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Dehydration and Oral Rehydration Solution(ORS)

Overview

when your body loses more fluid than you consume primarily due to diarrhea, vomiting, excessive of sweat and urine you become to happen dehydrated and so is called dehydration. In order to combat dehydration ORS is given as a primary solution for mild to moderate condition of dehydration However, a person may need intravenous (IV) fluids if they become dangerously dehydrated. ORS – Oral Rehydration Salts is made of water, glucose, sodium, and potassium. The combination optimizes fluid absorption in the body, which then helps quickly replenish fluids and makes you feel better and recover fast. One can buy ORS over the counter or get a prescription.

 What is ORS?

Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is made of water, sugar, and electrolytes, specifically potassium and sodium. ORS helps in replenishing the body’s fluid levels. It’s generally used to treat moderate dehydration due to diarrhea, vomiting, or other conditions.

Causes of dehydration

It’s normal to lose water from the body every day through sweat, urine, stools and saliva. Usually, we replenish it by drinking fluids and eating water-rich foods. If someone loses too much water or doesn’t replace it, they can get dehydrated.

Following are other reasons you may lose more water than usual:

  • Diarrhea
  • A fever
  • Vomiting
  • Excessive sweating
  • Too much urination

Symptoms of dehydration

Signs of mild or moderate dehydration include:

  • Thirst
  • Less urination
  • Headache
  • Dry or sticky mouth
  • Muscle cramps
  • Dry, cool skin
  • Dark yellow urine

Signs of severe dehydration include:

  • Dehydrated skin
  • Rapid breathing
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Sunken eyes
  • Not urinating or observing very dark yellow urine
  • Fainting
  • Feeling dizzy
  • Sleepiness, lack of energy, confusion, or irritability

Symptoms for young children and babies can be different than for adults. The symptoms include:

  • No tears when crying
  • Sleepiness, lack of energy, or irritability
  • Dry diapers for 3 hours
  • Dry mouth and tongue
  • Sunken eyes, cheeks, and soft spot on the top of the head

Treatment and Dosage recommendations

You can treat mild dehydration with fluids such as water and clear broth.

But in the case of moderate dehydration, an ORS is considered ideal. In addition to containing water, ORS also contains specific amounts of glucose and electrolytes. The electrolytes are potassium and sodium.

These components help in maximizing fluid absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal tract relies on sodium-glucose cotransporters (SGLTs), which are carriers of proteins in the intestinal cells of the body. Cotransporters help move substances across membranes in the body.

Specifically, SGLTs combine sodium and glucose transport in the small intestine. It then allows glucose to increase the absorption of fluids in the body. Additionally, sodium needs glucose to be adequately absorbed. Therefore, ORS contains both glucose and sodium.

Since 1975, the World Health Organization and UNICEF have used ORS to treat dehydration due to diarrhea. It’s commonly used in countries with limited access to clean water or other hydration options.

The success rate of oral rehydration therapy is high. According to 2018 researchTrusted Source, oral rehydration therapy has prevented 54 million deaths due to diarrhea since 2007. Since 1980, the therapy has also reduced diarrhea-related deaths in children by two-thirds.

Dosage

Compared to adults, children are more likely to experience dehydration due to diarrhea. They have a higher metabolic rate, meaning their bodies quickly use water. Children might unable to recognize thirst or hydrate themselves.

The correct dosage for children under the age of 2 is at least half a large glass of ORS after each watery stool and for children above the age of 2 is at least one large glass of ORS after each watery stool.

The appropriate amount of ORS depends on your age.

This is because your age determines how much fluid your body needs to function. Younger children are naturally smaller, so they need less. Adults will need more because they have larger bodies.

Here are the recommended doses by weight or age, according to the Nationwide Children’s Hospital:

Weight or age Dosage
7–10 pounds at least 2 ounces (4 tablespoons or 1/4 cup) per hour
11–15 pounds at least 2 1/2 ounces (5 tablespoons) per hour
16–20 pounds at least 3 1/2 ounces (1/2 cup) per hour
21–40 pounds at least 6 1/2 ounces (3/4 cup) per hour
41–60 pounds at least 10 ounces (1 1/4 cups) per hour
10 years or older up to 68 ounces (8 1/2 cups) per day

Potential risks and side effects of oral rehydration therapy

Oral rehydration therapy is designed to normalize electrolyte levels. However, if the solution isn’t prepared or used correctly, it can cause salt toxicity. This is also known as hypernatremia.

Possible side effects include:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • weakness
  • loss of appetite
  • confusion
  • severe thirst
  • kidney damage

Who should avoid oral hydration solutions

You should use oral rehydration solutions with caution if you:

  • have a kidney disorder
  • have diabetes
  • have heart failure
  • are taking heart disease or blood pressure medications

A doctor can determine if oral rehydration therapy is safe for you.

ORS preparation

It’s not recommended to treat dehydration with homemade ORS. Over-the-counter or prescription ORS is the safer choice.

Typically, ORS is available as powders in packets. The powders are designed to be dissolved in water.

The general steps for preparing an ORS are as follows:

  1. Wash your hands with soap and clean water.
  2. Next, wash a container and utensil with soap and clean water.
  3. Pour one liter of clean water into the container.
  4. Add the ORS powder to the water, then mix with the utensil.

Precautions to Consider

While ORS is generally safe and well-tolerated, certain precautions should be observed:

Underlying Health Conditions: Individuals with pre-existing kidney disorders, heart conditions, or electrolyte imbalances should consult a healthcare professional before using ORS.

Allergies: Those with known allergies to any of the ingredients in ORS should avoid its use and seek alternative hydration solutions.

Proper Dilution: Ensure proper dilution of ORS according to the instructions provided to avoid adverse effects due to excessive electrolyte intake.

Monitoring: In cases of severe dehydration or persistent symptoms, medical attention should be sought promptly to prevent complications.

