A brain stroke can affect anyone at any point of time when the supply of blood to the brain is interrupted. It can threaten major physical functions and can prove to be fatally dangerous at times. The brain stem which is placed right above the spinal cord controls the breathing, heartbeat and levels of blood pressure. It is also in charge of controlling some elementary functions such as swallowing, hearing, speech and eye movements. 

What are the different types of strokes?
There are three main kinds of stroke: ischemic strokes, hemorrhagic strokes and transient ischemic attacks. The most common type of brain stroke is the ischemic stroke is caused by narrowing or blocking of arteries to the brain, which prevents the proper supply of blood to the brain. Sometimes it so happens that the blood clot that has formed elsewhere in the body have travelled via the blood vessels and has been trapped in the blood vessel which provides blood to the brain. When the supply of blood to a part of the brain is hindered, the tissue in that area dies off owing to lack of oxygen. The other variant of brain stroke is termed as hemorrhagic stroke is caused when the blood vessels in and around the brain burst or leak. Strokes need to be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible in order to minimize brain damage.  Remembering the F.A.S.T. acronym can help with recognizing the onset of stroke (Face, Arms, Speed, Time - explained below). 

What are the common symptoms of a brain stroke?
The symptoms of the brain stroke are largely dependent on the area of the brain that has been affected. It can interfere with normal functioning, such as breathing and talking and other functions which human beings can perform without thinking such as eye movements or swallowing. Since all the signals from the brain as well as other parts of the body traverse through the brain stem, the interruption of blood flow often leads to numbness or paralysis in different parts of the body.

Who is likely to have a stroke?
Anyone is at a risk of developing brain stroke although ageing is directly proportional to the risk of having a stroke. Not only that an individual with a family history of brain stroke or transient ischemic attack is at a higher risk of developing stroke. People who have aged over 65 accounts for about 33 percent of all brain strokes. It is important to point here that individuals with high blood pressure, high blood sugar, cholesterol, cancer, autoimmune diseases and some blood disorders are at a higher risk of developing brain stroke.

There are a few factors which can increase the risk of developing stroke beyond any control. But there are certain lifestyle choices as well which aids in controlling the chances of being affected by stroke. It is crucial to refrain from long-term hormone replacement therapies as well as birth control pills, smoking, lack of physical activity, excessive use of alcohol and drug addiction. A brain stroke is a life-threatening medical condition, and when an individual has symptoms that resemble that of stroke, it is crucial to seek immediate medical help.

Treatment for stroke

Treatment depends on the type of stroke.
Ischemic strokes can be treated with 'clot-busting' drugs.
Hemorrhagic strokes can be treated with surgery to repair or block blood vessel weaknesses.
The most effective way to prevent strokes is through maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
What is TPA?
TPA is a thrombolytic or a  Clot Buster  drug. This clot buster is used to break-up the clot that is causing a blockage or disruption in the flow of blood to the brain and helps restore the blood flow to the area of the brain. It is given by intravenous (IV). This can be given only within 4.5 hrs of the onset of symptoms

Time is brain

Remember Every second Loss means brain cells die.
Rush to the nearest Stroke Centre whenever you experience such symptoms.
U can save the brain cells dying if you reach within 4.5 hrs by the CLOT BUSTER. 
Endovascular procedures 
Another treatment option is an endovascular procedure* called mechanical thrombectomy, strongly recommended, in which trained doctors try  removing a large blood clot by sending a wired-caged device called a stent retriever, to the site of the blocked blood vessel in the brain

Stroke prevention
The good news is that 80 percent of all strokes are preventable. It starts with managing key risk factors, including 

High blood pressure,
Cigarette smoking,
Diabetes
Atrial fibrillation and
Physical inactivity.
More than half of all strokes are caused by uncontrolled hypertension or high blood pressure, making it the most important risk factor to control. 
Rehabilitation
The best way to get better after a stroke is to start stroke rehabilitation ("rehab"). In stroke rehab, a team of health professionals works with you to regain skills you lost as the result of a stroke.

Brain Stroke - Things You Must Know!

A lot of things can be done to cope with the initial stages of dementia. A person goes through a wide range of emotions such as fear, denial, frustration, and anger, post the diagnosis. Here is a list of tips that will help a patient with dementia to cope better:

