With more than 120 brain tumor types, recognizing and diagnosing rare ones is a difficult task. Here’s what you need to know about a few of the rarest brain tumor types. According to American Cancer Society ’s statistics, more than 22,500 people were diagnosed with primary brain tumor types in 2015 in the United States alone. Furthermore, it was estimated that approximately 15,000 adults in the country would die of brain tumor complications. Approximately 4,300 teens and children were estimated to be diagnosed with brain tumors in the US in 2015, with more than half this number being under the age of 15 years. A brain tumor is defined as an abnormal growth of cells that may be malignant or benign in the brain. These abnormal cells are classified as primary brain tumor types when they first develop in the brain. Secondary or metastatic brain tumor types include those cells that started out as cancerous in other parts of the body, and eventually spread to the brain. This classification of brain tumor types is essential as the treatment of brain tumors depends on which part of the body the cancerous cells originate from. The National Brain Tumor Society classifies more than 120 brain tumor types. Some of these brain tumor types are more common that the others. Brain tumor types like gliomas account for almost 45 percent of all primary brain tumor types. You may not even have heard the names of some of these brain tumor types, because they occur rarely. Here are a few of the not-so-common brain tumor types. Ganglioglioma Accounting for just 1 percent of all brain tumor types, gangliogliomas are rare brain tumors that are known to start from a single cell that begins dividing in the brain. According to the Office of Rare Diseases Research, most gangliogliomas are benign, with just 10 percent of all known cases classifying as malignant brain tumor types.

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.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) spreads through bodily fluids like blood and genital discharges. It attacks the immune system and can even lead to death on progressing into stage 3 HIV, commonly referred to as AIDS. Therefore, timely detection and management are crucial. Keeping this in mind, we have listed some of the early symptoms of an HIV infection and a few nutritious foods to eat to delay its progression. Early and uncommon signs of an HIV infection The first symptoms of HIV usually develop within two to four weeks after contracting the virus. The initial stage is also known as acute HIV infection and often includes symptoms like fever, headache, tiredness, sore throat, skin rash, mouth ulcers, swollen lymph glands, diarrhea, and muscle and joint pain. Some people in the initial stage experience symptoms linked to health conditions like esophageal candida, herpes zoster, and HIV wasting syndrome, which are usually seen later on. Some patients may also show non-HIV-associated gastrointestinal and central nervous system symptoms, such as gallbladder inflammation, severe gastric bleeding, kidney failure, brain inflammation, and meningitis. Remember that not everyone with the virus exhibits symptoms in the early days of an HIV infection. Foods to slow down HIV progression These foods can help improve overall health and delay the progression of an HIV infection: Kale This dark leafy green is among the most nutritious veggies. Kale is packed with compounds that boost immune health and keep inflammation levels in check, decreasing the risk of complications associated with HIV. Lean beef Lean protein is necessary to build muscles and bolster the immune system. An excellent source of high-quality protein is lean cuts of beef. Other good sources include fish, eggs, beans, and nuts. Brown rice Unlike white rice, brown rice is a whole grain full of fiber and B vitamins.

Atrial fibrillation, which is more commonly known as AFib, is a typical heart condition where the heart beats at a much faster rate than usual. More precisely, the heartbeat is often irregular and more than 100 beats or less than 60 beats per minute as compared to the normal heartbeat rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute, when you are in a resting and a relaxed position. Such fast heartbeats can cause serious complications like a stroke or a blood clot in the heart. Thus, it needs to be treated immediately before the situation goes out of the control. Thus, AFib treatment at the right moment is very important. In this article, we’ll discuss some important facts about AFib that can help you to take the right decision before it’s too late. Here are some foods to eat and avoid to reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib): Whole grains Whole grains contain fibers, which are known to improve cholesterol levels in the body. They also help reduce the risk of conditions linked to AFib, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Legumes Legumes such as lentils, beans, chickpeas, and peas contain healthy antioxidants, fiber, and other nutrients. Together, these properties can help lower “bad” cholesterol and reduce the risk of AFib. Olive oil Unlike other unhealthy oils, olive oil is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and more that may help alleviate any symptoms related to AFib. Foods to avoid Avoid these foods in order to effectively manage AFib. Alcohol Studies have shown that consuming alcohol can contribute to AFib risk factors like hypertension and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Therefore, alcohol consumption must be avoided. Salt Salt is known to increase the chances of high blood pressure. In turn, it also puts you at risk of developing symptoms linked to atrial fibrillation.

