Latest news with #NINDS
Yahoo
10-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Signs Of MS Can Appear 15 Years Before Diagnosis, Says Study—And Many Women Miss These Early Clues
It's easy to assume that you'd know when you're dealing with a disease as serious as multiple sclerosis. But it can take years for people with MS to get a proper diagnosis. Now, new research suggests that subtle symptoms of the disease may show up even 15 years before someone gets diagnosed with MS. In case you're not familiar with it, MS (multiple sclerosis) is a chronic condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers. People can experience a range of symptoms with MS, including vision problems, muscle weakness, tingling in the arms and legs, and muscle spasms, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Some people with MS will eventually develop partial or complete paralysis, per NINDS. The findings of the new JAMA Network Open study are shocking, and raise a lot of questions about how people can tell if their symptoms are due to something minor or a condition as serious as MS. Here's what neurologists want you to know. Meet the experts: Clifford Segil, DO, is a neurologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA; Amit Sachdev, MD, MS, is the medical director in the Department of Neurology at Michigan State University. What did the study find? For the study, researchers analyzed the health records of about 2,000 people in British Columbia. They discovered that people who were eventually diagnosed with MS started interacting with the healthcare system more frequently 15 years before they first had symptoms that were later identified as being due to MS. Every person's health journey was different, but the researchers were able to pick up general trends. People who were eventually diagnosed with MS started seeing general practitioners more frequently 15 years before they were diagnosed for symptoms like fatigue, pain, dizziness, and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. In the 12 years before their diagnosis, the patients saw a psychiatrist more often. Eight to nine years before a diagnosis, they had more frequent visits to neurologists and eye doctors, which may have been linked to blurry vision or eye pain. Three to five years before they were diagnosed, they visited the ER and had radiology visits more often. A year before their diagnosis, the patients saw physicians more often across a range of specialties, including neurology, emergency medicine, and radiology. This suggests 'that MS may have started earlier than previously thought,' the researchers wrote in the conclusion. Why might MS be so hard to detect this early? MS can look slightly different for everyone, and there is a wide range of symptoms, points out Amit Sachdev, MD, MS, medical director in the Department of Neurology at Michigan State University. MS is an autoimmune disease, and it can cause inflammation throughout the body, he explains. 'With excess inflammation, the body may feel generally dysfunctional,' Sachdev says. Meaning, you can feel lousy overall or in a lot of areas, making it hard for doctors (and you) to pin down what could be behind this. People with MS can also struggle with fatigue, which can be a tough symptom to tie to any one condition, Sachdev says. Symptoms like pain, mood changes, and fatigue tend to be linked more to an MS diagnosis after it's made, because they can be due to a range of health conditions, says Clifford Segil, DO, a neurologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. He says he tends to discover these symptoms when he looks back at patient's health history after an MS diagnosis. What should you do if you're having these symptoms? Doctors say it's a stretch to suggest that you should assume you have MS if you're only dealing with fatigue or mood changes. But Sachdev says you also shouldn't brush off symptoms that just don't quit. 'Health is deeply personal. To manage it, you need to begin with a provider that connects with you,' he says. 'Ideally, you would begin with a single observation or concern that is bothersome. Focusing on this issue with that provider is the place to start.' But Segil stresses the importance of seeing a specialist if you're dealing with several symptoms you really can't explain. 'Whenever you have a constellation of symptoms which are without a clear medical diagnosis, seeing a neurologist may be wise,' he says. They can help take a careful assessment of your health history, along with ordering testing, to see what could be going on. You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
23-07-2025
- Health
What to know about Parkinson's disease following Ozzy Osbourne's death
