Condition Lookup

Symptoms:
severe, burning pain; swelling; changes in skin temperature or color; sensitivity to touch; stiffness; muscle atrophy; tremors

Root Cause:
Abnormal response of the peripheral and central nervous systems to injury, leading to excessive pain signaling and inflammatory responses.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, physical examination, imaging (e.g., MRI, bone scan), and exclusion of other conditions.

Treatment:
Physical therapy, desensitization therapy, pain management (e.g., nerve blocks), psychological support, and lifestyle modifications.

Medications:
Includes NSAIDs, anticonvulsants (e.g., gabapentin ), antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline ), corticosteroids, bisphosphonates, and in some cases, opioids for severe pain.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated to occur in 5-26 cases per 100,000 annually; more common in women.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Trauma (e.g., fractures, surgery), immobilization, and genetic predisposition.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; early treatment improves outcomes, but some may experience chronic symptoms.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pain, disability, depression, and loss of function in the affected limb.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Sleep Disorders

Symptoms:
loud snoring; pauses in breathing during sleep; gasping or choking during sleep; daytime sleepiness; morning headaches; irritability

Root Cause:
Repeated collapse of the upper airway during sleep, leading to disrupted airflow and intermittent hypoxia.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Polysomnography (gold standard) or home sleep apnea testing (HSAT).

Treatment:
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, lifestyle modifications, oral appliances, or surgery in severe cases.

Medications:
No specific medications for OSA; CPAP is the primary treatment. Adjunctive treatments like modafinil may be prescribed for residual daytime sleepiness.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 10-30% of adults globally, with higher prevalence in males and individuals with obesity.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Obesity, male gender, older age, smoking, alcohol use, and anatomical abnormalities (e.g., enlarged tonsils).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with treatment; untreated, it increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and diabetes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Hypertension, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, stroke, and metabolic disorders.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Neurodegenerative Disorders

Symptoms:
muscle weakness; difficulty speaking (dysarthria); difficulty swallowing (dysphagia); muscle cramps and twitching; progressive loss of voluntary motor control; breathing difficulties

Root Cause:
Degeneration of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of voluntary muscle function.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through clinical evaluation, electromyography (EMG), and imaging.

Treatment:
Treated symptomatically with medications like riluzole and edaravone, and supportive care.

Medications:
Riluzole (slows progression by reducing glutamate toxicity). Edaravone (may reduce oxidative stress in neurons).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 5,000 new cases diagnosed annually in the U.S.; prevalence is about 2 per 100,000 people.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age (typically 55–75 years), male gender, family history of ALS, military service (possible exposure to environmental toxins), smoking.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Progressive and fatal; life expectancy averages 2–5 years from diagnosis, though some individuals live much longer.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, malnutrition, aspiration pneumonia, and complete paralysis.

Wilson’s Disease

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Genetic/Metabolic Neurological Disorders

Symptoms:
tremors; difficulty speaking; psychiatric symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety); liver dysfunction (jaundice, abdominal pain); kayser-fleischer rings in the eyes

Root Cause:
Genetic disorder causing copper accumulation in the liver, brain, and other organs due to defective copper excretion.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood and urine tests for copper levels, liver function tests, slit-lamp examination for Kayser-Fleischer rings, and genetic testing.

Treatment:
Lifelong copper-chelation therapy, dietary copper restriction, and liver transplantation in advanced liver failure cases.

Medications:
Penicillamine or trientine (copper-chelating agents) to remove excess copper; zinc acetate to block copper absorption in the intestines.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1 in 30,000 people worldwide.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Autosomal recessive inheritance; family history of Wilson’s disease.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with early diagnosis and adherence to treatment; untreated cases can result in liver failure, severe neurological damage, or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Liver cirrhosis, neurological impairment, psychiatric disorders, and fatal organ damage.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Neurodegenerative Disorders

Symptoms:
memory loss; confusion; difficulty planning or solving problems; changes in mood or personality; difficulty completing familiar tasks; language problems; disorientation; loss of initiative; poor judgment

Root Cause:
Progressive accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles in the brain, leading to neuronal degeneration and loss of synaptic connections.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed via cognitive testing and brain imaging.

Treatment:
Treated with cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil) and NMDA receptor antagonists (e.g., memantine).

Medications:
Cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., Donepezil , Rivastigmine , Galantamine ) to improve communication between nerve cells. NMDA receptor antagonist (e.g., Memantine ) to regulate glutamate and prevent neuronal damage. Newer drugs, such as Leqembi (lecanemab ), which targets amyloid plaques.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 6 million people in the United States; globally, over 50 million people are living with dementia, with Alzheimer’s accounting for 60–80% of cases.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced age, genetic predisposition (e.g., APOE-e4 allele), family history, cardiovascular conditions (hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia), head trauma, lower education levels, and lifestyle factors (e.g., sedentary lifestyle).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Progressive and incurable; life expectancy varies from 3–20 years post-diagnosis, with an average of 8–10 years.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe cognitive decline, inability to perform daily tasks, increased risk of infections (e.g., pneumonia), malnutrition, falls, and complete dependency on caregivers.

Parkinson’s Disease

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Neurodegenerative Disorders

Symptoms:
tremor (usually at rest); slowness of movement (bradykinesia); muscle rigidity; postural instability; shuffling gait; reduced facial expression; speech changes; writing difficulty; non-motor symptoms such as sleep disturbances, depression, and cognitive changes

Root Cause:
Loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra of the brain, leading to motor and non-motor dysfunction.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed clinically and supported by response to dopaminergic therapy.

Treatment:
Treated with medications like levodopa, dopamine agonists, and deep brain stimulation for advanced cases.

Medications:
Dopaminergic drugs such as Levodopa (with carbidopa to prevent early conversion to dopamine). Dopamine agonists (e.g., Pramipexole , Ropinirole ). MAO-B inhibitors (e.g., Selegiline , Rasagiline ) to slow dopamine breakdown. Anticholinergics (e.g., Benztropine ) for tremor. Amantadine for dyskinesia or mild symptoms.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1 million people in the U.S.; globally, over 10 million people have Parkinson's Disease.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced age, male gender, genetic mutations (e.g., LRRK2, PARK7, PINK1, or SNCA genes), exposure to pesticides or toxins, and head injuries.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Gradual progression with increasing disability; treatments can improve quality of life but do not halt progression.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe motor impairment, falls, cognitive decline, depression, psychosis, aspiration pneumonia, and complete dependency in advanced stages.

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Neurodegenerative Disorders

Symptoms:
autonomic dysfunction (e.g., low blood pressure, bladder control issues); parkinsonism (rigidity, bradykinesia); cerebellar symptoms (e.g., ataxia, poor coordination); speech and swallowing difficulties; sleep disturbances

Root Cause:
Progressive degeneration of neurons and glial cells in multiple areas of the brain, including the basal ganglia, cerebellum, and brainstem.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed clinically and supported by imaging.

Treatment:
Treated symptomatically with medications for motor symptoms and autonomic dysfunction, though no cure exists.

Medications:
Levodopa for parkinsonian symptoms (limited effectiveness). Fludrocortisone or midodrine for low blood pressure. Anticholinergic drugs for bladder control issues.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, affecting approximately 3–4 per 100,000 people globally.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age (typically 50–60 years); no clear genetic or environmental risk factors identified.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Progressive and fatal; life expectancy is typically 6–10 years after symptom onset.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe motor and autonomic impairment, aspiration pneumonia, falls, and complete dependency in advanced stages.

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Neurodegenerative Disorders

Symptoms:
impaired vertical eye movement; postural instability leading to frequent falls; rigidity; bradykinesia; speech and swallowing difficulties; personality changes; cognitive decline

Root Cause:
Accumulation of tau protein in the brain, leading to neuronal loss primarily in the brainstem and basal ganglia.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed clinically with MRI support.

Treatment:
Treated with symptomatic therapies, such as medications for stiffness and balance aids.

Medications:
Levodopa for parkinsonian symptoms (limited response). Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs) for mood disturbances.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, affecting approximately 5–6 per 100,000 people globally.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age (typically >60 years); no clear genetic or environmental risk factors.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Progressive and incurable; life expectancy averages 5–7 years after diagnosis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe motor impairment, aspiration pneumonia, cognitive decline, and dependency.

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Neurodegenerative Disorders

Symptoms:
behavioral changes; language difficulties (e.g., aphasia); executive dysfunction; apathy; compulsive or socially inappropriate behaviors

Root Cause:
Progressive degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, often linked to abnormal protein accumulation (tau or TDP-43).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed via clinical assessment and brain imaging.

Treatment:
Treated symptomatically with behavioral and supportive therapies, as no curative treatments exist.

Medications:
Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs for behavioral symptoms). Antipsychotics (cautiously used for severe agitation or psychosis).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 15–20 per 100,000 people; more common in individuals under 65.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic mutations (e.g., MAPT, GRN, C9orf72), family history of dementia.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Progressive and incurable; survival averages 6–8 years after symptom onset.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe cognitive and behavioral impairment, dependency, malnutrition, and aspiration pneumonia.

Dementia with Lewy Bodies

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Neurodegenerative Disorders

Symptoms:
fluctuating cognition; visual hallucinations; parkinsonism; rem sleep behavior disorder; autonomic dysfunction; sensitivity to antipsychotics

Root Cause:
Accumulation of alpha-synuclein protein (Lewy bodies) in the brain, leading to neuronal dysfunction.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed clinically and through imaging.

Treatment:
Treated with cholinesterase inhibitors for cognitive symptoms and caution with antipsychotics for behavioral issues.

Medications:
Cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., Rivastigmine ) for cognitive symptoms. Levodopa for parkinsonian symptoms (limited response). Cautious use of antipsychotics (e.g., Quetiapine ) for hallucinations.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 1–4% of individuals over 65 years old.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age, male gender, and genetic predisposition.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Progressive and incurable; life expectancy averages 5–8 years after diagnosis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe cognitive decline, falls, psychosis, and aspiration pneumonia.

Spinocerebellar Ataxias (SCAs)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Neurodegenerative Disorders

Symptoms:
loss of coordination (ataxia); difficulty walking; slurred speech (dysarthria); difficulty with fine motor tasks; tremors; vision problems; muscle stiffness or weakness

Root Cause:
A group of inherited disorders caused by mutations in different genes, leading to progressive degeneration of the cerebellum and other parts of the central nervous system.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed with genetic testing and clinical evaluation.

