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Botox used to treat chronic migraines

By Dr. Albert Viljoen

A few years ago, the idea of injecting toxins from pig’s meat into your face to look pretty, was largely frowned upon (no pun intended). Today, though, Botox has made its way up the ranks, and many housewives (not all desperate) book regular visits to their aesthetic practitioner for facials, peels, and the ‘quick lunch-hour injection’. As more and more patients use the product with excellent results, Botox’s use is dramatically being de-stigmatised.

Botox and Chronic Migraines

However, apart from preserving the youthful appearance of thousands of women (and men), this controversial drug has now also been approved by the FDA to treat patients who suffer from chronic migraines.

A friend of mine recently asked me about the mechanism of Botox, and why it helps for migraines. Rightly so; because if you Googled it, the answers you’d find, are confusing at best. The simple answer to this question would have to be “We just don’t know.” However, doctors find it hard to utter these words: if someone entrusts their health, and oftentimes their lives into your hands, they expect resolute certainty : they expect you to know (preferably everything). Much of medicine, though, is based on probability, theory and studies. We definitely don’t simply take things at a whim, but we also don’t always have clear-cut explanations for everything.

Does Botox Work for Migraines?

What it boils down to, is that Botox has been proven to work effectively in treating chronic migraines, and that it is a very safe drug when injected only locally. (If you want to know how Botox works, it basically paralyses the local muscle that it is injected into. But why this helps for migraines, is still unclear, since the mechanism of how migraines work, lies in the vessels inside the brain, not in the muscles that are injected. Theories ventured to explain how it works, are unfortunately only that: theories.)
The upside? You can now get wrinkle-treatment and migraine-treatment in one sitting, and it can last anything from 4 to 6 months.

The Downside?

Botox is relatively expensive, and one treatment can cost from around R5000,00 up to R10 000,00.
Apart from migraines, Botox can also be used to treat severe teeth-clenching (a condition requiring multiple specialists to adequately treat), profuse sweating and strabismus (misaligned eyes), all with great results.

Penicillin is made from mould. Botox is a toxin from a bacteria. And yet, if used correctly, both these drugs can offer tremendous results. So, don’t let your prejudice get in the way of progress: too many people have suffered unnecessarily, (and some even died) because of hang-ups and stubborn thinking.

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Weird medical treatments from 100 years ago

When you’re sick and in need of treatment, you pretty much know what you’re in for: Medication and bed rest or at worst, an injection in your behind!

Back in the day though, scarier treatment options were common. Here are some hilarious and even downright creepy medical treatments from 100 years ago.

Heroin for cough

Most of us know that the drug heroin isn’t good for our health. If you had a bad cough in the 19th century though, it was highly likely that you’d have been prescribed some heroin! Yikes.

It was marketed as a treatment for coughs, wheezes and even morphine addiction. The company who marketed it as such, had to take it off the shelves once it was discovered that heroin converts into morphine in the human body, essentially making it a fast-acting form of morphine!

Today: Over-the-counter cough suppressants or antibiotics (if a bacterial infection is the cause).

Bloodletting for headache

Do you have a pounding headache? Feeling stressed out? Have an STD? In the 19th century, you’d probably have been told to lose some blood. Back then, it wasn’t yet discovered that blood circulates. Instead it was believed that it would stagnate in certain parts of the body and could cause illness this way.

Another belief was that the body contained four different substances called humours (blood, black bile, yellow bile and phlegm). What’s more, it was thought that if there was an excess or shortage of any of these, it would result in illness. Due to this, bloodletting would balance out the humours.

Today: Over-the-counter pain killers, a trip to your doctor for medication or lifestyle changes to help with stress

Mercury for wounds

While today known as a toxic, poisonous substance, in the past, mercury was often used as a treatment for wounds and ironically, prolonging life. One Chinese emperor, Qin Shi Huang was obsessed with eternal life and ingested mercury given to him by doctors and scientists. He, of course, didn’t live a long life and was killed by the so-called “miracle elixir”.

Today: Antibiotic ointment to prevent any infection in the wound and a clean bandage.

