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Serious Impressions of Stupid Movies

2020-01-10T22:04:00.002-08:00

Serious Impressions of Stupid Movies

Movies have become one of the most influential factors in modern society. From starting new trends to educating the ordinary people, movies undoubtedly make an impression on the general public. Since the discovery of the very first motion picture in 1890s, movies have become a visual documentation on events of human evolution. Talking about the movies that are produced for entertainment purposes, here is a quote, from the Pulitzer Prize winner film critic Roger Ebert:

"We live in a box of space and time. Movies are windows in its walls.They allow us to enter other minds not simply in sense of identifying with the characters, but by seeing the world as another person sees it."

-Roger Ebert

Roger once said that art is the closest that we could come to understanding how a stranger feels and movies as an amalgum of audio and visual form of arts, makes a very complex and sophisticated form of art. There is an undeniable effect that movies have in our thought process. When we exit a theatre after watching a movie, we leave with the definite kind of thoughts depending upon the movie we watched. With our responsibilities of daily life we skip through myriads of social and emotional aspects that keep us humane. We live in a world with so much colors and variations of human aspects but we fail to recognize and enjoy, while busy in our commitments. And that is where movies are a sweet reminder of what we are and what we have. Let us take "Forrest Gump" for instance that portrays the innocence of a guy, with the spirit to make something out of himself despite all the shortcomings. Or the more recent one "Happythankyoumoreplease", which shows characters, no different from the ones in our neighborhood. The characters in the reel world are no different from those in our real world and the challenges they face are just a version of the ones we face. And movies help us understand life through different perspectives.

Let us take modern historical period movies and old classic ones, they are a depiction of how things were in the days gone by. As ordinary people they tend to be a reminder of our heritage, a source of reminiscence and nostalgia. There are also movies like "Blade Runner" which give us a peek into how things could be in the future, and there are ones that make us laugh and have a good time. Educating us, tickling our funny bones to cautioning us about the future events that could fall upon us, movies have an undeniable influence on our thoughts and actions.

There is little bad with every little good

Movie as a technology has grown from a simple fast moving collection of pictures to a complicated industry. With the technology's ever growing popularity, movies have now become an integral part of our daily life. Be it in a friendly chat among friends or the daily news broadcast, movies are one of the subjects of discussion. Primarily a form of entertainment, movies as a whole is also listed as an informal source of education. Many people tend to learn from movies more than any other formal source, although that might seem like an overstatement. In many under developed countries movies and television series are used as the means for educating the population for social reform and bring an overall change. There is no denying on a vast reach of movies, this however could have a very bad effect, as not every movie carries the same humane values.

Movies that fall under the genres like historical drama, historical war movies and biopics are often criticized for taking liberty with the historical facts. They are accused of bending the story to dramatize events and make interesting movies. One of such movies is "Pearl Harbor", which was released under much criticism. With film makers taking such liberty with the historical subject matters, it is both disrespectful and unforgivable. Due to such movies gullible audiences go on to believe a fiction to be the fact, which is not a good thing. On the other hand there are movies that fall under action and horror genres which are criticized for violent contents. Directors like Quentin Tarantino in Hollywood and Anurag Kashyap in Bollywood have their respective reason and logical explanations regarding such contents. Despite their reasonable explanations there is no denying that the exposure to violence may cause personality disorder in kids and other receptive demographic. There exists proper processes of identification and allotting category a movie goes through before its release to diminish such adverse effects. However their presence is only as good as the implementation.

Movies are Stupid

"The point is not to avoid all Stupid Movies, but to avoid being a Stupid Moviegoer, It's a difficult task separating the good Stupid Movies from the bad ones... " -Roger Ebert

Often movies are termed as stupid waste of time. The opinion is not wrong on its own but we have to keep in mind that there are literally millions of movies representing a genre and there are numerous genres. Though not all of them deserve our attention but not all of them deserve our indifference either. Thus, the responsibility falls upon us to choose the movie that would be worth the time. In fact the choice of movies differs with each individual. And each genre of movies is targeted towards a specific kind of audience.

Every work of Art is subject to one's own perception and interpretation, movies are no different. Just like any art, each movie is bound to have its point of view and an agenda. Movies are the most expressive among all forms of arts as such it is capable of covering a huge demographic with no bias of color, age or region. This benefits the film makers with the power to impress the huge susceptible population with their ideas. However, it falls upon the viewer to choose the right movie.

Connecting with a movie

A movie without a definite direction becomes a disaster, as such most of the times it is the director who determines a certain tone of the movie subject. With proper co-ordination with his fellow colleagues director goes on to create a masterpiece that resonates with our life and mindset. This is when we would be sucked into a different world altogether. And that is the real satisfaction of watching a movie. Otherwise it would become a stupid waste of time.

However besides the nuances in the production of a movies itself, there are many factors that affects its connection with the audience. One such case is "The Room" which released in 2003 as an independent movie. The movie was written, produced and directed by Tommy Wiseau, who also acted in the movie. The movie was completely slaughtered by the critics while it did a good business. There are also the DC movies like "Suicide Squad" and "Justice League" which despite the critical bashing go on to collect big bucks. The reason there being the subject matter though poorly executed is dear to the fans of DC comics.

Movies have now become an integral part of human lifestyle. It could very well be a form of social activity, where we would all come together for a good time. There is also one of the most important influences as one of the biggest industry, it employs a large number of manpower. Though a topic of socio-economic influence is worth another article, there is no denying that movies have become one of the social activities. So we could try and divide a movie into good and bad but as a form of art, a movie is just that, an art.

The A,B, 0 Blood Group System

2019-11-14T19:11:00.000-08:00

Blood Groups

The A,B, 0 Blood Group System

The blood group of any individual belongs to one of the four major blood

groups which are A,B,AB and 0.

Now there are 6 phenotypes for blood groups among individuals.

These phenotypes of blood groups are: At, A2, B, A1B, A2B, and 0

-The locus (place) of the genes for the A-B-0 blood groups are present on the

chromosome number 9.

-There are at least 4 Alleles for the blood groups which are: A 1, A2, B and 0.

- Group A2 is considered recessive to Group A 1•

-Group 0 is considered recessive to both groups A and B.

Group A Individuals

- They have antigen A on their red blood corpuscles and anti B antibodies in their

serum (Antigen A + Antibody b).

-The major phenotype of group A is A. while their genotype is either AA or AO.

-There are two subtypes for group A individuals which are the following:-

!. Subtype A1 ;_ndividuals. (Their blood groups are A1).

2. Subtype A2 individuals. (Their blood groups are A2).

Group B Individuals

- They have antigen B on their red blood corpuscles and Anti A antibodies in their

serum (Antigen B + Antibody a).

-Their phenotype is B, while their genotype is either'B B or B 0.

Group AB Individuals

- They have antigen AB on their red blood corpuscles but no antibodies in their

serum (Antigen AB +No antibodies).

- Their major phenotype is A B, while their genotype is either A 1 B or A2 B.

-There are 2 subtypes of group AB Which are:

1. Subtype A 1 B individuals.

2. Subtype A2 B individuals.

Group 0 Individuals

- They have no antigens on their red blood corpuscles, while their serum contains

anti A and anti B antibodies (No antigens+ Antibodies a and b).

-Their phenotype is 00, while their genotype is 00.

Medical Importance Of Blood Groups

Blood groups are very important to be known. They are essential for blood

transfusion and for medicolegal applications.

Blood Transfusion

In blood transfusion the serum of the donor is greatly diluted by the serum of

the recipient. The danger in blood transfusion between individuals is supposed to

come from the liability of the R.B.Cs of the donor to be agglutinated by the serum

of the recipient So group 0 which has No antigens on its R.B.Cs., is a universal

donor; and group AB which has No antibodies in its serum is a universal

recipient.

The donor's blood must be free from diseases such as: AIDS, Syphilis,

Malaria and viruses of infective hepatitis (Liver disease viruses).

Co-Dominant Genes

N.B.: It has been found that the A-B-AB-0 blood groups are inherited by

co-dominant genes.

Example: a gene of group A is dominant for a gene of group 0, and a gene of

group B is dominant for a gene of group 0. Thus a gene of group 0 is recessive to

both genes of group A and B.

However, neither A nor Bare dominant to one another, when genes A and B

are present together, they produce their effects (Co-dominant genes).

Examples: If the father is of group A and the mother is of group B, one of

their children may be of group AB.

Medico - Legal Importance Of Blood Groups

Medicolegal applications, of blood grouping is important when the blood

groups of the parents and the offsprings are known, it is sometimes possible to

prove that these offsprings are not from these parents.

N.B.: There are other less important blood subgroups as: MNSs, P, Kell, Duffy

Lewis and the Rh blood group systems.

The Rhesus Factor (Rh Factor)

The Rhesus (Rh) Blood Groups In Man:

- The Rhesus factor is an antigen which was first discovered in special species of

monkeys called Rhesus monkeys and was named after them.

-This Rhesus antigen (Rh) is found on the red blood corpuscles of about 85% of

human individuals.

- Persons whose blood contains the Rh antigen are called Rh+ (positive)

individuals.

- It was suspected that the Rh blood group is determined by a pair of alleles: D and

d producing three genotypes: DD, Dd and dd.

- Rh + positive individuals are either homozygous with DD or heterozygous with

Dd.

-Persons whose blood is free from these Rh antigens are called Rh- (negative)

individuals. They contain dd alleles.

-If an Rh- negative individual is injected (during blood transfusion) with an Rh +

positive blood, he will develop anti Rh (antibodies) in his blood plasma.

- An Rh - negative woman may form anti Rh Antibodies in her plasma during her

delivery to an Rh +positive foetus.

- If a man with an Rh positive blood, gets married with a woman with an Rh

negative blood, the children may inherit the Rh positive blood from their father.

The first child will come without complications but during his labour some foetal

blood (Rh positive) pass to the mother's circulation. The mother's blood will

start to form anti Rh antibodies. In the next pregnancy these antibodies will

cross the placenta to be mixed with the foetal blood of the second foetus causing

haemolysis of his blood and intra-uterine foetal death. This condition is called

Erythroblastosis Foetalis. For the treatment of this case, these pregnant mothers

should be injected with a preparation of Anti D (Anti Rh) in the last 2 months

of her pregnancy and with another injection immediately after each delivery or

each abortion.

The Following are the main types of Haemolytic Diseases OF Newborn (HDN)

1- Rh Incompatibility.

2- ABO blood group incompatibility.

3- Kell blood group system.

Blood

Blood is a viscous fluid, formed of: Blood Plasma (55%) and Blood cells

(45%).

Types of Blood Cells And Their Average Number In The Human Body:-

1. Red Blood Corpuscles or RBCs or Erythrocytes: about 4.5 to 5.5 millions per

cubic millimetre.

2. White Blood cells or Leucocytes: about 4000 to 11000 per cubic millimetre.

3. Blood Platelets or Thrombocytes: about 150,000 to 400,000 per cubic

millimetre.

The Major Functions Of Blood Are:-

1. Transport of oxygen, nutritive substances and hormones to all tissues.

2. Removal of carbon dioxide and waste products through the lungs, Kidneys and

sweat glands.

3. Control of body temperature.

4. Maintenance of acid-base balance.

5. Protect the body against infections through the action of leucocytes.

Red Blood Corpuscles = RBCs

Number Of RBCs

-In males: The number varies from 5 to 5.5 millions per cubic millimetre:

- In females: The number varies from 4.5 - 5 millions per cubic millimetre.

The number is less in females due to loss of blood during menstruation.

Abnormalities in the Number of RBCs: Decrease in the number of RBCs is

known as Anaemia. Increase in their number is known as Polycythaemia.

Anaemia: It is either a decrease in the number of RBCs (oligocythaemia) or due to

a decrease in haemoglobin content of RBCs.

Causes and Types of Anaemias

1. Deficiency Anaemia, deficiency of these elements may result in anaemia: iron,

copper, proteins, hormones, vitamin C and vitamin BI2.

2. Haemorrhagic Anaemia, as haemorrhage from nose, gums, piles and wounds.

3. Haemolytic Anaemia, when there is an excessive destruction of RBCs as in

certain congenital abnormalities of the cell membrane as in Spherocytosis; OR

deficiency of enzymes as in Favism; OR Presence of haemoglobin F as in

Thalassemia, OR presence of haemoglobin S as in Sickle cell anaemia.

4. Aplastic Anaemia; When the bone marrow (in which RBCs are formed) is

congenitally abnormal. or if it is partially destroyed by X-ray or by antibiotics.

Polycythaemia or increase in the number of RBCs above 6 millions as in

hypoxia or in low oxygen tension as in high altitudes. also in heart and lung

d:scases.

Shape Of RBCs

They are rounded, non-nucleated

biconcave discs. In slow blood stream

and in blood fi lms, RBCs adhere

together due to their surface tension showing a rouleaux a ppear·ance.

Abnonnal Shapes of R. B. Cs

In certain anaemias RBCs may be pear-shaped (poikilocytes) or may be

biconvex (spherocyte.-,) or may be oval in shape (ovalocytes).

Diameters of RBCs

Normal diameter of an RBC is 7.5 microns and the normal thickness is 1.9

microns at the periphery and 1.1 microns at the centre of RBC.

Abnormalities In The Diameters Of RBCs

1. In Macrocytic Anaemais there is an increase in the diameters of RBCs.

2. In Microcytic Anaemias there is a decrease in the diameters of RBCs.

Structure of RBCs

- RBCs are acidophilic in staining because their Hb is a basic protein.

- RBCs have no nuclei and no organelles except their cell membranes.

- RBCs have on their surfaces the antigens of blood groups and of Rh factor.

- RBCs contain haemoglobin , its concentration is about 12-16 gm% (per 100 cc blood).

- RBCs contain glycolytic a nd carbonic anhydrase enzymes.

Types of Haemoglobins (Hb)

I . Normal adult Hb. A: present in 9<1% of normal individuals.

2. Foetal (Hb, F) : present in Thalathcmia which is a kind of anaemia.

3. Haemoglobin S: present in sickle cell anaemia in which Hb form a crescent in RBC.

Reticulocytes

-They are immature RBCs which contain RNA, Their diameters are large.

-Their percentage in normal blood is not more than 2%.

- Their number increase in certain anaemia. They can be stained with cresyle blue.

Colour Of RBCs

- RBCs a r·e greenish yellow in colour· due to presence of Haemoglobin (Hb).

A drop of blood appears red due lo overl apping of RBCs. When the Hb% is

normal, the red blood corpuscles are called Normochromic.