Treatment:
Treated symptomatically with physical therapy and supportive care, as no cure is available.

Medications:
No specific medications target the disease directly. Symptomatic treatments, such as muscle relaxants for spasticity or antiepileptic drugs for tremors.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, with prevalence varying by specific subtype; collectively, SCAs affect approximately 2–5 per 100,000 people.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Autosomal dominant inheritance of gene mutations (e.g., ATXN1, ATXN2, ATXN3, CACNA1A).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Progressive and incurable; life expectancy varies depending on subtype, with some forms leading to severe disability or early death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe mobility issues, swallowing difficulties, aspiration pneumonia, and dependency in advanced stages.

Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Neurodegenerative Disorders

Symptoms:
asymmetric limb dysfunction; difficulty with motor control (alien limb phenomenon); rigidity; apraxia (difficulty with coordinated movement); speech and swallowing difficulties; cognitive decline; myoclonus (sudden muscle jerks)

Root Cause:
Accumulation of tau protein in specific areas of the brain, causing progressive neuronal degeneration.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed clinically and with imaging support

Treatment:
Treated with symptomatic therapies, such as medications for stiffness and physical therapy, as no specific treatments exist.

Medications:
Levodopa for rigidity and bradykinesia (limited or no benefit). Muscle relaxants or antiepileptic drugs for myoclonus. SSRIs for mood-related symptoms.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Extremely rare, with an estimated prevalence of 4–5 per 100,000 people.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age (typically >60 years); no clear genetic or environmental risk factors.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Progressive and incurable; life expectancy is typically 6–8 years after symptom onset.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe motor impairment, cognitive decline, aspiration pneumonia, and complete dependency in advanced stages.

Cerebral Aneurysms

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Cerebrovascular Diseases

Symptoms:
sudden severe headache; vision changes; neck pain; nausea and vomiting; sensitivity to light; loss of consciousness; seizures

Root Cause:
Weakening and bulging of a blood vessel wall in the brain, which may rupture and cause subarachnoid hemorrhage.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
CT scan, MRI, or cerebral angiography to visualize the aneurysm and assess its size and location.

Treatment:
Observation for small, unruptured aneurysms; surgical clipping or endovascular coiling for large or high-risk aneurysms.

Medications:
Calcium channel blockers (e.g., nimodipine ) to reduce vasospasm risk; analgesics for pain management.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in about 3-5% of the population, with rupture risk increasing with age.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Hypertension, smoking, family history, polycystic kidney disease, and connective tissue disorders.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Ruptured aneurysms have high mortality; unruptured aneurysms may remain stable if risk factors are controlled.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Rupture leading to subarachnoid hemorrhage, vasospasm, hydrocephalus, and permanent neurological deficits.

Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Cerebrovascular Diseases

Symptoms:
headache; seizures; progressive neurological deficits; weakness or numbness; vision problems; dizziness

Root Cause:
Abnormal tangling of arteries and veins, bypassing capillaries, leading to weakened vessels prone to rupture.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
CT or MRI of the brain; cerebral angiography to confirm and map the AVM.

Treatment:
Surgical removal, endovascular embolization, or stereotactic radiosurgery, depending on size and location.

Medications:
Antiepileptics for seizure control; pain medications for symptom relief.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; affects less than 1% of the population.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Congenital malformation; rarely familial.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good if treated before rupture; untreated AVMs carry a 2-4% annual risk of hemorrhage.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Intracranial hemorrhage, permanent neurological damage, and seizures.

Cavernous Malformations

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Cerebrovascular Diseases

Symptoms:
seizures; progressive neurological deficits; headache; vision changes; difficulty speaking

Root Cause:
Cluster of abnormal, thin-walled blood vessels prone to leaking but less likely to cause massive hemorrhage.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
MRI with gradient-echo sequences for detection.

Treatment:
Monitoring for asymptomatic cases; surgical removal for symptomatic or accessible lesions.

Medications:
Antiepileptics for seizure control.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 0.1-0.5% of the population; some cases are familial.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic mutations, particularly in familial cases.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; good with appropriate treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Progressive neurological deficits, recurrent hemorrhage, and seizures.

Carotid Artery Stenosis

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Cerebrovascular Diseases

Symptoms:
tias; stroke symptoms; bruit heard on examination

Root Cause:
Narrowing of the carotid arteries due to atherosclerosis, reducing blood flow to the brain.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Carotid ultrasound, CT angiography, MR angiography, or conventional angiography.

Treatment:
Carotid endarterectomy or stenting; medical therapy for atherosclerosis.

Medications:
Antiplatelet drugs like aspirin or clopidogrel ; statins like atorvastatin to lower cholesterol; antihypertensives to control blood pressure.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Increases with age; significant stenosis found in 1-5% of individuals over 65.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and family history of cardiovascular disease.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with early treatment; untreated cases may lead to stroke.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Stroke, embolism, and restenosis after treatment.

Moyamoya Disease

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Cerebrovascular Diseases

Symptoms:
recurrent strokes or tias; headache; seizures; cognitive impairment; progressive weakness or numbness; speech difficulties

Root Cause:
Progressive narrowing of cerebral arteries, especially the internal carotid arteries, leading to the formation of collateral vessels (moyamoya vessels) that are fragile and prone to rupture or insufficient blood flow.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
MRI and MR angiography, CT angiography, cerebral angiography, and perfusion studies.

Treatment:
Surgical revascularization techniques such as direct bypass (e.g., STA-MCA bypass) or indirect bypass (e.g., encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis).

Medications:
Antiplatelet agents like aspirin to reduce stroke risk; anticonvulsants for seizure control.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; higher prevalence in East Asian populations, particularly Japan and Korea.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition, particularly in familial cases; associated with conditions like Down syndrome and neurofibromatosis type 1.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with surgical intervention; progressive without treatment, with a high risk of recurrent strokes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Recurrent strokes, hemorrhages, cognitive decline, and seizure disorders.

Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Cerebrovascular Diseases

Symptoms:
severe headache; visual disturbances; seizures; nausea and vomiting; altered consciousness; progressive neurological deficits

Root Cause:
Formation of a blood clot in the dural venous sinuses, obstructing venous drainage from the brain and leading to increased intracranial pressure and potential hemorrhage.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
MRI with MR venography, CT venography, or digital subtraction angiography.

Treatment:
Anticoagulation with heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin initially, followed by oral anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, dabigatran); in severe cases, thrombectomy or thrombolysis may be needed.

Medications:
Anticoagulants like heparin , warfarin , or direct oral anticoagulants (e.g., rivaroxaban , apixaban ) are standard; antiepileptics for seizure control if necessary.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; occurs in 3-4 cases per million annually, more common in younger adults and women.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Pregnancy, oral contraceptive use, clotting disorders, dehydration, infection, trauma, and malignancy.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with early diagnosis and treatment; most patients recover fully, though some may have persistent neurological deficits.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Intracranial hemorrhage, seizures, persistent neurological deficits, and chronic headaches.

Focal Seizures

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders

Symptoms:
localized muscle twitching; sensory changes (e.g., tingling, visual disturbances); autonomic symptoms (e.g., sweating, palpitations); altered consciousness in some cases

Root Cause:
Abnormal electrical activity originating in a specific region of the brain, often caused by structural, genetic, or acquired abnormalities.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation, EEG to identify seizure activity, MRI or CT to detect structural abnormalities, and blood tests to rule out metabolic causes.

Treatment:
Anti-seizure medications, surgical intervention if seizures are drug-resistant, and lifestyle modifications to avoid triggers.

Medications:
Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) such as levetiracetam , lamotrigine , carbamazepine , and oxcarbazepine are commonly prescribed. These medications work by stabilizing neuronal electrical activity.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 60% of epilepsy cases involve focal seizures.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Brain injury, stroke, infections such as meningitis, genetic predisposition, and cortical dysplasia.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with effective treatment; however, some cases may progress to drug-resistant epilepsy.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Risk of injury during a seizure, progression to generalized seizures, and possible impacts on cognitive or emotional health.

Generalized Seizures

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders

Symptoms:
loss of consciousness; jerking movements; stiffening; episodes of staring or brief absence

Root Cause:
Abnormal electrical activity involving both hemispheres of the brain, often idiopathic or linked to genetic predispositions.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical observation, EEG showing widespread seizure activity, and imaging if a structural cause is suspected.

Treatment:
AEDs, ketogenic diet, and in some cases, neurostimulation devices like VNS or surgery.

Medications:
Valproate, lamotrigine , topiramate , and levetiracetam are commonly used to manage generalized seizures. These medications work as neuronal stabilizers or inhibitors of hyperexcitability.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Generalized seizures account for about 40% of epilepsy cases.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition, brain malformations, and certain metabolic disorders.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies; some achieve full control with treatment, while others may have persistent seizures.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Risk of injury, Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), and impacts on quality of life.

Absence Seizures

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders

Symptoms:
brief staring episodes; sudden stop in activity; minor movements such as blinking or lip-smacking

Root Cause:
Disruption in thalamocortical circuits causing synchronous, abnormal firing.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
EEG showing characteristic 3 Hz spike-and-wave discharges, clinical observation of episodes.

Treatment:
AEDs, particularly ethosuximide and valproate; avoidance of triggers like sleep deprivation.

Medications:
Ethosuximide is the first-line treatment, followed by valproate or lamotrigine . These drugs modulate calcium channels or GABAergic activity.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in children, representing 10-15% of epilepsy diagnoses in pediatric cases.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition and a family history of epilepsy.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Often resolves by adolescence; some may develop other seizure types.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Learning difficulties, behavioral issues, and progression to other seizure types.

Tonic-Clonic Seizures

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders

Symptoms:
loss of consciousness; stiffening of muscles (tonic phase); jerking movements (clonic phase); postictal confusion and fatigue

Root Cause:
Generalized seizure activity involving both hemispheres of the brain, often caused by genetic factors, brain injury, or metabolic abnormalities.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, EEG showing generalized epileptiform discharges, and imaging to exclude structural causes.

Treatment:
AEDs, safety precautions during seizures, and possibly surgical intervention for refractory cases.

Medications:
Valproate, lamotrigine , levetiracetam , or phenytoin are commonly used. These medications enhance GABAergic activity or block sodium channels.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Tonic-clonic seizures are one of the most recognized seizure types and occur in about 20% of people with epilepsy.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Head trauma, infections, genetic predisposition, and substance withdrawal.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with treatment; most achieve seizure control, though refractory cases may persist.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Injury, fractures, SUDEP, and impacts on memory and cognition.

Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders

Symptoms:
multiple seizure types; developmental delays; behavioral problems; frequent falls due to atonic seizures

Root Cause:
Severe childhood epilepsy syndrome, often linked to brain malformations, injuries, or genetic disorders.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
EEG with slow spike-and-wave patterns, MRI to identify structural abnormalities, and developmental assessments.

Treatment:
Combination of AEDs, ketogenic diet, vagus nerve stimulation, or surgical interventions like corpus callosotomy.

Medications:
Valproate, clobazam , lamotrigine , and cannabidiol (CBD) are commonly used. These drugs stabilize neuronal hyperactivity and reduce seizure frequency.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, affecting 1-2 per 100,000 children annually.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Perinatal brain injury, infections, genetic mutations, and structural brain abnormalities.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Poor; seizures are often refractory, and developmental outcomes are significantly impacted.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe cognitive and behavioral issues, injury from seizures, and high caregiver burden.

Dravet Syndrome

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders

Symptoms:
prolonged febrile seizures; developmental regression; frequent seizures of various types; ataxia and motor difficulties

Root Cause:
Genetic mutations, particularly in the SCN1A gene, affecting sodium channel function.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Genetic testing for SCN1A mutations, EEG, and clinical history of early-onset seizures.

Treatment:
AEDs, ketogenic diet, and careful temperature management to prevent febrile seizures.

Medications:
Cannabidiol (CBD), stiripentol , valproate, and clobazam are commonly used. Sodium channel blockers should be avoided.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, affecting approximately 1 in 15,000 to 20,000 individuals.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic mutation in the SCN1A gene, family history of epilepsy.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Poor; seizures are often drug-resistant, and developmental outcomes are significantly affected.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Developmental delays, risk of SUDEP, and frequent hospitalizations.

Febrile Seizures

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders

Symptoms:
generalized tonic-clonic activity triggered by fever; temporary unresponsiveness; postictal drowsiness in complex cases

Root Cause:
Immature neuronal circuits predisposed to seizures during fever.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, exclusion of meningitis or encephalitis, and family history.

Treatment:
Often self-limited; antipyretics and reassurance. AEDs are rarely used.

Medications:
Diazepam or midazolam may be used acutely in prolonged cases. These are benzodiazepines that enhance GABA activity.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 2-5% of children aged 6 months to 5 years.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of febrile seizures, high fever, and young age.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent; most resolve without long-term effects.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Rarely progresses to epilepsy or recurrent febrile seizures.

Mesial Temporal Sclerosis

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders

Symptoms:
focal seizures with impaired awareness; aura (e.g., déjà vu, olfactory hallucinations); progression to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures

Root Cause:
Scarring in the hippocampus, often due to prolonged febrile seizures, trauma, or hypoxia.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
MRI showing hippocampal atrophy or sclerosis, EEG confirming seizure focus, and detailed seizure history.

Treatment:
AEDs and surgical resection (e.g., anterior temporal lobectomy) for refractory cases.

Medications:
Levetiracetam , carbamazepine , or lamotrigine . These AEDs stabilize neuronal activity and reduce seizure frequency.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common cause of drug-resistant focal epilepsy, particularly in adults.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Febrile seizures, temporal lobe injury, and genetic susceptibility.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; surgical intervention often provides significant improvement in drug-resistant cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Memory impairment, emotional disturbances, and progression to generalized seizures.

Myasthenia Gravis

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Neuromuscular Disorders

Symptoms:
muscle weakness; drooping eyelids (ptosis); double vision (diplopia); difficulty swallowing (dysphagia); trouble speaking (dysarthria); fatigue with repetitive activity

Root Cause:
Autoimmune disorder where antibodies disrupt communication between nerves and muscles by targeting acetylcholine receptors or associated proteins.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical exam, acetylcholine receptor antibody test, repetitive nerve stimulation, single-fiber electromyography (EMG), CT or MRI for thymoma screening.

Treatment:
Symptomatic treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors, immunosuppressive therapy, thymectomy (if thymoma present), and plasma exchange or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for severe cases.

Medications:
Pyridostigmine (cholinesterase inhibitor), corticosteroids like prednisone , immunosuppressants such as azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil, monoclonal antibodies like eculizumab .

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 14-20 per 100,000 people; more common in women under 40 and men over 60.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition, thymoma, other autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic but manageable with treatment; symptoms can remit, particularly after thymectomy in thymoma-associated cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Myasthenic crisis (life-threatening respiratory failure), increased infection risk due to immunosuppressive treatments.

Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Neuromuscular Disorders

Symptoms:
muscle weakness; fatigue; dry mouth; difficulty walking; reduced reflexes; autonomic symptoms such as erectile dysfunction or constipation

Root Cause:
Autoimmune attack on voltage-gated calcium channels at the neuromuscular junction, reducing acetylcholine release. Often associated with small cell lung cancer.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Antibody testing (anti-VGCC antibodies), nerve conduction studies, electromyography (EMG), CT or PET scans for cancer screening.

Treatment:
Treat underlying cancer (if present), symptomatic management with potassium channel blockers (e.g., amifampridine), immunosuppressive therapies, IVIG or plasma exchange.

Medications:
Amifampridine (potassium channel blocker), corticosteroids, azathioprine , IVIG for severe cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, affecting approximately 2-10 per million people; associated with cancer in 50-60% of cases.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Small cell lung cancer, other autoimmune conditions, genetic predisposition.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on cancer presence; improves with cancer treatment and immunotherapy. Without cancer, chronic but manageable.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe muscle weakness, respiratory failure, complications from associated malignancies.

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Peripheral Nerve Disorders

Symptoms:
progressive or relapsing muscle weakness; sensory changes; loss of reflexes; difficulty walking

Root Cause:
Chronic autoimmune attack on the peripheral nervous system, leading to demyelination and axonal damage.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Nerve conduction studies, EMG, lumbar puncture (elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein), and clinical history.

Treatment:
IVIG, plasmapheresis, corticosteroids, and long-term immunosuppressants for severe cases.

Medications:
IVIG, corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory), and rituximab or azathioprine (immunosuppressants).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, affecting approximately 1-9 per 100,000 people.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Male gender, older age, and history of immune dysfunction or infections.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; early treatment can prevent progression and improve function, but relapses may occur.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Permanent nerve damage, chronic pain, and disability in untreated or severe cases.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Neuromuscular Disorders

Symptoms:
progressive muscle weakness; delayed motor milestones; frequent falls; gower's sign; calf pseudohypertrophy; respiratory and cardiac complications in later stages

Root Cause:
Genetic mutation in the dystrophin gene, leading to absence of dystrophin protein and muscle cell degeneration.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Genetic testing (dystrophin gene mutation), muscle biopsy (absence of dystrophin), elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels.

Treatment:
Supportive care, corticosteroids to slow progression, cardiac and respiratory care, physical therapy.

Medications:
Prednisone , deflazacort (corticosteroids), eteplirsen (exon-skipping therapy for specific mutations).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 1 in 3,500-5,000 male births.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Male sex (X-linked inheritance), family history of DMD.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Progressive disorder; life expectancy improved to 30s-40s with advanced care.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, cardiomyopathy, scoliosis, loss of ambulation.

Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Neuromuscular Disorders

Symptoms:
progressive muscle weakness; difficulty walking; delayed motor skills; cardiomyopathy in later stages

Root Cause:
Genetic mutation in the dystrophin gene causing partially functional dystrophin protein.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Genetic testing (dystrophin gene mutation), muscle biopsy, elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels.

Treatment:
Symptomatic management, physical therapy, cardiac care, corticosteroids.

Medications:
Prednisone , deflazacort , cardiac medications like ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers for cardiomyopathy.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 1 in 18,000 male births.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Male sex (X-linked inheritance), family history of BMD.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Slower progression than DMD; life expectancy into 40s-60s with proper management.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cardiomyopathy, respiratory insufficiency, muscle atrophy.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Neuromuscular Disorders

Symptoms:
muscle weakness; difficulty swallowing; difficulty breathing; loss of motor skills; poor muscle tone; delayed physical milestones

Root Cause:
Genetic mutation in the SMN1 gene leads to insufficient production of the SMN protein, essential for motor neuron survival.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Genetic testing to identify SMN1 mutations; electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies; muscle biopsy in rare cases.

Treatment:
Physical therapy, respiratory support, nutritional support, and medications targeting SMN protein production.

Medications:
Spinraza (nusinersen , an antisense oligonucleotide that increases SMN protein levels), Zolgensma (onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi , a gene therapy delivering functional SMN1 gene), and Evrysdi (risdiplam , an oral medication that enhances SMN2 gene protein production).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1 in 10,000 live births globally.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of SMA; autosomal recessive inheritance pattern.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies by type and early intervention; Type I (severe) has a poorer prognosis, while Types II and III have improved outcomes with treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, scoliosis, joint contractures, and reduced mobility.

Myopathies (e.g., Inclusion Body Myositis, Polymyositis)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Neuromuscular Disorders

Symptoms:
progressive muscle weakness; difficulty swallowing; muscle pain; fatigue; loss of fine motor control

Root Cause:
Inflammatory or degenerative processes affecting muscle fibers, often involving autoimmune or genetic factors.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Muscle biopsy, creatine kinase (CK) level measurement, MRI of muscles, and electromyography (EMG).

Treatment:
Immunosuppressive therapies, physical therapy, and management of complications such as dysphagia.

Medications:
Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone , an anti-inflammatory), immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine , methotrexate ), and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG, modulates immune response).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Polymyositis is rare, affecting approximately 1 in 100,000 people annually; Inclusion Body Myositis primarily affects individuals over 50.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Autoimmune disorders, age (older adults for Inclusion Body Myositis), and certain genetic predispositions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Progressive, with varying rates of progression; Inclusion Body Myositis is resistant to most treatments.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, difficulty swallowing, and severe muscle weakness leading to immobility.

Amyloidosis-Related Neuropathy

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Neuropathies

Symptoms:
numbness; tingling in extremities; orthostatic hypotension; gastrointestinal symptoms; carpal tunnel syndrome

Root Cause:
Deposition of misfolded amyloid proteins in nerves, impairing their function; often associated with familial or systemic amyloidosis.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Biopsy of affected tissue (nerve or organ), genetic testing for familial amyloidosis, and serum/urine tests for amyloid precursors.

