Millions of people suffer from migraine headaches, which are often referred to as migraine attacks. It is important to differentiate migraine attacks from regular headaches and cluster headaches. Migraines have the following main symptoms (lasting 4-72 hours):

• a pulsating headache (usually on one side of the head)
• nausea or vomiting
• increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• headache is preceded by the appearance of an “aura” in 30% of sufferers, which is the unusual sensation of a visual, olfactory or other sensory experience

Migraines seem to be linked to fluctuating hormone levels, as evidenced by 75% of adult patients being women. Migraine headaches can either be less frequent or more frequent during pregnancy.

Migraines are often treated with traditional over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin, acetaminophen (paracetamol) or analgesics containing a combination of aspirin, acetaminophen and caffeine.

How to prevent a migraine attack?

Migraine headaches seem to be triggered by certain factors, which can differ from person to person. These trigger factors include allergies, bright lights or sounds, fluctuating hormone levels, emotional or physical stress, changes in sleep patterns, alcohol, smoking and food ingredients (see next).

What not to eat?

The following food items are considered migraine triggers:

• Gluten: Several studies have found that gluten elimination from the diet can prevent or eliminate a migraine attack in a number of patients. For people who have celiac disease, migraines may be caused by a gluten sensitivity
• MSG: Mono-Sodium Glutamate has often been reported as a migraine trigger
• Tyramine: tyramine is found primarily in fermented food (aged cheeses, smoked meat, beer, wine)

Herbal treatments for migraines

Some migraine sufferers may not want to take painkillers or products containing caffeine (for example if you have high blood pressure). Migraine relief may come from these herbal remedies:

• Feverfew
• Passionflower
• Lemon balm
• Chamomille
• Ginger
• Ginkgo
• niacin (a B vitamin)

References

Lay, C.L. and Broner, S.W. (2009). Migraine in women. Neurol. Clin 27: 503–511.

Gabrielli, M., Cremonini, F., Fiore, G. et al. (2003) Association between migraine and Celiac disease: results from a preliminary case-control and therapeutic study. Am J Gastroenterol 98:625-9.

Teaching adults can be challenging at times. Naturally, as we age, we experience changes in vision. We may no longer be able to focus on close objects, deal with the glare of a computer screen for long periods of time, read smaller 18-point font size, see colors as they actually are or see around physical barriers like tables. To teach adults, instructors should take all of these factors into consideration to reduce stress on their pupils. Hearing impairment is another challenge for adults of an older age. Some may learn to do some lip reading, but it’s always best if a loud voice can be used or have a clear microphone installed. Teachers should ensure a quiet setting with limited background noise, have all cell phones turned off and be careful not to distort their faces while speaking.

Additionally, up to 80% of the older adults in basic education programs have an adult learning disability, which hosts a new set of challenges. These adults may have writing, math and reading difficulties, poor handwriting, difficulty remembering things or adhering to a schedule, confusion about direction and limited social skills. To intervene with these adults, it’s advised that instructors work on basic skills remediation, subject-area tutoring, learning styles specifically designed for adult education, vocational exploration and survival skills training.

Teaching older adults should be an enjoyable process from start to finish. Seniors have a lot of rich experiences, interesting stories and knowledge to contribute to a class, which should make it a learning process for the instructor too. The tricky part can be balancing a deep respect for the seniors’ existing skills and knowledge base, while also introducing new topics developed for their pace and with different adult learning styles in mind. Students with adult learning disabilities may require extra motivation, positive reinforcement and patience, but they are often excited to learn new things.

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Some of the current tests for dyslexia include the Beery Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration, Bender Gestalt Test of Visual Motor Perception, Expressive One-Word Picture Vocabulary Test, Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (KABC), Kaufman Tests of Educational Achievement (KTEA), Motor-Free Visual Perception Test, Peabody Individual Achievement Tests (PIAT), Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, Test for Auditory Comprehension of Language (TACL), Test of Auditory Perception (TAPS), Test of Visual Perception (TVPS), Visual Aural Digit Span Test (VADS), Wechsler Individual Achievement Tests (WIAT, Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Third Edition (WISC-III) and the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery test. To gather the full picture, doctors and psychologists usually try as many of these tests as they can to assess adult learning disabilities. This is called a “multi-approach” to diagnosis. In addition to these psychoanalytical tests, medical doctors can now perform brain scans using MRI and PET imaging to detect brain anomalies.

Sometimes an adult dyslexia test may reveal other adult learning disabilities. Non-verbal learning disabilities are classified under a different neurological disorder, which shows problems with organization, evaluating and visual-spatial processing.