Abnormal Colour Of RBCs

a) RBCs with less Hb% than normal are pale and are called hypochromic.

b) RBCs with more Hb% than normal are called hyperchromic.

c) In target cell anaemia, the Hb is concentrated in the centres of RBCs

forming a central coloured mass and a peripheral pale ring (like the target).

Contents Of RBCs

- They are not true cells, they have neither nuclei nor organoids.

- They are surrounded by plastic cell membranes formed of lipoprotein.

- RBCs contain a cytoskeleton network formed of protein called Spectrin.

- The RBCs are filled with haemoglobin (Hb). Haemoglobin combines with

oxygen to form oxyhaemoglobin, it goes to the tissues to supply them with

oxygen. It also transports carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lung.

Haemolysis

Rupture of the cell membrane and loss ofHb outside the R.B.Cs is known as

haemolysis which may be caused by: acids, alkalies, malarial and bacterial

toxins, snake venom, hypotonic solution and incompatible blood transfusion.

Osntotic Pressure: normally the osmotic pressure of RBCs is 0.9% saline. If

the RBCs are exposed to hypertonic solution (2%) crenation will occur, while if

they are exposed to hypotonic solution swelling, rupture and haemolysis will occur.

Life Span Of RBCs

RBCs can live for about 4 months. The life time can be calculated by

isotopes. Old RBCs are destroyed by the phagocytic cells in the liver, spleen

and bone marrow. Their Hb can be changed to bile pigments and

haemosiderin granules.

Adaptation Of The Structure Of RBCs

In Order To Perform Their Functions

1. The cell membrane of RBCs is plastic. It allows RBCs to change their shape.

RBCs are in the form of corpuscles with rounded edges which facilitate their

passage inside narrow blood capillaries.

2. The biconcave surfaces of RBCs increase their surface areas, through these

surfaces, gaseous exchange (02 + C02) takes place.

3. The cell membrane of RBCs is formed of lipoprotein, it is highly selective,

it allows easy exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen through it.

4. There is neither nuclei nor cell organoids in RBCs, this prevents RBCs from

reproduction. Their absence also allows free space for haemoglobin.

5. The main function of RBCs is to enclose haemoglobin, this haemoglobin is

formed of a protein (globin) and an iron containing pigment (haem).

Haemoglobin combines easily with oxygen to form oxyhaemoglobin which

goes to the tissues to supply them with oxygen. Haemoglobin also plays a role

in controlling the hydrogen ion concentration of the blood. Haemoglobin can

only do these functions when it is present inside the RBCs.

6. RBCs are rich in carbonic anhydrase enzyme which facilitates combination

of haemoglobin with C02 and to get rid of this C02 through the lung.

The Haemocytometer

Red Blood C{)unt

RBCs, leucocytes and blood platelets arc counted by the haemocytometer

which is formed of: a diluting pipette and a counting slide.

The diluting pipette for RBCs has a large bulb. The pipette is graduated as

0.5 at the middle of the tuble, 1.0 below the bulb I 01 above the bulb.

The bulb contains a piece of red glass to mix the blood with the diluting fluid.

The counting slide has a depression on its centre with a depth= 1/lOmm.

The square erea of the base of this depression= one square millimetre which

is divided by 20 lines vertically and another 20 lines horizontally. so it

contains 400 small squares.

Thus, the surface area of each small square = Length X Width=

= _1_ X _1 = _1 mm2

20 20 400

The volume of each small square = Length X Width X Depth=

l 1 l 1

= 20 X 20 X lo = 4000 mm3

This means that, the volume of one cubic millimeter = 4000 times the volume

of each small square

To facilitate counting, each 16 small squares are grouped into one large square.

Steps Of RBCs Counting

1. Clean the thumb with alcohol and leave it to dry in air. With a sterilized needle,

Prick the thumb, in order to bring a drop of blood.

2. Suck the blood with the diluting pipette till the mark 0.5 is reached. Rapidly

dilute the blood by sucking saline till the mark 101 is reached, and shake well to

mix the blood with saline (the blood is now diluted 200 times).

3. Blow out few drops from the pipette, then put a drop of the diluted blood on the

depressed area of the counting slide, cover with a cover-glass and count the

number of R.B.Cs under the high power of the microscope. They appear as

greenish yellow circles.

4. Count the total number of R.B.Cs which is present in 5 large squares (Each

large square contains 16 small squares).

5. Calcuate the number of R.B.Cs per cubic millimetre using this equation.

If the total number of RBCs which is counted in one small square = N.

Then, the total RBCs count= N X 4000 X 200 = ? millions per cubic millimetre.

But if the total number of RBCs which is counted in 5 large squares = N

So the total number of RBCs= N X ~~ ~ 200 =?millions per cubic millimetre

N.B. In clinical laboratories, they do the previous steps, they count the number of

RBCs in 5 large squares, this obtained number is then multiplied by 10.000 in

order to get out the number of R BCs per cubic millimetre.

Nowadays, the laboratories usc electronic apparatus which counts the different

types of blood cells automatically.

Several types of microscopes

2019-11-14T17:17:00.000-08:00

Microscopy

Several types of microscopes are used to study the detailed structures of the organs.

The Resolving Power of a microscope is a measure of the capacity of the

microscope to separate clearly two points close together.

The resolving power of the light microscope is about 0.2 micrometer.

The resolving power of the Electron Microscope is 0.2 nanometer.

The most important units of measurements used in Histology are:

One centimeter (em)= 10 millimeters (mm).

One millimeter (mm) = 1000 micrometers = I 000 microns (u).

One micrometer (one micron)= 1000 nanometer (nm).

One nanometer (nm) = 10 Angstrom= 10 A0

•

Types of Microscopes

1. The Light Microscope (LIM)

In this microscope, we use the day light or electric light as a source of illumination.

The light is focused on the lens of the condenser by a mirror.

The Optical System of The Light Microscope Consists of:

a) The Eye Pieces which are near the eye.

They are of different magnifying powers: 5, I 0 or 15

This means that the eye piece magnifies the object either 5 times, 10 times, or

15 times respectively.

b) The Objective lenses are near the object

to be examined.

Types of Objective Lenses:

1. Low Power Objective (I 0).

2. High Power Objective (45).

3. Oil Immersion Objective (100).

when used, should be immersed in a drop

of cedar oil. This oil should be put on the

covcrslide overlying the object to be

examined.

How can we calculate the magnification of

a histological section?

-Tube

We multiply the power of the used eyepiece

(1 0 for example) by the power of tP.e

used objective lens (45 for example). The Light Microscope

So, the magnification of this examined histological section will be:

I 0 x 45 = 450 times.

2. The Transmission Electron tnicroscope (E/M)

.()bjectlv~

- In this microscope, a heam of electrons is used as a source of illumination.

-The magniliL:d image is rccei\cJ on a lluorcsccncc screen or on a

phutugr.•phic plat~ .

- The ElM g!ves a ve1) high magmfi~aLion.

lt magni ries object. up tu 100.000

times.

3. The scanning Electron Microscope

It is a special type of electron

microscope by which we obtain a 3

dimensional image for the examined parts as

red hlood corpuscles and cilia of certain cells.

4. The Atomic Force Microscope

It magnifies the examined fresh tissues up to 500.000 times.

5. The Ultraviolet Microscope

- In this microscope, the source of light is a beam of ultraviolet rays. The

image is received on a fluorescence screeen.

- The magnifying power of this microscope is up to 4000 times.

6. The Fluorescence Microscope

The source of light in this microscope is the ultraviolet rays which are harmful

to the eye, so a filter should be inserted in its eyepiece. The fluorescent substances

in the examined tissues will shine by giving off visible light. It is used to study the

chemical components of the tissues.

7. The phase • Contrast Microscope

It is used to examine fresh tissues or living cells growing on a culture media.

Hepatitis B

2019-11-12T19:26:00.000-08:00

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is the world's most common liver infection. It is caused by hepatitis b virus (HBV), which attacks and damages the liver . It is transferred by blood, by unprotected sex, a needle used for others, or a single needle is used for many people, and is transferred by an infected mother to a newborn baby, during pregnancy or during childbirth. Most adult people who are infected with this disease get rid of this disease without any problem. But some adult people and newborn heads and children are not free from this virus and are prone to chronic infections.

The good news is that safe vaccines and new therapies are available to prevent this disease and for individuals infected with hepatitis B.

How many people are infected with hepatitis B?

Two Billion people (one in 3 people) in the world have Hepatitis B infection. 280 million people are suffering from Chronic infection .

It is estimated that 700,000 people die annually due to hepatitis B and its complication.

Why is hepatitis B so dangerous?

Hepatitis B is dangerous, as it is a "silent infection" that infects people without their knowledge. Most people are infected with hepatitis B, they are unaware of the infection, and inadvertently spread the virus to other people by blood and infected body fluids.

People who suffer chronic infections are more likely to have severe cirrhosis and or liver cancer at a later age. The virus continues to attack the liver silently for many years, and the patient does not even know.

some common ways hepatitis B spreads to other individuals.

By contact with infected blood or infected bodily effluents.

Having an unprotected relationship with someone who has Hepatitis B infection.

Re-use dipping used for other or two-time use (for example, reuse used dipping for illegal drugs, or use such dipping as injection, acupuncture, tetuz Or to make a hole in the ear or / part of the body that is not properly sterilized.

During pregnancy or childbirth from an infected mother to her newborn.

Unsterile needle used by street print doctors, tooth doctors or shaving.

But, hepatitis B usually does not spread by anyone's touch. This disease is not spread by air, by hugging someone, by touching, by sneezing, by cough, by toilet seat or by eating cooked food of a person who has Hepatitis B.

greater risk Factors of of Hepatitis B:

Family or other members of the household who have Hepatitis B infection, near or in contact.

Adult or older person sexually active.

Men who have sex with men.

Newborn born to an infected mother.

Workers and physicians engaged in medical work.

People who take drugs from injections.

Types of hepatitis B:

There are mainly two types of hepatitis B.

1.acute hepatitis B
2.chronic hepatitis B

1.acute hepatitis B

Acute hepatitis B infection can last up to six months (whether its symptoms appear or not). People with the infection can Attack viruses to others during this time. A blood test can tell anyone whether the virus of hepatitis B is in its blood, or whether they have successfully gotten rid of the virus. When your doctor tells you that there are no hepatitis B viruses in your blood, it is important to protect others from the possibility of this infection.

It is also important that your sexual partners and family members (or people who live close to you in your family) undergo blood tests. If they do not have an infection - and have not taken hepatitis B vaccine - they should also complete the course of hepatitis B vaccine.

Symptoms of acute infection :

loss of appetite,

pain in joints and muscles,

light fever and abdominal pain.

Although most people do not see symptoms, these symptoms appear 60–150 days after infection. Some people experience more severe symptoms, such as

nausea,

vomiting,

caterpillar (yellowing of the eyes and skin)

bloated stomach,

signs that make it necessary to go to the doctor.

If treatment for acute hepatitis B infection is necessary, the person is admitted to hospital for therapy, rest and symptoms are the primary goal.

Risk of death, such a rare, serious condition, 'fulminant hepatitis', can be accompanied by a new acute infection and can be treated immediately, only with urgent therapy, because in this disease the person suddenly has liver failure.

Some of the simple measures to protect your liver during a new infection are,

do not drink alcohol,

stop or reduce smoking,

take healthy doses,

do not eat oily or lard foods,

and ask your doctor for your medications. Talk about, market-taking medicines, and other questions.

2. chronic hepatitis B

Individuals who have hepatitis B virus for more than six months (after their first blood test) are diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B. This means that their immunity power cannot completely absorb , and the infection is still present in their blood and liver.

The cause of chronic hepatitis B has
A direct relationship with age when hepatitis B virus is first infected.

Newborn babies and children with 90% infection are more likely to get chronic hepatitis B infection.

50% of infected children (aged 1–5 years) are prone to chronic hepatitis B infection.

5–10% of infected adults are prone to chronic hepatitis B infection (90% of them regain health.)

If you find out that you have chronic hepatitis B, you will be very frustrated because most people do not see symptoms of this disease, and many decades after hepatitis B virus enters their body, they come to know about it , That he has Hepatitis B infection. They feel surprised and shocked. The good news is that most people who have chronic hepatitis B can live long and healthy lives.

Most pregnant women do not know they have Hepatitis B infection and inadvertently transfer the virus to their newborns at their birth.

The risk of newborns getting chronic hepatitis B infection is so high .
So, that WHO Recommend that all newborns have the first dose of hepatitis B within 12–24 hours of their birth.

There are drugs / therapies that control hepatitis b virus, and prevent them, so as not to cause too much damage to liver and some hope is undergoing revision of the drugs, which will cause this disease in the near future Doing well people with chronic hepatitis B are more likely to have severe liver disease or liver cancer.

Herpes

2019-11-10T08:37:00.000-08:00

Herpes :

Herpes is a chronic disease. It is an infectious disease caused by the herpes simplex virus. The virus affects the skin of the external genitalia, the region of the anus, and other parts of the body. Herpes can cause itchy sores or wounds.

According to CDC report :

The prevalence of HSV-1 among persons aged 14–49 was 47.8% .

Age-adjusted prevalence was higher among females (50.9%) than males (45.2%).

Age-adjusted prevalence was highest among Mexican-American persons (71.7%) and lowest among non-Hispanic white persons (36.9%).

Herpes genitalis :

Herpes genitalis is a recurrent, life long viral infection that cause hepatic lesions (blister) on the external genitalia and occasionally the vagina and cervix.

It is an STD but may also be transmitted asexually from wet surface or by self transmission for example,
touching a cold sore(infection of herpes simplex virus around the border of lips) then touching the genital area.

The skin that is exposed to this disease can also affect the uterus of women and the urinary tract of men.

Herpes simplex virus can also transmitted to baby from her mothers.
So, Pregnant women with herpes simplex virus should consult a doctor.

Types of Herpes :

There are two types of herpes.

HSV I

HSV II

Herpes Type-I (HSV I):

In it the wound becomes around the mouth and lips.

Herpes type-1 is transmitted through oral secretions or lesions on the skin. It can spread through toothbrushes, food utensils, etc.

Herpes Type-2 (HSV II):

It can be wound around the genital or rectum of an infected person.

Causes of herpes :

Herpes is caused by a viral infection of herpes simplex virus.

Infection occurs for the following reasons:

By having genital contact with an infected person.

By having oral sex with a person suffering from mouth ulcers.

if you are sharing a lip balm of a patient, you will get it.

By kissing with infected person.

Having sex without condoms.

Having sex with multiple people.

Other sexually transmitted infections.

By decreasing the immunity.

Women are more likely to have herpes.

