The neurones in the brain are constantly reorganising their connections both functionally and physically according to the environment, your thinking and behaviour. This ability is known as neuroplasticity. Through neuroplasticity the nerve cells of brain can compensate for injury to some parts of the brain and enable a person to recover from stroke, birth abnormalities. It is also beneficial in treating autism, ADD, learning disabilities and helps manage obsessive compulsive disorders.

Here are seven things you should know about neuroplasticity.

Change depends on the attentiveness of the brain: Neuroplasticity changes can only happen if the brain is alert and active. When the brain is active it releases neurochemicals that are necessary for the neurone connections to change. If a person is distracted to inattentive, these changes cannot happen.
The more the effort; the bigger the change: Neuroplasticity changes depend on how motivated the person is to change or learn new tasks. For this reason, when it comes to using neuroplasticity for physiotherapy, it is essential to first deal with any depression or anxiety issues the patient might be having before attempting to rehabilitate them.
It helps strengthen neural connections: Repetition of actions is one of the key elements of neuroplasticity in physiotherapy. Through this, the strength of neurone connections is strengthened to include sensory information, movement and cognitive patterns.
It improves cell to cell connections: This is crucial to a patient s rehabilitation as it increases reliability and makes a person more independent. In turn, this makes behaviour patterns more reliable.
It helps predict actions: A task can usually be broken down into a series of smaller tasks. For example, feeding oneself can be broken down into steps that begin with lifting a spoon and filling it with food to finally putting the spoon into your mouth. Hence, along with completing an action, the brain must also know what to do next. Neuroplasticity helps improve this associative flow and allows the brain to predict the next step.
Changes can be temporary or permanent: Initial changes due to neuroplasticity are temporary ad only if the brain determines the experience to be desired is this change made permanent. This is why when treating mobility issues, patients are not always able to repeat tasks in the same way.
Memory guides the learning: When making new neural connections through neuroplasticity, the brain is taught to discard unsuccessful attempts and only remember the experience of the successful attempts. From here, adjustments are made to improve the connection.

Neuroplasticity - 7 Things You Must Know About it!

Brain tumor refers to the development of unusual cells in the brain or around the nearby tissues and structures. Pediatric Brain Tumor means the development of these unusual cells in the brain of children. There are two types of brain tumors: Benign or non-cancerous and malignant or Cancerous. Tumors like ependymoma and medulloblastoma are quite common among children. The treatment of the tumor is determined by its severity, type, location, age, and overall health of the child. The treatment of Brain Tumor in children is different from the adult s treatment. One should ensure to consult with the pediatrician with the specialty in cancer and neurology. Brain Tumors in children are Primary Brain Tumors that develop in the brain or nearby tissues. This Primary Brain Tumor develops when the usual cells have DNA mutations or alterations. The alterations in the DNA permit the cells to develop and distribute or split with an increased rate and destroy the healthy cells. This leads to the development and collection of unusual cells forming a tumor. In most Primary Brain Tumor cases, the cause is not clear. Children with a family history of the genetic syndrome and Brain Tumor are more prone to the problem.

Symptoms-

The symptoms of the Pediatric Brain Tumor depend upon the severity, location, and type. There are a number of symptoms that are really common and are shared by other diseases. Other than this, there are symptoms which are possibly the signs of Brain Tumor among children. Adults and parents should consult a doctor if they find their children having the symptoms and signs for an unusual time.

