Neurology Medicine

Archive for the ‘About Neurology’ Category

Original ideas, archaic symbolism and abstract images break into our minds when we determined cerebral rhythm.

For many decades, the rhythms of the brain waves are classified taking into account the amplitude and frequency, although that has not changed, has expanded the meaning of the function that each rate is attributed scientifically. Theta Rhythm, one of the slowest brain rhythms, is currently associate-studies-a evidenced by periods of high creativity .
Brain rhythms and associated functions

Beta Rhythm (high alert, awake, action, problem solving, decision making)
Alpha Rhythm (relaxation, creativity, consciousness, meditation is not deep)
Theta Rhythm (still awake but very calm and high receptivity to perceptions)
Delta Rhythm (hypnosis, deep sleep, deep meditation)
RAM-HIGH rhythm (stress and confusion) at very high speed and high voltage

Of all the rhythms (frequency of brain waves), as is clear from the above list, the Beta rhythm is associated with wakefulness and alertness, as it descends the frequency (highest to lowest: Delta Beta) The brain goes into sleepy states increasingly being Theta rhythm in which the pace, while the individual remains awake even in the deeply relaxed state of mind is open to perceptions and emotions of all kinds, and in harmony with the surrounding universe. There is no tension or need any action.

The combination of wakefulness (awake) and maximum relaxation that promotes diverse images, ideas and symbolism break through into the conscious without barriers (logic, organization, action, consistency) that the rate imposed Beta alert. The slower pace, with the exception of Delta, would be associated to a state of relaxed awareness without losing contact with the outside. Theta rhythm associated with some degree of calm and alert you can receive messages or images that then become part of a creative process, and then to the brain alert, running in Beta in order to organize and shape what is perceived.

Properties and characteristics of some naturally occurring nootropics in animals and plants to improve brain performance.

Although at first were called ” smart drugs “, the pretentiousness of this term has shifted in favor of a more technical or scientific boom” nootropics “. Within the nootropics are grouped all those substances which, in various ways, increase or improve the functions and capabilities of our brain.

These capabilities include concentration, alertness, capacity planning or solving logical problems, memory and energy available to brain processes. Many may have an effect anti-oxidant and serve to reduce the presence of free radicals in our bodies, others may maintain (or create) new neural connections. The conservation status and number of these connections are what determine the capabilities of our brain to work.

Nowadays the use of pharmaceutically prepared drugs, prescription or not, as nootropic supplements is widespread. Also used as treatments for Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s , these products can be used separately or through preparations that enhance its effects.

But the medicine or the puzzles are not the only way to keep your brain alert and active, so that the same nootropics can be found naturally in many consumer products.
Reinforcing properties of tea

We can use the infusion of various types of tea to improve our brain power. Tea contains, besides his numerous minerals and salts, two key compounds, theophylline and theanine.

Theophylline is an alkaloid that helps the dilation of peripheral vessels (greater than brain stem), bronchodilation (useful for respiratory problems) and stimulates the cortical region of the brain.

Theanine is an amino acid that increases levels of serotonin and dopamine, reducing anxiety, lowering stress and promoting the production of alpha waves in the brain (greater alertness).

Additionally, the tea can sweeten with inositol , a B vitamin that reduces the effects of anxiety and that our body can produce with the intake of certain vegetables and cereals.

When we listen to music on our brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure.

There are certain melodies and songs that we hear when we produce tachycardia, joy and even put us goosebumps. These changes in our body due to the release of dopamine, a molecule involved in the so-called reward systems. It is a neurotransmitter that reinforces behaviors that are essential to the survival of the species (food, sex), in order to be repeated. So why does the music causes the release of dopamine if the music does not influence the evolution of the species? Probably because it produces a feeling of being r, it is also necessary for subsistence.
The more pleasure dopamine

The volume of secretion of dopamine is not always the same, depends on several factors including the intensity of emotion and pleasure. Obviously, not all the songs and all the music causes a similar release of dopamine. Several studies, including those carried out by the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital-Neuro-at McGill University have revealed, through sophisticated imaging techniques (positron emission tomography and functional magnetic resonance imaging) that the release of Dopamine is more enjoyable than listening to music when listening to music when neutral. Moreover, just as with food or sex, there is a phenomenon of anticipation.

Although the brain only weighs 2% of body mass, consumes over 20% of oxygen and nutrients that we take during the day.

