Dr Varghese Pallan Neurologist

Prediabetes and Exercise

#prediabetic #prediabetes#diabetesexercise #diabetesawareness #diabetes #diabetescure

Migraine Tips for patients

#Migraine#migraine #migraine triggers#migraine

Stroke Warning signs

Stroke #Stroke# Signs of Stroke #Stroke precautions #stroke #stroketreatment

Be Kind
Be Aware
World Mental Health Day!

Behavioral Changes in Childhood Epilepsy, a thought provoking article by Dr Varghese Pallan.

Know the difference between a headache and a migraine.
Dehydration can cause headaches. Drink a lot of water during the day and get adequate sleep at night.

Stroke Symptoms and Preventions

Minutes can save lives!

Don't be the one. Identify symptoms and signs of a stroke.
stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes. A stroke is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is crucial.
Here are 5 known signs of stroke

1)
Sudden onset of weakness or numbness on one side of the body.
2)
Sudden speech difficulty or confusion.
3)
Sudden difficulty seeing in one or both eyes.
4)
Sudden onset of dizziness, trouble walking or loss of balance.
5)
Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

Prevention is better than cure.
Kindly check the following activities to lower stroke possibility.
What Can Help Prevent a Stroke?
Lower Your Blood Pressure.
Stay Away From Smoking.
Manage Your Heart.
Cut the Booze.
Control Your Diabetes.
Exercise.
Eat Better Foods.
Watch the Cholesterol

Stay safe and Stay Healthy

Now it's easier to send Dr Varghese Pallan Neurologist a message.

Be kind to the caregiver's.

A patient's bystander can be his/her husband /wife, children, nurse, home nurse or a relative.

Being a caregiver for someone with a serious disease is a deeply emotional journey. Most caregivers report their own health has suffered due to care responsibilities.

A few kind words can make someone’s day when they’re dealing with the stress of caregiving. You’d be surprised how a few simple changes in the way you phrase things can make all the difference!

Instead of bombarding words that would ruin their day, be kind to the caregiver

“If it’s hard for you, then why don’t you just put your (mom, spouse, etc.) in a nursing home?” Many people have no idea what that means financially or how complicated it is to advocate for and care for someone who is in a care facility. They might assume a facility takes care of every need, which is simply not accurate. While it’s a good choice for some people, it’s not always feasible or desirable for everyone. And unintentionally, you may be implying that the caregiver is not doing a good enough job.

Instead try to say something like this: “I can see how hard this is for you, and I so appreciate and admire what you are doing. I’d like to help by (specific way of helping).”

“You look really tired; you really need to take care of yourself.” Any person who cares for another person 24/7 would be tired! This comment is not helpful. Most caregivers are aware that they are tired and may be neglecting themselves.

Instead try this: Help them in practical ways. Offer to cook some healthy meals. Take a night shift so they can have uninterrupted sleep. Gift some exercise classes or a personal trainer who can come to the home. Care for the person with dementia for a few hours so the care partner has more time to take care of themselves.

“There’s always one person in the family who does the caregiving — you’re just that person.” Just because one family member ends up taking on the bulk of caregiving responsibilities, it doesn’t mean it’s right.

Instead: “I think it’s unfair that you are providing the majority of the care for Dad. That must be frustrating. I’d be willing to help you try to find services to supplement the care you provide (and help pay for them if necessary)” or “I feel badly that you are providing more of Mom’s care. Let’s set up a schedule and come up with ways that I can take on more care responsibilities.”

“I just couldn’t do what you’re doing (or I can’t help care for them) because my life is too busy with other responsibilities,” or “You’ve put your life on hold to be a caregiver.” This suggests that the caregiver’s life is not busy and they have all the time in the world to be caregiving. It could also imply that your responsibilities, work, relationships, self-care and activities are more important than theirs.

Instead: “I see that you are rearranging your life and juggling so much to be involved in caregiving. I realize that if I were the caregiver, I would have to rearrange my priorities too” or “I know you are making a lot of changes in your life to care for our mom. I’m going to look at my priorities also and step up to the plate if I’m able to help care for her too.”

It's always easy to blame the care giver since we are not doing their job. A caregiver's job require utmost patience and importance and it's not to be treaded lightly. They wouldn't be saying it, but they require constant mental and physical support and an assurance.

Be kind to caregivers!

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurologic disorder that causes the brain to shrink (atrophy) and brain cells to die. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia — a continuous decline in thinking, behavioral and social skills that affects a person's ability to function independently.

The early signs of the disease include forgetting recent events or conversations. As the disease progresses, a person with Alzheimer's disease will develop severe memory impairment and lose the ability to carry out everyday tasks.

Medications may temporarily improve or slow progression of symptoms. These treatments can sometimes help people with Alzheimer's disease maximize function and maintain independence for a time. Different programs and services can help support people with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers.

With respect to alzhemiers care giver's they deserve some rest and kind words. Their job must be excruciating and demanding
Be kind to the patient and the care giver.

Stress induced disorders

Stress-related disorders can include mental health disorders that are a result of an atypical response to both short and long-term anxiety due to physical, mental, or emotional stress. These disorders can include, but are not limited to obsessive-compulsive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder.

Stress is a conscious or unconscious psychological feeling or physical condition resulting from physical or mental 'positive or negative pressure' that overwhelms adaptive capacities. It is a psychological process initiated by events that threaten, harm or challenge an organism or that exceed available coping resources and it is characterized by psychological responses that are directed towards adaptation.

But there are stress reduction techniques that help in coping with stress.

Recognition of the causes and sources of the threat or distress; education and consciousness raising.
Relationships identified for support, help, reassurance
Removal from (or of) the threat or stressor; managing the stimulus.
Relaxation through techniques such as meditation, massage, breathing exercises, or imagery.
Re-engagement through managed re-exposure and desensitization.

Manage your stress for a prosperous and healthy life.

Hyper tension and Heart Attack

High blood pressure forces your heart to work harder to pump blood to the rest of your body. This causes part of your heart (left ventricle) to thicken. A thickened left ventricle increases your risk of heart attack, heart failure and sudden cardiac death.

If you've been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you might be worried about taking medication to bring your numbers down.

Lifestyle plays an important role in treating your high blood pressure. If you successfully control your blood pressure with a healthy lifestyle, you might avoid, delay or reduce the need for medication.

1) Lose weight around your waistline
2) Exercise Regularly
3) Manage your stress
4)Eat a healthy diet
5) Reduce sodium in your diet
6) Quit smoking and alcohol
7) Get support from family and friends

Even if you do exercise and eat a healthy diet if you have chronic stress you are still at danger. Get adequate support regarding your mental health with your peers. Instead of pushing people down, let's steer for a healthy world.

There is a growing intolerance towards everything in this world. If social media and fake news is triggering you, stay away from it. If television and youtube is taking your time and you can choose to avoid it.
Remember we are fighting a global pandemic, we need everyone for a safe and secure tomorrow. In a world where you can be anything, BE KIND!

Blood Cancer Awareness Month

Six most common symptoms are:

Fatigue
Feeling weak or breathless
Fever or night sweats
Easily bruising or bleeding
Pain in bones or joints
Frequent infections

Early Diagnosis can help in saving lives.

Consult a doctor!

Migraine

It is a headache of varying intensity, often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.
Migraine headaches are sometimes preceded by warning symptoms. Triggers include hormonal changes, certain food and drink, stress and exercise.
Migraines can be managed effectively. Kindly check the posters below !

Spinal chord injury

Damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal is termed as spinal chord injury
A traumatic spinal cord injury may happen because of a sudden blow or cut to the spine.

If a person do have a spinal cord injury, you'll usually be admitted to the intensive care unit for treatment. You may even be transferred to a regional spine injury center that has a team of neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, spinal cord medicine specialists, psychologists, nurses, therapists and social workers with expertise in spinal cord injury.

Medications. Intravenous (IV) methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol) has been used as a treatment option for an acute spinal cord injury in the past. But recent research has shown that the potential side effects, such as blood clots and pneumonia, from using this medication outweigh the benefits. Because of this, methylprednisolone is no longer recommended for routine use after a spinal cord injury.
Immobilization. You may need traction to stabilize your spine, to bring the spine into proper alignment or both. In some cases, a rigid neck collar may work. A special bed also may help immobilize your body.
Surgery. Often surgery is necessary to remove fragments of bones, foreign objects, herniated disks or fractured vertebrae that appear to be compressing the spine. Surgery may also be needed to stabilize the spine to prevent future pain or deformity.

നട്ടെല്ലിനു പരുക്കേറ്റ വ്യക്തിയ്ക്ക് നൽകുന്ന പ്രഥമശുശ്രൂഷ വളരെ പ്രാധാന്യമുള്ളതാണ്. തെറ്റായ പ്രഥമശുശ്രൂഷ ചലനശേഷിയെ വരെ ബാധിക്കാം. നടുവിനു വേദന, കൈകാലുകൾക്കു സ്പർശന ശേഷി നഷ്ടമാകുക, വയറുവേദന, ഛർദി, നടക്കാൻ പ്രയാസം, കാൽ, കൈ, തോൾ എന്നിവിടങ്ങളിൽ മരവിപ്പ്, അറിയാതെ മലമൂത്ര വിസർജനം നടത്തുക, കഴുത്തിനാണ് പരുക്കെങ്കിൽ അവിടെ പിടുത്തം എന്നിവയാണ് ലക്ഷണങ്ങൾ.

∙ പരുക്കേറ്റയാളെ കൊണ്ട് കൈവിരലുകളും കാൽ വിരലുകളും ചലിപ്പിച്ചു നോക്കിക്കുക. ഒരു വിരൽ കൊണ്ട് തൊട്ട് സ്പർശനം അറിയുന്നുണ്ടോ എന്നു നോക്കുക.

∙ കഴുത്തിലോ പുറത്തോ നട്ടെല്ലിനോ പരുക്ക് ഉള്ളതായി സംശയിക്കുന്ന രോഗികളെ ഇരിക്കാൻ അനുവദിക്കരുത്
കഴുത്തു വേദന ഉള്ളവർ ഉപയോഗിക്കുന്ന കോളർ ലഭ്യമാണെങ്കിൽ കഴുത്ത് അനങ്ങാതിരിക്കാൻ ഇവ ഇടുവിക്കാം. അല്ലാത്തപക്ഷം ഒരു നീളമുള്ള പലകയിൽ രോഗി യെ കിടത്തി, ആ പലക ഒരു സ്ട്രെച്ചർ ആയി ഉപയോഗിക്കുകയാണെങ്കിൽ വളരെ നല്ലത്.
∙ രണ്ടോ മൂന്നോ പേർ ചേർന്നു കാലിനും തലയ്ക്കും നടുവിനും താങ്ങു നൽകി മാറ്റിയാലും കുഴപ്പമില്ല. ഒരു കാരണവശാലും ഒരാൾ തനിയെ കൈയിൽ കോരിയെടുത്ത് ഓട്ടോ പോലെയുള്ള ചെറുവാഹനങ്ങളിൽ ഞെരുക്കി കൊണ്ടു പോകരുത്.

ശെരിയായ ചികിൽസ കൊണ്ടു സൂക്ഷ്മ നാടി ക്ഷതം ഒരു പരിധി വരെ സഹായകരമാണ്

How to deal with extreme stress ?

As humans we tend to forget one important thing while haggling and handling our daily life.
It's stress.
Stress eats up our day and doesn't even give us a proper sleep at night.
Kindly check out the stress busters listed below for a happy and stress free life.
Update your mind as well as your body.
Relax and rejuvenate

സ്നേഹത്തിന്റെ ഒരുമയുടെ സന്തോഷത്തിന്റെ പൊന്നോണം ആശംസിക്കുന്നു

ഹാപ്പി ഓണം 💐🌸🌺

COVID 19 and Stress

Many of us wouldn't acknowledge stress as a triggering factor. This is because we do not have much awareness around mental health and the stigma associated with mental health.

In the UK, 60% of people are diagnosed with temperamental depression due to the rough dark cold weather of more than 6 months.

Hence living in a tropical country with lots of sun is celebrated.
With regard to COVID 19, we have lost our ability to socialize like before. We are consuming news that gives us a lot of stress.

What we’re living through now is very stressful, and most people are not prepared for this.

How are we going to live a life that's stress free in midst of a pandemic

Meanwhile, the capricious nature of the virus causes fear due to uncertainty over where it will strike next or who may be a carrier. Yet the more people practice prudent avoidance and hunker down at home, the potential for interpersonal conflict grows, challenging people confined together to get along. In such instances, it’s a good idea to have designated safe spaces people can retreat to reduce tension
Avoid anxiety by turning off the news. Consume news in moderation if you want

Find things that truly bring out the joy in you and your family members.

Drive to places with scenic beauty, eat healthy and nutritious food.

Calm down your mind. It's not your fault what the world has to offer and make the best of best ability to live better.

Covid- 19 and psychosocial support for children

As many of you have children confined in the house having online classes.

In the current context of lock down and restriction of movements, children have constrained access to
socialization, play, and even physical contact, critical for their psychosocial wellbeing and development.
School closures are preventing children from access to learning and limiting their interactions with peers.
Children may feel confused and at loss with the current situation, leading to frustration and anxiety, which will
only increase with the overexposure to mass and social media, specially among adolescents. Some adults
may struggle to find ways to explain and communicate with children about the current situation in a way that
is understandable by this age group, which will add frustration and disquietude.
COVID-19 is also bringing new stressors on parent and caregivers. This can hamper their capacity to provide
care and remain engaged with their children. Being very keen observers of people and environments,
children will notice, absorb and react to the stress in their caregivers and community members, which
unavoidably will affect their well-being.
And the above is only the beginning. Levels of stress will be exponentially higher among vulnerable families.
So let's be kinder to our kids, play with them instead of giving them a mobile phone. Engage physical sports with them that will help with cognitive well-being.

Read them books, play board games with them instead of gluing them with television. Engage them in little house hold chores as part of a game.
Let's be kind and share love until we beat this pandemic

National Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7)

Many may have a concern due to the Covid- 19
Kindly check the following image to understand more about breastfeeding at the times of Covid - 19.

Zika, dengue മുതലായവയിൽ നിന്ന് രക്ഷ നേടാൻ വീടും പരിസരവും വൃത്തിയായി സൂക്ഷിക്കാം

In this rainy season we tend to take less fluids than we normally take. This causes Dehydration. Dehydration occurs when you use or lose more fluid than you take in, and your body doesn't have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions. If you don't replace lost fluids, you will get dehydrated. So stay hydrated. Don't wait for your body to tell you.

വലിയ പെരുന്നാൾ ആശംസകൾ

Protect yourself from ZIKA virus. Kindly avoid mosquito bites and wear long sleeved clothes and use mosquito repellent. If you see anyone with the following symptoms kindly contact a health advisor.

We are living in an unexpected era, without socialising and in isolation. Ours jobs might be at stake, our personal problems might be difficult to manage. And overthinking will be at it's peak. Overthinking is the biggest cause of unhappiness. Overthinking is also often associated with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress and borderline personality disorder. Always be aware of when it starts. An important first step to put a halt to overthinking is to know when you are doing it.
Try to stay positive.
Don't be a perfectionist.
Set a time limit.

Make gradual changes in your life that comprises more activity and thus making our burdens less.

Myotonic muscular dystrophy, which is sometimes called myotonic dystrophy, is a type of muscular dystrophy. It is estimated that the condition affects about one in 8,000 people worldwide. There are two types of myotonic muscular dystrophy, described as type 1 (DM 1) and type 2 (DM 2). DM 1 is also called Steinert’s disease.

Myotonic muscular dystrophy causes weakness of the skeletal muscles and the internal organs including the heart, the muscles that power breathing, and muscles of the digestive system. Myotonic muscular dystrophy is typically also characterized by delayed muscle relaxation.

The symptoms of myotonic muscular dystrophy can begin at any age between infancy and the age of 40. If you or your child has DM 1 or DM 2, you may experience some of the following.

Skeletal Muscle Weakness
Skeletal muscles are the voluntary muscles attached to your bones. They move your arms, legs, head, neck, and torso. They can be mild to moderately weak with DM 1 or DM 2, but these muscles do not become completely paralyzed.

An example of this would be if you tried to squeeze your hand shut, but the action takes longer than you want it to.

Muscle Atrophy
Atrophy is the loss of muscle and it causes further weakness, as well as produces an appearance of thinning muscles.

Myotonia
The increased muscle tone of myotonic muscular dystrophy is described as myotonia, and it manifests as a prolonged contraction and slowed relaxation of the muscles. This means that once a muscle moves, it takes a few seconds longer than usual to return to its relaxed state.

Myotonia can affect skeletal muscles as well as the muscles of the internal organs. This can be a very subtle symptom when it affects the skeletal muscles, but it can cause significant symptoms in the body’s internal organs. For instance, it can cause the heart to beat slowly or slow digestive function.

Digestive Problems
Weak gastrointestinal muscles and prolonged contraction can cause stomach pain, constipation, and gallbladder problems.

Heart Problems
The heart muscle weakness of this condition can cause decreased power of each heart contraction, which may manifest as fatigue.

Myotonic muscular dystrophy is a hereditary condition. Each of the two types is caused by a different genetic error that results in defective muscle function.