Sign and symptoms of herpes :

Wounds or sore :

The infection can cause wounds/sore to the person's face or genital area, which may last for days or weeks. These can be on the outer skin of the penis or the inner part of the vagina, the anus, the thigh. In addition to this, there may be wounds on the lips, face and even inside the mouth. These may include pus or blisters. It may take at least two weeks for them to recover.

Fever:

Wounds can usually cause muscle aches and headaches as well as fever. These are common symptoms of both types of herpes.

Itching and irritation:

Sometimes the patient may experience itching or irritation.

Discomfort in the eyes:

Sometimes the infection is also caused by the herpes simplex virus in the eyes. This includes making you look blurry, watering your eyes, pain or irritation.

Irritation in the vagina:

Many times a vaginal lesion can cause irritation in the vagina. Such discomfort becomes more painful at the time of urination.

enlargement of the lymph gland:

This can cause inflammation in the lymph gland of the neck, which can cause pain and discomfort.

Diagnosis of Herpes :

Your doctor can be diagnosed by identifying sign and symptoms of herpes and also by blood test.

Some Home remedy for herpes :

Home Remedies for Herpes Disease

Herpes is an infectious disease. Use anti-viral drugs (acyclovir) to treat this disease. Ointments are used to place herpes on herbs.

Herpes can also be cured by home remedies for herpes.

You can cure herpes with these home remedies:

Baking Soda:

You can mix baking soda in water and dip it in cotton and apply it on lesion.

Huney

Regularly if you put honey in the herpes-affected area, this disease provides relief.

Aloe Vera:

Apply Alovera gel to the place affected area.

Prevention of herpes :

The best way to prevent this disease is to use a condom during intercourse and keep the distance from the person who has the virus until the symptoms of herpes are eliminated.

Human papillomavirus

2019-11-06T08:46:00.000-08:00

Human papillomavirus

Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is sexually transmitted and is most common STD in young, sexually active people.

Fact regarding HPV:

More than 100 types of HPV exist. The most common strain of HPV, 6 and 11, usually caused condylomata (warty growth on the vulva).
These are often visible or may be palpable by patient.

Condyloma are rarely premalignant but are an outward manifestation of the virus.

HPVs are known for their role in major cervical cancer.

Worldwide, about 500,000 new cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV infection every year and about 2,70,000 patients die.

HPV is a virus that can spread from skin to other person's skin through sexual intercourse or other forms of it can spread from skin to skin in contact with genitals.

During the birth of the baby, the HPV virus can also spread in the infant, which is transmitted to the infant by her mother's respiratory or genital infections.

Risk factor of HPV:

Risk factor include,

Being young,

Being sexually active,

Having multiple sex partners,

Having sex with a partner who has multiple sex partners,

Weak immunity

Diagnosis of HPV:

HPV infection can be detected in women by examining samples of their uterine cells.

Two types of investigation are used for this.

1. Vaginal Cytology: the cellular probe, and

2.Pap test or the Papenicoli probe.

But no reliable way to detect this virus infection has been found in men.

Vinegar Solution Test :

Applying vinegar solution to a place infected with HPV turns the infected parts white, it can help to identify difficult visible lesions.

DNA Test :

This test identifies the varieties of HPV that are at high risk of genital cancer. This test is performed on a sample of cells taken from the cervix. In addition to the Pap test, it is also recommended for women aged 30 and above.

Sign and symptoms of HPV:

In most cases, the body's immune system eliminates HPV infection before any wart is formed. When the wart appears, the size and appearance of the wart are different, depending on the type of HPV. Its type includes the following,

Genital Warts :

It can cause very little discomfort or pain, although it can cause itching problem.

Common Warts :

This is a wart that rises above the breast and skin, which is usually on the hands, fingers, and elbows. In most cases, wart is usually a problem because of its appearance.

Plantar Warts :

It is rigid, rough and grainy, which is on the soles of the soles of the feet, where the body has the highest load. This wart may cause discomfort and pain.

Flat Warts :

This is a wart that rises above normal skin, a deep wound that is slightly elevated compared to your regular skin color. Usually it appears on the face, neck or areas that have been scratched.

Cervical Cancer:

Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by two Specific variety of HPV. In the early stages of cervical cancer there are usually no symptoms or signs.

Therefore, it is necessary for women to undergo pep test regularly. It shows the changes that occur before cancer in Cervix, which take the form of cancer.

According to the current guidelines, women aged 21 to 65 should have a pep test at least once in three years.

Vaccine for HPV:

The World Health Organization has recommended HPV vaccination for girls in countries where there is potential to support the HPV immunization program. Two doses of HPV vaccine are advised for women aged 9 to 14 years and three doses are advised for women who start the vaccine category at the age of 15 years or more

Chancroid

2019-11-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

Chancroid

Chancroid is a sexually transmitted disease caused by infection of Haemophilus ducreyi.

It is characterized by painful necrotizing genital ulcers that may be accompanied by inguinal lymphadenopathy.

It is a highly contagious but curable disease.

Chancroid infection occurs in two ways:

The skin of a healthy person when touching an infected person's wound while having sex.

When the pus or fluid that comes out of an infected wound comes in contact with another part of the body or another person, the person also gets a chancroid infection. This type of Chancroid is not sexually transmitted.

Symptoms of chancroid :

Most people with chancroid infection develop symptoms within 3 to 10 days of infection. Some people are asymptomatic.

The most common symptom of chancroid is the formation of painful and reddish lumps in the genital areas, which gradually turn into blisters or open wounds.

Urethritis :
urinary tract inflammation and redness,

abnormal vaginal discharge,

pain and bleeding of the sore,

dysuria,

Enlargement of lymph nodes around the groin.

Diagnosis of chancroid :

Diagnosing chancroid currently is Not possible through blood testing.

But Diagnosing the condition may involve taking samples of the fluid that drains from the ulcer .

And the doctor may also examine the lymph nodes in groin for swelling and pain.

Risk factors Of chancroid :

The number one risk factor for chancroid is through contact with the open Ulcer of a person who has chancroid.
In addition to

unprotected sexual intercourse,

multiple sexual partners,

sexual intercourse with a sex worker,

substance abuse Mostly Injectable drug abuse,

anal intercourse,

being sexually active,

living in some developing nations,

Treatment of chancroid :

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend one of the following antibiotic therapy for treating chancroid:

azithromycin

ceftriaxone

ciprofloxacin

erythromycin

It is essential to take all the medications as per doctors advice and also partner treatment is important to cure chancroid.

A doctor will again assess chancroid symptoms 3 to 7 days after prescribing antibiotic therapy.

If symptoms remain, a doctor might :

Ensure a person is taking medication properly or not,

Ensure whether H. Ducreyi is resistant to antibiotic therapy.

So, follow up of patient is most important thing to fully cure the patient.

Chlamydia

2019-10-31T22:23:00.000-07:00

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease . The infection is caused by a bacterium called chlamydia trachomatis.

The symptoms of chlamydia and the mode of transmission are very similar to gonorrhea.

Many people who are infected with chlamydia do not show any symptoms and have no idea about their infection. The disease can occur in women's cervix, rectum or throat and
in men's urethra (inside the penis), rectum or throat.

Chlamydia infection can cause permanent damage to women's uterine tubes (fallopian tubes) and can also cause infertility in the future. In addition, the risk of ectopic Pregnancy may Occur.

Chlamydia infection during pregnancy can also increase the risk of preterm labor and excessive birth weight of the baby at birth.

Signs and Symptoms of Chlamydia:

Many people do not recognize the symptoms of Chlamydia. Most people do not show any symptoms. If symptoms show up, this usually happens one to three weeks after becoming infected.

Feeling irritated in urine,

Yellow or green fluid coming out of the penis or vagina,

Pain in the lower abdomen,

Pain in the testicles,

Severe pain during or after intercourse (dyspareunia).

In some women, the infection of Chlamydia can spread to the fallopian tubes, which can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is an emergency medical condition. The symptoms of PID are:

Fever,

Severe pain in the pelvis,

Nausea,

Vaginal bleeding during menstruation

It is also possible to have chlamydia infection in the anus as well. The main symptoms of this case often include pain in the anus and bleeding from the anus.

If you have oral sex with someone infected with this disease, you may have this infection in your throat as well.

You may feel sore throat, cough or fever. It is also possible that bacteria can get into your throat and you may not even know about it.

The symptoms of STI can be different in men and women, so it is important to talk to a doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms.

Causes of chlamydia :

Chlamydia is an infection, which is spread by Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria.

When an infection occurs, the bacteria may be present in the infected person's cervix, urethra, vagina and rectum. It can also remain in the throat. The infection can spread due to any type of sexual contact (vaginal, anal or oral) with the infected person.

Young people who are active in having sex, are at greater risk of 'chlamydia'.

An infected mother can spread the infection to the baby at birth, when the baby passes through the vaginal canal. The most common effects of chlamydia in newborns are eye damage and pneumonia.

After treating 'Chlamydia' it is possible for a person to have a second infection. It is common to have a recurrent infection of the chlamydia.

Prevention of chlamydia :

The following measures should be taken to reduce the risk of Chlamydia infection

Use condoms every time

Do not have sex with Multiple sex partner

Try to have restraint on your sexual desires or have sexual contact with only an unprotected partner.

If you think you are infected, avoid sexual contact and see a doctor.

Diagnosis of Chlamydia:

A physical examination can be done to diagnose Chlamydia to look for physical symptoms, such as the condition of the discharge.
In addition, it can be taken from the penis, cervix, urethra, throat or rectum or sample of urine.

Chlamydia screening

Since chlamydial infections often do not have symptoms, health authorities in most countries recommend screening for some people.

CDC recommends Chlamydia screening for these -

Women under 25,

Pregnant women,

High-risk men and women.

Treatment of Chlamydia :

Chlamydia can be easily cured by antibiotic therapy.

Usually, azithromycin and doxycycline antibiotics are used to treat chlamydia infection, but other antibiotics can also be used successfully.

Pregnant women infected with Chlamydia can be treated safely with antibiotics

for example, azithromycin, amoxicillin and erythromycin ethyl succinate, but not doxycycline.

Treat sex partner :
The sex partner of a person suffering from chlamydia should also be tested and treated to prevent it from re-infection and further spread.

Risk factors of Chlamydia:

Factors that increase the risk of Chlamydia trachomatis include:

Having sex before the age of 25,

Having sex with multiple sex partner,

Not using condoms constantly,

History of pre-sexually transmitted infections

Complications of Chlamydia:

Other sexually transmitted infections - People infected with Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria are also at higher risk of having other STIs, including gonorrhea and HIV

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) :

In PID infection can be spread from the vagina to the uterus,fallopian tube and ovaries .

epididymis:

Chlamydia infection can cause irritation in the coiled tube located near each testicle . The infection can result in fever, testicular swelling and pain.

Prostate gland infection :

Chlamydia organism can spread to a male's prostate gland.

Prostatitis can cause severe pain, fever and chills, urination and lower back pain during or after sex.

Infection in newborns :

Chlamydia infection can be transmitted from the vaginal tube to your baby during childbirth
leading to severe pneumonia or serious eye infections.

Infertility :

Chlamydia infections which do not produce any signs or symptoms can damage the fallopian tubes and cause blockage. Because of this, women can become infertile.

Reactive Arthritis :

People infected with Chlamydia trachomatis have a higher risk of developing reactive arthritis.

Avoid following food :

Avoid alcohol intake while taking antibiotics.

Avoid milk and dairy products if you are taking doxycycline.

Use condoms to reduce the risk of infection from unprotected sex.

In addition, you should avoid the following foods or beverages during the chlamydia infection -

Alcohol

Caffeine

Red meat

Butter

Processed, canned or refined food

Junk food, etc.

Take food in chlamydia infection :

Garlic : It is antibacterial, so it reduces chlamydial infections.

Yogurt :It improves the body's immune system and protects against chlamydia.

Olive oil :helps reduce chlamydial infections.

Turmeric :It acts as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent and helps to reduce chlamydial infections.

Foods containing vitamin C, such as oranges, lemons, amla

Leafy vegetables

Almonds

Whole grains

Gonorrhoea

2019-10-27T05:35:00.000-07:00

Gonorrhoea (The clap)

Gonorrhoea is a second most commonly Sexually transmitted disease caused by Infections of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
It can infect both men and women.

Some fact regarding gonorrhoea disease:

Gonorrhoea caused very serious problems if not treated but, curable with right and complete treatment.

N. gonorrhoeae has progressively develop resistance to cefexime. So, in 2015, dual therapy with cefriaxone and azithromycine is now the only CDC recommended treatment .

Gonorrhea often affects the urethra, rectum or throat. It can also affect the cervix in women.
Gonorrhea can cause PID (pelvic inflammatory disease), tubo-ovarian abscess and infertility. It does not spread by the toilet seat.

Gonorrhea is most prevalent during sex. If the mother is infected, the infant may also be infected during childbirth. Gonorrhea affects the eyes of infants the most.

In many cases, there are no symptoms. You do not even know that you are infected.

It is transmitted due to unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex Without using condoms. Gonorrhea can become a serious problem if it is not identified at the right time.

Gonorrhea and chlamydia can be experienced simultaneously.

If left untreated, gonorrhea can increase a person's risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV.

Causes of Gonorrhoea :

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

It not only affects the reproductive tract, but can also affect the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, eyes and rectum.

The infection of gonorrhoea is transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person associated with the penis, vagina, anus, or mouth.

Gonorrhea can be passed from an infected mother to her Child during childbirth.

All sexually active individuals are at risk of gonorrhea, the rate of infection is highest among adolescents, and young adults.

Sign and symptoms of gonorrhoea :

Symptoms of gonorrhoea in Men:

A yellow or white or green urethra discharge,

Discomfort in anal discharge,

Pain in testicles or scrotum,

Pain or discomfort while urinating,

Redness around the head of the penis

Itching,

difficulty swallowing, or swelling in the neck lymph node,

eye pain or discharge of the eyes,

joint pain ,

Symptoms of gonorrhea in women :

Abnormal vaginal discharge,

Painful sexual intercourse,

Fever

Vomiting Or Stomach ache,

Pelvic Pain,especially during intercourse,

Bleeding after intercourse,

Sore throat, itching, difficulty swallowing,

Irregular vaginal bleeding

Discomfort at the time of urine excretion

Anal discharge and discomfort

If do not treated, gonorrhea can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes causing pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility also occurred.

Diagnostic test for gonorrhoea :

Gonorrhea is tested by ,

a urine sample ,

a swab from the urethra, uterus, throat and anus.

Gonorrhea can usually be detected within 2-4 days of exposure to infection.

Treatment of gonorrhoea :

Treatment for gonorrhoea can be done using oral and injectable antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.