Physical health: For a dementia patient, it is very important to take care of one s health. A good diet along with regular exercise and adequate rest is a prerequisite to manage this disorder.
Regular check-ups: Regular medical check-ups with the doctor are necessary in this condition. Depression and other mental health problems should be discussed with a professional.
Quit alcohol: Alcohol might give momentary pleasure from the misery, but it has long-standing implications. It reacts with the medicine and creates additional health and memory-related complications.
Allocate time for difficult tasks: With time, it can become difficult to perform even the simplest of tasks. The patient should accordingly schedule the time to perform the tasks which may be difficult to carry out. Adequate breaks should be taken while performing a task to avoid getting fatigued.
Redefine work: If a patient is suffering from dementia is still working, it should be ensured that the work is more manageable from a desk. Planning an early retirement may be a good idea in order to cope with dementia.
Be organised: Keeping track of things can get difficult with time. It, therefore, makes sense to organise all belongings systematically. Putting labels on doors and drawers also help.
Continue pursuing your hobbies: Amidst the difficulty and the depression, it is a good idea to continue doing things that are fun. While such activities might require some assistance from the doctor and family members, this helps the patient to be cheerful and healthy.
Maintain notes: Since dementia is involved with forgetfulness, it makes sense to maintain a diary and keep records of phone numbers, people, appointments, etc.
Communication channel: Maintaining a direct communication channel with family, friends, and relatives is a good idea. Sharing feelings will go a long way in maintaining relations with loved ones.
Support group: Joining a dementia support group can be highly beneficial for the patient. It will not only give the patient company but also make sure that the patient gets a lot of useful information about the disorder. It also helps in keeping the morale up.
Getting ready for the future: Things need to be meticulously planned well in advance to ensure that when the disease progresses, the patient has enough people to look after him. Things such as medical arrangements, financial assets, and property details should be carefully handed over as per the patient's wish. This will ensure a smooth run of the patients  life when they can no longer take care of themselves.

Dementia - Easy Tips To Help You Cope With It!

The carpal tunnel syndrome and peripheral neuropathy can be the two problems which cause numbness in the fingers. The median nerve at the base of the hand passes through the carpal tunnel. If the tunnel is pinched or narrow, the nerve may be tightened, which affects the functioning of the fingers. The numbness, pain, and sensations in the fingers can be due to the neurological disorder in the body.

How Can I Relieve Numbness in My Hands?

The numbness in the hands and fingers can be very uncomfortable, especially when you are writing or driving. Many medications will relieve your numbness, but you can also try effective home remedies which have no side effects.

  Apply ice on the numbness or just dip your hands in the ice-cold water for a few minutes.

  You can also try heat massage by heating a massage pad or salt bag and applying on your numbed fingers.

  Daily stretching and exercise of hands and fingers can also relieve you from finger pain.

  Regular meditation and walk can relieve you from pain and refresh your muscles from stress.

  Avoid lifting heavy weights because it may tighten your tunnel.

There are also various ways to relieve your numbness in the thumb and fingers of the hands by means of using acupressure and herbal tea.

What Causes Numbness in Fingers While Sleeping?

Many reasons cause numbness in the fingers. Waking up with numb fingers or hands is generally not worrisome, if you do not have any other nerve symptoms. Many times, the sleeping position puts extra pressure on your hands or fingers, which causes numbness.

The nerve compression is very common while sleeping. This happens due to the position of sleep or the sharing of the bed. If you are experiencing other symptoms like weakness in the hands and legs or pain, this may lead to some serious nerve damage disease.

What Causes Numbness in Tips of Fingers?

The main reason for numbness in the tips of the fingers is the ulnar nerve compression. The ulnar nerve is responsible for the pain and shock to the hand that gives grip to the fingers. If you sleep with folded arms or legs inwards, then it is possible that you might have numbness in the tips of the fingers. The ulnar nerve reacts when pressure is put on the elbows or knees. What Does it Mean When You Wake up, and Your Fingers are Numb? Many people think that numbness in the fingers and hands are caused due to some disorder or serious illness. But, it is very common. Numbness in the fingers happens when the nerve compression is applied for a longer time.

Takeaway

Numbness is not always a problem. However, if it occurs with other significant nerve symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor immediately.

Finger Numbness - What Should You Know?

A migraine often causes throbbing pain at one side of the head accompanied by sensitivity to sound and light, nausea and vomiting. The pain can last from a few hours to few days. Some warning signs of the pain take over include tingling of the leg or face, flashes of light and blind spots. Medication can help in avoiding the pain or manage it considerably.

Diagnosis:
Detection of a migraine is fairly easy for a medical professional. If a patient has a family history of a migraine, a doctor can prescribe the following to lock in on the diagnosis:

Blood tests: Through blood tests, a doctor tries to understand any possible problems in the blood vessels, spinal cord or presence of other toxins in the system
Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Better known as MRI, this is a process of capturing the detailed image of the blood vessels and the brain. It readily detects any possible problems related to a migraine.
Computerized tomography: More commonly known as CT scan, this is a process of capturing an image through a line of x-rays to detect any possible problems related to a migraine.
Lumbar puncture: This test is prescribed in extreme cases when a doctor suspects that there is a possible chance of bleeding in the brain.
What are the treatment options available?
There are two kinds of medications available- preventive medication and pain relieving medication. The treatment strategy is decided based on the frequency of the headaches and other health factors.



Some pain reliever medication includes triptan, ergots, opioid, glucocorticoids, anti-nausea medications etc. These medicines constrict the blood vessels and block the pathways of the pain in the brain cells. While some medicines are required to be consumed immediately after the symptoms starts, some should be taken regularly to avoid the pain in the first place. These pain relievers have side effects and should be consumed after prior discussion with a doctor.



