Medical App & Medical Advice with Hello Doctor

Could magic mushrooms revolutionise healthcare?

Do you ever wonder if it’s possible to reboot your brain?

Medical researchers have found that magic mushrooms (also called psychedelics) can boost brain function, particularly in people diagnosed with depression. It’s been revealed that people who are unresponsive to conventional treatments benefit when treated with natural psychoactive compounds.

Magic mushrooms contain a psychoactive compound called psilocybin. This substance leads to a reduction in depressive symptoms when given to patients in clinical trials.

Brain awakening

Psilocybin is a well-known natural psychedelic substance. It’s been known to bring on therapeutic effects in people with depression. Researchers say that the drug helps to revive emotional responsiveness in the brain.

In fact, therapy along with the use of psilocybin therapy may alleviate depression by increasing a person’s emotional connection. Research from Imperial College in London has found that psilocybin can actually “reset” brain activity in people who suffer from depression.

In an experiment by the college, patients received doses of psilocybin, and reports say that they felt a decrease in depressive symptoms. MRI scans of their brains revealed that this may have been due to a reduction in blood flow to areas involved in handling emotional responses, stress, and fear.

Although the findings of the treatment have been well received, extensive and larger studies are needed to see if the positive effect can be reproduced in more patients, and eventually become a part of mainstream medicine.

According to American author of How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence, Michael Pollan, the biggest misconception people have about psychedelics is that they are drugs that make you crazy. The evidence is there that psychedelics can cause this, but in many more cases, they could actually help restore your sanity and correct emotional instability.

Scientists believe that the chemicals can allow you to essentially reboot the brain. If the brain is stuck in narrow grooves of thought, say through an obsession, fear, or the story you tell yourself; all those deep grooves that lock you into patterns of both thought and behaviour can be dissolved and temporarily suspend them in a way that can allow you to break those patterns. Goodbye obsessive-compulsive thoughts and anxieties…

Psilocybin has appeared to be very useful in treating anxiety in cancer patients, depression and addiction in both smoking and alcohol.

A large-scale study is still needed to confirm findings on its effect on smokers. Researchers are planning on carrying out larger trials with a healthy control group in which the effects of psilocybin could be compared with an existing antidepressant.

References

What is Alice in Wonderland syndrome?

In the book and movie, Alice in Wonderland, the world doesn’t quite look or feel as it should: she tumbles down a hole, steps through a tiny door, and meets a giant caterpillar. As unimaginable as it sounds, this experience can be real for some.

Strange, right?

Alice in Wonderland syndrome (AIWS) is a rare condition where you experience distorted perception and disorientation. Common experiences with this condition may include feeling smaller or larger than you actually are. You may also feel like the room, or objects in the room seem to move around, or that they are closer or further than normal.

This syndrome can affect many senses and multiple ones at a time. Your sense of time may also suffer. Time may seem to pass slowly or faster than you think.

AIWS commonly affects children and young adults and most people grow out of it.

Typical symptoms may include:

  • Body parts or surroundings that seem bigger, smaller, closer or further away than they actually are.
  • Objects that are still may seem to move.
  • Objects seem to change colours.
  • Colours seem brighter than usual.
  • Distorted faces.
  • Objects or people look stretched out.
  • Straight lines look curvy.

What are the causes?

It may sound like AWIS involves hallucination, but this isn’t the case. Although the cause is not clear, what we do know, is that AWIS involves how parts of the brain perceive sensory information, specifically what you see or hear. The way your perception is changed by AWIS affects the way you see your own body and environment.

Some doctors believe that AWIS may be a type of migraine aura as the condition’s symptoms commonly happen before or after a headache. Auras are sensory problems and commonly include visual issues. These include seeing flashing lights, shimmering spots and ringing in your ears, and tingling sensations in your hands.

Diagnosis

If you suspect that you may have AWIS, talk to your doctor immediately. AWIS is commonly diagnosed by a neurologist (brain, spinal cord and nerve specialist). Possible tests include blood tests, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to get clear images of your brain and an EEG (Electroencephalogram), to check the electrical activity in your brain.

