Diagnosis Guides
A brain tumor is a collection, or mass, of abnormal cells in the tissues of the brain. Your skull, which encloses and protects your brain, is very rigid. Any growth inside such a restricted space can cause problems. Brain tumors can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous. MRIs, CT scans, PET scans, and biopsies are common tests used to diagnose brain tumors and help decide the best treatment…
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Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel, a narrow canal in the wrist that allows the tendons and the median nerve to pass from the forearm to the hand. This results in pain and/or weakness in the hand. Nerve conduction studies (EMGs), where small needles are inserted into the muscles of the arm are used to diagnose…
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A cervical disc herniation occurs when a portion of the cushion (disc) that sits between two bones in your spine has moved and is irritating a nerve or compressing the spinal cord. Pressure on the nerves in your neck can cause arm, shoulder, and/or hand symptoms. In some cases, weakness of the arms, hands or legs can occur. The four standard treatment options to consider include…
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Lumbar Disc Herniation
A disc herniation occurs when a portion of the cushion that sits between two bones in your spine has moved and is causing pressure on a nerve. The nerve becomes irritated and inflamed. Since your nerves run from your back to your leg, inflammation of the nerves in your back can cause leg pain, also known as sciatica. The four standard options to consider include medication…
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Myelopathy
Myelopathy is an injury to the spinal cord due to severe compression resulting from trauma, stenosis, degenerative disease or disc herniation. The spinal cord is the central highway of nerves inside the center of the spine that runs from the neck to the top of the lumbar spine. When any portion of the spinal cord becomes compressed or constricted, the resulting symptoms are known as myelopathy…
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Cervical and Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Lumbar stenosis occurs when the spinal canal in the lower back narrows, thereby squeezing and irritating the nerve roots along this area. This condition most often arises through the change in size and shape of the spinal canal as people age. Symptoms such as back and leg pain as well as numbness and weakness of the legs are common in patients with lumbar stenosis. Standing or walking…
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Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) describes the natural breakdown of the discs or cushions between the bones of the spine. Disc degeneration is often the effect of natural daily stresses and minor injuries that cause spinal discs to gradually lose their water content and strength, however smoking is also a contributor. As discs weaken and lose water, they begin to collapse and allow the…
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Hydrocephalus
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a watery fluid that normally flows through and bathes the brain and spinal column. Hydrocephalus is an abnormal buildup of CSF in the ventricles (deep cavities) of the brain. The excess fluid increases the size of the ventricles and puts pressure on the brain. The pressure of too much cerebrospinal fluid associated with hydrocephalus can damage brain tissues…
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Ulnar Neuropathy
Ulnar neuropathy (also known as cubital tunnel syndrome) is inflammation or compression of the ulnar nerve. The ulnar nerve runs through the elbow. Compression of the nerve can result in paresthesias (numbness, tingling and pain) in the outer side of the arm and hand near the little finger. Nerve conduction studies (EMGs), where small needles are inserted into the muscles of the arm…