DR. AZMAN RAFFIQ – NEUROSURGEON
Brain & Spine Conditions
That may be causing your symptoms and what you can do about them.
Brain & Spine Conditions
That may be causing your symptoms and what you can do about them.
Dr. Azman Raffiq
Brain & spine Neurosurgeon
Brain & Spine Problems Could Be Caused By A Variety Of Conditions
Urgent diagnosis and treatment of brain and spine conditions is crucial to prevent irreversible damage, reduce complications and enhance chances of recovery.
Urgent diagnosis and treatment of brain and spine conditions is crucial to prevent irreversible damage, reduce complications and enhance chances of recovery.
Brain Conditions
Spine Conditions
Vascular Conditions
Functional Disorders
Brain Conditions
Brain conditions encompass a wide range of disorders affecting the brain’s structure, function, or both, impacting everything from movement and memory to mood and cognition. Understanding brain conditions is crucial for patients and their families to take early action, ensuring informed decisions about health and treatment options.
Brain Tumors
Description
Brain tumors encompass a range of growths that can develop in various parts of the brain. These tumors may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), affecting brain function due to their size or location. They can originate in the brain (primary tumors) or spread from other body parts (secondary or metastatic tumors).
Symptoms
Symptoms of brain tumors vary based on the tumor’s size, type, and location but commonly include persistent headaches, seizures, nausea, visual disturbances, changes in mood or behavior, difficulty with memory or concentration, and slurred speech. Symptoms often worsen over time as the tumor grows.
Causes
The exact causes of brain tumors are often unknown. However, genetic factors, exposure to certain chemicals, radiation, and family history of tumors can increase the risk of developing brain tumors. Some genetic conditions also predispose individuals to various types of brain tumors.
Treatment
Treatment for brain tumors depends on the tumor type, size, location, and the patient’s overall health. Options include surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, or a combination of these treatments. In some cases, monitoring may be recommended for slow-growing tumors.
Head Injuries
Description
Head injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage and are caused by trauma to the head. This trauma can lead to a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms, depending on the injury’s severity and the brain area affected. Head injuries are categorized into open (penetrating the skull) and closed (non-penetrating).
Symptoms
Symptoms of head injuries can vary widely but may include headache, confusion, dizziness, memory loss, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, speech difficulties, and changes in mood or behavior. Severe injuries may result in unconsciousness, seizures, and paralysis.
Causes
Head injuries are most commonly caused by falls, vehicle-related collisions, physical assaults, and sports injuries. Factors such as not wearing seat belts or helmets, alcohol consumption, and participating in high-risk sports can increase the likelihood of head injuries.
Treatment
Treatment for head injuries depends on the injury’s severity. Mild injuries may require rest and over-the-counter pain relievers, while moderate to severe injuries might necessitate hospitalization, surgery to relieve pressure on the brain, rehabilitation therapies, and long-term care plans to manage symptoms and support recovery.
Strokes
Description
Strokes occur when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Strokes can be ischemic, caused by blocked arteries, or hemorrhagic, caused by bleeding into the brain. Immediate treatment is crucial to minimize brain damage and potential complications.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a stroke include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body; confusion; trouble speaking or understanding speech; vision problems in one or both eyes; difficulty walking; dizziness; loss of balance or coordination; and severe headache with no known cause.
Causes
Ischemic strokes are most commonly caused by blood clots that block blood flow to the brain, while hemorrhagic strokes result from blood vessels in the brain bursting. Risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the stroke type. Ischemic strokes may be treated with clot-busting drugs, mechanical clot removal in certain cases, and medications to prevent further clots. Hemorrhagic strokes might require surgery to repair or remove blood vessel abnormalities, control bleeding, and reduce pressure in the brain. Rehabilitation, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, is often necessary to regain lost functions.
Brain Aneurysms
Description
Brain aneurysms are bulges in brain blood vessels that can leak or burst, leading to hemorrhagic stroke, brain damage, and potentially life-threatening complications. Aneurysms can develop in any part of the brain and may grow large without symptoms until they rupture or are detected by imaging tests for unrelated reasons.
