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  • Tonsilitis

    Finally, A Cure For Bruxism
    Stop Teeth Grinding And Clenching

    Tonsil: a small, rounded mass of tissue, especially of lymphoid tissue; generally used alone to designate the palatine tonsil.

    Tonsillitis:  inflammation of the tonsils . It can be acute or chronic.  The uncomplicated acute form usually last 4 to 6 days and commonly affects children between the ages of  5 through 10, but can affect any age.

    Tonsils tend to hypertrophy during childhood and atrophy after puberty.  (hypertrophy:  enlargement or overgrowth of an organ) (atrophy:  a wasting away)

    Tonsillitis most common cause is beta hemolytic streptococci (a bacteria). The condition can also result from other types of bacteria and viruses.

    Symptoms:

    • Acute tonsillitis:  discomfort usually subsides after 72 hours Mild to severe sore throat (for children who are too young to describe pain, he/she  may have loss of appetite and or stop eating)
    • Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
    • Fever
    • Swelling and tenderness of lymph glands in the submandibular area
    • Muscle and joint pain
    • Chills
    • Malaise
    • Headache
    • May complain of ear pain An urge to swallow constantly Tight feeling towards the back of throat

    For chronic tonsillitis: complains of frequent sore throat, purulent (contain pus) drainage in tonsillar crypts, and frequent episodes of acute tonsillitis

    Your doctor may take a culture to determine the infecting organism. Lab  test may show  an elevated white blood cell count

    Treatment: 

    • Rest
    • Adequate fluid intake
    • Acetaminophen or Aspirin, as order

    Antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor To prevent complications, antibiotic therapy should continue for 10 days or when medication is complete unless specified by your doctor)

    Chronic tonsillitis may require a tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils), but only after the patient has been free of tonsillar or respiratory tract infections for 3 to 4 weeks. Below is an enlarged tonsil with the presence of white pus from a probable infection. The most common bacterial infection is a streptococcal or (strep throat) Signs of a strep throat include: A bright red or strawberry appearance of the tongue, The back of the throat appears bright red, Painful swallowing, Fever, can reach as high as 104 or higher (“scarlet fever”) If strep a throat is suspected, patients need to be on antibiotic therapy as soon as possible.

  • Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

    * Transient ischemic attack or TIA , also called ” little stroke”,
    it is a result from a temporary interruption of blood flow. it is considered the least severe.

    It is usually a recurrent episode of neurologic deficit, it may last
    for just seconds or
    hours and clears within 12 – 24 hours. It is considered to be a warning
    sign of an impending thrombotic
    cerebrovascular accident (CVA ). Studies shows that TIA’s have been
    reported in 50% to 80% of patients who have had a cerebral infarction
    from such thrombosis.

    More common after the age of 50 and men are more prone to have TIA’s.

    In TIA, microemboli released from a thrombus probably temporarily interrupt
    blood flow, especially in the small distal branches of the arterial tree in the
    brain. Small spasms in those arterioles may impair blood flow and also precede TIA.
    Predisposing factors are the same as for thrombotic CVAs. Distinctive characteristics of TIA’s include the transient duration of
    neurologic deficits and complete return of normal function.

    Symptoms of TIA’s:

    Double vision

    Speech deficits (slurring)

    Unilateral blindness

    Uncoordinated gait (staggering) – May fall easily due to weakness of legs

    Unilateral weakness

    Numbness

    Dizziness

    Treatment:

    Treatment to prevent a complete CVA

    Aspirin or anticoagulants to minimize the risk of thrombosis

    After or between attacks; preventive treatment includes carotid endarterectomy or cerebral microvascular bypass

    Also See Stroke

  • Thyroid Problems

    Thyroid:the largest of the endocrine glands ,
    located in ht e neck. It has two oval parts called the lateral lobes, one
    on either side of the voice box. A narrow band called the isthmus
    connects these two lobes. The gland is enclosed by a connective tissue
    capsule.  This gland produces the hormonethyroxin.
    The main function of thyroxine is to regulate metabolism for the production
    of heat and energy in the body tissues.  In order that this hormone
    may be manufactured, there must be an adequate supply of iodine in the
    blood.  The iodine content may be maintained by eating vegetables
    grown in iodine containing soils, or by eating sea foods, and the use of
    iodized salt.