With an auditory or visual processing disorder, a person may see or hear perfectly fine but have a difficult time deciphering. Dysgraphia is a writing disability where a person may be unable to write in cursive, form certain letters or include proper spacing. With dyscalculia, a person may be unable to solve the simplest mathematical problems or understand the most basic math concepts. ADHD anxiety may make a person feel distracted, excitable and unable to concentrate long enough to understand or store information properly.

A dyslexia test is practical if people have family members who were dyslexic, if they have trouble transcribing numbers, if they make frequent errors in writing or spelling and if they must read very slowly in order to comprehend. Individuals may be able to find a free dyslexia test online. While a comprehensive, in-depth assessment cannot be obtained online for free, there are sites that may prompt you to see a psychoanalyst or neurological doctor.

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While paranoia is the most common manifestation, there are other types of delusional disorders as well, such as believing one is the secret love interest of a famous person, being convinced one has extraordinary abilities or is very important, worrying about physical problems or disfigurements that don’t exist, or believing that one’s romantic partner is unfaithful. Mental health treatment is often refused because of these convictions, which are impervious to any sort of disproof. The patient is convinced they are correct; meaning there is nothing to treat.

Medically, only a few current treatments have an effect on this disorder; therefore, the primary type of treatment will be psychosocial. And the best treatments will be indirect, with the therapist perhaps offering depression and anxiety panic treatments instead, since those may also be symptoms of the disorder.

The worst thing a therapist can do for a paranoid, suspicious patient is confront them directly about their delusions. They need time to build up some trust, and only then would the doctor begin gently challenging a few of the patient’s beliefs. Drugs would only be used if the patient’s delusional disorder was becoming dangerous or the condition was making them too agitated.

Therapists who are ready to use slightly different treatments, rather than adopt the more usual drugs or typical psychotherapy approaches, may gain the patient’s trust enough to begin exploring any doubts the person expresses about their own beliefs. The two of them can work in partnership, gradually discovering real-world explanations for those beliefs. If the therapist treads carefully and uses tactfully, then the two together may work through the delusional disorder and affect a cure.

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There are four chambers in the heart the right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium and left ventricle. Dividing the right chambers is the tricuspid valve whereas the mitral valve divides the left chambers. Oxygen poor blood flows from the body into the right atrium. The tricuspid valve opens in response to the heart beating and allows the blood from the right atrium to empty into the right ventricle. Then this blood is sent to the lungs for oxygenation. The oxygenated blood flows into the left atrium and then passes through the mitral valve into the left ventricle.

The left ventricle is the strongest chamber in the heart because it is required to push the blood volume through the body. And in return, places increase pressure on the gate between the left atrium and left ventricle, the mitral valve. This valve looks somewhat similar to an open parachute when closed. mitral valve prolapse occurs when this parachute like closing begins to bulge into the left atrium. While this in itself is not dangerous, it can and most often does lead to mitral valve regurgitation. This condition is when blood that is to be pumped from the left ventricle out into the body is forced backwards through a partially open mitral valve into the left atrium.

Also see: heart valve replacement

If this condition that initially started as mitral valve prolapse and turned into mitral valve regurgitation becomes severe, a multitude of problems can occur. If the regurgitation is great enough, there will be an increased amount of blood in the left atrium that can extend into the lungs. Besides, the left ventricle is under pressure to function forcefully, which leads to its enlargement and subsequently leads to heart failure. As with most medical events, prevention or at least early detection is the key.

The cause of this dysfunction is due to physical changes in the valve itself like thickening or a distorted shape. But, what leads to this condition is not known and may be hereditary too.. While diagnosis is important, the difficult part is that many people do not experience symptoms related to mitral valve prolapse. In most cases, it will be detected when a regular physical exam is done in a physician’s office. He or she will note a ‘murmur’ when listening to your heart that may alert him or her to a problem. In case it is so, an echocardiogram would be prescribed to ascertain the suspicions. With the confirmation of a mitral valve prolapse, treatment may only be scheduled follow-ups to check the progress or lack of in the prolapse.

Cold or heat treatments can be used to decrease the pain and increase muscle flexibility when you have rheumatoid arthritis. Cold or heat treatments can be combined with any of the exercises prescribed by your physical therapist.

• Use it after exercise
• It may help decrease swelling
• May help reduce overall inflammation
• It improves motion
• Will decreases joint ache

You can purchase gel packs that can be kept either cold in your freezer or heated in a normal microwave.

Change Your Lifestyle

• Avoid all impact-loading activities such as jumping, running, etc
• Reduce any climbing activities such as stairs, climbs, etc
• Avoid all activity that causes you any prolonged discomfort
• Practice good posture by standing up straight, and pushing your head back
• Avoid stooping when upright

How do I Remain Consistent When Doing Exercise?

