Dear Doctors, My spouse has been diagnosed with Eagle syndrome. This type of illness is not treated by many medical providers in the area. You can help us by providing any information about this illness, including the treatments available and which specialists to consult.
Dear reader: Eagle Syndrome is a rare condition, so it’s no surprise that finding information, support and treatment has been difficult. About 1 in every 62,000 people suffer from the condition, and women are affected three times as often as men.
Headaches, while limiting, have become more common due to lifestyle choices such as stress, lack sleep, and dietary habits.
We have all experienced a throbbing pain, a sharp pain, or a dull sensation. It may be time to take this symptom more serious. Recurring headaches may be the result of a condition such as a brain tumor, a growth in the area surrounding the brain.
Dr Vishal Bhasme is a Consultant Neurologist at Ruby Hall Clinic, in Pune. He says that persistent headaches or headaches that worsen are some of the early signs of brain tumors. “Headaches worsening in the morning, or waking you from sleep are particularly concerning,” says Dr Vishal Bhasme.
Many people dismiss “modest symptoms”, or ignore them, as not important, or as unrelated to a brain tumor, says Dr Shiva Kumar R. Senior Consultant in Neurology and Epilepsy at Sakra World Hospital.
“It is important to keep track of the frequency, intensity and pattern of headaches. Many factors can contribute to fatigue or feeling tired, including lack of sleep, stress, or lifestyle choices. Listen to your body and be aware of any changes, no matter how small,” he says.
It is important to get checked if headaches persist over time or become more severe. It is even more concerning if they are accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, changes in vision and unexpected changes in mood, behaviour or personality.Dr Krishna Chaitanya, Senior Consultant-Neurosurgery at Kauvery Hospital, Electronic City, Bangalore, says that brain tumours can be cured if diagnosed early. Early diagnosis is key to a cure. “Any symptoms that keep recurring or progressing should not be ignored, and should be shown a neuro specialist,” says he.
Listen to your body and be aware of any changes, no matter how mild they may seem.
The symptoms of a tumour in the brain can vary depending on their size, location, and rate of growth.
Dr Shylesh, Consultant Neurosurgeon, Fortis Hospital, Richmond Road in Bangalore, explains that brain tumours are classified into benign (slowly growing and non-invasive) and malignant (fast-growing type that invades surrounding areas).
He says that some brain tumours develop primarily in the brain, or at its coverings, or other structures inside the skull. Others spread from cancer elsewhere, which is called a metastatic tumour.
All age groups are susceptible to brain tumours, including infants and the elderly. It is the leading cause of cancer death among individuals aged between 20 and 39.
Early Warning Signs
The brain is the control centre for the body and is responsible for consciousness. It also controls movements, feelings, sensations, thoughts.
Each part of the brain is assigned a specific function. When a tumour grows it can cause irritation to the cells. This can lead to certain symptoms.
Anomalies or neurological changes that are not explained can be a warning. Be on the lookout for cognitive and behavioural changes such as personality changes, memory issues, difficulty concentrating, and changes in speech patterns. Brain tumours may also cause blurred or double-vision, peripheral vision loss, or changes in hearing or vision. These changes can be sudden or gradual, depending on where the tumour is located and its rate of growth.
Children with brain tumors may show developmental delays or behavioral changes.
The pressure effects of a growing tumor can limit daily function. This includes the inability to speak, impaired vision and hearing, persistent fatigue, drowsiness, and difficulty sleeping. The growth of a tumour will lead to frequent seizures. The more rapid the tumour grows, then the worse the headaches will be.
Dr Bhasme says that if someone experiences unexplained seizure, especially if it is the first time they have occurred in adulthood, this could be a sign of brain tumour.
The hormone production can be affected by tumours in certain parts of the brain, leading to hormonal imbalances.
A brain tumour is an abnormal, excessive growth of cells in the brain or its immediate surroundings.
Dr Shylesh warns that early morning headaches, which are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or blurred vision, may be the first sign of a brain tumor.
Some tumours are asymptomatic, but may become symptomatic as they grow or begin to affect certain regions. Dr Kumar says to be aware of any changes in weight or appetite, or any memory loss. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any persistent or worrying symptoms.
Take Control of Your Control Centre
A balanced diet can help improve brain health and reduce the risk of certain neurological diseases.
Brain-healthy food includes fatty fish, berries and turmeric, spinach, broccoli pumpkin seeds, green Tea, dark chocolate, nuts, and spinach. Experts say that these foods can improve cognitive performance.
A balanced lifestyle, which includes regular physical exercise, adequate sleep and stress management, is also essential for brain health. Consultations with a licensed dietitian or healthcare practitioner can provide you with nutrition and brain-health advice that is tailored to your specific needs.
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Wake up with neck pain and it can ruin your day. Neck pain is not the most debilitating of musculoskeletal issues (people tend to “live” with them), but it still affects between 10-20% at any one time.
