Month: March 2023

A collection of chronic conditions known as cerebral palsy impede motor development and disrupt daily activities. Cerebral palsy is caused by non-progressive abnormalities that appear in the growing fetus or infant brain. The most frequent reason for childhood impairment is this. Depending on the cause, there are different levels and types of motor impairment and functional capacities.

Epilepsy, musculoskeletal issues, intellectual disabilities, feeding issues, vision abnormalities, hearing abnormalities, and communication challenges are just a few of the comorbidities that may be present in people with cerebral palsy. A multidisciplinary strategy should be used in the treatment of cerebral palsy. This activity addresses cerebral palsy evaluation, treatment, and complications and emphasizes the value of a multidisciplinary team approach to managing it.

Cerebral palsy is brought on by abnormal fetal or neonatal brain development or brain injury. The non-progressive (“static”) brain lesion or insult that results in CP may happen during pregnancy, during labor, or after delivery. In a given patient, the cause is frequently complicated.

PRENATAL CAUSES

• Congenital brain malformations
• Intrauterine infections
• Intrauterine stroke
• Chromosomal abnormalities

PERINATAL CAUSES

• Hypoxic-ischemic insults
• Central nervous system (CNS) infections
• Stroke
• Kernicterus

POSTNATAL CAUSES

• Accidental and non-accidental trauma
• CNS infections
• Stroke
• Anoxic insults

EPIDEMIOLOGY

The most frequent cause of childhood impairment is cerebral palsy. In 1.5 to 2.5 out of every 1000 live births, it happens. Infants born preterm have a much higher prevalence than those born at term. As gestational age decreases, the chance of cerebral palsy increases, with babies delivered at fewer than 28 weeks of gestational age having the highest risk. Additionally, the occurrence is higher in low birth weight babies. Infants born at very low birth weights (less than 1500 grams) are most at risk; cerebral palsy affects 5% to 15% of those born at these low birth weights. [6] About 80% of cerebral palsy cases are caused by prenatal events, while 10% are caused by postnatal events.

TYPES OF CEREBRAL PALSY

A physical examination can help determine the type of cerebral palsy. The type of tone abnormality and distribution of motor abnormalities are typical features of cerebral palsy. There are various forms of cerebral palsy.

Spastic diplegic: The patient’s motor problems and spasticity are more severe in the legs than in the arms.
Spastic hemiplegic: One side of the patient’s body is affected by spasticity and motor challenges; more frequently the arms than the legs are affected.
Spastic quadriplegic: The patient experiences spasticity and motor difficulty in all four of their extremities; frequently, the upper extremities are more affected than the legs.
Dyskinetic/hyperkinetic (choreoathetosis): The patient displays excessive, uncontrollable motions that combine slow writhing movements with fast, dance-like muscle contractions.
Dystonic: The patient has persistent, uncontrollable muscle spasms that cause twisting and repeated motions
Ataxic and hypotonic: A patient who is ataxic is unsteady, uncoordinated, and frequently hypotonic.

TREATMENT

Interprofessional teams are used to treat cerebral palsy. Physical, occupational, and speech therapists, behavioral health specialists, social workers/case managers, and educational specialists make up the team of doctors, along with primary care physicians, neurologists, physiatrists, orthopedists, and other specialists as needed based on co-existing conditions.

The goals of interventions should be to improve the quality of life and lessen the burden of impairment. Functional goals should be realistic and frequently reevaluated by the patient, family, and team. Medication used orally or subcutaneously, such as botulinum toxin, can help treat pain, tone irregularities, and concomitant problems like epilepsy, sialorrhea, gastrointestinal disturbances, and behavioral disorders. Benzodiazepines, baclofen, dantrolene, tizanidine, cyclobenzaprine, botulinum toxin, and phenol are some of the drugs used to treat spasticity.

Trihexyphenidyl, gabapentin, carbidopa-levodopa, and benztropine are common medications used by doctors to treat dystonia. Glycopyrrolate, atropine drops, and scopolamine patches are treatments for sialorrhea. Patients with epilepsy are prescribed anti-seizure drugs. Constipation is a common consequence of cerebral palsy that calls for the use of pro-motility medications and stool softeners. Antidepressants treat depression and anxiety, whereas anti-inflammatories treat pain.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY IN CEREBRAL PALSY?