Everyone would love to have a healthy, shiny, and voluminous head of hair and be able to style them in any way they like. Gone are the days where hair was tied in a bun of several proportions. There is a multitude of options available for people to style their hair and stand out. However, the styling and setting come at a price as the chemicals used to dye and style hair end up affecting it at times, usually resulting in significant hair damage and hair loss. Genetic traits play a great part in the loss of hair as well. Some people may experience hair loss at an older age, whereas many start experiencing its effects at a very young age. This makes the need for hair loss remedies all the more essential. Some are possible through simple ingredients that you can find at home, while some require a more professional approach. There are several hair loss remedies which eliminate the need for hair implantations. Whatever be the case, you need not worry as there are several techniques available to aid in hair re-growth. How to stop hair loss? We have all the answers you need to this! Check out some of the home-based best hair loss treatments listed below: Coconut Milk Of all the home remedies available, coconut milk is a great option when it comes to natural hair loss treatments. Coconut milk is rich in fats, proteins, potassium, and vitamin E. This helps in moisturizing the hair and keeping it healthy. All you need is a cup of coconut milk, which you can get by grinding coconut and squeezing out its milk. Apply it on your hair and scalp and let it set for up to 20 minutes and voila! Your job is done. Follow this procedure regularly in your daily schedule to get a voluminous growth.

Heartburn is an unpleasant condition often characterized by a burning sensation in the throat and chest. Most of the times, it is triggered by the food we consume, especially acidic, fatty or spicy foods. Heartburn and indigestion are often used interchangeably. But, it is important to understand that heartburn is a symptom of indigestion. Eating certain foods can cause some discomfort in the belly, resulting in digestive pain and heartburn. In a lot of cases, heartburn is also caused due to acid reflux, a condition in which some of the stomach’s content is forced back up into the esophagus. If the acid reflux happens more than two times a week, it is called gastroesophageal reflux disease. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, approximately 15 million Americans experience heartburn every day. Common causes of heartburn If one experiences occasional heartburn, then it is generally not a cause for concern. Persistent acid reflux may result in the diagnosis of GERD, which can have serious consequences for health or may indicate another underlying health issue. However, conditions such as digestive motility disorders, hiatal hernia, diabetes or asthma can also lead to excessive heartburn. Certain medications, such as anti-anxiety pills, steroids, antibiotics, and narcotics, can also trigger heartburn. Some ways to prevent heartburn There are plenty of ways to prevent this unpleasant and discomforting condition from occurring, such as the following: Avoid excessively acidic and spicy foods Maintaining a healthy body weight Not wearing very tight clothes, especially around the waist Eating regulated portions of food Avoiding smoking Avoiding constipation Getting adequate rest and reduce stress Consuming warm liquids after meals Waiting for 3 hours after eating before going to the bed or lying down Treatment of heartburn Treatment for heartburn and indigestion usually begins with making certain lifestyle and dietary modifications. In case, one experiences occasional bouts of heartburn, one can take some over-the-counter medicines for getting instant relief.

As we age, our health gets worse and the list of medical tests we need to determine our current condition of health grows longer and longer. At times we tend to skip our tests because of our busy frame of mind, or because we think that we do not need them. When it comes to a bone density test, one should get the test done every few years. A bone density test is vital in determining the strength of our bones. The test is also called a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry or DEXA scan. It helps us determine if we are suffering from any bone loss that can lead to disabilities and fractures in the future, giving us an overview of our overall bone health. Bone density and bone health tests should not be skipped as they can help us determine the condition of our bones. Most men under the age of 70 and women under the age of 65 do not require the test, but this does not mean we should skip it altogether. Here is all one needs to know about the bone density test and why one should get it done today. What is a Bone density Test? A bone density test enables doctors to diagnose brittle bones and help us seek appropriate treatment measures. Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become so weak that they are at the point of breaking. A bone density test is used to determine the risk of the above-mentioned disease and fractures. It also enables doctors to put a treatment plan in place for the underlying condition. How is a Bone Density Test Performed? A bone density test is a painless and simple procedure. A patient is made to lie on a padded table with an X-ray generator positioned right underneath the patient, and an imaging device just above.

Have you noticed the dark spots that develop on your hands, neck, and face as you get older? They are known as age spots or liver spots. Age spots are caused as a result of sun damage over the years. It is more common among people having a fair complexion and those who spend a lot of time in the sun. These spots are not harmful but make you look older, which is why people look for ways to get rid of them. There are a lot of age spots treatment options available out there, but these are expensive and may also cause side effects. However, you can also treat your age spots at home with the following methods: Apple Cider Vinegar Apple cider vinegar naturally exfoliates your skin and helps in lightening age spots. All you need to do is to simply dab a little bit of apple cider vinegar on the affected area and leave it overnight. You might also mix olive oil with it so that it does not make your skin dry. Continue this practice every day for three to four days and you will certainly notice positive results. Apple cider vinegar is a great ingredient to be added to your beauty regime. Onions Another home remedy for age spots treatment is using onions. The acids in onions exfoliate the skin, while the sulfur in it acts as an antiseptic. It works wonders for your skin and you simply have to cut an onion and rub it over your age spots twice or thrice a day. Let it stay for 15 minutes and then rinse. For even better results, you can mix the onion juice along with honey and then apply it. Aloe Vera Aloe vera is known to be a wonderful ingredient that helps in curing a lot of ailments related to the skin.

