Know about the Various Causes of Vertigo

Know about the Various Causes of Vertigo

Vertigo refers to a medical condition in which a person feels like the objects surrounding them are constantly moving while they are not. It is a feeling of dizziness which may be accompanied by vomiting, headache, nausea, sweating, and trouble while walking. In case a person has an illusion that they are moving, it is called subjective vertigo. Also, when a person has an illusion that everything around them is moving, it is called objective vertigo. Causes of vertigo Many causes lead to vertigo – it is divided into peripheral and central causes. In case the cause of vertigo is central, it may occur due to a problem in the cerebellum part of the brain. It is the part positioned at the lowermost part of the brain. Vertigo could also be due to a problem in the brainstem which is the part of the brain linked to the spinal cord. Whereas if the cause of vertigo is peripheral, it is due to the trouble in the balancing system of the inner ear. Peripheral vertigo The most common causes leading to peripheral vertigo are as follows: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) It is the most common cause of vertigo. It occurs when tiny calcium carbonate particles accumulate in the inner ear’s fluid-filled canals. It may occur when one is standing, moving their head around and even bending. The attacks of vertigo due to BPPV can be intense and periodic and last for a short span of time. A person may feel lightheadedness, loss of balance and their eyes may move hysterically for a brief period. BPPV is said to arise due to an infection in the ear, a head injury, after an ear surgery or even prolonged bed rest. Head injury Head injury is another cause of peripheral vertigo that leads to a person feeling dizzy.
Know about Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease and Their Signs

Know about Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease and Their Signs

People with Alzheimer’s go through different experiences when battling with the disease, and have been seen to witness the same ambit right from the start of the disease, to the sympathetic end. The exact number of Alzheimer’s stages is quite arbitrary, to be honest. Some experts try using a subtle model with a three-phase, while others have invented a granular breakdown and have considered it to be effective, in understanding the progress of the disease. Alzheimer’s stages – Everything you need to know before proceeding with the treatment The model held out by New York University claims that there are altogether seven Alzheimer’s stages. This particular model for understanding Alzheimer’s progression has been taken up and been in use ever since, by innumerable providers of healthcare and also the Alzheimer’s Association. Below are the details of Alzheimer’s stages: Stage 1 Normal Outward Behavior When your loved one is going through the beginning Alzheimer’s stages, you may not see any noticeable changes. So you won’t understand the symptoms. A thorough PET Scan, which is an imaging test, can reveal the actual condition of the brain’s functionality, and reveal if the person has Alzheimer’s disease. With fleeting time and as the disease progresses, your relative or loved one will be seen to undergo a lot of changes; both in their reasoning and thinking process as well. Stage 2 Decline The patient may start to display slight memory related issues due to the disease. They may seem to be losing random things in the house, though it may not be extreme enough to differentiate it with the normal memory loss that one undergoes with age. The person may also miraculously do well in several tests for memory power. Stage 3 A Mild Decline The third stage may help close observers to recognize some signs of cognitive and memory loss.
Signs and Symptoms of Metastatic Breast Cancer

Signs and Symptoms of Metastatic Breast Cancer

When a tumor or any other illness grows and spreads from its point of origin to other parts of the body, it is called metastasis. Similarly, metastatic breast cancer occurs when the cancerous cells from the breast spread to other body parts. In most cases, if breast cancer metastasizes, it is likely to appear in the following regions: Brain Bones Liver Lungs If the cancer is confined to the breast, several effective treatment options are available to cure it. However, if it spreads to the nearby areas, it becomes quite difficult to cure. Therefore, it is vital to spot the signs of metastatic breast cancer as soon as possible to ensure that suitable treatment can start immediately. Symptoms of metastatic breast cancer The initial stages of breast cancer typically do not exhibit any symptoms. Once the symptoms begin to appear, they are most likely to include a strange formation or lump in the breast or under the armpits. In the case of inflammatory breast cancer, the symptoms can include redness or swelling in and around the breast area as well as a mild sensation of pain. When breast cancer metastasizes, a patient may experience the following symptoms: Development of a lump Changes in the skin such as skin ulceration or dimpling Nipple discharge Pain or discomfort while moving the arms Swelling in the breast or arms Large, hard, and deep lymph nodes under the arm or the neck. Also, the most common signs of metastatic breast cancer are easily noticeable changes in the shape of the affected breast. Here are some advanced symptoms of the condition: Difficulty in sleeping Excessive fatigue Digestion problems Shortness of breath Anxiety or depression A feeling of pain or discomfort Some significant signs of metastatic breast cancer One of the most common signs of metastatic breast cancer is difficulty in breathing.
5 Stages of Parkinson’s Disease