      A deficiency of iodine in the blood is the formation of a goiter
    , which is a swelling of the neck due to an enlarged thyroid, but there
    may other cause for goiter as well.

    Simple goiter:   Known also as endemic
    goiter
    ,  the thyroid becomes enlarged simply because it must
    work overtime to compensate  for the lack of iodine.  This is
    some times common in adolescent girls, because of the particularly heavy
    stresses imposed upon the thyroid by the body at puberty, but it usually
    disappears in time.

    Adenomatous goiter or nodular goiter:  this type
    of goiter has an accompanying tumor formation which comes about through
    the overgrowth of the cells of the thyroid tissue.  In nodular goiter
    the tumor formation may be single or multiple.

    For various reasons the thyroid gland may become either underachieve;
    known as Hypothyroidism, or overactive known as Hyperthyroidism.

    Hypothyroidism:  shows up as two characteristic states; 
    1.)  Cretinism, a condition in which there is a 

    serious lack of thyroid activity from the beginning of the individual’s
    life.  It is sometimes due to the complete absence or lack of thyroid
    tissue.  The infant becomes dwarfed ( an abnormally undersized person
    )and mentally deficient because of failure of physical growth and mental
    development.  Only if continuous thyroid replacement is begun early
    on is there any hope of altering the outlook.

    2.)  Myxedema, the result of atrophy (wasting away
    ) of the thyroid in the adult.  The patient becomes sluggish both
    mentally and physically.  The skin and the hair become dry, and there
    develops a peculiar swelling of the tissues of the face.  Since thyroid
    extract or the hormone itself may be administered by mouth, the patient
    suffering from myxedema can be restored to health very easily, though treatment
    must be maintained throughout the reminder of their life.

    Hyperthyroidism:  overacted thyroid, is the opposite
    of hypothyroidism.  The development of a simple goiter might suggest
    hyperthyroidism, but there is a difference, in simple goiter the thyroid
    is usually normal, but enlarges because it has more work to do, just as
    the heart will enlarge if something causes it to increase it’s work load. 
    Hyperthyroidism, however, is an abnormal activity of the thyroid without
    an accompanying need of it by any other part of the body.  A common
    form of hyperthyroidism is exophthalmic or Graves’ disease,
    in which there is a goiter, bulging of the eyes, a strained appearance
    of the face, intense nervousness, weight loss, a rapid pulse, sweating
    and a tremor.  Metabolism is stepped up to a terrific rate; it would
    seem that the patient had a fire raging  within him.  In many
    cases the administration of drugs, or surgical removal of a part of the
    thyroid gland, will remedy the condition. Graves’ disease is usually triggered
    by autoimmune disorder.

    Parathyroid glands:  Behind the thyroid gland, and
    embedded in its capsule, are four tiny epithelial bodies called the parathyroid
    glands.  The hormone produced by these glands regulates the amount
    of calcium dissolved in the circulating blood.  If these glands are
    removed, there will follow a series of muscle contractions involving particularly
    the hand and the face muscles.  These spasms are due to a low concentration
    of blood calcium, and the condition is called tetany , do
    not confuse it with the infection called tetanus ( lockjaw ).

    Parathormone:  It is a condition in which there
    is an excess production of the secretion of these glands, as may happen
    in tumors of the parathyroids, calcium – which is normally stored in the
    bones for use by the tissues as needed, it is removed from its storage
    place and is poured into the blood stream, whence it finally is excreted
    by the kidneys.  Because of the outpouring of calcium from the bones,
    they become soft and easily bent.  It is believed that the excess
    of calcium in the blood is one cause of kidney stones.

    Symptoms:

    Hypothyroidism:

    Appearance of swelling to face

    Slower mental processes

    Drowsiness or lethargy

    Slow heart rate

    Sensitivity to cold

    Tingling and or numbness to hands

    Hyperthyroidism:

    Weight loss ( with increased appetite )

    High blood pressure

    Increase heart rate

    Muscle weakness

    Hand tremors

    Development of a goiter

    Sweating

    Bulging of the eyes

    Intense nervousness

    Thyroiditis:  swollen thyroid

    Pain in the thyroid gland

    Thyroid feels touchy and tender

    Pain when swallowing and or turning your head

    May feel this symptoms when the patient has the flu and or a viral
    infection

    Treatment:

    Thyroiditis – Generally does not require medical treatment, but
    if pain is associated with swelling, your doctor may prescribe prednisone
    therapy, or aspirin

    Hypothyroidism – Thyroid replacement therapy

    Hyperthyroidism – Antithyroid therapy

    For hyperthyroidism caused by  toxic adenomas, surgery may be
    required to remove the tissue

    Thyroid hormone production can be halted or suppressed, with a radioactive
    iodide treatment.

