Brain tumors result from an abnormal proliferation of cells in your brain. Typically, cells grow only when needed; however, occasionally, excess cells grow and create a tumor. Brain tumors are primary or secondary, meaning they start in the brain...
A diagnosis of epilepsy involves a combination of observation and diagnostic tests. The doctor will listen to a description of the seizures a person has, and perhaps monitor the patient using video for a few hours or days to try and observe a...
Glutamic acid, also known as glutamate, is a non-essential amino acid. Non-essential amino acids can be produced in the body and are not required from your diet. Glutamic acid is an important source of fuel for the brain; it is the brain's only...
Creatine is a nitrogen-containing compound that exists naturally in the body. It is also sold as a supplement, typically in a powder form. Supplementation may provide you with health benefits. However, talk to your doctor before taking creatine to...
Polymyositis is a skeletal muscle disease that causes muscle weakness and inflammation. Your signs and symptoms might come on gradually, but your muscle weakness is likely to be progressive. The disease can make it tough for you to stand from a...
Seafood wouldn't be the same without the distinctive pink color that makes it so appetizing. The fleshy color is actually astaxanthin, a natural pigment loaded with a multitude of health benefits. It has been part of the human diet for centuries...
People with fibromyalgia suffer from a persistent low level of pain in their musculoskeletal system. The pain is usually accompanied by fatigue and problems with sleep, memory and mood. According to MayoClinic.com, women are more prone to...
Bipolar disorder is a debilitating illness that can seriously affect your life. Many theories have been posited regarding the etiology of bipolar disorder. One interesting idea is that bipolar disorder is caused by a misfiring of brain neurons due...
If your monthly premenstrual symptoms have grown more intense and difficult to bear, you may be suffering from premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, a severe and sometimes disabling form of premenstrual syndrome. PMDD occurs in up to 8 percent...
The supplement 5-hydroxytryptophan, 5-HTP, provides temporary relief of fibromyalgia, depression and insomnia. This over-the-counter product is a metabolite of tryptophan and building block for serotonin. Both of the latter substances play a role...
The brain is comprised of 60 percent fat and its cells use twice as much energy as cells in other parts of the body. Given these important facts, it is understandable that the quality of brain function and its activity levels are highly influenced...
Depression can make you feel like you've been hit by a truck. You might feel like staying in bed all day, avoiding social contact and ceasing any activities you used to enjoy. Depression is a real medical illness requiring professional...
Obsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD, is an anxiety disorder in which an individual experiences repetitive thoughts, known as obsessions, combined with an unrelenting need to perform repetitive behaviors, known as compulsions. An individual...
Cellulite is a term used to describe skin that appears rippled, lumpy and coarse. Its appearance often is compared to orange peel or cottage cheese. Frequently attributed to poor circulation, poor diet and improper exercise, cellulite is actually...
Cephalon markets the drug Provigil, also known as modafinil. Modafinil is a central nervous system stimulant and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating sleep disorders. Parkinson's is a degenerative disease of the central...