Treatment

For now, there’s no treatment for AWIS, but the symptoms can be managed by treating the underlying cause. For example, as migraines are commonly linked to AWIS, treating and preventing migraines could help. Talk to your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medication.

Your doctor may suggest some of these medications to help treat migraines:

  • Anti-seizure drugs.
  • Calcium channel and beta-blockers (blood pressure medication).

Besides medication and stress control, your doctor may also suggest diet changes:

  • Smaller meals throughout the day instead of big ones to prevent hunger headaches.
  • Eating fresh food including fruits, vegetables, fish, meat and poultry.
  • Staying away from foods which may trigger migraines. The usual culprits are alcohol, processed meat, cheeses with high doses of tyramine (cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, blue cheese etc.), MSG (flavour enhancer), and sweeteners.

Good to know

Although AWIS symptoms are linked to migraines, other triggers include epilepsy, depression, schizophrenia and stroke.

References:

How can you grow new brain cells?

Your brain is filled with billions of cells, called neurons. They form the core part of your nervous system, have the ability to receive and transmit signals. They are your body’s control center, and the reason you can think, move, breathe and do anything at all!

Your nervous system is a complex network of nerves and cells that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord, to different parts of the body. It has 3 major functions, that is to collect, interpret, and respond to signals. Different types of neurons carry out each of these functions.

So, if any of these neurons don’t work, your body and brain can’t communicate effectively.

Question is; can you grow new brain cells?

Neurogenesis

The term neurogenesis is made up of the words “neuro” meaning “relating to nerves”, and “genesis” meaning the formation of something. The term refers to the growth and development of neurons. This process is most active while a baby is developing in the womb and is responsible for the production of the brain’s neurons.

According to Sandrine Thuret, a neuroscientist from King’s College London, the adult brain produces 700 new neurons a day in the hippocampus, a part of the brain where mood and emotion are regulated. By the time you reach the age of 50, you would have exchanged the structure of the neurons you were born with, with new adult ones. How amazing is the brain!?

These neurons are important in your adult life. If there’s a blockage of new neurons developing in the brain then ultimately there’s a blockage of your memory’s ability, quality and capacity.

Grow new brain cells today!

Your neurogenesis rate decreases as you get older, and your environment has an impact on the production of new neurons too. Stress and sleep deprivation decrease the production of new neurons in the hippocampus. Learning, exercising, a healthy diet and sex increase the production of new neurons. It’s all about balance.

The neurogenesis process can be enhanced and encouraged by your lifestyle choices. To increase neurogenesis is to improve how you think, feel, and act.

The benefits of growing new neurons include:

  • Higher cognitive function.
  • Better memory and faster learning.
  • Emotional vitality and resilience.
  • Protection from stress, anxiety, and depression.
  • Improved immunity
  • Enhanced overall brain function.

Increasing neurogenesis dramatically improves everyday life at all stages and radically transforms what ageing looks and feels like.

Power up that brain

What goes into your diet is equally important. A neurogenesis diet is good for your heart. It also protects against stress, depression and Alzheimer’s.

High fats

  • Fish high in Omega-3s like herring, salmon, mackerel and sardines.
  • Mon-saturated fats (from extra virgin olive oil, avocadoes, nuts, and seeds).
  • Saturated fat (grass-fed meat, pasture-raised eggs and milk, yogurt, and cheeses).

Fresh vegetables and fruits

The best vegetables are those that are non-starchy (low-carb content) with high amounts of fibre. Fibre keeps you feeling fuller for longer. Avoid fruit with high sugar content.

Limit bad sugar and carbs

Go easy on starchy vegetables like potatoes and rice, as they have a high glycemic load which means they release glucose quickly. All carbohydrates eventually get converted to glucose. Eat and drink more blueberries, green tea, avocados, leafy green vegetables, fatty fish, water, dark chocolate, flax seeds, and nuts to boost your ability to focus.

So, in essence what you eat, when you eat and your calorie intake can influence the production of new cells.

References

These people can see sounds and taste words

Imagine seeing swirls of colours when you listen to music and tasting different flavours when you see shapes or objects. It might sound impossible, but this is a reality for a synesthetic person.

