3 days before Panama trip for MS Stem Cell Treatment Wanted to document my current mobility before leaving for Panama so I can track my progress after treatment. By: Amy Madel … Continue reading →

Researchers at the LSU Health New Orleans Neuroscience Center of Excellence have found that a novel compound they discovered helps curtail the onset and progression of temporal lobe epilepsy. The finding, which may contribute to the development of anti-epileptic therapies, is published online in the journal PLOS ONE. In temporal lobe epilepsy, seizures arise in the hippocampus and other structures of the limbic system located in the temporal lobe when a cascade of molecular and cellular events results in aberrant brain wiring. (The limbic system is the region of the brain associated with memory and emotions.) Seizures reflect uncontrolled electrical brain activity. The period between a brain injury and the onset of seizures, called epileptogenesis, is a "silent" period because this brain abnormality cannot be detected by current neurological exams or electroencephalography (EEG). Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), or limbic epilepsy, is a common adult epileptic disorder characterized by spontaneous recurrent seizures that may also spread to other brain regions, triggering secondary severe generalized seizures. Aside from neurosurgery, which benefits only a small population of TLE patients, there are no other effective treatments or preventive strategies. Working in a mouse model, the research team led by Drs. Nicolas Bazan, Boyd Professor … Continue reading →

New Orleans, LA - Researchers at the LSU Health New Orleans Neuroscience Center of Excellence have found that a novel compound they discovered helps curtail the onset and progression of temporal lobe epilepsy. The finding, which may contribute to the development of anti-epileptic therapies, is published online in the journal PLOS ONE, available at http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0116543. In temporal lobe epilepsy, seizures arise in the hippocampus and other structures of the limbic system located in the temporal lobe when a cascade of molecular and cellular events results in aberrant brain wiring. (The limbic system is the region of the brain associated with memory and emotions.) Seizures reflect uncontrolled electrical brain activity. The period between a brain injury and the onset of seizures, called epileptogenesis, is a "silent" period because this brain abnormality cannot be detected by current neurological exams or electroencephalography (EEG). Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), or limbic epilepsy, is a common adult epileptic disorder characterized by spontaneous recurrent seizures that may also spread to other brain regions, triggering secondary severe generalized seizures. Aside from neurosurgery, which benefits only a small population of TLE patients, there are no other effective treatments or preventive strategies. Working in a mouse model, the research team … Continue reading →

Heat stroke facts Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia in which the body temperature is elevated dramatically. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not promptly and properly treated. Cooling the victim is a critical step in the treatment of heat stroke. Always notify emergency services immediately if heat stroke is suspected. The most important measures to prevent heat strokes are to avoid becoming dehydrated and to avoid vigorous physical activities in hot and humid weather. Infants, the elderly, athletes, and outdoor workers are the groups at greatest risk for heat stroke. What is, and who is at risk for heat stroke? Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia or heat-related illness, an abnormally elevated body temperature with accompanying physical symptoms including changes in the nervous system function. Unlike heat cramps and heat exhaustion, two other forms of hyperthermia that are less severe, heat stroke is a true medical emergency that is often fatal if not properly and promptly treated. Heat stroke is also sometimes referred to as heatstroke or sun stroke. Severe hyperthermia is defined as a body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher. The body normally generates heat as a result … Continue reading →

Stroke Symptoms These stroke symptoms usually strike suddenly: The only possible warning sign that stroke might be coming is a transient ischemic attack (TIA), in which the patient experiences some of the early effects of a stroke for up to an hour. As one in three people who suffer a TIA eventually have a stroke, it is crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible after a TIA. There are two types of stroke: in one case the brain suddenly receives too little blood (an ischemic stroke) and in the other it receives too much (hemorrhagic). About 80% are ischemic, caused by clots or other particles blocking arteries that supply blood to the brain. As brain cells are deprived of oxygen and nutrients, they may begin to die within minutes. (Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stroke) Because of the damage it can do throughout the body, a Stroke can severely weaken or even disable entire areas of the body. Hand and wrist function are often lost or diminished, usually on one side of the body, and the resulting change in lifestyle can be devastating: The patient suddenly may need assistance just to eat, groom, dress, bathe, work, or enjoy leisure activities. If you … Continue reading →