• Stay in the habit of doing exercises every day
• Vary your exercise routine so you do not get bored, and rotate your exercises
• Seek help from a health professional, such as a physio therapist, to help you in setting up an exercise program for you
• Find an exercise friend, or use an exercise DVD

Weight Control and Diet

• Eat at set times, do not nibble all day
• Take multi-vitamin supplements, calcium and Omega-3
• Eat fruit and vegetables daily
• If you are overweight, you will make your rheumatoid arthritis worse

Help Control Pain with Pharmacy Medications

Simple tasks may be hard to do when your joints hurt. Some self-help devices shown below may aid minimize pain, stress, discomfort and may help you in accomplishing some of your daily tasks.

• Stomach supports to lessen stress on your back
• Sock and shoe sliders to aid with getting dressed
• Orthotics to help you improve foot alignment
• Jar openers are very handy
• Large grips for pens, or use those made of rubber, garden tools and any other hand-held objects

Use Medication

A large part of the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is medication. Many medications and drugs are used for treating rheumatoid arthritis, and they fall into a number of classes and categories.

• Topical medications such as cream, balms, gels, ointments, lotions
• DMARDs which are Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs
• Other drugs include treatments used for gout, fibromyalgia, and osteoporosis
• COX-2 Inhibitors
• Corticosteroids. Beware long term use will cause other problems such as Osteoporosis
• BRMs which are Biologic Response Modifiers
• Pain medications referred to as Analgesics
• NSAIDs known as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Arthritis can range from an annoyance to chronic. If you require further advice please visit our Arthritis Forum

Shin Splints: How They Originate

There are many symptoms caused by shin splints such as pain running through the front or sides of the calf and shin areas. The pain can be sharp and extreme, especially when applying pressure on the affected leg. There can also be swelling in the area that can produce tightness as well as make puffiness visible in the muscles. No matter what type of sport, from running to football any athlete can be affected by these conditions. Shin splints treatment should be sought immediately so that proper physical therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs can be started. Shin pain treatment guidelines followed by sports therapists includes rest, elevation, and icing of the injured area for one to two days. Ongoing physical therapy and strengthening exercises include lower leg weight bearing moves and stretching of the Achilles tendon and the muscles in the front of the shin.

How Sports Can Cause Knee and Ankle Twist Injuries

Another type of injury that is seen in impact sports is twisting of the ankle and knee. This is caused by either a forceful injury, which cannot be prevented, or from weak muscles of the lower leg, knee, and ankle. Strengthening weak muscles can be accomplished through weight lifting or movements recommended by a sports therapist that target the muscular areas that support the knees and ankles. Weak muscles lead to tendons and ligaments that cannot hold the bones and muscles together tightly so that simple movements or shifts in position can cause twisting injuries. Another helpful measure for stopping these types of injuries are to be sure the feet have proper foot arch support. This can be accomplished with the use of orthotic shoe inserts made especially for athletic activities. The doctors at the Cleveland Clinic also advise taping the arch for extra arch support during games.

Tearing Injuries: Why They Occur in the Lower Leg

Tearing of the tendons and ligaments are also common types of sports injuries. This is most commonly found in the Achilles tendon and anterior cruciate ligament. An Achilles injury is usually due to poor flexibility in the heel tendon due to poor stretching form. This is an important step in the warm-up process that should never be skipped. Mild stretches without much force are suggested for anyone about to exercise. Experts in kinesiology advise a half-minute stretch followed by a short rest and then a repeat stretch. ACL (Anterior cruciate ligaments) are located in the knee and help hold the knee structure together. Injuries to this region can be prevented by strengthening the knee and lower leg through leg curls and leg extensions. Orthotics can help avert both of these styles of injuries by supplying proper arch support, ideal cushion, and proper foot form.

What Are The Symptoms Of Psoriasis?

Genetics has been put down as the main carrier of psoriasis, passed down from generation to generation. However the way that it runs through generations is unknown at this point, and so there is no way at all of telling whether you will get it, even if someone in your family definitely had it.

More About Psoriasis and Eczema in Children

The symptoms of psoriasis in children are similar to those in adults, red patches over the skin and flaky skin that sheds. The more likely you are to notice this regardless of whether it is psoriasis in children or adults, will depend on the severity of the case itself, and so often times you will not even notice psoriasis in children, even if they are your own.

The symptoms of psoriasis and eczema can be similar to other skin diseases so if you notice anything on your child’s body, take them to the doctor for a definitive diagnosis and so that they can receive the proper treatment.

If you need to reassure yourself that you can help your child live with the disease, ask your doctor any and all of the questions you can think of. Do not worry excessively if your child is diagnosed with psoriasis or eczema as there are thousands of treatments available for you and your child to try.

Psoriasis and eczema can be a blight on your life, causing you itching and pain as well as sometimes unsightly patches of red and flaky skin, but more often than not the symptoms are minimal and your child’s life will be unaffected by the diagnosis.