It becoming very harder to treat some one have drugs resistance so, if patient have not relief to medicine then, check again for drug resistance and give another medicine.

It is also Very much important for your sexual partners to be tested and treated even if they have no symptoms.

This is because if the partner is also infected but you are not treated, you may be infected again.

High rate of complications (PID, infertility In female and gonoccocal arthritis,epididymis,infertility in men) due to usually avoids the Complete treatment, high rate of recurrence, poor follow-up, avoidance of partner treatment.

Babies may also need medication for conjunctivitis or any other eye disease that may be caused by the mother's gonorrhoeal infection.

Gonorrhoea is commonly treated with dual therapy of antibiotics - azithromycin or doxycycline and cefriacxone -azitromycine combination.
and cefalosporine can be used to treat gonorrhoea.

Injectable gentamycine and cefriaxone also used.

Complications of Gonorrhea :

In women, gonorrhea can cause the following Complication :

Pelvic inflammatory disease:
a condition that can cause abscesses

Infertility.

Ectopic pregnancy :

A pregnancy where the fetus develops outside the uterus.

In men,

Epididymitis :
Inflammation of the epididymis, which controls the production of sperm.

Infertility.

TEN disease

2019-10-21T10:13:00.000-07:00

TEN Disease

TEN(toxic epidermal necrolysis) is a potentially life threatening dermatologic disorder usually caused by adverse drug reaction characterised by diffuse keratinocyte apoptosis.

Some fact regarding TEN disease:

•TEN disease is a rare and unpredictable reaction to a medication.

•TEN is a type of skin reaction together with Stevens -Johnson Syndrome (SJS) it forms a spectrum of disease.

•TEN disease occur due to adverse drug reaction and also adverse immunologic reaction.

•The annual incidence is 1.2 to 6 per million for SJS (Steven-Johnson Syndrome) and approximately 1 to 2 per million for TEN disease every year.

•Average mortality rate of SJS has 1% to 5% But for TEN is 25% to 35.

•It is 100 times more common in association with HIV infection.

•TEN disease also called as Lyell syndrome .

Causes of TEN Disease :

•The exact cause may remain unknown.

•some times precipited by a infection such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae and cytomegalovirus.

•genetic factors - polymorphisms to specific gene have been detected.

•certain medication such as:

Allopurinol,

NSAIDs (Non steroid anti inflammatory drugs,

Sulfonamide :cotrimoxazole,

Anti convulsants : lamotrigine, carbamazepine, phanytoin, phenobarbitone,

Betalactum : penicillins, cephalosporins,

Paracetamol, acetaminophen.

•Drug specific CD8 ➕ cytotoxic lymphocytes can be detected in the early blister fluid.
They have some natural killer cell activity and can probably kill keratinocytes by direct contact.

•Immune dysregulation results in diffuse keratinocyte apoptosis that has been Shown to involve Fas-Fas ligand interaction.

•Fas ligand is a type II transmembrane protein that belongs to the tumor necrosis factor.

Sign and symptoms of TEN disease :

A painful Red area (erythema) that spread quickly.

The skin may peel out with blistering

Fever and discomfort

Red area spread to eyes, mouth, throat, genitals, urethra, anus.

Sepsis if not treated .

Symptoms according to which area affected, example if eyes affect then, symptoms such as :

Eyes :
Conjunctivitis, less often corneal ulcer ,red sore.

Mouth :
Stomatitis, red crusted lips, painful mouth ulcer etc..

Pharynx /oesophagus :
Difficulty in eating, swallowing problem..

Genital tract/ urinary tract :
Erosion, ulcer, urinary retention..

Upper respiratory tract :
Cough ,breathing difficulty and respiratory distress.

Gestro intestinal tract :
Abdominal discomfort, Diarrhoea .

Skin and mucosal involvement in other organs may be affected including liver,kidney,lungs,bone marrow and joints.

Diagnosis of TEN disease :

A thorough physical examination:

Targetoid (erethema multifold) and atypical Targetoid skin lesions and at least two mucosal surface involved (ocular, oral, genital).

Nikolsky sign:

Epidermal detachment with lateral pressure SJS / adjacent to bullae is present.

Lesional biopsy :

Full thickness epidermal necrosis with minimal dermal inflammation.

Skin biopsy :

Staphylococcus scalded skin syndrome,

Generalized fixed drug eruption,

Drug induced linear IgA bullous dermatosis.

SCORTEN:
Severity of illness scoring tool can be used to predict mortality from SJS/TEN disease.

Treatment of TEN disease :

TEN disease is a life threatening disorder and mostly cause by adverse drug reaction so, Immediately discontinued the drug.
And hospitalised required.

Supportive care required in minor symptoms such as :

Maintain Fluid and electrolytes.

thermal regulations .

Aseptic Wound care.

But if patient with severe condition then sometimes, may be required mechanical ventilation also.

Responsibility of health care workers :

TEN disease is a rare and life threatening disorder and due to many cause but mainly is adverse drug reaction so,

1.if you give any medicine to the patient check out drug reaction is most important to save someone's life, because if any patients have adverse reaction to any drugs and we have not checked before administered the drugs and then patient goes to sepsis due to TEN disease then only we are responsible for that.

2.In many cast(those who can do consanguinious marriage like Muslim) have G6PD deficiency and they have many drugs adverse reaction so, check out before administered any drugs.

3.most important thing is to detect if patient with TEN disease because it will very tough to find out.

4.before giving the treatment diagnosis required to find out cause.

Complications of TEN disease:

Sepsis,

Organ failure if eye affected and left untreated then blindness may occur,

Respiratory : COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease occur

Other organ failure etc...

Syphilis

2019-10-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

SYPHILIS

Syphilis is a systemic disease caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum,
which is directly transferred to the skin's syphilitic blisters and mucous membranes. It is a sexually transmitted infection (STD) that can lead to severe forms if left untreated.

About 12 million new cases of syphilis occur every year. More than 90% of them are in developing nations where congenital syphilis remains a leading cause of stillbirths and newborn deaths.

If not treated, syphilis may progress from a primary infection characterized by a painless ulcer ( chancre), to secondary and tertiary infections.

Serological tests may be negative in the early stage of infection.

Its infection is also spread through sexual
contact with a person infected with syphilitic blisters (also called painless blisters). The infection will not spread by the infected person touching the door handle or table-like surfaces.

It can cause blisters in the vagina, anus, rectum, lips and mouth. The disease is likely to spread during oral, anal or vaginal sex. In rare cases, it can also spread through kisses.

Painless skin on the surface of the genitals, rectum, mouth or skin is the first sign of infection. Some people do not even go to the blister because it is painless. Sometimes these blisters heal on their own, but if left untreated, the bacteria remain in the body.

It can be transferred from the mother to the womb during pregnancy or even to the baby during childbirth. This type of syphilis is called 'congenital syphilis'.

Our first prime ministers javaharlal Nehru death caused STD (Neurosyphilis) as per report.

Symptoms of syphilis :

Small lesions or ulcers :

This is the first symptom of the disease. Men may have painful ulcers in the penis. Women may have ulcers on the uterus or outside the uterus and on the outside of the vagina.

Red rash:

Red rash on the body with hands and feet,

fever :

You may have fever, sore throat and lymph nodes. Also, there may be weakness and discomfort.

Muscle aches :

In addition to fever, you may experience sore throat and pain in various parts of the body and joint pain.

Loss of appetite :

In the secondary stage, weight loss begins and you do not feel hungry due to the spread of infection.

Stages of syphilis infection:

The syphilis infection can be classified as

1.congenital syphilis :
Infection transmitted from mother to child.

2.Aquired syphilis :
Infection through sex or blood transfusion.

There are four stages of syphilis:

Primary

Secondary

Latent

Tertiary

Syphilis is the most contagious in the first two stages.

The disease remains active when syphilis is in the latent state, but often does not Seen any symptoms and is not contagious to others. The third stage of syphilis is the most dangerous to health.

Primary Syphilis :

The primary phase of syphilis begins three to four weeks after infection with the bacteria. It starts with a small, round blister. The skin is painless, but extremely contagious. blisters in any part of your body, such as inside or outside your mouth, genitals or rectum.

The skin Blister appears three weeks after infection, but may take 10 to 90 days to appear.

Secondary syphilis:

During the second phase of syphilis, rashes on your skin and sore throat may occur. The rashes do not have itching and are usually found on your palms and soles, but can be anywhere on the body. Some people should pay attention to these rashes, before they can even be cured.

latent syphilis :

The third stage of the syphilis is latent . The primary and secondary symptoms disappear and you will not seen any symptoms at this stage. However, you still remain infected with syphilis. Symptoms of secondary syphilis may reappear or you may be infected with this stage for several years before moving on to the phase of tertiary syphilis.

Tertiary syphilis :

The final stage of infection is tertiary syphilis. About 15 to 30 percent of people enter this stage, who do not cure syphilis. Tertiary syphilis can occur from one year to ten years after initially being infected and caused fatal effect like,

Blindness

Deafness

Mental illness

Loss of memory

Damage to soft tissue and bone

Neurological disorders, such as stroke or meningitis

Heart disease

Neurosyphilis, which is an infection of the brain or spinal cord.

Diagnosis of syphilis :

RPR(Rapid plasma Reagin) Blood tests :

RPR Blood test can detect current or previous infections, as the antibodies to the disease are present in Your body.

Physical Exam:

The disease can be evaluated with painless blisters during the primary or secondary stages.

Cerebrospinal fluid :

It is collected through spinal tape and examined for any effect on the nervous system.

If syphilis is identified, tell your sexual partner about it and it should be examined, and if necessary treat partner also.

Prevention of syphilis:

The best way to prevent syphilis is to have sex safely. It is a good idea to use condoms during any type of sexual contact.

Treatment of syphilis :

Syphilis Treatment is based on stage of syphilis. Following medicine are used to treat various stages of syphilis. These are :

•Benzathine benzylpenicillin

•Procaine benzylpenicillin

Alternative medication for penicillin allergic patient.

•Doxycycline

•Tetracycline

Alternative medicine for penicillin allergic pregnant women.

•erythromycine.

Sexually transmitted diseases /sexually transmitted infections

2019-10-18T05:36:00.000-07:00

Sexually transmitted diseases

The term Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) is used for diseases that are transferred from one person to another by vaginal, anal or oral sex.

STDs are also known as sexually transmitted infection-STIs or occult diseases (Venereal disease).

This does not mean that STDs are transmitted only by sex. Infection of some of these diseases can also be transmitted through:

•Sharing injectable drug by drug abuse personal.

•Using a needle or shaving blade of a diseased person.

• Breastfeeding to child with infected mother.

•From open wounds or loose skin.

•From needle stick injury to health care workers with infected person's blood.

Some fact regarding Sexually transmitted diseases /infection :

•According to WHO report :
More than 1 million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired every day worldwide .

•Each year, there are an estimated 376 million new infections with 1 of 4 STIs: chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and trichomoniasis .

In India :

Sexually transmitted infections (STI) rank among the top five conditions for which sexually active adults seek health care in the developing countries.

As per the community based STI/RTI prevalence study (2003), over 6% of the adult population in India suffers from one or the other STI/RTI episode annually.

Diagnosis of Sexually transmitted diseases /infection :

Most STDs cannot be diagnosed based on symptoms. Tests are needed to determine if you have STD.

Doctor can identify STD/STI with taking your history (medical history, sexual history, occupational history) , sign and symptoms, according to lab. Test (RPR test, HIV, HbsAg etc..) , some medical examination (p/v exam, vaginal swab)

You can do STD test in Laboratory after Prescribed by doctors, Although nowadays there are kits available for home inspection but they are not always reliable.

Who are risk group of STD/STI:

Anyone who is sexually active risks some degree of exposure to a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Factors that may increase that risk include:

•people who have multiple sex partner:

Multiple sex partner have greater risk for STDs because if any of one is carrier then risk for getting infection.

•young age :

Half of STDs occur in people between the age of 15 to 24 age group.

•commercial sex worker :

Sex worker have more risk to getting infection.

•STD infected people :

If any person who have STDs infection but symptoms are not seen they have greater risk for transmitted infection to another people.

•migrated labour :

Mostly Migrated people have extra marital relationship and this will lead to having infection of STDs.

•Having unprotected sex:

Vaginal or anal penetration by an infected partner who isn't wearing a latex condom significantly increases the risk of getting an STI.

•Injecting drugs:

Needle sharing spreads many serious infection like :,HIV, Hepatitis B and C, etc..

•alcohol or drug abuse person:

Alcohol or drug abuse person have more risk to get STDs because they often do sex with bar-girls.

Types of STDs/STIs:

There are mainly three types of STDs :

1.Bacterial:

Gonorrhea ( neisseria gonorrhoea)

Syphilis

Chenchroid (heamophilus ducreyi)

Molluscum contagiosm

2.viral:

HIV/AIDS

HPV (human papilloma virus)

HSV (herpes simplex virus)

Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C

Cytomegalo virus

3.other :

Trichomonas infection

Limphogranuloma venereum

Scabies

Pubic lice

Complication of STDs/STIs:

Infertility :

One women having infertility in Every four women.

Cervical cancer :

Human papilloma virus is more responsible for cervical cancer.
In developing countries approximately 5,00.000 cases of cervical cancer and 2,40,000 women are die due to cervical cancer every year.

PID (pelvic inflammatory disease)

Penis cancer

Ectopic pregnancy

HIV /AIDS:

person who have STDs he has 10% more chances to have HIV.

If mother have STDs then child have more prone to getting infection and due to infection neonate or infant have,

Congenital deformity in neonate

Premature birth or intra uterine growth retarded

Death.

Neonatal syphilis

Low birth child

•every year 4000 neonatal blindness due to untreated gonorrhea and chlamydia infection .

Prevention of STDs/STIs:

There are several ways to reduce your risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

•Safe sex:

Avoid vaginal and anal intercourse with new partners until you have both been tested for STIs. Or used condoms is very effective for prevention of STDs.

•Vaccination :

Getting vaccinated early, before sexual exposure, is also effective in preventing certain types of STIs.

Gardasil cervical cancer vaccine : This vaccine protects against human papillomavirus (HPV).

Papillomavirus 9-valent Vaccine, Recombinant) :
helps protect women against cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and anal cancer.

There are many types of Vaccines are available to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis C and hepatitis B.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the HPV vaccine for girls and boys ages 11 and 12.

If not fully vaccinated at ages 11 and 12, the CDC recommends that girls and women through age 26 and boys and men through age 26 receive the vaccine.

•avoid using needle sharing drugs.