The initial step in treating cerebral palsy is frequent physical therapy. It can aid in the development of motor skills and stop mobility issues from deteriorating over time. Children with cerebral palsy can gain more independence with physical therapy, which uses strength and flexibility exercises, heat treatment, massages, and specialized equipment.

Physical therapy’s effectiveness varies depending on the type and degree of each cerebral palsy case. The treatment for children with less severe instances of CP might only include a little physical therapy. It could be combined with other treatments or drugs in more serious cases. Children typically have the highest odds of improving when physical therapy is started as soon as feasible.

Every child with cerebral palsy receives a distinct kind of physical treatment. In order to develop a therapy strategy, the therapist must first assess the child’s mobility issues. Then, in order to improve movement, a mix of exercises, muscle-relaxing methods, and specialized equipment is usually used. The severity of the condition determines how much physical therapy can help a child’s unique problems.

Physical Therapy can improve

• Coordination
• Balance
• Strength
• Flexibility
• Endurance
• Pain management
• Posture
• Gait
• Overall health

Physical therapists also customize treatment based on the area where mobility problems are present. Children with cerebral palsy may only have movement problems in one-half of their bodies (hemiplegia), just their legs (diplegia), or both their torso and all four limbs (quadriplegia). For children with hemiplegia, diplegia, or quadriplegia, therapists recommend specific exercises and routines that could eventually enable the kid to regain movement in the damaged limb.

Physical Therapy also treats a wide range of issues faced by children suffering from cerebral palsy.

• Up to 30% of children with cerebral palsy have scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine.
• Thoracic kyphosis is a forward-bending curvature of the upper spine.
• Lower back twisting is known as lumbar lordosis
• A protrusion of the pelvis, either toward the front or the back, is known as pelvic inclination.
• Rotation of the pelvis in a horizontal direction
• Pelvic obliquity is an angle-based pelvic deformation, unnaturally straight or bent knees that may result from pelvic malformations are known as knee deformities.
• Walking and standing problems are brought on by shortened Achilles tendon, wrist, and hand malformations – abnormal wrist and hand flexing that hinders the growth of fine motor abilities.

Equipment required

Numerous mobility aids are used by physical therapists to enhance the efficacy of their treatments. For assistance with walking, posture, and joint mobility, orthotic devices include braces, casts, splints, and shoe inserts.

The following equipment is also frequently used in physical therapy:

• exercise spheres
• bands of resistance
• free weights
• watering holes
• Cold and hot packs
• electrically stimulating muscles

Electric stimulation is occasionally used to enhance gait and upper limb function. Small electrodes are used in this therapy to activate particular muscles.

Physical Therapy by Age

Babies- Toddler therapy frequently emphasizes playtime. Play is a crucial component of early treatment because it allows young children to learn and experience a lot during their early developmental stages. The practice of certain motions that are essential for learning and physical development in toddlers with CP is frequently avoided. Children can get over this resistance with the aid of a therapist.

Young children- Children with cerebral palsy face additional movement problems at school age, which is roughly between ages 5 and 12, in part because their bodies are expanding. Children can grow in a way that is beneficial to their motor function with the assistance of physical therapy. At this age, exercises and orthotics are most frequently employed. Therapy also supports the development of positive attitudes and healthy routines.

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One of the most often recognized gastrointestinal illnesses is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is described as the presence of abdominal pain or discomfort together with abnormal bowel habits in the absence of any other underlying disease. Since its first discovery, the diagnosis of IBS has changed, and today it is diagnosed using the Rome IV diagnostic criteria. IBS symptoms can be controlled by a number of pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical treatments, depending on the subclass of IBS. However, IBS treatment should be customized, and a solid patient-physician interaction is still a key component of management.

The gastrointestinal tract, usually known as the stomach and intestines, is affected by the illness known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are all possible symptoms. There may also be cramping. IBS is a chronic ailment that requires long-term management.

Only a small percentage of IBS sufferers experience severe symptoms. Some individuals can manage their symptoms by controlling their diet, way of life, and stress. Medication and counseling might be used to manage symptoms that are more severe.

IBS doesn’t alter intestinal tissue or raise your risk of developing colorectal cancer.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED WITH IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME?

