Sunday, September 26, 2010
Important To Know
Answer the phone by LEFT ear.
Do not drink coffee TWICE a day.
Do not take pills with COOL water.
Do not have HUGE meals after 5pm.
Reduce the amount of OILY food you consume.
Drink more WATER in the morning, less at night.
Keep your distance from hand phone CHARGERS..
Do not use headphones/earphone for LONG period of time.
Best sleeping time is from 10pm at night to 6am in the morning.
Do not lie down immediately after taking medicine before sleeping.
When battery is down to the LAST grid/bar, do not answer the phone as the radiation is 1000 times.
Here are some healthy tip for your smartness & physical fitness.
Prevention is better than cure.
HEALTHY JUICES
Carrot + Ginger + Apple - Boost and cleanse our system.
Apple + Cucumber + Celery - Prevent cancer, reduce cholesterol, and eliminate stomach upset and headache.
Tomato + Carrot + Apple - Improve skin complexion and eliminate bad breath.
Bitter gourd + Apple + Milk - Avoid bad breath and reduce internal body heat.
Orange + Ginger + Cucumber - Improve Skin texture and moisture and reduce body heat.
Pineapple + Apple + Watermelon - To dispel excess salts, nourishes the bladder and kidney.
Apple + Cucumber + Kiwi - To improve skin complexion.
Pear & Banana - regulates sugar content.
Carrot + Apple + Pear + Mango - Clear body heat, counteracts toxicity, decreased blood pressure and fight oxidization .
Honeydew + G**** + Watermelon + Milk - Rich in vitamin C + Vitamin B2 that increase cell activity and str engthen body immunity.
Papaya + Pineapple + Milk - Rich in vitamin C, E, Iron. Improve skin complexion and metabolism.
Banana + Pineapple + Milk - Rich in vitamin with nutritious and prevent constipation
Does Your Blood Type Reveal Your Personality?
According to a Japanese institute that does research on blood types, there are certain personality traits that seem to match up with certain blood types. How do you rate?
TYPE - O
You want to be a leader, and when you see something you want, you keep striving until you achieve your goal. You are a trend-setter, loyal, passionate, and self-confident. Your weaknesses include vanity and jealously and a tendency to be too competitive.
TYPE - A
You like harmony, peace and organization. You work well with others, and are sensitive, patient and affectionate. Among your weaknesses are stubbornness and an inability to relax.
TYPE - B
You're a rugged individualist, who's straight forward and likes to do things your own way. Creative and flexible, you adapt easily to any situation. But your insistence on being independent can sometimes go too far and become a weakness.
TYPE - AB
Cool and controlled, you're generally well liked and always put people at ease. You're a natural entertainer who's tactful and fair. But you're standoffish, blunt, and have difficulty making decisions.
KNOW ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF HAVING FRUITS AND VEGETABLES REGARDS, MANKIND,
Fruit Benefit
apples
Protects your heart
prevents constipation
Blocks diarrhea
Improves lung capacity
Cushions joints
apricots
Combats cancer
Controls blood pressure
Saves your eyesight
Shields against Alzheimer's
Slows aging process
artichokes
Aids digestion
Lowers cholesterol
Protects your heart
Stabilizes blood sugar
Guards against liver disease
avocados
Battles diabetes
Lowers cholesterol
Helps stops strokes
Controls blood pressure
Smoothes skin
bananas
Protects your heart
Quietness a cough
Strengthens bones
Controls blood pressure
Blocks diarrhea
beans
Prevents constipation
Helps hemorrhoids
Lowers cholesterol
Combats cancer
Stabilizes blood sugar
beets
Controls blood pressure
Combats cancer
Strengthens bones
Protects your heart
Aids weight loss
blueberries
Combats cancer
Protects your heart
Stabilizes blood sugar
Boosts memory
Prevents constipation
broccoli
Strengthens bones
Saves eyesight
Combats cancer
Protects your heart
Controls blood pressure
cabbage
Combats cancer
Prevents constipation
Promotes weight loss
Protects your heart
Helps hemorrhoids
cantaloupe
Saves eyesight
Controls blood pressure
Lowers cholesterol
Combats cancer
Supports immune system
DRINK WATER ON EMPTY STOMACH
It is popular in Japan today to drink water immediately after waking up every morning.. Furthermore, scientific tests have proven a its value. We publish below a description of use of water for our readers. For old and serious diseases as well as modern illnesses the water treatment had been found successful by a Japanese medical society as a 100% cure for the following diseases:
Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat, epilepsy, excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB, meningitis, kidney and urine diseases, vomiting, ga str itis, diarrhea, piles, diabetes, constipation, all eye diseases, womb, cancer and menstrual disorders, ear nose.
Hand Washing
Hand washing is the most important method to prevent the transmission of infection agents. Hand washing is the rubbing all surfaces of the hands using a soap, or chemical and water, following rinsing in flowing stream of water.
Soap and water emulsify the fat, clean the hands and reduce the number of microorganisms.
Purpose
Prevention of cross infection is the main purpose of hand washing.
Situations in which hand washing is essential
1. At the beginning of the days work
2. Before meals
3. After toilet
4. After blowing nose
5. Between giving care to different patients
6. After handling body substances
7. Before and after contact with wounds
8. Before and after each procedure
9. At the end of the day activity.
Running water, soap, brush and towel should be ready before hand washing.