5 Stages of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease affects a patient’s nervous system and their body’s movements. Most people have heard of this illness, but not many know about the stages of Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition that worsens with time. One can consult a doctor to understand the stages involved in detail. This article will aim to give a brief overview of this condition’s stages. However, since this disease affects the brain, the stages and their symptoms may differ from one individual to another. Some patients exhibit severe signs while others can continue to function normally. The speed at which it progresses also differs. One can understand the stages briefly on the basis of the Hoehn and Yahr scale. Physicians also use this scale. It is quite easy to classify and treat patients according to it. Here are the five stages of Parkinson’s disease: The first stage The symptoms of the first stage differ for different patients. However, if one identifies the signs in the early stages, it becomes easy to treat the condition. One may only observe some symptoms in the beginning, and these occur on one side of the body. Known as unilateral involvement, it doesn’t hamper one’s ability to function normally. At times, these mild signs might go unnoticed by the doctor as well as the patient. The most common symptoms in the first stage are: Tremors Rigidity in the hand Clumsiness in the hand or leg Rigidity or clumsiness on one side of the face None of these symptoms are apparent, and hence, doctors might wait it out before diagnosing it as the first stage of Parkinson’s disease. The second stage The signs or symptoms may not be apparent even in the second stage of Parkinson’s disease. This stage is a part of the early stages, and therefore it isn’t all that obvious that one has Parkinson’s disease.
Guide to Using Hemorrhoid Relief Creams

Guide to Using Hemorrhoid Relief Creams

Hemorrhoid which is also known as piles is a medical condition in which vascular tissue in and around the anal area gets swelled. This leads to inflammation and tenderness in an area around the anus. This medical condition also leads to the development of discomfort in the bowel movement. There are numerous hemorrhoid relief creams available in the market which can be used for immediate relief from this problem. However, before these hemorrhoid relief creams are used, the application technique of these creams should be known, else it can result in some other medical complication. Following are the hemorrhoid relief creams available in the market which can be used to control the development of hemorrhoid. Anesthetic cream for hemorrhoid Hemorrhoid ointment (Benzocaine) Pramoxine hemorrhoid ointment H hemorrhoidal cream Fast hemorrhoid relief cream Homeopathic hemorrhoid cream Anusol hemorrhoid cream Lidocaine hemorrhoid cream Venapro hemorrhoid cream Avatrol hemorrhoid cream In addition to these creams, some more hemorrhoid relief creams are popular and are used by patients on a regular basis. These include: RectiCare Anorectal Cream This cream is used in case of external and internal hemorrhoid. This offers instant relief from itching, pain, and burning which might occur in the case of hemorrhoid. The key advantage of this cream is that it is odorless and does not have any color and thus can be applied without anyone being aware of the same. These creams can ideally be used for curing any itching, swelling and other such discomforts that might occur in the case of hemorrhoid. These hemorrhoid relief creams, when used on a regular basis, will lead hemorrhoid to shrink and thus will help the person to get an immediate relief. Process of using the hemorrhoid creams When the hemorrhoid relief creams are to be applied externally, the affected area has to be cleaned with soap and water.
Best Home Remedies for Toe Nail Fungus

Best Home Remedies for Toe Nail Fungus

The medical term for Toenail fungus is Onychomycosis. This condition is characterized by pain, swelling of the toes, inflammation, and thickening of the nail. Toenail fungus can be controlled by over the counter medications and surgical removal of the nail. However, medical cure of this complication has some side effects also, and the most common of these include rashes, blisters, loss of appetite, weight gain and dizziness among others. This makes it a fit to use of herbal and home remedies when it comes to the best cure for toenail fungus. Some curative measures for toenail fungus infection include: Apple Cider Vinegar One of the best cures for toenail fungus is the use of apple cider vinegar which can be used both topically as well as internally. For using apple cider vinegar as a curative measure, a part of apple cider vinegar and Epsom salt is mixed with six parts of water. This water should be warm enough for the feet to be soaked in twice on a daily basis. This exercise is to be repeated for 30 minutes. Doing so will kill the fungus, and the complication will heal with the passage of time. Olive Leaf Extract Olive leaf extract is another among the best cure for toenail fungus. If taken on a regular basis as a supplement this natural remedy is a viable cure for the fungal infection. This leaf extract is known to be antiviral and antibacterial. It also helps in lowering cholesterol. Tea Tree Oil Tea tree oil is an antiseptic and a fungicide which also helps in curing toenail fungus. For applying tea tree oil, clean the infected area by rubbing some alcohol and then apply tea tree oil on the affected nails. Keep the same for 10 minutes and scrub the nail afterward with a toothbrush which has soft bristles.
Parkinson Disease Life Expectancy, Understanding the Condition