    *********

    If you experience agitation, rapid pulse, fever and delirious, * Call
    your doctor and or seek Medical treatment Promptly.

    If you experience drowsiness and lethargic with a feeling of intense
    chill or feeling cold,  * Call your doctor and or seek Medical
    treatment Promptly.

  • Thrush

    Finally, A Cure For Bruxism
    Stop Teeth Grinding And Clenching

    Thrush:

    Thrush is the result of an overgrowth of candida ablicans, a fungus that is part of the normal flora of the human body.  This overgrowth can be the result of a variety of circumstances, such as the utilization of medication, such as antibiotics or steroids.  It is also common in persons who have a compromised immune system, as seen in the elderly, those persons who are severely debilitated and those who suffer from AIDS. Those who suffer with thrush complain of a white growth on the surface of their tongue, often associated with soreness, especially when eating certain, specific foods – such as spicy food.  When the overgrowth is manually wiped off of the surface of the tongue, a raw, often bleeding surface is evident.  If this condition is chronic, it is often difficult to recognize.  In severe cases, this overgrowth can continue down the esophagus and can be life threatening to some persons, as in the patients who suffer AIDS. If a person suspects oral candidiasis (thrush), he/she should contact his/her physician for advice.  The evidence of this overgrowth, in and of itself, does not suggest a life threatening condition; however diagnosis and treatment certainly improves quality of life for the sufferer.  If the condition is persistent and chronic, a thorough medical examination is certainly in order to rule out serious medical problems.

    Symptoms:

    May or may not be raised –  white sore
    Pain
    Vaginal:  itching, pain, whitish discharge

    Treatment: 
    Very often physicians will prescribe antifungal   medication to be taken along with antibiotics that are known to encourage the overgrowth of candida.  (Many women have experienced vaginal yeast infections as a result of antibiotic therapy.  Oral thrush is very similar and responds to the same medications for cure.) A commonly prescribed medication is Nystatin (named after the folks who made the medication – the New York State Health Department – hence Nystatin.)  This medication is a liquid and is often swished in the mouth and either swallowed or spit out, however the MD prescribes.  It is important to noted that if the patient is wearing dentures, this medication is to be used with the dentures out.  Dentures, of themselves, encourage thrush.  Also, if being treated for thrush, the tooth brush should be changed often, as the yeast will get into the bristles and cause reinfection.  There are other prescribed medications and most doctors have those they prefer.  A non-prescription remedy is lactinex, which can be purchased at large pharmacies.  It is refrigerated, so the pharmacist will have to get it for you.  It can be purchased as a tablet or a powder that is mixed with liquid and swallowed.  I find the powder more effective. It is important to note, that treating ones self for thrush should be done cautiously if the condition is painful, chronic or is accompanied by other troublesome symptoms that might point to a serious medical condition.

  • Tetanus

    Tetanus is a disease that affect the Central Nervous System
    caused by the Toxin Bacterium Clostridium Tetani Bacterium Clostridium Tetani spores is found in soil, be cautious
    of dirty or dusty objects, such as rusty nail, rusty and dirty medal materials,
    animal bites etc. If the spores enter in an open wound it can germinate
    releasing a bacteria that multiplies and produce a toxin that enters in
    the bloodstream called Tetanospasim.

    Incubation period is about 5 days and or up to 15 weeks, with the
    average of 8 to 12 days
    Because it affects the Central Nervous System – it causes the muscles
    to go into severe spasm.  The spasm can be severe that it can tear
    the muscle or cause compression fracture of the vertebrae.

    It can cause death to newborns when the umbilical stump becomes
    infected. Since immunization is mandatory in most of all the US, it has
    been control with less than a hundred reported cases, and with those who
    had not been immunized and or had not had the tetanus booster with in the
    recommended time and or have not had the booster shot currently.

