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Cauda Equina Syndrome

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  Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) is a serious medical condition requiring prompt attention. Definition Cauda Equina Syndrome occurs when the cauda equina nerves (lower spine) are compressed or damaged, disrupting communication between the brain and lower body. Causes 1. Herniated disc 2. Spinal stenosis 3. Trauma (fall, accident) 4. Infection (abscess, meningitis) 5. Tumor 6. Birth defects Symptoms 1. Severe low back pain 2. Pain, numbness, or tingling in legs 3. Weakness or paralysis in legs 4. Bladder and bowel dysfunction 5. Urinary retention or incontinence 6. Constipation 7. Sexual dysfunction Ocular Manifestations : Blurred vision can be an initial symptom of a schwannoma of the cauda equina, a rare nerve root problem that occurs when the nerves at the bottom of the spinal cord are compressed. Other ocular manifestations of conditions that can affect the cauda equina include: Neurosarcoidosis A multisystem disorder that can cause neurologic disease, including cranial neuro
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Nutrition and the Body

  Five signs that the body needs better  nutrition : B rittle nails, Eyelid twitching, Clicking of the joints, P remature graying of the hair and Easy bruising, translated as Fatigue, Skin issues, Digestive problems, Brain Fog and Weak Immune System Here are five signs that your body may need more nutrition: 1. Fatigue and Low Energy - Feeling tired or sluggish throughout the day - Difficulty concentrating or staying focused - Needing excessive caffeine or sugar for energy 1. Skin Issues - Dry, dull, or acne-prone skin - Hair loss or brittle hair - Nail problems (brittle, thin, or slow-growing) 1. Digestive Problems - Bloating, gas, or abdominal pain - Constipation or diarrhea - Difficulty absorbing nutrients 1. Mood Swings and Brain Fog - Irritability, anxiety, or depression - Difficulty remembering or learning new information - Mood swings or emotional instability 1. Weakened Immune System - Frequent illnesses or infe
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DNA and Genes

  DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) and Genes are fundamental concepts in Genetics. DNA Structure: 1. Double helix model 2. Composed of nucleotides (A, C, G, T) 3. Base pairing: A-T, G-C Gene Structure: 1. Sequence of nucleotides within DNA 2. Codes for proteins or functional RNA 3. Consists of:     - Exons (coding regions)     - Introns (non-coding regions)     - Promoters (regulatory regions) Gene Expression: 1. Transcription (DNA → RNA) 2. Translation (RNA → protein) 3. Regulation (epigenetics, transcription factors) Types of Genes: 1. Protein-coding genes 2. Non-coding genes (RNA, regulatory) 3. Pseudogenes (inactive) Genetic Inheritance: 1. Autosomal dominant/recessive 2. X-linked 3. Mitochondrial Genetic Variation: 1. Mutations (point, frameshift) 2. Genetic recombination 3. Gene duplication/deletion Applications: 1. Genetic engineering 2. Gene therapy 3. Personalized medicine 4. Forensic genetics Relationship between Genes and Enzymes: 1. Genes encode enzymes: Genetic information in D
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Pulmonary Vascular Disease

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  The definition of pulmonary vascular disease is simply: any condition that affects the   blood   vessels along the route between the   heart   and   lungs . Blood travels from the  heart , to the lungs, and back to the heart. This process continually refills the blood with oxygen, and allows carbon dioxide be exhaled. Here's how the process works: Oxygen-poor blood returns from the body's tissues through the veins back to the right side of the heart. The right heart pumps oxygen-poor blood through the pulmonary  arteries  into the lungs. This blood becomes filled with oxygen. The oxygen-rich blood returns from the lungs back to the left side of the heart. The left heart pumps the oxygen-rich blood into the body through the  aorta  and many other arteries. Any part of the heart-lung blood circuit can become damaged or blocked, leading to pulmonary vascular disease. Causes of Pulmonary Vascular Disease The causes of pulmonary vascular disease vary according to which of the lung
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HEMIFACIAL SPASM

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  Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is a neurological disorder characterized by: 1. Involuntary muscle contractions on one side of the face. 2. Spasms typically begin around the eye and may spread to other facial muscles. Causes: 1. Compression of the facial nerve(CN7) by a blood vessel or tumor. 2. Bell's palsy or other facial nerve injuries. 3. Multiple sclerosis or other demyelinating diseases. 4. Stroke or cerebral vasculitis. Symptoms: 1. Intermittent or continuous spasms. 2. Eyelid twitching or closure. 3. Facial weakness or paralysis. 4. Difficulty smiling or speaking. Diagnosis: 1. Physical examination. 2. Electromyography (EMG). 3. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 4. Facial nerve conduction studies. Treatment options: 1. Botulinum toxin injections (Botox). 2. Microvascular decompression surgery. 3. Medications (muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants). 4. Facial nerve decompression. Lifestyle modifications: 1. Stress reduction techniques. 2. Relaxation exercises. 3. Avoiding ca
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Head Trauma and Parkinson's

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Head trauma, particularly repetitive or severe injuries, has been linked to an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease (PD) and other Neurodegenerative disorders.  Key findings: 1. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) increases PD risk by 50-300% (varies depending on study). 2. Repeated head trauma (e.g., concussions) is more harmful than single incidents. 3. Risk is higher for injuries involving loss of consciousness or memory impairment. 4. Military veterans and contact sports athletes (e.g., boxing, football) show elevated PD risk.  Possible mechanisms: 1. Damage to dopamine-producing neurons 2. Inflammation and oxidative stress 3. Accumulation of tau and amyloid proteins (associated with neurodegeneration) 4. Disrupted blood-brain barrier  Symptoms and diagnosis: 1. PD symptoms may appear years or decades after head trauma. 2. Classic PD symptoms: tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, postural instability. 3. Diagnosis requires medical evaluation, imaging, and ruling out other cond
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Topical Cannabinoids and Ocular Pain Relief

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  Topical Cannabinoids and Ocular Pain Relief Endocannabinoid system (ECS) modulation has been observed to have a wide range of potential therapeutic benefits for multiple disorders, including ocular pain Dr. Faktorovich  |  06/12/2024  | 4 min read |  Opinion Headshot supplied by Dr. Ella Faktorovich Though a number of different treatment options exist, safe and effective management of ocular pain remains a challenge. This year marks 60 years since the identification of the structure of two major cannabinoids – THC and CBD ( 1 ). This advance set in motion a series of discoveries leading to identification of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This intricate signaling ystem of molecules, receptors, and enzymes is present in nearly all organs, including the eye, and ECS modulation has been observed to have a wide range of potential therapeutic benefits for multiple disorders, including ocular pain ( 2 ). Coupled with advances in drug delivery systems, ECS modulators have the potential to
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