Another week has gone by, and to keep you informed about recent medical news that affects your life, we have compiled a list of the week’s best articles. You will find the most up to date information on palindromic rheumatism, transient global amnesia, as well as the reasons for why you may be experiencing headaches and constipation. We here at Bel Marra are committed to only bringing you the best.
Palindromic rheumatism (a cause of rheumatoid arthritis): Causes, symptoms, and treatment
Palindromic rheumatism is a rare inflammatory condition and a precursor of rheumatoid arthritis, with about a third of patients progressing to the disease. Palindromic rheumatism is considered a form of inflammatory arthritis and also goes by the name palindromic arthritis. It is characterized by flare-ups that start in one joint but may spread to others before settling down. Flare-ups are episodic in nature.
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Causes and symptoms of palindromic rheumatism
Due to the rarity of the condition, little research on the topic has been done. However, previously done studies have shown that during episodes of palindromic rheumatism, inflammatory cells move into the lining of the joints, promoting the characteristic redness and swelling in the affected area. What triggers this reaction is unknown, though genetic factors have been suggested. Other possible reasons could include infection, imbalance of hormones, and even trauma. Palindromic rheumatism affects both men and women equally for all ages. Continue reading…
Headache and constipation: Does constipation cause headaches? Treatment and prevention
Experiencing a headache and constipation simultaneously may lead you to think that your constipation has led to a splitting headache—a constipation headache. While this may be the case, it is also possible that both of these symptoms may be the side effects of another underlying condition.
What is a constipation headache?
Headaches and constipation are considered two separate entities that can be presenting symptoms of another disorder. However, they can occur on their own, having their own criteria for diagnosis and specific treatment modalities. When occurring separately, there is usually little cause for concern, but if occurring together and frequently, it may signal an underlying chronic condition.
There are several types of headache, all with varying presentations, from sharp and throbbing on one side of the head to having both sides affected, severely limiting the overall quality of life. Examples include migraines, tension headaches, and cluster headaches. Continue reading…
Excess weight may be a contributor to memory loss in type 2 diabetics: Study
Type 2 diabetes, also called adult-onset or non-insulin dependent diabetes, has become common in today’s society. It affects nearly 9.3 percent of the entire U.S. population and doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. This growing trend has been in direct correlation with the increasing rates of obesity among Americans and has even extended to our younger population. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes has made health professionals around the globe concerned about the overall health of those affected, with mental well-being also in jeopardy. A new study has linked this metabolic condition with various changes to brain structure and cognitive function, leading to memory loss and thinner gray matter in certain areas of the brain.
The brain is a very complex organ. It is responsible for movement generation, visual information processing, executive functioning, and memory operation. Previous studies have linked type 2 diabetes with memory loss, but a research team at the Ewha University Brain Institute in Seoul, South Korea, aimed to discover whether being overweight or obese influenced the brain structure and cognitive functioning during the early stages of type 2 diabetes. Continue reading…
Transient global amnesia: Causes, symptoms, and treatment
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A sudden temporary episode of memory loss and confusion is called transient global amnesia. The criteria for its diagnosis is that it must not be attributed to any other neurological condition, such as a stroke or epilepsy. Those affected by the condition cannot recall recent events and are unable to make new memories. This often leads sufferers to repeat the same question despite already having been given the answer. However, affected individuals are able to know who they are and can recognize people they know well.
This condition is rare and is generally considered harmless and unlikely to reoccur after the first incident. Episodes tend to be short-lived, lasting only a couple of hours, with memory being fully intact once regained. Continue reading…
High cholesterol? Try this…
Cholesterol is like love, it can be good or bad, but it always ends up kicking your heart. And what’s even worse, there’s no 100 percent bulletproof protection against cholesterol. Some people are quite disappointed to find out that, despite avoiding all those alluring fast food joints and diligently counting their calories, their cholesterol levels still need improvement. Getting unsatisfactory blood work results time and time again can be quite discouraging, and trying out all kinds of different ways to lower cholesterol can be plain exhausting. No, we’re not going to advise you to stop exercising and watching what you eat. A healthy lifestyle has never hurt anyone. But if you feel like trying some new weapons in your fight against cholesterol, we’ve got some options. And the good news is, most of them are in your spice cabinet—or your grocery store. Give them a shot, and introduce yourself to the world of spice along the way. Continue reading…