    Symptoms:

    Stiff neck
    Difficulty swallowing
    Drooling
    Fever
    Irritability
    Spasm in the jaw
    Spasm of the neck muscles
    Spasm of the facial muscle
    Rigidity in the chest, back and abdomen muscle
    Difficulty breathing

    Treatment:

    Call your doctor if you obtain a puncture and or open wound and have
    not receive a tetanus booster with in the last 5 years

    Tetanus immune globulin injection
    Antibiotic treatment such as Penicillin
    Muscle relaxant for spasms
    Bedrest
    Quiet and or limited noise
    May need surgical removal of the infected tissue

    It is important to have your children immunize – Called DPT (Diphtheria
    toxoid, Pertussis, Tetanus toxoid ),  it is given in combination. 
    See your Health Care Provider and or the Health Clinic near you.

    If you come in contact with any thing that may have been outdoors
    and or rusty, dirty objects and receive a cut that broke the skin, and
    have not had a tents booster within the last 5 years, see your doctor promptly. 

    Clean wound thoroughly with clean hot soapy water, rinse well

    Tetanus is serious and should be treated promptly, if left untreated,
    it can lead to death.

  • Testicular Torsion

    Testicular:  Pertaining to the testis

    Torsion:  act of twisting; state of being twisted

    Testicular Torsion : It is noted that some men may be
    predisposed to testicular torsion as a result of inadequate connective
    tissue within the scrotum,
    and also may be the result from trauma to the scrotum, particularly
    if significant swelling occurs.  Testicular torsion can occur
    after strenuous exercise or without an obvious cause.  The incidence
    is higher during infancy and with the onset of adolescence.

    Risk factors:  may include significant trauma to the scrotum or
    particularly strenuous physical activity.

    Symptoms:

    Sudden onset of severe pain in one testicle with or without history
    of predisposing event (excruciating pain in the affected testis or
    iliac fossa)

    Swelling within one side of scrotum

    Nausea and or Vomiting

    Light headedness or fainting

    Tenderness on the affected side

     May have blood in the semen and or have testicle lump

    Treatment:

    Treatment consists of immediate surgical repair by orchiopexy (fixation
    of a viable testis to the scrotum), or orchiectomy (excision
    of a nonviable testis)

    Surgical correction is usually required and should be performed within
    about 5 hours of the onset of symptoms in order to save the
    testicle.

    This conditions is a surgical emergency  If symptoms of testicular
    torsion occurs seek emergency treatment promptly – Call
    911 and or go to your nearest Emergency Room.

    Please let me know what’s going on, If the above disorder does not pertain
    to you- Question:  have you seen your doctor?  What
    was his diagnosis?

  • Tendinitis

    Tendinitis: It is a painful inflammation of the
    tendons and of tendon muscle attachments to bone, usually in the hip, achilles
    tendon, hamstring and the shoulder rotator cuff.

    Tendinitis results from trauma, hypermobililty, postural misalignment,
    abnormal body development, and other musculoskeletal disorders.

    X-rays may show; calcium deposits,  bony fragments, and
    or osteophyte sclerosis (  osteophyte : a bony excrescence or outgrowth
    ) (sclerosis: hardening )

    Arthrography (radiography of a joint after injection of opaque
    contrast material ) may be done to see if it shows any irregularities on
    the under surface of the tendon.

    Symptoms:

    -Restricted shoulder movement, especially abduction swelling

    -Localized pain. The pain may intensified rather than get relief
    from applying heat to area.

    -Pain increasing more so at night

    Calcific tendinitis includes proximal weakness and possibly
    acute calcific bursitis.( Bursitis is a painful inflammation of one or
    more of the bursae, ( Bursa: a fluid filled sac or sacllike cavity situated
    in places in tissues where friction would otherwise occur)

    Treatment:

     Your doctor may prescribe medication to relieve pain

     Oral anti-inflammatory agents

     Ultrasound

     Application of cold and heat

     Local injection of an anesthetic and corticosteroids to reduce
    inflammation

    For immediate pain relief, your doctor may give a mixture of
    a corticosteroid and an anesthetic, such as lidocaine injection

    For extended release your doctor may give an injections of a
    corticosteroid, such as triamcinolone or prednisolone (it offers longer
    pain  relief

    Rest and immobilization with a sling, splint or cast to affected
    area.