Synesthesia is a neurological condition that causes your brain to process information in such a way that you’d experience senses like tasting, smelling, hearing and seeing simultaneously. It may sound like hallucination, but the sensations that synesthetes experience are consistent.

For example, a person with synesthesia may associate the musical note “F” with a shade of red, number three with the colour pink and the word “truck” with the colour blue. For those who taste words, saying the word “table” may taste like apricots, and perhaps saying the word “book” would taste like chocolate.

According to the American Psychologist Association, one in 2 000 people have synesthesia. The condition is common among creatives like artists, writers and musicians and approximately 20 to 25% of people in these professions have the condition.

Examples of famous artists with synesthesia include singers Lorde and Pharrell Williams, violinist Kaitlyn Hova and painters Wassily Kandinsky and David Hockney. Others include writer Vladimir Nabokov and composer Olivier Messiaen.

Types of synesthesia

  • Seeing colours in the air when music plays (music-colour synesthesia).
  • Tasting words (lexical-gustatory synesthesia).
  • Smelling specific scents when hearing sounds.
  • Feeling certain textures causes emotions (tactile-emotion synesthesia).
  • Seeing different colours when experiencing emotions (e.g. seeing red when you’re angry).

How does it happen?

A conclusive reason for synesthesia hasn’t been found, but studies have revealed several theories. A researcher at the University of Cambridge, Simon Baron-Cohen suggested that synesthesia is caused by extra connections and cross-wiring in the brain.

Usually, senses are assigned to different parts of the brain and there’s minimal communication between senses. For those with synesthesia though, the barriers are broken down and the senses communicate more freely.

Peter Grossenbacher, a psychologist from the Naropa University in Colorado, found that synesthesia happens when single sense areas of the brain receive information from multisensory areas. This causes more than one sense to be experienced at once.

Other researchers have proposed that synesthetic perceptions can be absorbed and are created to enhance learning. They’ve taken into account that letters, numbers, words, days of the week and months (concepts synesthetes associate certain senses with), are all concepts that are important to memorise and synesthesia can help with the process.

Concept and sense association

The pairs that synesthetes make with concepts and senses come from internal and external sources. For example, because of their personal preference, a synesthete might choose to associate light colours with high-pitch sounds and dark colours with low-pitch sounds in music.

Eventually, their choice becomes a default perception that they would experience whenever they come across certain concepts (shapes, sounds etc.) Externally, they might see number fridge magnets that are a certain colour and they would unconsciously begin to associate other numbers with the same colour over time.

Getting diagnosed

An official method for diagnosing synesthesia hasn’t yet been found, but leading synesthesia researcher,
Dr Richard Cyptowic found characteristics that help identify it in people.

  • Sensing things involuntarily.
  • Sensations outside of the mind like seeing colours floating in the air when listening to music.
  • Linking emotions or feelings with certain perceptions.
  • Having generic perceptions, like seeing certain shapes in response to certain sounds, but nothing beyond that.
  • Having perceptions that are always the same (e.g. always seeing the colour yellow when seeing a certain number).

References:

Can a brain injury make you a genius?

The superhero comic books may have been onto something: as strange as it might seem, a devastating experience like a brain injury could unlock an unexpected potential within your brain.

Imagine waking up after a brain injury and being able to play the piano like Beethoven in his prime. Where previously you’d never even had a lesson! This is called acquired savant syndrome, an extraordinary phenomenon that happens to some people after a traumatic brain incident.

Unleashing your genius

The word savant literally means: “a person of profound learning or wisdom.” Although we aren’t sure how acquired savant syndrome happens, the Wisconsin Medical Society thinks that perhaps this capacity or skill is hidden in everyone, and only comes to the surface like a ‘backup system’, when there is an injury to the brain.

If this sounds all too fantastical to be true, take a look at people like Alonzo Clemens. This American man suffered a brain injury when he was a child. As a result, he was left with a developmental disability – but was able to create astonishingly accurate animal sculptures out of clay. And all he needed was a few minutes of seeing an animal on TV or in a picture – his mind could immediately grasp the form and he could then reproduce the images to its exact form. In interviews, his mother said that his sculpting skills only appeared after his head injury.

