Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Research and advancement about Parkinson’s disease


The nerve cells in the brain produce dopamine that controls the movement of human beings. During Parkinson’s disease, the nerve cells along with sub stantianigra neurons are killed. Moreover, the secretion of formation of protein clumps i.e. alpha synuclein known as the Lewy bodies is also created. Hence, a person with Parkinsons is affected wit shaking of hands and legs and the movements are very rigid. In certain cases, the sense of smell also changes. Most people complain about constipation, low morale and changes in sleep pattern. Certain cases are also noticed where the person suffers from dementia. The reason for Parkinson’s is not known and it can be genetic to a marginal percentage. Youth can be affected too and mostly men suffer than women.

The treatment for Parkinsons

The drugs like Levodpa definitely improve the secretion of dopamine and it also helps the neurons. Supplementary drugs are also advised that will help the nerve cells. In addition, physiotherapy greatly helps along with other changes in diet and exercise. People who have gone for occupational therapy will also vouch for positive changes happening in their life. But there is no way the disease can be cured. This ailment continuously grows and the nerve cells cannot be grown. The scientists have found a way to replace the dead nerve cells so that dopamine can be produced through Parkinson’s stem cell therapy.

Knee replacement surgery by minimally invasive method


What is knee replacement?

Knee replacement or knee arthroplasty is a method performed surgically where the areas of the knee joint bearing most of the body weight is damaged are replaced by artificial parts. Where total knee replacement is a bigger surgical procedure, MIS has emerged as a boon to patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or deformities etc. MIS is a reliable and potential alternative to knee surgery as it is done with smaller incisions and modern biomaterials.

Advantages of minimally invasive surgery

  •          Provides more mobility within the joint as the prosthesis is new and customized.
  •          The incision is only 4-6 inches long unlike 8-10 inches in traditional surgeries.
  •          Advanced techniques like robotics, computer navigation etc are used along with improvised surgical instruments.
  •          Quick recovery and short hospitalization.
  •          The surrounding soft tissues in the knee joint are protected and undergo less surgical trauma.
  •          Activities of daily living are certainly improved and a higher amount of success is achieved in long term gait pattern, climbing stairs etc.

NEW TECHNIQUES IN BREAST CANCER TREATMENT IDENTIFIED


Mass revolutions in the fields of technology and medicine have led to breakthrough in breast cancer treatment. In every cancer center PA, these newly found therapies are being increasingly made available to breast cancer patients.

INTRODUCTION TO TARGETED THERAPIES

A special branch of methods and medications has been developed by determining the exact molecular anomalies that are responsible for malignant growth in cancer. These targeted drugs work in a different way than the standard medications used with chemotherapy. At the cancer center PA they are often used along with chemotherapy for optimum advantage to the patient, and cause less adverse effects.
This category of advanced treatments is called targeted therapies. These have been made with the purpose of causing no damage to normal cells around the cancer and only aim at specific characteristics of the cancer cells, in order to get rid of them.
Immune targeted therapies are antibodies that work like natural antibodies made by our immune system and are safe for all patients except pregnant and nursing women.

Monday, May 14, 2012

MASTECTOMY CAN BE AVOIDED USING NEW ONCOPLASTIC TECHNIQUES


In the 1970s breast conserving surgery radically altered the surgical aspect of breast cancer treatment. A similar feat has been achieved by the latest oncoplastic techniques which are the best alternatives for mastectomy. The complex nature of these processes makes them technologically very demanding but there is increasing data and figures to support their clinical efficacy.

WHAT IS BREAST CONSERVING RECONSTRUCTION?

The latest option for women who would earlier required a mastectomy is breast-conserving reconstruction which saves normal breast tissue to the extent possible and the defect caused by tumour resection is remodelled. The best principles of reconstructive surgery in combination with oncological knowledge are used to provide the patient minimum cosmetic deformities which are quite common in local excisions undertaken for treating breast cancer.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Bank your teeth for stem cells


What are stem cells? 

Stem cells are cells present in almost all multi cellular organisms. Stem cells have the ability to renew themselves by the process of miotic cell division, and to develop into a wide and diverse range of specialized cell types. Stem cells are valuable research tools.

What is stem cell banking?

At the time of a child’s birth, umbilical cord is cut and discarded. The remaining blood in umbilical cord is full of stem cells. These cells are collected and preserved, so they can be used in the future in case of life threatening diseases. Though it is an expensive procedure, but more and more parents are opting for preservation of stem cells of their children. With a shelf life of 21 years, it is seen as a health insurance. Not only can these cells be used for the child, but also for his siblings. Stem cells can generate many types of tissues, and are used in treating life threatening diseases like leukemia, lymphoma, etc.

Correcting your posture with Alexander technique


Poor posture causes pain

Everyone experiences severe pain of the limbs or body during a lifetime. There are so many solutions available but the truth is about good posture and achieving a comfort level. Many patients are eager to be cured soon. Sometimes, the pain is very intense and it can stall routine functions. It is so true that only after having a bad back we realize that our posture is wrong. Ultimately, we look out for resting or new exercises that allow stretching. We also try out acupuncture and go for long walks. The pain can also be the root cause of other problem sand hence an analysis is necessary. At the back pain treatment center Houston, TX you can learn about new techniques that help to overcome back pain problems.