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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 ...

  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 modulato...

  Pseudotumor Cerebri (PTC), also known as Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH), is a condition characterized by increased intracranial pressure without a detectable tumor or other cause. Symptoms: 1. Headaches (severe, frequent) 2. Vision changes (double vision, blurred vision) 3. Tinnitus (ringing in ears) 4. Hearing loss 5. Dizziness 6. Nausea and vomiting 7. Papilledema (swelling of optic disc) Causes and risk factors: 1. Obesity 2. Female gender (especially childbearing age) 3. Hormonal changes 4. Certain medications (e.g., tetracyclines, vitamin A derivatives) 5. Sleep apnea 6. Head trauma Diagnosis: 1. Lumbar puncture (LP) to measure cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure 2. Imaging studies (MRI, CT scans) to rule out other causes 3. MR venogram or CT venogram of the head can be done to rule out a cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is done to measure the pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid unless something is seen on the MRI or CT scan indi...

 Hemoglobin (HgB) is the pigment in red blood cells. When blood sugar is high, an altered form of sugar attaches to hemoglobin, thereby forming HgBA1c. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a blood test measuring average blood sugar control over 3 months.  HgBA1c reflects the average blood sugar over three months because red blood cells live in circulation for about 90 days. It is essential for diagnosing and managing diabetes. HbA1c measures the percentage of hemoglobin molecules bound to glucose. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Interpretation: Normal: <5.7% - Prediabetes: 5.7-6.4% - Diabetes: ≥6.5%HgBA1c of 5.7% equals an average blood sugar of 117 mg/dl, while 10% equals 240 mg/dl. Why is HbA1c important? 1. Diagnosis of diabetes and prediabetes 2. Monitor blood sugar control 3. Identifies risk for complications (e.g., kidney damage, nerve damage) 4. Guiding treatment adjustments   Target HbA1c levels: - American Diabetes Association (ADA...

  Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) is a neurological condition characterized by an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain's ventricles, leading to ventricular enlargement. Here is an overview: Symptoms: 1. Gait disturbance (magnetic gait, difficulty walking) 2. Dementia (memory loss, cognitive decline) 3. Urinary incontinence Causes: 1. Blockage of CSF flow or absorption 2. Head trauma 3. Infections (meningitis, encephalitis) 4. Brain tumors or cysts 5. Aging Ocular signs of hydrocephalus include:     Vision changes: Blurred vision, reduced vision, double vision, or grayouts or fuzzouts of vision     Eye misalignment: Strabismus, or eyes looking outwards and downwards     Other eye problems: Unstable or shaking eyes, abnormal pupil reaction to light, or less than 20/20 vision     Setting-sun sign:  eyes that look downwards     Saccadic eye movement: Impaired rapid jumps of eye movement fro...

 Infectious keratitis is  an infection of the cornea also known as infectious corneal ulcer or corneal opacity . Infectious keratitis can be classified as microbial keratitis (bacteria, fungi or parasites), or viral keratitis (herpes viruses). Infectious keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea (the clear dome-shaped surface at the front of the eye) caused by a bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infection. Here is an overview: Types: 1. Bacterial keratitis (most common) 2. Viral keratitis (e.g., herpes simplex, herpes zoster) 3. Fungal keratitis (e.g., candida, fusarium) 4. Parasitic keratitis (e.g., acanthamoeba) Causes: 1. Contact lens use (especially improper hygiene) 2. Eye trauma or injury 3. Contaminated water or soil exposure 4. Poor eye hygiene 5. Weakened immune system Symptoms: 1. Eye pain or discomfort 2. Redness and inflammation 3. Blurred vision 4. Sensitivity to light 5. Discharge or pus 6. Eye swelling Treatment: 1. Antibacterial, antiviral, antifu...

Chiari malformation is a neurological condition where the brain's cerebellum extends into the spinal canal, putting pressure on the brain and spine. Here is an overview: Types: 1. Chiari I: Most common, cerebellum extends into spinal canal 2. Chiari II: More severe, brain stem and cerebellum extend into spinal canal 3. Chiari III: Rare, cerebellum and brain stem extend through an opening in the skull 4. Chiari IV: Rare, cerebellum doesn't develop properly.   Symptoms: 1. Headaches 2. Neck pain 3. Dizziness or balance problems 4. Numbness or tingling in hands and feet 5. Vision problems 6. Hearing loss 7. Swallowing difficulties 8. Fatigue Causes: 1. Congenital (present at birth) 2. Genetic mutations 3. Spinal injury or trauma 4. Infections like meningitis 5. Tumors or cysts   Treatment: 1. Surgery to relieve pressure and decompress the spinal cord 2. Posterior fossa decompression 3. Duraplasty (expanding the dura mater) 4. Laminectomy (removing part of the vertebra) 5. Physica...