Parkinson Disease Life Expectancy, Understanding the Condition

Parkinson’s disease is a brain and movement disorder that is caused when the production of dopamine is reduced severely or ceased by the nerve cells. Dopamine is an essential chemical compound that aids the body in normal motor movements. The symptoms include body tremors, uncontrollable movements, imbalance, slowing down of reflexes and movements. The onset of Parkinson’s disease is usually gradual and unnoticeable in the earlier stages and it cannot be diagnosed by just one definitive test but only by a series of clinical tests. These tests then determine the stage of the disease ranging from Stage one to five. Stage I being the first stage of the onset of the disorder and Stage V being the last stage. The initial symptoms are subtle and when considered individually often go unnoticed. Some of the most common symptoms predicting the onset of the disorder are: Tremors or shaking. Reduction in the size of your handwriting. Loss of smell. Difficulty in walking and standing. Masked face (Having an expressionless or serious face when your mood is not so). These symptoms are just some of the many that require the physician’s consultation and expertise to determine if the onset of Parkinson’s disease is imminent or not. Although there is still no direct cause identified for the origin of this disease in a patient, but there is one strong theory of the disease being hereditary. Studies have also shown that men have 50% higher risk of living with the disorder than women. Various studies have concluded that the life expectancy of patients with Parkinson’s disease is almost the same or slightly less, as that of the general population of the same age. One must understand that even though Parkinson’s disease does not have a cure yet, it is not a fatal illness and hence does not have an adverse effect on the life expectancy of the patient directly.
Learn How to Choose Caregivers for SMA Patients

Learn How to Choose Caregivers for SMA Patients

The genetic health condition called spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) affects that part of the nervous system that controls voluntary muscle movements. There is wide variability in the age of the onset, rate of progression, and even symptoms of the condition. For individuals diagnosed with SMA, it is not that easy to roll out of the bed and start the day. However, when a patient has a caregiver’s assistance along with the right medical equipment, it helps a lot to carry out daily activities like showering, dressing, going to the toilet, and even eating. Even though in the early stages of the condition, the family members themselves act as the primary caregivers for SMA patients, it is usually not so in the long run. This is because as the condition progresses, one does need professional caregivers for SMA patients as they help to take care of numerous things. When one is planning to hire caregivers for SMA patients through an agency, they need to ensure that the caregivers hired are trained professionals. Below are some tips that will help one hire a professional caregiver for SMA patients- Have a conversation with the insurance providers and social work departments One needs to realize how many hours will be allotted to the SMA patient by the government before hiring caregivers. While building a case, it is necessary to talk to the insurance provider and a qualified social worker. As the condition tends to vary from person to person, so does the level of help they need. There are some SMA patients that need 24*7 caregivers assistance while there are others who only need someone who can help them get up and get ready in the morning, and put them to bed at night. One needs to determine the level of care their family member needs and communicate the same to their social worker or any other type of independent living department with whom they are working.
Everything You Need to Know about Metastatic Lung Cancer Prognosis

Everything You Need to Know about Metastatic Lung Cancer Prognosis

Metastatic lung cancer is when cancer cells from the other areas of the body spread to your lungs. There are various methods that are used in the treatment of this form of cancer. Read on to know more about the metastatic lung cancer prognosis. Usually, cancer develops in one area of the body and this area is known as the ‘primary site’. Cancer cells have a unique ability to break free from these primary sites and travel to the other parts of your body either through the bloodstream or through the lymph system. A cancer is termed as metastatic cancer, when it spreads from the primary sites to the other parts of the body. You suffer from metastatic lung cancer, when cancer in the other areas of your body spreads to the lungs. Some of the primary tumors that can cause metastatic lung cancer are breast cancer, bladder cancer, sarcoma, prostate cancer, kidney cancer, colon cancer, and neuroblastoma. Metastatic lung cancer may not always show up in signs and symptoms. Even when you do start experiencing the symptoms, it may be quite difficult to identity this form of lung cancer, because the symptoms are similar to several other medical conditions. Some of the symptoms of metastatic lung cancer include chest pain, weakness, a persistent cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, and sudden weight loss. If your doctor suspects metastatic lung cancer, you may have to take various tests to confirm the diagnosis of metastatic lung cancer. These tests are a bronchoscopy, a CT scan, a chest X-ray, and a lung needle biopsy. There are several methods available for the treatment of metastatic lung cancer and the main aim of these methods is to relieve the symptoms as well as to control the cancer growth. The treatment plan that is ideal for you depends on a number of factors that include your overall health, age, medical history, the number of tumors, the location and size of the tumor, as well as the type of the primary tumor.
Everything You Need to Know About Women Hair Loss Treatments

