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Showing posts from August, 2024

Epilepsy Surgery – When, Who, Where?

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  Epilepsy surgery is a treatment option for those who have epilepsy and cannot manage their seizures with medicines. Here's a summary of when, wh o , and where epilepsy surgery might be considered: When is Epilepsy Surgery Considered? Epilepsy surgery is typically considered when: Medication Resistance: The patient has tried several anti-seizure drugs without success (refractory epilepsy). Disabling seizures: Seizures are frequent, severe, or greatly damage the patient's quality of life. Identifiable seizure focus: There is an unique and isolated location in the brain where seizures begin, and this area can be safely removed or altered without causing significant functional impairment. Risk of injury: The patient is at significant risk of harm or complications as a result of their seizures, which include falls, accidents, and status epilepticus. Who is a Candidate for Epilepsy Surgery? Adults and children: Adults and children with drug-resistant epilepsy may be eligible for su...

Early Diagnosis Of Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Expert Explains Key To Better Support And Improved Outcomes

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Early diagnosis is a critical step in supporting individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, enabling timely intervention and optimizing outcomes. In recent years a rising trend in neurodevelopmental disorders has been observed due to various genetic and environmental factors. As parents, caregivers, and educators, we all want to give children the best start in life. But when it comes to neurodevelopmental disorders like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and learning disabilities, early signs can be subtle and easily missed. These disorders affect how a child thinks, learns, and interacts with the world, and the sooner we can identify them, the better the chances are for positive outcomes. We spoke to our expert Dr Srinivas Botla, Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon , Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, who explained the importance of early diagnosis in neurodevelopmental disorders. Importance of Early Diagnosis in Neurodevelopmental Disorders 1....

World Brain Day 2024: Expert shares 10 simple lifestyle changes to boost brain health

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On World Brain Day, expert shared how brain health and lifestyle conditions are interconnected. He said, boosting  brain health is easier than you think! Incorporating simple lifestyle changes into your daily routine can improve cognitive function, enhance memory, and even reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline Neurological disorders contribute to 10 per cent of the total disease burden in India. Brain conditions such as stroke, headache disorders, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and more are gradually increasing in the country. But what is leading to a rise in brain diseases, is lifestyle a factor? On World Brain Day, Dr Srinivas Botla, Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad told News9. "Boosting brain health is easier than you think! Incorporating simple lifestyle changes into your daily routine can improve cognitive function, enhance memory, and even reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline." He...

Are Chronic Pain, Numbness In Limbs Signs Of Arachnoiditis?

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  Arachnoiditis is a condition characterised by inflammation of the arachnoid mater, which is one of the three membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, a doctor explains. The body has a way of indicating any kind of underlying health issue via signs and symptoms. It is, therefore, important to always be on the lookout for any kind of sensation or discomfort within the body. In the case of arachnoiditis, for instance, there are many tell-tale signs. But, before that, let us understand what arachnoiditis really is. Dr Srinivas Botla, senior consultant neurosurgeon at Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad explains that arachnoiditis is a condition that is characterised by inflammation of the arachnoid mater, which is one of the three membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It is the arachnoid membrane that produces and circulates cerebrospinal fluid that is used to nourish and protect the central nervous system. When there is inflammation, it can lead to the formation of 'scar tissu...

Why are chances of stroke high in bathrooms? Doctor shares simple ways to prevent it

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  Stroke remains one of the major health burdens across the world. In India, stroke is the fourth leading cause of death and the fifth leading cause of disability. According to earlier studies, the incidence of stroke in India ranges between 105 and 152 per 100,000 people each year. As per experts, stroke is a medical condition that results in cell death due to poor blood flow to the brain and can occur anywhere but the incidence rate is higher in bathrooms. In conversation with News 9, Dr Srinivas Botla, Senior Consultant Neurosurgeo n, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad shares why the bathroom is a common place where most strokes occur and the driving factors behind it. The bathroom is a common place where strokes can occur due to several factors: 1. Blood pressure fluctuations: Blood pressure can drop suddenly when standing up or changing positions quickly. which can reduce blood flow to the brain and increase stroke risk. 2. Dehydration: Bathing or showering can lead to dehydration...