Symptoms
Many brain aneurysms cause no symptoms until they become large, rupture, or press on brain tissue or nerves. Symptoms of an unruptured aneurysm may include pain behind the eye, blurred or double vision, and headaches. A ruptured aneurysm symptoms include a sudden, severe headache often described as the worst headache ever experienced, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and loss of consciousness.
Causes
The exact cause of brain aneurysms is often unclear, but risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, family history of aneurysms, age, and conditions that weaken blood vessel walls. Some genetic disorders also increase the risk of developing aneurysms.
Treatment
Treatment for brain aneurysms depends on the size, location, and risk of rupture. Options for unruptured aneurysms include careful monitoring and lifestyle changes to lower risk factors. Ruptured aneurysms require emergency medical treatment to prevent bleeding, including surgical clipping or endovascular coiling to block blood flow to the aneurysm. Rehabilitation may be necessary for recovery after treatment.
Hydrocephalus & Brain Swelling
Description
Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricles of the brain, leading to increased pressure inside the skull. This can cause brain swelling and potentially damage brain tissues. Hydrocephalus can occur at any age but is more common in infants and older adults.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary by age, with infants showing signs such as an unusually large head, a rapid increase in head size, vomiting, sleepiness, irritability, and seizures. In older children and adults, symptoms may include headache, nausea, difficulty walking, blurred or double vision, poor coordination, and cognitive challenges.
Causes
Hydrocephalus can result from congenital factors, brain or spinal cord injuries, infections, tumors, or bleeding in the brain. The condition occurs when the flow of CSF is blocked, its absorption is impaired, or excessive CSF is produced.
Treatment
Treatment typically involves surgically inserting a shunt system to drain excess CSF to another part of the body where it can be absorbed. An alternative procedure, endoscopic third ventriculostomy, creates a bypass for CSF flow, avoiding the need for a shunt. Treatment aims to reduce or prevent brain damage by managing symptoms and addressing the underlying cause.
Pituitary Tumors
Description
Pituitary tumors are abnormal growths that develop in the pituitary gland, a small organ at the base of the brain responsible for regulating vital body functions through hormone production. These tumors are typically benign and vary in size, but even non-cancerous growths can affect hormone levels and cause significant health issues.
Symptoms
Symptoms of pituitary tumors depend on whether they are functioning (hormone-producing) or non-functioning (not producing hormones). Functioning tumors can cause symptoms related to hormone overproduction, such as menstrual irregularities, erectile dysfunction, excessive growth, or Cushing’s syndrome. Non-functioning tumors may lead to vision problems, headache, and hormone deficiencies due to pressure on the pituitary gland.
Causes
The exact cause of pituitary tumors is largely unknown, though genetic factors may play a role in some cases. Rarely, pituitary tumors can occur as part of familial syndromes that also predispose individuals to other types of tumors.
Treatment
Treatment options for pituitary tumors include observation, surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy, and medications to shrink the tumor or manage hormone levels. The choice of treatment depends on the type of tumor, its size, whether it is causing hormone overproduction or deficiency, and its effects on surrounding tissues.
Trigeminal Neuralgia/ Facial Pain
Description
Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve, one of the most widely distributed nerves in the head. It is characterized by extreme, sudden burning or shock-like facial pain, typically on one side of the face. The pain can be triggered by routine activities such as eating, talking, or touching the face.
Symptoms
The hallmark symptom of trigeminal neuralgia is a sudden, severe facial pain described as a sharp shooting pain or like an electric shock in the jaw, teeth, or gums. The pain episodes are brief but can be recurrent and debilitating, severely affecting the quality of life.
Causes
Trigeminal neuralgia can be caused by a blood vessel pressing on the trigeminal nerve as it exits the brain stem, leading to nerve malfunction. Other causes may include multiple sclerosis, tumor compressing the trigeminal nerve, or nerve damage from surgery or facial trauma. In some cases, the cause remains unknown.
