GLOBUS HYSTERICUS CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS

The only physical symptom for detecting Globus Pharyngis is a sensation of an obstruction in the throat which may become irritating as in a few cases even swallowing saliva becomes difficult.

The most common cause for Globus Pharyngis is the inflammation of the muscles in the throat region. This may be caused due to various factors like gastro esophageal reflux disease – Cricopharyngeal Spasm, GERD,  etc.  In simple words the acid that ascends from the stomach to the mouth may be responsible for Globus Pharyngis. Anxiety and stress are causes and a major symptom for Globus Pharynis. Patients suffering from Globus tend to get anxiety attacks which aggravate the problems which further leads to complications like pain during swallowing or depression. This is totally a psychological problem. Anxiety is not only a cause for Globus but also an important symptom when other physical conditions are absent.

Menopause and a cold infection can also cause Globus pharyngis.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Diagnosis is difficult as Globus can easily be confused for other disorder such as thyroid. The ENT doctor after physically examining the throat can also ask for a chest x-ray or barium swallow x-ray or an endoscopy. In an endoscopy examination a flexible fiber optic endoscope is passed through the throat and the area is checked to confirm the presence of Globus Pharyngis

The Barium swallow x-ray is not invasive, comparatively less expensive and the results are instant. Under this procedure the patient is given a thick fruit flavored liquid containing barium sulphate to drink and then the esophagus, stomach and duodenum are x-rayed to check for abnormalities. The doctor checks for tumors, acid reflux, swallowing disorder, ulcer etc. The Barium Sulphate is not absorbed by the body hence there are no side effects of this procedure.

Once the root cause for Globus Pharynis is known then the correct line of treatment is set. If the cause is psychological then counseling along with anti-depressant tablets are given. If the lump in the throat is associated with swallowing disorder it may be due to a disturbance in the thyroid cartilage for which a surgical treatment of the affected cartilage in necessitated to provide instant relief. If a gastric acid reflux is found to be the underlining cause then just suppressing the gastric and taking proper precaution is sometimes enough.

Though in most cases the Globus does not hinder the day to day activities of the person and hence no form of medical interference may be necessary. Just a few basic life style changes and exercise is enough to keep the lump out of the conscious mind.

Cause for Skin Ageing

Normal healthy skin is something everyone wants but not all gets it, the reason being that our skin has components such as collagen for skin firmness, elastin for skin elasticity and glycosaminoglycans for hydrating the skin, which decreases in production year by year. This is called the natural ageing process of the skin, as a person reaches the age of 30; wrinkles start to form and the functions of the sweat and oil glands also diminishes. Then there are the external factors that contribute to the ageing process like over exposure to the sunlight, pollution, tobacco use and other environmental factors.

RED LIGHT THERAPY- an overview

 This technology was first produced by NASA and has many independent scientific researches backing its benefits. The ‘light therapy’ is known to give effective therapeutic benefits to the living tissues. The red light therapy helps in improving the skin tone and boosting the production of collagen which in turn reduces the facial fine lines as well as the wrinkles to give a blemish free, youthful, smooth and supple skin.

The best and the most effective way of delivering the red light therapy is by specially formulated florescent tubes which emit a specific level of wave length of the visible red light. These tubes do not emit any UV radiations. These tubes could be incorporated into any form; either on to a bed or in the form of a booth.

RED LIGHT THERAPY – Use and Claims

The red light penetrates deep in dermis layer of skin energizing the body tissues and increasing the blood circulation. This stimulates production of the collagen and proteins with a high elasticity level that repairs damaged tissues. It is a non-invasive, safe (non-significant risk) and natural method. A specific amount of red light can be safely used to penetrate our skin and enhance the cell vitality.

This method can be performed at home or in a spa or salon. It is best advised to get the first treatment under the eyes of a professional practioner. As the method is very simple and the equipment is also not very expensive this therapy can be taken at home. Sitting in front of the equipment for the amount of time specified and following the general rules and precautions, this therapy can give an even toned flawless skin. For the therapy to be effective, these sessions will have to be taken regularly or as specified. Noticeable and immediate changes occur within a week of starting the treatment and the end results vary from a person to another. After discontinuing the treatment the age may again start to show but after a certain length of time depending on the care and precaution taken. A retreatment may be necessary in most cases.