Another case is a 10-year-old boy who acquired the ability to do complicated Maths equations after a head injury. There are more cases out there, but what makes this syndrome unique is that it only affects about 30 to 50 people at a time.

Brainy business

The records of acquired savants, while not extensive, are certainly fascinating – and go back a long time. In 1991 a report in Brain and Cognition revealed that an eight-year-old boy showed amazing calculating ability after a left brain hemispherectomy (removal). A few years later, the Lancet reported three patients who’d started showing fantastic skill in painting after being diagnosed with front temporal dementia.

Of course the brain is a vastly complicated organ – one we don’t fully understand. The closest scientists can come to explaining this condition is that some sort of rewiring happens in certain cases of brain injury, usually triggered by the part of the brain that is still intact. This intact tissue somehow awakens or releases the dormant potential.

Some other explanations surmise that when one part of the brain is damaged in some way, the other parts that are normally “held in check” are now free to unleash hidden reserves of genius. Another theory is that when brain cells die from the trauma of an injury, they release a whole load of neurotransmitters and the sudden tsunami of potent chemicals creates new and interesting dynamics in the brain.

Which naturally raises the question: do we all have an incredible talent that can only be unleashed by a brain injury?

It just might be. American psychiatrist Darold Treffert has been studying the syndrome for years. He explains, “I think there’s hidden potential within us all, in varying degrees and types.” Other researchers point out that we’ve long been told we use only 10% our brain – opening the door for lots of stored potential.

Or maybe, there are some things science itself can’t explain…

Like the case of Jason Padgett, an American college dropout. One day he was mugged in a bar and hit on the back of his head. He was knocked unconscious. When he woke up, he was suddenly able to process geometric information – something he’d never been able to do. In other words, he went from being Penny on the Big Bang Theory to being Sheldon!

References:

Feed your baby’s brain

Your baby might not be able to read yet, but you can improve his brain development during feeding time. Babies are especially vulnerable while they’re growing and developing, so it’s important to include the right foods in his diet. No one single food will give your child all the right nutrition and vitamins, so make sure to give them a variety of fresh foods.

Good to know

Before you get started with solid foods, keep in mind:

  • Talk to your doctor before introducing a new food into your baby’s diet as there may be possible allergies.
  • Babies are usually ready to start having solid foods between the ages of four to six months when they’re able to swallow (ask your doctor’s advice).
  • Check for other clues. Can he hold his head up straight, sit upright without support, and is he interested in what you’re eating?
  • Only offer one new food every seven days. If there’s an allergic reaction, you’ll be able to detect the cause more easily.

Brain helpers

Greek yoghurt

When it comes to a healthy snack for kids, Greek yoghurt is king. It contains complex vitamins that help the growth of brain tissues and neurotransmitters. This super brain food also keeps the brain’s cell membranes flexible, which helps it to send and receive information. Yoghurt is easy to digest, and has double the protein and half the sugar of regular yoghurt. For a sweet treat, blend soft peaches or strawberries along with a serving. Don’t give Greek yoghurt to babies younger than six months.

Avocados

Avocados are filled with good fats. This green fruit has high levels of B-complex vitamins which helps reduce the risk of hypertension. Blend avocado with breastmilk or water to create a creamy puree. You can also add banana for a sweet kick. If your baby is older than 10 months, mash up the avo with a fork for a chunkier texture.

Eggs

Egg are packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and choline. These all help with concentration. Choline also helps produce memory stem cells. Research found that babies who have at least one egg a day after the age of six months, have higher levels of choline than other babies. Egg is a possible allergen, so check with your doctor if your baby is ready to have egg in his diet. Only the yolk can be served to a baby until the age of one. To serve, hard-boil an egg and pop out the yolk, then mash it with some breastmilk, Greek yoghurt or applesauce.

Fish

Fish might not cross your mind when it comes to baby food options, but it should. Fatty fish like salmon, sardines and tuna contain Omega-3 fatty acids. Think of these as the building blocks of brain tissue. Adding fish to your baby’s diet will help improve his mental skills. You can start feeding your baby fish as early as six months. Serve it pureed or mashed with vegetables like sweet potato.

