Stroke: Causes,Types, Diagnosis And Treatments

A cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or stroke is a serious medical condition that arises when blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or is completely cut off. Common signs of a stroke consist of severe headache, weakness, numbness, blurred vision, lightheadedness and indistinct speech, among others.

Stroke is a condition that can cause permanent disability or even death and must be treated urgently. The sooner the patient gets treatment, the less damage is likely to happen to their brain.

TYPES OF STROKE

Strokes are classified as

·         Ischemic stroke

·         Hemorrhagic stroke

·         Transient ischemic stroke (TIA)

Strokes are distinguished by what mechanism causes loss of blood supply.

Ischemic strokes

Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke. This is caused by an artery in the brain being narrowed or blocked, resulting in ischemia (inadequate blood flow) thus preventing blood supply from being distributed to brain cells.

The blockage of artery can be caused in different of ways. In a thrombic stroke, the artery supplying blood to part of the brain gets narrowed over time because of cholesterol deposition (called plaque). A clot is thus formed at the site of breakage of this plaque that prevents blood flow.

In an embolic stroke, a blockage takes place because of a clot that travels from another vessel. An embolus is a piece of blood clot or fatty plaque that travels down bloodstreams and causes an obstruction. Embolic clots usually come up from the heart vessels.

Hemorrhagic stroke

Hemorrhagic strokes are caused by bursting or leaking of arteries in the brain. The hemorrhaged blood pressurizes the brain cells and damages them. Blood vessels can rupture near the plane of the brain or even the middle of the brain, causing blood spillage in the space between the brain and skull. These ruptures can be caused by badly controlled blood pressure, congenital weakness or ballooning of artery (aneurysms), blood thinners or trauma. It can also be caused due to a medical condition called arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in which an artery and vein connect improperly.

Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

TIA is a form of stoke in which blood flow is disrupted temporarily for a short duration. They are also referred to as “mini-strokes”.  TIAs are similar to ischemic strokes such that they are caused by clotting. They can last for as long as 30 minutes to several hours at a stretch. TIAs should be taken just as seriously as the other two types of strokes. They serve as a warning that a major stroke can occur in near future.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A STROKE?

·         Sudden weakness

·         Numbness in the face, arm or leg on either side of the body

·         Dimmed vision or abrupt vision loss

·         Uncoordinated speech

·         Loss of sensation

·         Dizziness, sudden falls

·         Loss of balance

·         Nausea and vomiting

·         Severe headache

·         Temporary loss of consciousness

If these symptoms pass quickly, then it indicates TIA, which should be taken as a warning of a full stroke.

There seems to be an increased chance of stroke in people with migraine headaches. This is because the mechanism of a migraine includes narrowing of blood vessels. Some episodes of a migraine can mimic symptoms of a stroke.

Men are more at risk than women. Older people are more prone of having stroke, although it can happen to anyone regardless of age, including children. Smoking, obesity, lack of exercise and poor diet control resulting in high cholesterol levels, diabetes can lead to stroke.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

After a stroke, the first test is a CT scan which shows whether there is bleeding in the brain. This test also determines whether it is an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. An MRI can also be prescribed to some patients. Other tests recommended are an ECG to check for heart problems, followed by blood tests.

Treatment for a stroke depends on the type of stroke the patient suffered and which part of the brain was affected. Strokes are generally treated with medication which includes medicines for dissolving clotting, regulate blood pressure and cholesterol. In severe cases surgery is required to reduce swelling of brain and stop further blood spillage if it is a hemorrhagic stroke.

Aspirin is an immediate treatment to lower chances of another stroke. It prevents blood clots from forming. Some people might benefit from an intravenous injection of plasminogen activator. This restores blood flow by dissolving the clot.

Recovery from a stroke focuses on regaining strength and complete body functions. If the stroke affected the right side of a patient’s brain, then the entire left side of the body may be affected. If the stroke damages the cells of the left side of the brain then the right side of the body is affected. Brain damage on the left side also affects speech. Depending on the condition, a patient’s treatment plan may include a neurologist, a physical therapist and speech therapist.

Walking aids like a cane or a walker should be used to prevent falls.

IndianMedTrip Medical Tourism Consultants can help you find the right doctors for treatment of stroke and the therapies associated with it. You can trust IndianMedTrip to take care of all your needs associated with your trip to India for the treatment. These include scheduling appointments with doctors, Visa, accommodation and if the patient desires to visit some exotic destination to recuperate in the peaceful and tranquil environment then IndianMedTrip will make arrangements for that too. IndianMedTrip is your one-stop solution to take care of all your needs during your medical holiday to India.

