Description.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

MRI uses powerful magnets, radio waves and computers to image inside the body.  Imagine a loaf of bread with one raisin (HH) in the middle. Now take a (virtual) bread knife and slice the bread with the intention of slicing right through a hypothalamic hamartoma, which is sometimes as small as the raisin.  Not an easy task.  During…

Magnetoencephalography (MEG)

MEG (magnetoencephalography) uses a machine to record magnetic fields from the brain.  This may show more information than a conventional EEG.  It is performed to map brain function and to identify the exact location of the source of epileptic seizures. The exam can also be correlated with an MRI. Unfortunately, preliminary evidence suggests that although…

Migraine

A headache characterized by throbbing head pain, often greater on one side; may be preceded by a warning (aura) and accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound; in rare cases, weakness, language problems, or other neurologic disorders are associated with migraine.

MRI-guided laser thermal ablation

a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows surgeons to precisely target and ablate tumor or lesion tissue by utilizing a  laser.  This laser can be directed to a defined area in the brain, using a thin fiber that is guided to the tumor tissue. The laser transmits energy and as a result, heats up the…

Muscle tone

The level of muscle contraction present during the resting state; with increased tone there is stiffness and rigidity; with decreased tone there is looseness or floppiness of the limbs and trunk.

Myoclonic jerk

Brief muscle jerk; may involve muscles on one or both sides of the body; may be normal (e.g., as one falls asleep) or caused by a seizure or other disorders.

Myoclonic seizure

A brief muscle jerk resulting from an abnormal discharge of brain electrical activity; usually involves muscles on both sides of the body, most often the shoulders or upper arms.

Neurologist

A neurologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the nervous system. The nervous system is made of two parts: the central and peripheral nervous system. It includes the brain and spinal cord.