Posts Tagged ‘Ailments’

Migraine, Brain Tumor and Seizure: a Differential Diagnosis

malo asked:




The television series, House is widely enjoyed by millions of viewers all over the world. The concept of the show revolves around a brilliant diagnostician and his team of doctors who try to determine the illness of their patients to be able to provide the appropriate treatment. The method they utilize to uncover the mysteries of the patient’s condition is called differential diagnosis. In the field of medicine and health, conducting a differential diagnosis is very necessary since several illnesses may display similar symptoms. A differential diagnosis is therefore done by observing the various symptoms manifested by a patient; doing different types of medical examinations; and by interviewing the patient or his family regarding personal, medical and social histories. The main goal, therefore, of having a differential diagnosis is to avoid medical malpractice and to provide quality treatments for patients.

As mentioned earlier, several medical problems or illnesses may show similar symptoms or manifestations. This makes it more difficult for people and even physicians to identify treatment that should be provided. Such can be the case in conditions such as migraines, brain tumors, and seizure disorders. Among persons who suffer from migraine, it is of great importance to be knowledgeable of the causes and symptoms of this particular condition in relation to other illnesses such as brain tumors and seizure disorders that exhibit similar symptoms. Knowing the differences among the said medical conditions will help people to better understand and appreciate migraine remedies.

The main similarity between migraines, brain tumors and seizures is that all of these conditions affect the neurological system. These conditions should be given proper attention since these ailments affect the brain. Common manifestations or symptoms of migraines, brain tumors and seizures include: headache, aura, nausea, vomiting, problems with vision, weakness, changes in mood or behavior and negative reactions towards certain sensations (sight, hearing, smell, movement). Migraine headaches may, therefore, also be a result of abnormal electro-physiologic synchronization which occurs in seizures or maybe because of a damage in a particular tissue in the brain due to tumors. To identify the root of the problem is to determine the possible causes.

A situation similar to this is when a child manifests a difficulty in repeating words which can be a result of either difficulty in hearing, difficulty in moving the parts involved in talking or difficulty in understanding or processing the instruction which is to repeat the words.

Migraine is said to be caused by a possible disorder in the serotonergic control system. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the brain which regulates emotions such as anger and aggression, mood, appetite, sexuality and vomiting. Another cause of migraines can be attributed to the exposure to or withdrawal of certain “triggers” which can be environmental, chemical, hormonal or behavioral.

On the other hand, seizures are caused by abnormal electric activity in a group of brain cells. Causes of brain tumors are still undetermined. However, some studies show that a higher predominance of this condition is observed among those whose work include making contact with or exposure to high-chemical content substances. Just by observation, the differences among the three conditions cannot be easily determined. This is the reason why medical tests or evaluations are needed to be further done in the hope of acquiring more evidences that would lead or point to a certain condition. Among the tests that can be done are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT scan and electroencephalography (EEG). Conducting MRI and CT scan will show any abnormal cell growth within the brain while EEG recordings will determine unusual electrical activity in the brain. Any anomalies observed among the tests mentioned can rule out that the headaches due to migraine alone. However, when results of those tests indicate normal activity or conditions, conclusions still cannot be made. Further observation of the symptoms manifested needs to be done.

Though a lot of symptoms among migraines, brain tumors and seizures are similar, there are also certain differences which can be a main lead during differential diagnosis. Experiences of seeing auras usually occur only among those who have migraines and seizures. People with brain tumors do not usually have this. Existence of aura, therefore, can possibly rule out having brain tumors. Also, unlike symptoms of migraines and seizures which are episodic, symptoms of brain tumors happen more consistently. Symptoms of migraine such as headaches or feeling of nausea usually last from three hours to several days while those of seizures are usually of shorter duration only. Thus, suspicion of possible migraine condition can be more strongly supported when the symptoms remain for a long time.

Differential diagnosis, however, though recommended to be understood and applied by common people, are more valid when done by certain professionals such as doctors. Upon arriving to a certain conclusion, they are also the ones who can effectively prescribe the appropriate medication, remedy or management for the condition. In some instances, there is an overlap between the medications of seizures and migraine remedies. Among these are depakene, depakote topiramate and topamax. However, certain treatment only react effectively to the corresponding illness that they are made for. Also, aside from having no curative effects at all on the condition, taking the wrong medication could even worsen the problem. Thus, a thorough investigation of the situation should really be done to conduct a highly evidence-supported differential diagnosis and, as a result, allow doctors to identify the appropriate treatment.



Buy Fioricet Online

The Transition of Naturopathic Medicine Into Mainstream Medicine

Erik Hambrick asked:




As the world of naturopathic medicine continues to grow, so does its usage among ailing Americans. According to a study done by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, as of December of 2008, about 38 percent of American reporting using some type of alternative medicine in the past twelve months. Why are people turning to naturopathic medicine as a means to get healthy and feel better? Here are a few possible explanations.