Athletes are another group who are often affected by foot problems. Factors such as overpronation, flat feet, and protection can all be reasons for pain in the feet, ankles, knees, and lower back. Genetics can contribute to foot-related issues because they dictate how a person’s feet are formed. This can increase the risk of developing painful foot conditions such as bunions, heel spurs, and plantar fasciits.

Foot Biomechanics: How the Foot Works

Low arches can cause an inward rolling of the feet which can make activities painful. The foot handles bearing the weight of the body and providing balance and stability. The portions of the foot that provide this balanced relationship with the body are the heel, arch, tarsals and metatarsals. The arch offers stability by the following structures: the tendons, ligaments, and muscles. This delicate balance can be interrupted by raised arches or abnormally-low arches, which can cause the foot to rotate strangely. With high arches, the mass of the body is strangely emphasized on the outside ridge of the foot (oversupination). However, overpronation occurs with flat feet because the inside of the foot takes the brunt of the body’s weight, forcing the feet to roll toward the inside .

Serious Foot Issues Occur with Flat Feet
A quick way to see if flat feet or high arches are a problem is to go outside and stand on an area where a foot impression can be made, such as on cement. Sink one of the feet in cool water and then step onto a dry surface. Then, remove the foot off the ground and see the impression that remains. A foot with over-pronation will leave a full foot imprint where all of the skin of the foot has made contact with the ground. A high arch will leave just a portion of the ball of the foot’s, outside portion, and the foot’s heel. Either of these arch conditions can cause painful spurs of bone in the heel or plantar fascitis treatment because the foot takes too much pressure where it isn’t supposed to.

Orthotics Provide Effective Relief for Plantar Fascitis Treatment

Persons with pain caused by flat feet, heel spurs, or who need flat feet treatment can experience the pain eliminated with the use of orthotic insoles. They give the needed support to remedy the areas in the arch that have been weakened. They also give cushioning in areas where too much there is excess pressure on the foot in the heel and ball areas. Orthotics are available in several sizes and styles and are constructed to meet the needs of athletes, high-heel wearers, and everyone in between.

More Information

• Choosing the Right Plantar Fasciitis Orthotics | General: All … – Plantar fasciitis or inflammation of the plantar fascia happens when the plantar fascia suffers very small tears at its insertion into the heel bone, or along its length. With poor biomechanics, excessive use or the presence of other …
• Running Podiatrists’ First Aid Kit: Common Running Pains & Injuries – Plantar fasciitis (arch pain) — Arch pain is often caused by frequent stress on the plantar aspect, or bottom of the foot. When the plantar fascia, a supportive, fibrous band of tissue running from the heel to the ball of the foot, …

Human bodies are truly astounding; they consist of the perfect combination of fluids, hormones, muscles, and bone tissue. Unique cushioning is provided in our joints and at crucial areas in any place on the body that bears weight. Nevertheless, when this delicate balance is interrupted by injury or certain conditions, excruciating pain can be the result. Heel spurs and plantar fascitis are a couple of conditions of the feet that can impair immobility in people.

The Reasons You May Have Heel Spurs or Plantar Fasciitis

A heel spur is a pointed portion of bone that tends to grow out of the heel bone (calcaneus). They can be located either on the underside or on the back of the heel. When a heel spur is present, it can cause swelling and ripping of the softer foot tissues, which is aggravated with simple movements or standing on the afflicted foot. When the bony growth is located behind the heel, it can aggravate the Achilles tendon and cause pain and swelling in that region. As cited on MedicineNet’s site, pressure on the ball of the foot makes this certain condition worse. Alternatively, when the bony growth is in the area of the bottom of the heel, it bothers the plantar fascia ligament, thus causing a condition called plantar fasciitis. MedicineNet describes this ailment as being made worse when applying pressure on the heel.

The Reasons You May Have Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis

Nevertheless, the majority of cases are because of repetitive motion and excessive stretching of the plantar fascia ligament caused by sports or athletic activity, and can also develop as the result of heavy lifting. Plantar-Fasciitis.org reports that arthritis or diabetes can make it more likely for someone to develop either of these problems. They also mention that ill-fitting footwear can also be to blame.

How to Treat Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis

The goals in treatment of these conditions are to decrease the swelling of the soft tissues and ligaments as well as stop re-injury. According to foot specialist Dr. William Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR, this can be achieved in several ways:

• Properly-cushioned shoes
• Using circular shoe inserts for the heel
• Use of anti-inflammatory medications
• Last resort is an operation to remove the heel spur to allow for tissue and tendon healing
• Use of the best arch supports available to realign the foot and take pressure off of the affected areas
• Regular applications of ice on the affected places