In primary care offices, around 12% of patients report of IBS-related symptoms. Ten to fifteen percent of people have IBS, according to studies; nevertheless, the majority of these patients don’t seek medical attention. IBS is most common in South America, where it affects about 21% of people, and least common in Southeast Asia, where it affects 7% of people. In the US, Canada, and Israel, women are 1.5 to 2 times more likely than males to experience IBS symptoms. In addition, women are more likely to report constipation and abdominal pain than males are to report diarrhea.

IBS is less common as people get older. IBS can also be classified into more specific illnesses, such as IBS with mixed bowel patterns, IBS with diarrhea, and IBS with constipation (IBS-M). These three diagnoses are more common in the United States than in Europe. These diagnoses are equally distributed in the United States, although in Europe, IBS-C or IBS-M may be more common.IBS is a complex and poorly known etiology. Motility, visceral feeling, brain-gut interaction, and psychosocial discomfort can all contribute to the onset of IBS, as is discussed below in the pathophysiology section.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME?

IBS symptoms might vary, but they typically last for a long time. The most typical ones are:

• abdominal discomfort that is brought on by having a bowel movement, such as cramps or bloating
• alterations in the way that bowel movements look
• alterations in the frequency of your bowel movements
• The sense of incomplete ejection and a rise in gas or mucus in the stool are two additional symptoms that are frequently associated.

You may have observed if you have IBS that specific situations make your symptoms worse. Some meals and medicines are typical triggers. A further trigger is an emotional stress. IBS may be the gut’s reaction to pressures in life, according to some researchers.

• cramping or pain in the bottom part of the abdomen, generally.
• Bloating.
• more difficult or loose bowel movements than normal.
• Constipation, diarrhea, or a combination of the two.
• extra gas.
• Your feces contains mucus (may look whitish).
• IBS in women may cause symptoms to worsen during the menstrual cycle. It’s common for these sensations to recur, which might make you feel anxious or angry. You’ll start to feel better physically and mentally as you learn how to control flare-ups.

The colon muscle tends to contract more frequently in IBS sufferers than in healthy individuals. Painful cramps and contractions are the results. Additionally, IBS sufferers frequently have reduced pain thresholds. Additionally, research has indicated that IBS symptoms may be exacerbated by an overabundance of microorganisms in the GI tract.

IBS is categorized by researchers according to the types of bowel movement issues you experience. Your treatment may vary depending on your IBS type. Only certain forms of IBS respond to specific medications.

IBS sufferers frequently alternate between days with normal and irregular bowel motions. Your unusual bowel motions will determine the type of IBS you have:

• Constipation and IBS (IBS-C): Most of your feces are lumpy and firm.
• IBS-D: The majority of your stool is watery and loose.
• You experience both loose and watery bowel movements and hard, lumpy bowel movements on the same day if you have IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M).

HOW TO DIAGNOSE IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME?

Consult your doctor if you’ve been experiencing unpleasant GI problems. A medical history and physical examination are the initial steps in the diagnosis of IBS. You’ll be questioned by your doctor about your symptoms:

• Do you experience bowel movement pain?
• Have you noticed a change in how frequently you urinate?
• Has the appearance of your poop changed?
• How frequently do your symptoms occur?
• When did your signs first appear?
• Which medications are you taking?
• Have you lately had a difficult situation or a recent illness?
• To confirm a diagnosis, you might require additional testing depending on your symptoms. Other conditions that resemble IBS can be ruled out using blood tests, stool samples, and X-rays.

Your healthcare practitioner might suggest a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy check your colon in further detail, depending on your symptoms, medical history, and other considerations. These two non-invasive techniques are comparable. The distinction is that a sigmoidoscopy only looks at the colon’s lower half. In a colonoscopy, the entire colon is inspected.

A flexible sigmoidoscopy can be used to assess polyps, rectal bleeding, and bowel problems. Your supplier will

• A long, thin, flexible instrument called a sigmoidoscope should be inserted into the rectum.
• To the colon, advance the sigmoidoscope.
• Look at the lower colon and the rectum’s lining.

