Spinal Muscualr Atrophy

Many people have never heard about the condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy or SMA. SMA is not actually one kind of disorder. It is many different disorders that all have common genetic causes. When one has SMA, he or she is weak because of the loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord and in the brain stem.

The Symptoms of Spinal Muscular Atrophy

It is important to know whether or not you may be suffering from SMA and finding out at the soonest possible time is essential. If you have had any of the following symptoms in the past or are experiencing them now, you should have yourself checked by a doctor at the soonest possible time: muscle weakness, limpness or the tendency to hop, difficulty sucking or swallowing, legs are weaker than arms, respiratory tract infections; these are only some of the major symptoms that are telltale signs of SMA.

Diagnosing Spinal Muscular Atrophy

To be really sure that you have SMA, only a doctor can tell you that and a proper diagnosis will likely highlight the aforementioned symptoms plus other minor signs that only the doctor will know about. A gene test will be given to you as well. This is known as an SMN (Survival Motor Neuron) gene test and it helps doctors to determine if there is at least one copy of the SMN1 gene by looking for its sequences which are unique. For situations where the SMN gene test doesn’t work, there is an EMG (electromyography) test that can be taken.

Treating Spinal Muscular Atrophy

SMA can be treated and there are tests where gene replacement is being considered. This option is not something that is widely used yet and still needs many years of study before it can be considered as viable treatment for SMA. Since SMA is directly related to severe weakness, it is that which should be addressed. Children with SMA typically live longer than infants that have it and they will need extensive medical support to live comfortably. Current patients with SMA can be treated in various ways. Since most problems are respiratory and nutritional, those are the things that doctors concentrate on the most. There are no drugs in the market that can cure SMA directly but there are significant studies that have been developed to effectively treatment SMA. Until a solution is found, patients will have to settle for different therapies and temporary medications that can help them live a comfortable and normal a life as possible. Some of the drugs that are proving to be quite effective but are still under close scrutiny are Butyrates, Valproic Acid and Riluzole.

SMA is a condition that is very serious especially in the case of infants and children. It is most rampant in children but there are also some adults who have it or have lived with it since childhood. This shows that there are also different degrees of severity of the disease and how fatal it is depends on how strong it is to begin with. Nevertheless, doctors are constantly searching for a cure.

Parkinson's Disease Genetic Marker

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease

Of the many degenerative nerve diseases known to the medical community, none has probably been made more public than Parkinson’s Disease. This is because there have been many celebrities who have come forward to the public telling them that they have Parkinson’s Disease. This includes famous personalities like Michael J. Fox and Muhammad Ali. They suffer from the degenerative disease and have made it their mission to make sure that the disease is known to others who might stand a chance at preventing it from happening.

What is Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease is a degenerative nerve disease that basically affects the central nervous system. By doing so, it directly affects the sufferer’s motor skills and speech. The disease belongs in a group known as movement disorders because this is exactly how it affects people with PD. It makes muscles rigid, causes tremors throughout the body, slows down physical movement and in some cases can cause physical movement to stop entirely.Parkinson’s Disease  is actually part of a larger group of syndromes known as Parkinsonism. This group of syndromes is characterized by bodily tremors, hypokinesia (or the diminished movement of body muscles), and postural instability. Parkinson’s Disease is a chronic and a progressive disease which means that if it is not treated on a regular basis, it can get worse.

What Happens in Parkinson’s Disease?

When there is decreased stimulation of the nerves and the motor skills are affected, this means that it is caused by a lack of action from dopamine which is a substance that is created in the dopaminergic neurons of the brain. Dopamine is needed because it acts as a hormone and a neurotransmitter. What it does is it activates dopamine receptors in the brain and in Parkinson’s Disease, this activation does not happen too often. This is why people who have Parkinson’s Disease sometimes have to have dopamine injected into their system so that the receptors can be activated. Dopamine plays an important role in the functions of the brain including behavior, cognition, motor activity, sleep, mood, attention, and learning. People with Parkinson’s Disease suffer from the lack of these functions.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

The most apparent of symptoms comes in the form of motor skills or in the lack of. A person who suffers from Parkinson’s Disease will have tremors. A tremor happens when a limb is rested and relaxed and moves involuntarily at times. This is the most visible and well-known symptom of Parkinson’s Disease. There is also the symptom known as rigidity or stiffness. Basically the muscle tone is increased with this symptom because of the passive tremors of the limbs. Then there are the gait and posture disturbances; this includes shuffling wherein a person takes short steps with the feet not leaving the ground. A shuffling noise is created and thus the name. Shuffling causes patients to trip over the smallest of obstacles. Postural reflexes, on the other hand, start to fail and this leads to a patient losing his or her balance and falling.