Berries

Berries contain Vitamin C and antioxidants; all good for brain function and memory. Besides that, it makes a healthy alternative to other sweets. Choose strawberries, blueberries, cherries and blackberries. The brighter the colour, the more nutrition in the berry. To serve, puree berries with applesauce, yoghurt or bananas. You can also stew berries to make them softer by simmering and then blending them with a little water.

References:

Helping someone with Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia (a group of thinking and social symptoms that interfere with daily functioning), and it is marked by a progressive degeneration of brain tissue. Eventually, people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease lose the ability to think, reason and coordinate movement, becoming incapacitated over the course of five to eight years.

It primarily affects people over the age of 65 and in such cases, it’s known as late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. It has also been reported among people in their 50s and 40s, but is rarely diagnosed in people in their 30s when it is called early-onset Alzheimer’s.

Although it is incurable and might cause loss or loneliness for your loved one, there are ways to help ease the process both for yourself and your loved one.

A helping hand

Keep your loved one’s mind and body active
You can sing songs and playing music, paint or knit – any activity that you enjoy, and that engaged the mind and body. These activities will help stir up memories, foster emotional connections with others and help them express themselves. Activities like cleaning the house (wiping tables, folding and sweeping) will help them feel a sense of accomplishment.

Get chatty
It’s important to include your loved one in everyday things, decisions and tasks. Ask them how you can help make things more comfortable and include them in decision-making as far as possible. This will go a long way in helping them feel like they’re still in relative control.

Get organised
Keep an updated file of all the documents you need regarding caregiving services. When considering future services from a caregiver, keep caregiver relief and housekeeping in mind. You can search online for resources, local services and programs.

Make friends
Befriending other couples, siblings or friends in the same situation may offer support. Attend any local early-stage and/or caregiver support groups. Online message boards and social media will also allow you to connect with others.

Ask for help
Remember, while you’re supporting your loved one, you also need support  yourself. Turn to other family members or friends when you need a break and try to keep doing things you enjoy like reading, exercising or socialising with friends. Don’t be afraid to take time out for yourself. You can’t be a good caregiver if you’re burnt out.

Get moving
Working out daily with your loved one will be beneficial for both of you. Make a set time every day where you will do a physical activity. Walking offers a change of scenery and fresh air. Dancing is also a good choice as it can stir emotions and memories when it’s paired with music you both enjoy.

Stick to a routine
Slow things down, even if it takes longer to get something done. In this way, you’ll help your loved one to continue doing things for themselves as far as possible. Doing things at the same time every day or every week makes it easier to stick to a routine. It also helps to divide tasks and activities into manageable chunks.

References:

5 essential ingredients for brain health

What does it take to live a long, healthy life?

A healthy brain.

At Northwestern University in America, scientists say that “SuperAgers” are a trend on the rise. These are men and women older than 80 whose memories are as good or better than those up to 30 years younger!

And one of the key reasons is that SuperAgers have a relatively wholesome overall sense of wellbeing, from experiencing satisfying warm relationships to living a life of purpose. “Social relationships are really important to this group and might play a significant role in preserving their cognition,” say researchers.

What, then, are the other ingredients to ensure you also turn into one of these SuperAgers?

Brain essentials

Make fish your friends

The stars here are Omega-3s and Omega-6s. You get these either in supplement form or through food. But what’s so great about them? Research shows that the brain needs a constant supply of these essential fatty acids throughout your life, but babies and seniors have the most need. EFAs play a significant role in brain structure by determining membrane fluidity, while also contributing significantly to brain function. Omega-3s could possibly prevent dementia or help if you already show signs of the condition, so include more of these healthy fats in your diet, or take a supplement.

Walk the walk

Lace up those sneakers. Daily walks do your brain a world of good. In a recent study, a group of people all 60 and older were separated into two walking groups. One group walked about four thousand steps a day while the other aimed for more than four thousand. Those who clocked in more steps displayed better results on MRI scans. Scientists say that walking at least three kilometres a day can help preserve cognitive functioning in our ageing brains.

Be a social butterfly

It’s official; spending quality time with friends and loved ones gives your brain a happy boost. Numerous studies show that those with an active social life perform better on memory and cognition tests. Join a community club, enjoy lunches out with your friends, or volunteer. The key is happy moments with feel-good people.