What to anticipate during a colonoscopy is listed below. Your supplier will

• Use the rectum to insert the colonoscope.
• Expand the scope to the colon’s full extent.
• Take a biopsy by removing a little amount of tissue (if necessary).
• Find and remove polyps, which are tiny growths (if necessary).
• Frequently, medical professionals can use a colonoscopy to diagnose a patient correctly and even administer medication. Compared to an abdominal operation, a colonoscopy is a far less invasive treatment.

WHAT CAN BE THE TREATMENT FOR IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME?

Although no one therapy is effective for everyone with IBS, the majority of patients can discover a treatment that suits them. Your IBS treatment plan will be tailored by your doctor to meet your needs. Dietary and lifestyle modifications are frequently used as therapy alternatives. A nutritionist can assist you in designing a diet that works for you.

Many people discover that their symptoms get better with these changes:

APPETITE CHANGES

• Eat extra fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts to increase the amount of fiber in your diet.
• Supplement your diet with fiber supplements.
• Eight 8-ounce glasses of water should be consumed daily.
• Skip the caffeine (from coffee, chocolate, teas, and sodas).
• milk and cheese in moderation The prevalence of lactose intolerance are higher in IBS sufferers. Make sure to obtain calcium from a variety of foods, including salmon, spinach, broccoli, and supplements.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

• Regular exercise
• Avoid smoking.
• Try some relaxation methods.
• Eat more frequent, smaller meals.
• Keep a food journal to identify the meals that cause IBS flare-ups. Red peppers, green onions, red wine, wheat, and cow’s milk are typical triggers.

MEDICAL CHANGES

• If you experience despair, anxiety, and severe stomach pain, your doctor can recommend antidepressant medication.
• For diarrhea, constipation, or stomach pain, there are more medications available.
• Your best option may be probiotics. These “good bacteria” can aid in symptom improvement.
• If your symptoms don’t go away, consult your healthcare professional. To determine if an underlying ailment is the source of the symptoms, you might require more testing.

TAKEAWAY

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, can make daily life difficult. Your life is frequently disrupted by IBS symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, gas, and bloating. But IBS can be controlled. Although there is no cure, dietary and lifestyle adjustments can help with symptoms. Consult your healthcare provider if you are experiencing persistent stomach symptoms. You can come up with a treatment strategy for IBS that works for you both.

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Have you heard of the remedy for women called Ashokarishta? If not, you can read this blog to learn 10 startling facts about Ashokarishta. Also, if you are already familiar with Ashokarishta, this blog will teach you more about it. Therefore wait till the very end to learn astounding information.

A popular Ayurvedic remedy is called Ashokarishta, also known as Asokaristam. It is frequently used to address a variety of issues relating to women’s health. It aids in the treatment of menorrhagia, or excessive menstrual bleeding. Also, it aids in managing painful, irregular, or delayed periods. Moreover, it helps control nosebleeds and bleeding piles.

Rich in qualities, ashokarishta is effective in treating menopause-related symptoms. It also enhances menopausal women’s quality of life. It is made up of various substances that have undergone fermentation. This ayurvedic tonic gains some astringent effects thanks to the fermentation process. This characteristic aids in reducing excessive menstrual bleeding, hemorrhoids, and ulcers that bleed.

Mensuration-related issues are typically brought on by aggravation, according to Ayurveda.

ASHOKARISHTA

The main component of Ashokarishta is, as the name implies, the bark of the Ashoka tree. This bark is used with fourteen other herbs, including mustak roots, haritaki, and vibhitaki. Moreover, Ashokarishta includes substances like jaggery and mango seeds.

WHAT IS THE COMPOSITION OF ASHOKARISHTA?

In terms of nutrients like flavonoids, carbohydrates, alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, etc., several herbs make Ashokarishta rich. Moreover, it has calcium, which is healthy for bones.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE ADVANTAGES OF ASHOKARISHTA?

The health of women who experience various gynaecological problems is addressed by Ashokarishta. One medication that makes life easier for women and gives numerous advantages is ashokarishta. The skin benefits of ashokarishta provide women with extra health-related uses.

As a result of the Ashoka tree is one of the ingredients in this medication, Ashokarishta possesses strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory qualities. This substance makes the bones stronger. Moreover, the Ashoka tree’s bark is reputed to treat ulcers. Women with osteoporosis can benefit from ashokarishta. The plant “Dhataki” offers therapeutic benefits.