Treatment
Treatment options aim to relieve pain and may include medications such as anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants. In cases where medication is ineffective, surgical procedures or other interventions like microvascular decompression (to move or remove blood vessels pressing on the nerve) or Gamma Knife radiosurgery may be recommended to reduce or eliminate pain.
Paediatric Brain Tumours
Description
Paediatric brain tumours are abnormal growths within the brain or the central nervous system in children. These tumours can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and can occur at any age during childhood. They are among the most common types of childhood cancers and can have significant impacts on a child’s development and overall health.
Symptoms
Symptoms of paediatric brain tumours vary depending on the tumour’s size, type, and location but can include persistent headaches, nausea and vomiting, seizures, vision or hearing problems, balance and coordination difficulties, changes in mood or behaviour, and cognitive impairments.
Causes
The exact causes of paediatric brain tumours are not well understood, but genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a role. Certain inherited conditions and previous radiation exposure are known risk factors, although most cases appear to occur randomly without a clear cause.
Treatment
Treatment for paediatric brain tumours depends on the type, size, and location of the tumour, as well as the child’s age and overall health. Options may include surgery to remove the tumour, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and supportive care to manage symptoms and side effects. The approach aims to treat the tumour while minimizing the impact on the child’s developing brain and body.
Spine Conditions
Spine conditions refer to a broad spectrum of disorders that affect the spinal column and can lead to pain, reduced mobility, and neurological symptoms. Gaining a thorough understanding of these conditions is essential for patients to recognize early warning signs and seek prompt, effective treatment.
Slipped (Herniated) Disc Syndromes
Description
Slipped (herniated) disc syndromes refer to a condition where the soft inner gel of an intervertebral disc protrudes through a tear in the outer layer, leading to nerve irritation or compression. This can occur anywhere along the spine but is most common in the lower back (lumbar spine) and neck (cervical spine). Herniated discs can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area and along the nerve pathway.
Symptoms
Symptoms include localized back or neck pain, radiating pain down the arms or legs (sciatica), numbness or tingling in the areas served by the affected nerves, and muscle weakness. The severity of symptoms can vary, with some individuals experiencing debilitating pain and others having minimal discomfort.
Causes
The primary cause of herniated discs is age-related wear and tear, known as disc degeneration. Factors that may contribute include heavy lifting, sudden twists or turns, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. Genetics may also play a role in susceptibility to disc problems.
Treatment
Treatment options range from conservative measures like physical therapy, medications for pain and inflammation, and lifestyle modifications to interventional procedures such as epidural steroid injections. In severe cases, surgical interventions like microdiscectomy or laminectomy may be necessary to relieve nerve compression.
Spinal Fractures
Description
Spinal fractures refer to breaks or cracks in the vertebrae, the bones that make up the spinal column. These injuries can result from trauma, such as car accidents or falls, or from conditions that weaken the bones, like osteoporosis. Spinal fractures can range in severity from minor cracks to complete breaks that can lead to spinal cord injury.
Symptoms
Symptoms of spinal fractures include sudden, severe back pain that may worsen with movement, limited mobility, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, or in severe cases, loss of bladder or bowel control. The location of the pain and neurological symptoms depends on the fracture’s location and whether the spinal cord is involved.
Causes
The primary causes of spinal fractures are high-impact trauma and conditions that decrease bone density or strength, such as osteoporosis and certain types of cancer. Activities that involve a high risk of falls or impacts, such as certain sports, also increase the risk of spinal fractures.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the fracture’s severity and location, ranging from conservative methods like rest, pain management, and bracing to stabilize the spine, to surgical interventions aimed at realigning and stabilizing the spinal column. Rehabilitation may be required to restore function and mobility following treatment.
Spinal Stenosis
Description
Spinal stenosis is a condition characterized by the narrowing of spaces within the spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine. This condition most commonly affects the lower back (lumbar stenosis) and the neck (cervical stenosis). Spinal stenosis can lead to significant discomfort, pain, and mobility issues.