Ozzy Osbourne, lead singer of the legendary heavy metal rock band Black Sabbath, died this week at age 76. Although Osbourne's cause of death hasn't yet been publicly released, he revealed in an exclusive interview with " Good Morning America" in 2020 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in February of the previous year. "There's so many different types of Parkinson's. It's not a death sentence by any stretch of the imagination but it does affect certain nerves in your body," Osbourne's wife, Sharon, said during the interview. "And it's like you have a good day, a good day, and then a really bad day." Here's what you need to know about Parkinson's, including what are the symptoms, how it's diagnosed and what treatments are available. What is Parkinson's disease? Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the weakening of nerve cells, which become damaged and die, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). The most significant loss of neurons occurs in an area near the base of the brain called the substantia nigra, NINDS said. The neurons in the substantia nigra produce dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in controlling movement. "As we grow older, all of us lose dopamine but the people who develop Parkinson's disease lose it faster," Dr. Osama Abu-Hadid, a neurologist specializing in movement disorders at New Jersey's Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute at Hackensack University Medical Center, told ABC News. Parkinson's affects more than 1.1 million people in the U.S., according to the Parkinson's Foundation. That figure is expected to reach 1.2 million by 2030. "Generally, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease have been on the increase because people are living longer," Abu-Hadid said. There currently are no specific tests to diagnose Parkinson's disease. The diagnosis is clinical based on a physician's review of a patient's medical history and by performing a physical examination. What are the symptoms of Parkinson's disease? Progression of Parkinson's disease symptoms typically occurs slowly over several years and can vary from person to person, according to the Parkinson's Foundation. Typically, symptoms begin on one side of the body. While Parkinson's will eventually affect both sides of the body, one side will generally exhibit more severe symptoms than the other, according to NINDS. Symptoms of Parkinson's can include tremors, muscle stiffness, slowing of spontaneous movement, and problems with gait and balance. Patients may also experience difficulty chewing and swallowing or changes in speech. Some patients can also develop non-motor symptoms, including constipation, hallucinations, depression, loss of smell and sleep problems, Abu-Hadid said. What Parkinson's disease treatments are available? Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson's, but physical therapy can help slow progression of the disease and a healthy diet can promote overall well-being, according to Abu-Hadid. However, there are medications that may improve some Parkinson's symptoms. These include drugs that increase the level of dopamine in the brain, drugs that interact with other neurotransmitters to help ease some symptoms, and medications that can help control the non-motor symptoms, according to NINDS. If medications aren't working, "procedural options include deep brain stimulation, which is an electrode, or electrodes, that are placed in the brain by a neurosurgeon, and then a physician like myself programs the electrodes to give electricity in a certain way," Abu-Hadid said. The electrodes can stimulate the brain and help block signals that cause the motor symptoms of Parkinson's, according to NINDS.
Mint
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
‘Sikandar' star Salman Khan battling 3 severe health conditions — What is brain aneurysm, AVM and trigeminal neuralgia?
'Sikandar' star Salman Khan revealed that he was diagnosed brain aneurysm, AV malformation and trigeminal neuralgia on The Great Indian Kapil Show on Saturday, June 21. Appearing as the new season's first guest, the Bollywood superstar made this big disclosure of this concerning health conditions casually while in the first episode of the most-awaited comedy show. The 59-year-old legendary actor said, 'Hum ye jo daily ki haddiyan tudwa rahe hain, pasliyan toot gai, trigeminal neuralgia ke sath kaam kar rahe hain, aneurysm hai brain mein uske bawajood kaam kar rahe hain. AV malformation hai, uske bawajood chal rahe hain (I'm out here breaking my bones every day — ribs are fractured, I'm working despite having trigeminal neuralgia, there's an aneurysm in the brain, yet I'm still working. There's also an AV malformation, and still, I'm carrying on)." Casually referring to the neurological disorders and struggles he's living with he said that he doesn't have the strength anymore to start from scratch, in case the 'wife' decides to leave and take 'half his money.' He made this statement when was asked about getting married by host Kapil Sharma. Salman Khan confirmed that he is suffering from 3 health conditions, namely brain aneurysm, AV malformation and trigeminal neuralgia. According to US' National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), cerebral aneurysm or brain aneurysm is a weak spot on an artery in the brain that balloons and fills with blood. This is a life-threatening condition as it shows symptoms only when it ruptures, causing haemorrhagic stroke. NINDS describes arteriovenous malformation (AVM) as an abnormal tangle of blood vessels that causes problems with the connections between arteries and veins. This health condition can cause bleeding, seizures, headaches, or neurological issues. Another major health issue the actor suffers from is trigeminal neuralgia (TN) which is also known as tic douloureux. This health condition is a type of chronic pain disorder that involves sudden attacks of severe facial pain. Often described as electric shock, it affects the trigeminal nerve, which helps in transmitting sensations from the face to the brain.