Conclusion

An oral rehydration solution treats moderate dehydration. It’s made of water, glucose, sodium, and potassium. The combination optimizes fluid absorption in the body, which then helps quickly replenish fluids. The solution is often used to treat dehydration caused due to diarrhea or vomiting. One can buy it over the counter or get a prescription. If a person has had a lot of diarrhea or vomiting, they should speak with a doctor. They can determine if the person needs an oral rehydration solution or if they need intravenous fluids.

last but not the least if you come across any of your known friend, neighbour or loved one suffering from any disease unaffordable or untreatable at your country please feel free to contact us via email query@gtsmeditour.com or you can whatsapp us  on +91 9880149003 and get second medical opinion from our professional healthcare providers abroad. further we shall assist in getting the appropriate treatment.

Herpetic Whitlow

Overview

A herpetic whitlow is a herpes lesion, typically on a finger or thumb, Although the presence of a blister is a common sign of this condition, your fingers may become red or swollen before a blister forms. caused by the herpes simplex virus. Occasionally infection occurs on the toes or on the nail cuticle. Herpes whitlow can be caused by infection by HSV-1 or HSV-2.Symptoms of herpetic whitlow can appear 1 to 2 weeks after exposure to the virus. You may develop one blister or a cluster of blisters. It can take up to 3 weeks for the blisters to heal. Eventually, the blister — or group of blisters — ruptures. This forms a shallow ulcer with a crust-like scab. You may experience a burning or tingling pain that’s worse than what you would expect from the blisters. Herpetic whitlow can also produce a fever and swollen lymph nodes. It’s possible to get recurrent outbreaks after an initial outbreak, but this is rare. Herpetic whitlow doesn’t require treatment.The condition usually heals within a few weeks without medication, but a prescription antiviral drug can shorten the duration of an outbreak. However, recurrent outbreaks of herpetic whitlow are usually less severe and heal faster because the body has developed antibodies to take measures against the virus.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of herpetic whitlow include:

  • Blisters or fluid-filled bumps on the skin near your fingernail.
  • Colour changes to the skin around your nail, usually darker than your normal skin tone, or red to purple.
  • Swollen finger.

Causes

The herpes simplex virus (type 1 or type 2) causes herpetic whitlow. You usually acquire it from contact with another person who has the virus, especially after contact with a cold sore or “fever” blister. The virus usually penetrates your skin if you have a cut.

Diagnosis and Tests

Your healthcare provider will diagnose herpetic whitlow based on the appearance of the signs and symptoms localized on your finger. The condition has a unique look on your skin. To confirm the diagnosis, your provider will provide a PCR test or a culture test.

Management and Treatment

Herpetic whitlow typically lasts about two weeks, sometimes longer if left untreated. Herpetic whitlow deserves good wound care. Use compresses and protection with bandages to prevent secondary infection. Covering your blisters also prevents the spread of the virus to others Treatment for herpetic whitlow focuses on the infection. It could include compresses two to three times per day, coupled with an oral or topical antiviral medication. An over-the-counter pain reliever (analgesic) treats pain.

Prevention

Prevention may be difficult, but the following measures can help:

  • Frequent hand washing with soap and water.
  • Wearing gloves in a healthcare setting, especially with close contact with people’s mouths.
  • Stopping your child from sucking their fingers, especially their thumb.

Conclusion

Herpetic whitlow is a temporary, painful condition that typically resolves in two to three weeks. Antiviral treatment may be necessary to help the condition go away faster. further to conclude if you come across your loved ones with anykind of major disease where treatment is unaffordable you can guide them to us and let them share the patient latest reports via, email – query@gtsmeditour.com or whatsapp the reports on +91 9880149003 and get the second medical opinion and treatment plan for better decision making and planning for the same.

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Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE)

Overview

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) may look like a birthmark, but is actually a rare benign tumor caused by the abnormal growth of blood vessels, diagnosed in infancy or early childhood   It can appear anywhere on the body, often on the head and neck but also on the stomach, back, arms, and legs — even inside the chest, abdomen, or bones. Although KHE can grow, it doesn’t spread to other locations in a child’s body. A mild form of KHE, called tufted angioma, is less likely to cause complications or require treatment. Researchers are still searching for the cause of KHE. It is not inherited, and while it typically occurs in infancy,  Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is generally first-line assessment because the deep infiltrating nature of KHE may not be apparent on physical exam or on ultrasound. MRI with and without gadolinium has the most value in the diagnosis of KHE as well as for clearly determining the extent of involvement and response to treatment. Some mild KHE tumors go away without treatment. For those that do not, doctors have multiple treatment options available to them, depending on the size, location, and behavior of the tumor. The goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms, shrink the tumor, and reverse Kasabach-Merritt, if it is present. Further clinical studies are also needed to refine the guidelines for the standard use of therapies and follow-up in patients with KHE.

Symptoms

The exact symptoms of KHE depend on where the lesion appears. The most common symptom of KHE is a growing lesion on the skin. This lesion:

  • Is usually a deep reddish-purple and has poorly defined edges
  • Is firm and warm to the touch
  • Often has shiny and tense skin
  • May be accompanied by a bruise-like discoloration nearby, or tiny red or purple spots (petechiae) anywhere on the body
  • Sometimes swells and becomes painful, or causes pain with movement or reduced range of motion

The exact symptoms of KHE depend on where the lesion appears. About 10 percent of children with KHE have no skin lesion, and some lesions penetrate deeper than the skin into other tissues.

Most children have few complications and may not need medical therapy. Some patients with KHE, however, develop what is called Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (KMP), in which their tumor traps platelets and keeps them from circulating through the bloodstream. Because platelets help prevent bleeding, patients with KMP have a higher risk of bleeding.

KMP may develop in patients whose tumors are larger, invade into deeper tissues, or if there are sites of infection or inflammation nearby. Some children who develop KMP also lack other blood proteins that help control bleeding, such as fibrinogen.

Causes

Causes for Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) is unknown, Researchers are still searching for the cause of KHE. It is not inherited, and while it typically occurs in infancy, KHE can arise prenatally or in adults after trauma.