The red light therapy is also effective in treating skin problems, impaired blood circulation, non-seasonal depression, sexual dysfunction, sleep disorder, etc. in short it is the whole body wellness program.

]]> http://thankfulformyhealing.com/skin-2/red-light-therapy-causes-symptoms-precautions-care/feed/ 3 http://thankfulformyhealing.com/body-piercing/tendinitis-causes-symptoms-precautions-cure/ http://thankfulformyhealing.com/body-piercing/tendinitis-causes-symptoms-precautions-cure/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 10:09:58 +0000 admin http://thankfulformyhealing.com/?p=384 Tendons (thick fibrous cords) are connective tissues at the end of the muscles which connects the muscles to the bones. An inflammation or an irritation in the tendon is called Tendinitis. It is also called an ‘occupational disease’. Injury to tendons around the upper and lower limb area is very common. The different types of tendinitis are Wrist tendinitis, Achilles tendinitis, posterior tibial tendinitis, Patellar (kneecap) tendinitis, rotator cuff tendinitis and Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis).

CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS

Tendinitis is most common around the shoulders, elbow, wrist and heel. But it may also occur around the knee and the shin. Sudden injury is the main cause for tendinitis but repetitive motion, frequent overhead reaching and forceful exertion of a particular area over a long period of time can also cause tendinitis. Athletes, rock climbers, swimmers and those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes are most prone to tendinitis. It may also be associated with a calcium deposit (calcific tendinitis). A bacterial infection can cause tendinitis. Age plays a major role, as the tendons lose their flexibility or elasticity with advancing age, which makes the tendons more prone to injury.

Typical signs and symptoms occur at the point where the bone attaches itself to the muscle. The area is tender to touch and warm, with redness, swelling and pain. The pain increases with the mobility of that bone and the swelling of the tendon hampers the sliding which causes stiffness.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

A physical examination is enough for a doctor to diagnose tendinitis. X-rays may be necessary to rule out any doubt of other conditions that may be causing the symptoms.

Self care remedies are the best form of treatment for tendinitis. Taking rest and applying ice packs are the first steps to relieve the pain and reduce inflammation. Even a pain reliever can be taken. As the swelling subsides, normal movement should be continued as total immobilization could lead to other complications. In case the home remedies does not give any desired results or the pain continues when normal activity is continued then medical help should be taken.

The doctor may recommend anti inflammatory topical creams to reduce inflammation along with pain relievers like aspirin. In some cases steroid injections like corticosteroid may be injected into the tendon to ease the pain and reduce inflammation. However it should be noted that repeated injections could rupture the tendon. In severe cases splint, cast and bandages may be necessary to immobilize the area till the inflammation subsides.

Physical therapy or exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles are very essential. This not only improves the symptoms but also accelerates the healing process. Only in case of severe tendon injury or rupture, a surgical repair may be needed.

Causes Of Blocked Nose

As it is believed by most of the people, cold is not the only reason your nose gets clogged up. There are many other causes of nose blockage.

• Infection – Infection by a virus is a very common reason of blocked nose. Any human being suffers from common cold at least thrice a year and this common cold gives lead to nose blockage. The virus is easily transmitted through air which makes the illness communicable. These viruses make the infected body produce more histamine which increases flow of the blood of the sufferer’s nose, causes swelling and excessive production of mucus which lead to blockage.
• Allergy – When you eat something your body rejects, it is not a good picture. People have allergies from all sorts of things from dust to animal hair. In case of allergies, the histamine is produced more and more mucus and congestion are caused in the nose.
• Abnormalities in the nose structure – In few cases, it is seen that due to an accident or nasal tumors the bone or divider membrane in the nose gets injured and causes obstruction.
• Pregnancy – Women who are expecting get blockage in their noses too due to high blood transmissions.

Clearing It Up

 Fighting the blockage includes some very simple techniques that you might even be already aware of. Let’s recap, just in case. First of all, Vicks is your good friend in sickness – rub it on your nostrils and it’ll give you some relief. Breathing slowly and keeping your chest warmed work well too. Another trick is to take hot water steams breathing in deeply and clearing your nose. And well, just blow your nose and clean it up. You’ll feel better instantly! House remedies coupled with rest are often the two only things needed. Don’t your friends get you chicken soup whenever you are down with cold? Hot water and tea are just as effective too. For people suffering from allergies, it is much better to avoid them altogether than spend a few days in bed, trying not to take a side. Turning towards one side in bed is not very helpful – keep straight and drink water.

It does take time to completely clear up but if you take necessary steps and prescribed antibiotics, you will feel more comfortable. Patients with structural abnormalities are suggested that they get an operation done to deal with the same.

 Trochanteric Bursitis: Causes and symptoms

The trochanter bursa is the most commonly injured bursa. Athletes or runners are most prone to trochanteric bursitis. Even an injury due to a fall or a surgery around the hip area could trigger an inflammation of the bursa. Other conditions like arthritis and labral tears may also be an underlining cause. In other words, prolonged repetitive motion or change in the position that irritates the bursa could cause hip bursitis.

The symptoms are very much similar to other muscle pain conditions like Iliotibial band tendonitis, Hip pointers, Meralgia paresthetica Low-back conditions. Though, a few common symptoms are unbearable pain over the outside of the hip which gets worse while performing activities like running or climbing stairs, tenderness in the area even while touching it, swollen, rash and redness around the affected bursa, pain that lasts for more than two weeks and radiates down the outer thigh, also in a few cases the patient might also have fever.

Trochanteric Bursitis: Diagnosis & Treatment

This medical condition can easily be diagnosed by physically examining the patient and looking at the medical history. If the initial treatment does not meet the required results then additional teats like X-ray, ultrasound or a MRI is done. These imaging tests are obtained to ensure that there are no other problems, like a bone spur or calcifications, that is causing a hindrance in the treatment.

For hip bursitis, with the aim of controlling the inflammation, non invasive treatment works best in most of the cases. Rest is the best form of treatment. This means that the patient should not exert any pressure to the affected area. Ice packs have also proved to be very helpful as it stimulates the blood flow to the affected area. Physical therapy under strict supervision is necessary to strengthen the muscles and ultrasound may be used along with the therapy. In extreme cases or when the above treatment does not provide any relief then anti inflammatory drugs are prescribed. After that cortisone injections or cortisone drugs are injected into the bursa. This relieves inflammation and gives instant pain relief. In case the  individual doesn’t respond to this treatment too then, as a last resort, the bursa is either aspirated or removed surgically.

Once the trochanteric bursitis is cured there is always a chance of a reoccurrence. Proper precaution and prevention is necessary. Maintaining a proper posture, body weight and doing regular exercise are just a few methods to avoid a flare up of the bursa.

]]> http://thankfulformyhealing.com/body-pain/trochanteric-bursitis-causes-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment/feed/ 0 http://thankfulformyhealing.com/brain-nerves/akathisia-causes-symptoms-cure-precautions/ http://thankfulformyhealing.com/brain-nerves/akathisia-causes-symptoms-cure-precautions/#comments Sat, 31 Dec 2011 13:38:09 +0000 admin http://thankfulformyhealing.com/?p=356 In 1950 when antipsychotic medicines were first given to treat schizophrenia, patients started complaining of certain neurological side effects (an adverse or unwanted secondary effect). One of these is akathisia (psychomotor restlessness). In medical terms ‘it is an involuntary movement disorder’. The sufferer has a strong urge for moving, without getting any relief after the movement. They have an intense sense of restlessness, agitation and anxiety. As these feelings are hard to describe the diagnosis for akathisia gets very difficult and is often misdiagnosed. Even antidepressants, antiemetic, antihistamines, and psychoactive substances can cause this side effect. The word akathisia is derived from Greek meaning ‘without-not-sitting’.