Like most other degenerative nerve diseases, Parkinson’s Disease also does not have a cure. But one can slow down the degeneration of cells by leading a healthy lifestyle and one filled with exercise as well.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

Forgetting what you did last summer is probably something that you can deal with and you will most probably remember at least some of the things that took place. But forgetting everything and even having a strange perspective of reality is something different. This is one of the things that happen to a person who has Alzheimer’s Disease. The disease is a neurodegenerative disorder and is a very common disease that is found in people over the age of 65.

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease

Millions of people worldwide suffer from a form of dementia. The majority of that dementia is actually caused by Alzheimer’s Disease. Medically, the disease can be characterized by a progressive cognitive deterioration. When this happens, one can also expect the steady decline of daily activities and psychiatric, neuropsychiatric, and behavioral changes. When talking about Alzheimer’s with a doctor, you will probably hear the term plaque. This is not the same kind of plaque that can form on teeth. This plaque is the kind that blocks nerve endings and therefore signals cannot pass to and from the brain. This plaque takes years to form and it will not be detected medically until one is much older. But it is not the only thing that causes the Alzheimer’s Disease; there is one other thing known as neurofibrillary tangles and these are pathological protein aggregates found in the neurons of a brain. Together, these two factors are the major cause behind Alzheimer’s Disease.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

There are different symptoms to look out for depending on the stage of the Alzheimer’s Disease. In the early stages of the degenerative disease, patients will first become less energetic and will be less spontaneous. These changes in behavior are actually unnoticed by patients and those close to them. The term used for this stage in the disease is Minor Cognitive Impairment. The next stage of the disease, or the middle stage, has patients being able to perform certain tasks but not complicated ones. The patient in this stage will probably need assistance with something as simple as paying a bill (which is actually more complicated to someone who has Alzheimer’s Disease). The most severe stage, or the late stage, has patients not being able to perform simple tasks without the help of others. People in the late stage also need to be supervised constantly. These patients tend to lose their understanding and concept of many things. This includes expelling the bladder and even bowel movements. Eventually, they cannot walk anymore and they will not be able to talk properly. Losing the ability to swallow food and fluid is also very common and this is what may ultimately lead to their death.

Can Alzheimer’s Disease be Cured?

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s Disease and the only way to really avoid it is to prevent it from happening. Leading a healthy life with activities that stimulate the brain and a diet that will keep one physically fit will help one to avoid the disease. But even in prevention, these activities and diets will only really slow down the process of the disease’s development. But slowing it down will improve your lifestyle because the worst that can happen is that you only reach either the first or second stage.

Immune System

The immune system helps us in several ways. It protects our body, helps it heal, and destroys anything harmful that enters the body. In short, the immune system helps us stay alive. This article will discuss the typical diseases that affect the immune system and how they work.

Diseases and the Immune System

Oftentimes you will be told that your catching a flu or cold will weaken your immune system. This is because it is true. The immune system has amazing mechanisms that can effectively wipe out several diseases from the body. However, pathogens can also have a way to manipulate these mechanisms. They are able to escape host immune responses. Bacteria can get rid of physical barriers by producing enzymes, which digest the barrier. The proteins secreted cause the host’s defenses to collapse.

Infectious diseases can weaken the immune system. Let’s first talk about the common and less-serious infectious diseases. All viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi can affect the immune system. You may have a weakened immune system from simply catching a cold. Poor hygiene and an unsanitary environment can also increase your susceptibility to diseases. Diseases can be transmitted sexually, through inhaling airborne droplets, through contact with infected blood, through insect bites, through direct skin contact, by eating contaminated food, and through contact with contaminated water.

