Alzheimer's Disease And Epilepsy: Are They Co-related?

Patients with Alzheimer's disease may experience epileptic seizures, but until now, co-relation between epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease, has not been understood.

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
On average twenty percent with Alzheimer’s develop epilepsy. Some research suggests those who do are more likely to suffer serious memory impairments. Patients with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease are particularly susceptible to seizures. People with advanced dementia who experienced seizures typically experienced them at an average of nearly seven years into their Alzheimer’s disease.

Many people use the words “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s disease” interchangeably; however, they are not the same.  A patient can suffer from form of dementia that is completely unrelated to Alzheimer’s disease.

What is Epilepsy?
Epileptic seizures occur in patients with dementia at a higher level than among healthy elderly patients.  People with epilepsy have regular seizures followed by a brief period of involuntary shaking.

Some people fail to respond to anti epileptic drugs, but majority who undergo treatment achieve complete freedom from seizures, in five years period.

Dementia is associated with an ongoing decline of the brain and its abilities, causing problems with thinking, language, memory, understanding and judgement. There is no cure for dementia and symptoms get worse with time. Treatments help people to their quality of life.

Connection Between Alzheimer’s and Epilepsy
People with early-onset Alzheimer's have an increased risk of epileptic seizures. Both epilepsy and dementia are common conditions. In both cases, the early identification of epilepsy and dementia make big impact to effectively manage the problem. Around one third of Alzheimer's patients are thought to suffer some degree of epilepsy

Treating Alzheimer's and Epilepsy in India with TRAVCURE
Travcure medical is one of the finest medical facility providers in India. Travcure has extensive tie up some of the largest and reputed brands in the medical industry in India. Their wide spread network of hospitals that operate in major cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai offers a wide range of treatments at discounted rates compared to other medical facilitators.

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Pediatric Hip Dysplasia: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

What is Pediatric Hip Dysplasia?

A hip is a ball-and-socket joint. In normal hips, the ball at the upper end of the thighbone fits together in the socket properly. Developmental dysplasia is a condition in which the hip joint is not formed normally. In this condition, the ball is loose in the socket and can be very easy to dislocate. Pediatric hip dysplasia is the condition in the hips joints of the babies or children’s. Hip dysplasia is most often present at the time of the birth but can develop during the time. This condition can lead to weak joints, asymmetrical or the joints can easily be dislocated.

Pediatric Hip Dysplasia

Causes of Hip Dysplasia

The exact cause of hip dysplasia is still unknown but there are various factors such as genetic and environmental factors which can trigger this condition. This condition can occur in 0.4% of all childbirths. Following are some of the factors that can lead to pediatric hip dysplasia:-

• Insufficient intrauterine fluid.
• Children born in breech position. 
• Hormones that weakens the babies hip joints. 
• Babies with a family history of hip dysplasia 
• A tight uterus that prevents fetal movements of the child.
• Improper swaddling techniques.
• Oligohydroaminos condition. 

Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia in Children’s

• Legs of different lengths.
• Less mobility.
• Toe walking.
• Asymmetry.
• Swayback.
• Hip click.
• Uneven skin folds on the thigh.
• Limited range of motion.
• Pain.

Treatment for Pediatric Hip Dysplasia

There are two approaches to treating pediatric hipdysplasia. Non-surgical treatment and surgical treatment. The type of approach used depends on the child’s overall health and severity of the condition.

  

Non-Surgical Treatment

Babies less than the age of 6 months are generally treated with the non-surgical method. Non-surgical treatment typically consists of bracing a baby in such a way so that his or her hips are kept in a better position for hip joint development. The goal of this treatment is to influence the natural growth processes of the baby so a more stable hip joint is developed.

Pavlik harness: - Pavlik harness is specially designed to gently position the baby’s hips so they are aligned to the joint and to secure the hip joints. Pavlik harness is generally used to treat babies from birth to six months of the age. By positioning the hips of the baby’s hips the hip joints are aligned and are stable which helps the normal growth and development of the hip joint.

Traction: - Traction is often required for Pavlik harness treatment failures or for lately diagnosed cases of hip dysplasia.

Hip Abduction Brace: - Often the dysplastic hip of a newborn baby goes back into the socket very easily because the mother’s relaxing hormones are still in the baby. Dislocated hips in newborn infants can easily be realigned. Brace or harness is used to hold the legs in the better position while the socket and ligaments become more stable this encourages normal development of the hip joint. Hip abduction braces are also commonly used immediately after following treatments which involve a spica cast. Braces help in reintroduce more range of motion to the hips while the hip is growing and becoming more stable.