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Undergo Chin Implant Surgery According To Your Face Type

What is chin implant surgery?

Chin augmentation with implants is also called as mentoplasty. This surgery reshapes or enhances the size of the chin. The surgery is performed to provide the patient with more defined chin profile and distinct jaw line. Undergoing chin implant surgery can dramatically improve a recessive chin and appearance of an especially rounded face.

Chin implant surgery is the excellent option for individual who feels that their chin is not shaped right in relation to the rest of the face. Chin implant surgery is amongst the most popular cosmetic surgeries. Chin enhancement can be accomplished by facial implants for chin enlargement or advancement or by chin reduction surgery for individual who want their jaw to be appearing less prominent. Chin enlargement through chin implant surgery brings the facial features into harmony and balances the overall facial structure.

Candidates for chin Implant surgery

Chin Implant surgery is an option for people who are suffering from the following:-

•        Recessed chin.

•        Pointed or squared chin.

•        Prominent nose.

Types of implants

Most chin implants are silicone, but some are made from polyethylene or other materials. Silicone implants are soft, firm texture that is ideal for facial rejuvenation. Chin implants come in different shapes. Following are the most common types of chin implants:-

Central chin implants: - In central chin implants the original chin implant shape provides different degrees of chin projection to a lesser extent which changes the jawline.

Anatomical chin implants: - These chin implants are the modern implants which are design to enhance both the chin and jawline of the patient. Anatomical chin implants also provide the patient simultaneously with chin augmentation as well as mild to moderate contouring of the front part of the jaw. In this implants, the two wings positioned at 45-degree angles allow the implant to blend around the front portion of the mandibular bone which provides with stability and smooth contours to the patient.

Extended anatomical chin implants: - This implant is an extended version of the anatomical chin implant. In this implants, the wings are extended in length so that they provide further enhancement of the jawline.  The implants taper along the lower mandibular ridge for the restoration of the mandibular buttress and to counter jowls. Specialized extended chin implants are also used to widen the jaw or to provide them with more angular or square definitions.

Mandibular implants: - These implants are used to augment the angle of the jaw and increase the width and jawline definition in the frontal view. Mandibular implants are often used with a combination of anatomical implants or extended chin implants. These combinations enable a complete re-contouring of the jaw.

Custom implants: - Custom implants are used in reconstructive cases. Prior to the procedure, the patients’ CT scans are used to develop customized three-dimensional implants that correct mandibular defects or asymmetries.

Many people find the results of their chin implant satisfy the concerns they had with the proportion of their facial features. Chin augmentation can significantly affect the contour and profile of a person’s face by balancing proportion with a person’s nose.

Procedure of chin implants surgery

The results of chin implant surgery are generally very predictable the surgery produces highly effective outcomes. The recovery time of the surgery is very less. While performing the surgery a silicone chin implant is inserted through a small incision made in the mouth and down onto the top of the chin. The implants are inserted through a small incision below the chin. If the patient needs a larger chin implant then the surgeon makes an incision under the chin.

Read Complete Chin Implant Surgery Procedure Here

Risks of chin implant surgery

Following are some of the most common complications of chin implant surgery:-

•        Movement of the implant.

•        Bruising.

•        Swelling.

•        Damage to the teeth while performing the surgery.

•        Loss of sensation.

Following are other rare complications of chin implant surgery:-

•        Blood clots.

•        Infection.

•        Pain.

•        Scarring.

•        Numbness or other changes in feeling to the skin.

•        Wounds that do not heal well

•        The fluid that collects under the skin.

•        The unevenness of the face.

•        Irregular skin shape.

After the procedure

Post-surgery the patient can feel some discomfort or soreness. The patient may feel numbness on the chin for up to 3 months and have a stretching sensation around the chin for at least 1 week. The swelling generally goes by 6 weeks which also depends on the procedure the patient has gone through. The patients are asked to stick to a liquid diet for at least 2-3 days.

Chin implant surgery in India

Cosmetic surgeries are performed worldwide. Chin implant surgery can be very expensive in western countries whereas, In India, cosmetic surgeries have a high success rate. Chin implant surgery is available in India at the most affordable costs. IndianMedTrip is one such medical tourism company in India that helps their patients to find the best cosmetic surgeons for Chin implant surgery in India. IndianMedTrip offers a wide range of facilities and services to their patients. IndianMedTrip has a large network of associated cosmetic surgeon in across the country. These associated cosmetic surgeons with IndianMedTrip are highly qualified and experts in their field. Consultants at IndianMedTrip offer affordable packages including accommodation, logistics, food, treatment cost and visits to exotic locations.