Hearing issues

Frequent and severe headache

Fuller fontanel (soft spot) on the baby s skull

Vomiting or nausea

Behavior changes

Seizures

Sudden vision problems like double vision

Abnormal or strange eye movement

Increased heaviness or pressure in the head

Irritability

Slurred speech

Difficulty in swallowing

Weakness

Loss of appetite

Drooping on one side of the face

Difficulty feeding in babies

Loss of sensation on one side of the body

Imbalance or difficulty in balancing

Difficulty in walking

Diagnosis-

The diagnosis for the Pediatric Brain Tumor includes many lab tests. The doctor may initiate with some neurological examination like hearing, vision, reflexes, balance, and coordination. Any abnormality in these tests will lead to further examinations. There are some imaging tests that are used to determine the size and location of the tumor in the brain. These tests include MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), PET (Positron Emission Tomography), and CT (Computerized Tomography). After the confirmation of the presence of a Brain Tumor, the specialist will further move to the Biopsy. It includes the removal of a sample tissue for analysis or testing. The type of biopsy that will be performed on the patient depends upon the location of the tumor. Other than the biopsy, the tumor tissue can be examined for molecular basis and genetic mutations. After that, Drug therapy can be designed according to the individual s requirements. It is important for the doctor and the patient to know if the tumor has been spread through cancer in other parts of the body. If it is true, then the doctor will perform more tests and examinations to know the root and initial location of cancer for further treatment.

Treatment-

The treatment of the Pediatric Brain Tumor is determined by the severity, location, size of the tumor, and age and health of the child. There is a number of treatments available with modern technology but their usage depends upon the patient s requirement.

Surgery that is used when the location of the tumor is approachable via surgery. When the brain tumor is small, it can be completely removed by the surgery. But when the tumor tissues are located nearby sensitive areas of the brain, then the surgery becomes risky and maximum tumor tissues are tried to be removed through surgery. The risk of the surgery depends upon the location of the tumor. An example can be vision loss if it is anywhere near the nerves connected to the eyes.

Targeted Drug Therapy helps to destroy the abnormalities of the cancer cells resulting in the destruction of the cancer cells.

Radiation therapy is used to kill the tumor cells by using high-energy beams. Radiation therapy can either be given by an external machine (external beam radiation) or in exceptional cases, radiation is positioned within the body (brachytherapy) near the tumor.

Chemotherapy includes the consumption of drugs to destroy the tumor cells. These drugs can be consumed in tablet form but for children, the drugs are mostly injected (intravenous chemotherapy).

Stereotactic Radio Surgery includes various radiation beams to perform extremely focused radiation therapy to destroy the tumor cells located in a small part.

Proton Beam Therapy carries higher targeted radiation doses to the tumor cells with minimum exposure of radiation to the healthy cells and tissues. It decreases the chance of development of fresh cancer cells.

Take Away-

Pediatric Brain Tumor is the development of unusual cells in the brain or around it. Although this is a life-threatening problem, however, with advanced technology, it can be treated successfully. There are no specific causes discovered by specialists but genetic mutations and family history cause it. The symptoms can be really common like headache and nausea but can also be specific like difficulty in coordination, reflexes, speech, and many more. The timely diagnosis and treatment can give a new life to the child and reduces the chance of development of fresh tumor cells in the future.

Pediatric Brain Tumor - Know In Detail About It!

Whether it's a child or a grown-up, difficulty in concentrating is often experienced by many people. While, people tend to brush off this particular problem to be nothing worth being concerned about, but sometimes, there may be a more serious underlying issue for which concentration problem is only a mere symptom. Yes, difficulty in concentrating can be a sign of a neurological disorder. Keep on reading to know more about neurological disorder, its symptoms, and treatment.

Reasons behind difficulty in concentrating
Inability to focus properly is a periodic and normal occurrence for many. While sometimes it is the emotional stress or physical tiredness that is responsible for it, at times it is the outcome of hormonal changes in the body, such as during pregnancy or menopause that causes it. However, when experienced in severe degrees, it may be a characteristic of a serious psychological condition called neurological disorder. Affecting both adults and the children, the neurological disorder can be a serious threat if not treated at the right time.

Neurological disorder
Neurological disorder refers to any condition that happens due to the dysfunction of the nervous system or the parts of the brain. Depending on the location of the damage to the nerve or in the spinal column or the brain, different areas controlling the vision, movement, thinking or hearing can be severely affected. The decreased ability to focus on something or loss of concentration power being one of the many symptoms of neurological disorders among the various complications it causes.

Causes behind neurological disorder
Many reasons lead to neurological disorder or its associated symptoms like difficulty in focusing. From lifestyle-related issues to nutrition related causes, physical injuries to some infections, complications during childbirth, and genetics to environmental influences, numerous factors can be responsible for such disorder. Depending on the type of neurological disorder, the symptoms can vary from to another, while for some difficulty concentrating can be a symptom, for some, the symptoms can be more of physical difficulties such as problems in walking or difficulty speaking or seeing, etc.