Procedure
1. Nails should be made short. Long nails will harbor microorganisms.
2. Remove ring from the finger
3. Wet the hands up to the elbow with running water
4. Lather hands with soap, paying attention to the thumbs, knuckles, nails,
lateralaspects of the fifth finger and the sides of hands.
5. Rub hands and fingers with brush for 10 minutes
6. Wash and rinse hands under warm running water
7. Rinse hands by keeping them well below the elbow level
8. Repeat this procedure once more
9. Holds hands upwards after washing
10. Dry hands with a dry towel, starting at the elbows towards the hands
11. Discard the towel
12. Turn the tape by using a paper towel because the handle may be contaminated.
Soap and water emulsify the fat, clean the hands and reduce the number of microorganisms.
Purpose
Prevention of cross infection is the main purpose of hand washing.
Situations in which hand washing is essential
1. At the beginning of the days work
2. Before meals
3. After toilet
4. After blowing nose
5. Between giving care to different patients
6. After handling body substances
7. Before and after contact with wounds
8. Before and after each procedure
9. At the end of the day activity.
Running water, soap, brush and towel should be ready before hand washing.
Procedure
1. Nails should be made short. Long nails will harbor microorganisms.
2. Remove ring from the finger
3. Wet the hands up to the elbow with running water
4. Lather hands with soap, paying attention to the thumbs, knuckles, nails,
lateralaspects of the fifth finger and the sides of hands.
5. Rub hands and fingers with brush for 10 minutes
6. Wash and rinse hands under warm running water
7. Rinse hands by keeping them well below the elbow level
8. Repeat this procedure once more
9. Holds hands upwards after washing
10. Dry hands with a dry towel, starting at the elbows towards the hands
11. Discard the towel
12. Turn the tape by using a paper towel because the handle may be contaminated.
The Magic Word
Vander Hoven, a psychologist from the Netherlands, announced his new discovery about the effect of reading the Holy Quran and repeating the word Allah both on patients and on normal persons.
The Dutch professor confirms his discovery with studies and research applied on many patients over a period of three years. Most of his patients who were non-Muslims and who did not speak Arabic, were trained to pronounce the word Allah clearly. The result was outstanding, particularly on those who suffer from dejection and tension.
Al Watan, a Saudi daily, reported that the psychologist was quoted to have said that Muslims who can read Arabic and who read the Quran regularly could protect themselves from psychological diseases.
The psychologist explained how each letter in the word Allah affects healing of psychological diseases. He pointed out in his research that pronouncing the first letter in the word Allah which is the letter A, released from the respiratory system, controls breathing.He added that pronouncing the velar consonant L in the Arabic style, with the tongue touching slightly the upper part of the front palate producing a short pause and then repeating the same pause constantly, relaxes the aspiration.
The psychologist further stated that pronouncing the last letter H brings a contact between the lungs and the heart and in turn this contact controls the heartbeat. What is interesting about the study is that this psychologist is a non-Muslim, but is interested in Islamic sciences and is searching for the secrets of health through the Quran.
The Dutch professor confirms his discovery with studies and research applied on many patients over a period of three years. Most of his patients who were non-Muslims and who did not speak Arabic, were trained to pronounce the word Allah clearly. The result was outstanding, particularly on those who suffer from dejection and tension.
Al Watan, a Saudi daily, reported that the psychologist was quoted to have said that Muslims who can read Arabic and who read the Quran regularly could protect themselves from psychological diseases.
The psychologist explained how each letter in the word Allah affects healing of psychological diseases. He pointed out in his research that pronouncing the first letter in the word Allah which is the letter A, released from the respiratory system, controls breathing.He added that pronouncing the velar consonant L in the Arabic style, with the tongue touching slightly the upper part of the front palate producing a short pause and then repeating the same pause constantly, relaxes the aspiration.
The psychologist further stated that pronouncing the last letter H brings a contact between the lungs and the heart and in turn this contact controls the heartbeat. What is interesting about the study is that this psychologist is a non-Muslim, but is interested in Islamic sciences and is searching for the secrets of health through the Quran.
Breathing Problems
When you're short of breath, it's hard or uncomfortable for you to take in the oxygen your body needs. You may feel as if you're not getting enough air. Sometimes mild breathing problems are from a stuffy nose or hard exercise. But shortness of breath can also be a sign of a serious disease.
Many conditions can make you feel short of breath. Lung conditions such as asthma, emphysema or pneumonia cause breathing difficulties. Heart disease can make you feel breathless if your heart cannot pump enough blood to supply oxygen to your body. Stress caused by anxiety can also make it hard for you to breathe. If you often have trouble breathing, it is important to find out the cause.
Many conditions can make you feel short of breath. Lung conditions such as asthma, emphysema or pneumonia cause breathing difficulties. Heart disease can make you feel breathless if your heart cannot pump enough blood to supply oxygen to your body. Stress caused by anxiety can also make it hard for you to breathe. If you often have trouble breathing, it is important to find out the cause.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Blood in the Urine Overview
Blood in the urine is a common problem. The medical term for red blood cells in the urine is hematuria. Sometimes blood in the urine is a sign of a serious problem in the urinary tract, while other times it is not serious and requires no treatment. Only after a thorough evaluation by a health-care provider should blood in the urine be attributed to a nonserious cause.
