Q and A: about health and research

Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are rare but life-threatening diseases that affect the skin and mucous membranes. They are usually caused by medications, especially antibiotics, antiepileptic drugs, and pain relievers, although infections can also trigger them. SJS involves less than 10% skin detachment, TEN involves more than 30%, and intermediate cases are called SJS/TEN overlap. A person with SJS often encounters primary care providers who have limited understanding of this life-threatening illness and may prescribe inappropriate medications.   The disease develops through a severe immune reaction in which cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells attack keratinocytes, leading to widespread skin cell death. Several pathways are involved, including granzyme, Fas/FasL, perforin, and inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IFN-γ. Genetic susceptibility also plays an important role, as certain HLA alleles are linked to higher risk in spe...

  1. Background and Rationale The cortical homunculus represents the somatotopic organization of the human body within the primary motor and sensory cortices. This organization reflects the unequal distribution of neural resources, with highly sensitive or finely controlled body regions (e.g., hands, lips, face) occupying disproportionately large cortical areas. Originally described by Wilder Penfield and Edwin Boldrey , this model remains central to understanding how the brain processes sensory input and motor output. ME/CFS and post-COVID conditions frequently involve neurological symptoms such as localized pain, hypersensitivity (hyperalgesia or allodynia), and muscle weakness. While current research focuses on neuroinflammation and autonomic dysfunction, the potential role of somatotopic cortical disruption—particularly involving pain sensitivity—remains insufficiently explored. Given the close functional relationship between the sensory homunculus and the supplementary mot...

Happiness is typically viewed as one of the most desirable human experiences—something we strive for, cultivate, and protect. But an important and less commonly discussed question is this: In psychiatry, the answer is yes—but not in the way we usually think of happiness. What appears on the surface as extreme joy is often something more complex and potentially dangerous: mania , a core feature of bipolar disorder . Possible Causes of Mania and Bipolar Disorder The exact cause of mania is not fully understood, but current neuroscience suggests it arises from a combination of biological, genetic, and environmental factors . One major contributor is dopamine system dysregulation , in which brain circuits involved in reward, motivation, and anticipation become overactive, particularly along pathways connecting the ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens, and prefrontal cortex.  Genetic predisposition also plays a significant role, with bipolar disorder often running in families....