe for them to hold or take care of children and babies. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that profoundly affects the brain, leading to significant changes in behavior and personality. As the disease progresses, it causes severe memory loss, confusion, and impaired judgment. These changes significantly affect a person’s perception and interaction with their environment.

Medical News Today • 2nd November 2023

Self-care for migraine

Migraine self-care is a comprehensive approach. It considers diet, sleep patterns, physical activity, stress, and environment. For people living with migraine, the persistent pain and sensory disturbances of the condition can profoundly affect their daily lives and overall well-being. While medical treatments remain integral to migraine management, self-care practices are pivotal in reducing the burden of this neurological disorder. From reducing stress to developing regular sleep patterns and e

Medical News Today • 18th August 2023

Nicotine and Alzheimer's disease: What is the link?

Nicotine is the substance in tobacco that makes smoking addictive. Limited studies suggest it could have protective properties, aiding memory and cognitive function. However, there is not enough evidence to confirm whether nicotine helps with Alzheimer’s. This is because much of the research around this topic has either been low quality, involved animals instead of humans, or focused on adults who do not have Alzheimer’s. There is evidence that smoking tobacco has links to Alzheimer’s disease, b

Medical News Today • 18th August 2023

Headache hygiene: Tips and more

Headache hygiene aims to reduce the frequency and severity of headaches through a combination of lifestyle changes and trigger avoidance. Headaches can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain, impacting a person’s productivity, mood, and overall quality of life. Headache hygiene, a comprehensive approach to managing and preventing headaches, has become an essential tool for those seeking relief from this common ailment.

Medical News Today • 15th August 2023

How is Alzheimer's disease diagnosed? Tests and more

There is no single test that can diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. Instead, doctors use a combination of assessments to rule out other potential causes and make a definitive diagnosis. Diagnosing Alzheimer’s involves a comprehensive assessment to identify cognitive decline and rule out other potential causes of memory impairment. This involves both clinical evaluations and brain imaging scans. Read on to learn more about the techniques doctors use to diagnose Alzheimer’s.

Diagnosing Alzheimer’s dis

Medical News Today • 26th July 2023

Is there a link between meningitis and COVID-19: What research says

Doctors rarely report cases of meningitis associated with COVID-19. Experts are still trying to understand the link between meningitis and COVID-19. Meningitis is a potentially life threatening condition. It involves inflammation of the protective membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which comprise the central nervous system (CNS). So far, no research shows that individuals are more likely to develop COVID-19 or become seriously ill if they have had prior meningitis. While

Medical News Today • 19th June 2023

Lymphedema treatment in multiple sclerosis (MS): An overview

Some people with MS may develop lymphedema, a condition characterized by fluid accumulation in the arms and legs. Managing lymphedema requires a comprehensive approach that may include exercise, massage, compression garments, and in severe cases, surgery. Lymphedema can arise due to lymphatic system changes, which impact fluid regulation in the body. The resulting swelling can limit mobility and affect a person’s daily activities. Generally, the available treatment options for lymphedema in MS p

Medical News Today • 14th March 2023

Primary lateral sclerosis: Symptoms and treatment

Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is a rare neurological disorder that affects the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, which control movement. It is a form of motor neuron disease (MND). PLS leads to weakness and stiffness in the limbs and body. Doctors may find it challenging to diagnose the condition, as it shares symptoms with various neurological disorders. While PLS is not typically fatal, it can significantly affect a person’s quality of life, making it difficult to perform daily act

Medical News Today • 31st January 2023

Headache after stroke: Is it normal and how long it lasts

Headache after stroke is fairly common. These headaches often have features similar to tension-type headaches and may be more severe than pain during the stroke itself. Doctors may recommend medications and other treatments. Around of people experience persistent headache after stroke, estimates a 2018 research review. Strokes occur due to a sudden interruption in oxygen-rich blood supply to the brain, leading to tissue damage or the death of brain cells. This can cause changes in the brain that

Medical News Today • 31st January 2023

Stroke face droop and paralysis: What stroke looks like

During a stroke, the face can droop on one or both sides. The eyelids and corners of the mouth may appear pulled down, and a person may be unable to smile or speak clearly. A stroke happens when there is a disruption in blood flow to a part of the brain — either due to a clot or bleeding in the brain. The lack of oxygen-rich blood in a part of the brain causes cells in these areas to die, leading to impaired communication between nerve cells. A stroke may cause facial drooping, paralysis, numbne

Medical News Today • 27th January 2023

Life expectancy after a mini stroke: Statistics and more

A person’s life expectancy after a mini stroke reduces by around 4% in the first year following the attack in comparison to people who have not had one. In the following 9 years, life expectancy reduces by 20%. These statistics come from a . A mini stroke, or transient ischemic attack (TIA), can happen if the blood supply to part of the brain reduces temporarily. It can cause stroke-like symptoms, such as weakness, numbness, and confusion, but it does not cause permanent damage. However, a TIA i

Medical News Today • 6th January 2023

Can smoking cause a stroke? Risk, statistics, and more

Long-term exposure to the harmful substances in tobacco increases the risk of many conditions, including stroke. People who smoke 20 cigarettes daily are six times more likely to have a stroke than people who do not smoke. This data comes from the . Smoking increases the risk of stroke because it causes inflammation and damage to the blood vessels and can lead to a buildup of plaque in the arteries. This makes it harder for the heart to pump blood. Smoking also impacts circulation throughout the

Medical News Today • 31st October 2022

Cerebellar stroke: Symptoms, prognosis, treatment, and more

A cerebellar stroke is a rare type of stroke. It affects the cerebellum, an area of the brain responsible for coordinating movement and balance. It can happen when a blockage or bleeding leads to cell damage in the brain. A stroke can be ischemic — when blood flow to a brain area is cut off due to a blockage — or hemorrhagic, when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. As a result, the brain becomes starved of oxygen-rich blood, and parts of it become damaged or die. Certain factors may increase a

Medical News Today • 12th October 2022

Rehabilitation for stroke: What does it involve?

When someone has a stroke, they should begin rehabilitation as soon as possible. Not only does it help improve the chances of making a full recovery, but it may help reduce the risk of future strokes. Prompt rehabilitation also eases the transition from hospital to home. Stroke rehabilitation is a team effort. It involves the person who had the stroke, their family and friends, and various healthcare professionals. The person may require support from physical and occupational therapists, speech-