Trepanation for evil spirits

Having a hole drilled into your head sounds terrifying, but as far back as 7 000 years ago, it was a sure way to cure certain illnesses. This ancient surgery involved literally boring a hole into the skull. The common theory was that the hole could release evil spirits that caused illnesses. It was also used as a method to treat headaches and blood clots.

Today: Today, surgeons may perform brain surgery to remove tumours, or give medication for epilepsy: a condition that was previously thought to be caused by evil spirits.

References:

Brain cancer 101

When you go online and search possible causes for headache, nausea, dizziness, one of the diagnoses that is bound to come up, is brain cancer. Although brain cancer is very rare, there are some risk factors, and ways to make sure that dull ache is not just another tension headache.

Types of brain cancer

Cancer can begin in the cells of the brain and spread throughout our central nervous system, or it can spread to the brain from elsewhere in the body. Tumours that start in the brain are called primary tumours, cancers that spread to the brain are called secondary tumours.

There are two types of primary brain tumours: benign and malignant.

Benign tumours are not cancerous. These can be removed by surgery or other treatments. However, even if a tumour is non-cancerous, it can still place pressure on healthy brain cells, causing problems.

Malignant tumours are cancerous. They grow faster than benign tumours and spread through the central nervous system more aggressively. They’re very difficult to treat and statistics suggest that only around 35% of sufferers survive for longer than five years.

Other common brain cancers are meningiomas and gliomas.

Meningiomas


These tumours occur in the meninges, which are the membranes that surround your brain and is the most common type of brain cancer. Meningiomas are slow growing which means that symptoms take time to appear. Since these tumours affect nerves, they can sometimes cause seizures or difficulty thinking or remembering. Meningiomas are more common in women and older people, but can develop at any age.

Gliomas


Gliomas can occur in the brain and in other places in the nervous system, including the brain stem and spinal column. While these are more common in men, they make up around 80% of all malignant brain tumours in adults.

What causes brain cancer?


While no-one is quite sure what causes cancer, there are factors that can increase the chance of it developing. These include:

  • Age: Children and older adults are at greater risk.
  • Gender: Men are more at risk of tumours than women, but women are more likely to develop meningioma.
  • Chemical exposure: Being exposed to certain chemicals, like pesticides, may increase the risk of developing a brain tumour.
  • Family history: About 5% of brain tumours may be caused by genetic factors or disorders.
    Exposure to infections, viruses, and allergens: Infection from the virus that causes mononucleosis or “mono” may increase brain cancer risk. Research done on animals has found that exposure to certain viruses also increases risk.
  • Race and ethnicity: Studies in the United States show that white people are more likely to develop gliomas, and black people are more likely to develop meningioma.
  • Radiation: Exposure to radiation, including X-rays, through treatment to the brain or head has been shown to be play a role.
  • Head injury: Research has shown a link between head injury and meningioma, but not for glioma.

Symptoms of brain cancer


Symptoms can include:

  • Seizures.
  • Changes in, or difficulty with speech, hearing or vision.
  • Difficulty balancing or walking.
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in parts of the body.
  • Memory difficulties.
  • Personality changes.
  • Difficulty concentrating.
  • Nausea.
  • Dizziness.

Treating brain cancer

Surgery

Less invasive surgery is often the first option, especially for benign tumours that aren’t bound to brain cells.

Neurosurgery


This kind of surgery is conducted on the nervous system – the brain, spinal cord and other parts of the nervous system – and is used to remove the entire tumour.

Radiation therapy


This treatment destroys brain tumour cells to relieve symptoms caused by the tumour.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is used for difficult-to-treat tumours and can be used on its own or in conjunction with other brain cancer treatments. 

Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy involves using drugs that affect abnormalities in the cells that assist brain tumour growth.

References

Does your child have meningitis? Know the danger signs

Spotting meningitis can be tricky, and it can be easy for your little one to develop it without you knowing. That’s because the early warning signs and symptoms are almost identical to the flu.

Don’t worry though. By getting to know the signs and symptoms, you can ensure your child gets the right treatment before it becomes serious. Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges; the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.