•avoid to sex with sex worker or multiple sex partner if you want to sex then use safe sex practice like using batericidal condom.

Intracranial pressure

2019-10-15T06:15:00.000-07:00

Intracranial pressure

Intracranial pressure is the pressure inside the cranial cavity.

The rigid cranial vault contains brain tissue 1400gm, blood 75 ml, and CSF 75 ml.
The volume and pressure of these tree components are usually in the state of equilibrium and produce the ICP.

ICP is usually measured in lateral ventricles, with the normal pressure being 0 to 10 mm of Hg, and 15 mm Hg being the upper limit of normal.

Increased intracranial pressure :

Intra cranial pressure is increased because

brain tissue has limited space to expand,

compensation typically is accompanied by displacing or shifting CSF,

Increasing the absorption or diminishing the production of CSF,

Decreasing cerebral blood volume,

Without such a changes, ICP being to rise under normal circumstances, minor changes in blood volume and CSF volume occur constantly as a result of alteration in itrathoracic pressure (coughing, sneezing, straining),posture, blood pressure and systemic oxygen and carbon dioxide level.

Normal ICP: 0 to 15 mm Hg
Mild elevation : 16 to 20 mm Hg
Moderate elevation :21 to 30 mm Hg
Severe elevation : >30mm Hg.

Causes of increased ICP:

Elevated ICP is most commonly associated with:,

head injury,

brain tumor,

stroke,

aneurysm,

subarrachnoid hemorrhage,

toxic and viral encephalitis etc...

Increased ICP from any cause decrease cerebral profusion, stimulate further swelling and may shift brain tissue, resulting in herniation ,and frequently fatal event.

Sign and symptoms of increased ICP:

Head ache,

Nausea,

Vomiting,

Blurred vision,

Altered level of consciousness is usually earliest sign of increased ICP.

Cussing's triad is a late sign of increased ICP. It includes,

Bradypnea : decreased respiration rate.

Bradycardia :decreased heart rate.

Hypertension.

Partial and complete loss of sensory or motor function may occur.

Increased ICP cause fatal event so, if you have seen above sign and symptoms in any person then, immediately hospital care required. (hospital has neurologist available )

Diagnosis :

CT scan,

Skull X-ray,

ICP monitoring.

Treatment of increased ICP:

Treatment goal is to normalize ICP and avoid complication.

•Surgical placement of shunts to correct CSF blockage.

•Surgical removal of tumor or hematoma.

•Burr hole or craniatomy for decompression.

•Hyperventilation therapy to decreased the partial pressure of CO2.

•lumbar puncture is contraindicated in increased ICP because of the chances of brain stem herniation.

Complication of increased ICP:

Seizure,

Stroke,

Neurological damage,

Death.

Glasgow coma scale

2019-10-14T23:09:00.000-07:00

Glasgow coma scale

Glasgow coma scale is the most common scoring system used to describe the level of consciousness in a person following a traumatic brain injury. Maximum score is 15 and minimum score is 3.

Behaviour Response Score

Eye opening Spontaneosly 4
Response
To speech 3

To pain 2

No response 1

Best Oriented to time, 5
place and
Verbal person
Response
Confused 4

Inappropriate words 3

Incomprehensible
Sounds. 2
No response. 1

Best obeys command. 6
Motor Moves to
Response Localized pain 5
Flexion withdrawal
From pain 4

Abnormal Flexion. 3 Abnormal extension 2
No response. 1

Total Best response. 15
Score comatise client 8 or
<8
Totally
Unresponsive 3

Brain

2019-10-08T09:05:00.000-07:00

Brain

The brain is one of the largest and most complex orgen in the human body. It is made up of more than 100 billion nerves that communicate in trillions of connection called synapse.

Parts of the brain :

Mainly three parts
1.fore brain
2.mid brain
3.hind brain

1.fore brain:

Fore brain is made up of cerebrum, hypothalamus, and thalamus.

Cerebrum :

Cerebrum is the largest part of the brain. Hearing area is located in the temporal lobe.

Thalamus :

The thalamus is a small structure within the brain located just above the brain stem between the cerebral cortex and the midbrain . The main function of the thalamus is to relay motor and sensory signals to the cerebral cortex.

Hypothalamus :

Hypothalamus is responsible for secretion of number of essential hormones.
Hormones from hypothalamus regulates temperature, thirst, hunger, sleep,mood,sex drive, and release of other hormones within the body.
Oxytocin and vasoprassin are also hypothalamic hormone.

2.Mid Brain:

mid brain is a small cylindrical section between the fore and back brain. Also called mesencephalon.

The mesencephalon is made up of four nodules. These substances are called corpora quadrigemina. The upper two bodies are called the tectum and the lower part the tegmentum.

3.Hind Brain:

It is made up of cerebellum , pons, and medulla oblongata

Cerebellum:

This is the second largest part of the brain.

It is located below the base of the brain.
The cerebellum functions is to maintain the balance of the body and to coordinate muscular actions.

Medulla oblongata:

This is the last part of the brain. Which is connected to the spinal cord.

The medulla oblongata controls the salivation, vomiting, heart beat, cardiac contraction and many other involuntary function.

It is the center of breathing, coughing, swallowing etc. Also called
Myelencephalon.

Pons:

Also called Metencephalon. Pons regulates the breathing.

The pneumothorax contains a structure called the pneumotoxic center. Which controls air volume and respiratory rate during respiration.

Brainstem :

The middle brain , pons , and medulla oblongata form together.

Meninges :

Meninges is the membrane that covers the brain. it has three layers.

Dura matter: outer most layer, thick and durable.

Arachnoid matter: middle layer and impermeable to fluid.

pia matter :inner most layer and delicate.

ventricles :

ventricular system in the brain comprises of four ventricles
lateral ventricles (right and left ventricle),

third ventricles ,

fourth ventricles .
the right and left ventricle of the brain are continued with the third ventricles by interventricular foramina.

corpus callosum:

it is a mass of white matter which connects right and left hemispheres.

Brain condition :

head ache

stroke

brain aneurysm

sub dural hematoma

Epidural hematoma

Intra cerebral hemorrhage

concussion :
a brain injury that cause a temporary disturbance in brain function. traumatic head injury cause most concussion.

cerebral edema

Brain tumor

Glioblastoma

hydrocephalus

Meningitis

Encephalitis

Traumatic brain injury

Parkinson's disease

Huntington's disease

Epilepsy

Dementia

Alzheimer's disease

Brain abscess etc...

Stroke

2019-09-28T11:09:00.000-07:00

Stroke

A stroke, sometimes called brain seizure, occurs when the blood supply to the part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel burst into the brain.

It reduces the oxygen and nutrients in the brain tissue and then within a few minutes, the brain cells begin to die. In both these cases some parts of the brain are damaged or die. Stroke can lead to permanent brain damage, long-term disability, or even death.

Stroke is a medical emergency, in which immediate treatment is important. Immediate treatment and early action can reduce brain damage and potential risk of complications.

According to WHO:
In the world wide, cerebrovascular accidents are the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability.

According to research study :
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in India.
The estimated adjusted prevalence rate of stroke range, 84-262/100,000 in rural and 334-424/100,000 in urban areas. The incidence rate is 119-145/100,000 based on the recent population based studies.

Stroke also known as cardiovascular accident (CVA) is a disruption in cerebral perfusion causing neurological deficit.

Types of strokes:

Thrombotic ischemic stroke:

When cerebral arteries blocked by blood clot.

Embolic stroke :

Impaired cerebral perfusion due to embolism, vasospasm or atherosclerotic plaque.

Hemorrhagic stroke:

Due to ruptured or leaking aneurysm, intravenous malformation, bleeding disorder, arterial rupture or trauma.

Sign and symptoms of stroke /CVA:

Sign and symptoms depends on the affected artery and severity of damage.

•carotid artery :
Bruits over carotid artery,
Altered LOC (level of consciousness),
Headaches,
Aphasia,
Numbness,
Paralysis,
Ptosis,
Sensory changes.

•anterior cerebral artery :

Impaired sensory and motor function,
Confusion,
Incontinence,
Loss of coordination,
Personality changes.

•middle cerebral artery :

Altered LOC,
Aphasia (inability to comprehend or formulate language),
Contralateral hemiparesis,
Dysgraphia :
( difficulty in writing example :child like hand writing) ,
Dyslexia ( difficulty in reading) ,
Dysphagia:(difficulty in swallowing food or liquid),
Visual fields cuts.

Posterior cerebral arteries :

Paralysis usually absent,
Coma,
Dyslexia,
Sensory impairment,
Cortical blindness and
Visual field cuts.

If you experience any of the above stroke symptoms, you should seek immediate treatment. Stroke can be fatal so don't neglect it.

Think about "Fast" (FAST) and do the following:

FACE (face) : Ask the person to smile and see if the face is tilted to one side.

ARMS (left) :Speak to raise both hands, does one hand fall down? Or unable to raise a hand?

SPEECH :Ask a person to repeat a simple phrase. Do you feel asymmetry in his speech such as slowness or ambiguity.

TIME :
Ask a person about time :like, what time? If unable to answer?

If you see or feel any of these signs, go to the doctor immediately.

Causes of stroke /CVA:

Stroke occurs when the blood supply to your brain is disrupted or reduced. It deprives your brain of oxygen and nutrients, destroying your brain cells.

Stroke may be due to blocked artery (ischemic stroke) Or

may be due to rupture or tearing of the blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke)
For some people this can only be due to the temporary disruption of blood flow to their brain (transient ischemic attack or TIA).

Diagnosis of stroke /CVA:

Your doctor may use a number of tests to determine the stroke, including:

Physical Examination :

Your doctor will ask you

a member of your family .
what your symptoms have been,
when you started .
evaluate whether these symptoms still exist.
want to know what medicine you take and have you ever suffered any head injury. asked about your personal and family history of heart disease, transient ischemic attack or stroke.
check your blood pressure and listen to your heart and the air-sensing sound (BRT) on your neck (carotid) arteries, which indicates atherosclerosis; Will use a stethoscope.
use an eye structure to check for signs of small cholesterol crystals or clots in the blood vessels behind your eyes.

Blood tests :

You may have several blood tests, which will tell your doctor how quickly your blood clots are formed, how high or low your blood sugar level is, the important chemicals in the blood are out of balance. , Or if you may be infected. Taking care of and managing the time and sugar levels and other important chemicals in your blood clots helps to prevent your stroke.

Computerized tomography (CT) scan :

CT scan uses a series of X-rays to create a detailed image of your brain. CT scan can show bleeding, tumor, stroke and other conditions.

Magnetic Resonance Imagine :

MRI uses powerful radio waves and magnets to create a detailed view of your brain. MRI can detect brain tissue damaged by ischemic stroke and brain bleeding. Your doctor may use a dye (magnetic resonance angiography, or magnetic resonance map) in a blood vessel to see the arteries, nerves, and blood flow.

Carotid ultrasound :

In this test, a detailed picture of the inside of the carotid arteries is shown through the sound wave. This test shows the flow of blood into fatty deposits and into your carotid arteries.

Treatment of stroke :

•Anticoagulant :
Anticoagulant are contraindicated in patient with hemorrhagic shock but useful in nonhemorrhagic shock.

•Anticonvulsant :to prevent seizure.
•Analgesic :to relief pain.

•surgical evacuation of clot or hematoma.

•carotid endarterectomy to remove plaque.

Prevention of stroke :

You can prevent stroke by

1.reducing the amount of cholesterol and saturated fat in your diet.
Cholesterol and fats, especially saturated fats and trans fats, increase fatty coagulation (plaque) in your arteries. If you cannot control your cholesterol and fat levels with diet, your doctor may prescribe medicines.

2.avoid smoking and tobacco chewing Using tobacco and smoking increases the risk of stroke. Even for those who indirectly carry harmful .

3. Control diabetes.
You can control of diabetes with diet, exercise, weight control and medication.

4. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential. Overweight are at risk of other strokes, such as hypertension, heart disease and diabetes.

5.Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables daily reduces the risk of stroke. Then eat a Mediterranean diet that contains olive oil, fruits, nuts or pods, vegetables and whole grains.

6.Exercising regularly like aerobic or "cardio" exercises can reduce the risk of stroke in several ways.
Exercise can lower your blood pressure, increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and improve the overall health of your blood vessels and heart.

It also helps you lose weight, control diabetes and reduce stress. Slowly exercise for up to 30 minutes of activity -
such as walking, jogging, swimming or cycling, if not daily, then do most of the day.

7.Drinking more alcohol increases the risk of stroke.
Even if you drink it,drink less. Drinking more alcohol increases the risk of hypertension, ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke.

However, drinking less alcohol, such as one drink a day, can help prevent ischemic strokes and reduce your blood clotting tendency. Alcohol can also cause side effects to other medicines you are taking.

8.Take rest or sleep properly.
Resistant sleep apnea obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) - Your doctor will examine you to see if it is you and treat it immediately if found.

9.Avoid illicit drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine, as these are the determining risk factors for TIA or stroke. Cocaine reduces blood flow and can thin the arteries.

Bell's palsy

2019-09-27T08:38:00.000-07:00

Bell's palsy

Bell's palsy (facial paralysis) is due to peripheral involvement of the seventh cranial nerve -travels through a narrow, bony canal (called the Fallopian canal) in the skull, beneath the ear, to the muscles on each side of the face. For most of its journey, the nerve is encased in this bony shell.

Disruption in seventh cranial nerve then, Bell 'S palsy occur.

For most people, Bell's palsy is a temporary problem (occurring for a while). The symptoms begin to improve within a few weeks. It takes about 6 months for the patient to fully recover. In very few people the symptoms of Bell's palsy develop for a lifetime. In very rare cases, Bell's palsy is recurrent to a person.

According to research study :
It is estimated that between 25 and 35 in 100,000 people in the United States are affected with Bell's palsy. Approximately 40,000 individuals are diagnosed with Bell's palsy in the United States each year.

In India according to statistics from 66.4% population, rate of suffering by diseases is 104.39 and people death rate due to Bell's Palsy is about 9.94%.

Causes of Bell 'S palsy :

Although exact cause of Bell 'S palsy is still unknown but, according to Researchers , inflammation in the nerves is most likely triggered by the infection of the viruses.

•virus infection :

One type of facial paralysis, also known as Ramsay-Hunt Syndrome, is caused by the some virus like,

Cytomegalovirus infection

Mumps (mumps virus)

Flu (influenza B)

Respiratory disease (adenovirus)

Chickenpox and shingles (herpes zoster)

Hand and foot disease (coxsackievirus)

Mononucleosis (Epstein Barr Virus)

Cold source and genital herpes (herpes simplex virus) etc...