The urinary tract consists of the following structures:
Kidneys: You have two kidneys, located closer to your back than your front at about waist level. The kidneys filter the blood in your body and produce urine.
Ureters: These narrow, hollow tubes carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
Bladder: The bladder is a balloon-like organ that holds urine until it is convenient for you to empty your bladder (urinate).
Urethra: This narrow, hollow tube carries urine from the bladder to the outside of your body. The flow of urine is controlled by internal and external sphincter muscles, which tighten or relax around the urethra, holding or releasing urine.
In men, the genitals and prostate are considered part of the urinary system. The prostate surrounds the urethra in men. It is made up of glands that secrete a fluid that is part of semen. The prostate often becomes enlarged in older men.
Picture of the urinary system
Blood in the urine is not always visible. If the amount of blood is small, the urine can look normal. This is called microscopic hematuria because the blood cells are visible only under a microscope. Typically, this is discovered when the patient has a urine test for some other reason.
When there is enough blood to be visible, the urine may look pinkish, red, or smoky brown (like tea or cola). This is called gross or frank hematuria. It takes very little blood in urine to be visible -- about 1/5 of a teaspoon in one half of a quart of urine.
A trace amount of blood in your urine is normal.
An abnormal amount of blood in the urine can be acute (new, occurring suddenly) or chronic (ongoing, long term). Acute hematuria can occur just once, or it can occur many times.
Sometimes the urine can appear with a color indicating hematuria though the urine actually does not contain red blood cells but rather is discolored by medications or foods. This can be distinguished by a urinalysis (UA) test.
Up to 10% of people have hematuria. About 3% of people develop gross hematuria.
Women develop hematuria more than men because women are more likely to have urinary tract infections, and these infections may lead to hematuria.
Older adults, especially men, have hematuria more often than younger people because they are more likely to take medications that can irritate the urinary tract, or have enlargement of the prostate, or cancer.
The urinary tract consists of the following structures:
Kidneys: You have two kidneys, located closer to your back than your front at about waist level. The kidneys filter the blood in your body and produce urine.
Ureters: These narrow, hollow tubes carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
Bladder: The bladder is a balloon-like organ that holds urine until it is convenient for you to empty your bladder (urinate).
Urethra: This narrow, hollow tube carries urine from the bladder to the outside of your body. The flow of urine is controlled by internal and external sphincter muscles, which tighten or relax around the urethra, holding or releasing urine.
In men, the genitals and prostate are considered part of the urinary system. The prostate surrounds the urethra in men. It is made up of glands that secrete a fluid that is part of semen. The prostate often becomes enlarged in older men.
Picture of the urinary system
Blood in the urine is not always visible. If the amount of blood is small, the urine can look normal. This is called microscopic hematuria because the blood cells are visible only under a microscope. Typically, this is discovered when the patient has a urine test for some other reason.
When there is enough blood to be visible, the urine may look pinkish, red, or smoky brown (like tea or cola). This is called gross or frank hematuria. It takes very little blood in urine to be visible -- about 1/5 of a teaspoon in one half of a quart of urine.
A trace amount of blood in your urine is normal.
An abnormal amount of blood in the urine can be acute (new, occurring suddenly) or chronic (ongoing, long term). Acute hematuria can occur just once, or it can occur many times.
Sometimes the urine can appear with a color indicating hematuria though the urine actually does not contain red blood cells but rather is discolored by medications or foods. This can be distinguished by a urinalysis (UA) test.
Up to 10% of people have hematuria. About 3% of people develop gross hematuria.
Women develop hematuria more than men because women are more likely to have urinary tract infections, and these infections may lead to hematuria.
Older adults, especially men, have hematuria more often than younger people because they are more likely to take medications that can irritate the urinary tract, or have enlargement of the prostate, or cancer.
Can hematomas be prevented?
Accidents happen and most hematomas are inevitable once the trauma has occurred.
For patients taking anti-coagulation medications, it is wise to avoid participating in events with high risk of injury. For patients taking warfarin (Coumadin), it is important to make certain that the dosing is appropriate and the blood is not thinned excessively.
Hematoma At A Glance
A hematoma is a collection of blood outside of a blood vessel.
Symptoms of hematomas depend upon their location and whether adjacent structures are affected by the inflammation and swelling associated with the bleeding.
Treatment of a hematoma depends upon which organ or body tissue is affected.
Superficial hematomas of the skin and soft tissue, such as muscle, may be treated with rest, ice compression, and elevation. Heat may also be considered.
For patients taking anti-coagulation medications, it is wise to avoid participating in events with high risk of injury. For patients taking warfarin (Coumadin), it is important to make certain that the dosing is appropriate and the blood is not thinned excessively.
Hematoma At A Glance
A hematoma is a collection of blood outside of a blood vessel.
Symptoms of hematomas depend upon their location and whether adjacent structures are affected by the inflammation and swelling associated with the bleeding.
Treatment of a hematoma depends upon which organ or body tissue is affected.
Superficial hematomas of the skin and soft tissue, such as muscle, may be treated with rest, ice compression, and elevation. Heat may also be considered.
