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Multiple Sclerosis is a disease of the brain and spinal cord. It has been described in its diversity of clinical expressions for centuries, and we have a great deal of knowledge about its symptoms and signs, as well as its demographics and statistics. However, we do not have a comprehensive understanding of its cause or the precise mechanism of its destructive power.
The symptoms accompanying multiple sclerosis can be significantly different from patient to patient, and also change as the disease progresses. This is because the location of the affected nerve fibers dictates the disease’s expression. If you are experiencing any confusing symptoms that match one or more of those listed below, please request an appointment to meet with Dr. Itkin.
After a stroke or any other permanent injury to the brain or spinal cord (e.g. spinal trauma, multiple sclerosis, etc.), spasticity can develop in arms or legs. This can cause pain, joint deformity and contractures. Traditionally, we use medicines to reduce spasticity, but those can cause fatigue and generalized weakness. Botulinum Toxin injections can be an effective treatment option which avoids the fatigue that accompanies many other spasticity medications. Our Palos Heights neurologic Botox clinic provides expert, effective spasticity treatment.
Spasticity occurs when there is an increase in muscle stiffness and muscle movement patterns. This leads to muscles contracting simultaneously. Spasticity most often occurs in the legs, but can also affect the arms. This may lead to issues with movement, speech or daily comfort.
Spasticity is typically caused when nerve pathways become damaged. These nerves are then unable to properly regulate muscle movement. Spasticity may be connected to any of the following conditions:
Symptoms may include any of the following:
The degree of spasticity varies significantly from person to person. One may experience mild muscle stiffness, with another experiencing severe, prolonged muscle spasms they cannot control. Working with a neurologist will allow you to learn more about your spasticity, and the appropriate treatment option. Spasticity often impacts daily life and comfort.
Dystonia is an involuntary muscle contraction that can twist the muscle and can be very painful.
Some dystonias can involve the whole body and represent a familial and progressive disease. These so-called generalized dystonias require extensive diagnostic and genetic testing, and can be difficult to control. Fortunately, they are very rare.
Most patients suffer with focal or segmental dystonias, which involve a particular muscle or group of muscles in one segment of the body. In theory, any body part can be involved, but in practice, some segments of the body are affected more than others. Common dystonias are detailed below.
Headaches are common and are usually benign, but can be very disruptive for some patients.
Headache management begins with thorough neurologic evaluation of a cause. Although most of the time we find no cause, it is initially imperative to make sure that this is so. Over 25 years of practice, Dr. Itkin has learned that though it may be rare, a patient’s headache can be a manifestation of a serious condition. Our Palos Heights clinic specializes in headache and migraine management.
Fortunately, most headaches are not life-threatening, but can disrupt the quality of life. While not all headaches can be prevented, medical treatment can help you manage the symptoms.
Neurologists evaluate, diagnose and treat conditions related to the brain, spine and other components of the nervous system. Dr. Arthur Itkin has decades of experience with complex neurological disorders and will assist you in finding the treatment plan that suits your personal needs.
More broadly, general neurology involves the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders, infections of the nervous system, neurodegenerative disorders, and difficulties related to coordination, muscle contraction, dizziness, and other changes in sensation or difficulty carrying out daily activities. Your physician may refer you to a neurologist if they suspect one of these conditions is causing your symptoms.
Multiple Sclerosis is a disease of the brain and spinal cord. It has been described in its diversity of clinical expressions for centuries, and we have a great deal of knowledge about its symptoms and signs, as well as its demographics and statistics. However, we do not have a comprehensive understanding of its cause or the precise mechanism of its destructive power.
Over the past several decades, scientists developed animal models and genetic footprints to learn that the disease is neuroimmunologic. This means that a particular patient, with a particular genetic predisposition and exposure to specific environmental elements (e.g., viruses), develops a cascade of immunologic events leading to MS symptoms. Multiple genetic and environmental cues cause variable clinical expressions of the disease and its prognosis. Our Palos Heights clinic specializes in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, and provides some of the best MS care available in the area.
Long before Botox became a household name for cosmetic use, and later for chronic migraine treatment, neurologic specialists successfully used botulinum toxins for various neurologic conditions.
Dr. Itkin was one of the clinical pioneers in therapeutic evolution of non-cosmetic Botox use and other therapeutic toxins. In 1993, Dr. Itkin started injecting botulinum toxin for obscure neurologic conditions, and the use has evolved to treat very common neurologic problems. Over decades, Dr. Itkin developed world-class clinical expertise in all forms of neurologic Botox injections. He participated in clinical trials and served as a major injection training center for physicians to learn all aspects of the art of botulinum injection for neurologic conditions.
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