It is not uncommon for neck pain sufferers to go to sleep feeling great, but wake up the next day with a stiff neck that can last a few days. If this pattern continues, you may develop a chronic neck issue that will not only affect your daily life but also interfere with the things you enjoy doing.
Smoke is a common sight in the northeastern United States, whether you live there or just use social media. The smoke is settling in cities like New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore, which are sepia-toned from the wildfires raging across Canada. For residents, the affected air quality (which as of Wednesday was measured at 14.5 times the World Health Organization’s air-quality-guideline value) is leading to symptoms induced by both the actual conditions and the stress of the situation–including some severe headaches.
Doug Laher, Chief Executive Officer of the American Association for Respiratory Care, says that increased blood pressure and elevated heart rate can cause headaches. Michael Rubino, an expert in indoor air quality, says that the current concentration of smoke as well as the unprecedented amount airborne particles can make even the healthiest person feel unwell. Poor air quality can lead to sinus inflammation and oxidative stresses, which both cause headaches.
The presence of PM (particulate matter) is a major factor in determining the air quality level. These are tiny particles that can be inhaled and bypass our bodies’ self-defense mechanisms, making their way to our bloodstream. According to the EPA these particles are classified into PM10, which are particles with a diameter less than 10 micrometers, and PM2.5, which are fine particles with a smaller diameter, less than 2.5 micrometers. Add to this the chemicals found in wildfire smoke, such as aldehydes and acid gases (such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide), and symptoms such a coughing, scratchy throats, shortness and headaches are a natural reaction.
So how do we deal? Rubino says that staying inside is the best option to protect your system from smoke contamination caused by wildfires or when the AQI reaches 150. Wear an N95 mask when going outside, regardless of the reason. This will help reduce your exposure to particulate matter.
: Contradictory feedback can cause neck and back pain in workers
Columbus, OH – Cognitive dissonance may be a previously unknown risk factor for neck and lower back pain among workers performing lifting and lowering duties, according to the results of a new study.
Researchers at Ohio State University asked seventeen participants, aged 19 to 44, perform a precision-lowering task. They placed a light box within a square of a surface which was moved up, down, left and right. During the first 45-minute lifting/lowering trial, participants received almost all positive feedback. During the second test, the researchers told the participants that they had performed the task in an unsatisfactory manner.
Wearable sensors and motion capture technology were used to detect peak spine loads in the neck, low back and both compression and vertebral movement (or shear) from side to side and forward and backward (A/P).
After receiving the contradictory feedback, which created cognitive dissonance, the participants experienced increased loads in their neck and lower back during a subsequent lifting and lowering session. The average peak spinal loads were 19.3% higher for lateral shear in the neck and 11.1% higher for compression during the negative feedback session compared to baseline measurements. Peak loads in the low back were higher by 2.2% in shear and by 1.7% in compression in the third session.
Participants’ blood pressure and heart rates varied, and two questionnaires were used to assess discomfort levels. The results also included a positive and negative effect on the participants – either feeling inspired and strong or distressed and ashamed.
Researchers note that the findings may have implications for workplace risk prevention.
The Ohio State News reported that “This increased spinal loading occurred in just one condition, with a relatively light load.” William Marras is the senior study author and executive director of OSU’s Spine Research Institute. “You can imagine how this would look with more complex tasks and higher loads. For one time, a small percentage of the load is not a big deal. Think about the impact of working 40 hours per week, day after day.
The study was published in the online journal Ergonomics.
Cervicogenic headaches originate from the neck. Columbia VA hosted a cervicogenic head pain conference in May, attended by over 40 health care professionals across the country.
Dr. Christa Smit, physical therapist from Quillen VA, presented an update on cervicogenic migraines, their diagnosis, and treatment. She stressed the importance of a thorough examination of the neck and upper spine in headache patients.
“It is important that we stay on top of available evidence, as it constantly evolves along with our profession.” These conferences bring together clinicians with similar goals who want to improve the lives of their patients. They also provide an opportunity for us to grow together and to better serve our patients.
The conference included a lab demonstration on dry needling (photo above), a technique that is used to treat musculoskeletal discomfort. Dr. Benjamin Thomas was the workshop leader. He is a physical therapist, orthopedic specialist and dry needling expert at Charlie Norwood VA. The workshop participants had the chance to learn the technique and then practice it on one another.
It is important to come together and learn clinical skills.
Meredith Hall, Chief of Physical Therapy at the Columbia VA, spoke about the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration for the management of cervicogenic migraines. She emphasized the role of physical therapists in treating this condition, and the importance working with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive treatment.
“It’s important to bring practitioners from different areas together for networking, and to raise awareness about research that can be used for evidence-based practices. It is important to come together for the hands on clinical skills in order to put the newly acquired skills into daily practice.
Daniel Muluneh shared his experience as a physical therapist in Richmond, VA. “The ability to connect with others at conferences such as these is very important. Being able to do this at a VA-hosted event is more beneficial to me than a private sector event.