Dealing with difficulty concentrating
Once the cause of the neurological disorder is determined, there are various treatment options, offered by the doctors. To deal with the neurological disorder as the cause of difficulty concentrating one may need medications and treatment provided by the medical professionals. However, there are a few tips that one can keep in mind, such as minimizing multitasking and focusing on one single thing or thought at one time or dividing tasks into small steps, etc.

Difficulty in concentrating means the ability to focus on thoughts or action decreasing. In case one experience this issue on a long term basis or excessively, visiting the neurologist as soon as possible should be the best thing to do.

Problem In Concentrating Could Be A Sign Of Neurological Disorder!

Neurological disorders are the diseases of the brain and spine, and the nerves which connect the brain and spine.

Some of the most common types of Neurological disorders are:

Alzheimer s Disease (AD)

Multiple Sclerosis

Epilepsy

Migraines

Parkinson s Disease

Ayurvedic Approach of Neurological Disorders

Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine which originated in India, having a holistic approach to focus on treating the entire being. Ayurveda treatments are based on vata, pitta, and kapha doshas, whose balance leads to harmony and whose imbalance leads to toxic accumulations inside the body. Ayurveda aims to maintain an equilibrium among the three. It has effective solutions for a number of Neurological Disorders, also called  Vatavyadhi .

Eighty types of Vatavyadhi are described in Ayurvedic texts which can be placed under four categories: Kevala vata (Vata alone), Samsarga (Vata in association with Pitta and Kapha), Avarana (due to entrapment by other Dosha/Dhatu/Mala), and Dhatu Kshaya Janya (neurodegenerative). 

Ayurvedic Treatment

Ayurveda is plant-based systems of medicine. Because of being natural and harmless, it is very popular in treating various diseases. Several herbs have excellent properties to treat panic and anxiety affecting the central nervous system. Nature s gift of herbs and minerals not only alleviates symptoms but ensures cure by regulating neural biokinesis, thus preventing recurrence, relapse, and adversity.

Ayurveda can cure a number of Neurological Disorders like migraine, sinus, Parkinson s disease, anxiety, stress, insomnia, epilepsy, hysteria, cerebral palsy, stroke, etc. For treating these Neurological Disorders Panchakarma therapy is adopted which focuses on holistic treatment for long-lasting results.

Some of the common remedies under Panchakarma therapy are:

Chamomile tea, roots of kava, passion flower, ginseng, Cannabis sativa are all prescribed for anxiety.

Valerian is used as a natural sedative and for treating insomnia and panic attacks.

Ginkgo biloba and Hypericum perforatum have neuroprotective properties and are useful in treating learning dysfunction and improving memory.

Inhaling powder of seeds of Achyranthes aspera or Prickly chaff flower relieves from stiffness and migraine.

Bark powder of Acorus calamus or Sweet flag root enhances memory by curing forgetfulness. When consumed with honey, it is beneficial for anxiety and epilepsy. Equal weights of this powder with ginger powder is recommended for facial paralysis.

Powder of Malabar nut with honey cures epilepsy.

Seed powder of Siris tree is used for treating insanity, psychosis, anxiety, and hysteria.

Coriander extract relieves vertigo and headache.

Juice of Dodder plant or Amarbel is taken in water to improve brain disorders.

Extract of branches of peepal tree cures madness.

Decoction of roots of drumstick plant is given for epilepsy and hysteria.

Velvet bean is effective in treating Parkinson s disease.

Poppy is beneficial in sleeplessness, delirium, convulsion, etc.

Decoction of leaves of guava is used to cure physical and mental deformities.

Leaves of pomegranate, when concentrated in boiling water and given in warm milk, cures fatigue and insomnia.

Leaves of pomegranate and rose petals when concentrated in boiling water and given in ghee, cure madness.

Cloves paste in water is applied on earlobes to cure migraine.

Almonds improve memory, especially when taken at an early age.

Yoga and meditation help in improving mental health by incorporating discipline and relaxation.