Meningitis is usually caused by bacteria or viruses, and sometimes by illness and certain medication. It spreads like colds and flu, when someone who’s infected touches, kisses, sneezes or coughs on you.

Common signs:

  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Drowsiness.
  • A small appetite.
  • Confusion and disorientation.
  • Sensitivity to bright light.
  • Fever.
  • Headache.
  • Neck stiffness.

More severe symptoms include coma and seizure.

Watch out for these signs in toddlers: 


A refusal to be fed, irritable when picked up, a fever, and a bulging soft spot on their head, and moaning and crying.

Preventing meningitis is the best way to work against it. Remember, not every child gets the same symptoms and they can appear in any order.

Make sure your little ones wash their hands often with soap and warm water. Encourage this, particularly after using the bathroom; when they’ve been around other kids, and when they’ve been in contact with a sick person. Teach them not to share food, utensils and drinks with anyone who is, or has recently been, sick.

If you suspect your child or anyone else has meningitis, you should:

  • Take them to your doctor immediately.
  • If you can’t get there right away, call a doctor and describe the symptoms.
  • Go to the nearest emergency room if your doctor isn’t available.

Treatment


If a doctor suspects your child has meningitis, he will do tests. A sample from the spinal cord is usually taken. This can show signs of inflammation and infection due to a virus or bacteria. Blood samples may also be taken to check for bacterial infections in the blood. Sometimes, imaging of the head is done to check for swelling and inflammation around the brain.

There are two kinds of meningitis, viral and bacterial. Depending on which kind your child has, he’ll be treated a certain way.

Bacterial


Severe bacterial meningitis is very serious and must be treated immediately with antibiotics. It helps reduce the risk of complications like brain swelling and seizures. The type of antibiotic depends on the type of bacteria that caused the infection. The sinus may be drained if there’s a build-up of mucus and infection.

In some cases, doctors may give an antibiotic to someone who’s been around an ill person with bacterial meningitis to prevent them from developing the disease themselves.

Viral meningitis


Unfortunately, antibiotics can’t be used for viral meningitis, but mild cases usually clear up on their own. It can be treated with bed rest, plenty of fluids and over-the-counter pain medication.

References:

6 types of headaches and how to treat them

It’s crunch time. Exams are around the corner and your stress levels are through the roof.

This, unfortunately, also affects your concentration levels and you find yourself with a headache at the end of each day.

According to research conducted by The Headache Clinic, 18% of women and six percent of men suffer from migraines. A headache is not just a headache. There are different types, caused by different things. Popping a pill to ease the tension isn’t always enough; you should identify where your head hurts and know which treatment is best to get rid of the ache.

Headache types:

1. Migraine

Two words; intense and severe! The throbbing and pulsating pain is on either side of your head (left or right) and brings on extra symptoms like nausea, weakness, vomitting, numbness, pain behind one eye or ear, pain in the temples, seeing spots or flashing lights, sensitivity to light and sound and a temporary loss of vision.

Ease the pain with over-the-counter medication that can alleviate the tension. But don’t just rely on painkillers. Find relaxation techniques that work for you and help reduce your stress – which will keep migraines at bay.

  • Try heat therapy; apply a warm compress to your head and lie down in a dark room.
  • Get regular massages if your budget can afford it.
  • Do regular neck and back exercises. Try relaxation techniques that may be able to reduce stress.
  • Take deep breaths and try to meditate through the pain.
  • For severe, recurring migraines, you might benefit from migraine-specific medication. These can be prescribed by a neurologist.

2. Tension

This pain is normally compared to someone squeezing your head. The pain is felt on the temples of your head. It’s a tight band-like sensation. This headache begins in your forehead, temples, or the back of your head and neck.

Ease the pain with calming herbs and supplements that contain magnesium. Magnesium is essential for managing stress. You can also work on relaxation techniques. Find a quiet place to sit and consciously relax all your major muscles. Start with your toes and work upwards, progressively relaxing your legs, thighs, hips, stomach, shoulders, arms, neck and face. Imagine feeling as “boneless” as possible – as if your body is made from rubber. Stay as relaxed as possible for as long as you can. Take deep breaths and focus on a peaceful picture in your mind.