Symptoms
Symptoms of spinal stenosis include back or neck pain, numbness or tingling in the arms or legs, weakness in the extremities, and problems with walking or balance. In severe cases, it can lead to bowel or bladder dysfunction. Symptoms typically worsen over time.
Causes
The primary causes of spinal stenosis are degenerative changes in the spine related to aging. Other contributing factors can include osteoarthritis, herniated discs, thickened ligaments, spinal injuries, or congenital spinal deformities.
Treatment
Treatment options for spinal stenosis range from conservative approaches like physical therapy, medications, and corticosteroid injections to relieve pain and inflammation, to more invasive procedures such as decompression surgery or spinal fusion to alleviate pressure on the nerves and stabilize the spine. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and the specific areas of the spine affected.
Spinal Cord Tumors
Description
Spinal cord tumors are abnormal growths that develop within or adjacent to the spinal cord or within the bones of the spine. These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and can disrupt the normal function of the spinal cord by causing pressure, swelling, and the destruction of spinal tissues.
Symptoms
Symptoms of spinal cord tumors include back pain that may be worse at night or with activity, loss of sensation or muscle weakness in the arms or legs, difficulty walking, loss of bladder or bowel control, and, in severe cases, paralysis. The symptoms usually develop gradually and may worsen over time.
Causes
The exact cause of spinal cord tumors is often unknown, though genetic factors and exposure to certain chemicals or radiation may increase risk. Some tumors may also spread (metastasize) to the spine from other parts of the body.
Treatment
Treatment for spinal cord tumors varies depending on the type and location of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health. Options may include surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and medications to reduce symptoms such as pain and swelling. In some cases, treatment aims to manage symptoms and improve quality of life rather than cure the disease, especially if the tumor cannot be completely removed.
Spinal Infections
Description
Spinal infections involve the presence of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi in or around the spinal column, leading to inflammation and damage to the spinal tissues. These infections can occur in the vertebral bones (osteomyelitis), intervertebral discs (discitis), the spinal canal (epidural abscess), or within the spinal cord (myelitis).
Symptoms
Symptoms of spinal infections include severe back pain that does not improve with rest, fever, chills, night sweats, weight loss, and in more advanced cases, neurological deficits such as weakness, numbness, or paralysis, and bladder or bowel incontinence.
Causes
Spinal infections can be caused by the spread of pathogens from another site in the body through the bloodstream, direct infection during surgery or due to an injury, or from an infection adjacent to the spine. Risk factors include diabetes, immunosuppression, recent spinal surgery, intravenous drug use, and chronic illnesses.
Treatment
Treatment for spinal infections typically involves antibiotics or antifungal medications to eradicate the infection, often requiring a long course of treatment. In cases where there is abscess formation or severe damage to the spinal structures, surgical intervention may be necessary to drain abscesses, relieve pressure on the spinal cord, or stabilize the spine. Rehabilitation may also be part of the recovery process to restore function and mobility.
Spine Pain Syndromes
Description
Spine pain syndromes encompass a broad range of conditions that cause chronic pain and discomfort in the spinal region. These syndromes can affect any part of the spine, from the neck (cervical) down to the lower back (lumbar), and are characterized by persistent pain that impacts daily activities and quality of life.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include localized or radiating pain, stiffness, muscle spasms, reduced flexibility, and in some cases, nerve-related issues such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs. The intensity of pain can vary and may be influenced by physical activity, posture, or rest.
Causes
Spine pain syndromes can arise from a variety of causes, including degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, and muscular or ligamentous strain. Other contributing factors may include poor posture, obesity, aging, and traumatic injuries.
Treatment
Treatment strategies are tailored to the individual’s specific diagnosis and the severity of symptoms, incorporating a combination of medication for pain relief and inflammation, physical therapy to strengthen the spine and improve flexibility, and lifestyle modifications. In more severe cases, interventional pain management techniques or surgery may be recommended to alleviate pain and restore function.