    Short term analgesics may be prescribed until the patient is
    able to perform ROM easily

    Supplementary treatment includes:  fluid removal by aspiration,
    physical therapy to preserve motion and to prevent frozen joints, heat therapy for calcific tendinitis and ice packs.

    May need  to change life style to prevent recurring joint
    irritation

    * If taking anti-inflammatory medications, take with milk to
    minimize GI distress.

    Call your doctor immediately if experiencing signs of distress.

  • Syphilis

    Cold Sore Freedom In 3 Days

    Syphilis:  This Chronic, infectious venereal disease begins in the mucous membranes and rapidly becomes systemic, spreading to nearby lymph nodes and the bloodstream.  The infecting agent is the spirochete Treponema pallidum.  Syphilis spreads by sexual contact during the primary, secondary and early latent stages of infection.  For those expecting mothers who has this
    disorder, it may be spread to the neonate through the placenta.

    Syphilis rank the third most prevalent reportable infectious disease in the United States, and more common between the ages of 15 to 39.  If left untreated syphilis leads to crippling or death.  Prognosis is excellent with early treatment. 

    Symptoms:

    Clinical features vary with the stage of the disease: 

    Primary syphilis:  Applies to a period of 3 weeks after contact.  Patients may develop chancres – small fluid filled lesion on the genitalia, fingers, anus, lips, tongue, nipples, tonsils, or eyelids that eventually erode and develop indurated ( becomes abnormally hard), raised edges and clear bases.  Regional lymphadenopathy may also occur (disease of the lymph nodes) 

    Secondary syphilis:  Applies to a period from a few days to 8 weeks after the onset of initial chancres.  Patients may exhibit a rash which can be macular (a distinguishable by color, thickening , spot), it can be papular ( a small circumscribed, solid, elevated lesion of the skin), or it could be nodular (resembling nodules), and it can be symmetrical mucocutaneous (pretaing to
    mucous membrane and skin) lesions. Macules commonly erupt between rolls of fat on the trunk and, proximally on the arms, palms, soles, face, and scalp. Condylomata lata may develop it drives in warm, moist areas such as the perineum, scrotum, vulva, and between rolls of fat, the lesions may be enlarge and erode, producing highly contagious, pink or grayish white
    lesions. 

    Watch for signs of general lymphadenopathy; mild constitutional symptoms such as headache, malaise, anorexia, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and sore throat. Patient may have brittle and pitted nails, possible a low grade fever, and may have hair loss (alopecia). 

    Latent syphilis:  Characterized by an absence of symptoms 

    Late syphilis:  This stage includes three subtypes;  late benign syphilis, cardiovascular syphilis, and neurosyphilis.  Any or all may be present during this stage. 

    *Late benign syphilis:   the typical lesion is a gumma – a chronic, superficial nodule or deep granulomatous (a tumor like mass) lesion that is solitary, asymmetrical, painless, and  abnormally hard (indurated).  Other symptoms may affect the liver, causing epigastric pain, tenderness, enlarged spleen, and anemia; also the patient may develop upper respiratory involvement with potential perforation of the nasal septum or palate.

    *Cardiovascular syphilis:  The patient may develop aortitis (inflammation of the aortic), aortic regurgitation, or aortic aneurysm, or the patient may experience no symptoms at all.

    * Neurosyphilis:  meningitis and widespread CNS (Central nervous system) damage, symptoms includes, general paresis (slight or incomplete paralysis ), personality changes, and arm and leg weakness.

    Treatment: 

    Antibiotic therapy, treatment of choice is penicillin I.M. For early syphilis, treatment may consist of a single injection of penicillin G benzathine I.M. Syphilis of more than 1 year’s duration should be treated with penicillin G benzathine I.M. for 3 weeks.

    Patient who is allergic to penicillin may be treated successfully with tetracycline or erythromycin – 15 days for early syphilis; and 30 days for late infections; usually by mouth 4 times a day.

     * Important to complete the course of therapy even after symptoms subside. 

     * Have a recheck scheduled appointment with your doctor after 3, 6, 12, and 24 months to detect a possible relapse. 