3. Sinus

A headache caused by sinusitis. It’s a dull and throbbing pain around the eyes, cheeks and forehead.

Ease the pain by taking it easy and resting. The headache is treated by treating the cause. Drink plenty of water. Normal painkillers and decongestant nasal spray or drops can reduce pain and unblock your nose.

4. Thunderclap

It’s all in the name. A thunderclap headache is severe. It may come on with full force in less than a minute and can last for about five minutes. There are no triggers or warning signs. You may also experience pain in the neck area, nausea, vomiting and weakness.

Ease the pain by getting medical help immediately. The headache can be caused by life-threatening conditions like a brain aneurysm (a bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain), stroke, or a brain haemorrhage (bleeding in the brain).

5. Cluster

Intense and severe. This headache feels like someone’s poking your eye from the inside. A cluster headache can wake you up in the middle of the night with intense pain in or around one eye on one side of your head. It happens in recurring patterns or clusters; usually every day or several times a day. A single attack may last from 15 minutes to three hours.

Ease the pain: Over-the-counter medication doesn’t usually work for cluster headaches. See a doctor for prescribed medication.

6. Exertion 

This headache is provoked by an activity during the day. It happens anywhere around the head. It can be one-sided, pulsating, aching, or even make you nauseous.

Ease the pain: Take a painkiller or an anti-inflammatory before sitting down to study to keep the problem and symptoms at bay.

When to see a doctor

Don’t take pain relievers more than three times a week, because you may get rebound headaches (medication-overuse headaches). Headaches can range from mild to severe. Identify and treat them as early as possible. Pay attention to the time before the headache starts for signs of an aura (visual or sensory disturbances). Speak to your doctor about these signs so you can get advice on how to better treat your headaches.

References

What does it mean to be dehydrated?

Amazingly, your body is made up of 2/3 water! It’s essential for many processes in your body, from lubricating your eyes and joints, to aiding digestion, flushing waste and keeping skin supple and healthy.

But when the normal water content in your body is reduced, it upsets the delicate balance of minerals, which has a huge effect on how your body functions. Usually, your body re-absorbs fluid from your blood and other tissues if it needs, but by the time severe dehydration sets in, there’s no longer enough fluid to get blood to your organs. This sends you into shock, which can be life-threatening unless you get emergency medical treatment.

What Causes Dehydration?

Simply put, dehydration happens when you lose more fluid than you take in. Fluids are lost through sweat, vomiting, tears, urine or diarrhoea, and the severity of it depends on factors such as climate, levels of physical activity, and diet.
Conditions such as gastroenteritis and diabetes can also contribute to dehydration, and age is another important factor. Young children are often at high risk of dehydration, and can become dehydrated very quickly, as their bodies metabolise faster than adults.

What are the Symptoms of Dehydration?

Thirst is the first symptom of dehydration, and other symptoms include:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness
  • Dry eyes, mouth and lips
  • Concentrated, dark yellow urine
  • Urinating less than 3 or 4 times a day

If mild dehydration isn’t treated, it can quickly lead to severe dehydration – which requires emergency medical treatment or it can be fatal. Symptoms of severe dehydration include:

  • Inability to urinate
  • Dry, wrinkled skin that sags slowly into position when pinched up
  • Sunken eyes
  • Low blood pressure
  • A weak or rapid heartbeat
  • Cool hands and feet
  • Seizures
  • Extreme fatigue, irritability or confusion

What’s the best way to treat mild dehydration?

In adults: Drink plenty of fluids! Water, diluted fruit juice and oral rehydration solution are all good options, and salty snacks can also help to replace lost salts.

In babies and young children: Avoid giving them plain water as the main replacement fluid, as it can further dilute minerals in the body. Stick to oral rehydration solution or diluted fruit juice. If they’re struggling to hold down fluids due to vomiting or diarrhoea, give small amounts more often. It can also be easier to administer fluids to young children with a spoon or syringe.

How can I prevent dehydration?

Drink enough fluids throughout the day! Aim for 1.5 – 2 litres of water, diluted fruit juice and tea to help maintain a healthy balance.
Sources: Mayo Clinic, WebMD.com, NHS.uk

Is this a migraine or a sinus headache?