Vascular Conditions
Vascular conditions involve disorders of the blood vessels that can lead to serious health issues, including stroke, aneurysms, and AVMs. Being well-informed about these conditions empowers patients to identify symptoms early and pursue timely medical intervention, potentially saving lives and improving outcomes.
Brain Aneurysms
Description
Brain aneurysms are bulges in brain blood vessels that can leak or burst, leading to hemorrhagic stroke, brain damage, and potentially life-threatening complications. Aneurysms can develop in any part of the brain and may grow large without symptoms until they rupture or are detected by imaging tests for unrelated reasons.
Symptoms
Many brain aneurysms cause no symptoms until they become large, rupture, or press on brain tissue or nerves. Symptoms of an unruptured aneurysm may include pain behind the eye, blurred or double vision, and headaches. A ruptured aneurysm symptoms include a sudden, severe headache often described as the worst headache ever experienced, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and loss of consciousness.
Causes
The exact cause of brain aneurysms is often unclear, but risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, family history of aneurysms, age, and conditions that weaken blood vessel walls. Some genetic disorders also increase the risk of developing aneurysms.
Treatment
Treatment for brain aneurysms depends on the size, location, and risk of rupture. Options for unruptured aneurysms include careful monitoring and lifestyle changes to lower risk factors. Ruptured aneurysms require emergency medical treatment to prevent bleeding, including surgical clipping or endovascular coiling to block blood flow to the aneurysm. Rehabilitation may be necessary for recovery after treatment.
Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs)
Description
Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare, complex conditions involving abnormal connections between arteries and veins, bypassing the capillary system. These can occur anywhere in the body but are most concerning when they develop in the brain or spinal cord, where they can cause bleeding, seizures, and other serious neurological effects.
Symptoms
Symptoms of AVMs vary depending on their location and size but may include headaches, seizures, neurological deficits (such as muscle weakness or paralysis), speech or vision problems, and unexplained bleeding. In some cases, AVMs are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during imaging for unrelated issues.
Causes
The exact cause of AVMs is unknown, but they are believed to form during fetal development. They are not typically inherited and do not seem to be associated with any specific genetic patterns.
Treatment
Treatment for AVMs depends on the risk of bleeding, the patient’s symptoms, and the AVM’s location and size. Options may include conservative monitoring for asymptomatic AVMs, surgical removal, endovascular embolization (where materials are injected to block the abnormal vessels), or stereotactic radiosurgery to shrink the AVM. The goal is to prevent bleeding and reduce or eliminate associated symptoms.
Stroke
Description
Strokes occur when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Strokes can be ischemic, caused by blocked arteries, or hemorrhagic, caused by bleeding into the brain. Immediate treatment is crucial to minimize brain damage and potential complications.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a stroke include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body; confusion; trouble speaking or understanding speech; vision problems in one or both eyes; difficulty walking; dizziness; loss of balance or coordination; and severe headache with no known cause.
Causes
Ischemic strokes are most commonly caused by blood clots that block blood flow to the brain, while hemorrhagic strokes result from blood vessels in the brain bursting. Risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the stroke type. Ischemic strokes may be treated with clot-busting drugs, mechanical clot removal in certain cases, and medications to prevent further clots. Hemorrhagic strokes might require surgery to repair or remove blood vessel abnormalities, control bleeding, and reduce pressure in the brain. Rehabilitation, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, is often necessary to regain lost functions.
Cavernous Malformations
Description
Cavernous malformations, also known as cavernomas or cavernous angiomas, are clusters of abnormal, dilated blood vessels typically found in the brain and spinal cord. These vascular lesions are characterized by their “cavernous” spaces filled with blood and have a tendency to bleed, leading to neurological symptoms. Unlike arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), cavernous malformations do not involve direct artery-to-vein connections.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the size, location, and whether the malformation has bled. They may include headaches, seizures, neurological deficits (such as weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking), and in some cases, hemorrhagic stroke. Many individuals with cavernous malformations, however, remain asymptomatic.
