Optic Neuritis (ON) is an inflammation, with accompanying demyelination, of the Optic Nerve (Cranial Nerve II) serving the retina of the eye. It is a variable condition and can present with any of the following symptoms: blurring of vision, loss of visual acuity, loss of some or all color vision, complete or partial blindness and pain behind the eye.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) consists of a group of distinct disorders that affect the nerves in the brachial plexus (nerves that pass into the arms from the neck) and various nerves and blood vessels between the base of the neck and axilla (armpit). For the most part, these disorders have very little in common except the site of occurrence. The disorders are complex, somewhat confusing, and poorly defined, each with various signs and symptoms of the upper limb. Last updated January 25, 2006

Obstetrics & Gynecology, May 2007

The ESPRIT Study Group; Halkes PH, van Gijn J, Kappelle LJ, Koudstaal PJ, Algra A. Aspirin plus dipyridamole versus aspirin alone after cerebral ischaemia of arterial origin (ESPRIT): randomised controlled trial. Lancet 2006; 367:1665–1673. In this nonblinded study, the combination of aspirin plus dipyridamole was more effective than aspirin alone in preventing death from all vascular causes, nonfatal stroke, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or major bleeding complications. However, patients taking the combination of aspirin and dipyridamole were much more likely to experience headaches sufficient to make them stop taking it.

Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by varying degrees of weakness of the skeletal (voluntary) muscles of the body. The name myasthenia gravis, which is Latin and Greek in origin, literally means "grave muscle weakness." With current therapies, however, most cases of myasthenia gravis are not as "grave" as the name implies. In fact, for the majority of individuals with myasthenia gravis, life expectancy is not lessened by the disorder. Last updated July 14, 2006

The National Fibromyalgia Association (previously known as the National Fibromyalgia Awareness Campaign) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is: To develop and execute programs dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with Fibromyalgia by increasing the awareness of the public, media, government and medical communities.

Sudden visual loss is a common complaint among patients of different ages with variable presentations. Some patients describe it as a gray-black curtain that gradually descends, blurring, fogging, or dimming vision. It usually lasts a few minutes but can persist for hours. The frequency varies from a single episode to many during a day; it may continue for years but more often lasts for seconds to hours. Ischemia is the most common mechanism of acute visual dysfunction and it can affect any aspect of the visual system. Last Updated: November 8, 2005

Postgrad Med J 2000;76:374-375 ( June )

Last full review/revision February 2003

Am Fam Physician 2006;73:244-51, 254. Copyright © 2006 American Academy of Family Physicians. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, acute vestibular neuronitis, and Ménière's disease cause most cases of vertigo; however, family physicians must consider other causes including cerebrovascular disease, migraine, psychological disease, perilymphatic fistulas, multiple sclerosis, and intracranial neoplasms. Once it is determined that a patient has vertigo, the next task is to determine whether the patient has a peripheral or central cause of vertigo. Knowing the typical clinical presentations of the various causes of vertigo aids in making this distinction. The history (i.e., timing and duration of symptoms, provoking factors, associated signs and symptoms) and physical examination (especially of the head and neck and neurologic systems, as well as special tests such as the Dix-Hallpike maneuver) provide important clues to the diagnosis. Associated neurologic signs and symptoms, such as nystagmus that does not lessen when the patient focuses, point to central (and often more serious) causes of vertigo, which require further work-up with selected laboratory and radiologic studies such as magnetic resonance imaging.

VEDA provides information, resources, support, and advocacy. We strive to elevate public awareness about vestibular disorders in order to promote understanding, access to diagnosis and treatment, research, and help for those facing the challenges of living with a vestibular disorder.

Pretty good E-zine

The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds, Vol. 5, No. 2, 76-77 (2006) DOI: 10.1177/1534734606288814 © 2006 SAGE Publications

Last Updated: November 8, 2005. Article by Gino A Farina, MD

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a life-threatening multisystem disorder that is considered a true medical emergency. Moschcowitz first described TTP in 1924 when he noted that his 16 year-old patient had anemia; petechiae; microscopic hematuria; and at autopsy, disseminated microvascular thrombi. Since that time, the pathophysiology, etiology, and medical management of TTP has expanded. This life-threatening condition may have positive outcomes if recognized early and if medical intervention is initiated early. Last Updated: November 30, 2005

Intracranial Hypertension Research Foundation 6517 Buena Vista Drive Vancouver, WA 98661 Phone: (360)693-IHRF (4473) Fax: (360)694-7062 Email: info@IHRFoundation.org

Book describing one group member's battle with a near fatal PE.