Treatment:
Treating the underlying amyloidosis with chemotherapy or targeted therapies, managing symptoms, and supportive care.

Medications:
Tafamidis (a stabilizer for transthyretin amyloidosis), patisiran (RNA interference for hereditary amyloidosis), and bortezomib (a proteasome inhibitor used in systemic amyloidosis).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; varies depending on type, with transthyretin amyloidosis affecting approximately 50,000 people worldwide.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, mutations in transthyretin (TTR) gene, and age.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Progressive but manageable with early intervention; untreated cases have a poor prognosis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Organ failure, severe neuropathy, and mobility loss.

Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Demyelinating and Autoimmune Disorders

Symptoms:
severe optic neuritis; paralysis or weakness; loss of bladder/bowel control; nausea; vomiting; hiccups

Root Cause:
Autoimmune attack on aquaporin-4 water channels in astrocytes of the CNS, leading to inflammation and demyelination.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Detection of aquaporin-4 antibodies (AQP4-IgG), MRI showing spinal cord or optic nerve lesions, and clinical symptom history.

Treatment:
Immunosuppressive therapies, plasmapheresis for acute attacks, and preventative treatments to reduce relapses.

Medications:
Rituximab (monoclonal antibody targeting CD20), corticosteroids (e.g., methylprednisolone ), azathioprine , and mycophenolate mofetil (immunosuppressants).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, affecting approximately 1-10 per 100,000 people, more common in women and certain ethnic groups.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Female gender, autoimmune conditions, genetic predisposition, and certain infections.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Relapsing disease with potential for severe disability if untreated; early treatment improves outcomes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Permanent vision loss, spinal cord damage, and secondary infections.

Essential Tremor

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Movement Disorders

Symptoms:
uncontrollable shaking or trembling, usually in the hands; worsened tremor with intentional movement; tremor in head, voice, or legs (less common); difficulty with precise tasks like writing or using utensils

Root Cause:
Abnormal functioning of the cerebellum and its connections; the exact cause is often idiopathic or linked to genetic factors.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical assessment of symptoms, family history, neurological exam, ruling out other conditions such as Parkinson's disease or thyroid disorders.

Treatment:
Lifestyle modifications (e.g., avoiding caffeine), physical or occupational therapy, medications, and in severe cases, surgical intervention.

Medications:
Medications prescribed may include beta-blockers like propranolol , which reduce tremor intensity, and anticonvulsants like primidone , which help calm overactive nerve activity. Other options include benzodiazepines for stress-induced tremors and botulinum toxin injections for localized tremors.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 4% of people over 40; prevalence increases with age.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, age, exposure to certain neurotoxins.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Progresses gradually over time; symptoms can be managed effectively but not cured.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Difficulty performing daily tasks, social anxiety, physical discomfort from persistent tremors.

Dystonia

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Movement Disorders

Symptoms:
involuntary muscle contractions; twisting or repetitive movements; abnormal postures affecting a single body part or multiple areas; pain due to sustained contractions

Root Cause:
Dysfunction in the basal ganglia, leading to disrupted muscle control and coordination; often genetic or secondary to trauma or medication.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation, genetic testing (if hereditary dystonia is suspected), and neuroimaging to rule out structural brain abnormalities.

Treatment:
Physical therapy, medications, botulinum toxin injections, and in severe cases, deep brain stimulation (DBS).

Medications:
Prescribed medications include anticholinergics like trihexyphenidyl to reduce abnormal muscle activity, muscle relaxants like baclofen , and dopamine-depleting agents like tetrabenazine for certain subtypes.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 16 per 100,000 people, with variations based on subtype.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, brain injury, certain medications (e.g., antipsychotics).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Symptoms may stabilize or worsen over time; treatment improves quality of life but does not cure the condition.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pain, difficulty performing daily tasks, psychological stress or depression.

Tourette Syndrome

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Movement Disorders

Symptoms:
motor tics such as blinking, shoulder shrugging, or facial grimacing; vocal tics such as throat clearing, grunting, or repetitive words/phrases; symptoms often worsen with stress or excitement

Root Cause:
Dysfunction in the basal ganglia, cortex, and thalamus, potentially linked to abnormal neurotransmitter activity, including dopamine.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation based on the presence of motor and vocal tics persisting for at least one year, typically beginning in childhood or adolescence.

Treatment:
Behavioral therapy, habit-reversal training, medications, and in severe cases, deep brain stimulation (DBS).

Medications:
Prescribed medications include dopamine blockers like haloperidol or aripiprazole , alpha-adrenergic agonists like clonidine or guanfacine , and occasionally botulinum toxin for localized tics.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1% of children, with symptoms often improving into adulthood.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, male gender, co-occurring conditions like ADHD or OCD.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Symptoms often decrease in intensity over time; most individuals lead normal lives with appropriate management.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Social and emotional challenges, co-occurring psychiatric conditions like anxiety or depression.

Chorea

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Movement Disorders

Symptoms:
involuntary, rapid, and unpredictable movements affecting limbs, face, or trunk; difficulty with voluntary movement or coordination; worsened symptoms during stress

Root Cause:
Dysfunction in the basal ganglia due to conditions like Huntington's disease, autoimmune processes, or medication side effects.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical assessment, neuroimaging, and blood tests to identify underlying causes.

Treatment:
Management depends on the cause; medications, physical therapy, and in some cases, addressing autoimmune or metabolic conditions.

Medications:
Prescribed medications include dopamine-depleting agents like tetrabenazine , antipsychotics like risperidone , and anti-inflammatory drugs for autoimmune-related chorea.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, varies with underlying condition (e.g., Huntington's disease prevalence is 10 per 100,000).

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic conditions (e.g., Huntington’s), autoimmune diseases, medication side effects.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on the underlying cause; can range from manageable to progressive and debilitating.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Difficulty with daily activities, injuries from falls, psychological stress.

Athetosis

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Movement Disorders

Symptoms:
slow, writhing, involuntary movements; movements often affect hands, face, or tongue; difficulty maintaining steady posture

Root Cause:
Damage to the basal ganglia or cerebral palsy; often due to brain injury, stroke, or birth complications.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Observation of symptoms, neuroimaging to identify brain damage or injury, and ruling out other movement disorders.

Treatment:
Physical and occupational therapy, medications, and in some cases, surgical interventions.

Medications:
Prescribed medications include anticholinergics like trihexyphenidyl , muscle relaxants like baclofen , and botulinum toxin injections for specific areas.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; often occurs as a symptom of another condition like cerebral palsy.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Birth injury, hypoxia, brain trauma.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic but non-progressive; symptoms can be managed to improve function and quality of life.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Difficulty with motor tasks, joint problems, speech and swallowing difficulties.

Tardive Dyskinesia

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Movement Disorders

Symptoms:
involuntary repetitive movements, such as grimacing, lip-smacking, or tongue movements; jerky limb or torso movements; symptoms may worsen with stress

Root Cause:
Chronic use of dopamine-blocking medications (e.g., antipsychotics) causing long-term changes in dopamine receptors.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical observation, detailed medication history, and ruling out other causes of movement disorders.

Treatment:
Discontinuation or reduction of causative medication, switching to atypical antipsychotics, and use of specific medications.

Medications:
Prescribed medications include VMAT2 inhibitors like valbenazine or deutetrabenazine to reduce dopamine-related movements.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 20% of long-term antipsychotic users.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Long-term use of antipsychotics, older age, female gender.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Symptoms may persist even after stopping the medication, but some cases improve over time.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Social embarrassment, functional impairments, psychological distress.

Cerebellar Ataxia

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Movement Disorders

Symptoms:
uncoordinated movements; difficulty walking or maintaining balance; slurred speech; fine motor difficulties

Root Cause:
Dysfunction or damage to the cerebellum caused by stroke, genetic disorders, toxins, or chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation, neuroimaging (MRI or CT), and genetic testing if hereditary ataxia is suspected.

Treatment:
Symptom management through physical therapy, treating the underlying cause, and medications for specific symptoms.

Medications:
Prescribed medications are typically supportive, such as amantadine for fatigue, baclofen for spasticity, or gabapentin for neuropathic pain.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Varies widely depending on the cause; hereditary forms are rare.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, alcohol abuse, stroke, toxin exposure.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on the cause; progressive in genetic forms, but manageable in acquired cases with treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Difficulty with daily activities, risk of falls, and emotional distress.

Migraine

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Headaches and Pain Syndromes

Symptoms:
severe, throbbing headache; nausea; vomiting; sensitivity to light (photophobia); sensitivity to sound (phonophobia); visual disturbances (auras in some cases)

Root Cause:
Abnormal brain activity affecting nerve signaling, blood flow, and brain chemicals.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation based on patient history and symptoms, fulfilling International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) criteria; imaging is used to rule out other conditions.

Treatment:
Lifestyle modifications, migraine prophylaxis, acute migraine treatments.

Medications:
Acute treatments include triptans (e.g., sumatriptan , rizatriptan , serotonin receptor agonists), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen , naproxen ), and antiemetics (e.g., metoclopramide ). Preventive treatments include beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol ), calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil ), anticonvulsants (e.g., topiramate , valproate), and CGRP inhibitors (e.g., erenumab ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 15% of the global population, with higher prevalence in females.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, hormonal changes (e.g., menstruation), stress, certain foods, dehydration, lack of sleep, sensory triggers.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic condition with varying frequency and severity; managed effectively in most cases with treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Increased risk of stroke, medication overuse headache, depression, and anxiety.

Migraine with Aura

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Headaches and Pain Syndromes

Symptoms:
visual disturbances (zigzag patterns, flashing lights); numbness or tingling; speech difficulties; moderate to severe headache

Root Cause:
Temporary cortical spreading depression and neuronal excitability, resulting in aura symptoms followed by headache.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation, fulfilling ICHD criteria for aura symptoms followed by migraine headache; imaging to exclude other causes of neurological symptoms.

Treatment:
Acute and preventive migraine management; triggers are identified and avoided.

Medications:
Similar to standard migraines; triptans, NSAIDs, beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, and CGRP inhibitors may be used, with emphasis on early intervention during aura phase.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
About 25–30% of migraine sufferers experience aura.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Same as migraines, with stronger genetic predisposition.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good with proper management; aura symptoms usually resolve without long-term sequelae.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Increased risk of ischemic stroke and silent brain infarctions.