Causes
The cause of cavernous malformations is not fully understood, but they can occur sporadically or be inherited. Genetic mutations have been identified in familial cases, suggesting a genetic component to their development.
Treatment
Treatment options are tailored to the individual’s symptoms and the malformation’s characteristics. For asymptomatic or stable lesions, conservative management and monitoring with MRI may be recommended. Surgical removal may be considered for accessible malformations that cause significant symptoms or have bled. In certain cases, stereotactic radiosurgery might be an option, although its use remains controversial due to the risk of radiation-induced bleeding.
Functional Disorders
Functional disorders encompass a range of conditions that affect the body’s normal functions, with symptoms that can significantly impact daily life without clear structural or biochemical abnormalities. Understanding these disorders is key for individuals to recognize early signs and engage in effective management strategies, enhancing quality of life and well-being.
Parkinson’s Disease
Description
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement. It results from the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in a region of the brain called the substantia nigra. Symptoms develop gradually and can include tremors, stiffness, slowed movement (bradykinesia), and impaired balance and coordination.
Symptoms
The hallmark symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are tremors at rest, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability. Non-motor symptoms can also occur, such as sleep disturbances, cognitive changes, mood disorders, and autonomic dysfunction.
Causes
The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors include age, genetic predisposition, exposure to certain toxins, and possibly head injuries.
Treatment
There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but treatments are available to manage symptoms. These can include medications to increase or substitute for dopamine, such as levodopa combined with carbidopa, and other drugs to manage non-motor symptoms. Advanced therapies, like deep brain stimulation (DBS), may be considered for patients not responding adequately to medication. Physical therapy and exercise are also important to maintain mobility and function.
Epilepsy
Description
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder marked by recurrent, unprovoked seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It can affect people of all ages and is diagnosed after an individual experiences two or more seizures that are not caused by known medical conditions like alcohol withdrawal or extremely low blood sugar.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary widely, ranging from brief lapses of attention or muscle jerks to severe and prolonged convulsions. Seizures can be focal, affecting one part of the brain, or generalized, involving both sides of the brain. Symptoms depend on the type of seizure and the area of the brain involved.
Causes
Epilepsy can result from genetic factors, brain trauma, stroke, infections, and brain tumors. However, in about half of cases, the cause remains unknown. Identifying a specific cause can help guide treatment and management.
Treatment
Treatment for epilepsy primarily involves anti-seizure medications tailored to the type of seizures an individual has. Some people achieve control over their seizures with medication, while others may require a combination of medications. In cases where drugs are ineffective, other options include surgery, nerve stimulation therapies, and dietary changes like the ketogenic diet. Management focuses on reducing seizure frequency and severity while minimizing side effects.
Essential Tremor
Description
Essential tremor is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary, rhythmic shaking, most commonly affecting the hands. It is one of the most common movement disorders and can also involve the head, voice, and legs. The tremor may be mild and not progress much over time, or it can become more pronounced, potentially interfering with daily activities.
Symptoms
The primary symptom is the tremor itself, which typically worsens with movement and decreases with rest. Essential tremor can affect one or both sides of the body and often becomes more noticeable during activities like writing, drinking, or eating. Stress, fatigue, and caffeine can exacerbate the tremors.
Causes
The exact cause of essential tremor is unknown, but it has a genetic component in about half of the cases, suggesting a familial tendency. It is often mistakenly attributed to aging or Parkinson’s disease, with which it shares some symptoms.
Treatment
While there is no cure for essential tremor, treatments are available to manage symptoms. Medications, such as beta-blockers and anti-seizure drugs, can reduce the severity of the tremors. In more severe cases, surgical options like deep brain stimulation (DBS) or focused ultrasound may be considered. Lifestyle modifications and adaptive devices can also help manage the impact on daily activities.
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MBBS ( IIUM), Ms Neurosurgery (USM), Spine Fellowship (AO-KOSC Mal), Clinical Training in Skull Base & Vascular Neurosurgery (USA)
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