Inside the brain are concentrated about 10,000 billion neurons , and memory, among other powers of the brain, which works because these neurons are connected by tiny electrical impulses.

It seems that at age 27 is when the brain begins to deteriorate. Thus, scientists have demonstrated the University of Virginia in the United States. It is believed that the increased alertness of humans enjoy over 22 years of age and about 5 years later is when the brain begins to lose skills, the thoughts are slower, costs more to reason and remember worse. That does not mean we are going to suffer dementia or something, but we do need to start taking care of our

he ongoing fear of growing old before their time

According to studies, remember the 5% of what we hear, 20% of what we see and 90% of what we do. Not currently be more awkward than before, but we live in a world too machining in which almost everything we wrote. So when something is strictly dependent on our memory is easy to fall into oblivion. Back when the machines were limited to a few companies, almost all had to memorize it. And even more so in small towns. Maybe that’s why people in a small population, there are hundreds of seniors who are able to converse with amazing agility and brilliance that many young people want for themselves.
The brain is almost like an internet network

Recent scientific advances have discovered that the brain is constantly processing and which is developed over the years a network as if it were computer connections. At birth, a minimum of connections which are increasing and becoming more complicated as a birthday. The brain is moving from the simple to the complex, with one caveat, if you do not care, nurture and maintain each of these connections our mind goes numb. Hence we have to keep it active, because the more work the younger minds will continue.

Encode and store to recover after

Apparently, the act of remembering something does not cost us any work, at least at the stage of youth. But until we put in words what is remembered, the brain sets in motion an elaborate protocol: Identifies the petition seeks the answer in the right place, connects this response with other data if needed and remembers what verbalized.

This circuit acts mechanically and apparently unintentionally, may be altered by many circumstances, one being age.

Keep in mind that some cognitive impairment of the mind is inevitable with the passage of time. But if genetics with us and take care of our brains, as we do with other parts of our body, we can enjoy a young and agile mind for a long time.

The consequences vary from one person to another and are associated with whether the condition was diagnosed earlier or later in the life of that individual.

In the case of persons (children and / or youth) of school age, a common result is poor academic performance. Due to the short attention span, level of uptake is lower. Sometimes teachers are not prepared to handle such situations grade students lazy, lazy or unwilling to learn, when the reality is another. With this behavior, all they do these teachers is negatively condition the students who suffer from this condition.

In the psychological realm many children who have LD have difficulties in the development of his personality. As poorly qualified, have problems with self-esteem, feelings of invalidity (“no good”) and frustration (which can lead to depression).

In the social area, many of those with LD have difficulties in social integration due to the lack of understanding of those around them. That means trouble getting along with others, which leads to isolation, disciplinary problems, feel and cause social rejection and discrimination often made simply because the adults with whom they interact not understand or are unwilling to understand what happens in the lives of those who react that way.
What cope with ADHD?

If you suspect a child, youth and adult attention deficit suffered in the appropriate field is required a primary diagnosis to determine if you meet some of the features associated with this condition.

In establishing the possibility of the presence of DA must refer to a specialist. This case is a clinical psychologist who apply the respective tests to determine whether the person needs therapy or medication, in this case should be referred to a physician specializing in neurology or psychiatrist, so they can determine what type of drugs are needed to the patient’s treatment. It is important to understand that the DA is not always caused by neurological problems.

In many cases, a combination of medical treatment with psychotherapy, especially in cases where the consequences of the deficit may have caused psychological problems.

Conclusion

It is not easy living with AD, however, is a condition with which to live. However, it is necessary not only be aware of the disease but to receive adequate and competent professional help.

A condition that many children, youth and adults have, and often not well diagnosed or understood.

Sometimes, not adequately disclose this condition for some people, are often discriminated against or misunderstood, not only by family members, but also in education and employment centers.
What is ADHD?

The attention deficit (AD), also known as attention deficit disorder (SDA) is a condition that causes alterations in attention span and concentration.

It manifests itself in children and adults , regardless of gender. Not related to cognitive abilities because most people with this condition have normal intelligence.

In some cases it is associated with hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors. However, it occurs in all cases. However, a person with LD have more often this type of behavior than other individuals of the same age.