Diagnosis

The first step in treating your child is forming an accurate and complete diagnosis. An experienced vascular anomalies specialist can help tell the difference between KHE and other vascular anomalies.

Most often, KHE is diagnosed through a complete medical history, a thorough physical exam and one or more of the following tests:

  • Complete blood count
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Ultrasound
  • Biopsy

Treatment

Some mild KHE tumors go away without treatment. For those that do not, doctors have multiple treatment options available to them, depending on the size, location, and behavior of the tumor. The goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms, shrink the tumor, and reverse Kasabach-Merritt, if it is present.

Treatment options include:

  • Watchful waiting: For superficial tumors without low platelets, your child’s doctor may want to observe the tumor for a few months before determining the most appropriate treatment.
  • Oral or topical steroids: In mild cases, oral or topical steroids may help other treatments work better and improve superficial lesions. However, only about 12 percent of KHE tumors respond to steroids.
  • Drug therapy: Considered the gold standard treatment for most tumors, medications slow the growth of the tumor and improve symptoms.
  • Surgery: Your doctor will only recommend surgery if your child’s tumor is very small or extremely aggressive and able to be completely removed.
  • Embolization: This minimally invasive procedure blocks the main artery feeding a KHE tumor to cut off the blood supply and shrink it. We do not attempt embolization in cases where several arteries feed into the tumor, which is often the case with KHE.

Medications

Medications used to treat KHE include:

  • Sirolimus: Also known as rapamycin, this oral medication suppresses the immune system and slows the growth of abnormal lymphatic vessels that form the tumor. It has been found to shrink KHE tumors and improve symptoms, including pain.
  • Vincristine: This chemotherapy drug targets all dividing cells within the body and is therefore used to treat many cancers. While KHE is not a cancer, there are dividing cells in the tumor. Vincristine has been used successfully for decades to treat KHE.

Many patients have an excellent long-term outlook through successful KHE treatment. In general, you child’s prognosis depends on:

  • How quickly the diagnosis is made and appropriate medical therapy is started
  • The size, location, and extent of disease
  • The tumor’s initial response to therapy

When KHE is suspected, it’s important to see a specialist quickly to allow early discussions about treatment. Specialists can then attempt to shrink the tumor before it affects muscles or other tissues nearby. Early treatment could also help reduce long-term complications by preventing further growth.

To Conclude if you come across any of you close ones with this type of disease or any such kind you can direct the patient to us or share us the latest medical history with reports via email : query@gtsmeditour.com or whatsapp the same on +91 9880149003 and get the genuine second opinion, which help you decide further and take firm decision.

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Harlequin ichthyosis

Overview

Harlequin ichthyosis is the most severe type of ichthyosis and a rare genetic skin disease that affects newborns. It causes babies to be born with hard, thick plates of skin that crack and split apart. Babies born with harlequin ichthyosis need special care in the NICU. For them, the most dangerous time is the first few weeks of life, before the thick casing they’re born with falls off.  baby might also get support from physical and occupational therapists, skin doctors (dermatologists), nutritionists, or other professionals. Improved treatment options have given babies a better chance at survival than in the past. But many still die within the first few weeks of life due to complications of the disease.

You can’t prevent harlequin ichthyosis because it’s a genetic condition. If you have a biological family history of the condition, you may want to talk to your healthcare provider about genetic testing or genetic counseling.

Symptoms

Babies with harlequin ichthyosis are typically born prematurely. When they’re born, their bodies are covered in thick, platelike scales of skin. Skin tightness causes the scales to form deep cracks (fissures). The tightness also pulls the skin around your baby’s eyes and mouth, causing their eyelids and lips to turn inside out. It also pulls on the skin of your baby’s chest and abdomen, making it difficult to breathe and eat. Other symptoms may include:

  • Flat nose.
  • Ears fused to their head.
  • Small, swollen hands and feet.
  • Abnormal hearing.
  • Frequent respiratory infections.
  • Decreased joint mobility.
  • Low body temperature.

Causes

A genetic variant (genetic mutation) in the ABCA12 gene causes harlequin ichthyosis. The ABCA12 gene gives your body instructions for making a protein that’s vital for the development of healthy skin cells. This protein has an important role in transporting fats (lipids) to the outermost layer of your skin (epidermis), producing a barrier.

If you have harlequin ichthyosis, you have abnormally small amounts of the ABCA12 protein or none at all. This disrupts the normal development of your epidermis, which leads to the severe symptoms that the condition produces.

You inherit harlequin ichthyosis in an autosomal recessive manner, which means you receive both copies of the affected gene — one from each parent. The parents are both carriers of the mutated gene but typically don’t show symptoms of the condition.

Diagnosis and Tests

The diagnosis of harlequin ichthyosis relies on a physical examination of the patient and genetic laboratory investigations.

Genetic testing for a loss of function mutation in the ABCA12 gene is the most specific diagnostic test for harlequin ichthyosis.

  • Mutations in the gene may cause impaired transport of lipids in the skin and shrunken versions of proteins responsible for skin development.
  • Less severe mutations result in a collodion membrane and congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma-like presentation.

Skin biopsy shows a very thickened stratum corneumparakeratosis, and hypergranulosis.

Treatment

There is no cure for harlequin ichthyosis, and treatment is centred around protecting the skin and preventing infection.

After birth, the thick plate-like outer layer of skin eventually splits and peels, leaving the vulnerable inner layers of the dermis exposed. Most harlequin infants will need one-on-one nursing care for the first several weeks of life. Antibiotic treatment may also be necessary to prevent or treat infection during this time.

Softening emollients, especially those containing urea, salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acids, are particularly effective when applied after bathing while the skin is still moist. These products work to keep the skin moisturised and pliable while preventing the cracking and fissuring that can lead to secondary bacterial infection.

