Brain zaps are brief, electric shock-like sensations felt in the brain that can occur when decreasing or stopping dosage of certain antidepressants. Though poorly understood, new research is shedding light on this perplexing phenomenon. Key Facts: Brain zaps are a recently acknowledged potential side effect of discontinuing certain antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs. They feel …
Visual snow syndrome (VSS) is a perplexing neurological condition characterized by seeing static-like flickering dots across the entire visual field. While much remains unknown about this rare disorder, research continues to uncover clues about potential causes and treatments. Here are some key facts on the current state of knowledge regarding visual snow: VSS involves seeing …
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a traumatic event like a car accident can be extremely debilitating. New research suggests that virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) may be an effective treatment option. Key Facts VRET is a form of exposure therapy that uses virtual reality to simulate the traumatic experience in a controlled setting. Two case …
A new study published in Brain Sciences has uncovered important epigenetic differences in a group of Mexican children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to neurotypical controls. The research provides new insights into the complex interplay between genes and environment in ASD, with implications for improving diagnosis and treatment. Key facts: Researchers found 853 …
A new brain imaging study reveals deficits in key networks involved in social functioning among individuals with schizophrenia. The findings shed light on the underlying neural mechanisms that may contribute to impaired social skills in this psychiatric disorder. Key Takeaways: Compared to healthy controls, schizophrenia patients showed altered activity in brain regions involved in processing …
Depression is a growing mental health concern, especially among young adults. New AI-powered research offers a rapid, objective screening tool to identify those at high risk using eye tracking technology. This innovative approach could revolutionize early detection and intervention. Key Facts: Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, often starting in young adulthood. Early …
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a growing global health concern, but current drug therapies have shown limited effectiveness for symptom management and disease modification. Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) have emerged as a potential nutritional therapy, but evidence remains inconclusive. Key Facts: MCTs may provide an alternative brain fuel source and reduce AD biomarkers like amyloid-beta. Small …
Headaches are an extremely prevalent health issue, but medications can have side effects or lose effectiveness over time. Primary headaches, which have no identified underlying cause, include migraine, tension-type headache, and cluster headache. These cause significant disability worldwide. While medications are commonly used, non-pharmacological treatments are gaining interest as alternatives or additions to drug regimens. …
Transcranial alternating current stimulation (TACS) is an emerging non-invasive brain stimulation technique that shows promise for enhancing cognition and treating psychiatric conditions like depression and schizophrenia. Recent research indicates TACS may improve symptoms and function by modulating brain oscillations and connectivity. Key facts: TACS delivers alternating electrical current to the brain at specific frequencies, which …
Personality disorders like borderline and avoidant involve differences in brain structure and function that relate to symptoms. New research sheds light on the neurobiology underlying these disorders. Key Facts: Borderline patients showed reduced medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) volume compared to healthy controls. MPFC is involved in cognitive control of emotion. Both borderline and avoidant patients …