Surgical Treatment for Hip Dysplasia

Closed Reduction: - Closed reduction is recommended to babies between the age of 6 and 24 months. In this procedure, the surgeon physically manipulates the hip joint to get the ball back into the socket while the baby is asleep under general anesthesia. Prior to the surgery, a few weeks of traction is given to the child to stretch and relax the ligaments.

Open Reduction: - Open reduction surgery is performed when the tissue is suspected of keeping the head of the femur from going back into the acetabulum. This surgery is recommended for children over the age of 18 months to two years or in case if the closed reduction of the hip has not been successful.

Osteotomy: - In osteotomy surgery the bones are reshaped. There are different types of the pelvic osteotomy. The type of approach used depends on the child’s shape of the socket. When the upper end of the thigh bone is reshaped, it is referred as femoral osteotomy.

Each of these procedures may be done alone, in combination, or together with a reduction. Children older than 2 years almost always need all three procedures to make the hip stable and return it to a more normal shape.

Treatment for Hip Dysplasia in India

In India where you find number of best orthopedic surgeons. There are many medical tourism companies exist in India which provide free consultation to patients. Travcure Medical Tourism Company is a leader in proving the best medical treatment in India at the most affordable costs. It provide world class facilities to patients. Patients at Travcure are offered with bespoke medical packages. It aims at providing their patients with the best medical treatments at the most affordable costs.

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Epilepsy: Myths Vs. Facts

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which the nerve cell activity in the brain becomes disrupts and causes seizures or small periods of unusual behavior, sensations and sometimes loss of consciousness. Seizure symptoms can vary widely from person to person. There are different types of epilepsy and seizures. Epilepsy drugs are prescribed to control seizures, and rarely surgery is necessary if medications are ineffective.

What causes Epilepsy?

Epilepsy can occur in any age, but it mostly occurs or starts during childhood. It is difficult to identify the specific reason behind the causes of the condition in an early age.  In some cases if the condition occur later in life it is generally associated with the damage to the brain. Epilepsy can be caused by strokes, brain tumors and severe head injuries.

Myths vs. Facts of Epilepsy

The condition of Epilepsy has some of the myths attached to it. Although epilepsy is one of the oldest medical conditions which remains wrapped in mystery and myth. What we don’t know or don’t understand typically scares us, and that’s really why it is important to separate the myths from the truths, and knowing the basics about epilepsy. Knowing the truth about the condition can make us feel at ease and safer. Following are some of the myths and truth about the condition:-

Myth: - It is a common myth that Epilepsy is a form of spiritual possession.

Fact: - Although most people recognize that epilepsy is not a form of possession but in some culture it is still believed to be a spiritual possession. But the truth is that Epilepsy is a medical condition, a disorder of the brain that causes sufferers to have recurrent seizures.

Myth: - Epilepsy is contagious.

Fact: - Epilepsy is not contagious and cannot be caught by coming into contact with the person who is suffering from the condition.

Myth: - People who are suffering from Epilepsy can swallow their tongue during a seizure.

Fact: - It is perhaps the most common myth related to Epilepsy.  The truth is that it is physically impossible to swallow the tongue.

Myth: - Epilepsy affects intelligence of the person suffering from it.

Fact: - People with epilepsy condition on an average have the same level of intelligence as compared to people without epilepsy. Learning can be difficult for the person suffering from epilepsy due to frequent seizures or due to medications side effects. The truth is that epilepsy does not cause lower intelligence.

Myth: - Something should be put in the mouth of the individual having seizure.

Fact: - Putting something in the mouth of the individual having seizure is an absolutely no! Putting something in the mouth can block the breathing passage of the person.

Myth: - Only kids are affected with epilepsy.

Fact: - Epilepsy can occur in any age. But it is more common in people over the age of 65 and common in children aged ten and under. Seizures in the elderly are often the after effect of other health problems like stroke and heart disease.

Treatment for Epilepsy in India with TRAVCURE

Majority cases of the epileptic seizures are controlled by medication. The type of treatment recommended to patients depend on several factors such as overall age of the patient, medical history, frequency and severity of the seizures. An accurate diagnosis of the type of epilepsy is also critical to choosing the best treatment. Treatment for Epilepsy is very expensive but this treatment is available in India at very affordable costs. Travcure medical tourism company provides specialized packages for Epilepsy treatment. Travcure is associated with the best world-class hospitals and clinics which are equipped with the modern and highly-sophisticated high-tech equipments. Every need of the patient is taken care of at Travcure right from their arrival till departure.