How is a hematoma diagnosed?
Hematomas of the skin and soft tissues, such as muscle and joints, are often diagnosed by physical examination alone.
For patients exhibiting signs of internal bleeding, the health care practitioner will decide what imaging modality is best to evaluate the situation. Plain X-rays may be needed to assess for bone fracture. Patients with significant head injury often require CT scanning. Ultrasound is the testing modality of choice for pregnant patients.
What is the treatment for a hematoma?
Hematomas of the skin and soft tissues are often treated with RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation). Some health care practitioners may advocate heat as another treatment alternative. The pain of a hematoma is usually due to the inflammation surrounding the blood and may be treated with over the counter pain medications. The choice of medication depends upon the underlying health of the patient. For those patients who are taking anti-coagulation medications, ibuprofen is relatively contra-indicated because of the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients with liver disease should not take over the counter acetaminophen. When in doubt, it is wise to ask the health care practitioner or pharmacist for a recommendation.
Treatment for hematomas involving other organs in the body depends upon what organ system is involved. In these cases, treatment will be tailored to the specific situation.
What are the complications of a hematoma?
Hematomas cause swelling and inflammation. It is often these two consequences that cause irritation of adjacent organs and tissues and cause the symptoms and complications of a hematoma.
One common complication of all hematomas is the risk of infection. While the hematoma is made of old blood, it has no blood supply itself and therefore is at risk for colonization with bacteria.
For patients exhibiting signs of internal bleeding, the health care practitioner will decide what imaging modality is best to evaluate the situation. Plain X-rays may be needed to assess for bone fracture. Patients with significant head injury often require CT scanning. Ultrasound is the testing modality of choice for pregnant patients.
What is the treatment for a hematoma?
Hematomas of the skin and soft tissues are often treated with RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation). Some health care practitioners may advocate heat as another treatment alternative. The pain of a hematoma is usually due to the inflammation surrounding the blood and may be treated with over the counter pain medications. The choice of medication depends upon the underlying health of the patient. For those patients who are taking anti-coagulation medications, ibuprofen is relatively contra-indicated because of the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients with liver disease should not take over the counter acetaminophen. When in doubt, it is wise to ask the health care practitioner or pharmacist for a recommendation.
Treatment for hematomas involving other organs in the body depends upon what organ system is involved. In these cases, treatment will be tailored to the specific situation.
What are the complications of a hematoma?
Hematomas cause swelling and inflammation. It is often these two consequences that cause irritation of adjacent organs and tissues and cause the symptoms and complications of a hematoma.
One common complication of all hematomas is the risk of infection. While the hematoma is made of old blood, it has no blood supply itself and therefore is at risk for colonization with bacteria.
What are the symptoms of a hematoma?
Hematomas cause irritation and inflammation. Symptoms depend upon their location and whether the size of the hematoma or the associated swelling and inflammation causes structures nearby to be affected. The common symptoms of inflammation include redness, pain, and swelling.
In general, superficial hematomas of skin, soft tissue, and muscle tend to resolve over time. The initial firm texture of the blood clot gradually becomes more spongy and soft as the clot is broken down by the body and the shape changes as the fluid drains away and the hematoma flattens. The color changes from that of a purplish-blue bruise to yellows and browns as the blood chemicals gradually are removed and the hematoma resolves. Depending upon its location, the discolorations may travel through different tissue planes by gravity. For example, a forehead hematoma may cause bruising beneath the eyes and seem to travel to the neck as it resolves over time.
Intracranial, epidural, subdural, and intracerebral hematomas often need neurosurgical intervention to stabilize the injury.
When should I call my doctor about a hematoma?
Most hematomas have little consequence. They are due to minor trauma where the patient was aware of the injury, knows what part of the body was injured and can expect to recover with few problems. Bumps and bruises are part of every child's growth.
Some hematomas may be more important because of their location and it is usually the nearby affected structures that cause symptoms. For example, medical care would be sought for a head injury victim for significant headache, vomiting , or difficulty being aroused. Intracranial (intra= within + cranium=skull) hematomas need to cause pressure on the brain before symptoms manifest themselves, thus any significant head injury should be evaluated by a health care practitioner.
Patients taking blood thinners are at higher risk for bleeding from minor injuries. It is often wise for these people to seek medical attention if they are involved in even minor accidents or sustain minor injuries.
In general, superficial hematomas of skin, soft tissue, and muscle tend to resolve over time. The initial firm texture of the blood clot gradually becomes more spongy and soft as the clot is broken down by the body and the shape changes as the fluid drains away and the hematoma flattens. The color changes from that of a purplish-blue bruise to yellows and browns as the blood chemicals gradually are removed and the hematoma resolves. Depending upon its location, the discolorations may travel through different tissue planes by gravity. For example, a forehead hematoma may cause bruising beneath the eyes and seem to travel to the neck as it resolves over time.
Intracranial, epidural, subdural, and intracerebral hematomas often need neurosurgical intervention to stabilize the injury.
When should I call my doctor about a hematoma?
Most hematomas have little consequence. They are due to minor trauma where the patient was aware of the injury, knows what part of the body was injured and can expect to recover with few problems. Bumps and bruises are part of every child's growth.
