Alpha-2-Delta Ligands

Neuromodulators targeting a specific protein (the alpha-2-delta subunit) found on voltage-gated calcium channels in the nervous system. Their primary mechanism involves "calming" the over-excited signaling of neurons.

Ameliorated

To make something better, or to improve a situation that was previously unsatisfactory, painful, or difficult.

Anatomist

A scientist or medical professional who specializes in the study of anatomy, the branch of biology concerned with the structure and organization of living organisms.

Basal ganglia

The basal ganglia are a group of interconnected structures located deep within the brain's cerebral hemispheres. It is involved in smoothing and regulating movement. The basal ganglia contribute to a wide variety of brain processes including procedural learning and habits, motivation and reward, cognition and emotion.

Benzodiazepines

Primarily target the inhibitory side of your brain's chemical balance. There is widespread central nervous system depression, which produces sedative, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant effects.

Calcium channels

Are the critical "gatekeepers" that allow chemical signals to be sent. If the presynaptic neuron is the "factory" and the neurotransmitter is the "product," calcium channels are the mechanical triggers that release the product into the synapse.

Chromosomes

A thread-like structure located inside the nucleus of plant and animal cells. Each chromosome is made of protein and a single molecule of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Chromosomes are the "instruction manuals" for an organism. They carry the genetic information—genes—that determines physical traits, such as eye color, height, and blood type.

Circadian

A 24-hour intrinsic rhythm. Governed by the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus in the brain.

Concordance

Refers to the probability that both individuals in a pair (like identical twins) will have the same trait or develop the same condition.

Diencephalospinal Pathway

Represents the critical descending bridge that carries the "decisions" made by the limbic system and the basal ganglia down to the spinal cord.

Dopamine

a neurotransmitter vital for the smooth, coordinated movement of your muscles. (also has other functions)

Dopaminergic agonist

A medication that stimulates dopamine and dopamine receptors.

Downregulation

Is the process by which a cell decreases the number or sensitivity of its receptors. It is essentially the cell’s way of "turning down the volume" when it is being overstimulated.

Dysesthesia

Is an abnormal, unpleasant sensation resulting from damage to the sensory pathways.

Endogenous

Refers to something that originates from within an organism, a tissue, or a cell.

Erythropoietin

Erythropoietin is a vital glycoprotein hormone produced primarily by the kidneys. It is the primary signal for the bone marrow to produce red blood cells (erythropoiesis).

Ferritin

S specialized protein that serves as the primary storage vessel for iron in your body. It acts as a biological "safe," holding iron in a non-toxic, usable form and releasing it into the bloodstream only when the body needs it.

Gabapentin

A medication in the class of Alpha-2-Delta Ligands.

Glutamate

The most abundant neurotransmitter in the human brain essential for nearly all brain functions, including memory, learning, and the processing of sensory information. Glutamate is excitatory. Its primary job is to increase the likelihood that a receiving neuron will fire.

Hemisphere

Half of the brain

Idiopathic

No known cause.

Ischemia

Refers to a restriction in blood supply to tissues, causing a shortage of oxygen and glucose that are vital for cellular function.

Limbic system

Represents the motivational and emotional "upstream" command center. The limbic system manages the decision to move. It sits as an integrative filter between your internal state and the motor output.

Micro-arousals

A very brief awakening from sleep disrupting sleep.

Monozygotic

Is the scientific term used to describe identical twins. Monozygotic means coming from a single egg (zygote).

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Causes the immune system to attack the protective coating of nerves (Myelin) in the central nervous system.

Myelopathy

Refers to any pathological condition or injury affecting the spinal cord. Myelopathy represents a disruption in the "highways" that carry signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

Neurological

Relates to the nervous system, which is the body's control center. It includes the brain, spinal cord, and the complex network of nerves that run throughout the entire body.

Neuropathy

Describes a disorder or damage to the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord.

Neurotransmitter

A chemical messenger that your nervous system uses to communicate information between neurons (nerve cells) and from neurons to muscles or glands.

Opioids

Act on the body’s endogenous opioid system to alter the perception of pain.

Parkinson's

A progressive neurological movement disorder that primarily affects the brain’s ability to control body movement. It is categorized as a neurodegenerative disorder, meaning it involves the gradual loss of specific nerve cells in the brain.

Periodic Limb Movement Syndrome (PLMS)

Involuntary leg twitching or kicking during sleep occurring every 15 to 40 seconds.

Peripheral neuropathy

Is a condition whereby there is damage to the nerves in the hands and / or feet felt as numbness or tingling in the extremities.

Polygenic

A collection of genetic risks that add up.

Polysomnography

A sleep study with many different electrodes placed on the patient.

Pregabalin (Lyrica)

A medication in the class of Alpha-2-Delta Ligands.

Presynaptic

Refers to the neuron (nerve cell) that is sending the signal. It is the structure located before the synapse (the tiny gap between neurons where communication happens).

Prevalence

How common something is.

Prevalence

How frequently a disorder occurs.

Receptors

Are the specialized proteins that act as the "receivers" for chemical signals.

Ropinirole (Requip)

A dopamine agonist

Rotigotine (Neupro)

A dopamine agonist

Sensorimotor

It describes the brain's ability to take in information from your senses (like sight, touch, and proprioception) and immediately translate that into smooth, coordinated movement.

Serotonin

Acts like a general "modulator" of neural activity, mood, and sleep. Serotonin is widespread. It influences the excitability of many neurons across the brain and spinal cord. While it doesn't "gate" movement the way dopamine does, it modulates the threshold at which neurons fire.

Sifrol (Pramipexole)

A dopamine agonist

Sleep hygiene

The habits, practices, and environmental factors controlling the quality and duration of sleep. Essentially, it is about optimizing the daily routine to help your brain and body wind down effectively at night. Regular sleep and wake times, getting adequate sleep amount, having quiet calm sleeping environment are several factors that lead to good sleep hygiene.

Sleep maintenance

The ability to stay asleep throughout the night after you have initially fallen asleep.

Sleep onset

How long it takes to get to sleep.

Somnolence

Being sleepy.

Spinal stenosis

Is the narrowing of the spinal canal which often leads to the myelopathy. When the canal narrows, it puts pressure on the spinal cord or the nerve roots exiting it.

Spondylotic myelopathy

While spinal stenosis is the narrowing itself, spondylosis refers to the degenerative changes—such as bone spurs (osteophytes), disc herniations, and ligament thickening—that cause that narrowing.

Substantia nigra

One of the most important components of the basal ganglia circuit. The substantia nigra is primarily responsible for the production of dopamine. It communicates specifically with the striatum (the input center of the basal ganglia) to facilitate smooth, coordinated movement.

Thyroid

The thyroid is a small endocrine gland located at the base of the neck. It is a master regulator of the body's metabolism and energy.

Uremic

Refers to the accumulation of urea and other nitrogenous waste products in the blood that are normally excreted by the kidneys.

Venous insufficiency

Is a medical condition where the valves in your leg veins are damaged or do not function properly, making it difficult for blood to flow efficiently back to the heart.

Willis-Ekbom Disease

Another name for the Restless Leg Syndrome.