Early systemic treatment with oral retinoids (eg, acitretin or isotretinoin) has also been shown to heal skin fissures, soften or resolve plate-like scales, and improve overall survival

For further any such disease treatment abroad you can connect us via email query@gtsmeditour.com or whatsapp us the patient latest reports on +91 9880149003 and get a free second medical opinion and treatment plan, further which will help you make a right decision.
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Sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (SHE)

Overview

Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder in the world. If you have epilepsy, surges of electrical activity in your brain can cause recurring seizures. coming to Sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (SHE), formerly known as nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy, is a form of focal epilepsy characterized by seizures which arise during sleep. The seizures are most typically characterized by complex motor behaviors. This disorder is associated with cognitive impairment in at least half of patients as well as excessive daytime sleepiness due to poor sleep quality. This disorder is sometimes misdiagnosed as a non-epileptic sleep disorder. There are many potential causes of SHE including genetic, acquired injuries and structural abnormalities. In 1981, Lugaresi and Cirignotta described a group of 5 patients with paroxysmal attacks of violent movements of the extremities and dystonic-tonic posturing. It was initially uncertain whether these events constituted seizures or something else. However, the patients had a good clinical response to the anti-seizure medication carbamazepine. Ultimately, the epileptic nature of this condition was confirmed with EEG and suggested that they were coming from the frontal lobe. The term “nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy” was suggested as a name for this condition. Later in 2014, a consensus conference recommended that the name be changed to sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy. There were three main justifications for this change: (1) not all seizures arise from the frontal lobe; (2) seizures do not necessarily occur during the night but rather from sleep; (3) hypermotor describes the most common visible clinical manifestation of the seizures. Although there is no known cure for epilepsy, developments in treatment have made it possible for most people to achieve seizure control. The first treatment step is usually to find the right medicine or Anti-Epileptic Drug (AED). If seizures continue to happen, other treatments like devices, dietary therapies, or surgery can help control seizures.

Symptoms

Seizures in SHE are brief and usually have an abrupt onset and offset.The observable clinical manifestations may consist of rapid, hyperkinetic movements as well as tonic/dystonic posturing of the limbs.Other potential manifestations include brief arousals from sleep or wandering ambulatory behavior. Non-motor manifestations (such as sensory or emotional phenomenon) are common and retained awareness during seizures may occur. Seizures usually occur during non-REM sleep. The frequency of seizures can be very high and as many as dozens may occur every night which results in poor sleep quality. In addition, many patients with SHE suffer from cognitive impairment and have behavioral/psychological problems. There are many risks associated with nocturnal seizures including concussion, suffocation and sudden unexpected death (SUDEP).

Causes

Approximately 86% of SHE cases are sporadic, 14% of patients have a family history of epilepsy and 5% are inherited in an autosomal dominant manner (i.e. autosomal dominant sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy). Both genetic, structural and multifactorial etiologies can occur. In structural cases, the most common pathology is focal cortical dysplasia.[10]

The first described mutation in SHE was found in genes coding for the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.Since then multiple other genes have been identified including KCNT1, DEPDC5, NPRL2, NPRL3, PRIMA1, CABP4, CRH and others. In some cases, structural and genetic etiologies can coexist such as with mutations in DEPDC5.

Diagnosis

Criteria for diagnostic certainty of SHE were developed based on consensus expert opinions and studies of Class III level.

•Diagnosis of SHE is primarily based on clinical history. The absence of clear interictal and ictal EEG correlates, both during wakefulness and sleep, does not exclude the diagnosis of SHE.13
•Certainty of diagnosis can be categorized into 3 levels: witnessed (possible) SHE, video-documented (clinical) SHE, and video-EEG-documented (confirmed) SHE.

Witnessed (possible) SHE.

The main prerequisite to suspect the diagnosis of SHE is the presence of seizures consisting of obvious and disruptive hypermotor events, as described above. The semiologic aspects of such events, as provided by an eyewitness, are generally concordant with those documented by video analysis.16 Hence, data from a good clinical history are sufficient to make the diagnosis of witnessed (possible) SHE.

Video-documented (clinical) SHE.

Clinically diagnosed SHE requires audio-video documentation of hypermotor events. In such a video recording, at least 1 event but preferably 2 entire events should be documented (confirmed to be typical by witness), including the onset and with clear visualization of the entire events, showing the evolution and offset of the attacks. If the captured episodes are minor motor events or paroxysmal arousals, and if few episodes are captured, the clinical diagnosis may be unreliable.16,38,39

Video-EEG-documented (confirmed) SHE.

A confirmed diagnosis of SHE requires video-EEG documentation of the events during a daytime sleep recording after sleep deprivation, or during a full night sleep recording, with at least 19 EEG channels (10–20 International System), ECG, oculogram, and chin EMG. SHE is confirmed when hypermotor seizures are recorded during sleep, associated with a clear-cut epileptic discharge or with interictal epileptiform abnormalities.

ETIOLOGY/GENETICS

Statements about etiology were formulated based on core literature consisting of clinical studies of Class III level and Class IV level or genetic molecular studies of Class 1 level, Class 2 level, or Class 3 level.

•In a majority of patients, the etiology is unknown.
•Identified etiologies are heterogeneous and include structural anomalies such as focal cortical dysplasia, acquired injuries, and genetic causes.
•No specific clinical features distinguish etiologies.5,17,19
A majority of individuals with SHE do not have a family history or other identified etiologies. In some patients with drug-resistant SHE, the etiology may involve a surgically treatable lesion, in particular type II focal cortical dysplasia.
Therefore diagnosis is based on clinical history but often EEG and/or polysomnography is required. In many patients the EEG can also be unhelpful as seizures may originate from deep in the brain. Polysomnography can be helpful distinguishing SHE from parasomnias as they often arise from different stages of sleep.

Treatment

Like other forms of epilepsy, SHE can be treated with anti-seizure medications. Adequate control of seizures occur in approximately two-thirds of patients with anti-seizure medications while approximately one-third of patients do not appropriately respond. The relative efficacy of different medications has not been systematically investigated. Historically, low-dose carbamazepine has been the preferred medication for SHE and is often considered to be first-line. Other anti-seizure medications which have been studied for the treatment of SHE and found to have efficacy include: oxcarbazepine, topiramate, lacosamide and perampanel. Epilepsy surgery can be efficacious in refractory patients. In addition, there have been reports of successfully treating SHE due to mutations in CHRNA4 with nicotine patches.

