Introduction Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has long been understood as a disease of two distinct phases: an inflammatory phase characterized by acute relapses (driven largely by peripheral immune cells attacking the CNS), and a neurodegenerative phase characterized by slow, steady disability accrual independent of relapses. While current Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs) are highly effective at suppressing relapses, they have largely failed to stop the insidious progression of dis

Introduction Throughout the day, you encounter minor and major inconveniences. There’s no gas in the car, kids are crying and screaming, or you wake up late because you forgot to set your alarm. These occurrences can build up and contribute to a worldwide phenomenon known as stress. While stress is something everyone experiences, it does not affect everyone in the same way. Cultural background, lived experiences, and social conditions all influence how stress shows up in the

Cerebral Venous Thrombosis is the leading cause of strokes in younger populations, despite being a relatively rare type of stroke. Symptoms can vary massively from patient to patient, but often most patients present with a severe headache.

Did you know that 7.2 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s in 2025 and this number is expected to triple by 2050? What is Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)?   Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia. It is a progressive neurological brain disease characterized by accumulation of beta amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles that causes irreversible brain damage. The part of the brain first affected by this disease is associated with learning and memory. Hence the early

Introduction In this article, I will discuss the differences between normal cognitive decline associated with aging and abnormal decline. Some people think that dementia is a normal part of the aging process, but this is not true. Aging brings predictable changes in cognitive function, but not all decline is normal. Some patterns reflect healthy aging, while others signal underlying disease. There are three broad groups of cognitive decline: age-associated memory impairment,

By Anne Denk, RN, BSN Migraines affect 37 million Americans, including men, women, and children. Migraines occur due to a variety of factors. While there are multiple pharmacological treatment options, studies have shown that several alternative treatments are beneficial. Massage therapy is one of these alternative treatment options that can reduce the symptoms of migraines. Origins and Impacts of Migraines Migraine headaches occur for many reasons. Contributing factors inclu

Since we were children, we were taught at school that taste is one of our most important sense. Indeed, since we are born, this represents a way to be exposed to the world and learn to discriminate several tastes, which helps us to recognize also specific types of food or feelings when eating them. Of course, human nature evolved progressively to develop sensitive taste skills, at the beginning as a matter of survival. Although now our needs are different, these important gen

Written by Olivia Orr, RN BSN Dizziness? Nausea? A ringing sound in your ear? Light sensitivity? Vestibular migraine is often the culprit. You don't have to have a headache to experience a migraine attack, and many people with vestibular migraine do not have headache. Dizziness is their biggest enemy. What is Vestibular Migraine? Vestibular migraine (VM) is a migraine subtype characterized by dizziness, vertigo, light and sound sensitivity, tinnitus (ear ringing), ear press

For years, families have asked the same question: Is there any way to detect Alzheimer’s disease early—before memory loss begins? Until recently, the answer was complicated. Doctors relied on brain scans, spinal taps, or waiting for symptoms to appear. None of these options were simple, affordable, or widely available. But a growing body of research is pointing to a major shift in how we may identify Alzheimer’s in its earliest, silent stage. A new analysis led by Dr. Michael

Introduction For decades, the therapeutic landscape for Alzheimer's disease has been dominated by agents that temporarily alleviate symptoms without altering the underlying disease trajectory. The accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) is believed to initiate or potentiate the pathological processes of the disease. Lecanemab represents a significant shift in this paradigm as a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody designed to intervene in this pathological cascade. Mechanism of Actio

SPS is an autoimmune disorder where the body's "brake" system fails, causing severe muscle stiffness, spasms, and heightened sensitivity.

Photo credit: wix.com What is Huntington’s Disease?   Huntington’s Disease (HD) is a rare genetic disorder that causes progressive brain cell death impacting movement, behavior and cognition. It is caused by a mutation in the Huntington (HTT) gene and is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. According to the Genetic and Rare Disease Center (GARD) there are fewer than 5000 people in the US with Huntington’s disease. Most people who inherit the mutation are normal for deca

When we think about developmental delays, we often picture children who simply need more time or support to reach certain milestones. But Angelman syndrome is something much more complex. It’s a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder that affects balance, movement, communication, and overall brain function. Despite its challenges, people with Angelman syndrome often have a uniquely warm, happy, and resilient presence, something many families talk about. Still, the condition

Migraines are a complex neurological disorder that is characterized by debilitating symptoms, which may include throbbing head pain, visual disturbances (aura), nausea, and heightened sensitivity to light and sound. Unlike regular headaches, migraines involve specific nerve pathways and regions of the brain. Biomedical engineering is pioneering in a new era of migraine care by introducing innovative tools and techniques that fundamentally change how these conditions are under

Despite nicotine's benefits of increasing alertness and offering momentary feelings of pleasure, using tobacco products have health risks. Nicotine has a strong withdrawal syndrome that occurs when a person who has developed physical dependence on nicotine abruptly reduces or stops use. Many who stop nicotine whether delivered by cigarette, vape, or even nicotine replacement products may feel the uncomfortable sensation of withdrawal. This article will explain withdrawal, whi

By Kristine Burneko, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, APHN-BC Introduction Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a multidisciplinary field that examines the tridirectional interaction of psychological processes, neurological activity, and immune function. Within clinical practice, PNI provides the mechanistic foundation for mind–body medicine, an evidence-based approach that complements conventional biomedical care by enhancing psychophysiological regulation and response to concurrent treatmen

Jennifer Navarro MSN, RN NPD-BC Understanding Headaches Headaches are very common and usually not serious. There are different types of headaches, including migraines, cluster headaches, and tension headaches. Headaches can be classified as  primary  or  secondary : Primary headaches  mean the headache itself is the main problem (like migraines). Secondary headaches  happen because of another health issue. Common Types of Headaches Migraines What they are:  Migraines are a co

Our brain produces four important happy hormones, namely dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin. Out of these, Serotonin, otherwise known as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is responsible for a variety of functions in the body and plays a vital role in regulating mood, sleep, and hunger. It is a neurotransmitter produced mainly in the brain and gut, supporting functions like metabolism, bowel movements, stomach secretions, respiration, blood clotting, and sensory functions

Source: Intimina.com Many people who menstruate notice headaches around their period, but menstrual migraines are a specific, more intense pattern linked to hormonal shifts. In this case, being able to understand the cause and various relief options can make a real difference. What Are Menstrual Migraines? Menstrual migraines are migraine attacks that happen anywhere from two days before to three days after a period starts. They are mostly triggered by the drop in estrogen th

When one thinks of retirement today, one thinks of a transition to a whole new life as opposed to a continuation of the old one. “‘Positive aging’ tends to dissociate aging from disease; present activity as a key to health and happiness in later life; and emphasize the possibility of expanding mid-life and postponing old age” (Rudman 2). This idea of positive aging has changed the way that we evaluate the retirement years. They are no longer gloomy and sad but have now been r