Migraine Without Aura

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Headaches and Pain Syndromes

Symptoms:
pulsating or throbbing headache; nausea; vomiting; sensitivity to light and sound; pain aggravated by physical activity

Root Cause:
Dysfunction in brainstem and interactions with the trigeminal nerve, leading to abnormal pain processing and inflammation.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on ICHD criteria; recurrent headaches lasting 4-72 hours with at least two pain characteristics and associated symptoms.

Treatment:
Acute treatments focus on symptom relief, and preventive measures aim to reduce frequency and severity.

Medications:
Acute medications include triptans, NSAIDs, acetaminophen , and antiemetics; prophylactic medications include beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol ), anticonvulsants (e.g., topiramate ), and CGRP inhibitors (e.g., fremanezumab ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
More common than migraines with aura, affecting up to 10% of the global population.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Stress, hormonal changes, sleep disturbances, dehydration, and dietary triggers.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Typically chronic but manageable; treatment improves quality of life.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Medication overuse headache, anxiety, depression, and increased stroke risk in specific populations.

Cluster Headaches

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Headaches and Pain Syndromes

Symptoms:
intense, stabbing pain around one eye; redness or tearing in the eye; nasal congestion; drooping eyelid; restlessness during attacks

Root Cause:
Dysfunction in the hypothalamus and overactivation of the trigeminal-autonomic reflex.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history; short, severe headache attacks with autonomic features on one side. Imaging may rule out secondary causes.

Treatment:
Oxygen therapy and triptans (e.g., sumatriptan injections) for acute attacks; verapamil or lithium for prevention.

Medications:
Acute treatment - Oxygen therapy (high-flow oxygen inhalation), Triptans (e.g., sumatriptan , zolmitriptan ) via injection or nasal spray, Intranasal lidocaine for pain relief. Preventive treatment - Verapamil (a calcium channel blocker), Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ) for short-term prevention, Lithium carbonate in some cases, Galcanezumab (a CGRP monoclonal antibody), Topiramate or other antiepileptic drugs in specific situations.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, affecting about 0.1% of the population, more common in males.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, smoking, alcohol consumption, and circadian rhythm disturbances.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Attacks occur in clusters but are manageable with treatment; some individuals achieve remission.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Significant impact on quality of life due to pain and sleep disruption.

Tension-Type Headaches

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Headaches and Pain Syndromes

Symptoms:
mild to moderate, non-throbbing headache; pressure or tightness around the head; tenderness in scalp or neck muscles

Root Cause:
Muscle tension or stress-related factors; abnormal pain processing in the central nervous system.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on symptom criteria; bilateral, pressing headache without nausea or vomiting; imaging if secondary causes are suspected.

Treatment:
Stress management, physical therapy, and medications for acute relief or prevention.

Medications:
Acute treatment - Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen , aspirin , or acetaminophen , Combination medications with caffeine for enhanced efficacy. Preventive treatment (for chronic cases) - Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline ), Muscle relaxants or SSRIs, depending on individual needs, Stress management and relaxation techniques are often recommended alongside medication.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Most common type of headache, affecting up to 80% of adults occasionally.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Stress, poor posture, sleep disturbances, and dehydration.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Usually benign; can become chronic if untreated.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic tension headaches can lead to decreased productivity and quality of life.

Trigeminal Neuralgia

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Headaches and Pain Syndromes

Symptoms:
sudden, severe, stabbing facial pain; pain triggered by chewing, speaking, or touch

Root Cause:
Compression of the trigeminal nerve, often by blood vessels, leading to nerve irritation.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation of characteristic pain and imaging to rule out structural causes (e.g., MRI).

Treatment:
Medications, nerve blocks, or surgical interventions.

Medications:
Carbamazepine (anticonvulsant), oxcarbazepine , gabapentin , or baclofen (muscle relaxant).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, affecting about 12 per 100,000 people, more common in women and older adults.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Multiple sclerosis, nerve injury, or structural abnormalities near the nerve.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic but treatable; surgical options provide long-term relief in many cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Depression, anxiety, and reduced quality of life due to persistent pain.

Occipital Neuralgia

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Headaches and Pain Syndromes

Symptoms:
sharp, stabbing pain in the back of the head or neck; tenderness along the occipital nerves; sensitivity to light

Root Cause:
Irritation or compression of the occipital nerves, often due to muscle tension, injury, or inflammation.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation; pain localized to occipital nerve distribution and relief from local anesthetic block.

Treatment:
Physical therapy, nerve blocks, and medications for pain relief.

Medications:
NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen ), anticonvulsants (e.g., gabapentin ), and tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Relatively rare; exact prevalence unknown but associated with cervical spine conditions or trauma.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Neck injuries, arthritis, tight neck muscles, or diabetes.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with appropriate treatment, though recurrence is possible.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pain or overlapping headache syndromes.

New Daily Persistent Headache (NDPH)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Headaches and Pain Syndromes

Symptoms:
persistent daily headache; bilateral pain; pressure-like or throbbing sensation; may resemble tension or migraine headaches

Root Cause:
Exact cause unknown; may be triggered by infections, stress, or other systemic events.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Headache onset within a short time frame; present daily for at least 3 months; imaging to rule out secondary causes.

Treatment:
Symptomatic relief with medications and addressing potential triggers.

Medications:
NSAIDs, triptans, anticonvulsants (e.g., topiramate ), or antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; accounts for less than 0.1% of headache diagnoses.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Stress, viral infections, or traumatic events.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; some patients experience spontaneous resolution, while others require long-term management.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pain and associated mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

Post-Traumatic Headache

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Headaches and Pain Syndromes

Symptoms:
headache following a head injury; dizziness; nausea; sensitivity to light and sound; difficulty concentrating

Root Cause:
Result of trauma to the head or neck, leading to nerve irritation, vascular changes, or muscle strain.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Headache onset within 7 days of trauma or regaining consciousness; imaging if symptoms suggest intracranial injury.

Treatment:
Symptomatic management, physical therapy, and psychological support.

Medications:
NSAIDs, triptans, or amitriptyline for chronic cases; muscle relaxants if tension is a factor.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common after concussions or mild traumatic brain injuries, affecting up to 50% of cases.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Severity of initial injury, previous headache history, psychological stress.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Often resolves within weeks to months; some cases become chronic.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cognitive difficulties, depression, or chronic pain syndromes.

Medication Overuse Headache

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Headaches and Pain Syndromes

Symptoms:
daily or near-daily headache; worsening headache despite medication; associated fatigue or irritability

Root Cause:
Chronic use of headache medications leading to central sensitization and increased headache frequency.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
History of frequent analgesic use (10-15 days/month) for at least 3 months; headache worsening with medication use.

Treatment:
Discontinuation of overused medication, transition to preventive therapy, and supportive care during withdrawal.

Medications:
Preventive treatments such as tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline ), beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol ), or anticonvulsants (e.g., topiramate ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 1-2% of the general population, more common in women and individuals with migraine or tension-type headaches.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Frequent use of over-the-counter or prescription pain medications, underlying headache disorders.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Improves with withdrawal and proper management; risk of recurrence if overuse resumes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic daily headache, dependency, and reduced quality of life.

Meningitis (Bacterial, Viral, Fungal)

Specialty: Neurology

Symptoms:
fever; headache; neck stiffness; nausea; vomiting; sensitivity to light (photophobia); altered mental status; seizures

Root Cause:
Inflammation of the meninges, typically caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Lumbar puncture to analyze cerebrospinal fluid (CSF); blood cultures; imaging (CT/MRI) for complications or suspected mass lesions; PCR for viral causes.

Treatment:
Treatment depends on the cause. Bacterial meningitis requires prompt antibiotic therapy, while viral meningitis may resolve on its own or require supportive care. Fungal meningitis is treated with antifungals.

Medications:
For bacterial meningitis - Empiric antibiotics such as ceftriaxone and vancomycin , with targeted therapy after pathogen identification. Corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone ) may reduce inflammation. For viral meningitis - Antiviral drugs like acyclovir for herpes simplex virus. For fungal meningitis - Amphotericin B and flucytosine for Cryptococcus species.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Varies globally; bacterial meningitis is more common in low-income regions, while viral meningitis is more frequent in developed countries.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Close contact with infected individuals, weakened immune system, head injury, neurosurgical procedures, certain geographic areas (e.g., meningitis belt in Sub-Saharan Africa).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Bacterial meningitis can be life-threatening if untreated but has good outcomes with prompt treatment. Viral meningitis usually resolves without long-term effects. Fungal meningitis has a more guarded prognosis, especially in immunocompromised patients.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Brain damage, hearing loss, seizures, hydrocephalus, septic shock, death (especially in untreated bacterial cases).

Encephalitis (e.g., Herpes Simplex Encephalitis)

Specialty: Neurology

Symptoms:
fever; headache; altered mental status; seizures; focal neurological deficits; confusion; memory loss; personality changes

Root Cause:
Inflammation of the brain, often caused by viral infections (e.g., herpes simplex virus, arboviruses) or autoimmune mechanisms.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
MRI to detect brain inflammation; lumbar puncture for CSF analysis and PCR for viral DNA (e.g., HSV); EEG to evaluate for seizures; blood tests for autoimmune markers if suspected.

Treatment:
Depends on cause. Antiviral therapy for HSV (e.g., acyclovir), supportive care for arboviruses, and immunosuppressive treatment (e.g., corticosteroids, IVIG) for autoimmune causes.

Medications:
For HSV encephalitis - Acyclovir (antiviral agent). For autoimmune encephalitis - Corticosteroids, IVIG, plasmapheresis, or rituximab (a monoclonal antibody).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Herpes simplex encephalitis occurs in approximately 1 in 250,000 to 500,000 people annually. Prevalence varies for other causes.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Immunocompromised state, travel to areas with endemic arboviruses, exposure to infected individuals, autoimmune diseases.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Early treatment (especially for HSV) significantly improves outcomes. Delayed treatment can lead to permanent neurological damage or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Long-term neurological deficits (e.g., memory impairment, seizures, cognitive dysfunction), coma, death (if untreated).

Neurosyphilis

Specialty: Neurology

Symptoms:
progressive dementia; seizures; vision changes; hearing loss; weakness; abnormal gait; paresthesia; stroke-like symptoms

Root Cause:
Central nervous system infection caused by Treponema pallidum (the bacterium responsible for syphilis), typically in late stages of untreated syphilis.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Lumbar puncture for CSF analysis (increased white blood cells, positive VDRL test); serologic tests for syphilis in blood.

