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About the Brain and Nervous SystemSee All
The brain is an important organ that controls thought, memory, emotion, touch, motor skills, vision, respiration, and every process that regulates your body. ...more
The skull base offers support from the bottom. Think of it as the floor of the skull, where the brain sits. Tumors can form at the base of the skull. ...more
Made up of bundles of nerves, the spinal cord carries signals from your body to your brain, and vice versa. ...more
A neurological exam may be performed with instruments, such as lights and reflex hammers, and usually does not cause any pain. ...more
Disorders of the nervous system include stroke, infections, such as meningitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and functional disorders, such as headache and epilepsy. ...more
 Neurology in About the Brain and Nervous System
Neurology is the branch of medicine that is concerned with the study and treatment of disorders of the nervous system. ...more
Neurological surgery is used to treat disorders of the brain, spine, and nerves. The healthcare provider who specializes in neurological surgery is called a neurosurgeon or neurological surgeon. ...more
Endovascular neurosurgery is a subspecialty of neurosurgery. It uses catheters and radiology to diagnose and treat various conditions and diseases of the central nervous system. ...more
The brain is an important organ that controls thought, memory, emotion, touch, motor skills, vision, respiration, and every process that regulates your body. ...more
The skull base offers support from the bottom. Think of it as the floor of the skull, where the brain sits. Tumors can form at the base of the skull. ...more
Made up of bundles of nerves, the spinal cord carries signals from your body to your brain, and vice versa. ...more
A neurological exam may be performed with instruments, such as lights and reflex hammers, and usually does not cause any pain. ...more
Disorders of the nervous system include stroke, infections, such as meningitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and functional disorders, such as headache and epilepsy. ...more
 Neurology in About the Brain and Nervous System
Neurology is the branch of medicine that is concerned with the study and treatment of disorders of the nervous system. ...more
Neurological surgery is used to treat disorders of the brain, spine, and nerves. The healthcare provider who specializes in neurological surgery is called a neurosurgeon or neurological surgeon. ...more
Endovascular neurosurgery is a subspecialty of neurosurgery. It uses catheters and radiology to diagnose and treat various conditions and diseases of the central nervous system. ...more
Neurological Tests and ProceduresSee All
Evaluating and diagnosing damage to the nervous system is complicated and complex. Many of the same symptoms occur in different combinations among the different disorders. ...more
Detailed Tests and Procedures
Evaluating and diagnosing damage to the nervous system is complicated and complex. Many of the same symptoms occur in different combinations among the different disorders. ...more
Neurological Conditions and DiseasesSee All
 Low Back Pain in Back Pain, Care of the Back
Everyone has experienced low back pain at one time or another. Most people can recover from low back pain with home treatment, such as changes in activity, weight loss, quitting smoking, and other steps. Sometimes medicine or surgery is needed. ...more
 Pinched Nerve in Back Pain
Radiculopathy, commonly called pinched nerve, often occurs in the low back....more
 Corticosteroid Shots in Care of the Back
Corticosteroid injections can treat many skeletal, muscular, and spinal conditions. Some of these injections can be done by your healthcare provider during a routine clinic visit. Others need a referral to a pain specialist. ...more
 Neck Pain in Neck Pain
Your neck is at risk for injury because of its location and range of motion. Neck pain can be caused by injury, age, or inflammatory disorders. ...more
 Cervical Spondylosis in Neck Pain
Cervical spondylosis is a type of arthritis that affects your neck. This condition becomes more common with age, and most people who are older than 60 have it. ...more
 Head Injury in Brain Injuries
A head injury is a broad term that describes many injuries that occur to the scalp, skull, brain, and underlying tissue and blood vessels in the head. Head injuries are also commonly referred to as brain injury, or traumatic brain injury, depending on the extent of the head trauma. ...more
 Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in Brain Injuries
Acquired brain injury hapens when a sudden, external, physical assault damages the brain. It is one of the most common causes of disability and death in adults. ...more
 Acute Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) in Spine Injuries