Use it or lose it

Those who continue learning new things throughout life and regularly challenge their brains are less likely to develop serious dementia. Make a point of staying mentally fit. Learn something new, whether it’s technology, skill or language. Try to squeeze in some brain games or crosswords on a daily basis. Have new experiences – instead of eating at the same place every weekend, make a point of exploring a new area. Take different routes to work – anything that challenges you to step out of your comfort zone.

Spare the sugar, save your brain

Bad news: sugar ages your brain (and skin). When we take in more sugar than necessary, the excess causes toxic compounds to form and surplus insulin is released, spiking blood sugar levels. With the extra glucose overloading brain cells, the neurons are far less able to do their work, leading to less functioning brain tissue in important areas of the brain.

References

Is grandpa just confused, or is he delirious?

We all have those times when our minds feel foggy. You might find yourself losing track of time, struggling to concentrate and can’t seem to keep track of your whereabouts. If this happens to your grandparents or a loved one, how do you know whether it is just a little confusion, or the more serious delirium?

Delirium is a medical condition defined as a severe and abrupt state of confusion. The beginning stages of delirium are usually rapid, reaching a peak within hours or a few days.

Symptoms include a reduced awareness of the environment, altered consciousness (hallucinations) and an inability to focus. It can develop at any age, but is more common as we age and are more at risk of mental health problems.

Delirium is often linked to a severe or chronic condition like a stroke or Parkinson’s disease, and can also be triggered by a change in metabolic balance (low sodium), an infection, surgery, medication, and alcohol or drug withdrawal.

What are the causes?

Pre-existing conditions can affect your brain function, such as pneumonia, that can lead to inflammation and infection in the brain, interfering with brain function. Drug abuse and taking certain medications like blood pressure medicine can also disrupt chemicals in the brain, causing mental dysfunction.

Risk factors include:

  • Previous delirium episodes.
  • Brain disorders like dementia or a stroke.
  • Hearing or visual impairment.
  • Multiple medical problems.

There are three types of delirium and at times they may take place together:

  1. Delirium tremens: Suffered by people who have been drinking large amounts of alcohol for years (alcohol withdrawal.
  2. Hyperactive delirium: You may be overactive and feel agitated and restless.
  3. Hypoactive delirium: You may be underactive and feel sleepy and struggle to respond.

Delirium leads to: cognitive impairment (poor thinking skills):

  • Poor memory, especially of recent events.
  • Disorientation, not knowing where or who you are.
  • Difficulty speaking or recalling words.
  • Rambling speech.
  • Trouble understanding speech.
  • Difficulty reading or writing.

Behavioural changes

  • Hallucinations, seeing things that don’t exist.
  • Agitation or restlessness.
  • Crying out or moaning.
  • Being quiet and withdrawn.
  • Lethargy or slow movement.
  • Disturbed sleeping patterns.

Emotional disturbances

  • Personality changes.
  • Unpredictable mood shifts.
  • Depression
  • Irritability or anger.
  • Anxiety, fear or paranoia.
  • A sense of feeling overjoyed (euphoria)
  • Lack of interest.

Finding help

It can be frightening when you or a loved one suffer from any of these symptoms, especially when you don’t know why. According to the Harvard Medical School the first steps to treating delirium is to identify underlying causes, like medical history, drug use (includes over-the-counter medication) and alcohol abuse. Your doctor would be the best person to make an accurate diagnosis, along with input from a caregiver or family member who can speak to previous episodes and signs of the condition.

Medicines for treating delirium symptoms include anti-psychotic drugs and other medication (to treat agitation and hallucinations and to improve sensory problems). Therapy to help treat delirium includes support therapy which was designed to help improve and sustain your mental wellbeing. If in doubt, speak to one of our doctors to help guide you to the best course of action!

References:

Can’t rest your legs? You may have Restless Leg Syndrome

Is your quality of life and sleep severely disturbed by a sudden uncomfortable and strange urge to move your legs? Do you find yourself twitching and kicking at night when you should be asleep? These are the typical symptoms of Restless leg syndrome (RLS) also known as Willis-Ekbom disease (WED).