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Arthritis: the major cause of joint replacement surgery

Running, climbing, bending down to pick up something or typing on the computer is all movable because the cause of joints. All our bones are linked by joints. Knees and elbows connect the big parts whereas toes and fingers are connecting of the small parts. Your healthy joints can be damaged or infected if symptoms of arthritis strike. All this can affect the mobility of an individual completely.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. Arthritis can affect one or multiple joints at a time. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, with different causes and treatment methods. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common type of arthritis. Symptoms of arthritis usually develop over time but in many cases, it can also appear suddenly. Arthritis commonly occurs in adults over the age of 65, but it can also develop in children, teens, and younger adults.

Causes of arthritis

A cartilage is a firm and flexible connective tissue in the joints which protects the joints by absorbing the pressure. Reduction in the normal amount of cartilage tissues in the body cause some forms of arthritis. Normal wear and tear can also cause osteoarthritis. Infection and injury in the joints exacerbate this natural breakdown of cartilage tissue. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the tissues of the body which affect the synovium which is a soft tissue in the joints that produce fluids which nourish the cartilage and lubricates the joints.

Types of joints

Joints connect bones which enables the body to move freely and protect certain areas from moving about too much. If these bones were fused together it would enable a person’s mobility completely. Our body has many types of joints such as:-

·         Ball-and-socket joints.

·         Hinge joints.

·         Pivot joints.

·         Ellipsoidal joints.

Joint movement

Joints can also be categorized according to how they move. Following are some of the joint movements:-

·         Freely movable joints.

·         Partially movable joints.

·         Immovable joints.

Effect of arthritis on joints

Arthritis affected Joints

Arthritis causes inflammation in the joints. Cartilage is a type of body tissue which allows the joints to move and function freely. In case if the cartilage breaks down or gets inflame the joint do not function properly and causes pain. Osteoarthritis can cause the symptoms such as:-

·         Extreme pain.

·         Limited motion of the joints.

·         Loss of motion in the joints.

·         Swelling.

·         Redness.

·         Heat in the joints.

·         Damage to the joints.

When an individual is affected by arthritis it can cause stiffness, pain in the joints and affect their mobility. Treatment is necessary to restore the mobility of the joints. Arthritis medication can help manage the inflammation causing the joint problems while surgery is needed to replace or repair badly damaged joints.

Surgery for joint replacement

The entire procedure is performed under general anesthesia. This may take around few hours. During the surgery, the orthopedic surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and bone from the joint. The removed joint is replaced with prosthetic components which are made of metal, plastic, or ceramic material. The prosthesis impersonates the movement, shape and function of a natural joint. For example, while performing a hip dislocation surgery the upper end of the femur is replaced with a metal ball which is then attached to a metal stem. This material used in the surgery is fitted into the femur. The plastic socket is then implanted into the pelvis, replacing the damaged socket.

Joint replacement surgery in India

India is a growing destination for medical tourism. Orthopedic surgeries are very expensive as it is one of the most complicated surgeries. Undergoing orthopedic surgeries in western countries can be very expensive but these surgeries are available in India at quite affordable prices. A large number of orthopedic surgeons are available in India. These surgeons are highly skilled and experienced in their field which gives orthopedic surgeries a success rate of 90%-95%. Many patients from abroad come to India for orthopedic surgeries and avail the facilities at moderate prices.

Why choose IndianMedTrip?

IndianMedTrip is a fastest growing medical tourism company in India that helps in finding the best orthopedic surgeons for their patients in India. IndianMedTrip is a one-stop shop for people who are looking forward to combining their medical treatment with tourism in India. Consultants at IndianMedTrip offer best deals for orthopedic surgeries from the top healthcare facilities in India. Accommodation, visa assistance, logistics, food, pre/ post-operative care, physical therapy and visits to exotic location are all part of the packages provided by IndianMedTrip medical tourism company.

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Headaches: Causes and Triggers

WHAT IS A HEADACHE?

A headache is an unpleasant pain experienced in any part of the head. It is the most common type of pain and people generally treat themselves simply with pain relievers or by having a rest. Its pain can be felt in the temples, forehead, scalp or at the back of the neck. The pain originates from tissues surrounding the brain. This layer of tissue, muscles that encase the skull, sinuses, eyes, ears, surface of the brain, spinal cord, can get inflamed or irritated thus causing headaches. Most people describe it as a “dull ache” or “sharp throbs” felt on part of the head or scalp.

Headaches can range from mild to moderate pain and can occur on both sides of the head, lasting from 30 minutes to weeks at a stretch.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF HEADACHES?