You feel the familiar throb of a headache beginning and just like that your day is ruined. Everyone gets a headache from time to time, and they can vary tremendously in severity to disrupt your life.

It’s important to know the type of headache you have so that you can treat it properly. It’s easy to confuse a migraine and sinus headache, but there are differences. Your sinuses are air-filled spaces inside your forehead, cheekbones, and behind the bridge of your nose. When they’re inflamed, it’s usually from an allergic reaction or infection. These conditions make your sinuses swell, creating more mucus, and causing blockage in the drainage channels.

The build up of the pressure in your sinuses causes the pain that feels like a headache. A migraine on the other hand, feels similar but happens suddenly, without warning. A migraine may be steady or abrupt and varies in intensity. It may be provoked by illnesses that affect your head or neck, like a dental problem. It often subsides after a few hours with the help of OTC (over-the-counter) medication.

Sinus headache symptoms

  • Pain in your head and particularly your forehead.
  • Itchy or watery eyes.
  • Pain when you move.

Migraine headache symptoms

  • Pain in your head and particularly your forehead.
  • Itchy or watery eyes.
  • Pain when you move.
  • Nausea or vomitting.
  • Sensitivity to sound or light.
  • Severe throbbing on one side of your head.

Treatment

Sinus

Sinus treatment varies depending on the intensity of your symptoms. Treatment include:

  • Pain relievers
  • Nasal irrigation to ease sinus pressure
  • Antibiotics or nasal steroids for infection

Treatment for migraines

Migraine treatment isn’t just about stopping it once it starts. It’s about preventing and reducing how often you get them, how long they last, and their force. Try:

  • Pain relievers.
  • Preventative medication to prevent migraines.
  • Triptans to constrict blood vessels to block pain pathways in your brain.
  • Anti-nausea medication.

Prevent the pain

  • Relieve emotional stress. Unwind and step away from stressful situations when you can. Learn how to calm yourself with deep breathing.
  • Minimise physical stress. Get proper rest and sleep every day. If you sit for long stretches, get up and move around often. Relax your jaw, neck, and shoulders.
  • Exercise regularly. Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day.
  • Stick to a routine. Eat your meals and snacks at about the same times during the day. Go to bed and wake up on a set schedule.
  • Know your triggers. Keep a diary to learn what sets off your headaches. Avoid these things when possible.
  • Practise prevention. Once you know your triggers, take preventative medication to stop a headache in its tracks.

References:

 

5 practical ways to prevent a migraine

The cause of a migraine is up for debate. Some experts think it may be due to…let’s stop right there! We know that when you have one, you don’t care why you have it, you just want it to disappear! With the pain and discomfort, your first thought is probably to take medication, but prescription migraine medications are expensive and have side effects. So here are some practical ways to prevent migraine:

1. Change your diet. Foods that can trigger a migraine include: cheese, red wine, chocolate, caffeine and even egg whites. It’s important to know which of these is your specific migraine trigger. So, it’s a good idea to keep a food diary and when you feel a migraine coming on, you’ll be able to check what you ate.

Certain chemicals that are found in food and drinks can trigger a migraine. Make sure that you check the food and/or drink label. These are some of the most common additives:

  • Monosodium glutamate (MSG), found in canned vegetables, processed meats and soups
  • Sodium nitrate, found in cured meats and poultry
  • Sugar-free fizzy drinks containing the sweetener, Aspartame

2. Exercise regularly. Aerobic exercise such as running, jogging and swimming can help to reduce the number, duration and frequency of migraines. So, make sure that you get your daily dose!

3. Limit exposure to bright light. If your job requires you to use a computer for most of the day, change the brightness setting. There are also special anti-glare light bulbs that you can install in your home. When you’re outdoors, it’s a good idea to wear anti-glare sunglasses.

4. Sleep soundly. Try to go to bed at the same time every night. Frequent changes in your sleep pattern, whether it’s too much or too little sleep can trigger a migraine. When it’s time to go bed, don’t watch something on your laptop; this is a disruption and increases your exposure to light.