Preventive medication, on the other hand, is only suggested by a doctor when a patient suffers from a migraine twice or more in a month, the pain lasts for more than 12 hours and the pain relievers do not work. Some of the common group of medicines that are suggested for these set of patients include cardiovascular drugs, anti-seizure drugs, anti-depressants etc.

Alternative medicine approach:
Alternative medicines are often witnessed to fetch positive results for migraine patients:

Acupuncture: this form of treatment involves inserting thin needles into the skin at various points to give relief from pain
Cognitive behavioral therapy: This is a form of treatment which focuses on perceiving pain with behavioral changes.
Biofeedback: This is a relaxation technique that teaches to control physical responses such as pain, stress, muscle contraction etc.
In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Migraine - Treatment Options Available!

Epilepsy refers to a disorder in the central nervous system, where the brain starts to function abnormally, resulting in seizures or certain situations where the person starts to behave unusually, at the time even leading to loss of awareness.

A single instance of a seizure doesn t necessarily mean that a person has epilepsy. To be diagnosed with this type of neurological disorder, a minimum of two unprovoked seizures are usually required.

Symptoms

The main symptom of this kind of disease is repeated seizures but there are other instances as well when a person should consider seeing a doctor due to the fact that they might well lead to epileptic tendencies. Some of them are listed below:

The person becomes stiff all of a sudden
Little spells of a blackout or the memory are getting confused
If a person does not respond to questions or instructions for a brief period
A person seems to be in a daze and failing to communicate appropriately for a short span of time
If an individual is carrying out repetitive movements in an inappropriate manner
Causes

Epilepsy occurs when the brain is unable to send signals to other parts of the body, hence restricting our movements.

Though the exact cause is not known, still some generic factors inherited, can make epilepsy more likely happening and they are mentioned below as follows:

Head trauma suffered during a car crash
An injury which has might have occurred before birth
Due to faulty electrical activity in the brain, it is not able to send messages to other parts of the brain
Brain stroke or tumours can also increase the risk of epilepsy
People suffering from a developmental disorder like autism
Epilepsy can also be caused by infectious diseases like AIDS or Meningitis
Who Are Likely To Be More Susceptible To Epilepsy?

Children under the age of 2 years and adults aged more than 65 years are people most likely to get exposed to the risk factors, which might trigger the warning bells for epilepsy.

When Should You Go And Visit A Doctor?

You should visit a doctor or the emergency department of any hospital as and when you have the first seizure. Getting diagnosed with seizure disorder, change in seizure patterns or being affected by frequent seizures, also require immediate medical attention.

How Can Epilepsy Be Prevented?

Epilepsy can easily be prevented or at least the risk can be reduced if you follow certain measures:

Sleep for a minimum of 7 to 9 hours every day. Sleep deprivation is one of the major reasons behind increased number of seizures
Do not get stressed out and try to relax as much as possible
Drugs and alcohol should be avoided
As per doctor s advice, take all your medicines on a regular basis
Maintain a healthy diet
So, we have looked at certain aspects related to epilepsy, from which you could get a fair idea as to why and how this occurs and the ways in which you can prevent yourselves from getting affected

Epilepsy - All The Details Which You Need To Know

How Serious Are Seizures in Children

During a febrile seizure, the body of a child may convulse, shake and contract, the eyes may roll, and he or she may moan or become unconscious. This type of seizure is usually for a few minutes, but in rare cases can last up to 15 minutes.

Febrile seizures stop on their own while the fever persists until treated. While some children may feel sleepy afterwards, others do not have lasting effects.

Seizures in toddlers may be caused due to the following factors

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is defined categorically as two or more seizures without any acute cause. Epilepsy can occur at any age, but it is usually diagnosed in infants and young children.

Body temperature

Body temperature may indicate a crisis in small children. High body temperatures or low body temperature can cause seizures in a toddler. These types of seizures occur only once or twice in children two years or younger, often after an illness. This type of seizure due to the fortification of the body temperature is considered a febrile convulsion.

Dehydration

Febrile seizures can also occur due to dehydration. Dehydration is a direct result of a previous illness that included sweating and fever.

Physical condition

A child who is in poor physical condition can also be prone to seizures. Malnutrition or a body weakened by disease or illness makes small children more susceptible to crises.

Family History

Family history can play a role in toddlers or children with seizures. If a family member suffered from the tendency or had convulsions, particularly febrile seizures as a child, this trait can be inherited.

Treating febrile seizures

If your child has a febrile seizure, stay calm and:

Make sure your child is in a safe place and does not fall or hit something hard
Place your child on his side to prevent choking
Watch for signs of breathing difficulties, including any colour change in the face of your child
If the seizure lasts more than a few minutes or your child turns blue, it may be a more serious type of seizure; connect with doctors immediately

Febrile seizures can be frightening to witness, but remember they are fairly common and are not usually a symptom of a serious disease, and in most cases does not lead to other health problems.

How Serious Are Seizures in Children

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