Miami Herald
16-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Adolore BioTherapeutics Announces Publication Demonstrating Biosafety and Efficacy of Kv7 Activating rdHSV-CA8* Analgesic Gene Therapy for Chronic Pain via the Intra-Articular Route in Mice
Findings highlight the advantages of Adolore's approach for the delivery of proprietary gene therapy directly to specialized pain-sensing peripheral nerves (nociceptors) that mediates profound analgesia with the potential to address the great unmet need for non-opioid chronic pain therapies Data further supports the clinical-translational value of Adolore's proprietary non-opioid analgesics for treating chronic non-cancer pain These data support the Company's continuing efforts to progress with IND-enabling studies of ADB-102 gene therapy for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) chronic knee pain. DELRAY BEACH, FL / ACCESS Newswire / June 15, 2025 / Adolore BioTherapeutics ("Adolore" or the "Company"), a biotechnology company focused on developing breakthrough opioid-free gene therapy treatments for chronic pain and neurological disorders, today announced the publication of its manuscript titled, "Biosafety and Efficacy of Kv7 Activating rdHSV-CA8* Analgesic Gene Therapy for Chronic Pain Via the Intra-Articular Route in Mice1," in the peer-reviewed journal, Molecular Therapy. Roy Clifford Levitt, MD, Clinical Professor at the University of Miami, Principal Investigator and Program Director of the NIH, NINDS, HEAL Award supporting ADB-102 development for the treatment of chronic knee pain due to OA, and Founder & Executive Chairman of Adolore BioTherapeutics, published biosafety and efficacy data from preclinical studies of Adolore's gene therapy expressing a human carbonic anhydrase-8 variant peptide (CA8*). In model systems, replication-defective, disease-free, herpes simplex virus (rdHSV) gene therapy expressing an analgesic carbonic anhydrase-8 (CA8*) peptide variant corrects somatosensory hyperexcitability by activating Kv7 voltage-gated potassium channels, produces profound, long-lasting analgesia and treats chronic pain from knee OA. In these studies, we provide the first non-Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) biosafety, efficacy, biodistribution, shedding, and histopathology examination of this rdHSV-CA8* via the intra-articular knee route of administration. Naive mice were examined for clinical safety, distribution of virus across all major tissues, knee histopathology, and analgesic efficacy. We observed no signs of persistent toxicity or histopathology, viral genomes remained where they were injected, and there was no evidence of shedding. Profound analgesia persisted for >6 months without functional impairments. These initial biosafety and efficacy data support further development of rdHSV-CA8* for treating chronic knee pain due to moderate-to-severe OA. Dr. Levitt, commented, "Kv7 voltage-gated potassium channel activators, like rdHSV-CA8* open these channels and hyperpolarize nociceptors making them less excitable to produce profound analgesia. Kv7 activators are well-known to produce potent non-opioid-based analgesia in many human chronic pain conditions. While Kv7 openers are no longer available due to off-target adverse events related to systemic administration, they have been successfully translated from animal models to human chronic pain conditions. Bolstered by our substantial body of published data, we continue to develop our innovative approach to address the significant serious unmet need for safe and effective locally acting pain therapies to replace opioids. Our preclinical data strongly support continued preclinical development toward an IND and clinical studies of ADB-102." The Company's lead development program for the treatment of chronic pain in knee osteoarthritis is fully funded by a UG3/UH3 grant awarded to the University of Miami by NIH/NINDS HEAL program to support all formal pre-clinical GLP/GMP/GCP development work through a first-in-human study of ADLR-1l01 in patients expected to commence in 2026. 