To conclude if you come across any of your loved ones with this condition feel free to connect us via email query@gtsmeditour.com or WhatsApp us on +91 9880149003 with all the latest reports available and get an free second opinion and further decide on the travel abroad and get the complete treatment at an affordable cost.

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Myasthenia Gravis

Overview

Myasthenia gravis is a disease-causing fluctuating weakness of muscles like that of the limbs, swallowing and eye movement muscles. Myasthenia gravis (autoimmune type) happens when your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks itself. Myasthenia gravis affects how your nerves communicate with your muscles. It leads to muscle weakness that worsens throughout the day and with activity. Drooping eyelids and/or double vision are often the first sign Researchers aren’t sure why this happens. Studies suggest that certain immune system cells in your thymus gland have trouble identifying what’s a threat to your body (like bacteria or viruses) versus healthy components. A genetic changes causes congenital myasthenia. Antibodies passed from a birthing parent to a fetus during pregnancy cause neonatal myasthenia. Medications and surgery can help relieve the symptoms of this lifelong illness. Treatment includes medications  that can reduce your symptoms. Monoclonal antibodies: Doctor will give intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SQ) infusions of biologically engineered proteins. These proteins suppress an overactive immune system, Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis): An IV connected to a machine removes harmful antibodies from your blood plasma and replaces them with donor plasma or a plasma solution.  Last option is  thymectomy surgery is done to remove the thymus gland.

Causes

Myasthenia gravis (autoimmune type) happens when your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks itself. Researchers aren’t sure why this happens. Studies suggest that certain immune system cells in your thymus gland have trouble identifying what’s a threat to your body (like bacteria or viruses) versus healthy components.

A genetic change causes congenital myasthenia. Antibodies passed from a birth mother to a fetus during pregnancy cause neonatal myasthenia.

Symptoms

Symptoms of myasthenia gravis may include:

  • Muscle weakness in your arms, hands, fingers, legs and neck.
  • Fatigue.
  • Droopy eyelids (ptosis).
  • Blurry or double vision.
  • Limited facial expressions.
  • Difficulty speaking, swallowing or chewing.
  • Trouble walking.

Initial symptoms of myasthenia gravis happen suddenly. Your muscles usually get weaker when you’re active. Muscle strength returns when you rest. The intensity of muscle weakness often changes from day to day. Most people feel strongest at the start of the day and weakest at the end of the day.

In rare instances, myasthenia gravis affects muscles in your respiratory system. You may have shortness of breath or more serious breathing problems. Contact 911 or your local emergency services number if you have trouble breathing. In general, this doesn’t occur suddenly.

Types of myasthenia gravis

The types of myasthenia gravis include:

  • Autoimmune myasthenia: It’s an autoimmune condition where the cause isn’t well understood but the likely cause is the production of certain types of antibodies (immune system proteins). This is the most common type.
  • Neonatal myasthenia: A fetus gets certain antibodies from their birth mother who has myasthenia gravis. An infant may have a weak cry or sucking reflex at birth. These temporary symptoms usually go away after three months.
  • Congenital myasthenia: It isn’t an autoimmune condition, and a genetic change causes this type.

There are two subtypes of autoimmune myasthenia:

  • Ocular: The muscles that move your eyes and eyelids weaken. Your eyelids may droop, or you may not be able to keep your eyes open. Some people have double vision. Eye weakness is often the first sign of myasthenia. Ocular myasthenia gravis may evolve into the generalized form for nearly half of all people diagnosed with this type.
  • Generalized: Muscle weakness affects your eye muscles and others in your face, neck, arms, legs and throat. You may find it difficult to speak or swallow, lift your arms over your head, stand up from a seated position, walk long distances and climb stairs.

Risk factors for myasthenia gravis include:

Myasthenia gravis is most common among females around age 40 and males after age 60. The condition can affect anyone at any age.

You may be more at risk of developing myasthenia gravis if you:

  • Have a history of other autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
  • Have thyroid disease.

If you have myasthenia gravis, your symptoms could trigger (start) if you:

  • Take medications for malaria and heart arrhythmias.
  • Underwent surgery.
  • Had an infection.

Diagnosis and Tests

Testing confirms a diagnosis. It may include:

  • Blood antibody tests: About 85% of people with myasthenia gravis have unusually high levels of acetylcholine receptor antibodies in their blood. Approximately 6% of people diagnosed have muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) antibodies.
  • Imaging scans: An MRI or CT scan can check for thymus gland problems like tumors.
  • Electromyography (EMG): An EMG measures the electrical activity of muscles and nerves. This test detects communication problems between nerves and muscles.

Myasthenia gravis stages

There are five main classifications of myasthenia gravis that your healthcare provider may use during a diagnosis:

  • Class I: Muscle weakness only affects your eyes (ocular muscle).
  • Class II: Muscle weakness is mild.
  • Class III: Muscle weakness is moderate.
  • Class IV: Muscle weakness is severe.
  • Class V: Severe muscle weakness affects how you breathe. You may need intubation or mechanical ventilation.

Management and Treatment

There’s no cure for myasthenia gravis. But effective treatment is available to help manage your symptoms. Treatments may include:

  • Medications: Certain medications can reduce your symptoms.
  • Monoclonal antibodies: You’ll receive intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SQ) infusions of biologically engineered proteins. These proteins suppress an overactive immune system.
  • Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis): An IV connected to a machine removes harmful antibodies from your blood plasma and replaces them with donor plasma or a plasma solution.
  • IV or SQ immunoglobulin (IVIG or SCIG): You’ll receive IV infusions of donor antibodies over two to five days. IVIG or SCIG can treat myasthenia crisis, as well as generalized myasthenia gravis.
  • Surgery: A thymectomy is surgery to remove the thymus gland.