Car accidents, falls, and other injuries are a common cause of acute spinal cord injury....more
Back and Neck PainBrain and Spinal Cord InjuriesBrain and Spinal TumorsEpilepsy and SeizuresMultiple Sclerosis Neurological InfectionsNeuromuscular DiseasesOther Neurological Conditions Parkinson's and Movement DisordersPeripheral Nerve Conditions
 Low Back Pain in Back Pain, Care of the Back
Everyone has experienced low back pain at one time or another. Most people can recover from low back pain with home treatment, such as changes in activity, weight loss, quitting smoking, and other steps. Sometimes medicine or surgery is needed. ...more
 Pinched Nerve in Back Pain
Radiculopathy, commonly called pinched nerve, often occurs in the low back....more
 Corticosteroid Shots in Care of the Back
Corticosteroid injections can treat many skeletal, muscular, and spinal conditions. Some of these injections can be done by your healthcare provider during a routine clinic visit. Others need a referral to a pain specialist. ...more
 Neck Pain in Neck Pain
Your neck is at risk for injury because of its location and range of motion. Neck pain can be caused by injury, age, or inflammatory disorders. ...more
 Cervical Spondylosis in Neck Pain
Cervical spondylosis is a type of arthritis that affects your neck. This condition becomes more common with age, and most people who are older than 60 have it. ...more
 Head Injury in Brain Injuries
A head injury is a broad term that describes many injuries that occur to the scalp, skull, brain, and underlying tissue and blood vessels in the head. Head injuries are also commonly referred to as brain injury, or traumatic brain injury, depending on the extent of the head trauma. ...more
 Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in Brain Injuries
Acquired brain injury hapens when a sudden, external, physical assault damages the brain. It is one of the most common causes of disability and death in adults. ...more
 Acute Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) in Spine Injuries
Car accidents, falls, and other injuries are a common cause of acute spinal cord injury....more
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Alzheimer's Disease and Memory DisordersSee All
Alzheimer disease is a disease that affects the brain and nervous system. It is a type of dementia that happens when nerve cells in the brain die. ...more
Alzheimer disease most commonly affects older adults. But it can also affect people in their 30s or 40s. When Alzheimer disease occurs in someone younger than age 65, it is known as early-onset (or younger-onset) Alzheimer disease. ...more
Alzheimer disease is a type of brain disorder. It causes memory loss, confusion, and changes in personality. It is a type of dementia. ...more
Alzheimer disease is a progressive condition, which means that it keeps getting worse. Eventually, people with Alzheimer disease need help with daily activities because they lose the ability to dress, bathe, and feed themselves. ...more
In older people, it's easy to mistake memory problems for the everyday forgetfulness that some people have as they grow older. ...more
Other Dementias
Alzheimer disease is a disease that affects the brain and nervous system. It is a type of dementia that happens when nerve cells in the brain die. ...more
Alzheimer disease most commonly affects older adults. But it can also affect people in their 30s or 40s. When Alzheimer disease occurs in someone younger than age 65, it is known as early-onset (or younger-onset) Alzheimer disease. ...more
Alzheimer disease is a type of brain disorder. It causes memory loss, confusion, and changes in personality. It is a type of dementia. ...more
Alzheimer disease is a progressive condition, which means that it keeps getting worse. Eventually, people with Alzheimer disease need help with daily activities because they lose the ability to dress, bathe, and feed themselves. ...more
In older people, it's easy to mistake memory problems for the everyday forgetfulness that some people have as they grow older. ...more
HeadachesSee All
 Headache in About Headaches
Nearly everyone has suffered from a headache. This article discusses several types of headache, how they are diagnosed and treated. ...more
A brain injury or some other health problem can cause growing pressure inside your skull. This dangerous condition is called increased intracranial pressure (ICP). It can lead to a headache. It can also further injure your brain or spinal cord. ...more
 Cluster Headaches in Cluster and Tension Headaches
Cluster headaches are rare and cause severe pain that tends to recur in the same way each time. Cluster headaches occur in groups, or clusters, and each attack lasts about 1 to 3 hours on average. ...more
Cluster headaches -- called cluster because of their pattern of striking in groups or clusters -- hit at the same time of day for a period of weeks or months, then vanish as suddenly and as mysteriously as they appeared. ...more