Researchers believe that RLS is commonly misdiagnosed as insomnia and other neurological or musculoskeletal conditions, and that 1 out of 10 people suffer from restless legs. Treatment is available for the condition, but it can’t be completely cured.

You may have RLS if:

  • You have an uncomfortable need or urge to move your legs. Symptoms include
    • itchiness
    • cramps
    • a burning sensation
    • tingling
    • aches
  • The symptoms are worse in the early evening or late at night.
  • The symptoms come on with being relaxed, and you feel temporary relief with walking or stretching.

Causes

Lack of iron: Iron deficiency (anaemia) is a common cause of RLS. Iron supplements may help, especially if you’re anaemic.

Brain dopamine: Your brain uses the neurotransmitter dopamine to communicate and produce muscle activity and movement. It helps control the brain’s reward and pleasure centres; and regulates movement and emotional responses. When there’s a disturbance in the way your brain uses this chemical (as a result of low iron levels in the brain), it causes the strange sensations in the legs and the uncontrollable urge to move them.

Genes: If your parents or a family member had RLS, there’s a chance you may get it too.

Possible triggers

  • Alcohol interferes with your sleep and may provoke sleep apnoea, as well as RLS symptoms. Drink a glass of warm milk before bedtime, to unleash a tryptophan boost to help you sleep.
  • Nicotine is a stimulant that weakens blood flow to muscles and can worsen restless legs. Avoid cigarettes, e-cigarettes and vaporisers.
  • Caffeine is a stimulant that can boost your energy levels. It’s not good for the condition as it can leave you restless.

Commonly used medication to treat RLS:

  • Painkillers
  • Parkinson’s medications that affect dopamine.
  • Anti-anxiety medications.
  • Anti-seizure medications.

Help at hand

  • Iron, folic acid or magnesium supplements can improve your health, especially if you’re not getting enough of these essential vitamins.
  • Simple leg stretches can help stop RLS symptoms. Do a few before bedtime.
  • Take a hot bath before bedtime to relax your muscles.
  • Apply a hot or cold compress to your leg muscles.
  • Massage your legs frequently to get the blood flowing nicely.
  • Read a book or watch your favourite program, to distract your mind.
  • Try relaxation exercises like yoga or tai chi.

If you have any of these symptoms, and you’re not sure if you have RLS, why not log in and chat to one of our doctors? If you’re not a member yet, just sign up here!

Our doctors are available 365, 24/7 with advice you can trust!

References:

 

What is Myasthenia Gravis?

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles responsible for breathing; as well as the moving parts of the body, like the arms and the legs. The name “myasthenia gravis” directly translates from Latin to “grave” or “serious muscle weakness”.

This disease is rare and 20 in every 100 000 people suffer from it.

What causes myasthenia gravis?

Myasthenia gravis is caused by a faulty transmission between the nerves and muscles. The body attacks itself and causes the messages between the nerves and muscle to get blocked, almost like bad cellphone reception. These faulty messages then cause muscle weakness in certain parts of the body. There’s no known cure, but people with MG are able to manage their symptoms quite well with the right treatment.

Who gets myasthenia gravis?

It’s not that there’s a particular risk factor that makes one person more susceptible than the other, but people with a family history of the condition tend to get it more frequently than others. People can get myasthenia gravis at any age, but women between 20 and 40 are more likely to get it, while it’s more common in men older than 60.

Commonly misdiagnosed

Many of those suffering with MG are often misdiagnosed for weeks, months or even years. This often happens because the disease gets worse over time, and symptoms can subside with rest. Symptoms usually have to be severe before doctors consider testing for MG.

Symptoms of MG

A person with MG can be perfectly fine one minute and too weak to talk or breathe a short while later. Symptoms can flare up after prolonged periods of physical activity and can get better with rest. Symptoms include:

  • Weakness or drooping of the eye or facial muscles
  • Slurred speech
  • Difficulty swallowing, breathing or talking
  • Weakness in the arms or legs
  • Blurry eyesight

Diagnosing MG

A doctor can diagnose MG with a blood test that checks for abnormal antibodies in the blood; an exam of your nervous system or by testing the electric activity in your muscles.  

