Tag: Neurology

Approximately 5 in 100,000 people suffer from spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH), a condition where the spinal fluid pressure is abnormally low. This guide explains exactly what causes a low head pressure, detailing the medical reasons behind this confusing term and its serious implications.

In medical contexts, transection refers to the act or result of cutting across a structure. For instance, spinal cord transection, often resulting from traumatic injury, leads to a devastating loss of function below the injury level. This term is used to describe a transverse division, which can have varying degrees of severity and impact.

Over 90% of adults in North America regularly consume caffeine. But beyond the morning jolt, understanding what kind of stimulant is caffeine is key to appreciating its pervasive effects. It is a central nervous system stimulant with a unique, well-researched mode of action that sets it apart from more powerful, illegal substances.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, taste disorders, such as dysgeusia, affect millions of Americans. A persistent and unexplained sweet taste in your mouth, where everything tastes sweet suddenly, can be a symptom of an underlying medical issue, not just a result of eating sugary foods.

Statistically, most fainting episodes (known as syncope) are not life-threatening, but in some instances, they can be a warning sign of a serious or even fatal underlying condition. This raises the critical question: Can you pass away from fainting, and if so, when is it a real danger?

The duration of the prodromal stage varies drastically from a few hours for some viral infections to over a decade for certain neurodegenerative disorders. This initial, often subtle phase precedes the full manifestation of a disease, and understanding its length is critical for both medical professionals and patients asking, 'How long does the prodromal stage last?'.

Approximately 1 in 4 adults aged 65 and older falls each year, highlighting the critical importance of stability. So, **how does balance affect your body**? It is not just about avoiding falls but a fundamental aspect of your overall health, influencing everything from your nervous system to your muscular control.

For generations, head circumference has been used by healthcare providers as a marker of a child's brain development and overall well-being. But beyond early childhood, the question, **Does head size mean anything?**, is complex, with its significance tied more to developmental patterns than to adult capabilities.

According to a study published in Neurology, a smaller head circumference in adults can be associated with certain neurological conditions. This raises the important question: **What is a small head circumference for adults?** This condition, known medically as microcephaly, involves a head size significantly below average for a person's age, sex, and ethnicity.

Macrocephaly, or a large head circumference, is diagnosed in 2% to 5% of the US population, though it is often a benign condition inherited through family genetics. Understanding **what is considered a big head circumference** involves reviewing standard growth charts to assess head growth relative to age and gender.