Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that is caused by degeneration of nerve cells in the part of the brain called the substantia nigra, which controls movement. These nerve cells die or become impaired, losing the ability to produce an important chemical called dopamine. Studies have shown that symptoms of Parkinson's develop in patients with an 80 percent or greater loss of dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra. The cause of Parkinson's essentially remains unknown. However, theories involving oxidative damage, environmental toxins, genetic factors, and accelerated aging

Neurodegenerative disease is the umbrella term for diseases that lead to the progressive loss of structure or function of neurons, including death of neurons. This includes diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease.

Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain that causes repeated, unpredictable seizures, generally beginning in childhood or early adulthood. This condition can lead to serious complications, including injury to the brain. Epilepsy means the brain has formed abnormal electrical connections that disrupt normal brain function and cause seizures. It can be caused by genetics or an injury, infection or illness to the brain, such as a stroke or brain tumor. Epilepsy can be caused by unknown reasons which occur in around half of cases.

Dementia is a general term for a number of conditions leading to a loss of brain function.

Dementia is a general term for a number of conditions leading to a loss of brain function.

Dementia is a general term for a number of conditions leading to a loss of brain function.

Cognitive disorders are a category of mental health problem that include difficulties with learning, memory, and problem solving. Make an appointment with an SIU HealthCare provider for a diagnosis.

Cognitive disorders are a category of mental health problem that include difficulties with learning, memory, and problem solving. Make an appointment with an SIU HealthCare provider for a diagnosis.

Cerebral edema is swelling of the brain resulting from a build-up of fluid. It can be the result of injury or illness such as cancer, meningitis, or encephalitis.

Brain tumors are cancerous or non-cancerous growths of abnormal cells in the brain. They may either start in the brain or spread to the brain from elsewhere in the body. There are two main types of tumors: Noncancerous (benign): Slow growing tumors that do not spread to other parts of the body. Cancerous (malignant): Faster growing tumors that are more difficult to treat, and usually destroy the surrounding brain tissue. Primary tumors originate in the brain and rarely spread throughout the body. They are named from the cells in which they originated, such as astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas