PharmEasy Blog

Most Alarming Signs & Symptoms Of Monkeypox Virus

This article has been reviewed by Dr Nikita Toshi

Introduction

Monkeypox is a self-limiting disease (a disease that subsides on its own) from the west and central Africa that has recently seen a multiple country outbreak. Over 16,000 cases have been reported from at least 75 countries. The majority of the cases have been since May. The case-to-fatality ratio for monkeypox ranges, historically, from 0 to 11% for the general population, higher among young children. Recently it has been around 3 to 6%.

Monkeypox virus is similar to the virus that caused smallpox and is unrelated to chicken pox. Its symptoms are comparable to milder smallpox. It spreads through skin-to-skin contact with infected humans and animals. The infection can also spread by contact with infected persons’ belongings (utensils, bedsheets, clothes, towels etc.). 

What are the symptoms of monkeypox? 

The first step in preventing any disease is learning to identify the signs of that disease. Let us look into what symptoms are triggered by monkeypox.

The disease, monkeypox, occurs in 2 stages:

Initial symptoms 

The initial symptoms of monkeypox are flu-like, including:

Lymph nodes also start to swell (lymphadenopathy), this helps the body fight the disease and also sets it apart from smallpox, measles and other similar seeming diseases. Lymphadenopathy is exclusive to Monkeypox.

These symptoms appear over 5 to 21 days from the day of exposure (the average incubation period is 6 to 13 days).

Skin Eruptions (2nd period of Infection)

Like chicken pox, widespread rashes appear that develop into lesions with flat bases, which raise and fill with clear fluid. The fluid then turns yellow and blisters finally dry up and fall off. 

These appear 1 to 5 days after early symptoms(or onset of fever), usually starting on the face and spreading to other parts of your body. These eruptions also appear on palms, soles of feet and oral mucous membranes (tongue and throat). The number of lesions can be anywhere from a few to several thousand, depending on the severity of the disease.

The entire process of rash formation to the scabs falling off takes about 2 to 3 weeks.

Also Read: Why Does My Poop Smell So Bad? Unpacking Digestive Health Concerns

Quick tips on keeping yourself safe 

Key takeaways

Conclusion

Monkeypox has been declared to be a global public health emergency by the WHO following the multiple country outbreak. While the risk presented by monkeypox remains low currently, it is important for a coordinated international response to occur to prevent further global spread.

It is also important to take measures to keep oneself safe and be aware of the signs and symptoms to be able to self-isolate if required. Avoiding close contact with affected individuals and taking necessary safety precautions is the way to go, despite the low risk.

References

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/monkeypox-outbreak-spreading-who-declares-global-health-emergency#Responding-to-current-monkeypox-outbreak-
https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2022-DON393
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/monkeypox
https://edition.cnn.com/2022/05/19/health/what-is-monkeypox-virus-explainer-wellness/index.html
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/monkeypox/
https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/symptoms.html

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

Anal Fissure: Causes, Symptoms And Home Remedies

An anal fissure occurs when there is a cut, scratch or tear in the thin lining of the anus region. A deep tear may even extend up to the muscle around the anus called the anal sphincter. These tears are common, often associated with pain, bleeding and a sharp burning sensation, often confused with the symptoms of haemorrhoids. These tears or cuts cause muscle spasms, which can further pull apart the edges of the anal fissure, causing pain and slowing down the healing process altogether. Frequent hard bowel movements can also keep the fissures from getting better.

An anal fissure is at its acute stage if you have recently had it or it has happened for less than 6 weeks. If you have been suffering from anal fissures for more than 6 weeks or it has been reappearing, then it is chronic. Men, women and even babies can have anal fissures, however, adults between 20 and 40 are most likely to get them. People can always be at risk of getting anal fissures, although the risk goes down with age. People with symptoms of anal fissures must first get it diagnosed by a medical practitioner before going for any remedies.

What are the causes of Fissure?

Any kind of trauma, abrasion and tear in the anus and anal canal may cause anal fissures. This injury can be caused for the following reasons:

Causes other than trauma can be:

Anal fissures aren’t usually serious and should gradually heal within 2-3 weeks. If they persist or recur very frequently and are associated with scarring and severe pain, a person should consider getting them physically examined by a physician.

Dr Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

Types of Fissure

Based on the causes, anal fissures can be classified into types. In acute cases, an anal fissure condition may effectively improve within 6 to 8 weeks of medical therapy. Studies have found that for chronic or non-healing fissures lasting more than 10 weeks, surgery is much more effective than any other treatment option.

Symptoms of Fissure

Fissures are painful and cause discomfort when you are sitting or even standing. Fortunately, there are symptoms and signs that you can watch out for to get diagnosed sooner:

Home remedies for fissures

Your doctor may suggest some simple diet and lifestyle changes and other remedies along with the required treatment to deal with the pain and discomfort due to fissures. Here are some other home remedies that you can easily find at home to comfort yourself if you are suffering from anal fissures:

1. Include papaya in your diet

 Papayas are imbued with enzymes that may help improve digestion. Studies have shown that Caracol, a supplement made with papaya extracts, has effectively lowered the chances of constipation and bloating among people with gastrointestinal dysfunction and digestive disorders. Papayas are extremely hydrating, as they comprise 85% water. Getting enough water in the body’s system can lower the chances of dry stools, often associated with dehydration.

2. Drink lemon water

 Lemons are loaded with vitamin C. The juice from 1 medium-sized lemon has 21% of the Daily Value of vitamin C required by an adult. Vitamin C plays an essential role in working as an antioxidant. As vitamin C is water-soluble, it is not stored in the body. Hence, vitamin C can aid in smooth bowel movements. It is not recommended to take large doses of vitamin C, but according to research, a daily constant dose of vitamin C may be effective in passing the bowel smoothly.

3. Use the benefits of turmeric

Turmeric has ñ medicinal properties that have been recognised for centuries, due to the presence of an active ingredient called curcumin in it. Turmeric is also known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric may aid in soothing the pain and provide relief in the target area. However, more research is being done on the use of topical turmeric treatments for anal fissures.

4. Have oatmeal in breakfast

 Oatmeal is loaded with soluble fibre, which helps your stools retain water. This may effectively target dry stools, a common cause of fissures. Ultimately, eating more oatmeal and other food items that have soluble fibre keeps stools soft, making them easier to pass.

5. Eat one banana daily 

Bananas are a great source of fibre, which may help relieve constipation. A study found that 77% of people with constipation experienced increased stool frequency and softer stool consistency after increasing their fibre intake. Since bananas are loaded with fibre, consuming them will help in passing softer stools.

6. Consume ghee as a part of your diet 

Ghee has traditionally been used in Indian households for centuries. Ghee contains butyrate acid, a type of fatty acid that may effectively promote digestion and it is used in moderation to lower the chances of gastrointestinal disorders like diarrhoea and irritable bowel syndrome. Reports also support the use of ghee as a natural laxative. Ayurvedic health practitioners recommend taking 1 teaspoon of ghee in milk or water to promote smooth bowel movements.

7. Healthy and clean diet

 The patients suffering from anal fissure are suggested to intake more fluids by drinking a lot of water and consuming a fibre-rich diet for easy passage of stool. Avoiding junk food, food with zero fibre content or no water content should be avoided when the patient is experiencing symptoms of anal fissures.

8. Sitz bath

A warm sitz bath may relieve you from pain and discomfort due to anal fissures. The simplest Indian home remedy for anal fissures is to fill warm water in a bathtub and add a few drops of betadine liquid by mixing it thoroughly. Sit in a straight posture in the tub for about 10-20 minutes. You can repeat it three times each day to get relief from the pain and discomfort associated with anal fissures.

Sitz bath is a warm, shallow bath you sit in to relieve discomfort in your perineal region. Soaking this area in warm water relaxes your anal sphincter, which helps increase blood flow through your anal tissues. This promotes healing and reduces the pain, itching and irritation felt due to various health conditions.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka – MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)

Also Read: How to Stop Itchy Anus at Night: Effective, Research-Backed Solutions

When to seek professional help?

You should seek a doctor’s help without delay if you experience the symptoms like a fissure. These symptoms mimic other conditions like piles, fistula or even cancer. Follow up with your doctor if you:

Thus, symptoms of anal fissures to some extent may be comforted by simply following these home remedies. But in most cases, the home remedies for anal fissures can only give temporary relief to the patient. It is important to consult a doctor and follow the suggested treatment right from the day of onset of symptoms. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is the main cause of fissure?

Fissures are usually caused by trauma to the inner lining of the anus from a bowel movement or other stretching of the anal canal. This can be due to the passing of hard stools, constipation, severe diarrhoea or anal sex. 

What ointment is best for fissures?

Ointments for relaxing the anal sphincter and lessening the symptoms of anal fissure may be advised. Consult your doctor before using any cream or ointment in the affected area.

How do I know if I have anal fissures or haemorrhoids?

The symptoms of a fissure and a haemorrhoid can be similar. Either can cause pain, itching and bleeding. However, if you are in pain and do not feel an external lump, the condition is more likely to be a fissure. But to confirm, you will require a clinical examination by a doctor. 

How long can fissures take to heal?

It may take up to 6 weeks with conservative treatment. If it has to be managed surgically, the time may be less or more, depending on the severity of the patient’s condition. Anal fissures that last for 6 weeks or more are called chronic anal fissures.

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation

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How To Know If You Are At Risk For Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer, just after cervical and uterine cancer, is the third most common gynaecological cancer seen in women worldwide. It is known to be a silent killer due to its asymptomatic nature and slow tumour growth. It’s not clear what causes ovarian cancer, but it starts when cells in or near the ovaries develop mutations and start to multiply abnormally, creating a mass (tumour) of cancer cells due to rapid cell growth at the cost of healthy cells.

Whether you have ovarian cancer or know someone recovering from it, knowing what to expect can help you cope. In this blog, we will learn all about ovarian cancer, including risk factors, diagnosis, prevention and treatment methods. 

Depending on which type of cell the cancer is at, the doctor determines the subsequent treatment. Ovarian cancer types include:

  1. Epithelial ovarian cancer – is the most common type found in women, including several subtypes. Epithelial ovarian tumours start on the outer surface of the ovaries. These tumours can be benign (not cancer), borderline (low malignant potential) or malignant (cancer). Borderline Tumors grow slowly, tend to affect younger women and are less life-threatening than most ovarian cancers. While 85% to 90% of malignant ovarian cancers are epithelial ovarian carcinomas.
  2. Stromal tumours – are rare, about 1% of all ovarian cancers and diagnosed at an earlier stage than other kinds. The most common symptom of these tumours is abnormal vaginal bleeding.  
  3. Germ cell tumour– Germ cells usually form the eggs in females and the sperm in males. Less than 2% of ovarian cancers are germ cell tumours. Germ cell tumours are rare and usually affect women in their teens and twenties.  

The more relatives you have with ovarian cancer, the higher your risk. Your family history of ovarian cancer put you at higher risk. You may want to talk with your healthcare provider about genetic testing. Gene testing can tell you if you have an inherited gene mutation that raises your risk.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Risk factors: Who’s most likely to get ovarian cancer?

A risk factor is anything that increases your chance of getting an illness. But having a risk factor or even many does not mean that you will certainly get it. However, the risk of developing epithelial ovarian cancer may increase for women with the following risk factors:

  1. Growing old. Half of all ovarian cancers are found in women 63 years of age or older and most ovarian cancers develop after menopause. It is rare in women under 40.  
  2. Obesity: Obese women (those with a body mass index [BMI] of 30 or above) are at a higher risk of developing and surviving ovary cancer.  
  3. Having children after 35 years of age or never having a full-term pregnancy.  
  4. Using estrogens alone or with progesterone (hormone therapy) after menopause.  
  5. Having a family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer or colorectal cancer.
  6. Inheriting gene changes. Up to 25% of ovarian cancers are a part of family cancer syndromes resulting from inherited changes (mutations) in certain genes.  
  7. Women suffer from Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer syndrome (HBOC), which is caused by inherited mutations in the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2.  
  8. Endometriosis- A condition in which tissue similar to the tissue that lines the inside of your uterus grows outside your uterus. This may lead to heavy, irregular bleeding and severe pain during periods.
  9. Women who experience early menstruation and early menopause.  
  10. Using in vitro fertilization (IVF) fertility treatment might increase the risk of the type of ovarian tumours known as “borderline” or “low malignant potential”

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

Although these symptoms can be easily confused with other problems and are not always noticeable in the early stages, women with ovarian cancer often report the following symptoms: 

  1. Vaginal bleeding past menopause or abnormal vaginal discharge  
  2. Pain or pressure in the pelvic area
  3. Abdominal pain
  4. Back pain
  5. Bloating
  6. Feeling full too quickly or having difficulty eating
  7. Frequent urination
  8. Constipation
  9. Weight loss

How to prevent ovarian cancer?

There’s no sure way to prevent ovarian cancer. But there may be ways to reduce your risk, measures such as:

Overview

The most common symptoms of ovarian cancer include bloating, pelvic pain, weight loss, fatigue, feeling full quickly, changes in bowel habits, such as constipation and frequent urination. If you’ve been experiencing one or many of these signs, consult a doctor today.

A woman’s risk of getting high malignant ovarian cancer during her lifetime is about 1 in 78 and about 1 in 108 for dying from it. Ovarian cysts are also common but most ovarian cysts are not harmful, don’t cause symptoms and do not create future risk for ovarian cancer. So, just because you’ve hit menopause or do not plan on getting pregnant, you aren’t doomed with ovarian cancer. Just make sure you follow timely testing for ovarian cancer and your reproductive health.

Also Read: Benefits of Getting Off Birth Control: A Research-Based Overview

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

Hypotension: It’s Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

In medical parlance, Hypotension is basically low blood pressure. In this condition, the blood pressure typically falls below a Systolic value of 90 and a Diastolic value of 60.

Within prescribed limits, a low blood pressure reading is generally good. However, sometimes this condition can result in dizziness and tiredness. But if there are no adverse symptoms as such, then there is nothing to worry about.

Types of Hypotension

Health issues start to crop up when the blood pressure drops suddenly and the brain is deprived of an adequate supply of oxygen.

  1. These sudden drops occur when a person stands up from a lying down or sitting position. This kind of Hypotension is called Postural Hypotension.
  2. For some patients, the blood pressure may also fall when standing for a long period of time. This type of low blood pressure is called Neurally Mediated Hypotension.
  3. If a patient faints because of the body’s overreaction to certain triggers, it is called Vasovagal Syncope.
  4. Some people always record low blood pressure. This form of Hypotension is called Chronic Asymptomatic Hypotension and is usually unharmful.

Additionally, shock can also cause a sudden and strong drop in blood pressure called severe hypotension. Shock is usually caused by an injury or an infection. Another form of hypotension occurs in people who take medication for hypertension (high blood pressure). This can happen either due to too much medication, changes in the body or due to dietary choices (certain foods can lower blood pressure).

Causes of Hypotension

The dropping of blood pressure is a normal scenario. However, certain conditions cause extended periods of Hypotension such as:

Hypotension causes  cover a wide range of things, treating these underlying causes will usually return your pressure to normal.  

Older adults also have a higher risk of symptoms of low blood pressure, such as falls, fainting, or dizziness when standing or after a meal.[4] If the blood pressure is sufficiently low, fainting (syncope) may occur

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Symptoms of Hypotension

Some noticeable symptoms that should raise alarm bells include:

Hypotension symptoms may also include lightheadedness, dizziness, sweaty/clammy skin and fainting.

Hypotension in pregnancy can have a severe impact on the mother and the baby as it may cause brain damage to the fetus, cause low birth weight or premature birth.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

Treatment

For many patients, these underlying symptoms can be effectively addressed by bringing about relevant changes in the diet and lifestyle.

Simple, good to implement practices are:

  1. Limit the intake of alcoholic beverages.
  2. Increase the intake of water during hot, torrid weather conditions and especially when down with a viral infection.
  3. Adhere to a high-salt intake diet.
  4. Participate in regular physical activities to augment the blood flow.
  5. Avoid standing or sitting in one position for a long duration.
  6. Be prudent and cautious while arising from a lying down and sitting position. One best practice: Thrust your feet and ankles with force a couple of times before you stand up, this will help to aid blood circulation. In the morning, when you are ready to get out of bed, sit upright on the edge of the bed for a few moments and then stand. This will give you better control as you stand up on your feet.
  7. To avoid periods of dizziness, try eating light and smaller meals at regular intervals and evade any strenuous activities immediately post eating.
  8. Cut down on your carbohydrate intake.
  9. Consult a doctor on the usage of elastic stockings that cover your calf and thigh area. This may help in restricting the blood flow to the lower part of the body thereby keeping more blood in the upper part.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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Tourette Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Recently, Bollywood diva Rani Mukherjee made a comeback with yet another powerful film. Known for her versatility, Rani chose to play an aspiring teacher who suffers from Tourette’s Syndrome. So, what is Tourette’s syndrome?

Simply put, it is a problem in the nervous system that makes people create sudden movement or sounds. These sudden sounds and movements are also known as tics. Unfortunately, it is something they are unable to control. For e.g. someone might have trouble controlling their blinking or clear their throat again and again. For some, speaking certain words when they don’t want to say it all etc. These are also known as tics and can be controlled with treatment. But until symptoms really bother people, they may not need treatment.

There are several cases of Tourette syndrome found in India. Unfortunately, there is not much awareness about the condition and therefore, it often gets misdiagnosed. The signs begin in childhood itself, and it is more commonly seen in boys than in girls. However, the condition might get better as they grow up and might even go away completely.

But what causes Tourette syndrome?

Symptoms of Tourette’s syndrome typically manifest in childhood, and parents may mistake them for deliberate actions by their children. It’s crucial for parents to consult a neurologist promptly if they observe any unusual or repetitive tic-like symptoms in their child.

Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Tourette’s syndrome is often linked to different brain regions, especially the basal ganglia. The basal ganglia help in controlling movements of the body. If any differences exist here, it affects the chemicals and the nerve cells that carry messages between them. Simply put, according to researchers, trouble in the brain’s network leads to Tourette’s syndrome. However, doctors are yet to find out the exact cause of this issue in the brain, but genetics do play a role. If someone in the family had Tourette’s syndrome, one is likely to get it, but the symptoms may vary.

What are the symptoms of Tourette syndrome?

Tics are its main symptom. At times these tics may be very mild so may go unnoticed. For others, the tics occur often and are obvious. Excitement, sickness, fatigue and even stress can aggravate this situation or make it worse. Sadly, severe symptoms have a negative impact on one’s life. It may even lead to depression.

These sudden or involuntary movements are motor tics and they are:

Twitching of mouth, rapid or sudden blinking, shrugging, head jerking or arm jerking etc.

For vocal tics, the symptoms are:

Sudden barking or yelling, throat clearing, grunting, coughing or repeating what others say. Some may even shout, sniffle or swear.

These tics are complex and simple. Simple tics affect only a few parts of the body such as blinking or face making. On the other hand, complex tics may involve many parts of the body – jumping, swearing etc. Patients with Tourette’s syndrome may feel a tingling or tense sensation before a motor tic occurs. Doing certain movements helps get rid of this sensation. One may be able to hold their tics for a short period, but they will happen nonetheless.

Doctors have seen that most people afflicted with Tourette’s also take medication for ADHD. Tourette’s syndrome can aggravate issues for people with:

  1. Anxiety
  2. Dyslexia or other learning disabilities
  3. OCD – obsessive-compulsive disorder

Diagnosis of Tourette’s syndrome

If one is showing symptoms of Tourette’s syndrome, then you must see a neurologist. Unfortunately, there are no tests for this condition. MRI scan of the brain may also help as well as a CT scan.

Also Read: What is Marfan Syndrome: An Insight into Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Treatment for Tourette syndrome

If the tics are mild, no treatment is required. But if they are problematic, prescription medication may help. However, finding the right dose may take some time as the tics need to be observed.

With medication, speech therapy or seeking psychological counselling can help. Behaviour therapy is also recommended.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.  

Feeling Dizzy? You Could Be Suffering From Stroke!

Dizziness is mostly considered to be a benign problem. It is a common public perception as well as thinking of most general practitioners that dizziness or vertigo arises from disorders of the cervical spine. This leads to mistaken advise of getting an MRI scan of the cervical spine and then to use a cervical collar for the prevention of such vertigo. The purpose of this blog is to create awareness among the public, as well as the doctors regarding the occasional serious nature of this complaint.

Here’s a case study:

A 60-year-old male complained of recurrent dizziness ( or chakkar as we know it in Hindi) with occasional loss of awareness and weakness and numbness involving all four limbs. Each episode used to last for 20 minutes with spontaneous recovery. The patient consulted his physician, who prescribed him a cervical collar and antivertigo treatment. After such four-five attacks over one week, the patient suddenly developed difficulty in getting up and walking, this did not resolve.

When he came to us, he was looking normal on the bed. He could see, talk, eat, drink and move all four limbs. But when asked to sit or stand, he could not do it at all. The MRI of his brain confirmed a large area of damage to the cerebellum, which controls the balance of the body. Angiography of the brain revealed that his one vertebral artery was blocked and the other vertebral was severely stenosed in the brain, resulting in poor flow to the lifeline i.e. basilar artery.

What is the basilar artery? There are two vertebral arteries, which unite to form the basilar artery. This basilar artery is the most important blood vessel of the brain. If flow to this vessel is interrupted, vital areas of the brain (brain-stem) and the area which controls vision (occipital lobes) and balance (cerebellum) can be damaged permanently.

The patient’s area of balance was already damaged while the brainstem and vision were at risk. Further damage to occipital areas could have resulted in complete loss of vision for life and damage to the brainstem could have resulted in complete loss of power in all four limbs, paralysis of muscles of swallowing, eye movements or even in a coma or vegetative state (awake coma). In such a situation, the only solution is to re-establish flow in the basilar artery, which was possible only if we could open one of his vertebral arteries in the brain.

Since this is a tricky procedure, after taking high-risk consent, the patient was taken to the cath lab and a stent was put in the stenosed vertebral artery. Today, the patient has started walking with support with no other deficits. Flow in the basilar artery is also normal now.

Any person who suffers from the sudden onset of RESCUE symptoms is suffering from stroke unless proved otherwise.

RESCUE stands for:

Anybody who complains of dizziness along with a change in the level of consciousness or weakness in the limbs or visual disturbance is at high risk of having stenosis of a basilar artery or reduced flow in this vessel because of severe compromise in the blood flow in both the vertebral arteries. Timely diagnosis of such a disorder can be lifesaving. This condition requires medical intervention, therefore, do not self-diagnose or take medications without proper consultation. However, this type of stenting is not a routine procedure and requires excellent clinical skills and experience. Intracranial stenting in brain vessels is still in infancy state all over the world and there are hardly 2-3 centres in India, who have done such procedures that too in very few cases.

Written by:

PharmEasy_Dr. Arun Garg_Suffering From Stroke

Dr Arun Garg is a Senior Neurologist with a primary focus on stroke. Earlier, he developed neurology services at Max Hospital, Patparganj. He has worked at Sawai Man Singh Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur and Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences, New Delhi. He pioneered the role of thrombolysis in acute stroke in Delhi. His interest also lies in neuro-rehabilitation, occupational therapy and stroke prevention. His passion for stroke has taken him to the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (UMASS), Massachusetts, USA and he has tied up with them for stroke prevention, education, treatment, rehabilitation and the latest research.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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