5. Try alternative remedies. Take a warm bath or shower; a nap, or go for a walk. Ask someone to rub your neck and back, or you can go to a spa and treat yourself to a massage. Acupuncture has also been shown to be an effective treatment.

Migraines are unbearable, but you can reduce their frequency. If none of these preventative measures help you, it’s best to visit your doctor because the migraine may be a symptom of a serious underlying condition.

Sources

http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/features/5-important-lifestyle-changes-for-migraines?page=2
http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/guide/understanding-migraine-prevention?page=2
http://www.migrainedisorders.org/migraine-safe-foods/
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition-symptom-links/conditions-with-similar-symptoms-as-migraine-headache

 

Why am I dizzy?

The room spins and you feel light-headed, as if you could pass out. Or maybe you walk down the corridor, when it starts feeling like you’re on a ship, rocking back-and-forth. Other than that, you may not have any symptoms. What could be wrong? What causes dizziness?

Dizziness can be a side effect of a minor health issue, but it can also be a sign of something more serious – here are some of the usual causes of dizziness. Continue reading “Why am I dizzy?”

Migraines: Tips on helping you get through it

Do you feel a headache coming or are you suffering from one right now? It’s a real pain (pardon the pun), especially while you’re at work. More often than not, headaches and migraines affect your productivity at work and your ability to do things when you’re at home, like cook. Sometimes headaches are so strong that all you want to do is sleep. So what should you do about it? The good news is, there are ways to find relief. Many effective treatments exist for persisting headaches, including over-the-counter medication, biofeedback, injections and implants, depending upon the precise type of headache. Botox also provides a useful means of effectively and safely treating headaches and migraines. Here are some tips.  Continue reading “Migraines: Tips on helping you get through it”

Have a headache? know when it’s time to see a doctor

Headaches are a common affliction many people deal with on a regular basis. However, should you be concerned about your headaches and when should you see a doctor? There are many causes of headaches and seldom are they related to something severe, like a brain tumour. Most headaches can easily be treated with home remedies or a trip to the local pharmacy.

Headaches are often caused by colds, eye-strain, sinus infection, dehydration, low blood sugar or stress.
Dr. Albert Viljoen suggests taking an over-the-counter painkiller with a glass of water when you get a headache. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s best to see your doctor as soon as possible:

  • A headache following a head injury, especially if the headache includes feelings of nausea, dizziness, or blurred vision
  • An intense, severe headache that comes on quickly, without warning – especially if you are normally headache-free
  • Sudden, severe headache if you suffer from kidney problems, heart disease or high blood pressure
  • A headache accompanied by seizures
  • A headache accompanied by memory loss, confusion, loss of balance, slurred speech or vision, or numbness in arms or legs

If you get regular headaches, start a headache diary to track your headaches . A good start at finding potential headache triggers would be to maintain a diary. Every time you have a headache write down what you were doing, the foods you ate that day, alcohol, smoking, caffeine, stress, how much sleep you had the night before, eye strain, etc. try to find patterns in your headache so that you can learn what things to avoid

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6 Ways to treat a migraine

Many effective treatments exist for persisting headaches, including over-the-counter medication, biofeedback, injections and implants, depending upon the precise type of headache. Botox also provides a useful means of effectively and safely treating headaches.  Try these useful tips the next time you experience a headache!

  • Apply an ice pack to the painful area of your head. Try placing it on your forehead, temples, or the back of your neck.
  • Take a warm bath or shower; a nap, or a walk.
  • Ask someone to rub your neck and back, or treat yourself to an aromatherapy massage.
  • Apply gentle, steady rotating pressure to the painful area of your head with your index finger and/or thumb. Maintain pressure for seven to 15 seconds, then release. Repeat as needed.
  • Sit or lie quietly in a low-lit room. Close your eyes and try to release the tension in your back, neck, and shoulders.
  • If you have excessive muscle contractions in the neck, physical therapy exercises performed daily could also be helpful.

Have you downloaded the new Hello Doctor app? It’s FREE. Simply sign up on our website, and download the app from the Google Play or iTunes store. With the app, you can talk to, or text our doctors, anytime, anywhere!