Headaches are classified in three major categories based upon the origin of the pain as -

•                Primary headaches:

Includes tension headaches, migraine and cluster headaches

•   Secondary headaches:

Caused by other medical problems, trauma or substance abuse

•         Cranial neuralgias, facial pain and others

Primary headache can affect the quality of living of a person. Some people experience dull headaches occasionally that resolve quickly while some others experience exhausting pains. These aches are not fatal but the symptoms coupled with them can imitate a stroke.

The most common type of headache is said to be tension headache, which is mild or moderate pain and in some cases intense pain in the head, neck and behind the eyes and is caused by tight muscles in the shoulder, neck or jaw. There is little knowledge of the exact causes of tension headaches. They are usually felt as a band or across the forehead, lasting for several days. More often than not, tension headaches are related to stress, anxiety, depression, injury to the head or abnormal positioning of the head and neck. It starts at the back of the head and moves onwards to the front, and feels like squeezing.

SYMPTOMS OF TENSION HEADACHES:

•                           Pain originates in the upper neck or the back of the head
•                           Pressure felt at the temples or over the eyebrows
•                    Pain is bilateral i.e. it affects both sides of the head
•                  Pain is not associated with aura i.e. light or sound
•                    The pain is sporadic but can occur daily for some people

Migraine headaches are second most common type of headaches that fall under this type. Migraines can affect children and adults equally. Before puberty, boy and girls experience migraine in the same way but after puberty, more women than men experience these pains. These pains are intense and often are accompanied with various symptoms like nausea, seeing spots or flashing lights, sensitivity to light and sound, pain in the temples and even temporary vision loss.

Cluster headaches are a rare type of headaches most commonly affecting men in their 20s although women and children are likely to suffer from them too. It is a sharp and painful headache that shows up several times a day for months and then vanishes for a similar period. The pain lasts less than an hour and sometimes tends to occur at the same time every day.

SYMPTOMS OF CLUSTER HEADACHES:

           i.They begin quickly and without warning

         ii.The pain is deep and continuous

        iii.Pain may occur up to seven times a day but is of short durations

         iv. The pain begins around the eyes and the temples

          v. The pain is always one sided

    vi.These headaches are associated with redness of eyes and tear production, stuffy nose and sweating

Cluster headaches are more likely to be hereditary. Alcohol consumption can also cause this type of headache.

Secondary headaches are caused due to core problems in the neck and/or head. A broad spectrum of conditions can be the root cause of such headaches; ranging from infected teeth or sinus to life threatening conditions like bleeding in the brain or infections like encephalitis and meningitis. Treatment of such headaches means treatment of the cause.

Secondary headaches can be caused due to substance abuse, or due to its withdrawal. For example alcohol abuse causes throbbing headache the morning after. Dehydration also causes headache. Also lack of oxygen (or an excess of carbon mono oxide) in a poorly ventilated area may cause headache too.

Injury to the head may cause traumatic headaches which also fall into this category.

Neuralgia means nerve pain. Cranial neuralgia is the inflammation of one of the 12^th cranial nerve that controls the muscles and carries sensory signals to and from the head and neck. Trigeminal neuralgia is perhaps the most common of them, it affects the cranial nerve V (trigeminal nerve) which is the nerve that connects the face and causes severe facial pain when inflamed.

The pain consists of short throbs of electric shock-like sensations in the face – the area of the eyes, nose, lips, jaws, forehead or scalp and is triggered by touch. It is one sided and is often experienced by people of the age of 50 and above.

Sinus headaches cause pain in the front of the face and head. The pain is due to swelling of the sinus passage behind the cheeks, nose and eyes. The pain gets a little worse when the person bends forward or immediately after when they wake up in the morning. Some other types of headaches are caused by flu, fever or premenstrual.

A headache could also be a sign of something serious and these rare cases could be:

Bleeding in the area between the brain and the tissue that covers it (known as subarachnoid hemorrhage)

 High blood pressure

 Brain tumor

 Buildup of fluid inside the skull that results into brain swelling (hydrocephalus)

 Lack of oxygen during sleep (sleep apnea)

 Problems with the blood vessels such as arteriovenous malformation (AVM), aneurysm or stroke.

HOW CAN A HEADACHE BE DIAGNOSED?

A patient’s description of the headache and an examination by the doctor is sufficient to determine the type of headache. Some patients have more than one type of headache. Generally people don’t need an x-ray or an imaging test. A CT (or MRI) may be prescribed in certain circumstances if the symptoms are not self explanatory.