1. There are many people have not had previous success treating their ailments with a Western medicine doctor, also known as an allopathic doctor.

The many people who suffer from ailments like insomnia, allergies, chronic pain, and migraines sometimes find that allopathic doctors only mask the pain the experience with these problems. Prescription medications may only dull the pain, and a sufferer will find that although the pain may subside for a while, it will inevitably return. Naturopathic doctors want to help their patients by seeking the overall root of the problem, and look to promote overall health and well-being with the use of several remedies, including nutritional and herbal supplements, dietary and lifestyle changes, homeopathic remedies, and more. Naturopathic medicine believes in utilizing the entire body, as a whole, to treat an illness.

2. There is a growing concern for human health in regards to artificial substances that allopathic medicine uses in attempts to cure a patient.

With the extra chemicals and hormones that are being added to food, in conjunction with artificial substances found in prescription drugs, there are health studies that suggest this combination of substances in the human body can lead to negative health effects. Naturopathic doctors and naturopathic medicine use the entire body as the main source of healing instead of synthetic components. Many people who have already attempted to utilize allopathic medicine as a way to feel healthier want to utilize all of their options and seek naturopathic medicine as a way to improve health.

Where should a person go to seek naturopathic medicine treatment?

There are only seven schools that are accredited and recognized by the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges, Council on Naturopathic Medical Education and North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners. Of the seven colleges of naturopathic medicine, the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, located in Tempe, AZ, is renowned for its clinical training and advancement of naturopathic medicine. Recently, the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine purchased a 42,000 square foot building adjacent to the naturopathic college. This building will house a new naturopathic medicine clinic, which used to be located in Scottsdale. The campus and clinic will be unified within the next 16 months as they work to put the two next to each other. There will be a laboratory and a pharmacy within the clinic, and the students will continue to work with the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University to study a plant that could stop smallpox if the virus was used as a bioterrorist threat. Students will no longer have to travel between facilities as they study to obtain a Naturopathic Doctor degree. The Southwest College of Naturopathic continues to help students earn their degrees in naturopathic medicine by adding about 60-70 licensed naturopathic doctors to Arizona each year.



Butalbital Blog

Take Fioricet to Relieve Your Headache


Fioricet is a brand name of a drug made from a mixture of butalbital, acetaminophen, and Caffeine. I have found it useful in the treatment of headaches arising due to tensions and muscle contractions. You can also use it for the treatment of migraines and other pain connected ailments. However, note that Fioricet is not entirely labeled as a pain reliever.

I was only able to obtain the medication with a doctor’s prescription. If you often suffer from constant headaches, then talk to your doctor to find out if Fioricet is a good option in controlling and treating your recurring headaches. The recommended dosage that I was required to take as an adult is 1-2 tablets after every four hours and I was not to surpass six tablets in a day.

Acetaminophen is a well-recognized and accepted pain reliever that you can obtain over the counter. Acetaminophen is the active element in several of the pain relievers including Tylenol, as well as in cough and cold medications. Since Acetaminophen is available in many of the common drugs, you should be aware of the constituents of the medication to avoid overdosing.

Caffeine is also present in many of the over the counter drugs as well as in many foods and beverages such as tea, coffee and cola. Caffeine is used in Fioricet to enhance acetaminophens effectiveness. When you are under the Fioricet medication, avoid substances containing caffeine to avoid overdose and caffeine intoxication or nervousness.

Butalbital is a part of the barbiturate drugs class. It is sedative in nature and used in Fioricet to relax the muscles. I was able to relieve headaches associated with muscle tension as well. Barbiturate can be habitual; therefore, you should take care when using Fioricet to prevent dependency to the drug. Fioricet is only taken as prescribed by a Doctor and you should not exceed the indicated dosage. If you have a history of dependency to drugs you should not be prescribed Fioricet.

You may suffer certain side effects from the drug such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pains, nervousness, dizziness, tremors, nervousness, anxiety, and shortness of breath, lightheadedness or drowsiness. Several of these indications are because of overuse of the medication, dependency or withdrawal. You need to report to the Doctor immediately in case you display these symptoms. Severe side effects can be an indication of Fioricet overdose and can be fatal.

Therefore, if you think that you have overdosed Fioricet seek immediate medical help. It could necessitate that you come off Fioricet by slowly decreasing doses to prevent negative withdrawal side effects. This point should be discussed with your Doctor before you stop Fioricet using.

For more information, visit http://www.cheapusameds.com.



Buy Tamiflu

This page is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a medical doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner or other qualified health professional.