can collagen cause seizures
keep a journal of . Accessed Nov. 3, 2022. There are some myths about epilepsy we can dismiss. Potential causes include central nervous system infections, brain tumors, stroke, and brain injuries. https://www.cdc.gov/features/getseizuresmart/index.html. Aura also might be a taste or a smell. A first-time seizure in adulthood may be related to the use of certain substances or withdrawal from them. Collagen is made up of strong and stable fibers that work like glue to hold things in your body together and strengthen them. This interrupts blood flow to the brain, which injures the tissue. What is it? Symptoms. The nerve damage may also result in clumsiness, balance problems and difficulty walking (26). Read on to learn what causes seizures in adults for the first time. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Though we don't always know why people suffer from epilepsy, ongoing research continues to build our knowledge and improve treatment options. Having two or more seizures at least 24 hours apart that don't have a known cause is considered to be epilepsy. A seizure is caused by an abnormal change in the brains electrical activity. This sun damage can be seen in skin biopsies, but it is also common to witness the damage in sagging skin and wrinkles. This may include meningitis or encephalitis. MeSH Epilepsy & Behavior. Accessed Nov. 7, 2022. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2019; doi:10.1212/CON.0000000000000707. Neurology. Collagen also creates elasticity that allows us to move, bend and stretch. She added, "Heart health improvements can be seen with 5 grams per day for 6 months, and muscle gains may require 15 grams per day for 12 weeks.". Opioids are medications used to treat pain. A new, active brain injury, such as head trauma. Neuroimaging in the evaluation of seizures and epilepsy. Review/update the Vitamin B complex includes B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12. 2022; doi:10.3390/children9091372. A high fever. Car accidents. These cases were most commonly found in pregnancy, alcoholism, medication interactions or liver disease (6, 28). Accessed Jan. 27, 2023. 2021. Its characterized by seizures that develop in the presence of musical triggers. You can buy either form of B6 as a supplement, but pyridoxine HCl is more common and generally costs less than PLP. Collagen peptides serve as the building blocks to naturally produce collagen or other proteins needed by the body. Depending on which parts of the digestive system are affected, signs and symptoms may include: When scleroderma affects the heart or lungs, it can cause shortness of breath, decreased exercise tolerance and dizziness. Frequently asked questions about epilepsy. Other nutrients, like vitamin C, zinc and copper, also play a part. You won't notice any immediate side effects when you stop taking collagen, but you might lose out on the benefits in the long run. Localized scleroderma, also known as morphea, affects only the skin. Epilepsia. Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Financial Assistance Documents Minnesota, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition, Infographic: Adult Epilepsy: Pinpointing Seizures, Infographic: Electrical Brain Stimulation for Epilepsy, Infographic: Pediatric Epilepsy Early Intervention, Mayo Clinic Minute: Demystifying epilepsy. Systematic review and patient-level meta-analysis of radiofrequency ablation for medically refractory epilepsy: Implications for clinical practice and research. Wilfong A. Scleroderma (Systemic sclerosis). All rights reserved. Epilepsy Foundation. This is different than seizures that appear in childhood, which are usually due to idiopathic epilepsy, or related to an unknown cause. All rights reserved. Accessed June 3, 2021. In addition, its often added to fortified foods like breakfast cereals and nutrition bars. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2022. What Are the Side Effects of Collagen Supplements? - Livestrong Seizure prognosis in brain tumors: New insights and evidence-based. The site is secure. April 21, 2022. Genetic causes of epilepsy. Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine. If you suspect that your supplemental collagen can cause headaches or migraines, then exploring why you have this reaction and how to prevent it will be the first place to start. reduce alcohol consumption. To see the most benefit, it's best to take collagen every day. Evaluation and management of the first seizure in adults. Heart failure may also occur in some people. But a melatonin overdose can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle and actually make it harder for you to, Seizures are changes in your brains electrical activity. Each time you have a seizure, write down the time, the type and how long it lasted, making note of anything out of the ordinary, like missed medication, sleep deprivation, increased stress, menstruation, or anything else that could trigger it. Surgeons implant thin wires called electrodes within certain areas of the brain to produce electrical impulses. Early symptoms may include swelling and itchiness. Anything that disrupts the communication pathways can lead to a seizure. eat a healthy diet. JAMA Neurology. Because there's no Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for collagen established by the Institute of Medicine, it's impossible to say how much is too much collagen. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Van Gompel JJ (expert opinion). After graduating, Chidimma plans to take a gap year to play professional tennis and, after, attend medical school and pursue a career working as a doctor. Extravascular collagen in the human epileptic brain: a potential This is called pulmonary hypertension. Epilepsy Foundation. Rigau V, Morin M, Rousset MC, de Bock F, Lebrun A, Coubes P, Picot MC, Baldy-Moulinier M, Bockaert J, Crespel A, Lerner-Natoli M. Brain. Jankovic J, et al., eds. Most people get enough B6 in their diet, but if you are deficient in other B complex vitamins, such as folate and B12, youre more likely to be deficient in vitamin B6 as well (1). privacy practices. 2011; doi:10.4065/mcp.2011.0045. It can cause bleeding in an area of the brain or a new stroke. In fact, it's the most abundant protein in your body. Dissecting the genetic basis of comorbid epilepsy phenotypes in neurodevelopmental disorders. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. https://www.naec-epilepsy.org/about-epilepsy-centers/find-an-epilepsy-center/. External trigeminal nerve stimulation. Continuum. To avoid deficiency, you need to consume it on a regular basis. Most seizure disorders can be controlled with medicine. The .gov means its official. Genome Medicine. Other Problems With Anti-Seizure Drugs First of all, epilepsy is common. In: Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. A seizure is an abnormal surge of electrical activity in your brain. Here are some of the top foods that naturally supply B6, as well as common serving sizes (35): Notably, the forms of B6 in animal sources and fortified foods and supplements are generally better absorbed than the form found in plant foods. Mayo Clinic; 2022. Some people who have scleroderma may also have problems absorbing nutrients due to overgrowth of bacteria in the intestine. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Collagen: Benefits, Side Effects, and More - Healthline Duloxetine is also used to treat fibromyalgia (muscle pain and stiffness) and chronic (long-lasting) pain that is related to muscles and bones. Annals of Neurology. include protected health information. The cause is unknown, but some research shows it may occur due to heart or respiratory conditions. Accessed Jan. 25, 2023. The person isn't breathing after the seizure stops. Raynaud's phenomenon also can occur in people who don't have scleroderma. Nerve problems from B6 deficiency are reversible with adequate B6 intake. If your cells dont get enough oxygen as a result of too little hemoglobin, its called anemia. 2019; doi:10.1186/s13073-019-0678-y. A seizure that lasts longer than five minutes is a medical emergency. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. The role of cortical deposition of collagen in posttraumatic epilepsy was proposed almost a century ago by Penfield (1927). Seizures can happen after a stroke or a head injury. 2017; doi:10.1007/s10143-016-0725-8. A new, active brain injury, such as head trauma. Learn more about seizure after stroke here. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). A randomized clinical trial of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with refractory epilepsy. Its known for its oily, flaky appearance and may cause swelling or white patches (9). Deep brain stimulation: Current and future clinical applications. But it can take up to 4 months before it accumulates enough to take effect. Methotrexate (Trexall) is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and some cancers. Find out whats causing frothy saliva and how to, Melatonin can be a successful natural sleep aid. Some oral collagen supplements can leave a bad taste in the mouth, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). Collagen aids in healing and repairing damaged bones and cartilage. Accessed Jan. 27, 2023. Possible causes of adult-onset seizures include: Severe central nervous system (CNS) infections caused by bacteria, parasites, or viruses can trigger seizures. This means that it may play a role in helping prevent chronic conditions like heart disease and cancer (5, 7, 8). Ferri FF. 2022; doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108951. Karceski S. Initial treatment of epilepsy in adults. Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). Epub 2009 Nov 24. 2017; doi:10.1111/epi.13670. The authors report the first localization of collagen outside of the vasculature and meninges in the brains of patients with TLE. Careers. It can also cause bouts of cramps, bloating, constipation or diarrhea. Most seizures last from 30 seconds to two minutes. Absence seizures are marked by staring absently into space. An association between seizures and the larger amount of collagen could furthermore point to a causal relationship, suggesting an important role of collagen in the pathogenesis of seizures in T. solium neurocysticercosis. Because they happen in the brain, seizures can affect any process your brain handles. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. One reason B6 deficiency may result in skin rashes is that the vitamin helps synthesize collagen, which is needed for healthy skin. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Who gets it? Operational classification of seizure types by the International League Against Epilepsy: Position paper of the ILAE Commission for classification and terminology. Seizure types vary by where they begin in the brain and how far they spread. Certain genes may make a person more sensitive to environmental conditions that trigger seizures. Disorders of collagen. The best care starts with an accurate diagnosis. Nearly everyone who has scleroderma experiences a hardening and tightening of the skin. Chidimma is also on the women's tennis team at Dartmouth. It's a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any type of collagen supplementation. Collagen in its whole form is too large to be absorbed by your body and must be broken down through digestion into smaller parts before it can enter the bloodstream. Ferri FF. Seizure first aid. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2023. McGraw Hill; 2018. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. 2006; doi:10.1002/ana.20950. AskMayoExpert. https://www.epilepsy.com/what-is-epilepsy/seizure-types. It is also used for pain caused by nerve damage associated with diabetes (diabetic peripheral neuropathy). Antiseizure medication in early nervous system development. Liquid collagen is generally safe and well-tolerated. Seizures that appear to involve all areas of the brain from the time they start are called generalized seizures. Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures fact sheet. Those are the bumps on your tongue. Accessed Sept. 22, 2021. Immediately following excision from the brain, the tissue was placed in an acrolein-paraformaldehyde fixative. Here is everything you need to know about these. When epilepsy is diagnosed in older adults, it's sometimes from another neurological issue, like a stroke or a brain tumor. government site. Journal of Healthcare Engineering. It can cause sedation, loss of coordination, increased urination, hunger and thirst, restlessness, nausea and stomach upset. Accessed June 4, 2021. Englot DJ, et al. Don't restrain them. All rights reserved. In these instances, it's likely that there's a genetic influence. A well-working immune system is key to preventing infections, inflammation and various cancers. Adult-onset seizures are typically due to a specific condition or traumatic event. The type of seizure depends on the cause. Get seizure smart. This content does not have an English version. More recently, its been found that B6 has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Fregni F, et al. Shortfalls of B6 may affect your mood, sometimes contributing to depression, anxiety, irritability and increased feelings of pain (16). The injury can alter the electrical activity in the brain, resulting in a post-stroke seizure. Notably, deficiencies of riboflavin, folate, iron and other nutrients can also cause this condition, as can sunny, dry or windy weather and other external factors (13, 14). A B6 deficiency may also reduce your bodys production of white blood cells, including T cells. Here are the top 12. This content does not have an English version. Seizures & syncope. In these cases, consuming B6 may clear up the rash quickly (10, 11). Further studies with a larger series of patients are warranted. Having a single seizure doesn't mean you have epilepsy. Chapter 14: Epilepsy after traumatic brain injury. These products are approved by ConsumerLab, an independent organization that tests health and nutrition products for quality. The symptoms diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms may include burning, shooting and tingling pain in your arms, legs, hands and feet. In other cases, they might happen within hours, days, or weeks after the injury. Epilepsy Causes | Johns Hopkins Medicine Besides feeling tired from anemia, B6 deficiency could also potentially contribute to tiredness due to its role in making the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin (24, 25). For most people, genes are only part of the cause of epilepsy. Clipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. Accessed June 4, 2021. But these come with a few possible side effects. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Aberrant glutamate receptor 5 expression in temporal lobe epilepsy lesions. When seizures appear to result from activity in just one area of the brain, they're called focal seizures. If youre concerned you may not be getting enough B6 or may have a deficiency, talk to your doctor to determine the best course of action. (2015). Collagen is the . You may have periods of unusual behaviors, feelings and sometimes loss of awareness. Scleroderma results from an overproduction and accumulation of collagen in body tissues. Mayo Clinic. They usually cause loss of consciousness. Seizure. Some people require lifelong treatment. In the present study the authors examined brain tissues obtained in patients undergoing temporal lobectomy surgery and in patients at autopsy (normal human control specimens), and compared the subcellular composition of regions of the hippocampus containing dispersed granule cells. Focal seizures. Although children or older adults are more susceptible, anyone can develop epilepsy. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Vitamin B deficiencies can cause a wide range of symptoms. Scleroderma can cause scarring in the lung tissues that may result in increasing shortness of breath over time. One possible reason B6 may help with PMS is because it helps make serotonin, which lifts your mood. A staring spell. Certain factors may increase your risk of epilepsy: Having a seizure at certain times can lead to circumstances that are dangerous to yourself or others. Behind the Seizure program. In fact, collagen is somewhat linked to weight loss because it's a protein, and a high-protein diet improves satiety and is tied to preventing weight regain after weight loss, per a September 2020 study in the Journal of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome. Epilepsy has no identifiable cause in about half the people with the condition. The opposite of tonic seizures are atonic seizures, which result in a loss of muscle control. Scientists are doing more research to figure out if women who experience PMS may actually have vitamin and mineral deficiencies (19, 20, 21). Both serotonin and GABA help control anxiety, depression and feelings of pain. Scleroderma (sklair-oh-DUR-muh), also known as systemic sclerosis, is a group of rare diseases that involve the hardening and tightening of the skin. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Newmaster K, et al. Instead of going stiff, everything goes slack. 10. Comorbidities and complications of epilepsy in adults. http://www.epilepsy.com/learn/epilepsy-101/who-gets-epilepsy. There have been select cases of B6-related anemia in which taking the inactive pyridoxine hydrochloride (HCl) form of the vitamin didnt help. The PubMed wordmark and PubMed logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The metabolic role of ketogenic diets in treating epilepsy. Fortunately, your homocysteine level can be checked with a simple blood test. Cracked areas may bleed and become infected. People with frequent tonic-clonic seizures or people whose seizures aren't controlled by medicines may be at higher risk of SUDEP. The reference daily intake (RDI) for vitamin B6 for non-pregnant adults is 1.7 mg (34). 2022; doi:10.7759/cureus.29838. However, supplementing with the bodys most active form of B6, called pyridoxal 5-phosphate (PLP), resolved the anemia (16). No, collagen is not linked to weight gain. Alcohol withdrawal may also trigger a first-time seizure. This allows the cells to communicate. Others may repeatedly twitch their arms or legs, movements known as convulsions or spasms. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Scleroderma can affect any part of the digestive system, from the esophagus to the rectum. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Neurological-Diagnostic-Tests-and-Procedures-Fact. They can make it easier for seizures to happen. Liquid Collagen: Types, Benefits, and Risks - Verywell Health Low blood sodium. Accessed Nov. 3, 2022. Lundstrom BN, et al. We reached out to Dr. Elizabeth Liotta, a dermatologist and member of the HealthyWomen Women's Health Advisory Council, to get the scoop. 9. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Collagen is a fibrous type of protein that makes up your body's connective tissues, including your skin. 8600 Rockville Pike In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2023. Always check with your doctor before introducing new supplements into your routine. 2022; doi:10.1016/j.seizure.2022.10.003. Several lines of evidence have demonstrated a number of cellular changes that occur within the hippocampus in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). For zinc and copper, try fish, shellfish, nuts, whole grains, beans and gelatins. follow a regular sleep schedule. Chidimma is a third-year undergraduate at Dartmouth College pursuing a bachelor of arts with a major in neuroscience and a minor in global health on the pre-medicine track. Ferri FF. Collagen supplements usually come in pill form or as protein powder. Correcting B6 deficiency with foods rich in the vitamin or a supplement may clear up these symptoms. Accessed Nov. 3, 2022. You've injured yourself during the seizure. Additionally, continually taking too much of the inactive form of B6 (pyridoxine HCl) from supplements can also cause neuropathy. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Correcting B6 deficiency has proven very successful in treating related seizures. Heavy alcohol use can depress the central nervous system. AskMayoExpert. A deficiency of B6 is well-known to cause seizures in newborns. 2022; doi:10.3390/nu14235074. Find out the risk factors for post-stroke. 9 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin B6 Deficiency - Healthline Possible signs and symptoms of B6 deficiency include skin rashes, cracked lip corners, a glossy tongue, mood changes, impaired immune function, tiredness, nerve pain, seizures and elevated homocysteine levels. Epilepsy affects people of all genders, races, ethnic backgrounds and ages. When oxalate accumulates to high levels in the body, it can combine with calcium and form hard crystals, or kidney stones. If you have kidney problems or a history of them, ask your doctor before taking collagen supplements. Accessed Nov. 3, 2022. (2018). Video and ambulatory EEG monitoring in the diagnosis of seizures and epilepsy. Different types of generalized seizures include: Seek immediate medical help if you have a seizure or if you see someone have a seizure and any of the following occurs: If you experience a seizure for the first time, seek medical advice. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Seizures can cause symptoms such as muscle spasms, rolling eyes and jerky arms or legs. Generalized seizures include: Seek immediate medical help if any of the following occurs: If you experience a seizure for the first time, seek medical advice. Some people may experience dizziness and loss of balance. Accessed Nov. 7, 2022. There are many kinds of seizures and many possible causes of seizures, including: Some seizures start in childhood, while others begin in adulthood. A B6 deficiency, as well as folate and B12, can result in an abnormally high blood level of homocysteine, as these B vitamins are needed to help process homocysteine (29). Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. We wish you well. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Neuroimaging in the evaluation of seizures and epilepsy. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, B-Complex Vitamins: Benefits, Side Effects, and Dosage, 9 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency, Top 12 Foods That Are High in Vitamin B12. Most women with epilepsy can become pregnant and have healthy babies. Seizures reported in association with use of dietary supplements 2020; doi:10.1007/s11910-020-01061-3. There are many types of seizures that can occur in adults. Haider HA, et al. Folic Acid vs. Folate Whats the Difference? And better treatment means happier patients. Unable to load your collection due to an error, Unable to load your delegates due to an error. When this happens, the digits may turn white, blue or red, and feel painful or numb. Great Lakes Daily Wellness Quick Dissolve Collagen Peptides ($27. This content does not have an Arabic version. Chronic subthreshold cortical stimulation: A therapeutic and potentially restorative therapy for focal epilepsy. https://www.invitae.com/en/sponsored-testing/behind-the-seizure. First seizure (adult). Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/about/faq.htm. Other factors that increase your risk of seizures after a TBI include: Depending on the injury, a TBI can trigger seizures by causing inflammation or damaging brain tissue. Mukherjee M, et al. A seizure disorder involves many seizures. Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs. Bethesda, MD 20894, Web Policies However, managing seizures can affect your daily life. A thorough examination and testing are needed to distinguish epilepsy from other disorders. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on The role of B6 in combating such mood issues is being tested in a variety of conditions. This content does not have an Arabic version. Epilepsy overview and revised classification of seizures and epilepsies. Some people affected with seborrheic dermatitis may have higher requirements for B6. According to Dr. Liotta, "The dosing of collagen for supplements for joints is 10 grams per day, which takes at least 24 weeks to see progress, whereas a skin supplement of 5 grams per day might take 8 weeks to see improvement." Ding K, et al. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Cheilosis, which is characterized by sore, red and swollen lips with cracked mouth corners, can result from B6 deficiency. Epilepsy is a nervous system disorder that causes seizures. Joints. Kerezoudis P, et al. (2015). ', Seizure forecasting with wrist-worn devices possible for people with epilepsy, study shows, Mayo, Google Research develop new AI algorithm to improve brain stimulation devices to treat disease. Bookshelf The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the Epilepsy Foundation. Around 3 million people in the U.S. have epilepsy, making it the fourth most common neurological disease after migraine, stroke and Alzheimer's. Imdad K, et al. JAMA. When this happens, the seizure is known as a febrile seizure. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. If anything, it can help support your digestion and gut health in the long run by helping build and maintain connective tissue throughout your digestive tract, per Flushing Hospital Medical Center. Seizure first aid training and certification. Epilepsy is common. Breathing or consciousness doesn't return after the seizure stops. Scleroderma's signs and symptoms vary from person to person, depending on which parts of the body are affected. Mayo Clinic. In these states, there is a minimum amount of time that a driver must be seizure-free, ranging from months to years, before being allowed to drive. You continue to have seizures even though you've been taking anti-seizure medicine. exercise. They also can range from mild to severe. This content does not have an Arabic version. Suddenly reducing alcohol consumption will affect the nervous system and. , Collagen: What is it and what are its uses? Accessed Jan. 25, 2023. If you're on a vegetarian diet or if you're kosher, you may need to consider the source of collagen as most are derived from cow or marine sources. The seizure lasts more than five minutes. Epilepsies. When homocysteine is elevated, it can damage blood vessels and nerves (30, 31, 32, 33). Weight loss (45%) and athletic performance enhancement (30%) were the most often cited reasons for supplement use. Mayo Clinic. Coping with scleroderma. The device can detect seizure activity and deliver electrical stimulation to stop the seizure. Surgeons can remove the affected side of the brain, allowing the healthy hemisphere to adapt and assume the functions of the other side. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis, HealthyWomen Women's Health Advisory Council, 10 Foods for Healthy, Beautiful Skin - HealthyWomen , Skin Products to Get You Through Menopause - HealthyWomen , Skin Tags: An External Indicator of Your Internal Health , Top 10 Ways to Protect Yourself from the Sun - HealthyWomen , Collagen: The Fibrous Proteins of the Matrix - Molecular Cell Biology , Collagen What Is It and What Is It Good For? It may sometimes cause side effects, especially if you misuse it. Benbadis SR. Focal epilepsy: Causes and clinical features.