AKATHISIA CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS

There are no direct causes for akathisia, but it is the side effects of medicines. Medicines that have been scientifically proven to have this side effect are Methyldopa, levodopa, dopamine agonists, amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA, GBH, Cinnarizine, flunarizine, Tricyclics, Metoclopramide, prochlorperazine, cinnarizine and many other drugs. The first symptom that the patients show is restlessness or the inability to sit in one place for a few minutes. This is also marked with tension, insomnia, anxiety, panic, discomfort, weepiness and the patient is also emotionally very weak. Many patients characterized their feeling as a foreign force, forced over the body and kept it in motion. They feel an inner sense of restlessness. They cross and uncross their legs, keep pacing about, cannot stand still, shift weight on their foot while standing or rub their soles while lying down in short are very uncomfortable. As the patient does not get enough satisfaction while performing the desired action, it leads to severe depression.

A major factor for Akathisia is non compliance of medicine especially anti-psychotic drugs. So when the dose increases in a psychotic patient, the level of akathisia also increases, this leads to reluctance in taking medicines, which in turn increase the risk of suicide and violence.

AKATHISIA DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

It is difficult to distinguish between akathisia and other disorder as their symptoms overlap each other. A patient’s reliable information on the inner feelings goes a long way in diagnosing the problem. Mostly the patients complain that these purposeless movements are involuntary or they have dont control over their activity like tapping of the feet or walking in a place. However other physical movements like restless legs, anger, depression, body pain are also involved. Parkison’s disease and schizophrenia patients are most prone t this side effect. Doctors also keep in mind the medication, medical history of the patient while looking for symptoms of akathisia. Most of the time lowering the dose of the medicine that is causing the side effect, help in reducing or eliminating the problem in itself. An ancient method was to give anticholinegic medication benztropine (Cogentin). But this is no longer in use as even this medicine had its own side effects like muscle spasms & tremors. Other choices of treatment like give additional supplement to suppress the disorder are Benzodiazepines like clonazepam (Klonopin), beta-blockers such as propranolol (Inderal) or metoprolol, antihistamine cyproheptadine, , , clonidine, mianserin or ritanserin, opiods, and amitriptyline. Studies have also revealed, the vitamin B6 is also an effective way for treating akathisia, though it is still being researched.

Behavioral treatment is still the best form of non-invasive treatment for akathisia, but there is always a debate on its long term benefits, as it provides only modest results. This method uses ‘distraction’ as its tool and can be tried on patients who dont respond to anti-akathisia medicines.

Barnes Akathisia Scale is a rating scale used by physicians to assess akathisia on subjective and objective terms. It most widely used rating scale for akathisia also known as BAS or BARS. There are two other variant of chronic akathisia and  akathisia – pseudoakathisia. Older patients with a long history of anti-psychotic treatment are prone to pseudoakathisia. They do not show any signs of restlessness but is associated with high incidence of the dyskinesia. Chronic akathisia develops not during the course of medicines nor with the increase in the dosage of the medicine but during withdrawal of drugs.

This is not a life threatening disorder, but stopping the medicine that is causing it can prove to be harmful. The effectiveness of the medication hugely depends on the severity of the disorder as the patient can become resistant to the drugs.

A Little About Nape Piercing

Piercing is more than just a perforation in your body. It means so much more. You do get to wear jewelry in your pierced area and flaunt your piercing but before all that, you need to gather as much information as you can about the type of piercing you want.

In nape piercing, the perforation is made on the back of your neck or the nape. Jewelry is inserted once the piercing is made, as the norm is. These jewelries are not the normal ones you use in your ears; they are barbells that impersonate staplers. Usually in nape piercing, a bigger jewelry is used which allows the neck to swell because the skin around the area suffers inflammation. So, 1.6 mm gauge is the ideal choice most of the time. Nonetheless, a piercer can get a smaller barbell once the wound has healed. The duration of the process of healing depends totally and utterly on the aftercare you provide to your piercing but nape piercing should get completely better in 2month’s time provided you do as directed by the professional.

Most people worry about the pain they will have to endure. Well, regardless to the place, any perforation to the body hurts. So, for all those who can’t bear any pain, it is really better to skip any kind of piercing. Though it may not cause as much pain as the ear, nose or finger piercings, it still hurts a bit. Find another cool thing – better happy than in pain, right?

