Symptoms of poor circulation

Are you concerned that you or someone close to you is developing signs or symptoms of circulation that is poor? Are you unsure exactly what poor circulation is? Hopefully this article can help with these questions.

Circulation that is poor denotes blood flow that is inadequate all over the body, especially in peripheral areas meaning the legs, hands, as well as the feet. When left untreated, it often results in numerous conditions that are chronic, and range from varicose veins to damaged kidney to a stroke. It is often caused by a lifestyle that is sedentary, obesity, food choices that are poor as well as high blood pressure. If you or someone in your family starts to develop any of these signs of circulation that is poor, obtain medical help as quickly as possible in order to stop any pending complications that can develop.

Ways to check for signs of poor circulation include:

• Check the feet and hands for any cramping as well as numbness. These are among the most noticeable signs that there is problems with circulation that is poor and are usually the first signs to be noticed.
• Check the legs and feet for any signs of swelling and redness. Press a finger against the skin of the lower leg firmly near the ankle for a few seconds, then let go to see if any indention is left or the indention does not bounce back. This is referred to as pitting edema and is absolutely one of the signs of circulation that is poor.
• Consider whether legs get tired or achy after periods of extended standing or inactivity but are relieved with either elevation or movement. This elevation of the legs allows any fluid to drain back into the body and relieve temporarily any swelling or pain. This is an indication of circulation that is poor.
• Consider the mental acuity of yourself or another individual. Any poor circulation can include a mental capacity that is diminished and also takes the form of lethargy, memory loss, as well as a general lack of mental acuity. Lack of good blood circulation to the brain can also cause headaches that are frequent and come on without reason as well as spells of dizziness.
• Check for any cuts or wounds that heal very slowly or don’t heal at all. Any loss of blood flow will inhibit the process of healing which can result in non-healing ulcers especially in cases that are severe. These primarily appear on the lower legs and feet and are a major reason for amputations among diabetics.

There are many reasons for symptoms of poor circulation. A few that need to be mentioned include artery, circulatory, vein, heart as well as blood disorders. Often, circulation that is poor is only noticed in one area of the body such as fingers that are tingling when circulation in the hands is poor. Still, some individuals will have circulation problems that are full body. Causes for full body circulation problems usually affect individuals who are obese, have high cholesterol, diabetes or high blood pressure. Often something as simple as a cup of coffee or a mixed drink can set off symptoms of circulation that is poor.

The following are several symptoms indicating that circulation is poor:

• If the circulation of the kidneys is poor it will cause swelling of ankles, feet as well as hands, a fatigued feeling and blood pressure that is elevated.
• If the circulation to the liver is poor the individual will have a pale or unhealthy appearance along with loss of weight at a pace that is very sudden.
• Poor circulation involving the heart can cause pains in the chest, cholesterol that is elevated as well as high blood pressure.
• If any area of the body turns a bluish color, this is referred to as cyanosis and normally indicates poor circulation in that area.
• Poor circulation can cause varicose veins to develop.
• If the feet or hands never seem to be warm, that feeling of chilliness might also be related to circulation that is poor.
• Toe nails that are brittle can be due to poor blood flowing to the feet properly.
• Any sudden vision that becomes poor and comes and goes can also be related to poor circulation.

If any of these signs or symptoms sound like problems that you or a family member have, it is important to see a medical professional as quickly as possible.

Buffalo Hump

A certain condition wherein subcutaneous mass of fat is deposited behind the posterior and the base of the neck. These can occur due to a number of conditions. It may come in different sizes and each hump needs to be treated dependent on those factors.

What is Buffalo Hump?

Buffalo Hump is often referred to as “dorsocervical fat pad or cyphosis” a symptom of several medical conditions and a popular term for a mass of adipose fat (lipoma) present around the lower and upper thoracic vertebrae, specifically located at the top back of the neck between the shoulders. It commonly occurs as a result of excessive secretion of cortisol hormones by the adrenal glands.

When deciding on the method of treatment for a buffalo hump, consider the following factors to reduce the risk of potential complications of having buffalo hump. Let’s mention a few:

• Osteoporosis
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Diabetes (high level of sugar)
• Bone Fractures

In general, about 40-50 percent of buffalo hump usually occurs more common in older ones and probably slightly more often in women.