Treatment:
High-dose intravenous penicillin G for 10–14 days.

Medications:
Penicillin G (antibiotic, first-line therapy). Doxycycline may be used for penicillin-allergic patients, though it's less effective.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare in developed countries due to widespread syphilis screening and treatment; higher prevalence in resource-limited settings and among high-risk populations.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Untreated syphilis, immunosuppression (e.g., HIV infection).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Early treatment can reverse or halt progression, but irreversible damage may occur in advanced cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Dementia, stroke, blindness, paralysis, death in untreated cases.

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)

Specialty: Neurology

Symptoms:
progressive weakness; vision changes; cognitive decline; coordination problems; speech difficulties; seizures

Root Cause:
Demyelinating disease caused by reactivation of JC virus in immunocompromised individuals, leading to progressive brain damage.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Brain MRI (characteristic lesions), PCR testing for JC virus DNA in cerebrospinal fluid, and sometimes brain biopsy for confirmation.

Treatment:
No specific antiviral therapy; management involves immune reconstitution (e.g., stopping immunosuppressive therapy or initiating antiretroviral therapy for HIV).

Medications:
No direct antiviral medications. Immune reconstitution is achieved through therapies like antiretroviral therapy for HIV or cessation of immunosuppressive drugs.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; typically occurs in patients with severe immunosuppression (e.g., advanced HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients).

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Immunosuppression due to HIV/AIDS, hematologic malignancies, organ transplantation, or use of monoclonal antibodies (e.g., natalizumab).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Poor; most patients experience severe disability or death within months of diagnosis. Improved prognosis with immune restoration.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe neurological disability, death.

HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HAND)

Specialty: Neurology

Symptoms:
cognitive impairment; memory loss; difficulty concentrating; mood changes; motor dysfunction; behavioral changes

Root Cause:
Chronic neuroinflammation and direct effects of HIV infection in the brain leading to neuronal damage.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation, neuropsychological testing, exclusion of other causes (e.g., opportunistic infections, substance use); MRI for structural changes.

Treatment:
Optimized antiretroviral therapy (ART) to control HIV replication and prevent further neurocognitive decline.

Medications:
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) that penetrates the CNS effectively, such as dolutegravir , abacavir , or emtricitabine-tenofovir combinations.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated to affect 25–50% of people living with HIV, with varying severity.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced HIV/AIDS, poor adherence to ART, comorbidities like substance abuse or depression.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Mild forms are manageable with ART, but severe forms can lead to significant disability if untreated.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Progressive cognitive decline, functional impairment, increased risk of dementia.

Neuroborreliosis (Lyme Disease)

Specialty: Neurology

Symptoms:
facial palsy; meningitis-like symptoms (headache, neck stiffness); radicular pain; cognitive difficulties; fatigue; muscle weakness

Root Cause:
Infection of the nervous system by Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted via tick bites, leading to inflammatory damage in the central or peripheral nervous system.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Serological tests for Lyme disease (ELISA followed by Western blot for confirmation), CSF analysis (elevated protein, lymphocytic pleocytosis), and history of exposure to endemic areas.

Treatment:
Antibiotic therapy, typically oral or intravenous, depending on severity.

Medications:
Oral antibiotics - Doxycycline or amoxicillin for early-stage disease. Intravenous antibiotics - Ceftriaxone for severe or late-stage disease.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in regions where Lyme disease is endemic (e.g., North America, Europe). Neuroborreliosis occurs in 10–15% of untreated cases.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Exposure to wooded or grassy areas with ticks, delayed treatment of early Lyme disease.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with early treatment; late or untreated cases may result in persistent neurological symptoms.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic neurological symptoms (e.g., fatigue, cognitive difficulties), radiculopathy, chronic pain, rarely permanent nerve damage.

Autoimmune Encephalitis

Specialty: Neurology

Symptoms:
memory loss; behavioral changes; seizures; confusion; psychosis; autonomic dysfunction; movement disorders

Root Cause:
Inflammation of the brain caused by an autoimmune response, often triggered by antibodies targeting neuronal receptors or intracellular proteins.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Antibody testing in blood and CSF (e.g., anti-NMDA, anti-LGI1), MRI (inflammatory changes), EEG (abnormal activity), and clinical evaluation.

Treatment:
Immunosuppressive therapies, such as corticosteroids, IVIG, plasmapheresis, or rituximab.

Medications:
First-line - Corticosteroids (e.g., methylprednisolone ), IVIG, plasmapheresis. Second-line - Rituximab (monoclonal antibody), cyclophosphamide (chemotherapy agent with immunosuppressive properties).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, exact prevalence unknown, but cases have been increasing due to improved diagnostic capabilities.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Paraneoplastic syndromes (e.g., tumors producing antibodies), viral infections, genetic predisposition.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with early diagnosis and treatment; delays can lead to significant disability or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Long-term cognitive impairment, epilepsy, autonomic instability, death in severe cases.

Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis

Specialty: Neurology

Symptoms:
psychosis; memory loss; seizures; autonomic dysfunction; movement abnormalities (e.g., orofacial dyskinesias); altered mental status

Root Cause:
Autoimmune attack on NMDA receptors in the brain, often associated with ovarian teratomas or other tumors.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Detection of anti-NMDA receptor antibodies in CSF or blood, MRI for brain changes, EEG (abnormal delta waves).

Treatment:
Tumor removal (if present), immunotherapy (e.g., corticosteroids, IVIG, plasmapheresis), and supportive care.

Medications:
First-line - Corticosteroids, IVIG, plasmapheresis. Second-line - Rituximab or cyclophosphamide for refractory cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare but increasingly recognized; more common in young women with ovarian teratomas.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Presence of ovarian teratomas, viral infections, genetic predisposition.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with prompt treatment; most patients recover fully, though some may experience persistent neurological symptoms.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cognitive deficits, chronic epilepsy, autonomic dysfunction, death if untreated.

Anti-LGI1 Encephalitis

Specialty: Neurology

Symptoms:
memory impairment; seizures (commonly faciobrachial dystonic seizures); confusion; behavioral changes; hyponatremia (low sodium levels)

Root Cause:
Autoimmune encephalitis caused by antibodies targeting the leucine-rich glioma-inactivated protein 1 (LGI1), which is involved in synaptic function.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Detection of anti-LGI1 antibodies in blood or CSF, MRI showing medial temporal lobe abnormalities, and clinical presentation (e.g., specific seizure types).

Treatment:
Immunotherapy, including corticosteroids, IVIG, plasmapheresis, and long-term immunosuppressive drugs if needed.

Medications:
First-line - Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone or methylprednisolone ), IVIG, plasmapheresis. Second-line - Rituximab or azathioprine for refractory or recurrent cases. Antiepileptic drugs (e.g., levetiracetam or lacosamide ) for seizure control.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; primarily affects middle-aged to older adults.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
No well-defined risk factors, though associations with autoimmune predispositions or malignancies have been noted.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good with early treatment, but delays may lead to cognitive deficits or chronic epilepsy.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Persistent memory impairment, chronic epilepsy, hyponatremia-related complications, and rarely death if untreated.

Prolactinoma

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Pituitary Tumors

Symptoms:
irregular menstrual cycles; infertility; galactorrhea; low libido; erectile dysfunction; headaches; vision problems

Root Cause:
Benign pituitary adenoma that excessively secretes prolactin, leading to disruptions in reproductive hormones.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Serum prolactin levels, MRI of the pituitary gland.

Treatment:
Primarily medical management with dopamine agonists; surgery is rare and reserved for refractory cases.

Medications:
Dopamine agonists such as cabergoline (preferred) and bromocriptine .

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Most common hormone-secreting pituitary tumor; affects women more than men.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Female sex, certain medications, hypothyroidism.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with proper medical management; tumors often shrink significantly.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Vision loss if untreated, osteoporosis due to prolonged hypoestrogenism.

Non-functioning Pituitary Adenomas

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Pituitary Tumors

Symptoms:
headaches; vision loss; fatigue; hypopituitarism symptoms like weakness, infertility, low libido

Root Cause:
Benign adenomas of the pituitary gland that do not produce hormones but may compress surrounding structures.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
MRI of the pituitary, blood tests to assess pituitary hormone function.

Treatment:
Surgical resection for symptomatic or growing tumors, with hormone replacement as needed.

Medications:
Hormone replacement therapies for any deficiencies caused by tumor compression (e.g., levothyroxine , hydrocortisone ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Relatively common; comprise about 30% of all pituitary tumors.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
No specific risk factors; may occur sporadically.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Favorable with appropriate treatment; recurrence is rare after complete resection.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Vision loss, pituitary apoplexy, hypopituitarism.

Spinal Cord Tumors

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors

Symptoms:
back pain; weakness; numbness or tingling; difficulty walking; loss of bladder or bowel control

Root Cause:
Benign or malignant growths within or near the spinal cord, compressing the cord and nerves.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
MRI with contrast, CT myelogram, and biopsy.

Treatment:
Surgical resection, radiation therapy, chemotherapy for malignant cases.

Medications:
Corticosteroids for symptom relief (e.g., dexamethasone ); chemotherapy agents like cisplatin and etoposide for malignant tumors.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; account for about 15% of central nervous system tumors.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic conditions like neurofibromatosis, von Hippel-Lindau disease.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies by tumor type; benign tumors have good outcomes with complete resection, while malignant tumors carry a worse prognosis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Permanent neurological deficits, paralysis, and recurrence.

Concussion

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

Symptoms:
headache; confusion; dizziness; nausea; vomiting; blurred vision; sensitivity to light and noise; memory loss; difficulty concentrating; fatigue

Root Cause:
A mild traumatic brain injury caused by a sudden impact or jolt to the head, leading to temporary disruption of brain function.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation (patient history, symptom analysis, and physical examination), neurocognitive testing, imaging tests like CT or MRI (if severe symptoms or risk of complications).

Treatment:
Rest, gradual return to activities, symptom management, cognitive and physical rehabilitation if needed.