•Lyme disease :
Lyme disease is also one of the reasons for facial paralysis, but because of this it is very rare case.

•Diabetes :
People with diabetes are more likely to have facial paralysis.

Sign and symptoms of Bell 'S palsy :

Symptoms of Bell's palsy may develop suddenly, which include:

• Saliva dripping from the mouth,

• pain around the jaw of the affected side of the face or behind the ear,

• Increased sensitivity to sound in the ear of the affected side,

•Headache ,

•Decreased ability to feel the taste,

•complete paralysis with slight weakness in the muscles on one side of the face - this can happen within a few hours to days.

•Hanging face makes it difficult to make some expressions of face such as closing eyes or smiling.

In some very rare cases, Bell's palsy can affect the nerves on either side of the face.

Diagnosis of Bell's palsy :

No specific test is available to test Bell's palsy. But, some test are usefull to detect Bell's palsy.

Some conditions like strokes, infections, Lyme disease and tumors, etc. can also cause weakness in the facial muscles and symptoms appear as soon as Bell's Palsy.

If you are not clear why you are having these symptoms, then the doctor recommends the following test:

Electromyography (EMG) :

EMG confirms the damage to the Nerve and determines how seriously it has been damaged. The EMG test measures the nature and speed of conducting electrical impulses along with muscle Activity.

Sometimes imaging tests like MRI, CT scan etc. may be needed to detect other possible sources of pressure on the nerves of the face such as tumors and scalp fractures.

Treatment of Bell's palsy:

Most people suffering from Bell's palsy are completely cured without treatment. There is no specific treatment for Bell's Palsy, but your doctor may suggest other medicines and therapy to help you recover quickly. In very rare cases of Bell's palsy, surgery may be required.

The following are commonly used drugs for treating Bell's palsy:

Corticosteroids :
Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs like prednisone. these medicines reduce the inflammation of the facial nerve ,and these exit nerve fit comfortably into the corridor of the bone. Corticosteroid drugs work even better if they are started within a few days of the onset of symptoms.

Antiviral drugs :
The role of antiviral drugs for Bell's palsy is uncertain. Antiviral drugs alone showed placebo effect. no Antivirals mixed with steroids are also unlikely to benefit.

However, in some severe cases of Bell's palsy, Valacyclovir is given in combination with prednisone.

Physical Therapy:

Due to paralysis of the paralyzed muscles, the muscles may fall short due to contraction. Physical therapists can teach you to properly massage and exercise facial muscles to prevent such a condition from developing.

Surgery:

In some time ago, decompression surgery was used. Under this surgical procedure, the hole in the bone was opened through which the facial nerves pass through. Nowadays decompression surgery is not recommended, as this surgery procedure involves the risk of permanent facial nerve damage and loss of hearing.

In rare cases, plastic surgery is needed to permanently cure facial nerve problems.

Neurofibromatosis

2019-09-25T08:24:00.000-07:00

Neurofibromatosis

Neurofibromatosis is defined as a genetic disorder that leads to the formation of tumors on the nerve tissue. Tumors can develop at any location within the nervous system, even within the nerve, spinal cord and even the brain.

The tumors in this case are usually non-cancerous (benign). However, some cases regarding the development of malignant tumors are rare.

This problem is usually diagnosed within a person in his childhood or during early adulthood.

Neurofibromatosis, which was first described in 1882 by Von Recklinghausen.

Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disease and also a neuroectodermal abnormality and by clinical manifestations of systemic and progressive involvement which mainly affect the skin, nervous system, bones, eyes and possibly other organs.

The disease may manifest in several ways and it can vary from individual to individual.

Types of neurofibromatosis :

There are mainly three types of neurofibromatosis.

1.neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1),

2.neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2),

3.Schwannmatosis

1.Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1):

Most adults with neurofibromatosis type 1 develop neurofibromas, which are noncancerous (benign) tumors that are usually located on or just under the skin.

Some people with neurofibromatosis type 1 develop cancerous tumors that grow along nerves. These tumors, which usually develop in adolescence or adulthood, are called malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors.

People with neurofibromatosis type 1 also have an increased risk of developing other cancers, including brain tumors and cancer of blood-forming tissue (leukemia).

Neurofibromatosis type 1 mostly Beginning in early childhood.

Symptoms of NF 1:

Symptoms of NF1 include:

•multiple café-au-lait spots:

which are flat patches on the skin that are darker than the surrounding area. These spots increase in size and number as the individual grows older.

• Freckles in the underarms and groin typically develop later in childhood.

Lisch nodules:

During childhood, benign growths called Lisch nodules often appear in the colored part of the eye (the iris). Lisch nodules do not interfere with vision.

•Some affected individuals also develop tumors that grow along the nerve ,These tumors, called optic gliomas, may lead to reduced vision or total vision loss. In some cases, optic gliomas have no effect on vision.

•flat light brown spots on the skin,
groin area orligaments on the side,

•bone deformities,

•formation of tumors on the optic nerve,

•soft bumps under the skin,

• larger than average head.

Symptoms of NF 2:

Symptoms of NF2 include :

•visual problems

such as cataracts,

•balance difficulties,

•partial or total deafness,

•weakened arms and organs.

Schwannmatosis :
involves the formation of tumors within the schwan cells or glial cells with acute pain and requires surgical treatment.

Causes of neurofibromatosis :

Neurofibromatosis is caused by genetic defects (mutations) that either are passed on by a parent or occur spontaneously at conception. The specific genes involved depend on the type of neurofibromatosis:

•NF1:

The NF1 gene is located on chromosome 17. This gene produces a protein called neurofibromin that helps regulate cell growth. The mutated gene causes a loss of neurofibromin, which allows cells to grow uncontrolled.

•NF2:

The NF2 gene is located on chromosome 22, and produces a protein called merlin (also called schwannomin), which suppresses tumors. The mutated gene causes a loss of merlin, leading to uncontrolled cell growth.

Schwannomatosis:

So far, two genes are known to cause schwannomatosis. Mutations of the genes SMARCB1 and LZTR1, which suppress tumors, are associated with this type of neurofibromatosis.

Risk factors of neurofibromatosis :

Autosomal dominant inheritance pattern
The biggest risk factor for neurofibromatosis is a family history of the disorder.

About half of people with NF1 and NF2 inherited the disease from the affected parent.

NF1 and NF2 are both autosomal dominant disorders, which means that any child of a parent with the disorder has a 50 percent chance of inheriting the genetic mutation.

The inheritance pattern for schwannomatosis is less clear.

Researchers currently estimate that the risk of inheriting schwannomatosis from an affected parent is about 15 percent.

Diagnosis of neurofibromatosis :

Diagnosis of a patient for neurofibromatosis involves:

• patient's medical history and family history ,

• physical examinations. Physical examination for growth and development, blood pressure monitoring of eye and ear examination, skeletal deformities ,

•imaging tests like ,
X-ray imaging,
CT scan,
MRI.

Patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) should be checked with their doctor annually for checkup.

For patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) and to experience complete or partial hearing loss or tumor growt
, the doctor causes the problem. Can recommend surgical treatment to remove the tumor.

Stereotactic radiosurgery can help in cases where patients with NF2 suffer from hearing loss.

Patients are given radiotherapy and chemotherapy. If they are diagnosed with cancer.

Treatment of neurofibromatosis :

Treatment may include :
surgery,
radiation, or
chemotherapy.

•Surgery to remove NF2 tumors completely

•Surgery for vestibular schwannomas does not restore hearing and usually reduces hearing. Sometimes surgery is not performed until functional hearing is lost completely.

• Surgery may result in damage to the facial nerve and some degree of facial paralysis. Focused radiation of vestibular schwannoma carries of a lower risk of facial paralysis than open surgery, but is more effective of shrinking small to moderate tumors than larger tumors.

•Chemotherapy with a drug that targets the blood vessels of vestibular schwannoma can reduce the size of the tumor and improves hearing,

• but some tumors do not respond at all and sometimes respond only temporarily.

•Bone malformations can often be corrected surgically.

•surgery can also correct cataracts and retinal abnormalities. Pain usually subsides when tumors are removed completely.

How to prevent neurofibromatosis?

At the time of pregnancy if couple want to their child will be free from neurofibromatosis then,

Couples with a family history of NF1 may wish to consider their options before having a baby. Your Gynecologist refer you to a genetic counsellor to discuss your options.

These may include:

•having a child with a donor egg or sperm

•adopting a child

having a test during pregnancy :

•chorionic villus sampling or •amniocentesis to see if your baby will have NF1.

pre-implantation genetic diagnosis :

where eggs are fertilised in a laboratory and tested to make sure they don't have the NF1 gene, before being implanted into the womb.

Brain tumor

2019-09-23T09:36:00.000-07:00

Brain Tumor

•Brain tumor can be malignant or benign.

•Brain is an important part of our body. In this case, we should not ignore any problem related to brain. Even a little negligence with the brain can put our lives at risk. In addition to this, let us know that sometimes there is a problem in our brain. Upon examination, it is revealed that a brain tumor has occurred. It can happen at any age.

•Our brain is made up of cells. Whenever the control of the brain's cells starts to deteriorate for some reason, the cells begin to disappear. After this the brain's work starts to get interrupted. At the same time, when uncontrolled cells spread rapidly in the brain, they became cancerous.

•meningiomas and gliomas are the most common type of primary brain tumor.

According to research study,

•primary brain or spinal cord tumor is a tumor that starts in the brain or spinal cord.
This year, an estimated 23,820 adults (13,410 men and 10,410 women) in the United States will be diagnosed with primary cancerous tumors of the brain and spinal cord. Brain tumors account for 85% to 90% of all primary CNS tumors.

•Also, about 3,720 children under the age of 15 will be diagnosed with a brain or CNS tumor this year. This rest of this guide deals with adult primary brain tumors.

•In addition to primary brain tumors, there are also secondary brain tumors or brain metastases. This is when the tumor started somewhere else in the body and spread to the brain.

•The most common cancers that spread to the brain are bladder, breast, kidney, and lung cancers, leukemia, lymphoma, and melanoma.

•Brain and other nervous system cancer is the 10th leading cause of death for men and women. It is estimated that 17,760 adults (9,910 men and 7,850 women) will die from primary cancerous brain and CNS tumors this year.

How many types of brain tumors are there?

There are two main types of brain tumors:

Non-cancerous brain tumors :

It grows slowly and after treatment it is less likely to happen again. It's called benign brain tumor.

Cancerous brain tumors :

It starts as the primary tumor in the brain and gradually spreads to other parts of the brain (secondary tumors). Also called malignant tumor. After treatment there is a possibility of recurrence.

What are the causes and risk factors for brain tumors?

The exact cause of the brain tumor has not yet been determined. Researchers are studying whether its risk factors are more likely to develop brain tumors than other factors. Its risk factors can increase the likelihood of the disease.

Growing age:

As you age, the risk of developing a brain tumor increases. Brain tumors are most common in older persons. However, brain tumors can occur at any age. Some types of brain tumors are only found in children.

Impact of harmful rays:

People who resort to any therapy like 'ionizing radiation' (radiation therapy from a large machine on the head) increase the risk of brain tumor. Now a days due to android phone radiation children are prone to have brain tumor.

Heriditory :

If any of your family members have ever had a brain tumor problem, the chances of having a brain tumor in your brain are greatly increased.

HIV-AIDS :

Compared to the general population, if you have HIV or AIDS, you are more likely to have a brain tumor.

Stress:
Now a days people life style is changed and develop more stress and this will be most common cause of brain tumor.

Environmental factors :

Also, fast food and preservatives in food, chemical and fortified food are most common cause of cancer.

Pollution of air, water and soil are most important risk factors for cancer.
Sign and symptoms of brain tumor:

•symptoms of increased ICP(intra cranial pressure) :
Altered LOC(level of consciousness) ,
Bradycardia,
Impaired temperature regulation,
Nausea and vomiting.

•Temporal tumor:
Seizure,

•Occipital tumor:
Visual disturbance or blindness.

•Frontal tumor :
Memory loss,
Personality changes,

•Acoustic tumor :
Impaired hearing,

•Tumor near the optic tract :
Visual disturbance,

•pituitary tumor :
Disrupted hormonal function.

Diagnosis of Brain Tumor:

How to diagnose brain tumor?

The following tests may be necessary to identify a brain tumor:

Neurologic Testing:

Your doctor examines your vision, hearing ability, your alertness, muscle strength, coordination, and flexibility. Your doctor may also examine your eyes to see the inflammation caused by the tumor on the nerves connecting the eye and brain.

MRI:

This is a computer-connected machinery test, which is used to take a detailed picture of the inside of your head. Sometimes a special dye is applied to the blood vessels of your arm or hand to help you differentiate into the brain tissue.

CT Scan:

This is an X-ray machine attached to a computer, which takes many pictures of your inside head. You can get pictures of it by dyeing it in the blood vessels of your hands or arms. This picture makes it extremely easy to see unusual areas of your head.

Angiogram:

X-ray of the brain is done through dye through injection into the blood vessels.

CSF examination :

In this your doctor can sample fluid (Cerebrospinal Fluid / fluid filling the brain and surrounding areas of the spinal cord) from the lower back of the spinal cord. Doctors use a long, thin needle to drain this liquid from the bottom of your spine. The fluid is examined in the laboratory for other symptoms of cancer cells and tumors.

Biopsy:

The process of examining tissues to look for tumor cells is called 'biopsy'. pathologists see these cells through a microscope.

How is a Brain Tumor Treated?

Treatment of brain tumors depends on:

Types of tumors,

Tumor status in the brain,

Its size,

How much he has spread,

How abnormal the cells have become,

How is your health and fitness level?

Surgery:

If the brain tumor is located in a location where the operation is easy, your surgeon will try to remove as much of the tumor as possible.

In some cases, the tumor is small and easy to differentiate from surrounding brain tissue, which is the perfect position for the surgery as a whole. While in some other cases, the tumor cannot be isolated from the surrounding tissue. In addition, it is located near sensitive areas in the brain, in which surgery cannot be taken. In this case your doctor removes the tumor in other safe ways.

Removing part of the brain tumor (craniotomy) can help reduce your disease signals and symptoms.

Removing brain tumors from surgery poses a risk of infection and bleeding. In addition there may be other complications related to the location of the tumor.

Cyber knife radiation surgery :

The cyber knife system automatically adjusts and detects tumors, which further helps to reduce the exposure of radiation to healthy organs and tissues. Cyber Knife Radiation Surgery has many benefits compared to traditional radiation treatments and surgeries.

Chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy is used to destroy tumor cells. Chemotherapy drugs can be taken in the form of a pill or injected into the blood vessel. There are several types of chemotherapy drugs that can be used depending on the type of cancer.

