Causes for Loss of Motor and Sensory Functions of Limbs

Loss of motor and sensory functions of limbs is a common neurolgical disorder. Both young and old can get this condition. Peripheral neuropathy is the commonest cause for this disease. If a patient has difficulty in moving his limbs or abnormal sensation, then he might be suffering from peripheral neuropathy. This is a disease that requires immediate medical attention because some can progress rapidly.

Following are some common causes of peripheral neuropathy. it can be easily remembered by the mnemonic STAGLAND.

1. Sarcoidosis
2. Thyroid
3. Amyloidosis
4. Guillian Barre
5. Lead
6. Alcohol
7. Nutritional
8. Drugs/ Diabetes

Can Adults Form New Brain Cells?

Some human organs have the ability to grow until death (e.g: hair, skin), but some stop growing at very young age (e.g: neurons) . It is believed that the development of the brain is completed at very young age. Scientists believed that after that certain age, the human brain does not grow. But, according to the latest research findings, human brain cells grow even at adult age.

Kirsty Spalding, a molecular biologist at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Frisén, and colleagues have done a research to find out the ability of brain cells to divide even at adult age. For this research they have used brains of deceased humans who were exposed to above-ground nuclear weapon testing 50 years ago. During these nuclear weapon testing Carbon 14 were released in to the atmosphere. These Carbon 14 were incorporated in to DNA of cells of people who were exposed. They have found out a way to test the amount of Carbon 14 with in DNA of these cells. In their study they have extracted hippocampi of 55 deceased people who had given their consent to use their brains for research purposes. They have found out that every day about 1400 cells in hypoccampal region are being replaced. 

According to this research, it is confirmed that the brain cells have the ability to regenerate even in adult age. The results of this research will help the development of many aspects of science, especially the field of medicine.

Hemifacial Spasms

Are you experiencing spasms in one side of your face? You might be having the disorder called hemifacial spasms. You must know that each and every spasms that occur in your face is not always due to hemifacial spasms. 

Hemifacial spasms is a rare disorder most commonly seen among middle aged females. It is characterized by sudden irregular clonic spasms of the facial muscles. The severity of the spasms can vary from very mild to severe. People with very severe spasms may usually find it very distressing and disfiguring. 

What is the cause for hemifacial spasms? There are several causes, but most of the time it is idiopathic. It means that there are no identifiable cause. Following are some well identified causes for hemifacial spasms.

1. Following Bell's palsy - Bell's palsy is a disorder characterized by sudden onset of facial muscle weakness. People can develop hemifacial spasms after recovering from Bell's palsy. 
2. Acaustic neuroma - Acaustic neuroma is a type of tumor involving the eighth nerve that can also have its effects on the facial nerve as well. As a result, the muscles of the face supplied by the affected nerve can start aving spasms. 
3. Paget's disease withing the skull base
4. Pressure from the vessels in the cerebellopontine angle.

The disorder is treated according to the severity  Mild cases do not require any treatment. Severe disease is managed with botulinum toxin injection. Decompression of the facial nerve at the cerebellopontine angle can also be done. 

How Long Does it Take to Muscle Wasting to Appear After Lower Motor Neuron Lesion?

Muscle wasting is a significant feature of lower motor neuron lesion. But, muscle wasting takes time. It takes about 2-3 weeks to appear. Muscle wasting can also appear in upper motor neuron lesion but, it is due to disuse atrophy.