To conclude, if you come across any of your friend or loved one looking for treatment abroad you can reach us at query@gtsmeditour.com or whatsapp us on +91 9880149003 and get a free medical opinion .

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Porencephaly

Overview

Porencephaly is a structural abnormality of the brain. It may manifest before or after birth. It is a very rare disorder that affects your central nervous system, children with this condition develop fluid-filled cavities, or cysts, on their brain. These brain cysts can delay and impair your child’s growth and development. These cysts can interfere with normal brain growth and development. Children with porencephaly may experience speech difficulties. They may also have other neurological deficits (abnormal functioning in areas of their body).However, on rare occasions, it can be related to an inherited genetic condition. There is no clear cure for porencephaly. However, there are many ways to manage its effects. Treatments focus on improving neurological impairments. If hydrocephalus is present, excess fluid around your child’s brain can be drained.

SYMPTOMS

Possible symptoms include: 

  • Motor delay (differences in muscle tone, movement, posture, or developmental milestones) 
  • Speech and language delay 
  • Learning challenges 
  • Cognitive or intellectual differences 
  • Slow overall growth 
  • Developmental delays in multiple areas (global delays) 
  • Seizures 
  • Spastic hemiplegia (stiffness and weakness in limbs)  
  • Hypotonia (low muscle tone) 
  • Macrocephaly (large head) 
  • Microcephaly (small head) 
  • Hydrocephalus (increased pressure in the brain) 

Causes

With a lack of oxygen or bleeding in your child’s brain, fluid-filled cysts can replace normal brain tissue. This is more likely to happen if the following risk factors are present:

  • Alcohol or drug use during pregnancy.
  • Gestational diabetes.
  • Infection during pregnancy.
  • Infection shortly after birth.
  • Trauma during birth.
  • Other causes of stroke or lack of oxygen to their brain (like blood disorders and metabolic diseases). Sometimes, healthcare providers can find clues about the underlying cause based on the location, size and distribution of the cysts.
  • Some types of porencephaly are genetic and can be inherited. This means that a person only needs one abnormal gene copy to show symptoms. The abnormal gene can be inherited from a mother or father. A person with a COL4A1 or COL4A2 gene mutation has a 50 percent chance of passing on condition. Two people with the same mutation may have very different symptom severity.  

Diagnosis

To confirm a diagnosis of porencephaly, your healthcare provider needs to see detailed images of your child’s brain. You or your child may have imaging tests like:

  • Prenatal ultrasound or ultrasound.
  • CT scan.
  • MRI.

Management and Treatment

There is no clear cure for porencephaly. This structural abnormality cannot be reversed. However, there are treatments that can help with symptoms arising in the aftermath of porencephaly. 

Symptoms and Available Treatments 

  • Cognitive, speech, language, or motor delays. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, special instruction, and speech therapy can be very effective. 
  • Learning challenges. Working closely with school systems to generate individualized educational plans and support can be helpful. Special education programs can also help. 
  • Seizures. Various medications can be used to treat seizures. There may be dietary and surgical options as well 
  • Spasticity. Medications can manage high tone or stiffness in muscles. For instance, injections of botulinum toxin can help loosen muscles or medications such as baclofen are commonly used.  
  • Adaptive equipment. Braces and adaptive equipment can significantly improve a child’s functioning and quality of life. 
  • Hydrocephalus. This is increased pressure in the brain. Depending on the specific location of the porencephaly, a resection or surgical shunt can relieve this pressure. 

Outlook

Outcomes can vary widely depending on the size and location of the fluid-filled cysts. Some children have mild or no symptoms. They may not even be diagnosed.  Others may have some mild learning challenges. They may have treatable seizures or motor tone abnormalities. Children in this moderate category do very well with supportive treatment.   

Still others may have more severe secondary symptoms. They may have larger cysts. Their cysts may be in problematic brain locations. These children may have been diagnosed soon after birth. Supportive care, therapies, and special education programs can go a long way. They can improve the long-term outcomes of these children. 

Further, if you come across with this type of condition nearby in your country or with your friends or relatives you can share us the latest reports available via, email (query@gtsmeditour.com) or you can whatsapp the reports on +919880149003 and get free medical opinion from our panel of doctors and further support for the right treatment.

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Gynecomastia – Enlarged breast in men

Overview

Gynecomastia basically is the non-cancerous enlargement of one or both breasts in men due to the growth of breast tissue as a result of a hormone imbalance between estrogens and androgens. it occurs usually in new born males, boys going through puberty and older male, may develop gynecomastia due to natural changes in hormone levels. Gynecomastia can affect one or both breasts, sometimes unevenly. This is commonly associated with obesity and can be ruled out by physical exam. Gynecomastia isn’t harmful to your physical health, but it may make you self-conscious and affect your self-esteem. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. this is commonly associated with obesity and can be ruled out by physical exam. Gynecomastia may go away on its own. If it doesn’t, medicine or surgery may help.

Symptoms

Gynecomastia symptoms can include:

  • Pain, especially in teenagers.
  • Swollen breast tissue.
  • Tender breasts.
  • Sensitive nipples when they rub against clothes.

Possible Causes

Gynecomastia is more likely to happen during periods of hormonal fluctuations, especially at or during:

  • Birth: More than half of newborns AMAB have enlarged breasts, or breast buds. It typically happens due to exposure to the birthing parent’s estrogen levels. Gynecomastia in newborns usually goes away within a few weeks.
  • Puberty: More than half of adolescents AMAB have some degree of breast enlargement during puberty. It likely happens due to a faster rise in estrogen than in testosterone. But this imbalance usually regulates with time — about six months to two years.
  • Late adulthood: Gynecomastia is common in people AMAB over 50. With age, your body produces less testosterone. People over 50 are also more likely to be taking medications that can cause gynecomastia.

These causes of gynecomastia are natural and to be expected — they’re not physically harmful. But gynecomastia can also be a symptom of certain medical conditions that require treatment.

Conditions that cause gynecomastia

Gynecomastia may be a symptom or result of the following health conditions:

  • Adrenal tumors.
  • Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
  • Kidney disease or kidney failure.
  • Klinefelter syndrome (an inherited condition).
  • Liver disease and cirrhosis.
  • Male hypogonadism (low testosterone).
  • Pituitary gland tumors (pituitary adenomas), especially prolactinomas.
  • Testicular tumors.

Diagnosis

To diagnose gynecomastia, a thorough history and physical examination are obtained by a physician. Important aspects of the physical examination include evaluation of the male breast tissue with palpation to evaluate for breast cancer and pseudogynecomastia (male breast tissue enlargement solely due to excess fatty tissue), evaluation of penile size and development, evaluation of testicular development and an assessment for masses that raise suspicion for testicular cancer, and proper development of secondary sex characteristics such as the amount and distribution of pubic and underarm hair. Mammography is the method of choice for radiologic examination of male breast tissue in the diagnosis of gynecomastia when breast cancer is suspected on physical examination.

Care and Treatment

What is the treatment for gynecomastia?

Some people don’t want or need treatment for gynecomastia. But if you do, your healthcare provider may recommend a few different strategies depending on your situation:

  • Stopping or switching a medication: If a medication or other substance is causing gynecomastia, your provider may recommend that you switch to a different one or stop using it. Make sure your provider is aware of any nonprescription medications — like dietary and herbal supplements — you’re taking. Never stop taking a prescription medication without your provider’s guidance.
  • Underlying condition treatment: If an underlying condition is the cause, like a tumor or hypogonadism, treatment for the condition may also treat gynecomastia.
  • Gynecomastia surgery: Some people choose to get surgery for gynecomastia (male breast reduction) to remove excess breast tissue. This is an elective cosmetic surgery.

To Conclude:

Gynecomastia itself is a benign finding. It does not confer a poor prognosis, for some patients with underlying pathologies such as testicular cancer the prognosis may be worse. The glandular tissue typically grows under the influence of hormonal stimulation and is often tender or painful. Furthermore, gynecomastia frequently presents social and psychological difficulties such as low self-esteem, depression or shame.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any such plastic surgery requirement in and around your surroundings you can share us the latest reports via, email – query@gtsmeditour.com or whatsapp the same on  +91 9880149003 and get the needful from our team – Global Treatment services.

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HMPV (Human metapneumovirus ) Is just a cold?

Overview

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that usually causes symptoms similar to a cold. You might cough or wheeze, have a runny nose or a sore throat. Most cases are mild, but young children, adults over 65 and people with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk for serious illness. It often causes upper respiratory infections, but it can sometimes cause lower respiratory infections like pneumonia, asthma flare-ups or make chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse. HMPV infections are more common in the winter and early spring. Hmpv  virus is diagnosed via, RTPCR/ Swab Test like we do in Covid 19 so, everyone knows what RTPCR – reverse transcript test polymerised chain reaction  to look at the viral particles the RNA part of this virus and RTPCR is the gold standard. If one is severely ill, you might need to be admitted to the hospital. There, healthcare providers can monitor your condition and help prevent you from getting sicker. They might treat you with:

  • Oxygen therapy
  •  IV fluids.
  • Corticosteroids

Symptoms and Causes

Generally, people infected with hMPV will have cold or flu-like symptoms:

  • cough
  • fever
  • sore throat
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • body ache
  • headache.

It can make a few people quite sick, causing infection of the lung (pneumonia) or inflammation of the airways to the lungs (bronchiolitis, bronchitis). Symptoms of more severe disease include wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, severe fatigue, dehydration, or a persistent fever that does not improve. If someone is experiencing any of these severe symptoms, they should seek medical advice.

A virus — a small germ that uses your cells to make more copies of itself — causes HMPV. It’s part of the same group of viruses that cause RSV, measles and mumps.

HMPV spreads through direct contact with someone who has it or from touching things contaminated with the virus. For instance:

  • Coughing and sneezing.
  • Shaking hands, hugging or kissing.
  • Touching surfaces or objects like phones, door handles, keyboards or toys.

Risk factors for human metapneumovirus?

Anyone can get HMPV, but you’re at a higher risk for severe illness if you:

  • Are younger than 5 (especially premature infants) or older than 65.
  • Have a weakened immune system (from conditions like HIV, cancer or autoimmune disorders, or from medications that suppress your immune system).
  • Have asthma or COPD.

Diagnosis and Tests

HMPV based on your symptoms and health history. They might use a soft-tipped stick (swab) to get a sample from your nose or throat. A lab tests the sample for viruses and other infections. Keep in mind that you probably won’t be tested for HMPV unless you have serious symptoms.

Sometimes, your provider may also do a bronchoscopy or chest X-rays to look for changes in the airways of your lungs.

Treatment

As hMPV is a cold virus, people can treat their symptoms with over-the-counter medicines to treat pain, fever, stuffy nose and cough. Getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated also helps.

Currently, there is no approved antiviral medicine for hMPV. Most people feel better in a few days. If symptoms get worse, they should contact their health care provider. Those who are at higher risk should also consult their doctor, even if their symptoms are not too bad.

In a small number of cases, when people need to be hospitalized, doctors may give them extra oxygen to help them recover.

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of getting HMPV and other infectious diseases by:

  • Washing your hands often with soap and water. If you aren’t able to use soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Cover your nose and mouth — with your elbow, not your bare hand — when you sneeze or cough.
  • Avoid being around other people when you or they are sick with a cold or other contagious diseases.
  • Consider wearing a mask if you’re sick and can’t avoid being around others.
  • Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Don’t share food or eating utensils (forks, spoons, cups) with others.

Takeaway

There is no need to panic, Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common virus that usually causes symptoms similar to a cold. If you’re older than 5, you’ve probably already had it at least once. Most of the time, you’ll get better at home in a few days. But sometimes HMPV can cause serious complications. Young children, adults over 65 and people with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk for severe illness. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about HMPV. Seek medical care right away if you or your child is having trouble breathing or if you have other signs of serious illness.