Forgetting Things Frequently? Expert Lists Reasons For Your Memory Loss

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Certain medical conditions can contribute to memory loss, including thyroid disorders, infections affecting the brain (e.g., encephalitis), HIV/AIDS, epilepsy, and brain tumours. Memory loss can manifest in various ways and can be caused by different factors ranging from temporary issues to more serious underlying conditions. It may involve difficulty in remembering recent events (short-term memory loss) or recalling memories (long-term memory loss). Here are some common causes of memory loss listed by Dr. Srinivas Botla, Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad. Common Causes Of Memory Loss Normal Ageing: As people age, it's normal to experience some mild memory lapses, such as forgetting names or appointments. However, significant memory loss is not a typical part of ageing. Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): This condition involves noticeable memory problems that are greater than expected for one's age but do not interfere significantly with daily activitie...

Warning signs of Alzheimer’s: Don't take forgetfulness, confusion, personality changes casually

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Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease : If you have a loved one who often struggles to recall recent conversations, forgets familiar routes or names of close relatives, don't take these episodes lightly. These may be early warning signs of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer’s primarily affects older adults. According to the Lancet journal, the latest data show that by 2050, the number of dementia cases will double in Europe and triple worldwide. If Alzheimer's disease is defined biologically instead of clinically, this estimate is three times higher. While the exact causes of Alzheimer’s are unclear, it likely results from genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Key contributors include amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles in the brain, age, family history, genetic mutations like the APOE gene, chronic inflammation, vascular issues, and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the brain, c...

Feeling pressure around your head? Expert says it could be tension headache, check symptoms

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The pain of a tension headache often feels like a tight band around the head or pressure on the forehead or the back of the head and neck. The pain is usually mild to moderate in intensity and can last from a few minutes to days. Headaches are a common health issue that everyone experiences once in their lifetime. The triggers of the headaches are many including, back posture, alcohol consumption, poor sleep and more but have you heard about tension headaches? Well, according to researchers, over 70 per cent of people have an episode of tension headaches. Most typically it affects women more than men. Dr Srinivas Botla, Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon told News9. "Tension headaches are the most common types of headaches described as a feeling of pressure or tightness around the head, typically affecting both sides. The pain is usually mild to moderate in intensity and can last from a few minutes to days." Causes: Stress is a major trigger for tension headaches. Other triggers...

Brain tumour : Risk factors, symptoms and preventions

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Dr Srinivas Botla While the exact causes of brain tumors remain clusive, several factors can increase the risk of developing them. Having a risk factor how ever doesn't guarantee that you'll get a brain tumor, and many people with these factors never develop one. Here are some of the established and potential risk factors for brain tumors: Age: The risk of brain tumors increases with age above 65. However, some types, like medulloblastomas, are more common in children. Family history : Having a close relative with a brain tumor slightly increases the risk, certain genetic syndromes like Neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, and Li- Fraumeni syndrome significantly elevate  the risk. Radiation exposure: Previous radiation therapy to the head, is a known risk factor.  Chemical exposure: Chemicals like vinyl chloride, pesticides, and some petroleum products are linked to brain tumor. Other potential factors: Previous head in juries, electromagnetic fields, and certain infectio...

World Brain Tumour Day 2023: Early Detection Is Key To Cure The Disease

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  Brain tumour is abnormal growth of cells within the brain. Read to know why early Detection Is Key To Cure The Disease. The ability to detect a tumour earlier, when it is smaller, reduces the impact of surgery and treatment, improving the prognosis for many patients. Hence the mainstay of early diagnosis will be clinical, high index of suspicion and close followup of patients to identify any change in the symptoms leading to the development of cancer. “Brain tumour symptoms are similar regardless of whether they are cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign). They may differ depending on the type, location in the brain, and the stage of the tumour”, said Dr Srinivas Botla , Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad. According to  Cancer Research UK, prognosis for primary brain tumours remains poor: only 40% of people diagnosed with malignant brain tumours live for more than a year, and less than 20% for more than 5 years. Symptoms of a brain tumour Dr...

Migraine: Expert recommended ways to manage it

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Migraine, a complex neurological disorder, involves severe headaches and various symptoms, impacting daily life. Triggers include genetics, hormonal fluctuations, stress, and certain foods. Management involves medication, rest, and preventive measures like trigger identification and stress management. Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by recurring episodes of severe headaches, often  accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and sound. These headaches typically last for hours to days and can be debilitating, affecting daily activities and quality of life. Migraines are believed to result from abnormal brain activity, involving changes in blood flow and neurotransmitter levels. Have you ever tried a new health trend or fad? No Yes While the exact cause is not fully understood, factors like genetics, hormonal fluctuations, certain foods, stress, and environmental triggers can contribute to migraine attacks. There are four main stages of a...