Nape Piercing: A Professional’s Job

If you’re smart, you’ll locate a good studio, contact someone experienced with expertise to carry out such a piercing. Don’t go for a cheap studio, it is probably not as hygienic or safe. A needle can, if unsafe, can cause AIDS so don’t underdetermine its value. Ask your friends and check out the place before you make an appointment. Now, making an appointment is crucial too if you don’t want to wait or waste a trip to the studio. The professional will inform you about the procedure and ask you to sign a consent form. Additionally, your ID proof would be needed too.

He’ll ask you to lie down on your face. No, he won’t give you a massage but that position will give him better access to your neck. The excessive hair on your nape will be shaved off and the area would be cleaned with an anti-septic. Tell him where exactly you want your piercing to be. It will be marked. Perforation is done with a needle, as is obvious. It has to be sterilized and completely clean or it could lead to serious troubles. The needle would be pushed into a spot and taken out of another and then the barbells would be inserted in. You pay for this piece of jewelry, it is not provided by the studio. Once again, everything is cleaned up and now you are a proud owner of nape piercing. Congratulations!

What Could Happen And More…

Yes, there are complications involved. To start with, your piercing could get rejected by your body. The jewelry would bid adieu to the skin and would be pushed out. Only the scar would be left behind. The possible reasons for rejection are wrongful method of piercing and using services of someone inexperienced. The symptoms of rejection are nausea, headaches, chills, fever and muscle pain. Nape piercing is indeed very common and thus, it is always recommended that you go to a skilled piercer.

Infection occurs when you don’t take the safety measures and take good care of your piercing. In some people, though, it is a consequence of the body rejecting the piercing even if you take jolly good care but that happens only in a few cases. Redness and swelling are common in nape piercing and usually these subside after a few days. However if you have an infection, these symptoms would only get worse. Medical care is then pertinent.

Migration is another probable outcome. As the name suggests, the jewelry migrates from its original position and find accommodations somewhere else. Moreover, irritation is caused by nape piercing too if a hard soap is used.

In order to avoid these risks, you should firstly go a practiced piercer and not try this at home. When you’re back, clean, clean and clean. Everyday, you should clean the area at least twice with salt water using a cotton ball. Tie your hair because elongated hair will definitely get stuck to your jewelry, fidget with it and cause a bleeding. Another common mistake is touching the piercing with dirty hands – don’t do it. Germs give you bacterial infections and you don’t want one. And as common sense murmurs in your head, don’t sleep on your back.

Types Of Cartilage Piercing

Ear cartilage piercing is done using a sterilized needle. The ear cartilage is thicker compared to the cartilage on the forehead or the neck. So, many ornaments assist the process of perforation by allowing air absorption which helps in healing of the wound. Although jewelries made out of various materials are available in the market, doctors recommend use of stainless steel elements like gold, diamond and titanium. Depending on the choice of jewelry, the piercing is categorized into the following segments.

• Industrial Ear Piercing – The helix of the ear is pierced twice in this type of piercing. The same jewelry could be used on both the perforations or different jewelries could be worn. Helix is a sensitive area and should be pierced only by an expert. It takes as much as a year to heal completely.

• Helix Piercing – Upper ear is when pierced, it is commonly termed as Helix Piercing. A needle or hoop is used to pierce the helix and it gets healed in around 8 months.

• Earlobe Piercing – This kind of piercing is the most common of all and least painful as it is done on the part which is not on the cartilage. For the same reason, it heals in around a month.

•  Conch Piercing – Conch piercing includes inner conch piercing and outer conch piercing. Inner is performed in the middle of the cartilage while the outer one is performed on the outside rim of the cartilage. Usually, it also takes from 6 to 8 months to heal.

• Tragus and Anti-Tragus Piercing – Tragus piercing is piercing the thick fold of the cartilage of the ear which is actually quite painful. Anti-tragus piercing, on the other hand, is conducted at the part opposite to the Tragus, over the earlobe.

• Rook Piercing – The thickest part of the ear, the area above the tragus is fleshy and hence, pains a lot when pierced. This is Rook Piercing.

• Dermal Piercing – It could be done on the earlobe or ear cartilage’s flat portion. The name is derived from the way it is performed.

• Daith Piercing – The fold closest to the canal is pierced in Daith Piercing and it takes 6-8 weeks to heal.