Medications:
Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for headaches. Prescription medications, such as amitriptyline (tricyclic antidepressant) or topiramate (antiepileptic), may be used for post-concussion headaches or migraines.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common; estimated 1.6–3.8 million concussions occur annually in the U.S. related to sports and recreational activities.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Participation in contact sports, history of previous concussions, motor vehicle accidents, falls, younger age (children and adolescents).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good, with most people recovering fully within weeks to months; symptoms may persist longer in post-concussion syndrome.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Post-concussion syndrome, second impact syndrome, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), persistent cognitive or emotional problems.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

Symptoms:
loss of consciousness; headache; confusion; memory loss; dizziness; vomiting; seizures; speech difficulties; weakness or numbness; changes in behavior

Root Cause:
Brain damage caused by external force, such as a blow to the head, penetration by an object, or violent shaking.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical and neurological examinations, imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs, Glasgow Coma Scale assessment.

Treatment:
Emergency stabilization, surgical intervention if necessary (to relieve pressure or repair damage), physical and cognitive rehabilitation, supportive care.

Medications:
Diuretics (e.g., mannitol ) to reduce brain swelling; anticonvulsants (e.g., levetiracetam ) to prevent seizures; sedatives (e.g., propofol ) for agitation or to manage intracranial pressure.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
About 2.8 million emergency department visits for TBI in the U.S. annually; common in all age groups, particularly young adults and the elderly.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Falls, vehicle accidents, sports injuries, physical violence, military combat exposure.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies widely; mild TBIs often resolve fully, while severe TBIs may result in long-term disabilities or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Seizures, infections, hydrocephalus, cognitive or emotional impairments, death.

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

Symptoms:
loss of sensation; paralysis; pain; loss of bladder or bowel control; difficulty breathing; spasticity

Root Cause:
Damage to the spinal cord due to trauma, leading to partial or complete disruption of nerve signals between the brain and body.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Neurological examination, imaging tests like MRI or CT scan, and functional assessments.

Treatment:
Emergency stabilization, surgery to repair or decompress the spinal cord, physical therapy, occupational therapy, assistive devices.

Medications:
High-dose corticosteroids (e.g., methylprednisolone ) in some cases for inflammation; pain relievers (e.g., gabapentin for neuropathic pain); antispasmodics (e.g., baclofen ) for spasticity.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Around 17,900 new cases in the U.S. annually; prevalence of approximately 300,000 individuals living with SCI.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Motor vehicle accidents, falls, sports injuries, violence (e.g., gunshot wounds), medical conditions like spina bifida.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on the level and severity of the injury; partial recovery possible in some cases, but permanent disability is common.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pressure ulcers, respiratory issues, urinary tract infections, chronic pain, depression.

Subdural Hematoma

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

Symptoms:
headache; confusion; drowsiness; vomiting; seizures; weakness; slurred speech; loss of consciousness

Root Cause:
Bleeding between the dura mater and the arachnoid membrane, typically caused by trauma to the head.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through neuroimaging, primarily CT scans or MRI, to detect blood accumulation.

Treatment:
Treatment ranges from observation for mild cases to surgical intervention (craniotomy or burr hole drainage) for severe cases.

Medications:
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) such as levetiracetam or phenytoin may be prescribed to prevent seizures. Pain management medications like acetaminophen are also used.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Subdural hematomas are relatively common, especially among older adults and individuals on anticoagulant therapy.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Head trauma, older age, use of blood thinners, alcohol abuse, and brain atrophy.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable depending on severity and treatment; mild cases have a good prognosis, but severe cases can lead to permanent neurological impairment or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Increased intracranial pressure, brain herniation, chronic subdural hematoma, seizures, and cognitive deficits.

Epidural Hematoma

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

Symptoms:
brief loss of consciousness followed by a lucid interval; headache; vomiting; confusion; weakness; seizures; unequal pupil size; progressive loss of consciousness

Root Cause:
Accumulation of blood between the skull and dura mater, often due to the rupture of an artery, commonly the middle meningeal artery, from trauma.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through CT scans or MRI to visualize blood collection.

Treatment:
Emergency surgical evacuation of the hematoma via craniotomy or burr hole surgery.

Medications:
Anticonvulsants like levetiracetam to prevent seizures and analgesics for pain management.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Less common than subdural hematomas but more frequently observed in younger patients with head trauma.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Skull fractures, head trauma, high-impact injuries, and anticoagulant therapy.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good if treated promptly; untreated cases can lead to brain herniation and death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Increased intracranial pressure, brain herniation, permanent neurological deficits, and death if untreated.

Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

Symptoms:
loss of consciousness; vegetative state; persistent headaches; memory loss; difficulty concentrating; mood changes; motor and sensory deficits

Root Cause:
Widespread shearing and tearing of axons in the brain due to rapid acceleration or deceleration, typically seen in severe traumatic brain injuries.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed using advanced imaging techniques like MRI (particularly DTI) and clinical evaluation of symptoms.

Treatment:
Supportive care, including maintaining oxygenation, managing intracranial pressure, physical rehabilitation, and occupational therapy.

Medications:
No specific medications to repair axonal injury, but medications like amantadine (for arousal) or methylphenidate (for cognitive function) are used to support recovery. Antiepileptic drugs can prevent seizures.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in severe traumatic brain injuries, particularly in motor vehicle accidents and falls.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High-impact trauma, motor vehicle accidents, falls, and sports injuries.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis varies; severe cases may lead to persistent vegetative states or death, while milder cases may have partial recovery with long-term rehabilitation.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic neurological deficits, cognitive and behavioral changes, seizures, and reduced quality of life.

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Sleep Disorders

Symptoms:
acting out dreams during rem sleep; violent or aggressive movements; vocalizations such as shouting or screaming; frequent awakenings due to self-injury or injury to bed partner

Root Cause:
Loss of normal muscle atonia during REM sleep, often associated with neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s disease.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, polysomnography to confirm lack of muscle atonia during REM sleep.

Treatment:
Lifestyle modifications (safety measures to prevent injury) and medications.

Medications:
Clonazepam (a benzodiazepine) is the most common treatment; melatonin is also used for mild cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated to affect 0.5-1% of the general population, with higher prevalence in older adults.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Male gender, age over 50, neurodegenerative disorders, and use of certain antidepressants.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Symptoms can be managed effectively with treatment; often a precursor to neurodegenerative conditions.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Injury to self or bed partner, association with Parkinson’s disease, dementia, or multiple system atrophy.

Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Sleep Disorders

Symptoms:
difficulty falling asleep at conventional times; daytime sleepiness; irregular sleep patterns; difficulty waking up at desired times; reduced daytime performance

Root Cause:
Misalignment between an individual's internal circadian rhythm and the external environment.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, sleep logs, actigraphy, and in some cases, melatonin profile testing.

Treatment:
Chronotherapy (gradual adjustment of sleep-wake schedule), light therapy, and medications.

Medications:
Melatonin supplements for phase adjustment, and wake-promoting agents (e.g., modafinil ) in extreme cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Prevalence varies by subtype (e.g., delayed sleep-wake phase disorder affects 0.1-16% of the population).

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Shift work, jet lag, irregular sleep schedules, and genetic predisposition.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good with treatment and adherence to strategies; untreated, it can lead to chronic sleep deprivation.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Mood disorders, cognitive impairment, metabolic issues, and reduced quality of life.

Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Symptoms:
convulsions without abnormal eeg activity; prolonged unresponsiveness; emotional distress before seizures; asynchronous movements; eye closure during seizures

Root Cause:
Psychological stress manifests as seizure-like activity without neurological cause.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Video EEG monitoring to distinguish from epileptic seizures; psychological evaluation.

Treatment:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, stress management, and addressing underlying psychological issues.

Medications:
Antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine , escitalopram ) for co-occurring depression or anxiety; anticonvulsants are not effective for PNES.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 2-33 per 100,000 people, accounting for up to 20% of outpatient epilepsy clinic cases.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
History of abuse, trauma, personality disorders, anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Symptoms may improve with therapy, but recurrence is common; long-term management requires ongoing psychological support.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Misdiagnosis as epilepsy, unnecessary treatments, and social or occupational difficulties.

Cognitive Impairments (Mild Cognitive Impairment, MCI)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Cognitive Disorders

Symptoms:
memory problems; difficulty concentrating; decision-making difficulties; language issues; visuospatial deficits

Root Cause:
Early decline in cognitive function without significant impairment in daily activities; often due to neurodegenerative processes.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Neuropsychological testing, clinical evaluation, brain imaging, and biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease.

Treatment:
Cognitive stimulation therapy, physical exercise, and management of cardiovascular risk factors.

Medications:
Cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil , rivastigmine ) may be prescribed off-label to manage symptoms.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 10-20% of people aged 65 and older.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age, family history of dementia, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and low educational attainment.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
10-15% of cases progress to dementia each year; others remain stable or improve with intervention.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Progression to Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, reduced quality of life, and increased caregiver burden.

Anxiety and Depression with Neurological Symptoms

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Symptoms:
headaches; dizziness; fatigue; sleep disturbances; muscle tension; paresthesia

Root Cause:
Interaction between mental health conditions and the nervous system; stress-induced physiological changes.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation, screening for anxiety and depression, ruling out other neurological disorders.

Treatment:
Psychotherapy (CBT or interpersonal therapy), lifestyle modifications, stress management, and pharmacotherapy.

Medications:
SSRIs (e.g., sertraline , paroxetine ), SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine , duloxetine ), and benzodiazepines (short-term use for acute anxiety).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Anxiety affects 15-20% of adults; depression affects approximately 5% of adults worldwide, with high comorbidity rates.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, chronic stress, trauma, and co-existing medical conditions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good with treatment, but symptoms may recur without ongoing management.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease, chronic pain syndromes, and reduced quality of life.

Peripheral Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic Neuropathy)

Specialty: Neurology

Symptoms:
numbness; tingling sensations; burning pain; muscle weakness; loss of reflexes; balance issues; ulcerations on feet or hands in severe cases

Root Cause:
Damage to the peripheral nerves caused by conditions such as diabetes, infections, trauma, or exposure to toxins.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, physical examination, electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies, blood tests (e.g., for diabetes or vitamin deficiencies), and sometimes nerve biopsy.

Treatment:
Treating the underlying condition (e.g., controlling diabetes), physical therapy, pain management, lifestyle modifications, and managing complications like ulcers.

Medications:
Medications include anticonvulsants (e.g., gabapentin , pregabalin ), antidepressants (e.g., duloxetine , amitriptyline ), and topical treatments (e.g., capsaicin cream). Opioids may be used in severe cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 2-8% of the general population; diabetic neuropathy occurs in about 50% of people with diabetes.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Diabetes, alcohol abuse, autoimmune diseases, vitamin deficiencies, certain infections (e.g., Lyme disease, HIV), chemotherapy, and genetic predisposition.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Progression depends on the underlying cause; early treatment can stabilize symptoms and prevent complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pain, ulcerations, infections, and in severe cases, amputation due to poor wound healing.