HOW CAN HEADACHES BE TREATED?

Some steps to be taken at home to manage headaches like migraines and tension headaches include -

For migraines

      Drink water to avoid dehydration

      Rest in a quiet and dark room

      Use relaxation techniques
      For tension headaches try pain killers but these should not be used too often.

Life style changes should be introduced to reduce occurrence of headaches. These can be:

•         Stop smoking
•        Reduce intake of alcohol
•         Decrease caffeine intake
•        A healthy sleep cycle
•        Dietary plan
•         Exercise

    Get Free Consultation & Best Treatment

    IndianMedTrip is one stop destination to get free consultation and affordable yet expert treatment on brain related problems including Trigeminal Neuralgia, Headaches, Brain Tumor, Parkinson's and much more. 

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International Women's Day 2016

A woman is an epitome of strength. International women's day has marked the plight and achievements of women for more than a century. Celebrating international women’s day is all about recognizing the achievements of women and appreciating their progress. But most importantly, it’s about highlighting how far despite everything we still have to go to rid of our society to entrench the inequality that is still present. Women play a major role in society, political and economic field. International women’s day is recognized to remember and appreciate women’s all over accomplishments.

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#InternationalWomensDay #WhatWomenWant #PledgeForParity

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Hyperthyroidism - An Overactive Thyroid

Overview

Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid.  The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck and releases hormones that control the metabolism, heart rate, breathing, weight, nervous system, the temperature of the boy, and various other functions in the body. When the thyroid gland is hyperthyroidism the body’s processes speed up and the patient can experience excessive sweating, rapid heartbeat, weight loss, hand tremor, nervousness, anxiety and sleep problems. In this condition, the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. Hyperthyroidism accelerates the patient’s body's metabolism significantly. Hyperthyroidism condition can cause sudden weight-loss in women, irregular or rapid heartbeat, sweating, and nervousness or irritability. Hyperthyroidism condition can be serious if ignored it, most people respond well once hyperthyroidism is diagnosed and treated.

Causes of Hyperthyroidism

There are various reasons that cause hyperthyroidism condition.

Graves' disease which is an autoimmune disorder is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. This disease causes antibodies to stimulate the thyroid so that they can secrete too many hormones. Graves’ disease mostly occurs in women. This disease tends to genetic. These are some other causes that can also lead to the condition of hyperthyroidism:-

•    Excess intake of iodine.

•    Inflammation of the thyroid.

•    Tumors in ovaries.

•    Benign tumors of the thyroid or pituitary gland.

•    Intake of Large amounts of tetraiodothyronine through dietary supplements or medication.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

·         Nervousness.

·         Low tolerance for heat.

·         Irregular heartbeat.

·         Inability to concentrate.

·         Inability to concentrate on anything.

·         Rapid heart rate.

·         Hand tremors.

·         Frequent bowel movements.

·         Increased appetite.

·         Elevated blood pressure.

·         Weight loss.

·         Irregular menstrual cycles in women.

·         Weakness.

·         Restlessness.

·         Difficulty in sleeping.

·         Dizziness.

·         Nausea and vomiting.

·         Itching.

·         Hair loss.

·         Shortness of breath.

·         Loss of consciousness.

Treatment for Hyperthyroidism

Medication: - Antithyroid medications such as propylthiouracil or methimazole are given to the patient to stop the thyroid from making hormones. Intake of medications can have several side effects on a patient such as white blood cell count. Medicines called beta-blockers are also prescribed to the patients to treat symptoms such as tremor, fast heart rate, anxiety and sweating until the hyperthyroidism is under control.

Radioactive Iodine: - Radioactive iodine is given to the patient to destroy the cells that produce hormones. Antithyroid medications and radioactive iodine are the common treatments to treat hyperthyroidism condition.

Surgery: - A surgery is performed to remove a part or the entire thyroid gland. Prior to the surgery, the surgeons advise the patients to intake a thyroid hormone supplements to prevent hypothyroidism which occurs when the patient has underactive thyroid that secretes too little hormone. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol helps in controlling the blood pressure, anxiety, rapid pulse and sweating. Most patients respond well to this treatment.

Hyperthyroidism treatment in India

The concept of medical tourism is growing in India. World-class medical treatments are available in India. Different treatment for hyperthyroidism is available in India at the most reasonable prices. IndianMedTrip Healthcare Consultants provides their patients with the best deals for hyperthyroidism treatment. IndianMedTrip is associated with the top most healthcare facilities in India. Wide ranges of services are offered by IndianMedTrip including food, accommodation, logistics and luxurious visits to exotic locations on request within the country.

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