     * For patients who is treated for latent or late syphilis should receive blood tests at 6 months intervals for 2 years. 

     * Please inform your sex partner of his infection so they can receive treatment, and to prevent the spread of this disease. 

  • Stroke

    Stroke also called Cerebrovascular accident or CVA: Is a sudden
    impairment of

    cerebral circulation in one or more of the blood vessels supplying the
    brain. A CVA

    interrupts or diminishes oxygen supply and commonly causes serious damage
    or

    necrosis (death of an individual cell or group of cells) in brain tissues.
    The sooner

    circulation returns to normal after a CVA, the better the patients chance
    for recovery.

    There is different types of CVA and are classified according to their course
    of

    progression. (See * below)

    * Transient ischemic attack or TIA , also called ” little stroke”,
    it is a result from a
    temporary interruption of blood flow. it is considered the least severe.
    It is usually a
    recurrent episode of neurologic deficit, it may last for just seconds or
    hours and clears
    within 12 – 24 hours. It is considered to be a warning sign of an
    impending thrombotic
    cerebrovascular accident (CVA ). Studies shows that TIA’s have
    been reported in
    50% to 80% of patients who have had a cerebral infarction from such thrombosis..
    More common after the age of 50 and men are more prone to have TIA’s.
    In TIA, microemboli released from a thrombus probably temporarily interrupt
    blood
    flow, especially in the small distal branches of the arterial tree in the
    brain. Small
    spasms in those arterioles may impair blood flow and also precede TIA.
    Predisposing
    factors are the same as for thrombotic CVAs.
    Distinctive characteristics of TIA’s include the transient duration of
    neurologic deficits
    and complete return of normal function.

    Symptoms of TIA’s:

    Double vision
    Speech deficits ( slurring )
    Unilateral blindness
    Uncoordinated gait (staggering ) – May fall easily due to weakness of
    legs
    Unilateral weakness
    Numbness
    Dizziness

    Treatment:

    Treatment to prevent a complete CVA –
    Aspirin or anticoagulants to minimize the risk of thrombosis.
    After or between attacks; preventive treatment includes carotid endarterectomy
    or
    cerebral microvascular bypass

    * Progressive CVA, or stroke – in – evolution ( thrombus – in –
    evolution ), begins
    with slight neurologic deficit and worsens in a day or two.

    * Complete CVA, the patient experiences maximal neurologic deficits
    at onset.

    Most common cause of CVA is a result from thrombosis. Other causes
    include
    embolism and hemorrhage. Risk factors increase the likelihood
    of CVA, such as
    atherosclerosis, hypertension, dysrhythmias, rheumatic heart disease, diabetes
    mellitus,
    gout, postural hypotension, and cardiac hypertrophy. Other risk factors
    include high
    serum triglyceride levels, and sedentary life – style ( inactive
    habit ), the use of
    contraceptives, cigarette smoking, and a family history of CVA.

    CVA Symptoms:

    Clinical features of CVA vary with the artery affected ( and , Consequently,
    the portion
    of the brain it supplies ), the severity of damage, and the extent of collateral
    circulation
    that develops to help the brain compensate for decreased blood supply.
    If CVA occurs
    in the left hemisphere, it produces symptoms on the right side; if in the
    right hemisphere,
    symptoms are on the left side. However, a CVA that causes cranial
    nerve damage
    produces signs of cranial nerve dysfunction on the same side as the hemorrhage.
    Usually the symptoms are classified according to the artery affected.
    It can also be
    classified as premonitory, generalized, and focal.

    Middle cerebral artery: This type of CVA may cause aphasia ( loss
    of the power of
    expression of speech, writing, or signs or of comprehending spoken or written
    language)
    , dysphasia ( impairment of speech), visual field cuts, and hemiparesis
    on the affected
    side ( more severe in the face and arm than in the leg ).

    Carotid artery: The patient may experience weakness, paralysis, numbness,
    sensory
    changes, visual disturbances on the affected side, altered level of consciousness,
    bruits,
    headaches, aphasia, and ptosis ( paralytic drooping of the upper eyelid
    ).

    Vertebrobasilar artery: patients may experience weakness on the affected
    side,
    numbness around the lips and mouth, visual field cuts, diplopia ( the preception
    of two
    images of a single object ), poor coordination, dysphagia, slurred speech,
    dizziness,
    amnesia, and failure of muscular coordination (ataxia).