Some hematomas may be more important because of their location and it is usually the nearby affected structures that cause symptoms. For example, medical care would be sought for a head injury victim for significant headache, vomiting , or difficulty being aroused. Intracranial (intra= within + cranium=skull) hematomas need to cause pressure on the brain before symptoms manifest themselves, thus any significant head injury should be evaluated by a health care practitioner.
Patients taking blood thinners are at higher risk for bleeding from minor injuries. It is often wise for these people to seek medical attention if they are involved in even minor accidents or sustain minor injuries.
What causes a hematoma?
Trauma is the most common cause of a hematoma. When people think of trauma, they generally think of car accidents, falls, head injuries, broken bones, and gunshot wounds, etc.. Trauma to tissue may also be caused by an aggressive sneeze or an unexpected twist of a limb. When a blood vessel is damaged blood leaks into the surrounding tissue; this blood tends to coagulate or clot. The greater the amount of bleeding that occurs, the larger the amount of clot formation.
Blood vessels that are fragile may contribute to hematoma formation. For example, an aneurysm or weakening in a blood vessel wall may spontaneously leak.
There are many people who take blood thinners (anti-coagulation) medications. Examples include warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix) and prasugrel (Effient). These medications increase the potential for spontaneous bleeding and for hematomas to expand because the body cannot efficiently repair blood vessels and blood continues to leak through the damaged areas.
Occasionally, diseases may occur that decrease the number of platelets in the blood stream (thrombocytopenia) or their ability to function. The platelets are the cells that help initiate blood clot and fibrin formation.
All of the above situations may exist independently to cause a hematoma or they may occur together.
What are the types of hematomas?
Hematomas are often described based upon their location.
The most dangerous hematomas are those that occur inside the skull. Because the skull is an enclosed box, anything that takes up space increases pressure within that box and potentially impairs the ability of the brain to function.
Epidural hematomas occur because of trauma, often to the temple, where the middle meningeal artery is located. Bleeding accumulates in the epidural space, outside the 'dura' which is the lining of the brain. Because of the way the dura is attached to the skull, small hematomas can cause significant pressure and brain injury.
Subdural hematomas also occur because of trauma but the injury is usually to the veins in the brain. This causes a slower leak of blood, which enters the 'subdural' space below the dura. The space below the dura has much more room for blood to accumulate before brain function suffers. As people age, they lose some brain tissue and the subdural space is relatively larger. Bleeding into the subdural space may be very slow, gradually stop, and not cause acute symptoms. These 'chronic' subdural hematomas are often found incidentally on computerized tomography (CT) scans as part of a patient evaluation for confusion or because another traumatic incident occurred.
Intracerebral hematomas occur within the brain tissue itself. Intracerebral (intra= within + cerebrum=brain) hematomas may be due to bleeding from uncontrolled high blood pressure, an aneurysm leak or rupture, trauma, tumor or stroke.
Scalp hematomas occur on the outside of the skull and often can be felt as a bump on the head. Because the injury is to the skin and muscle layers outside of the skull, the hematoma itself cannot press on the brain. However, a scalp hematoma signals that there has been a head injury and it is important to assure that internal bleeding has not occurred within the skull. There are a variety of guidelines available to the health care practitioner to assist in accessing whether a patient will require further testing to explore any bleeding in the brain.
Aural or ear hematomas may occur if an injury causes bleeding to the outside helix or cartilage structure of the ear. Often called boxer's, wrestler's ear, or cauliflower ear, blood gets trapped between the thin layer of skin and the cartilage itself. Since the ear cartilage gets its blood supply directly from the overlying skin, a hematoma can decrease blood flow causing parts of the cartilage to shrivel and die. This scenario results in a bumpy, deformed outer ear.
Septal hematomas occur with nasal trauma. A septal hematoma may form associated with a broken nose. If not recognized and treated, the cartilage can break down and cause a perforation of the septum.
Orthopedic injuries are often associated with hematoma formation. Bones are very vascular structures since the marrow is where blood cells are made. Fractures are always associated with hematomas at the fracture site. Fractures of long bones such as the thigh (femur) and upper arm (humerus) can be associated with a significant amount of bleeding, sometimes up to one unit of blood or 10% of the body's blood supply.
Pelvic bone fractures can also bleed significantly since it takes a large amount of force to break these bones and it is very difficult to compress the area to decrease the amount of bleeding. Pelvic hematomas are hidden and the amount of blood loss may be difficult to assess.
Intramuscular hematomas can be very painful due to the amount of swelling and inflammation. Some muscles are surrounded by tough bands of tissues. If enough bleeding occurs, the pressure within these compartments can increase to the point that a 'compartment syndrome' can occur. In this situation, the blood supply of the muscle is compromised and the muscle and other structures such as nerves can be permanently damaged. This is most commonly seen in the lower leg and forearm.
Subungual hematomas are the result of rush injuries to the fingers or toes. Bleeding occurs under the fingernail or toenail and since it is trapped, pressure builds causing pain. Trephination, or drilling a hole through the nail to remove the blood clot, relieves the pressure and resolves the injury. A new nail grows over time.
Bruises and contusions of the skin (ecchymosis) are terms that describe subcutaneous hematomas. These occur due to trauma or injuries to the superficial blood vessels under the skin. Individuals who take anti-coagulant medication are more prone to subcutaneous hematomas.
Intra-abdominal hematomas and hemorrhage may be due to a variety of injuries or illnesses. Regardless of how the blood gets into the abdomen, the clinical finding is peritonitis (irritation of the lining of the abdomen). Hematomas may occur in solid organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidney. They may occur within the walls of the bowel, including the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum) or the large intestine (colon). Hematomas may also form within the lining of the abdomen called the peritoneum or behind the peritoneum in the retroperitoneal space (retro=behind).
Passing clots or hematomas is a common complaint when women menstruate. Blood can accumulate in the vagina as part of the normal menses and instead of flowing out immediately, it may form small blood clots. Passing blood clots after delivering a baby is also relatively common. However, vaginal bleeding and passing blood clots or hematomas while pregnant is not normal and should be a sign to seek medical attention.
Hematomas may occur anywhere in the body. Regardless of how a hematoma is described or where it is located, it remains a collection of clotted blood outside of a blood vessel.
Blood vessels that are fragile may contribute to hematoma formation. For example, an aneurysm or weakening in a blood vessel wall may spontaneously leak.
There are many people who take blood thinners (anti-coagulation) medications. Examples include warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix) and prasugrel (Effient). These medications increase the potential for spontaneous bleeding and for hematomas to expand because the body cannot efficiently repair blood vessels and blood continues to leak through the damaged areas.
Occasionally, diseases may occur that decrease the number of platelets in the blood stream (thrombocytopenia) or their ability to function. The platelets are the cells that help initiate blood clot and fibrin formation.
All of the above situations may exist independently to cause a hematoma or they may occur together.
What are the types of hematomas?
Hematomas are often described based upon their location.
The most dangerous hematomas are those that occur inside the skull. Because the skull is an enclosed box, anything that takes up space increases pressure within that box and potentially impairs the ability of the brain to function.
Epidural hematomas occur because of trauma, often to the temple, where the middle meningeal artery is located. Bleeding accumulates in the epidural space, outside the 'dura' which is the lining of the brain. Because of the way the dura is attached to the skull, small hematomas can cause significant pressure and brain injury.
Subdural hematomas also occur because of trauma but the injury is usually to the veins in the brain. This causes a slower leak of blood, which enters the 'subdural' space below the dura. The space below the dura has much more room for blood to accumulate before brain function suffers. As people age, they lose some brain tissue and the subdural space is relatively larger. Bleeding into the subdural space may be very slow, gradually stop, and not cause acute symptoms. These 'chronic' subdural hematomas are often found incidentally on computerized tomography (CT) scans as part of a patient evaluation for confusion or because another traumatic incident occurred.
Intracerebral hematomas occur within the brain tissue itself. Intracerebral (intra= within + cerebrum=brain) hematomas may be due to bleeding from uncontrolled high blood pressure, an aneurysm leak or rupture, trauma, tumor or stroke.
Scalp hematomas occur on the outside of the skull and often can be felt as a bump on the head. Because the injury is to the skin and muscle layers outside of the skull, the hematoma itself cannot press on the brain. However, a scalp hematoma signals that there has been a head injury and it is important to assure that internal bleeding has not occurred within the skull. There are a variety of guidelines available to the health care practitioner to assist in accessing whether a patient will require further testing to explore any bleeding in the brain.
Aural or ear hematomas may occur if an injury causes bleeding to the outside helix or cartilage structure of the ear. Often called boxer's, wrestler's ear, or cauliflower ear, blood gets trapped between the thin layer of skin and the cartilage itself. Since the ear cartilage gets its blood supply directly from the overlying skin, a hematoma can decrease blood flow causing parts of the cartilage to shrivel and die. This scenario results in a bumpy, deformed outer ear.
Septal hematomas occur with nasal trauma. A septal hematoma may form associated with a broken nose. If not recognized and treated, the cartilage can break down and cause a perforation of the septum.
Orthopedic injuries are often associated with hematoma formation. Bones are very vascular structures since the marrow is where blood cells are made. Fractures are always associated with hematomas at the fracture site. Fractures of long bones such as the thigh (femur) and upper arm (humerus) can be associated with a significant amount of bleeding, sometimes up to one unit of blood or 10% of the body's blood supply.
Pelvic bone fractures can also bleed significantly since it takes a large amount of force to break these bones and it is very difficult to compress the area to decrease the amount of bleeding. Pelvic hematomas are hidden and the amount of blood loss may be difficult to assess.
Intramuscular hematomas can be very painful due to the amount of swelling and inflammation. Some muscles are surrounded by tough bands of tissues. If enough bleeding occurs, the pressure within these compartments can increase to the point that a 'compartment syndrome' can occur. In this situation, the blood supply of the muscle is compromised and the muscle and other structures such as nerves can be permanently damaged. This is most commonly seen in the lower leg and forearm.
Subungual hematomas are the result of rush injuries to the fingers or toes. Bleeding occurs under the fingernail or toenail and since it is trapped, pressure builds causing pain. Trephination, or drilling a hole through the nail to remove the blood clot, relieves the pressure and resolves the injury. A new nail grows over time.
Bruises and contusions of the skin (ecchymosis) are terms that describe subcutaneous hematomas. These occur due to trauma or injuries to the superficial blood vessels under the skin. Individuals who take anti-coagulant medication are more prone to subcutaneous hematomas.