1 Levitt et al., Biosafety and efficacy of Kv7 activating rdHSV-CA8* analgesic gene therapy for chronic pain via the intraarticular route in mice, Molecular Therapy (2025), About Carbonic Anhydrase-8 (CA8*) Gene Therapy CA8* (variants of naturally occurring human carbonic anhydrase-8 analgesic peptides) gene therapies are a novel class of neuronal calcium channel inhibitors that activate Kv7 voltage-gated potassium channels and are administered locally and long-acting. Oral small molecule pain therapeutics that activate Kv7 voltage-gated potassium channels demonstrated proven analgesic efficacy before they were removed from the market due to severe adverse events related to systemic exposure and their metabolism. CA8* gene therapy provides versatile dosing regimens and routes of administration, including intra-articular, intra-neuronal (nerve block), and intradermal injection. This non-opioid CA8* mechanism-of-action addresses neuropathic, inflammatory, and nociceptive pain, which applies to a broad range of chronic pain indications and neurological disorders. These conditions include osteoarthritis, lower back, and cancer pain; diabetes and other forms of peripheral neuropathy; as well as rare pain conditions such as erythromelalgia, a heritable chronic pain condition and epilepsy and hearing loss. About Adolore BioTherapeutics, Inc. Adolore BioTherapeutics, Inc., is a biotechnology company focused on developing novel therapies for treating chronic pain using a revolutionary intra-cellular replication-defective HSV (rdHSV) drug delivery platform that is disease-free, non-toxic, and permits localized peripheral nervous system delivery of proprietary biotherapeutics. This rdHSV gene therapy technology incorporates an established re-dosing strategy and an excellent safety profile. HSV vectors are known for their stability and prolonged gene expression, providing an excellent basis for the long- term treatment of chronic pain conditions and neurological disorders. Our best-in-class CA8* programs are long-acting, locally administered gene therapies that are opioid-free Disease-Modifying Anti-Pain therapies (DMAPs) designed to treat many forms of chronic pain, epilepsy and hearing loss. Leveraging its innovative gene therapy vectors expressing CA8* analgesic peptides (ADLR-1001), Adolore is currently advancing two preclinical development programs: ADB-101 for the treatment of patients' chronic pain caused by erythromelalgia, an orphan disease, and ADB-102, their lead program for the treatment of patients with chronic pain caused by knee OA. Based on substantial compelling preclinical data generated to date, the Company is progressing these programs toward IND filings and first-in-human clinical studies. Adolore has two additional programs: ADB-104 for Drug-Resistant Refractory Focal Epilepsy and ADB-105 for Acute Severe Hearing Loss. For more information, visit Forward-Looking Statements To the extent, this announcement contains information and statements that are not historical, they are considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "project," "will," "should," "may," "plan," "intend," "assume" and other expressions which predict or indicate future events and trends and which do not relate to historical matters. You should not rely on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Company. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to those associated with drug development. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from the anticipated future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward- looking statements. Investor Relations Contact Paul Barone (215)622-4542pbarone@ SOURCE: Adolore Biotherapeutics, Inc.