The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the type and dosage of the medicines you take. Chemotherapy can cause nausea, vomiting and hair loss.

Palliative Treatments:

Pain relief treatment works to reduce the symptoms of the disease, improve the quality of life and help the patient and his family. Preventive treatments vary widely. These include drugs, nutritional changes, relaxation techniques, emotionally strengthening and other treatments.

Anyone can use pain relieving treatments. In the early stages of the treatment process, care in pain relief works better. At the same time, people can adopt the treatment of the tumor and also reduce its side effects. In fact, the symptoms of patients receiving tumor treatment and pain relief treatment are less severe. At the same time, the quality of life of these patients and the reports obtained from the examination of the disease are found very satisfactory.

Other drugs:

Some of the symptoms of a brain tumor are extremely serious and can affect the patient's life. Supportive care for people with brain tumors includes:

A drug called corticosteroids is used to reduce inflammation in the brain. You can use this medicine to reduce the pain caused by inflammation compared to other medicines. These drugs help to reduce tumor pressure and reduce the neurological symptoms caused by inflammation in healthy brain tissue.

Antiseizure medicines can help you if you have seizures.

Post-treatment condition:

Brain tumors develop in parts of the brain and complicate your ability to speak, see and think as well as your functioning. So after treatment you should take some special kind of therapy to cure these problems. which mainly includes:

Physical therapy can help you to improve your functioning and muscular strength.

Taking therapy to speak will relieve the difficulties you have in speaking.

Home remedies for brain tumor :

1.Be stress free:

Be stress-free and avoid cancer. According to recent discoveries, the main cause of cancer is mental stress and which part of the body will be dependent on the nature of mental stress.

2.avoid excess mobile use:

When viewed, most people have been seen sleeping at night, keeping their mobile phones soundless and keeping them under a pillow in vibrate mode so that no one else gets disturbed sleep when the phone arrives, Do not know that the cells of the brain are stopped by the waves that come out during vibration in the mobile or they stop dead or they die.

3.Ashwagandha:

Generally, cancer drugs damage sick cells as well as normal cells, making them more prone to other diseases. By using Ashwagandha, only cancer cells and neurons were destroyed while no damage was done to other cells and neurons.

Aswagandha herb has attractive healing properties. They play a major role in restoring strength and immunity in your body. It is rich in antioxidants and contains beneficial anti-oxidants. It supplements essential nutrients, which improves brain function. Also, reduces adverse effects due to harmful radiation.

4.Grapes:

According to a new study, regular inclusion of grapes in food can reduce the risk of cancer of the large intestine as well as brain tumor . It is the third such type of cancer, which causes more than five million deaths worldwide every year.

5.Basil plant:

In the early stages of cancer, if the patient has 20 basil leaves crushed and swallowed with water daily, it can be eliminated from the root. Grind twenty basal leaves of basil and drink it in a large bowl of yogurt or a glass of buttermilk in the morning and evening.

6.Curcumin:

Curcumin is known to eliminate malignant cells from your body. Not only is it an anti-oxidant, it also improves immunity. It is considered to be one of the most effective treatments for the treatment of brain tumors.

7.Googul:

Googul is known for reviving damaged cells and providing good health. It increases the body's oxidation capacity and helps to heal brain tumors.

Head injury

2019-09-21T23:23:00.000-07:00

Head injury

Head injury is a term that describes the injury to all parts of the head, such as some kind of injury to the skull, brain and internal tissues of the head and blood vessels.

Head injury can occur for a variety of reasons such as falls, slips, road accidents and physical violence.

About 70 percent of the head and brain injuries are in a road accident.

The brain is in two parts and there is a membrane in between. Brain stem is the major part of the brain under the membrane. From the brain stem, the heartbeat and the breathing process goes smoothly. Injuries to the upper part of the membrane affect the ability of the hands, feet to function, as well as affect speech, understanding and memory. In severe cases the person may also be paralyzed.

Head injuries can result in inflammation or bleeding in the brain tissue or bleeding into the lining that surrounds the brain.

What are the symptoms of head injury?

In some cases, head trauma does not produce any symptoms and in some cases severe symptoms like memory loss or coma can occur. It is also not necessary to start symptoms immediately after an injury to the head, because if there is injury to the brain, it may take some time for the brain to swell and bleed. In this case, the symptoms are recognized shortly after the injury.

Symptoms associated with head injury such as:

Being unconscious, the person falls into this situation and does not react. He can stay in this position for a long time. Also, this can happen for very short periods of time.

Concussion is the condition of a sharp object being hit on the head. In this situation, the person's brain suddenly stops working, which lasts for some time. During this time the person appears disturbed and confused, the person with a stroke can also faint even though it is not necessary.

Sensitivity to sound and light

Irritability

Confusion

Inability to sleep properly or a change in sleep type (such as frequent waking or excessive sleepiness).

Blurring

Fatigue & lethargy

Unable to speak properly

Difficulty walking

Feeling weak on one side of the body

Bleeding from the nose or ears or any other fluid

Epileptic seizures

Inflammation around eyes

Swelling of the back of the ear

Lack of memory

body is numb

Difficulty in speaking

Difficulty staying awake

Difficulty Listening

Scalp or deep cut in the scalp

An open wound on the head

Coma

When you required immediate doctor reference?

Knowing the severity of a head injury and learning to do its first aid can save one's life when needed. If a person is experiencing the following problems due to head injury, he should seek the help of a doctor immediately,

Severe bleeding from the head or face,

memory Loss,

Severe headache ,

Neck stiffness ,

Vomiting more than once ,

Resizing the Pupils in the middle of the eye

Do not move the side or leg,

Too much sleep ,

Behaving extraordinary,

What are the causes of head injury?

Some common causes of severe head injury such as:

•A road accident such as a bike or car accident.

Nearly 1.3 million people die every year on the world's roads and 20 to 50 million people suffer non-fatal injuries, with many sustaining a disability as a result of their injury.

Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among young people aged 15-29 years and cost countries 1-3% of the gross domestic product (GDP).

If no action is taken, road traffic crashes are predicted to result in the deaths of around 1.9 million people annually by 2020.
Hence the goal of the United Nations' Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 is to save five million lives.

In India, the motor vehicle population is growing at a faster rate than the economic and population growth. The surge in motorization coupled with expansion of the road network has brought with it the challenge of addressing adverse factors such as the increase in road accidents.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), road traffic injuries are the sixth leading cause of death in India with a greater share of hospitalization, deaths, disabilities and socio-economic losses in the young and middle-aged population.

• Accidents at home such as falling or slipping.

•Occurrences of work accidents such as falling or falling on the head while working on a machine.

•Physical violence, such as headaches.

•Sports injuries, such as head-to-head injuries.

When does the risk of head injury increase?

There are some situations where the risk of head injury is high:

•Infants up to 4 years old

•Drinking excessive alcohol before
performing any physical activity .

In 2016, 10,497 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, accounting for 28% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. Of the 1,233 traffic deaths among children ages 0 to 14 years in 2016.

• People over 60 years old.

The risk of head injury is increased in older men, mainly men.

How to Diagnose head injury?

To test for a Head injury , doctors use a test called the Glasgow coma scale. The Glasgow Coma Scale Test consists of 15 points, which indicate a person's mental status. If the result of the Glasgow Coma Scale comes out high, it means a serious head injury. Doctors investigate and determine their conditions:

Eye opening ability

Ability to speak and understand

The ability to flex from the elbow to the side, such as muscle activity

The doctor needs to determine if you are conscious and if you are not conscious it is not too late. During the test, the doctor can also detect signs or marks of injury to the head, such as swelling or bluish skin. In addition, doctors can also perform a neurological examination.

In Neurological exam , the doctor examines the strength and control of your muscles, the ability of the eyes to move , etc., to find out how the nerves are working.

Also other test are helpful to identify head injury, Like:

X-rays :
X-ray tests are performed to detect any type of fracture in the bone of the head.

CT scan :
In this process, computer technology is used with X-ray, which helps to take pictures inside the body. CT scan can take pictures of many parts of the body, including bones, muscles, fat and many other parts of the body. The picture taken by CT scan contains more information than normal X-rays.

EEG (Electroencephalogram) :
This is a process in which the electrical activity of the brain .

MRI scan :
In this process large magnets, radio frequencies and computer machines are used. With the help of this test , More accurate pictures of the body's internal organs and their structure Are taken.

First aid treatment at home during head injury :

Giving first aid care then, if moderate to severe head injury then, immediately transfer to hospital.

If, minor head injuries then, given home care,

So, after head injury you can use following home remedies for relieving pain and swelling.

Sudden bruises cause swelling on the head. This problem occurs to children several times. When they fall down while playing, children often get swollen in a spherical head. This is a very common problem. Many times older people also get hurt, causing them to swell. This is due to the accumulation of fluid flowing through the damaged blood vessels in one place. You can also cure swelling on the head due to injury.

Cold compress:

Apply an ice pack directly to the affected area as soon as you notice the swelling caused by the head injury . Cold ice will promote vasoconstriction or tighten your blood vessels, thereby limiting inflammation. A cold compression also reduces pain.

Will help Cold compress should be done for the first 24 to 48 hours.
For cold compress,
- first,Wrap some ice pieces in a towel.

- then, Apply this ice pack to the affected area for 20 minutes.

- Apply icepack repeatedly for a few minutes break.

Warm compression:

After 24 hours of swelling, you can warm compress on the affected area. Warm compression increases the flow of blood to the swollen area, opening the blood vessels and helping oxygen-rich blood and nutrients reach the damaged tissue.

Black Tea Bag:

Black tea has an element called tannin which has excellent properties so black tea bags can help a lot in reducing inflammation on the head after injury.

Arnica:

Arnica is an effective herb for the treatment of inflammation due to its analgesic properties. It promotes the re-modification of fluids in the blood vessels, which in turn reduces pain and inflammation. In addition it improves blood flow faster.

Turmeric powder :

Early research suggests that taking curcumin, a chemical found in turmeric, might improve symptoms of inflammation.

Parkinson's disease

2019-09-18T10:06:00.000-07:00

Parkinson's disease

It is a chronic, progressive degenerative disease of the nervous system marked by tremor, muscular rigidity and slow movements (bradykinesia). It is associated with degeneration of substantia nigra, basal ganglia and corpus striatum of the brain.
April 11 -world Parkinson's day.

Parkinson's is slowly progressive nervous disorder in which the body loses the control over its muscles.

The nerve cell help control movement and coordination. When nerve cell in the brain don't produce enough of a brain chemicals, the brain cell dies. The absence of the brain chemical in the nerve cell leads to Parkinson's disease in which a patient often shakes involuntary and has trouble walking and moving.

Slow loss of dopamine producing neurons in the substantia nigra and dopamine decline in the central nervous system.

Parkinson's disease is more common in older people, most cases occurs after the age of 50.

Approximately 7 to 10 million people worldwide have Parkinson's disease
.
Men are 1.5 times more likely to have Parkinson's disease .

It's develop gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremors in just one hand.

Sign and symptoms of Parkinson's disease :

Cardinal features :

Pill rolling tremors of the fingers, arms, and hands that may also affect the chin, legs and trunk.

Bradykinesia (slowness of movement)

Rigidity or stiffness of the limbs and trunk

Postural instability (impaired balance and coordination).

Other sign and symptoms :

Freezing episode,

Masked face,

Micrographia,

Fatigue,

Kyphotic posture,

Akathisia ,

Dysarthria (slurred speech),

Dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing),

Dementia,

Bladder problem,

Sleep problems,

Memory problems,

Hallucination.

Causes of Parkinson's disease :

The cause of Parkinson's disease is unknown, but there are several factors that can cause it, including :

1.Genes :

Researchers have identified specific genetic mutations that can cause Parkinson's disease. However, these are uncommon except for rare cases involving family members affected by Parkinson's disease.

2.Environmental :

The effects of certain toxins or environmental factors may increase the risk of end-stage Parkinson's disease, but overall they reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease.

more research is still needed to identify the factors responsible for Parkinson's disease.

What are the Risk Factors for Parkinson's Disease?

Risk factors for Parkinson's disease include:

Increasing age :

Parkinson's disease is rarely found in young people. It usually starts in the middle or end of life and the risk increases with age. The disease usually develops in people 60 years of age or older.

Heredity :

Having a close relative of you suffer from Parkinson's disease increases your chances of getting the disease. However, unless many members of your family have the disease, your risk is low.

Men are more at risk :

Parkinson's disease is more likely to develop in men than women.

Exposure to toxins :

Continued exposure to herbicides and pesticides can increase your risk of developing Parkinson's disease.

Prevention of Parkinson's Disease

How Can Prevent Parkinson's Disease?

Since the cause of this disease is unknown, its prevention methods are a mystery. However, some research has shown that coffee, tea and caffeine found in Coca-Cola can reduce the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Green tea can also help reduce its risk.

Some research has shown that regular aerobic exercise can reduce the risk of the disease.

Tonic Brahmi of the mind

For Parkinson's, Brahmi is considered a boon. It works like a tonic of the mind. For centuries some physicians in India have been using it as an enhancement of memory. According to a study by the Medical Center of the University of Maryland, Brahmi protects the brain cells by improving blood circulation in the brain. According to another study by Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, the powder of Brahmi seeds is a great cure for Parkinson's. It claims to remove the disease and protect it from brain damage.

Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease:

How is Parkinson's disease diagnosed ?

There is currently no specific test for the Parkinson's disease test. In the nervous system conditions, trained physicians (neurologists) will diagnose the disease based on your medical history, review of your signs and symptoms, and a neurological and physical examination. In addition, your doctor may suggest a test to relieve other conditions, which may be the cause of your symptoms.

In addition to the tests, doctors can give you the drug 'carbidopa-levodopa' for Parkinson's disease. If taking this drug is a significant improvement, it is often
considered a confirmation of Parkinson's disease. Adequate dose should be given to see the effect of the drug, as it is not beneficial to give low dose for a day or two. For best reaction the drug should be taken at least one hour before empty stomach.

Treatment of Parkinson's Disease :

Parkinson's Disease Treatment

What is the cure for Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease cannot be cured, but medications can help control your symptoms. In some severe cases, surgery may be advised.

Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes, especially aerobic exercise. In some cases, physical therapy is also very important. It emphasizes balance and stretching.

1. Drugs

Medications can help relieve problems related to your gait, activity and vibration by increasing the supply of dopamine in your brain. However, dopamine cannot be given directly, because it cannot enter your brain.

Your doctor may prescribe the following medicines :

Carbidopa-Levodopa :
Levodopa is the most effective drug of Parkinson's disease. It is a natural chemical, which goes into your brain and is converted to dopamine.