Further to add we also provide many other major diagnoses treatment abroad such as cardiac surgery, Neurospine surgery, Transplants etc , if you or your loved ones looking for this kind of treatment please do share the latest reports to us via email – query@gtsmeditour.com or  you can whatsapp the reports, images etc on +91 9880149003 and get the free medical opinion.

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Cerebellar Ataxia – All you need to be aware..!

Overview

Ataxia describes poor muscle control that causes clumsy movements. It can affect walking and balance, hand coordination, speech and swallowing, and eye movements.

Ataxia usually results from damage to the part of the brain called the cerebellum or its connections. The cerebellum controls muscle coordination. Many conditions can cause ataxia, including genetic conditions, stroke, tumors, multiple sclerosis, degenerative diseases and alcohol misuse. Certain medicines also can cause ataxia. If ataxia is caused by a condition such as vitamin deficiency or celiac disease, treating the condition may help improve symptoms. Some studies have found that aerobic and strength exercises may be beneficial for some people with ataxia

Causes

Ataxia is caused by damage to the part of the brain called the cerebellum or its connections. The cerebellum is located at the base of the brain and connects to the brainstem. The cerebellum helps control balance, eye movements, swallowing and speech.

There are three major groups of ataxia causes: acquired, degenerative and hereditary.

Acquired causes

  • Ataxia is a potential side effect of certain medicines. It can be caused by sedatives such as phenobarbital and benzodiazepines. It also may be caused by anti-seizure medicines, especially phenytoin. Some types of chemotherapy also can cause ataxia.
  • Heavy metal poisoning, such as from lead or mercury, and solvent poisoning, such as from paint thinner, also can cause ataxia.
  • Too little or too much of certain vitamins.Ataxia may be caused by not getting enough vitamin E, vitamin B-12 or vitamin B-1, also known as thiamine. Too little or too much vitamin B-6 also may cause ataxia. Not getting enough of a certain vitamin is known as a vitamin deficiency. When a vitamin deficiency is the cause of ataxia, it often can be reversed.
  • Thyroid conditions.Hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism can cause ataxia.
  • Sudden onset of ataxia occurs with a stroke. This may be either due to a blood vessel blockage or bleeding on the brain.
  • Multiple sclerosis.This condition may cause ataxia.
  • Autoimmune diseases.Several diseases in which the immune system attacks healthy cells, known as autoimmune diseases, can cause ataxia. They can include a disease that causes inflammatory cells to collect in parts of the body, known as sarcoidosis. Or they may include an illness caused by an immune reaction to eating gluten, known as celiac disease. Ataxia also can be caused by certain types of a condition that results in swelling in the brain and spinal cord, called encephalomyelitis.
  • Rarely, ataxia may be a symptom of chickenpox in childhood and other viral infections such as HIV and Lyme disease. It might appear in the healing stages of the infection and last for days or weeks. The symptom usually gets better over time.
  • COVID-19.Ataxia can result from a serious infection with the virus that causes COVID-19.
  • Paraneoplastic syndromes.These are rare degenerative conditions triggered by an immune system response to a cancerous tumor, known as a neoplasm. Paraneoplastic syndromes most often occur from lung, ovarian or breast cancer or lymphoma. Ataxia can appear months or years before the cancer is diagnosed.
  • Changes in the brain.An infected area in the brain, known as an abscess, may cause ataxia. And a growth on the brain, such as a cancerous or noncancerous tumor, can damage the cerebellum.
  • Head trauma.Brain damage may cause ataxia.
  • Cerebral palsy.This is a general term for a group of conditions caused by damage to a child’s brain. The damage may happen before, during or shortly after birth. It affects the child’s ability to coordinate body movements.

Degenerative causes

  • Multiple system atrophy.This rare condition affects movements and functions such as blood pressure. It can cause ataxia and other symptoms, including lack of bladder control, fainting after standing up and a sleep behavior condition in which a person acts out dreams.

Hereditary causes

Some types of ataxia and some conditions that cause ataxia are passed down in families. These conditions also are called hereditary. If you have one of these conditions, you may have been born with a genetic change that causes the body to make irregular proteins.

 

 

Symptoms

Ataxia symptoms can develop over time or start suddenly. Ataxia can be a symptom of several nervous system conditions. Symptoms may include:

  • Poor coordination.
  • Walking unsteadily or with the feet set wide apart.
  • Poor balance.
  • Trouble with fine motor tasks such as eating, writing or buttoning a shirt.
  • Changes in speech.
  • Back-and-forth eye movements that can’t be controlled.
  • Trouble swallowing.

Treatments

Ataxia treatment depends on the cause. If ataxia is caused by a condition such as vitamin deficiency or celiac disease, treating the condition may help improve symptoms. If ataxia results from chickenpox or other viral infections, it is likely to resolve on its own.

People with Friedreich ataxia can be treated with an oral medicine called omaveloxolone (Skyclarys). The U.S. Food and Drug Association approved the medicine for adults and teenagers 16 and older. In clinical trials, taking the medicine improved symptoms. People who take this medicine need regular blood tests because omaveloxolone can affect liver enzyme and cholesterol levels. Potential side effects of omaveloxolone include headache, nausea, stomach pain, fatigue, diarrhea, and muscle and joint pain.

Symptoms such as stiffness, tremor and dizziness might improve with other medicines. Your healthcare professional also might recommend adaptive devices or therapies.

Adaptive devices

Ataxia caused by conditions such as multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy might not be treatable. But adaptive devices may help. They include:

  • Hiking sticks or walkers for walking.
  • Modified utensils for eating.
  • Communication aids for speaking.

Therapies

You might benefit from certain therapies, including:

  • Physical therapy to help with coordination and enhance mobility.
  • Occupational therapy to help with daily living tasks, such as feeding yourself.
  • Speech therapy to improve speech and aid swallowing.

Some studies have found that aerobic and strength exercises may be beneficial for some people with ataxia.

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