“I work in a traumatic-brain injury clinic and I see a lot patients with neck and head pain. This is perfect for me.” I learned a lot about cervicogenic migraine. “The workshop on dry-needling and manual manipulation is directly applicable and I plan to bring it back to Richmond.”
Columbia VA
The Wm. The Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center is located in South Carolina, along with seven community-based clinics, including Anderson, Florence and Rock Hill. We serve over 90,000 Veterans in 36 of the 46 counties in South Carolina.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breathing in wildfire smoke may cause headaches immediately. Short-term exposure to particulate material from wildfires is also linked to an increased number of emergency room visits for headaches.
Researchers aren’t sure why wildfires cause headaches. However, it may be because they alter the sensitivity of some neurons, which can increase headache risk, said Dr. Raj Fadadu. He is a researcher from the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, who has studied wildfire smoke’s health effects.
Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos is a pulmonary and intensive care medicine physician at Johns Hopkins Medicine. He said that wildfire smoke can cause lower oxygen levels in the blood if you suffer from an underlying lung disease like asthma. This can lead to headaches. Inhaling smoke from wildfires can also cause inflammation, which in turn can cause headaches.
Dr. Fadadu said that if you feel a headache coming, you should go indoors if you are in an area of poor air quality. He said that to avoid headaches and other effects of smoke, you should limit the time spent outdoors and improve the quality of the air inside. You can benefit from an air purifier with a HEPA-filter. You should also avoid smoking or vaping.
If you must go outside, wear a mask that fits snugly, such as an N95. While wearing a face mask indoors to reduce smoke is not recommended, if you feel you are in poor air quality and believe you may be inhaling polluted, air, then a mask could help alleviate headache symptoms.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol and Advil may be helpful. Dr. Fadadu says that staying hydrated is important. Avoid looking at screens if you can. At the very least, reduce the brightness on your screen to ease strain on your eyes. If your headache does not respond to home treatments or becomes more intense, it may be time to visit an urgent care center, or emergency department. A doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications.
Dr. Galiatsatos suggested that if you have underlying pulmonary problems and are experiencing headaches after exposure to smoke from wildfires, you should consider testing your oxygen level and contacting your physician.
Stress could also be a cause of your wildfire-smoke headache. Stress can cause tension headaches. These are mild, throbbing headaches that usually affect both sides of the brain.
Dr. Fadadu explained that the anxiety people might feel when they see the orange-tinged smoke or decide whether to wear a mask to leave their homes could contribute to headaches. This is especially true on the East Coast where people aren’t used to dealing with the impact of wildfires.
Dr. Fadadu stated that “that ecological stress we’re experiencing with wildfires” is a real phenomenon.
Neck pain in horses may be caused by a variety of conditions, including soft tissue (e.g. myofascial or synovial pain), neurologic or bony lesions. Kevin Haussler DVM, DC PhD Dipl. ACVSMR, Associate Professor at Colorado State University’s Orthopaedic Research Center in Fort Collins during his presentation at The American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Symposium, held April 27-29, Charleston, South Carolina. Haussler’s presentation covered the anatomy of the cervical joints, the spectrum and severity of osteoarthritis in these spaces, as well as how to determine the clinical significance of imaging findings.
Osteoarthritis affects the entire synovial joint–that is, the two bones that meet at the joint and the cartilage, as well as the fluid and membrane within the synovial joint. Haussler said that it is a spectrum, because diagnostic imaging can detect some changes but not others. Diagnostic imaging can be difficult for veterinarians because of the complex anatomy of the cervical joint processes and the superimposition of structures.
Researchers have found that osseous changes are present in 50% of horses who are clinically normal. Horses often display a combination between normal and diseased articulations at the neck, Haussler explained. He said that radiographs are a two-dimensional way to diagnose a problem that is three-dimensional. This can make it difficult to establish a correct diagnosis. Some horses may experience severe pain or performance issues without any physical abnormalities being detected, while others may have significant bony anomalies that do not seem to cause pain.
Haussler said that in a study of 8 horses euthanized because of severe neck pain, investigators found that 86% of them had normal cervical radiographs. They found that only 3% of the horses had normal cervical anatomy, based on observed bone changes at necropsy.
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It is important to determine where bony changes occur. Veterinarians often use multiple diagnostic imaging modalities to get a complete picture of a horse’s anatomy. This includes computed tomography (CT), myelography (myelography), and ultrasonography.
The clinical relevance of imaging findings depends on the clinical signs, as well as the horse’s stiffness and pain. “When there is a combination of osseus and soft tissues changes, we must ask, ‘Which finding is most relevant?’ And ‘What should we do?'” said he.
Haussler says that when the clinical relevance of diagnostic imaging is unclear, veterinarians should consider the horse’s movement patterns, athletic usage, and overall performance in order to determine the appropriate treatment plan.