Procedure

Any doctor would suggest that you take extra precaution when you are getting a piercing done. Of course, all is not in your hands but you can still make sure safety measures are being taken by the professional. To start with, he should wash his hands before touching anything with anti-bacterial soap. Furthermore, the needle, jewelry and any other equipment that is required should be sterilized. Alcohol and anti-bacterial soaps clean them up all nice. Once the piercing is done, rinsing the pierced area with water and leaving it untouched to dry itself is the best possible way to ensure it is dirt free. The discharge should be cleaned with a cotton bud and needles should be cleaned again. Furthermore, you should avoid wiping the pierced area with a towel as it could lead to infections.

Cartilage Piercing Infection

When an infection in the pierced area occurs, it usually causes a burning feeling, releases yellow fluid, irritation and pain. It may also get swollen and the area could get red due to the infection. A pathogen called Staphylococcus Aureus causes the infection after the cartilage has been pierced. There are many other reasons that lead to infection; some of them are listed below:

• Improper technique of perforation or incision
• Swimming in contaminated water
• Using unclean tools
• Playing with the piercing with dirty hands
• Wearing jewelry of poor quality

Warm water mixed with salt should be applied in case infection occurs. Cleaning it with salt solution often makes it better. Furthermore, rubbing ice gently on the ear also helps. But if the condition is still not improving, you should seek medical help.

Healing

It can take as few as 3 months or as long as 12 months for a cartilage piercing to completely heal. Because aftercare is essential regardless of the kind of piercing you have, it usually involves the same steps. These include cleaning the piercing at least once everyday, avoiding application of beauty creams on the ear, and letting the jewelry on until the piercing gets healed. Moreover, you should avoid fidgeting with the jewelry or touching it with dirty hands. Even swimming is off limits for the contaminated water can make matters worse. Anti-bacterial soaps work best on the pierced surface but again, overusing them can cause irritation too.

Cartilages are sensitive and they should only be pierced by an experienced professional. Any kind of mistake can make the pain worse so try to stay on guard as much as possible. Don’t delay in consulting the ENT or a dermatologist if you suspect that the condition is getting worse.

Smiley Piercing is done under the upper or the lower lip. Obviously, a piece of jewelry is worn in the pierced area but the cool part is that it gets covered when your mouth is close. What this means is that you can show it off whenever you like by simply smiling. Thus, the name Smiley Piercing – your smile can make it visible to others and that is why it is so popular. It is called Oral Piercing too. To get to the technique of the piercing, the perforation is made in the frenulum which is found on the upper lip’s inner side. It is done there for the frenulum provides support as it connects gum and the lips.

Doing It Right

There is absolutely no doubt that you need to take every care you possibly can to make sure no mistakes are made. First thing on your list should be locating a good and maintained studio. Search for one in your locality and check with your friends about its safety and standards. Internet would be a good place to start. Once you find a clean studio with an experienced professional, fix an appointment and make sure you’re on time. Formalities will come first – you will be asked to sign a consent form so you will also need to carry your ID proof with you. The professional will run you through the process and explain how he will carry it out just for your knowledge.

You would be required to rinse your mouth using a mouthwash which will be provided by the studio. As is obvious, it gets rid of the germs in your mouth and prevents infection. Only after this is done, the needle will be inserted inside the mouth. Now, it may bleed a little and it may cause some pain. For some, the pain isn’t very excruciating but you may be overwhelmed by it. If that’s the case, consult a doctor and ask him to prescribe some painkillers to fight the pain. The pain will subside in 4 weeks if you take good care of it and it will take much longer if you don’t. It’ll heal in 2 months.

Barbells and bead rings are both preferred but the captive bead ring is much more convenient as it moves less as compared to the barbell. Smaller jewelries and that made of gold or steel should be used as they usually don’t result in migration or rejection or infection.

Smiley Piercing: Risks

Migration and rejection are the most common risks that follow Smiley Piercing. Improper piercing in the frenulum causes migration of the jewelry, which means it shifts from its original position. People with thin frenulum often face this problem.

Rejection is when the skin rejects the piercing by pushing out the jewelry from its surface. This happens when you use a bigger jewelry; when you insert jewelries bigger than what your skin can take, it can also damage frenulum severely. Other than this, brushing of the jewelry with the teeth again and again can damage the tooth. Infections are caused due to improper care of the piercing and it could also lead to injuries.