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Who should have Ankle Arthroplasty

Ankle arthritis is a condition in which the ankle joint cartilage wears out. The joint can lose its cartilage covering due to either an injury, infection or wear and tear.  It affects many patients, mostly elderly people. The patients experience a lot of pain, loss of motion, swelling, and disability to walk with the proper gait and the overall quality of life is affected. Ankle arthroplasty is a surgical procedure similar to arthroplasty of the hip and knee, in which the damaged bone and cartilage of the joint surface of the ankle is replaced by artificial parts.

Who should have an ankle arthroplasty

This surgery is commonly performed if the ankle joint is severely damaged due to trauma or degenerated due to age-related ailments or conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Certain fractures of ankle bones, which cannot be healed by conservative means, will also require an ankle arthroplasty. Some severe infection in the ankle may also damage the bones, requiring an ankle arthroplasty. The symptoms that are clear indications of the severity of the condition and the need for an ankle arthroplasty are pain and loss of movement of the ankle.

Ankle Arthroplasty - The Procedure

The skin incision will be primarily in the front of the ankle with smaller incisions on the outside. The diseased bone is replaced with a prosthesis made of smooth metal surface and a high-density polyethylene (plastic). The surgeon will put the tendons back into place and close the wound with stitches. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Post surgery, the patient will need to wear a splint, cast, or brace for a while to keep the ankle from moving.

Benefits of Ankle Arthroplasty

·         Post procedure the patient experiences relief from severe pain. Normal joint function in patients with end-stage progressive joint ailment resulting from medical conditions like traumatic arthritis, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis is restored.

·         The patient experiences better mobility and improved quality of life after an Ankle arthroplasty.

·         The patient can resume normal activities like walking and performing other daily activities without much strain. Care should be taken to avoid putting much weight on the ankle and for this the doctor will advise the use of crutches initially for at least four to six weeks.

Ankle Arthroplasty in India with Travcure Medical Tourism

Globally, India is a favourite with patients looking for various orthopedic surgeries because India has some of the best Orthopedic Surgeons and internationally accredited hospitals. Besides all the treatment packages are at very affordable rates. Travcure Medical Tourism Company is one of the most reputable and trustworthy companies in India. It helps you and guides you to choose the best surgeon and hospital for your particular treatment. Travcure is with you every step of your medical journey in India. Travcure strives to make their patients’ journey as smooth and comfortable as possible and make all arrangements for the patients as they desire.  

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Advantages of undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

What is Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery?

Coronary artery bypass surgery is used to treat coronary heart disease. This is a surgical procedure where one or more blocked coronary arteries are bypassed by a blood vessel graft to restore normal blood flow to the heart. In coronary artery bypass graft surgery, a blood vessel is removed and redirected from one area of the body and placed around the area of narrowing arteries to bypass the blockages and restore the blood flow to the heart muscle. This vessel is called a graft. The grafts used in the surgery are the patient’s own arteries and veins which are extracted from the chest, leg or arm. These graft goes around the blocked artery to create new pathways for oxygen-rich blood to flow to the heart. A patient may need to undergo one, two, three or more bypass grafts, depending on how many coronary arteries are blocked.

Coronary artery bypass surgery improves the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart, helps the patient in relieving the pain in the chest and reduces the risk of heart attack, improves the ability to perform physical activity. The surgery is performed with a goal to relieve the patient from the symptoms of coronary artery disease and enables the patient to lead a normal lifestyle by lower the risk of a heart attack or various other heart diseases.

Why is Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery performed?

Coronary artery bypass surgery is recommended to patients who are suffering from the following the conditions:-
•        This surgery is recommended to patients who are suffering from severe pain in the chest.
•        In case if the patients have several arteries that are narrowed or block and are unable to supply blood to the heart muscles. In many cases angioplasty and stenting procedure can help to unblock the arteries but for some types of blockages, coronary bypass surgery may be the best option.
•        If the patient has more than one diseased coronary artery and if the patient’s heart main pumping chamber which is left ventricle is not functioning well then coronary artery bypass surgery is recommended to such patients.
•        If the patient left main coronary artery is severely narrowed or blocked. Left main coronary arteries supply most of the blood to the left ventricle.
•        This surgery is recommended to patients who has undergone angioplasty or stent placement in past which hasn't been successful.
•        If the artery has narrowed again.
•        Coronary bypass surgery can be performed in emergency situations, such as a heart attack, or in case if the patient is not responding to other treatments.

Advantages of undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Patients can experience lots of advantages post-surgery. Following are some of them mentioned:-
•        Coronary artery bypass surgery can improve a patient’s quality of life.
•        The surgery lowers the risk of a heart attack.
•        The surgery allows the patient to resume to more active lifestyle.
•        After the surgery, it helps in improving the pumping action of the heart if it has been damaged by a heart attack.
•        The surgery improves the patient’s chance of survival.
•        The surgery can reduce angina and various other symptoms of coronary heart diseases.
•        Coronary artery bypass surgery is highly effective at eliminating or reducing discomfort.

Coronary artery bypass surgery in India with Travcure

India is one of the popular destination for medical tourism. Many patients from different countries come to India and avail the medical treatments at affordable costs. Best medical facilities are accessible in India at the most reasonable expenses if contrasted with some other western countries. India has some of the best cardiac surgeons. These cardiac surgeons are highly skilled and qualified. Travcure medical tourism company in India is associated with the best cardiac surgeons across the country. Travcure offers customized packages to patients according to the patient’s personal requirement. Travcure covers an extensive variety of services they offer to the patients which include stay at best hotels, food, pick and drop facility, fixing an appointment with doctors, regular follow-ups and visits to exotic locations on request.

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Carotid Angioplasty and Stent placement

Overview

Blood vessels that bring blood to our face and brain are called the carotid arteries. The carotid artery is on each side of the neck. The flow of blood in the artery can be partly or totally blocked by fatty material called plaque. Partial blockage is called carotid artery stenosis where the arteries are narrowed. A blockage in the carotid artery can reduce the supply of blood to the brain. In some cases, the part of a plaque can break off and block off another artery which can lead to a stroke. To treat carotid artery blockage or narrowing there are two procedures:-
•        Carotid angioplasty with stent placement.
•        Surgery to remove plaque buildup.

Who needs Carotid angioplasty and stenting?

Carotid angioplasty and stenting have developed as a good alternative to surgery. This procedure is recommended to patients in the following cases:-
•        In case if the patients are ill to have carotid endarterectomy.
•        If the patients have had neck or carotid surgery in the past.
•        If the patients have had radiation to the neck.
•        The location of the narrowing in the carotid artery makes the surgery harder.

How is Carotid angioplasty and stenting performed?

Carotid angioplasty and stenting procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The cardiac surgeon makes an incision in the groin of the patient. The surgeon then places a catheter which is a flexible tube through the incision made into the artery. The surgeon then moves the catheter carefully to the neck to the blockages area in the carotid artery. The surgeons also use Moving x-ray pictures to see the artery and guide the catheter to the correct position. Next, the surgeon moves a wire through the catheter to the blockage. Another catheter with has a very small balloon attached to the end is pushed over the wire into the blockage. The balloon is then inflated. The inflated balloon presses against the inside wall of the artery. This opens the artery and allows the blood to flow in the brain. Depending on the severity a stent is also placed in the blocked area. The stent is also inserted at the same time as the balloon catheter. It expands with the balloon. The stent is left in place to help keep the artery open. The surgeon then deflated and removes the balloon.

Risks of carotid angioplasty and stenting

Risks and complication of carotid angioplasty and stent placement which depend on factors such as age and overall health of the patient:-
•        Allergic reaction to dye.
•        Blood clots.
•        Brain damage.
•        Bleeding at the site of surgery.
•        Clogging of the inside of the stent.
•        Kidney failure.
•        Heart attack.
•        Stroke.
•        Blockage of the carotid artery over time.
•        Seizures.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Carotid artery angioplasty and stenting procedure helps the patient in lowering the chance of having a stroke. Patients who undergo this procedure are recommended to make lifestyle changes which can help them in preventing building up of plaque, blood clots or other problems that are related to carotid arteries.

Carotid angioplasty and stenting In India

Carotid angioplasty and stenting surgery are available in India with the latest technology. Carotid angioplasty and stenting procedure is quite expensive in western countries whereas in India this procedure is available at quite affordable costs. Travcure medical tourism company in India has a large network of associated cardiac surgeons and healthcare facilities in India. Travcure provides customized packages to patients for cardiac surgeries. Travcure also offers a wide range of services to patient’s right from their arrival till departure.