Entrapment Neuropathies (e.g., Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)

Specialty: Neurology

Symptoms:
tingling; numbness; pain in the affected nerve distribution; weakness in the hand or fingers (for carpal tunnel)

Root Cause:
Compression or entrapment of a nerve within anatomical structures, often due to repetitive use, trauma, or inflammation.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, physical exams (e.g., Tinel's sign, Phalen's maneuver), electromyography (EMG), and imaging (e.g., ultrasound or MRI).

Treatment:
Splinting, rest, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and, in severe cases, surgical decompression.

Medications:
Medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids (oral or injectable), and in some cases, anticonvulsants like gabapentin .

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Carpal tunnel syndrome affects about 3-6% of adults; other entrapment neuropathies are less common.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Repetitive wrist movements, obesity, pregnancy, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and hypothyroidism.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Often resolves with treatment; surgery is highly effective if conservative measures fail.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Permanent nerve damage, muscle atrophy, and chronic pain if untreated.

Bell’s Palsy

Specialty: Neurology

Symptoms:
sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the face; drooping mouth; inability to close the eye; dryness of the eye or mouth; altered taste sensation

Root Cause:
Temporary dysfunction of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), often linked to viral infections like herpes simplex virus (HSV).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, exclusion of other causes (e.g., imaging for stroke), and electromyography (EMG) if symptoms persist.

Treatment:
Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), antiviral medications (if HSV or other viruses are suspected), physical therapy, and eye protection (e.g., artificial tears or eye patch).

Medications:
Corticosteroids are the primary treatment; antivirals like acyclovir may be added in specific cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Incidence is about 20-30 cases per 100,000 annually.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Viral infections, pregnancy (third trimester), diabetes, and family history of Bell's palsy.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most recover fully within 3-6 months; a small percentage may have residual weakness or contractures.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Persistent facial weakness, synkinesis (involuntary facial movements), or eye complications due to incomplete eyelid closure.

Chiari Malformation

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Congenital and Genetic Disorders

Symptoms:
headache (worsened by coughing or straining); neck pain; balance problems; dizziness; numbness or weakness in limbs; difficulty swallowing; tinnitus; breathing irregularities

Root Cause:
Structural defect causing the cerebellum to extend into the spinal canal, disrupting normal CSF flow.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed with MRI to visualize brain and spinal cord abnormalities.

Treatment:
Treated with surgical decompression in symptomatic cases.

Medications:
Pain management with NSAIDs or prescription analgesics; muscle relaxants for associated muscle spasms.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated at 1 in 1,000 individuals, though many cases are asymptomatic.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Congenital brain malformations, genetic predispositions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with early surgical intervention for severe cases; some mild cases remain asymptomatic for life.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Hydrocephalus, syringomyelia, chronic pain, or neurological deficits if untreated.

Dandy-Walker Syndrome

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Congenital and Genetic Disorders

Symptoms:
developmental delays; progressive head enlargement; irritability; vomiting; unsteady gait; seizures

Root Cause:
Congenital malformation of the cerebellum and fourth ventricle, causing CSF obstruction.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed using prenatal or postnatal imaging (MRI or ultrasound).

Treatment:
Treated with shunting for hydrocephalus and supportive therapies for developmental delays.

Medications:
Antiepileptics for seizure management if present.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; approximately 1 in 25,000–35,000 live births.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chromosomal abnormalities, maternal infections, genetic predispositions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies; with proper management, children may lead functional lives, but developmental challenges are common.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cognitive impairments, motor deficits, hydrocephalus, and seizures.

Sturge-Weber Syndrome

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Congenital and Genetic Disorders

Symptoms:
port-wine stain birthmark on the face; seizures; developmental delays; glaucoma; weakness on one side of the body

Root Cause:
Sporadic mutation in the GNAQ gene causing abnormal blood vessel development in the brain, skin, and eyes.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed clinically by port-wine stains and confirmed with brain imaging (MRI).

Treatment:
Treated with seizure management, laser therapy for skin lesions, and supportive care for neurological symptoms.

Medications:
Anti-epileptics like levetiracetam or carbamazepine ; medications for glaucoma such as prostaglandin analogs or beta-blockers.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; approximately 1 in 20,000–50,000 live births.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
No known inheritance; sporadic mutation during development.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on severity; good seizure control and timely glaucoma treatment improve outcomes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic seizures, intellectual disability, vision loss, stroke-like episodes.

Neurofibromatosis (Type 1)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Congenital and Genetic Disorders

Symptoms:
café-au-lait spots; neurofibromas on the skin; learning disabilities; optic gliomas; scoliosis

Root Cause:
Mutation in the NF1 gene causing abnormal cell growth.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed by clinical criteria (e.g., café-au-lait spots, neurofibromas) and genetic testing.

Treatment:
Treated symptomatically, with surgery or targeted therapy (e.g., selumetinib) for complications.

Medications:
Pain relief and seizure medications if required; bevacizumab (VEGF inhibitor) for tumor growth in NF2.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
1 in 3,000 individuals.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Autosomal dominant inheritance or spontaneous mutations.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies; life expectancy can be normal with management, but tumor-related complications may arise.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Malignant transformation of neurofibromas, hearing loss, vision loss, and neurological deficits.

Neurofibromatosis (Type 2)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Congenital and Genetic Disorders

Symptoms:
hearing loss; balance problems; tinnitus; schwannomas; vision issues

Root Cause:
Mutation in the NF2 gene leading to benign tumors on cranial and spinal nerves.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through clinical evaluation, imaging (MRI), and genetic testing.

Treatment:
Treated with monitoring, surgical removal of tumors, and targeted therapies like bevacizumab.

Medications:
Pain relief and seizure medications if required; bevacizumab (VEGF inhibitor) for tumor growth in NF2.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
1 in 25,000 individuals.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Autosomal dominant inheritance or spontaneous mutations.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies; life expectancy can be normal with management, but tumor-related complications may arise.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Malignant transformation of neurofibromas, hearing loss, vision loss, and neurological deficits.

Leigh’s Syndrome

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Congenital and Genetic Disorders

Symptoms:
loss of motor skills; seizures; difficulty breathing; poor muscle tone; failure to thrive; vomiting; weakness

Root Cause:
Mutations in mitochondrial or nuclear DNA affecting energy production (oxidative phosphorylation).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed via genetic testing, brain MRI, and metabolic studies.

Treatment:
Treated symptomatically with supportive care and experimental therapies, as no cure exists.

Medications:
None curative; symptom management includes anti-epileptics like levetiracetam and supportive supplements.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated at 1 in 40,000 live births.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Inherited mitochondrial or nuclear gene mutations.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Poor; most patients do not survive beyond childhood.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, severe neurological decline, and organ dysfunction.

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

Specialty: Neurology

Symptoms:
rapid heartbeat upon standing; dizziness; lightheadedness; fainting; fatigue; brain fog; nausea; cold extremities; chest pain; exercise intolerance

Root Cause:
Dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, leading to abnormal heart rate and blood flow response to positional changes.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Tilt table test, standing test (measuring heart rate and blood pressure changes), patient history, and ruling out other causes of symptoms.

Treatment:
Non-pharmacological interventions such as increasing salt and fluid intake, wearing compression garments, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications; pharmacological treatments based on symptoms and patient response.

Medications:
Medications include beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol ) to reduce heart rate, fludrocortisone (a mineralocorticoid) to increase blood volume, midodrine (an alpha-1 agonist) to raise blood pressure, and ivabradine (a heart rate-reducing agent).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 0.2% of the population; more common in women, particularly between the ages of 15 and 50.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Female sex, family history of dysautonomia, history of viral illness, autoimmune diseases, and conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or chronic fatigue syndrome.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Often manageable with treatment, though symptoms may persist for years; improvement is possible with lifestyle changes and targeted therapies.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe limitations in daily activities, increased risk of falls, anxiety or depression due to chronic illness, and possible progression to other forms of dysautonomia.

Dysautonomia

Specialty: Neurology

Symptoms:
dizziness; fainting; rapid heartbeat; fatigue; difficulty regulating body temperature; digestive issues; blurred vision; shortness of breath

Root Cause:
Dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and temperature regulation.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Comprehensive clinical evaluation, tilt table test, autonomic reflex screening, sweat testing, and blood tests to identify secondary causes.

Treatment:
Tailored based on the type and cause; lifestyle adjustments, physical therapy, dietary changes, and symptom-specific medications.

Medications:
Medications may include beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol ) for heart rate control, fludrocortisone (a mineralocorticoid) to expand blood volume, pyridostigmine (a cholinesterase inhibitor) for autonomic modulation, and midodrine (an alpha-1 agonist) to improve blood pressure.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Exact prevalence varies widely; associated conditions like POTS and neurodegenerative diseases suggest a significant affected population.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Autoimmune disorders, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, genetic predisposition, and viral illnesses.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Highly variable; some forms are reversible or manageable, while others (e.g., those linked to neurodegenerative diseases) may progress.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Poor quality of life, limited physical activity, secondary complications like blood pooling, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and potential overlap with other chronic conditions.

Orthostatic Hypotension

Specialty: Neurology

Symptoms:
lightheadedness; dizziness; fainting; blurred vision; weakness; fatigue; headaches when standing

Root Cause:
A drop in blood pressure upon standing, due to impaired autonomic regulation, reduced blood volume, or cardiovascular conditions.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Measuring blood pressure and heart rate changes from lying to standing, tilt table test, and evaluation of contributing factors.

Treatment:
Non-pharmacological strategies like increasing fluid and salt intake, wearing compression stockings, and slowly transitioning to upright positions; medications if needed.

Medications:
Medications include fludrocortisone (a mineralocorticoid) to expand blood volume, midodrine (an alpha-1 agonist) to constrict blood vessels, and droxidopa (a norepinephrine prodrug) to increase blood pressure.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
More common in older adults, affecting approximately 6–30% of people over age 65.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, medications that lower blood pressure, and dehydration.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Symptoms can often be managed effectively; underlying causes significantly impact long-term outcomes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Falls and related injuries, reduced independence, cardiovascular events, and reduced quality of life.

Horner’s Syndrome

Specialty: Neurology