Treatment

Although MG sounds serious, there are treatments available to manage it. Doctors often suggest:

  • Medication to improve the transmission between nerve and muscle and to strengthen the muscle.
  • Surgical removal of the thymus gland; a gland located in the chest. Studies have shown that this gland can make MG worse.
  • Oxygen treatment to improve breathing.
  • Removal of antibodies in the blood through a procedure called plasmapherisis.
  • Blood transfusion.

Managing MG

Being diagnosed with MG is not a death sentence. It can be challenging to live with MG, but the symptoms can be controlled. First, do as much research as possible on the subject. Demystifying the condition will go a long way in making it less scary. It’s worth reaching out to others who have the same condition. A support group can help immensely.  

Keep track of your symptoms. Watch for triggers and stop them before it happens. Tell others about your illness, especially if your symptoms influence your work. In this vein, always be prepared for an emergency and make sure your medication goes everywhere you go.

References:

5 Questions to ask your doctor about your epilepsy medication

Medication for epilepsy can control seizures in about 7 out of every 10 patients. It’s important for your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis of the type of epilepsy, so you can get the best treatment combination. Remember: these medications don’t cure epilepsy: they only keep you from getting epileptic attacks. Keep taking them, even when you feel fine.

1. How does my doctor decide on my medication?

Your medication can be given in the form of tablets, capsules, liquids or syrups. The choice of medication depends on:

  • Your age
  • Type of epilepsy
  • How bad and frequent your seizures are
  • The specific medication side effects
  • Your medical history
  • How healthy you are
  • Other medications you’re taking
  • Whether you are planning to get pregnant

Your doctor will usually start you on a low dose, of a single medication, then slowly increase the dose. The aim of the treatment is to balance two things: we need to get the dose high enough to control seizures, but if the treatment is too strong, you can get side-effects.

It’s a balancing-act

If the first medication given doesn’t work, your doctor may start you on different one, while slowly decreasing the dose of the first. You will usually be started on a different drug, however some people need a combination of drugs.

2. What are the side-effects?

Different medications have different side-effects. People don’t respond the same way to drugs, and how your body reacts, will determine which drugs your doctor chooses for you.

Some of the common side-effects of anti-epileptic drugs are:

  • Feeling “drunk in the head”.
  • Drowsiness
  • Blurry or double vision
  • Sleepiness
  • Headaches
  • Tremor
  • Agitation
  • Fatigue
  • Upset stomach
  • Hair loss
  • Unwanted hair growth

Some rare side effects can include:

  • Skin rashes
  • Low blood counts
  • Liver problems
  • Swelling of gums
  • Weight gain
  • Hair loss

3. How long will I need to be on epilepsy medication?

This is a complex decision and depends on a variety of factors.

  • In some cases, epilepsy medication may be gradually stopped if there have been no seizures for more than 2 years.
  • Some epileptics may need to be on lifelong medication, but this is not always the case.
  • Some patients have epileptic seizures at one stage in their life, which may become less frequent or even disappear as they get older.

This is more common if seizures first started in childhood or early adulthood.

  • Epilepsy medication should never be stopped suddenly without the advice of a doctor – because this lead to another seizure.

4. Is it okay for me to switch to cheaper, generic medication?

  • Swapping between different forms of epilepsy medication can affect seizure control or lead to side effects.
  • As a guideline; once your seizures are controlled on specific epilepsy medication, it’s best to stay on that specific drug(s) all the time : whether it’s generic or branded.

5. Are there things that affect if my medication works?

  • alcohol can affect how well epilepsy medication/s work and can also trigger seizures in some people.
  • do not use any over-the-counter medication or homeopathic/complementary medication without first talking with your doctor: they could affect how well your medication works.
  • some epilepsy medication can affect how well your oral contraceptives work. Chat to your doctor about other contraception options.
  • Some of epilepsy medication can harm your unborn baby if your pregnant.. This always has to be weighed up against the risk of a seizure during a pregnancy which may also affect the developing baby or the safety of the mother. Make sure your doctor knows if you are epileptic, and planning to get pregnant.