Everything You Need to Know About Women Hair Loss Treatments

Hair loss is caused as a result of various problems with genetics or even the onset of diseases or infections. However the good news is that there are a number of women hair loss treatments available in order to help in the improvement of hair growth in the patients. Excessive hair loss, especially for women is definitely the most frustrating and depressing of all things as often women’s hair is considered to be their best asset that adds to their beauty. There are different types of hair loss that occurs among women that include a gradual thinning of hair to going bald completely. Hair loss in women is caused because of some genetic problem, excessive levels of stress, any medical condition or even due to severe medical treatment. Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is the most common type of hair loss found in women across the globe. This illness is caused among women that are diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia, a condition where women experience diffused thinning of hair in most parts of the scalp. In this type of hair loss, some women may also encounter diffused thinning of hair in combination with distinctive patterns of baldness as well. The following are various women hair loss treatments that are recommended to reduce hair loss, increase the strength of the scalp and promote healthy growth of hair. Minoxidil Minoxidil in pills or drugs was used earlier as an antihypertensive medication to treat high blood pressure. It was later observed that the intake of minoxidil pills caused patients to experience a side effect which involved excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis) which led to the discovery of its obvious use. Many women experienced a significant amount of thick hair growth, and gradual reduction in balding due to the use of minoxidil medication. Provided that the medication is continued, this type of women hair loss treatment can help in stimulating the scalp that promotes re-growth of hair.
Everything You Need to Know About Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms

Everything You Need to Know About Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms

Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is a chronic medical disorder that affects the large intestine. Even though IBS is common, most people never go to a doctor because of the mild symptoms. Here is everything you need to know about Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a gastrointestinal disorder that is caused by irregular movements of your intestines. It is estimated that around 1 in every 10 people suffers from IBS, all over the world. Even though this is a long term condition, it does not cause any serious diseases like cancer or inflammatory bowel disease. It is not a progressive disease, in other words, it will not become worse over a period of time. However, the Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms may be better or worse from one day to another. Although the exact cause of IBS is not known, it is possible that the cause is different for different individuals. Some people with IBS may have sensitive intestines, while others may have problems digesting specific foods. Certain foods, some antibiotics, stress, and hormonal changes may trigger pain and other Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms in some people. The doctors generally diagnose most cases of IBS by asking about your medical history and conducting a physical exam. Only in some rare cases, other diagnostic tests such as blood tests, colonoscopy, and stool analysis, may need to be used. As it is quite unclear what causes IBS, the treatment plan mainly focuses on relieving your Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms so that your quality of life is not greatly reduced. You can effectively manage the mild symptoms by making certain dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and learning to manage the stress. When the Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms are severe, your doctor may prescribe medications like anti-diarrheal medicines, antibiotics, antidepressants, fiber supplements, and antispasmodic medicines.
Here is Everything You Should Know about the Multiple Sclerosis Diet

Here is Everything You Should Know about the Multiple Sclerosis Diet

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that attacks the central nervous system and has a potential to cause permanent disability. The condition is serious, affecting the brain and the spinal cord. When the protective sheath – myelin, is attacked by the immune system, multiple sclerosis is triggered. The nerve fibers are damaged due to lack of myelin and this leads to damage to the nerve signals between the brain and other body parts which further affects the communication process. The illness can also lead to deterioration and permanent damage to the nerves with each passing day. Multiple sclerosis has serious effects on the body and this entirely depends on the extent of damage to the nerves. The symptoms may differ from the nerve that is attacked. Moreover, every individual will experience different types of signs and symptoms. Some of the commonly experienced symptoms include: Thinking problems – An individual begins to find it difficult in understanding things and suffers from memory loss. Abstraction and processing information becomes a huge task for the patient. Loss of vision – Due to this disease, one has to also go through the loss of vision, either in one eye or both. Even the smallest eye movement stimulates excruciating pain to the patient. Color-distortion can also be one of the symptoms. Sensory feelings – One experiences sudden tingling in certain body parts. Such unexpected movements may be painful just like piercing of needles into the skin. Fatigue – An individual may feel tired during the entire day and will not be fit to carry out basic tasks and activities. This may also be accompanied by slurring in the speech. Generally, people who suffer from multiple sclerosis go through relapse very quickly. The signs and symptoms will defer over the course of time. Even an increase in the body temperature can worsen the symptoms.