 Migraine Headaches in Migraines
This often severe, throbbing type of headache is different from other types of headaches in that symptoms other than pain occur with the headache. Nausea and vomiting, lightheadedness, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and other visual disturbances are common migraine symptoms. ...more
 How a Migraine Happens in Migraines
A look at what we know about how migraine pain starts....more
About HeadachesCluster and Tension HeadachesMigraines
 Headache in About Headaches
Nearly everyone has suffered from a headache. This article discusses several types of headache, how they are diagnosed and treated. ...more
A brain injury or some other health problem can cause growing pressure inside your skull. This dangerous condition is called increased intracranial pressure (ICP). It can lead to a headache. It can also further injure your brain or spinal cord. ...more
 Cluster Headaches in Cluster and Tension Headaches
Cluster headaches are rare and cause severe pain that tends to recur in the same way each time. Cluster headaches occur in groups, or clusters, and each attack lasts about 1 to 3 hours on average. ...more
Cluster headaches -- called cluster because of their pattern of striking in groups or clusters -- hit at the same time of day for a period of weeks or months, then vanish as suddenly and as mysteriously as they appeared. ...more
 Migraine Headaches in Migraines
This often severe, throbbing type of headache is different from other types of headaches in that symptoms other than pain occur with the headache. Nausea and vomiting, lightheadedness, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and other visual disturbances are common migraine symptoms. ...more
 How a Migraine Happens in Migraines
A look at what we know about how migraine pain starts....more
Stroke and Cerebrovascular DiseasesSee All
 Types of Stroke in Stroke Overview
Strokes are classified as either ischemic or hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes are caused by the blockage of an artery. Hemorrhagic strokes are caused by bleeding in the brain. ...more
A stroke, or brain attack, happens when blood flow to your brain is stopped. It is an emergency situation. ...more
 Effects of Stroke in Stroke Treatment and Recovery
When an area of the brain is damaged, which typically occurs with a stroke, an impairment may result. An impairment is the loss of normal function of part of the body. Sometimes, an impairment may result in a disability, or inability to perform an activity in a normal way. ...more
Tests that may be used to help diagnose a stroke include a CT scan or MRI, and an electroencephalogram. ...more
Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) happen when a group of blood vessels in your body forms incorrectly. Here's what you need to know. ...more
Carotid artery disease causes a narrowing of the major blood vessels that supply the brain. It is caused by atherosclerosis and can lead to a stroke. ...more
Stroke OverviewSigns and Symptoms of StrokeStroke Treatment and RecoveryStroke PreventionOther Cerebrovascular Diseases
 Types of Stroke in Stroke Overview
Strokes are classified as either ischemic or hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes are caused by the blockage of an artery. Hemorrhagic strokes are caused by bleeding in the brain. ...more
A stroke, or brain attack, happens when blood flow to your brain is stopped. It is an emergency situation. ...more
 Effects of Stroke in Stroke Treatment and Recovery
When an area of the brain is damaged, which typically occurs with a stroke, an impairment may result. An impairment is the loss of normal function of part of the body. Sometimes, an impairment may result in a disability, or inability to perform an activity in a normal way. ...more
Tests that may be used to help diagnose a stroke include a CT scan or MRI, and an electroencephalogram. ...more
Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) happen when a group of blood vessels in your body forms incorrectly. Here's what you need to know. ...more
Carotid artery disease causes a narrowing of the major blood vessels that supply the brain. It is caused by atherosclerosis and can lead to a stroke. ...more
Understanding RehabilitationSee All
Neurological rehabilitation (rehab) helps people with diseases, injury, or disorders of the nervous system. It can often increase function, ease symptoms, and improve a person's well-being. ...more
PMandR is a medical specialty that works to restore function for a person who has been disabled due to a disease, disorder, or injury. ...more
Rehabilitation TeamFamily and Community
Neurological rehabilitation (rehab) helps people with diseases, injury, or disorders of the nervous system. It can often increase function, ease symptoms, and improve a person's well-being. ...more