Some diseases actually cause the immune system to function abnormally. You may develop allergies or hypersensitivity, which are both immune system disorders. Diseases that affect the immune system include autoimmune diseases like anemia and rheumatoid arthritis, immune complex diseases, and immunodeficiency diseases like acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, commonly known as AIDS.

AIDS and the Immune System

What HIV does is invade the cells of the immune system and turns the cells into workhouses that produce HIV. The cells of the immune system are reprogrammed, and more and more cells are taken over. Because these cells are being invaded, the body can no longer defend itself from all other infections. When other diseases enter the body, you start becoming gravely ill. HIV also has the ability to mutate, and this is one of the reasons why treating this disease has been so difficult to treat.

Psychological Factors and the Immune System

Studies have shown that stress does play a role in weakened immune systems. Furthermore, psychological disorders can affect the immune system. There has been evidence that patients who were schizophrenic took longer to heal after surgery. It has also been concluded that depression weakens the immune system in various ways. Since it is closely related to stress, it can negatively affect the body’s defenses. It has also been found that depression causes people to take less care of themselves, thus opening doors to infectious diseases and a weakened immune system. The ability to think clearly, cope well, and heal properly is eventually affected.

We need a strong immune system to keep healthy and live a great-quality life. When caring for our immune system, we need to familiarize ourselves with diseases that affect it.

Laser Surgery for Hemorrhoids

Many individuals over the age of 50 often get hemorrhoids, but others can have them earlier if their diet, daily habits, and lifestyle put them at risk for developing hemorrhoids. If you are suffering from hemorrhoids, no need to worry. There are several treatments and procedures available for the reduction or elimination of hemorrhoids. One of the newest and most effective treatments out there is laser surgery. This article will discuss all aspects of laser surgery including preparation, process, post-surgery treatment, costs, and prevention.

What is Laser Surgery for Hemorrhoids?

Laser surgery for hemorrhoids involve using a tiny laser beam that vaporizes and excises hemorrhoids. This laser is so small that it gives the procedure an unparalleled accuracy and precision. In this case, the surgeon is able to go through the procedure with more control and much less bleeding from the patient. When surgery is complete superficial nerve endings are sealed and the patient often goes home without having to stay in the hospital. Studies have shown that laser treatment for hemorrhoids have given a 98 percent success rate in patients and almost 100 percent of patients who have undergone the surgery were satisfied with the results.

Do You Need Laser Surgery for Hemorrhoids?

Laser surgery really depends on what your doctor will decide for you. Usually your doctor will give you some tests and examine the severity of your hemorrhoids. He or she may check on the symptoms of the hemorrhoids, placement of hemorrhoids, and how long the hemorrhoids have been there. Doctor and patient will often discuss all other types of treatments before jumping into laser surgery. Some hemorrhoids do not actually need surgical treatments and can be cured by ointments or supplements.

What Risks are Involved in Laser Surgery for Hemorrhoids?

As with most surgeries, there are risks attached to laser surgery. Typical risks include bleeding, infection, and a negative reaction to anesthesia. However, laser surgery causes much less bleeding and infection because of its accuracy and precision. As a matter fact, laser surgery is considered to promote faster healing in patients.

What Happens After Laser Surgery for Hermorrhoids?

You may experience some pain when urinating or during bowel movement. This is a normal experience after surgery, as your body is still in the healing process. The discomfort will usually go away in a few days.

How Much Does Laser Surgery for Hemorrhoids Cost?

Laser surgery often costs much less compared to other surgical treatments because it is done in the office, not in the hospital. Most insurance companies cover laser hemorrhoidectomy.

Will I be Free of Hemorrhoids After Laser Surgery?

Yes and no. Laser surgery is extremely effective in removing hemorrhoids and eliminating symptoms. You may not experience symptoms of hemorrhoids for the next couple of years. However, hemorrhoids do recur, and it is not uncommon that they do. To live life without ever having hemorrhoids again, you’ll need to make changes in your lifestyle, like eating healthier with more fiber in your diet and doing various physical activities.

Consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.