Women of all ages benefit from ashokarishta. Postmenopausal symptoms are successfully treated by it. Ashokarishta also contains vata-balancing qualities.

ASHOKARISHTA FOR PCOS

Ashokarishta is a very efficient form of treatment for PCOS. PCOS symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding, increased inflammation, and appetite loss can be treated with Ashokarishta. Moreover, it enhances the ovaries’ functioning, which is compromised by PCOS.

The uterus is nourished and kept healthy by ashokarishta. When administered under close medical supervision, it is particularly effective in treating PCOS. Moreover, eating Ashokarishta stops the bone loss brought on by PCOS.

GLOWING SKIN BENEFITS

The benefits of ashokarishta for the skin are apparent due to its favorable effects on tissue. Ashokarishta enhances the body’s ability to rid itself of toxins, which improves skin tone. By enhancing digestion, also facilitates the absorption of nutrients. PCOS has negative consequences on the skin, such as acne and excessive hair growth. Managing PCOS allows Ashokarishta to improve skin tone.

PROMOTES WEIGHT LOSS

If your weight increase is the result of PCOS, you can benefit from using Ashokarishta for weight loss. Enhancing metabolism can also result in modest weight loss.

TREATS PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASES

The potent herbal ingredients in Ashokarishta help to avoid harm to the uterus, ovaries, and other reproductive organs in addition to treating pelvic inflammatory illness thanks to its potent anti-inflammatory effects.

MENSTRUAL CRAMP RELIEF

Ashokarishta strengthens the uterus and improves uterine function by reducing contractions. The pain associated with menstruation is lessened by the analgesic and anti-spasmodic effects. Moreover, it helps to relieve premenstrual symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and headaches.

OTHER USES OF ASHOKARISHTA

• With heavy bleeding during periods, severe cramps, exhaustion, and a burning sensation during menstruating, ashokarishta is reputed to act as a uterine tonic.
• Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, ashokarishta may also be useful in inflammations.
• It may serve as a cleansing agent and a diuretic, which removes extra water from the body through urine.
• Moreover, it might help with arthritis and have pain-relieving effects.
• By affecting nerves, it might aid in pain relief.
• Digestion-related issues may be helped by it.
• Ashoka might be useful for treating bleeding issues and have astringent (skin-tightening) effects.
• Ashoka may help with helminthiasis management (worm infections).
• It might aid in lowering body temperature.
• Dysuria may also benefit from Ashoka.

HOW TO USE ASHOKARISHTA?

Following a meal, take ashokarishta with an equal amount of water. Your Ayurveda doctor will advise you on the dosage based on your age and health. Before beginning treatment, it is imperative to get a thorough examination and diagnosis of your illness.

For the form and dosage, speak with your ayurvedic doctor. Also, we caution you against substituting or ceasing to take any herbal remedies prepared from ashokarishta without first consulting a medical professional or an Ayurvedic practitioner.

SIDE EFFECTS OF ASHOKARISHTA

• Due to the alcohol and sugar content in Ashokarishta, these conditions may result in acid reflux and heartburn.
• Heavy menstrual bleeding results from using Ashokarishta, but not sparse bleeding.
• May cause period delay: If used for the wrong complaint, it could cause period delay or prolonged menstrual periods.
• It might lessen menstrual blood flow during periods.
• It is ineffective to treat obstructed fallopian tubes with ashokarishta.
• Patients with diabetes should not use this: It will endanger the health of a diabetic patient because it contains jaggery.
• Pregnancy should not be taken: It results in overheating, dehydration, and fainting, all of which have negative pregnancy outcomes.
• In the event of an irregular or protracted cycle, avoid consumption.
• During lactation, lower doses should be utilized.

TAKEAWAY

Ashokarishta is a natural remedy for particular female issues! Ashokarishta has many advantages, including helping people lose weight, taking care of their skin, treating PCOS, boosting immunity, easing abdominal pain, and more. In addition, it balances hormones, reduces menstruation cramps, and heals pelvic inflammation.

Moreover, Ashokarishta is a powerful tonic for problems with women’s health thanks to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant characteristics. Add this to your daily schedule, then! Before drinking this mixture, seek medical advice to rule out any potential health risks.

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