Take Away

For reliable cure with minimal side effects, Ayurveda is very well developed for treating many brain-related disorders with an approach of maintaining equilibrium among the three doshas and towards holistic, long-term treatment.

Neurological Disorders - How Ayurveda Can Assist?

Leading a life with peripheral neuropathy is quite similar to riding a roller coaster. Managing the pain can be frustrating at one time and overwhelming on the other as patients can experience alternating symptoms with debilitating pain. So you should learn about the various treatment options as they can help you go a long way in managing the pain.

The peripheral nerves are considered the longest in the body which extend from the hands to feet. When these nerves are damaged, you may feel some sort of pain, tingling in the hands and feet and even numbness, and these symptoms can even get worse and you may experience stabbing pain with increasing weakness. 

There are many things that you should know about peripheral neuropathy as they would help you to manage the condition much more effectively.

Diabetes is the leading cause of neuropathy: More than 70% of diabetics develop symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. So you should keep your blood sugar within optimum levels as a means of reversing diabetic neuropathy.
A melange of causes behind neuropathy: Though diabetes is the number 1 cause of peripheral neuropathy, other causes include deficiency of vitamin B12, alcoholism, traumatic injury, chemotherapy and exposure to toxic substances. Physicians may find it difficult to pin-point the cause and when this happens. This is often termed as  idiopathic neuropathy .
Medications causing neuropathy: If you are suffering from diabetes and being treated with the drug named metformin, you may develop peripheral neuropathy.
Preventing neuropathy is the most recommended way: While it is the fact that some nerves may potentially get damaged from certain surgeries or injury, peripheral neuropathy can be potentially prevented or sometimes stopped from spreading. As diabetes is a major cause of diabetes, being watchful about your diet and exercising regularly can help you go a long way to prevent diabetes as well as neuropathy.
Pain is not simply confined to a tingling sensation: Though pain and a tingling sensation is the commonest and easiest way of recognising the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, each of your sensory, motor and autonomic nerves can show different set of symptoms that you should be watchful of.
A diet may make the symptoms even worse: You can either help or hurt your nerves with your choice of foods. For improving symptoms, you should avoid food with excessive sugar, refined grains and artificial sweeteners as they may strain your nerves and irritate them further.
Whether you are recently diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy or living with it for many years, understanding a few conditions would help you make informed decisions about your well-being.

Peripheral Neuropathy - 6 Things You Should Know!

Your mother has often yelled at you for playing video games for long hours, but obviously you haven t paid heed to it. Such is the obsession with video games that they don t let you rest unless you have championed all the levels in the virtual interface. Here is the source of all problems. Studies have revealed that video games have a direct relation to neuropsychiatric problems. As a result, many health experts across the world consider video game as a kind of health abuse.

People who play action-oriented video games are at higher risks. The more you indulge in these kinds of games, the more they are going to affect the hippocampus section of your brain. It is that part of the brain which is considered to be the centre of your nervous system, memory and emotion. Reduced hippocampus volume may make person vulnerable to multiple neuropsychiatric complications. Let us see some of the signs, which may indicate the onset of certain complications arising from an over indulgence in these games.

1. You spend hours on the computer or related gaming devices and devote lesser hours for your family and friends

2. You get agitated when someone stops you midway through the game

3. You become socially isolated and show signs of occasional mood swings

4. You are unable to keep a track of time once you start playing

5. You repeatedly neglect your studies, resulting in a dip in performance at school

Why does this happen?

All of the above signs indicate that sooner or later you might develop neurological problems. When you spend an excessive number of hours on playing and navigating through the games, the  hippocampus  portion of your brain shows signs of decreased gray matter. As a result, the volume of the hippocampus shrinks, causing severe nerve related disorders such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer s disease, dementia, depression, and overall general stress.

One of the biggest reasons behind this is a lack of self-control. Most of the video games will encourage you to steal cars, run away after a theft and kill your enemies. Moreover, if you succeed, you are rewarded. This naturally unleashes a blatant urge for the gratification of all these awkward desires in your real life too. Hence, once you are encountered with the reality, you tend to show violent behavior.

Can Playing Video Games Cause Neurological Problems?

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