    Anterior cerebral artery: This type of stroke can cause confusion,
    weakness and
    numbness on the affected side ( especially in the leg ), incontinence,
    loss of coordination,
    impaired motor and sensory functions, and may have personality changes.

    Posterior cerebral arteries: Paralysis usually doesn’t occur.
    Patient may experience
    visual field cuts, sensory impairment, dyslexia, coma, and cortical blindness.

    Diagnostic tests: CT scan shows evidence of thrombotic or hemorrhagic
    stroke, tumor,
    or hydrocephalus. Brain scan show ischemic areas but may not be positive
    for up to 2
    weeks after the CVA. Other tests includes; lumbar puncture, ophthalmoscopy,
    angiography, EEG, and lab studies.

    Treatment:

    Medication useful in CVA include: anticonvulsants to treat seizures,
    stool softeners, to
    avoid straining, which increases ICP ( intracranial – pressure ), corticosteroids,
    to
    minimize associated cerebral edema, analgesics to relieve headache that
    may follow
    hemorrhagic CVA. Usually aspirin is contraindicated in hemorrhagic
    CVA because it
    increases bleeding tendencies, but it may be useful in preventing TIAs.

    Surgery to improve cerebral circulation for patients with thrombotic or
    embolic CVA
    includes; endarterectomy ( removal of atherosclerotic plaques from inner
    arterial wall),
    or microvascular bypass ( extracranial vessel is surgically anastomosed
    to an intracranial vessel ).

  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma

    Squamous cell carcinoma: The skin cancer is an invasive tumor with
    metastatic

    potential. It may be caused by overexposure to ultraviolet rays,
    X – ray therapy,

    chronic skin irritation and inflammation, ingestion of herbicides containing
    arsenic, and

    exposure to local carcinogens such as tar, and oil. Risk factors
    include being white

    male, and over age 60. Those who work outdoors and are expose to
    the sun, those

    who have a pre malignant lesion. Squamous cell carcinoma commonly
    develops on

    sun damaged areas of the skin.

    Symptoms:

    A nodule growing on a firm indurated base, there may be some ulceration
    at the lesion

    site ( if carcinoma develops in normal skin )

    A pre malignant, preexisting lesion may be inflamed and indurated.
    Metastasis to

    regional lymph nodes may cause pain, malaise, fatigue, weakness, and anorexia

    Diagnostic test – Excisional biopsy of the lesion confirms the diagnosis

    Treatment:

    Depending on the lesion, treatment may consist of wide surgical excision
    or

    electrodesiccation and curettage.

    Radiation therapy ( usually used for older or debilitated patients)

    Moh’s surgery also may be indicated.

    * Regular follow up with your doctor is important

    Call your doctor if you have any of the above symptoms.


    CancerTreatments:

    Cancer treatments seek to destroy malignant cells while sparing normal
    ones, to

    reduce pain, and to induce cure or remission. A single primary treatment
    or a

    combination of treatments may be used. These treatments can provide
    local and

    systemic therapy and offer doctors the advantage of attacking cancer cells
    with

    several mechanisms. They include:

    * Chemotherapy – which interrupts malignant cells life cycles, inhibiting
    or destroying

    their ability to divide

    * Radiation – which also inhibits cell division by impairing DNA synthesis
    and causing

    cell membrane lysis. Radiation can be used as a primary treatment
    or as an adjunctive

    procedure intended to kill cancer cells that may have survived other treatments.

    * Biotherapy ( immunotherapy ), which employs biological response modifiers
    that

    act on malignant cells by inhibiting division and by enhancing the body’s
    immune

    responses to such cells.

    * Bone marrow transplantation, which is used to replace or replenish the
    bone

    marrow of patients with leukemia or multiple myeloma

    * Surgery, which removes tumors or reduces their size. Surgery enables
    other

    treatments because there are fewer malignant cells to combat.

    * Several new cancer treatments are emerging. surgical treatments
    using lasers and

    intraoperative radiation can effectively remove tumors or reduce their
    size at the time

    of initial surgery and staging. Hyperthermia – the use of heat to
    destroy cancer cells is

    being investigated as a single modality and in combination with radiation
    and

    chemotherapy.