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National Cancer Survivors Day

Cancer is one of the most deadly diseases and surviving cancer is one of the most inspirational things. National cancer survivor’s day celebrates such individuals who have survived cancer. National cancer survivor’s day is celebrated on June 5th of every year worldwide. A cancer survivor is any individual who has been diagnosed with cancer and is living today. There are 14.5 million people who are living with cancer and 32 million cancer survivors worldwide. Cancer survival patients celebrate this day with a goal to spread awareness amongst the cancer patients. On national cancer survivor’s day cancer survivors come together to raise awareness about the challenges a cancer patient can face or the issues of cancer survivorship. The number of cancer patients is growing every year which is why it is more important to address and spread the awareness about cancer by the cancer survivors. Many cancer patients do not have proper knowledge or awareness about the long-term effects of cancer physically or mentally. National cancer survivor’s day urges everyone to spread awareness about the life after cancer and that’s something to celebrate and an individual can still do more to lessen the burdens of cancer survivorship. National cancer survivor day is a celebration for cancer survivor patient.

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Undergo Advance Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery From The Top Most Healthcare Facilities In India With Travcure

What is Endoscopic pituitary surgery?

Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery is also called as Transsphenoidal endoscopic. Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery is performed to remove pituitary tumors. The pituitary gland is located at the bottom of the brain which is on the inside of the nose. The pituitary gland is responsible for regulating most of our body's hormones. Endoscopic pituitary surgery is performed with an endoscope instrument. Endoscope instrument is a rigid tube which has a light, camera and a microscope attached to it. This instrument is inserted through the nose. The camera attached to the endoscope instrument provides the surgeon with a view on the monitor. 

Candidate for Endoscopic pituitary surgery

Ideal Candidate for Endoscopic pituitary surgery are the patients who are suffering from the following:-
•        Rathke’s cleft cyst
•        Pituitary adenoma.
•        Chordoma.
•        Craniopharyngioma.
•        Meningioma. 

How is Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery performed?

Endoscopic pituitary surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Prior to the night before the surgery the patients are advised not to eat or drink. Several tests are performed on the patient. Endoscopic pituitary surgery is usually performed through the nose, ears, and the throat. Generally, the surgeon places the endoscope through the nose or in some cases it is inserted through an incision under the upper lip. The endoscope is advanced until the bony wall of the sphenoid sinus is found at the back of the nose. The sphenoid sinus is opened and the scope is passed through to the back wall of the sinus. The surgeon then makes a small incision in the back wall of the sinus. The surgeon can also use Magnetic resonance imagining to take the images of the pituitary area using a computer and magnets during the surgery which helps the surgeon to guide. When the endoscope is entered in the pituitary area the neurosurgeon removes the pituitary tumor in small pieces. The surgeon removes the endoscope when all the parts of the tumor that can be reached have been removed.

Risk and Complications in Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery
Endoscopic pituitary surgery is a safe surgical procedure, but there are some risk and complications that can occur while the surgery is performed:-

• Bleeding: - While performing the surgery there are chances that bleeding can occur.
• CSF Rhinorrhea: - Cerebrospinal fluid, is the fluid that surrounds the brain, which can leak from the nose after surgery. In some cases, another surgical procedure may be needed to repair this leak.
• Visual problems: - The nerves that supply vision are close to the area of the pituitary gland which can be damaged during the surgery.
• Reaction to anesthesia:-It is one the most common type of risk that can arise while performing the surgery.
• Damage to normal parts of the pituitary gland: - The normal parts of the pituitary gland can also be damaged during the surgery which may require hormone replacement after surgery.
• Severe bleeding: - Persistent bleeding and heavy bleeding in the brain or from nose can occur if a large blood vessel is damaged during surgery.
• Meningitis: - Meningitis is a type of infection that occurs in the membrane lining the brain and spinal cord.
• Diabetes insipidus: - While performing the surgery if the part of the pituitary gland which helps control urination is damaged then it may lead to frequent urination and thirst.

Why choose Travcure for Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery?
Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery is an advanced treatment to treat problems in the pituitary tumor. This surgery is available in India at very expensive rates whereas in India these surgery is available at feasible costs. India is known for its medical facilities and tourism which is the reason why many patients from different parts of the world visit India for medical treatment and combine it with tourism. Travcure medical tourism company is a globally reputed medical tourism company known for providing the best medical treatments to patients at a possible reasonable cost. Travcure has one of the best and largest networks of associated healthcare facilities and professionals. Patients who are looking for medical treatments at affordable costs, Travcure helps them with the best packages for their surgery at the most affordable costs.

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