Boils, also known as abscesses, are basically red-colored bumps that develop beneath the skin. These bumps are not always painful, but as they grow larger and accumulate more pus, the tenderness and pain increase. Also, they do not drain until they are fully saturated. Boils are those kinds of skin infections that initiate at the root of the oil glands or the hair follicles of the skin. Boils can be very painful and warm when touched since they penetrate into the deeper subcutaneous layer of the skin. In case of small insignificant boils, it can be treated at home giving warm compresses. The repeated soakings will drive the pus to the head of the boils and it bursts to release the same. Whatever might be the case; boils should never be pricked with a needle for draining the pus as this can make the infection even worse. Due to infection, the base of the oil glands or the hair follicles and the area of the skin associated with the infection become red. The reddish appearance indicates that an inflammation has occurred. Immediately after, a soft painful coagulum develops from that place. It takes a maximum of 4 to 7 days for the clump to accumulate enough pus and turn white. for those who do not know how to get rid of boils, a hot compress is an effective home remedy. In case the pus does not drain even after applications of repeated hot compresses, it should be understood that the sepsis has metastasized to the deeper layers of the skin. In such a condition the boil is termed as furuncle or an abscess. Causes of Boils There are multitudes of bacteria’s present on our skin’s surface. Some are beneficial for our skin and some are bad. Boils are caused by Staphylococcus that resides on our skin.

To find a doctor, you need to understand what option is the most convenient for you. The credibility of the doctor as well as whether they are covered by your health plan or not are important considerations. Here are some ways to find a doctor: Doctors in the network The starting point to find a doctor would be your health plan. Depending on your area of residence, your health plan will have competitive rates for specific doctors as well as hospitals. These doctors are called in-network doctors according to insurance companies. The advantage of seeing an in-network doctor over an out-of-network doctor is the fees and consultation charges. If you pick an out-of-network doctor, you will have to bear all the expenses by yourself as these doctors do not recognize your insurance plan’s coverage. You can go the website of your insurance service provider or call their toll free number to find out if the hospital you intend to visit is covered under their plan or not. Area of expertise Now that you have identified the in-network doctors, it is essential to find out the area of expertise you require. You will have to choose your primary care physician from the different categories of doctors such as Family Practice, General Practice or Internal Medicine. As far as children are concerned, the primary care physician will be known as a pediatrician, a doctor who specializes in the treatment of children. Family practice: As far as expertise is concerned, family practice physicians are generalists. They can provide solutions for various types of health problems that specialists deal in, like injuries related to sports as well as issues relating to the health of women. Patients from any age bracket, be it children or senior citizens, can avail of their services. Internal medicine: These doctors restrict their treatment to adults.

All of our body parts are necessary to perform several activities, and knees are something without which we cannot move even an inch. Knees are an indispensable part of the body as the knee joints enable us to walk, jump and do everything that we can’t do by being static. Hence, it is of paramount importance that we take extreme care of our knees. However, if you get into a situation that leaves you with a damaged knee joint, you should seek the medical assistance of an orthopedic doctor. If you are not sure whether or not your problem is a serious one, you can go through the knee replacement surgery videos on the Internet to know better about your condition. In a knee replacement surgery, the damaged part of the knee is replaced by an artificial part. Most of the times, doctors try to avoid the surgery by administering medicines to the patient, but if none works, then surgery is the ultimate option. Knee joints can get damaged due to several reasons such as meeting with an accident while doing house chores or getting injured during road accidents or while playing sports. People suffer from knee problems on account of age as well. Aging leads to wearing of cartilages in the knees which makes it difficult to walk. It can be really troublesome when you are not able to walk. For those people who want to know more about such problems, several knee replacement surgery videos on the Internet can help them understand the situation well. If you are also one of those facing knee pains and are concerned about the same, consider adopting the following changes: Weight loss: Most of the people tend to suffer from knee problems because they do not exercise much which makes their body parts habitual to lying static.

Shingles are one such viral infection that could cause a severe rash. This viral infection is caused by that virus which is the sole reason for causing chickenpox as well. When you had chickenpox in your childhood, the virus varicella zoster will stay dormant inside your body. However, this virus could get reactivated later in your life that will inevitably cause shingles. Although you will feel pain in the first few days of developing shingles, later on, the fluid-blisters and rashes will also become evident. There are various medicines available in the market that could really help you to treat shingles. Therefore, have a look at the medicine that you could use in order to treat shingles. Antiviral medication Antiviral medications are one of the more effective shingles medications that you can use in order to treat shingles. You need to take them within the first 72 hours from when you start getting the symptoms. These medicines will also decrease your chances of facing complications later on due to shingles. Antiviral medications will generally slow down the growth of the virus and by doing so will reduce the symptoms of shingles. There are various shingles medications available in the market out of which some your doctor may prescribe for you depending on the severity. A detailed discussion about the side effects of such medications is needed though. Pain Killers When you have shingles, one thing you can be assured and that is, you will have pain. Therefore, you may need the help of the painkillers which will help you reduce the pain. Taking painkillers is not a good option, but when you face the excruciating pain from the shingles, you would have to opt for one. Even your doctor may prescribe one for you. Although these shingles medications are not that a great option to opt for, yet they are worth a try.