After many years, when your disease progresses, the effects of levodopa medication may not be stable and may be less or more. In addition, you may experience involuntary activities (dyskinesia; Dyskensia) after taking more doses of Levodopa. Your doctor may reduce the dose of your medication or regulate the time taken for your medication to control these effects.

Dopamine Agonists :
Agonists produce dopamine-like effects in the brain. They are not as effective as levodopa in treating the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. However, their effect lasts for a long time and can be used with levodopa to minimize the effects of levodopa. Some of the side effects of dopamine agonists are similar to levodopa, but they also include hallucinations, swelling, drowsiness and repetitive behaviors - such as gambling.

MAO-B Inhibitors :
These monoamines help prevent brain dopamine damage by disrupting abrain enzyme called oxidase B (Mao-B). This enzyme breaks down brain dopamine into small segments. Side effects may include nausea or headache. Taking these medicines with Levodopa increases the risk of hallucinations. Due to severe but rare effects, these drugs are not often used in combination with antidepressants or certain types of neurotics. Consult your doctor before taking any additional medicine with Mao-B inhibitors.

Catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors :
This drug enhances the effect of levodopa therapy by blocking the enzyme that breaks dopamine. Side effects include the risk of involuntary activities (dyskinesia), Which increases mainly due to the effects of high doses of levodopa. Other side effects include diarrhea or side effects caused by overdose of levodopa.

Anticholinergics :
These drugs have been used for many years to control the vibrations associated with Parkinson's disease. However, the minor benefits of these
drugs often do not have any side effects, such as memory loss, confusion, hallucinations, constipation, itching in the mouth and difficulty in urinating.

Amantadine :
Doctors may suggest Amtadine to provide temporary relief from the symptoms of early-stage Parkinson's disease. It can also be given with levodopa therapy in the later stages of Parkinson's disease to control involuntary activities (dyskinesia) induced by carbidopa levodopa. Side effects may include purple spots on the skin, ankle swelling or hallucinations.

2. Surgical procedures

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) :
Surgeons implant electrodes into a specific part of your brain. The electrodes are connected to the generator implanted in the chest near your collarbone. They send electrical vibrations to your brain and can reduce the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Risks associated with surgery include,
infection,
stroke or brain hemorrhage.
Some people experience problems related to the DBS system or experience complications due to stimulation.

Deep DBS is mostly used for people with high-stage Parkinson's disease who have unstable reactions to the levodopa drug.

DBS can continuously improve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and these improvements persist even after several years of the procedure. However, DBS cannot completely prevent the development of Parkinson's disease

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

2019-09-14T08:57:00.000-07:00

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Stephen Hawking made his contribution to science when only the brain worked out of

21years of age, he become know about he was suffered from motor neurons diseases ALS. Then the doctors told him he was a guest for only a few years, but with this the disease grew slowly and he dedicated almost 50 years to science.

ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) is a specific disorders of unknown cause that involves loss of motor neurons that controls voluntary muscles.

Motor neuron disease is an extraordinary condition that affects the brain and nerves. The disease is caused by a disturbance in the brain and nerve cells. These cells stop working. Neuron motor disease is also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Usually ALS attacks at 60 and 70 but it can happen to people of all ages.

This disease makes it difficult to move, swallow food, breathe over time. Need to breathe with an eating tube or mask. The disease eventually leads to death, but how long it takes for someone to reach the final stop, it can vary.

Sign and symptoms of ALS:

•RESPIRATORY DISTRESS

•MUSCLE WEAKNESS

•MUSCLE ATROPHY

•MUSCLE RIGIDITY

•Feeling weak in the heel or leg

•Difficulty in speaking and eating certain types of food

•The grip may be weak

•Muscle cramps can occur

•Lose weight.

•Emotions do not control

In ALS, the nerve cells that control your movement begin to die slowly. So your muscles start to weaken and gradually become useless.

Causes of ALS:

Researchers are investigating several possible causes of ALS, including -

1.Gene mutations

Genetic ALS can be caused by many gene mutations.

2.Chemical imbalance

People with ALS usually have a higher level of chemicals called glutamate. This chemical acts as a message carrier in the brain. It is also present in nerve cells near the spinal fluid. The excess of this chemical produces toxins.

3.Irregularity of disease resistance

Many times a person's immunity starts to attack the normal cells of the body. It causes death of nerve cells.

4.Not able to handle protein properly

When the body is unable to handle the protein properly, it accumulates abnormal amounts of these proteins in the body. It causes death of nerve Cell.

Risk factor:

1.Genetics

Five to ten percent of the people inherit the disease. Children who have ALS are at 50 to 55 percent risk of developing this disease.

2.Age

ALS usually affects people 40 to 60 years old.

3. Sex

Before 65 years of age, the risk of developing the disease is slightly higher in man than that of women. After the age of 70 this gap is closed.

4.Smoking

Smoking cigarettes is twice as likely to have ALS than non-smokers. The more years you spend smoking, the higher your risk of getting this disease. After quitting smoking, you are less likely to have the disease.

5.Getting in touch with Lad

There has also been some evidence suggesting that the possibility of ALS is also increased when the amount of lead in the workplace is high.

6.Military service

In a recent research, it has been reported that people working in the military are more likely to have ALS. However, the reason behind this is not clear yet. But it is believed that this may be due to exposure to certain metals and things.

Diagnosis of ALS:

The disease is difficult to detect in the early stages because there is no test for it. However, it is detected through
blood tests,

brain and spinal scan,

electrical activity measurements in the muscles and nerves,

lumper puncture in which fluid is injected into the spinal cord, etc

Treatment of ALS:

There is no cure for ALS, nor is there any proven treatment that can prevent or reverse it.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved riluzole, the first drug that has been found to extend the life of ALS patients. riluzole reduces the release of glutamate and reduces motor neuron damage. Clinical trials have shown that riluzole can extend life for many months, especially for people who have difficulty swallowing. This drug also extends the time before a person needs artificial respiratory support. Riluzole does not reverse the damage that has been done to the motor neuron, and patients taking the drug should be monitored for liver damage and other possible side effects.

Physical therapy :

Physical therapy and specialized equipment can increase independence and safety throughout the duration of ALS.

Low-impact aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming and vertical cycling, can strengthen unaffected muscles, improve cardiovascular health and help patients cope with fatigue and depression.

Exercise with speed and stretch can help prevent painful spasticity and muscle contraction.

Occupational therapists can suggest measures such as ramps, bandages, walkers and wheelchairs that can help patients conserve their energy and stay active.

Breath-assisted breathing (intermittent positive ventilation) [IPPV] or bilevel positive airway pressure [BIPAP]) can be used to assist with breathing while sleeping. When the muscles are not able to maintain oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, these devices can be used throughout.

Social workers and homecare and hospice nurses help patients, families, and carers cope with ALS,especially in the final stages of the disease, dealing with medical, emotional and financial challenges.

Alzheimer's Disease

2019-09-09T04:00:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Disease /Neurodegenerative disease/Aging disorders

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, irreversible, degenerative neurologic diseases that begins insidiously and is characterized by gradual loses of cognitive function and disturbances in behavior and affect.

In Alzheimer's disease,
•progressive impairment of memory and cognitive function.

•Development of senile plaque.

According to research study,

•It is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of cases of dementia in the United States.

•In 2013, 6.8 million people in the U.S. had been diagnosed with dementia. Of these, 5 million had a diagnosis of Alzheimer's. By 2050, the numbers are expected to double.

21-september :world Alzheimer's day.

Classification of Alzheimer's disease

Early onset Alzheimer's disease (familial)

Early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease can affect younger people with a family history of the disease, typically between the ages of 30 and 60 years.

Intermediate stage:

Reduced ability to remember past events, wandering agitation, hostility, incontinence and disorientation to place and time.

End stage :

Total incontinence, recent and remote memory loss, inability to walk and swallow.

Causes of Alzheimer's disease :

•Incresing age is the greatest risk factors for Alzheimer's disease.

•destruction of nerve -cholinergic nerve.

•vascular abnormalities.

•abnormality in neurotransmitters.

•genetic.

•changes in circadian rhythm.

•stress hormones.

•Seizures disorders and head injury.

Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease :

•loss of memory with inability to recall.

•Deficiency in performing similar task.

•forget time, place, way, purpose for here.

•poor judgement -wear sweter in summer, so don't judge effectively.

•Misplacing object wallet, key, mobile etc..

•change mood and behavior.

•Depression, anxiety and insomnia.

Diagnostic findings of Alzheimer's disease :

There is no single test for Alzheimer's disease,
so doctors will check the signs and symptoms,
take a medical history,
and rule out other conditions before making a diagnosis.

They may also check the person's neurological function, for example, by testing their balance, senses, and reflexes.

Other assessments may include,
a blood or urine test,
a CT or MRI scan of the brain,
screening for depression.

Cognitive assessment:

To confirm a diagnosis of Alzheimer's, the following must be present and severe enough to affect daily activities:

gradual memory loss

progressive cognitive impairment

Questions that may be asked to test cognitive ability include:

Alzheimer's can make it hard to remember things.

What is your age?

What is the time, to the nearest hour?

What is the year?

What is the name of the hospital or town we are in?

Can you recognize two people, for example, the doctor, nurse?

What is your date of birth?

Count backward from 20 down to 1

A number of assessment tools are available to assess cognitive function.

Genetic testing:

In some cases, genetic testing may be appropriate.

A gene known as the APOE-e4 is associated with higher chances of people over the age of 55 years developing Alzheimer's.

Using this test early could indicate the likelihood of someone having or developing the disease. However, the test is controversial, and the results are not entirely reliable.

Treatment of Alzheimer's disease :

Now a day, no disease-modifying drugs are available for Alzheimer's disease, but some options may reduce the symptoms and help improve quality of life.

Cholinesterase inhibitors that are approved for symptomatic relief

Donepezil (Aricept)

Rivastigmine (Exelon)

Tacrine (Cognex)

NMDA receptor antagonist,

memantine (Namenda), an NMDA receptor antagonist, may also be used, alone or in combination with a cholinesterase inhibitor.

How to reduced the risk of Alzheimer's disease :

•Protect your head:

Head trauma at any point in life may increase your risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This includes repeated hits in sports activities such as football, soccer, and boxing, or one-time injuries from a bicycle, skating, or motorcycle accident. Protect your brain by wearing properly fitting sports helmets and trip-proofing your environment as you exercise. Avoid activities that compete for your attentionlike talking on your cell while walking or cycling.

•Social engagement:

Human beings are highly social creatures. We don’t thrive in isolation, and neither do our brains. Staying socially engaged may even protect against Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in later life, so make developing and maintaining a strong network of friends a priority.

•Regular exercise:

According to the Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation, regular physical exercise can reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by up to 50 percent. What’s more, exercise can also slow further deterioration in those who have already started to develop cognitive problems. Exercise protects against Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia by stimulating the brain’s ability to maintain old connections as well as make new ones.

•Mental stimulation:

Those who continue learning new things and challenging their brains throughout life are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Healthy diet:

In Alzheimer’s disease, inflammation and insulin resistance injure neurons and inhibit communication between brain cells. Alzheimer’s is sometimes described as “diabetes of the brain,” and research suggests a strong link between metabolic disorders and the signal processing systems. By adjusting your eating habits, however, you can help reduce inflammation and protect your brain.

•Quality sleep:

It’s common for people with Alzheimer’s disease to suffer from insomnia and other sleep problems. But new research suggests that disrupted sleep isn’t just a symptom of Alzheimer’s, but a possible risk factor. An increasing number of studies have linked poor sleep to higher levels of beta-amyloid, a sticky brain-clogging protein that in turn further interferes with sleep—especially with the deep sleep necessary for memory formation. Other studies emphasize the importance of uninterrupted sleep for flushing out brain toxins.

Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever

2019-09-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

Congo fever

The Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus — transmitted through bite of Hyalomma tick is spreading fast across the state.

Symptoms of this infection first appeared in the year 1944 in Crimea.
In 1969, it was found that a similar infection was spread in the Congo and hence this virus is known as Crimean Congo Virus.

According to the World Health Organization, the infection is found in many countries in Africa, Europe and Asia. During 2001, a large number of cases were found in Kosovo, Albania, Iran, Pakistan and South Africa.

ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV) has pointed out for the first time, human population in 11 of the 33 districts were immediately vulnerable to the CCHF disease. The ‘seropositivity study’ spread over three years, 2015 to 2017, and involved 4,978 individuals. Blood samples from these individuals were tested for presence of Immunoglobulin G (IgG), the most abundant type of antibody, which is found in all body fluids and protects against bacterial and viral infections.

Incubation period of Congo fever

1 to 9 days.
Transmission of Congo fever

Hyalomma ticks is one of the causative factors for transmission of infestation.

Transmission through ticks bite or contact with contaminated blood.

Agricultural worker, slaghterhous worker, veterinarian are have more risk of Congo fever.

Sign and symptoms of Congo fever

•Head ache
•high grade fever
•abdominal pain
•back pain
•red eyes
•joint pain
•vommiting
•bleeding from any part of the body

Investigation of Congo fever

•Elisa (enzyme linked immunosorbant assay.
•Serological test
•Antigen detection
•Virus isolation by cell culture
•Immunohystochemical staining
•Reverse transcriptase polymerage chain reaction

Mortality rate

Congo fever is a very fatal disease. 9 to 50% mortality rate.

Treatment of Congo fever

Give supportive treatment
•maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.
•antiviral (Ribavirin)

Prevention and control of Congo fever

Congo fever virus transmitted by bite of hyalomma ticks which is growing on animals so, transmission reduction is more important.

•Reducing the risk of ticks to human transmission.

-Wear protective clothes (long sleeves, long trousers)
-Use acaricides on clothing.
-Use repellents on the skin and clothing.
-Seek to eliminate or control tick infestation on animals.
-Avoid areas were tick are abundant and season when they are most active.

•Reducing the risk of animal-to-human transmission

-wear gloves and other protective clothing while handling animals or their tissues in endemic areas, notably during slaughtering, butchering and culling procedures in slaughterhouses or at home.

-quarantine animals before they enter slaughterhouses or routinely treat animals with pesticides two weeks prior to slaughter.

•Reducing the risk of human to health care worker transmission

-handling specimens from them, should implement standard infection control precautions.

-These include basic hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, safe injection practices and safe burial practices.

-As a precautionary measure, health-care workers caring for patients immediately outside the CCHF outbreak area should also implement standard infection control precautions.

-Samples taken from people with suspected CCHF should be handled by trained staff working in suitably equipped laboratories.

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