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
All you need to know about: Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Music legend Billy Joel made headlines on Saturday (May 24) after announcing the cancellation of several upcoming concerts due to a diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). The news left many fans wondering what exactly this condition is, and why it can be so disruptive. NPH is a rare but potentially treatable neurological condition that mainly affects older adults. It is marked by a slow buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain's ventricles, the fluid-filled spaces that help cushion the brain. Despite the increased volume of fluid, the pressure inside the skull remains normal, hence the name. But the effects can be serious. Problems with walking, memory, and bladder control are common, and the symptoms can easily be mistaken for other age-related disorders like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. Here's what you need to know about NPH, how it develops, how it's diagnosed, and why early treatment can make all the difference. What is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus? NPH is a type of hydrocephalus, a condition where excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up in the brain's ventricles, causing them to enlarge and put pressure on surrounding brain tissue. This fluid normally cushions the brain and spinal cord, but when it doesn't drain or absorb properly, it can lead to brain damage. While NPH typically affects older adults, congenital hydrocephalus is present at birth and is usually caused by genetic factors or developmental disorders and acquired hydrocephalus, on the other hand, develops later in life due to factors like brain injury, infection, tumour, bleeding, or complications from surgery. What are the symptoms of NPH? According to the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), people with NPH typically develop a trio of symptoms that worsen over time. These include trouble walking, memory and thinking difficulties, and problems with bladder control. Walking may become unsteady; patients may shuffle, take short steps, or struggle to turn. Cognitive symptoms often include forgetfulness, slowed thinking, or a lack of attention and interest in daily activities. In some cases, the person may become withdrawn or seem confused. Bladder symptoms, such as frequent urination or incontinence, may also appear and can be mistaken for unrelated issues. The NINDS says the symptoms of NPH can become severe and even life-threatening if left untreated. A 2019 review published in the journal Dementia and Neuropsychologia notes that while both NPH and Alzheimer's disease cause memory problems, the underlying brain changes are different. In NPH, the cognitive decline is mainly due to issues in parts of the brain responsible for processing speed and decision-making, leading to what's called a 'subcortical' type of dementia. Alzheimer's, on the other hand, is marked by damage to the brain's cortex and is often associated with language loss, disorientation, and difficulty recognising familiar objects. What are the types of NPH? There are two known types of NPH. The first is called idiopathic NPH, which means it appears without any known cause. This form primarily affects older adults and is the most commonly diagnosed type. The second type is known as secondary NPH, which can occur after a brain injury, stroke, infection, hemorrhage, or even as a complication following brain surgery. Despite these differences, both types involve the same underlying problem, which is disruption in the brain's ability to circulate and absorb cerebrospinal fluid properly. According to the United States' National Center for Biotechnology Information, both are also considered 'communicating' forms of hydrocephalus, meaning that while CSF can still flow between the ventricles, its absorption into the bloodstream is impaired. According to the NCBI, this imbalance in fluid absorption is central to the development of NPH. Diagnosing NPH is often challenging because its symptoms develop slowly and can easily be mistaken for other neurological disorders. Who can get NPH? Although NPH is more common in older adults, it can occur in people of all ages, particularly in its secondary form. What makes it especially important to identify is that, unlike many other forms of dementia or neurological disease, NPH can often be improved or reversed with treatment. Early intervention offers the best chance of recovery, studies suggest. Without it, symptoms may gradually worsen and significantly reduce a person's quality of life. How is NPH diagnosed? According to the U.K.'s National Health Service (NHS), a proper diagnosis involves a combination of physical and cognitive evaluations along with brain imaging. Doctors often assess how a person walks, their memory and reasoning abilities, and their ability to control their bladder. Brain scans, such as a CT or MRI, are used to detect enlarged ventricles that indicate a buildup of fluid. In some cases, further testing is needed to determine if a person might benefit from surgery. This may involve a lumbar puncture, where a sample of cerebrospinal fluid is drawn from the lower back. If the removal of fluid leads to noticeable improvement in symptoms, surgery may be recommended. Other tests, like lumbar drainage over a few days or a lumbar infusion test, may also help determine how well the body manages CSF and whether intervention will help. How is NPH treated? The main treatment for NPH is the surgical insertion of a shunt — a small tube that drains excess fluid from the brain to another part of the body, usually the abdomen, where it can be safely absorbed. This procedure can relieve pressure on the brain and ease symptoms, especially if done early. However, shunts can sometimes become blocked, infected, or fail, which means that patients may need further surgeries over time. According to NINDS, researchers are currently studying new shunt designs, including smart shunts that can monitor pressure and adjust drainage automatically, potentially reducing the need for repeat surgeries. Studies are also underway to see whether electrostimulation of neck muscles can improve CSF flow and reduce pressure inside the brain.