The psychologist Arbieto Kenny Torres notes that “from the neurological point of view, it is assumed that attention deficit disorder is a brain function in children, adolescents and adults, characterized by the presence of persistent behavioral and cognitive symptoms such as attention deficit , hyperactivity and impulsivity. “

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

The American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic Manual of Mental and Behavioural Disorders (DSM-IV) in the edition of 1995 says that people with AD are characterized by:

Do not pay attention to the details, so that tasks can produce errors in school and / or work.
Have difficulty sustaining attention in tasks (work or school) and recreational activities.
Show absent and giving the impression of not listening when spoken to directly.
Have difficulty following directions and completing tasks and duties (both school and work).
Show difficulty organizing tasks and activities, both personally and in groups.
Avoid activities that require constant mental effort.
Losing important items or materials to perform assigned tasks or activities.
Constantly susceptible to being distracted by irrelevant environmental stimuli.
Show careless conduct daily activities.

Sometimes tends to be more important in ADHD children, relegating to a secondary level to adults who suffer.

While studying the problem of attention deficit in children since the early twentieth century, only in the 1970s began to be diagnosed adults with the same condition, albeit with slightly different etiologies.
Statistics

According to Dr. Jorge Gonzalez , Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Catholic University of Chile:

The ADHD affects approximately 8% of children and 5% of adults.
It causes problems in adulthood 60% of those who suffered in childhood.
There is a genetic relationship occurring in 50% in first grade and 92% among monozygotic twins.
80% of adults have diagnosed mood disorders, anxiety, substance abuse, personality disorders, antisocial behavior and learning disorders .
The risk of substance abuse decreased by 25% in patients treated with drugs.
Adults with ADHD have more difficulty in school, relationships and work, which is independent of their intellectual abilities.

Symptoms of attention deficit disorder in adults

Some forms of walking are typical of certain neurological diseases. It is important to identify for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Walking is something you do so subconsciously . Do not think the order of the movements, or what part of the foot should be supported, or when moving an arm or the other. It’s a very complicated task, involving the whole body and almost all of the same systems.

It is therefore easy to understand the influence on the way to travel, have lots of neurological diseases.

So, identify the place , gives information about both the diagnosis and treatment planning on to do.
Types or pathological gait patterns

Antalgic gait, as its name suggests, due to pain that occurs during operation. The patient limps, to try not to carry the load. Also, range of motion is lost, at least at this stage of the step.
M. Vertigo: there is a tendency to drift, usually to the same side, during the march. The patient may fall. Also accompanied by rapid symptoms typical (nausea, vomiting, nystagmus, etc.)..
M. Sensory ataxia: caused by loss of proprioception. It results in a clumsy and irregular motion. The feeling of instability causes an increase in the base of support and the leg movements are jerky.
M. ataxia : Cerebellar by pathology. It is an uncoordinated and irregular motion, where there is also a base of support increased. It also shows that the turns are more difficult and can not walk straight.
M. in “steppage” occurs when there is a level distal paralysis of the legs, foot drop (paralysis of the muscles of the foot dorsiflexors). To avoid tripping over the foot flexes both hip and knee more. The steps are short but regular.
M. waddling, or wiggly: during the step, the hip does not support deficit stabilizes the gluteal muscles. What causes excessive swing in the hips and trunk inclination to that side.
M. paraparética (spastic): when there is an injury to the bilateral cortical pathway. Characterized by slow steps, short, with stiffness and leg extension. May even tend to cross your legs.
M. hemiplegic, when the lesion is unilateral corticospinal. Only one leg remains stiff in extension and forward, side needs to make a circular motion.
M. Propulsive: the trunk forward, advance with the body’s center of gravity. This makes up gradually accelerate, but could fall. Moreover, as aggravating risk, the steps are short, drag your feet and legs are stiff. Typical of Parkinson’s disease .
M. choreic: there are involuntary, choreic movements, which make progress is uneven, both in amplitude, placement, career. They may also appear this kind of movement in the trunk and upper limbs.
M. dystonic, although at first the march may be normal, after the first steps is transformed. Appears anomalous position of both feet, and the entire leg and even the trunk and arms.
M. apráxica : it has features that may be of other types of motion: hesitation, trouble starting, short steps, shuffling, money problems, etc..

There are more types, but perhaps these are the most frequent.

Different types of motion, require different approaches. Not only doctors but also at physical therapy, orthopedic and occupational therapy. As always looking for individualized treatment and maximum independence for the user.

Muscular dystrophy is a group of hereditary muscle diseases that weaken the muscles, which are also known for its plural “Muscular Dystrophy”.
Symptoms of muscular dystrophy

• Progressive muscle loss
• Poor balance gravitational
• Sagging eyelids
• Atrophy gonadal
• Loss of bowel control
• Scoliosis
• Inability to walk
• Frequent falls
• Duck Walk
• Limited range of motion
• Shortness of breath
• Contractures in joints

Importantly, few if any of these symptoms may be present at time of diagnosis. And also that some types of muscular dystrophy can affect the heart, causing cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias .

Causes of Muscular Dystrophy

These conditions are inherited. For example, the primary cause of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Becker is the inability to successfully create the protein dystrophin.
Dystrophin links the actin cytoskeleton and sarcolemma proteoglycan and mechanical stabilization level the calcium level.

Diagnosis of muscular dystrophy

The diagnosis of muscular dystrophy is based on muscle biopsy results. In some cases, a DNA test may be all that is needed.
A physical examination and medical history will help the doctor determine the type of muscular dystrophy. Specific muscle groups are affected by different types of muscular dystrophy.

Treatment of Duchenne muscular

There is no cure or specific treatment for either form of muscular dystrophy known for muscular dystrophy, despite significant progress being made.
Inactivity (such as bed rest and even sitting for long periods) can worsen the disease . Physical therapy, occupational therapy, orthopedic surgery, speech therapy and orthopedic instruments (wheelchairs, etc) are useful.

Prognosis of Muscular Dystrophy

The prognosis for people with muscular dystrophy varies depending on the type and progression of the disease. Some cases may be mild and progress so slowly that it can be normal life, while others produce severe muscle weakness, functional disability and loss of walking ability in a short time.
Death usually occurs from respiratory arrest due to the failure of the respiratory muscles.

Types of muscular dystrophy

• Becker muscular dystrophy
• Congenital muscular dystrophy
• Duchenne muscular dystrophy
• distal muscular dystrophy
• Muscular Dystrophy Emery-Dreifuss
• Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy
• Duchenne muscular waist and legs
• Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy
• oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy

Spend time surfing the internet is normal among teenagers, but a new study suggests that doing many or few hours would be associated with depression. The findings, published in the journal Pediatrics, internet do not hold, since study participants who did not use the Internet also had risk of developing depressive symptoms.

The authors argue that both overuse, as the non-use of the website would serve as a warning sign that a teen is having difficulty. The team of Pierre-Andre Michaud, University of Lausanne, Switzerland, interviewed 7,200 people between 16 and 20 years on the use of internet.

Those who spent more than two hours per day “online” users were considered “excessive” and those who were connected a few times a week and two hours per day users were considered “regular.” Teenagers also answered several questions related to health and the “downward trend” to measure how often a person feels sad or hopeless. Users “excessive” or “non-users” of the internet were more likely to be depressed or very depressed that users ‘regular’.

Among men, users “excessive” and “non-users” were a third more likely that users ‘regular’ to get a record high on the scale to measure depression, while among women, the users ‘excessive’ 86 percent were more likely to develop depression than users ‘regular’.

In the group of “non-users” that can reach 46 percent.

Still, the average records of depression in the “non-users,” users “excessive” and the “regulars” were placed at the bottom on a scale of 1 to 4 (between 1 and 2, 1 means “no depression” ). The team did not answer how many participants in each group had depression. Another study from Switzerland published in 2010 had estimated a rate of pediatric depression of 1.4 percent.

Is unknown, the team, why not overuse and Internet use were associated with an increased risk of developing depression. One hypothesis is that, as teenagers connect with friends, those who never use the Internet would be more socially isolated.

As for the excessive use of the network, previous studies have found an association with depressive symptoms, but for reasons still unknown. A study of adolescents in Taiwan had shown that depressive symptoms precede excessive Internet use.

In this study raised other concerns associated with the health of users “excessive” Internet: 18 percent of men were overweight, compared with 12 percent of user group “regular” and 59 percent of women slept little, unlike 35 percent of user group “regular.”

As with depression, it is unclear what causes these results.

As for the loss of sleep, the team claimed that some teenagers replaced by long time off online. And on the overweight men, it is unknown whether sedentary time in front of the screen enhances the increase in weight or overweight teens tend to spend more time on the computer.

The important thing, according to the researchers, is that excessive hours both online and non-use (or few hours) internet may indicate a teen is in trouble. On the other hand, use “regular” internet (up to 2 hours per day in the studio) would be a teenage behavior “normal”.

Even so, the team explained that the study was conducted in 2002, before the emergence of popular social networks Facebook and Twitter. Now, many teens spend more time online and the definition of an exhibition “regular” may vary.