Smiley Piercing: Aftercare

Any kind of piercing requires a lot of care; Smiley Piercing is no exception to that rule. Lack of aftercare increases the chances of infections, injuries and rejection of the piercing. Not to forget, it could give you a lot of pain too. So, why play with your body? And aftercare isn’t very hard either. All you have to do is remember you have a pierced lip. Treat it with respect – wash your mouth with salt water at least two times everyday for 5 minutes each. It is important that you don’t ply with your piercing and brush as lightly as possible to avoid any injury to your piercing. Brushing over it would be a bad move – never try it or it will tear your frenulum. But at the same time, make sure you brush properly around the jewelry area to prevent plagues from getting formed. Yeah, it’s kind of a two end sword but it is important that you remember to take both advises carefully. What’s more is that you should avoid spicy food. The reason is simple – it can cause irritation in the pierced area and may even cause inflammation. For more dos and don’ts, professional will be a better help.

Make your infectious smile bigger, better and cuter but by playing it safe.

Occipital Neuralgia CAUSES

The most common cause for an occipital neuralgia is trauma or an injury especially at the back of the head as this either damages the nerve or traps it between the muscles. It could also be caused due to spinal cord compression also called pinched nerves. Other lesser known causes are arthritis, surgery to the scalp, tumor, nerve legions, gout, diabetes, blood vessel inflammation or an infection in the spinal cord. According to a survey, this condition is more common among women than men.

Occipital Neuralgia SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of occipital neuralgia are very similar to other medical conditions like trigeminal neuralgia, migraines, fibromyalgia or cervical disc disease. However pain in the upper part of the neck or base of the skull radiating towards the sides of the head is first sign of occipital neuralgia. These ‘headaches’ can occur on one or both sides of the head. They are extremely painful causing electric or shooting pain. The eyes are affected as they begin to burn and also become hypersensitive to light. In most cases the scalp becomes sensitive to touch, making even simple daily routines like combing and washing hair difficult. As the nerves become tender, sleeping or lying on the pillow becomes a difficult task to perform. Some patients even complain of numbness in the affected area and difficulty in moving the neck.

Occipital Neuralgia TREATMENT AND DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosing this condition is a challenge to most doctors as the symptoms that presents itself also points to other medical condition. For example- a headache at the back of the head can also be a migraine. Occipital neuralgia responds well to treatment. Surgery is required only in extreme cases especially when this condition is caused due to pinched nerve. After initial tests like CAT scan and MRI, the doctor may advice massage and/or anti-depressants or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or anticonvulsants along with ample rests. Oral medication and heat can also be taken in mild cases. Many doctors suggest that meditation along with rest increases the chances of recovering from this condition.

 If conservative methods do not provide the desired results then ‘occipital nerve block’ becomes the next option. This method is most commonly in use today. This method of treatment is performed under local anesthesia as it is a painful procedure. An injection containing local anesthesia and a steroid is injected into the greater occipital nerve at the back of the head or above the neck. It is painful as the needle is injected into the deeper tissues. The effect is noticed immediately and remains effective from a few days to months, depending on the patient’s response. As this is a safe procedure, the injection can be taken again after about six months. The side effects are nil with only a slight pain in the affected area. Under rare circumstances infection or bleeding has been noticed. It should be noted that many doctors suggest narcotics. This does provide relief but because of its addictive nature and irreparable side effects, is no longer considered as a line of treatment.

Occipital nerve stimulation is a surgical procedure in which the nerve is electrically stimulated. This is a time consuming process as it is done in two phases. The first trial phase is performed under local anesthesia. The electrodes are placed over the affected nerve and secured in place. Then they are attached to an external stimulator. The patient is hospitalized for a few days wherein the patient decides if the treatment is working. With satisfactory results the wires are removed and the process shifts to the next phase. The second phase is performed under general anesthesia after a gap of a few weeks, to remove any doubt of an infection. The wires are permanently inserted and the battery operated electrodes are implanted into the skin. This is the last resort for treating occipital neuralgia.

The good news is that occipital neuralgia is not a life threatening problem.