Dunnigan, kobberling, mandibuloacral dysplasia, prednisone are several types of buffalo hump that are genetically inherited that may appeared in our older patients and may worsen because of underlying osteoporosis – a condition wherein the bones of our body becomes thin and weaker. These conditions are especially high risk complications and normally need surgical treatment in some cases.

Symptoms

Every patient may experience different symptoms but it has some common symptoms which may vary depending on the underlying condition of the person that has a buffalo hump.

Symptoms and signs of a buffalo hump include:

• Elevation of the hump over the neck
• Enlargement of the breast and chest
• Severe Obesity
• Breast Enlargement
• Reduce range in motion
• Changes in their physical appearance
• Lumps of fat occurs irrespective of body parts
• Bulging out belly
• Swelling of the face, limbs, buttocks, etc.
• High Blood Pressure ( hypertension)
• Excessive hair growth
• Menstrual Changes
• Weakness (loss of strength)
• Kyphoscoliosis or scoliosis (curvature of the spine)
• Muscle Cramps
• Frequent urination
• Pain and difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
• Movement restriction
• Endocrine Symptoms
• Fatigue ( adrenocortical carcinoma)

Causes

There are numerous common causes for a buffalo hump. The following are as follows:

• AIDS medications
• Hormonal Imbalance – Due to elevated levels of cortisol
• Excessive accumulation of fat
• Osteoporosis – Also known as “Kyphoscoliosis” weakening and thinning of the bones
• Lipodystrophy – Selective loss of body fat
• Hypercortisolism ( caused by Cushing Syndrome)
• Extreme Obesity
• Hyperinsulinaemia – excess growth of the adrenal glands
• Long term use of steroids and certain medications – Used to different conditions like inflammatory diseases
• Long-term glucocorticoid therapy
• Pituitary dysfunction or tumor
• Glandular Problems :

1. Adrenal Tumours
2. Hyperplaxia – (excess growth of the adrenal glands)

Treatment

If an individual is suffering from a buffalo hump. There are available and effective treatment / ways to solve such problems. These treatments are depending on it’s underlying disease, disorder or condition. The following treatments are as follows:

• Apply compresses anti –inflammatory – It helps reduce the inflammation and bring great relief to the patient
• Restriction of the drug intake / reduction of it’s dosage – Long term use of steroids, certain medications, etc.
• Radiation Therapy
• Exercises – Helps in strengthening the neck and the upper back, shoulders, arms, etc.
• Healthy Diet and exercise – Helps in reducing the size of the hump and relief the pain due to obesity
• Cosmetic Surgery Medication
• Hormonal Therapy
• Combination of all treatments
• Inform a physician in case the hump is severe or sudden changes in the shape or appearance of your body for he/ she may prescribed medication/ procedure you have to undergo to treat the affected area and assess adherence top the regimen.

Surgery

The main goal of the surgery to the affected buffalo hump patients are the lasting relief and deformity correction of their body. Individuals that have a severe hump in their body may undergo such operation. The following are as follows:

• Balloon Kyphoplasty – reduce back pain by inserting a balloon on the affected part of the body and filling it with cement. It has a short recovery time.

Note: This procedure is recommended for older patients ranging from 60- 90 because the younger ones are more likely to heal.

• Liposuction Buffalo Hump Removal – removal of the hump in the affected area. On the other hand, contour deformity and the degree of “bumpiness” is the common complication of this procedure.

Note: Significantly, this kind of procedure may burn and damage our skin cells. Aside from that, the whole procedure is much expensive than the standard one.

• Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction – more efficient than the standard liposuction. It provides significant improvement but unfortunately, it can’t get all the unnecessary excessive fatty tissue in our body.

• Tumescent Liposuction – much safer than ultrasonic assisted liposuction. It is designed to eliminate large amount of fatty deposits in our body. It has an excellent safety profile among the other procedures.

Buffalo Hump Exercises

This back hump exercises will improve your overall body posture and decreasing your risks of neck, lower back, and leg injuries, etc. The following exercises are as follows:

Aerobic Exercise – a cardiovascular activity for about 20-30 minutes, 3-5 days per week within your heart rate range is the recommended exercise for treating the affected area of the patient. Through this, it also helps in muscle strengthening and maximizes the burning of the fats in the body.

Weight or Resistance Training – According to some research, a minimum of 2-3 days per week of strength training is good for the patients who are affected by buffalo hump to exercise with weights or resistance for this may help in minimizing the appearance of buffalo hump in the affected part of the body.

This specific exercise has been promoted and mostly adopted by patients who are suffering from this condition. Let’s mention a few:

• Place your both hands on the back of your head and press it forward. Hold this position for about 5 (five) seconds and then release, then repeat the whole procedures.

This simple procedure creates resistance to your body as you push your head back using your neck muscles.

• Exercises using a barbell (constant repetition)

This form of exercise helps in strengthening the neck and upper back of our body and at the same time helps in relieving stress.

Take the following preventive measures that greatly support in the treatment of buffalo hump. These may include:

• Avoiding unfettered work in a single posture
• Working with objects which abide by ergonomics – Helps in comforting one’s life without getting stressful activities
• Keeping distance from monitors and other objects – For it may strain one’s vision

Recovery / Removing Time

It takes from one (1) to two (2) months for a successful removal of the buffalo hump but it also takes six (6) to (1) year or (greater than a year) where the source of the buffalo hump has not been removed or has not been eliminated by the procedure. Any patient undergoing any procedure should be aware of this possibility.

Buffalo Hump Pictures

Buffalo Hump Pictures

source : childrenshospital.org

Buffalo Hump Photos

source : weddingbee.com

Buffalo Hump Images

source : cushings-help.com

Buffalo Hump Pics

source : wilshireaesthetics.com

Myotonic Dystrophy

One of the major problems faced by the patients today is what we call Myotonic Dystrophy. A certain disorder that takes place when a variety inheritance prototype is available wherein dissimilar muscular condition badly affects mankind along with the fact that it is the most universal paleness of an elderly person.

What is Myotonic Dystrophy?

The term Myotonic Dystrophy also known as “Dystrophia Myotonica (DM), and Trinucleotide Repeat Disorder”, a specific and mainly the universal syndrome that weakens the musculoskeletal system that slow down our entire body’s system, and a genetic disorder affecting a large number of individuals particularly the males than the female ones plus it also characterized the wasting of the muscles wherein different types of muscle groups are affected by this certain condition.

Studies showed that a dystrophy is believed to start as early as the age of twenty (20) to forty (40) years of age this condition and is often a result from the growth of a small duplicate DNA cycle meaning there are certain areas of DNA cycle has been repeated string of two (2) or three (3) more nucleotides in our genes. This molecular transformation may hinder on the production of valuable muscle proteins in the body is different from the other for its widespread effects throughout our entire body.

Furthermore, thirty-three (33) percent of people are affected by MD disorder. There are nine (9) major types of Myotonic dystrophy that fall under this category. The following are as follows:

• Becker’s Muscular Dystrophy (BMD) – Usually takes place due to the production of a functional form dystrophin.
• Congenital Muscular Dystrophy – Typically, a type of disorder wherein general muscle weakness and joint deformities and shows an indication of severe brain break down such as hydrocephalus to the affected patient.
• Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) – It occurs due to the absence of a substance called dystrophin that leads to the trouble of the outer membrane of the muscles inside body.
• Distal Muscular Dystrophy – Primary weakness in the calf muscles is experienced by the person suffering from this disorder.
• Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy – Frequently present in childhood and the early teenage years with contractures. This type are also classified into its three (3) subtypes such as X-Linked, autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive that varies in the occurrence of their signs and symptoms.
• Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD) – It affects the muscles principally on the face, shoulders and upper arms.
• Limb-girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD) – Shows related allocation of muscle fading that significantly affects both the upper and lower part of the legs.
• Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy – Featuring a little development in the genes of the affected individual that normalize the description of the genes into a functional proteins

Listed below are the three classification of Myotonic Dystrophy that has been identified including:

• Steinert’s Disease or often referred as DM1
• Proximal Myotonic Myopathy (PROMM) or DM2
• Congenital Myotonic Dystrophy or CMyd

DM1 / Type 1

• A repeat of the triplet cytosine-thymine-guanine (CTG) for it awaits the occurrence of the disorder.
• Categorized into three (3) overlapping phenotypes such as: Mild, classical and congenital based on the severity on the repeat length of nucleotides available in our body.
• The gene is particularly situated on the extended arm of the chromosome therefore there is an exist expansion in the transmission of the disorder which the size enhances as the age also increases.

Life expectancy

Typically, the affected patient’s existence is essentially normal in this kind of disorder.

DM2 / Type 2

In this form the repeat size can’t estimate age, its severity as well as its clinical symptoms that are present in the affected person. In other words, there is an absence of a congenital form of a disease.

Life expectancy

Typically, turns out to have more benign disorder he affected patient’s existence is essentially normal in this kind of disorder.

• It often appears to have a more severe with relatively little decrease of life span to the affected patient.

Symptoms

Every individual may experience different symptoms but it has some common symptoms which may vary depending on the underlying condition of a person that has a Myotonic dystrophy.

Symptoms and sgins of a Myotonic dystrophy include:

• Arthritis
• Weakness of muscles in the arms and legs
• Intellectual Impairments
• Fatigue
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Complications from anesthesia – It may worsen the problem of person suffering from cardiac arrhythmias.
• Eye Cataracts
• Mental Retardation of a person
• Foot drop
• Sleep apnea
• Muscle Spasms
• Pregnancy complications
• Muscle involvement such as: dysphagia, constipation, diarrhea
• Infantile hypotonia
• Respiratory complications such as weakening of the muscles
• Cardiac Conduction Abnormalities

Factors that can worsen the disorder and put a person at risk when doing these activity that:

• Sitting for a long period of time
• Bed Rest
• Bodybuilding

Causes

There are numerous common causes for a Myotonic Dystrophy. The following are as follows:

• Progressive muscular wasting
• Poor balance
• Drooping eyelids
• atrophy
• Scoliosis (curvature of the spine and the back)
• Inability to walk
• Frequent falls
• Waddling gait
• Calf deformation
• Limited range of movement
• Respiratory difficulty
• Joint contractures

Treatment

Many treatments are available which you may use for Myotonic Dystrophy cure. Let’s mention a few:

Eat well-balanced diet

• High intake of lean meat, milk, olive oils, fruits, leafy vegetables, etc. that is a good sources of soluble fiber to prevent other health complications.

Taking Exercise such as Aerobic

• Exercise including gentle stretching actions at some selected points for at least thirty (30) minutes everyday. Maintain this habit for it may lessen the tendency for tendon shortenings and joint contractures.
• It helps in preventing and improving muscle strengths and maintains muscle tones of the body.

Surgery

• Used to improve and correct the condition of the patient. An implication known as Orthoses – a great help used to support the muscles of the body.

Physical Therapy

• A treatment focus on assisting and supporting the affected person in doing daily activities at the most level as possible. It helps in increasing the person’s functions and accessibility.

Medicines / Drug Treatment

• Available drugs may be used in treating MD disorder includes mexiletine, quinine, and etc. for temporary relief of this disorder.

Myotonic Dystrophy Pictures

Myotonic Dystrophy Pictures

source : bcm.edu

Myotonic Dystrophy Images

source : blogspot.com

What is Thyromegaly?

Hormone has a vital role in the metabolism of our body. It has a helpful impact on our health. A certain condition sometimes called “bronchocele”) is one of the major problems that rarely occur in the society especially during pregnancy and childhood. It comes from different aspects and needs to be treated dependent on those factors.

A thyroid gland which turns out to be enlarged is often referred to as a “goiter”, a butterfly-shaped gland and is situated at the base of the neck and secretes hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine). A condition that can result from low or high levels of thyroid hormones or from a deficiency of iodine in the diet.

Generally, an estimated of two hundred million individuals both (men and women) are affected by this illness and it is the female who are more affected than the male ones. A disorder that has many different causes and raises its affected patients regardless of its age.

The following are the three (3) varieties of goiter that are based on their visibility. The following are as follows:

• Hyperthyroid
• Euthyroid
• Hypothyroid

Hyper-thyroid (graves disease)

• A type of goiter wherein there is excessive circulating and intracellular hormones stimulating is present that is why thyroid gland will both enlarge. It is associated with eye lid dryness and swelling of the entire eyes.
• Also known as Hyperthyroidism, wherein the gland produces a lot of thyroid hormone.

Euthyroid goiter

• A type of goiter that does not change thyroid function and in a form of solid or fluid-filled cysts within the thyroid gland specifically grows below your sternum (breastbone). It doesn’t have symptoms and is non-cancerous. A normal production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid if and only accompanied by normal circulating hormones.

Hypothyroid goiter

• A type of goiter that is not producing enough of hormones and inadequate replacement theraphy. That will be able to make enough thyroxin in the body specifically grows below the level of your clavicle (collarbone).
• The gland stops making the thyroid hormone.

This disease is also classified into three (3) categories based on the severity of the mass currently is seen in the body including:

• Diffuse Goiter – wherein masses are covering the entirely thyroid
• Non-toxic Goiter – are lowering the function of the thyroid in the body
• Toxic Goiter – are higher than the average thyroid

Any treatment for a goiter can consist of procedures to take care of that certain disease. Cosmetic is not necessary for the medication of the thyroid.

Symptoms

The presence of this disease typically means that there is something wrong inside our body exclusively in the thyroid gland that is not functioning normally.
There are various different signs and symptoms of a goiter. These are as follows:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Mildly fever (if there is infection)
• Sore Throat
• Neck Pain
• Heat Intolerance
• Weight Loss
• Difficulty Breathing – (certain body positions)
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Coughing or choking – (due to tightness in the esophagus area)
• Thyroid Enlargement – (slightly bigger to massive enlarged)
• Digestive Problems
• Neck and Ear Pain
• Bad Breath

Causes

There are many different causes of goiters including:

• Insufficient iodine in the diet
• Infections
• Inflammation and Infiltration – The affected area looks worse when ingesting.
• Tumors (benign/ malignant)
• Hereditary / Family History
• Selenium Deficiency
• Taking some medications
• Pregnancy – The gland incorrectly stimulates the hormone constructed by the pituitary gland.

For you not to increase the chance of getting a disease caused by goiter. The following factors need to be considered:

• Personal Trait – Age and Gender (40 years older and above). Women are more high risk than men.
• Hereditary (Family History)
• Taking medicines such as cobalt or lithium
• Radiation Exposure
• Not taking food that is high in iodine content (cabbage, peanuts, peaches, etc.)

Treatment

In history, study shown that first that was successfully treat the affected goiter patients were the Chinese physicians. Therefore, here are some of the treatments/ remedies available depending on the severity of the disease.

The following are as follows:

• Taking small doses of iodine
• Take certain medicines, such as lithium, iodides, and cobalt
• Keeping the goiter from growing any larger and stabilizes the size of the gland. These are only the few drugs that decrease level of hormones present in the body, PTU and methimazole.
• Ethanol Infusion
• Thyroid Hormone replacement – Activates gene transcription and synthesis of messenger RNA and cytoplasmic proteins. It can be done via surgery or radiation treatment.

Surgery (thyroidectomy)

• Reserved only for the following situations:

Huge goiters with constriction malignancy to get rid of all or part of the gland

• Levethyroxine suppressive therapy

This treatment is a long procedure and is a useful tool in the medication of nontoxic multinodular goiter.

• Cosmetic ( not a common procedure)

This specific home remedies / treatment are mostly adopted by patients who are suffering from this condition. A few of these therapies proven to work are:

1. Use dandelions or dandelions paste

• Applied directly to the affected area two (20 to three (3) times a day for several weeks.
• It greatly helps in reducing swelling to the affected area.

2. Daily consumption of shingara (followed strictly)

• Proven in eliminating goiter in an early stage.

3. Using up of carrots, lettuce, etc. to our diet

• Helps in keeping the goiter harmless.

4. Drinking lots of fluids, such as milk, fruit juices, etc.

• Sipping a lot of juices and fluids for three (30 to five (5) five successive days.
• Helps to purify the body structure and ease goiter swelling.

What is a comminuted fracture?

Also labeled as multifragmentary fracture, a comminuted bone fracture is a medical situation describing an injury somewhere along the length of the bone that arises as soon as a rapid blow or an overwhelming force is directed towards the bone, leading it to splinter into three or more portions. For minor bone structures to suffer breaks and fractures, it is estimated to receive 9 to 13 pounds of pressure. Bigger bones, the femur for instance, have breaking peaks as great as 160 lbs of pressure. The fracture is classified as being open or closed. In a closed fracture, the skin is still intact, as opposed to open fractures where the skin is damaged and bones are projected on the outside.

Any bone which takes an impact with enough pounds of pressure can break .The forearm and the wrist are the most frequent anatomical parts subjected to a comminuted form of fracture. The exact mechanism involved in most of these situations is the person’s defense reaction to take falls with hands. Thus, radius, which provides the most foundation, receives most of the force, thus, has the potential to break up.

Common recipients of this kind of bone fracture are the bicyclists. As a result of the momentum at their back, they frequently trip over from an upper point with much more impact. Several other sports and actions that need physical contact or utilize solid surfaces raises an individual’s vulnerability to fractures. Another usual group is the aged, especially those who have bone diseases like osteosarcoma, osteogenesis imperfecta, osteoporosis and hormonal disproportions which restricts bone growth, development and repair. Fortunately, a lot of these bone conditions can be prevented by a high-calcium, high-protein diet.

Making a diagnosis is simple. At first, the physician obtains a physical assessment and a patient’s medical history. An x-ray is needed to visualize the suspected fracture. Once it has been x-rayed, the physician can make use of the image to collect further details of the orientation of the fragmented bone to establish the most fitting treatment approach possible. In some situations, a computed tomography maybe required.

If left untreated, complications may appear that affect the bone’s healing process. This may include infection, compartment syndrome and vascular necrosis. Several follow-up health checks can be scheduled by the physician to periodically assess if fracture has been situated as it should be, and if healing process is fast or too gradual. If the doctor discovers that healing isn’t progressing as wanted, then interventions can be rendered to deal with this problem.

Symptoms

Similar to several other fractures, a comminuted one is associated with characteristic manifestations prompting subjects to seek out medical and surgical care.

• Commonly, they report tremendous pain at the fractured area which begins the moment one sustains the damage. Even if bone tissues do not have nociceptors, still, fracture presents an unbearable sensation. This might be due to a number of explanations. First, any split in the continuity of the periosteum, the sheath that surrounds the bones, with or without the involvement of the vascular tissue lining of the bones produces excruciating feeling as these structures contain multiple pain receptors. Secondly, the adjacent soft tissues become edematous due to hemorrhage of worn out periosteum vessels; in consequence, pressure pain is induced. Lastly, in an attempt to maintain the bone segments in place, muscles become spastic.
• They may even lose their consciousness once the splintering happens as derived from pain.
• Signs of inflammation can be observed in the injured area, such as swelling, skin discoloration and warmth.
• Naturally, the person can’t tolerate carrying an object on the fracture without being subjected to considerable pain.

Causes

Bones are durable in nature and do not easily yield to insignificant pressure. For a bone structure to become splintered to pieces, a tremendous blow is necessary. Such situations where bones are unable to withstand pressure may include the following;

• Vehicular accidents
• Severe fall from a height
• Gun shots
• Advancing age
• Bone diseases

Additionally, those who are chronic smokers are likely to have reduced bone density, thus, they are at higher risk of getting fractures. Another issue on smoking is its effect on the healing process. It has been found out that smoking suspends bone healing, causing healing time to double in comparison to non-smokers.

Treatment

Treating comminuted fractures can be very difficult because of the involvedness of too many fragmented pieces. This can also become particularly challenging when the bone fracture is open as infection and slow healing process are typically the issues to consider throughout the treatment.

Normally, when the body sustains breaks in the bone, a natural mechanism begins in order to repair the damage. Hence, the goal of treatment is directed in re-establishing the normal placement of the fragmented bones in order that it may still perform the usual functions following its complete healing.

• For this principle, the shattered pieces are lined up in a procedure labeled as reduction. Immobilization above and below the injured area is maintained with the aid of fiberglass cast, plasters and splints.
• For lesser bones that have been injured like the phalanges of toes and fingers, seldom, immobilization is achieved by buddy wrapping. With this, only a limited movement is allowed, therefore, the anatomical position is sustained while permitting callus formation.
• For pain management, especially in arm fractures, the use of ibuprofen provides relief that is similarly effective to the combined acetaminophen and codeine.
• In impacted fractures where the fragmented ends are forcefully jammed together by massive force, an invasive method termed as open reduction which makes use of surgical nails, screws, plates and wires, is necessary with the intention of preserving the original position of the splintered pieces.
• When the above approaches fall short in giving reasonable results, then more invasive forms of management are applied. In compression type of fracture for instance, conservative approach consistently fails as vertebrae are already involved. A better approach involves vertebroplasty, a surgical method where cement is injected into the broken vertebrae to offer stability to the spinal column.
• If bone infection arises, meticulous antiseptic measures and prophylactic antibiotics are mandatory. Infection is a major concern as this is particularly harmful in bones, because of the recrudescent quality of bone infections.

More often than not, treatment is maintained for an extended duration because fractured bones take a great deal of time to restore its normal condition. Regular appointment with a doctor is recommended to guarantee the good condition of the bones. Since healing process may take for more than a few months, physical therapy may be needed for the patient to rapidly pull through.

What is Eyelid twitching?

An eyelid twitch, medically known as myokymia fasciculation is generally referring to a common benign, involuntary muscle spasm that happens in the eyelids. In several occasions, the eyelid is observed to close and re-open repetitively. Twitching of the upper eyelid occurs in 5 of every 100,000 population. Females are predominantly affected with a ratio of 1.8:1. The eyelid twitching becomes more ordinary as one gets older, with about 66% of the patients aged 60 years old and beyond.

On top of the recurring, involuntary eye twitching or upper eyelid spasm, a person may also have photosensitivity and may complain of a blurred vision. One must keep in mind that while the disease can be bothersome, upsetting and socially restraining, this is most frequently, not life-threatening by any means.

Forms of Eyelid spasm

Eyelid spasms come in three forms, namely, minor eyelid twitch, blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm. In an eyelid twitch, the origin is unidentified. Insignificant twitching is commonly noted in one or both lower eyelids, though is of no worry.

In the case of benign essential blepharospasm, both eyes are frequently affected. This is idiopathic in nature, however is linked to the atypical functioning of basal ganglia, a group of nuclei responsible for muscle control and coordination. The malfunction may be due to a disruption in the neurochemical transmission. Initially, triggered by different factors, patients notice the appearance of manifestations such as a steady increase in blinking, repeated eye irritation, photosensitivity and fatigue. As it progresses, the lids involuntarily close, and at times, the eyebrows do. In severe cases, the muscles in the mouth and neck become spastic. Once these muscles become spastic, the patient may temporarily incapable of seeing things as there is involuntary closure of the eyelid.

The third form is termed as hemifacial spasm. This describes a medical condition with involvement of the muscles of the eyelid and the mouth on one side of the face. The one-sided spasm is due to the pressure placed by the artery on the nerve to the muscles of the face, resulting to facial twitch. This is a more violent form seeing that there is more severe spasm, eating can be very difficult and speaking is significantly impaired.

Causes

This involuntary movement of the eyelid can be due to an extensive multiplicity of possible reasons. It is important for one to first establish what is most likely causing the eyelid twitch to facilitate proper treatment of the condition. The following list enumerates the potential causes and triggers of the eye muscle condition;

• Fatigue or inadequate sleep – In patients who get insufficient rest, eyelid spasm is common.
• Allergic reaction – When a person experiences an eye allergy, the eyes become itchy, swollen and watery. Once the eyes are rubbed, a substance known as histamine is released by immune cells into the tissues of the eyelids. This amine is believed to cause eyelid twitching.
• Eye dryness – Over a half of the elderly population has eye dryness as a result of their advancing age. This is also usual in individuals who use computers excessively and those who put on contact lenses.
• Eye strain
• Too much exposure to computer and TV screens
• Exposure to bright light and wind
• Air pollution
• Stress – When a person is under a stressful situation, his body responds in many unique ways. One indication that a person is stressed out is eye twitching.
• Vitamin deficiency or nutritional imbalances – When specific nutrients become inadequate, such as in the case of hypomagnesemia, spasm in the muscles of the eyelid is elicited.
• Alcohol and Caffeine – Excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine can result to eyelid twitching.
• Corneal and conjunctival irritation
• Medications

Treatment

Home Treatments

• Have adequate rest and sleep. Increasing sleeping hours has been revealed to help ¾ of the patients.
• Engage in relaxing activities. About 55% of the affected individuals have been shown to have been successfully treated after engaging in de-stressing behavior.
• Use dark sunglasses.
• Communicate your concerns and anxieties to others.
• Observe good eyelid hygiene. Give or take a few four minutes to cleanse the lid area twice a day by applying a washcloth soaked in warm water. After that, lightly rub the eyelashes and eyelids horizontally. This procedure does not only present a relaxing and cleansing effect; it also gives traction.
• Lubricate eyes. The application of moisturizing eye drops is found to be effective in relieving eyelid twitch in about 24 percent of the affected individuals.
• Increase dietary consumption of foods rich in potassium every day, banana for example. This mineral is crucial for reducing eye dryness.
• Lessen caffeine consumption.

Medical management for blepharospasm

Up to now, a 100% cure for blepharospasm is not yet established; however, there are quite a few options available which may lessen its severity. In addition to the home treatments listed above, a physician may choose to treat blepharospasm with the following methods:

• Stay away from factors that can elicit the twitch such as bright lights, exhaustion and stress.
• The Botox injection is now an accepted therapy for blepharospasm. This is also recommended for patients who have hemifacial spasm as this can mitigate the weight placed by the artery to the nerve. In this procedure, a small amount of botulinum toxin is delivered every 3 months into the eyelid muscles which results to a localized, partial paralysis and muscle relaxation. It is good for more than a few months, but with continual administration, its effectiveness decreases.
• There are medications intended for blepharospasm, yet these drugs still provide variable results, with only about 15% of the patients responding well to the therapy and are only short term in nature. Getting a good drug where patients respond well requires trial and error after a while. Magnesium chloride can be added as a dietary supplement as it is found to be beneficial in some patients.
• In case when pharmacological treatment and Botox injection fail to give satisfactory results, the patient can be a candidate for protractor myectomy. In this surgical procedure, the muscles around the eyes which are responsible for eyelid closure is taken out.

Hypothyroidism or the underactive thyroid affects the general population but is known to be more common in women than in men. Others acquire this condition from birth, known as congenital hypothyroidism. This condition is the deficiency of thyroid hormones that is very essential in our body’s equilibrium and metabolism. The depletion of the thyroid hormones, thyroxine and triiodothyronine, has a grave effect to the affected person.

An increased amount of thyroid-stimulating hormones in our body would indicate for an underactive thyroid.TSH is known to stimulate our pituitary gland in order to release thyroxine. An increase in TSH from an underactive thyroid is a compensatory mechanism for the purpose of increasing the thyroxine levels in the blood. According to studies; women are more affected with this condition and can present more symptoms than men. Women are high risk for an underactive thyroid especially when age increases.

An underactive thyroid gland affects the body by slowing down its essential functions. The end result is by placing our body functions to a slope downwards, this explains why all the presenting symptoms are:

• Generalized tiredness/ fatigue
• Weight gain (decreased metabolism)
• Constipation
• Dry skin & cool to touch
• Decreased appetite
• Cold intolerance
• Decreased heart rate and respiratory rate
• Hypoactive
• Mental sluggishness and depression

Symptoms of underactive thyroid in women are the following:

• Pale skin
• Coarse and brittle hair
• Brittle nails
• Muscle aches and tenderness
• Heavier menstrual intervals
• Menstrual irregularities
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Lack of sex drive

The possible complications of hypothyroidism include:

• Increased risk for heart disease – low thyroxine levels can cause an increase of cholesterol
• Pregnancy – women who are pregnant are at risk for acquiring prenatal complications. These complications include: pre-eclampsia, anemia, premature labor, low birth weight, stillbirth, and hemorrhage.
• Myxedema coma – a rare complication because of a severe low level of thyroid hormone or underactive thyroid gland. This is considered as a life threatening situation that needs to be acted upon onset.

In order to diagnose the condition, blood chemistry for the TSH and Thyroxine blood levels can assist in the process. This can be supported with the presenting symptoms that the patient is experiencing. The key point to consider in an underactive thyroid is the depletion of bodily functions. A vital decrease and change from the patients’ health and function can point us to the possibility for an underactive thyroid.