Intra-abdominal hematomas and hemorrhage may be due to a variety of injuries or illnesses. Regardless of how the blood gets into the abdomen, the clinical finding is peritonitis (irritation of the lining of the abdomen). Hematomas may occur in solid organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidney. They may occur within the walls of the bowel, including the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum) or the large intestine (colon). Hematomas may also form within the lining of the abdomen called the peritoneum or behind the peritoneum in the retroperitoneal space (retro=behind).
Passing clots or hematomas is a common complaint when women menstruate. Blood can accumulate in the vagina as part of the normal menses and instead of flowing out immediately, it may form small blood clots. Passing blood clots after delivering a baby is also relatively common. However, vaginal bleeding and passing blood clots or hematomas while pregnant is not normal and should be a sign to seek medical attention.
Hematomas may occur anywhere in the body. Regardless of how a hematoma is described or where it is located, it remains a collection of clotted blood outside of a blood vessel.
What is a hematoma?
By definition, a hematoma is a collection of blood outside of a blood vessel. It occurs because the wall of a blood vessel wall, artery, vein or capillary, has been damaged and blood has leaked into tissues where it does not belong. The hematoma may be tiny, with just a dot of blood or it can be large and cause significant swelling.
The blood vessels in the body are under constant repair. Minor injuries occur routinely and the body is usually able to repair the damaged vessel wall by activating the blood clotting cascade and forming fibrin patches. Sometimes the repair fails if the damage is extensive and the large defect allows for continued bleeding. As well, if there is great pressure within the blood vessel, for example a major artery, the blood will continue to leak and the hematoma will expand.
Blood that escapes from the blood stream is very irritating and may cause symptoms of inflammation including pain, swelling and redness. Symptoms of a hematoma depend upon their location, their size and whether they cause associated swelling or edema.
articlekey=3682
Bruises and contusions
The medical term ecchymosis is what most people would recognize as a bruise, or blood that has leaked out of a broken blood vessel under the skin that is caused by an injury. Another word for this injury is a contusion. An ecchymosis tends to be flat while a hematoma has more of a three dimensional character to it. As well, hematomas may occur in any organ and not just under the skin.
Hemorrhage
Hemorrhage is the term used to describe active bleeding. The term hematoma describes blood that has already clotted.
The blood vessels in the body are under constant repair. Minor injuries occur routinely and the body is usually able to repair the damaged vessel wall by activating the blood clotting cascade and forming fibrin patches. Sometimes the repair fails if the damage is extensive and the large defect allows for continued bleeding. As well, if there is great pressure within the blood vessel, for example a major artery, the blood will continue to leak and the hematoma will expand.
Blood that escapes from the blood stream is very irritating and may cause symptoms of inflammation including pain, swelling and redness. Symptoms of a hematoma depend upon their location, their size and whether they cause associated swelling or edema.
articlekey=3682
Bruises and contusions
The medical term ecchymosis is what most people would recognize as a bruise, or blood that has leaked out of a broken blood vessel under the skin that is caused by an injury. Another word for this injury is a contusion. An ecchymosis tends to be flat while a hematoma has more of a three dimensional character to it. As well, hematomas may occur in any organ and not just under the skin.
Hemorrhage
Hemorrhage is the term used to describe active bleeding. The term hematoma describes blood that has already clotted.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
What causes tension headaches?
While tension headaches are the most frequently occurring type of headache, their cause is not known. The most likely cause is contraction of the muscles that cover the skull. When the muscles covering the skull are stressed, they may spasm and cause pain. Common sites include the base of the skull where the trapezius muscles of the neck inserts, the temple where muscles that move the jaw are located, and the forehead.
There is little research to confirm the exact cause of tension headaches. Tension headaches occur because of physical or emotional stress placed on the body. These stressors can cause the muscles surrounding the skull to clench the teeth and go into spasm. Physical stressors include difficult and prolonged manual labor, or sitting at a desk or computer for long periods of time concentrating. Emotional stress may also cause tension headaches by causing the muscles surrounding the skull to contract.
There is little research to confirm the exact cause of tension headaches. Tension headaches occur because of physical or emotional stress placed on the body. These stressors can cause the muscles surrounding the skull to clench the teeth and go into spasm. Physical stressors include difficult and prolonged manual labor, or sitting at a desk or computer for long periods of time concentrating. Emotional stress may also cause tension headaches by causing the muscles surrounding the skull to contract.
What are cranial neuralgias, facial pain, and other headaches?
Neuralgia means nerve pain (neur= nerve + algia=pain). Cranial neuralgia describes a group of headaches that occur because the nerves in the head and upper neck become inflamed and become the source of the pain in the head. Facial pain and a variety of other causes for headache are included in this category.
How are headaches classified?
Headaches have numerous causes, and in 2007 the International Headache Society agreed upon an updated classification system for headache. Because so many people suffer from headaches and because treatment sometimes is difficult, it is hoped that the new classification system will allow health care practitioners come to a specific diagnosis as to the type of headache and to provide better and more effective treatment.
There are three major categories of headaches:
primary headaches,
secondary headaches, and
cranial neuralgias, facial pain, and other headaches
What are primary headaches?