PMandR is a medical specialty that works to restore function for a person who has been disabled due to a disease, disorder, or injury. ...more
Children & Neurological ConditionsSee All
The brain can be divided into 3 main parts: the cerebrum, the brainstem, and the cerebellum....more
Is it time for your baby to have a full physical exam? Your pediatrician might want to conduct a neurological exam. Don't worry, this series of tests designed to evaluate your child's nervous system is painless. Here's what it entails. ...more
 Brain Tumors in Children in Brain Tumors
A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue in the brain. The brain is part of the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS also includes the spinal cord. ...more
Anencephaly is a birth defect that affects the brain and skull bones. With this condition, the brain isn't fully formed. It often lacks part or all of the cerebrum. ...more
Cephalic disorders affect the central nervous system as it develops. They may also affect the brain and the growth of the skull. ...more
Most headaches in kids are caused by tension, not disease. Your pediatrician can determine what kind of headache your child has. ...more
 Headaches in Children in Headaches
A headache is pain or discomfort in one or more areas of the head or face. Headaches can happen once in a while. Or they may happen often. ...more
Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is when the spinal cord is damaged from an accident or other situation. An SCI may be a bruise (contusion), a partial tear, or a complete tear (transection) in the spinal cord. ...more
Brain and Nervous System OverviewBrain TumorsCongenital and Hereditary Conditions Other Neurological Conditions
The brain can be divided into 3 main parts: the cerebrum, the brainstem, and the cerebellum....more
Is it time for your baby to have a full physical exam? Your pediatrician might want to conduct a neurological exam. Don't worry, this series of tests designed to evaluate your child's nervous system is painless. Here's what it entails. ...more
 Brain Tumors in Children in Brain Tumors
A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue in the brain. The brain is part of the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS also includes the spinal cord. ...more
Anencephaly is a birth defect that affects the brain and skull bones. With this condition, the brain isn't fully formed. It often lacks part or all of the cerebrum. ...more
Cephalic disorders affect the central nervous system as it develops. They may also affect the brain and the growth of the skull. ...more
Most headaches in kids are caused by tension, not disease. Your pediatrician can determine what kind of headache your child has. ...more
 Headaches in Children in Headaches
A headache is pain or discomfort in one or more areas of the head or face. Headaches can happen once in a while. Or they may happen often. ...more
Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is when the spinal cord is damaged from an accident or other situation. An SCI may be a bruise (contusion), a partial tear, or a complete tear (transection) in the spinal cord. ...more
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Interactive ToolsSee All
 Alzheimer Disease Quiz
Find out more about this degenerative disease of the brain by taking this quiz....more
 Back Care Quiz
Back pain is a common complaint, but how serious is it? Take this quiz and see how much you know about back care. ...more
 Alzheimer Disease Quiz
Find out more about this degenerative disease of the brain by taking this quiz....more
 Back Care Quiz
Back pain is a common complaint, but how serious is it? Take this quiz and see how much you know about back care. ...more
MultimediaSee All
 Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis that primarily affects the ligaments and joints of the spine, especially the lower back. As the disease progresses, it can lead to a stooped posture. In this video, you'll find out how this condition develops and the treatments available....more
 Exercises for a Healthy Back
Most people will have back pain at some time in their lives. But you don’t always need the help of a doctor to fix it. Sometimes exercise is all that you need to relieve the pain. Watch and learn exercises to keep your back feeling good....more
 Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis that primarily affects the ligaments and joints of the spine, especially the lower back. As the disease progresses, it can lead to a stooped posture. In this video, you'll find out how this condition develops and the treatments available....more
 Exercises for a Healthy Back
Most people will have back pain at some time in their lives. But you don’t always need the help of a doctor to fix it. Sometimes exercise is all that you need to relieve the pain. Watch and learn exercises to keep your back feeling good....more