Primary headaches include migraine, tension, and cluster headaches, as well as a variety of other less common types of headache.
Tension headaches are the most common type of primary headache. Up to 90% of adults have had or will have tension headaches. Tension headaches occur more commonly among women than men.
Migraine headaches are the second most common type of primary headache. An estimated 28 million people in the United States (about 12% of the population) will experience a migraine headache. Migraine headaches affect children as well as adults. Before puberty, boys and girls are affected equally by migraine headaches, but after puberty, more women than men are affected. It is estimated that 6% of men and up to 18% of women will experience a migraine headache in their lifetime.
Cluster headaches are a rare type of primary headache affecting 0.1% of the population (1 in a 1,000 people). It more commonly affects men in their late 20s though women and children can also suffer these types of headache.
Primary headaches can affect the quality of life. Some people have occasional headaches that resolve quickly while others are debilitated. While these headaches are not life-threatening, they may be associated with symptoms that can mimic strokes or intracerebral bleeding.
What are secondary headaches?
Secondary headaches are those that are due to an underlying structural problem in the head or neck. There are numerous causes of this type of headache ranging from bleeding in the brain, tumor, or meningitis and encephalitis.
There are three major categories of headaches:
primary headaches,
secondary headaches, and
cranial neuralgias, facial pain, and other headaches
What are primary headaches?
Primary headaches include migraine, tension, and cluster headaches, as well as a variety of other less common types of headache.
Tension headaches are the most common type of primary headache. Up to 90% of adults have had or will have tension headaches. Tension headaches occur more commonly among women than men.
Migraine headaches are the second most common type of primary headache. An estimated 28 million people in the United States (about 12% of the population) will experience a migraine headache. Migraine headaches affect children as well as adults. Before puberty, boys and girls are affected equally by migraine headaches, but after puberty, more women than men are affected. It is estimated that 6% of men and up to 18% of women will experience a migraine headache in their lifetime.
Cluster headaches are a rare type of primary headache affecting 0.1% of the population (1 in a 1,000 people). It more commonly affects men in their late 20s though women and children can also suffer these types of headache.
Primary headaches can affect the quality of life. Some people have occasional headaches that resolve quickly while others are debilitated. While these headaches are not life-threatening, they may be associated with symptoms that can mimic strokes or intracerebral bleeding.
What are secondary headaches?
Secondary headaches are those that are due to an underlying structural problem in the head or neck. There are numerous causes of this type of headache ranging from bleeding in the brain, tumor, or meningitis and encephalitis.
What is a headache?
A Headache is defined as a pain in the head or upper neck. It is one of the most common locations of pain in the body and has many causes.
What are the symptoms of brain bleeding?
The symptoms of a brain hemorrhage can vary. They depend on the location of the bleeding, the severity of the bleeding, and the amount of tissue affected. Symptoms may develop suddenly or over time. They may progressively worsen or suddenly appear.
If you exhibit any of the following symptoms, you may have a brain hemorrhage. This is a life-threatening condition, and you should call 911 or go to an emergency room immediately. The symptoms include:
a sudden severe headache
seizures with no previous history of seizures
weakness in an arm or leg
nausea or vomiting
decreased alertness; lethargy
changes in vision
tingling or numbness
difficulty speaking or understanding speech
difficulty swallowing
difficulty writing or reading
loss of fine motor skills, such as hand tremors
loss of coordination
loss of balance
an abnormal sense of taste
loss of consciousness
Keep in mind that many of these symptoms are often caused by conditions other than brain hemorrhages.
How is a brain hemorrhage treated?
Once you see a doctor, he or she can determine which part of the brain is affected based on your symptoms.
Doctors may run a variety of imaging tests, such as a CT scan, which can reveal internal bleeding or blood accumulation, or an MRI. A neurological exam or eye exam, which can show swelling of the optic nerve, may also be performed. Blood tests and a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) may also be needed.
Treatment for bleeding in the brain depends on the location, cause, and extent of the hemorrhage. Surgery may be needed to alleviate swelling and prevent bleeding. Certain medications may also be prescribed. These include painkillers, corticosteroids or diuretics to reduce swelling, and anticonvulsants to control seizures. Blood products or intravenous fluids may be administered if needed.
Can people recover from brain hemorrhages and are there possible complications?
How well a patient responds to a brain hemorrhage depends on the size of the hemorrhage and the amount of swelling.
Some patients recover completely. Possible complications include stroke, loss of brain function, or side effects from medications or treatments. Death is possible, and may quickly occur despite prompt medical treatment.
Can brain hemorrhages be prevented?
Because the majority of brain hemorrhages are associated with specific risk factors, you can minimize your risk in the following ways:
Treat hypertension. Studies show that 80% of cerebral hemorrhage patients have a history of high blood pressure. The single most important thing you can do is control yours through diet, exercise, and medication.
Don't smoke.
Don't use drugs. Cocaine can increase the risk of bleeding in the brain.
Drive carefully, and wear your seat belt.
If you ride a motorcycle, always wear a helmet.
Investigate corrective surgery. If you suffer from abnormalities, such as aneurysms, surgery may help to prevent future bleeding.
Be careful with Coumadin. If you take warfarin, follow up regularly with your doctor to make sure your blood levels are in the correct range.
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