What is Savant syndrome?

Savants syndrome is a composition of extreme autism disorder and profound capabilities or abilities beyond Normal. The cause of the syndrome is neurodevelopment disorder, autism disorder or brain injuries.

Characteristics:

Savant syndrome patients have an extraordinary storage of memory and are right brain dominant. The major areas in which Savant Skills are found are art, music , calculations and mathematics. Skills may be found individually or a combination of many, they may appear as suddenly as they can disappear.Hence they are categorized as the following:

• Splinter Savant : Skills that are usually opposite to their overall level of functioning.

• Talented Savants: A complete contrast of the patient’ ability and disability.

• Prodogious Savant: This is one step ahead of Talented Savant where the patient’s skills show an extreme contrast in the ability and disability but also outperforms the skills possessed by a healthy mind.

Mechanics of the Savant Syndrome 

This combination of talent and disorder has been poorly understood. Most researches claim that a damage in the left hemisphere of the brain causes a compensatory damage in the right hemisphere of the brain.

Some spectacular qualities include :

• Memorization: Limitless  information can be memorized
• Lightening Calculations: Swift and accurate ability to calculate
• Calendar or Date Calculations:Accurate calculation of date, day in any given year or time.
• Musical Ability:Using their tremendous memory they can re-play a track after hearing it once.
• Artistic Ability: Expression of exceptional skills in sculpting, drawing or painting.
• Language Ability: The ability to read, write and translate 15-20 languages.

According to estimates it is believed that one in ten people with autism have savant skills in varying degree. Its occurance is found in male six times more than in female.

The Savant Syndrome is a rare condition which can allow the patients to go in extremely opposite directions. The early identification of the strengths and weakness should be channeled in the right direction to allow a fulfilling life. Some parents may be misguided as the weaknesses tend to overshadow the strength. The remedy for this condition is to improve communication and encourage the patient to learn.

What is vaginal yeast infection?

Yeast Infection is merely the overgrowth of the Candida albicans fungus, which is harmlessly present in different parts of our body. The vagina yeast infection is a common situation faced by women at least twice during a sexually active life.

Causes of the infection: 

• Antibiotics taken for other infections can lead to the imbalance between the protective germs and the candida fungus. 
• Pregnancy 
• Obesity 
• Diabetes 

Manifestation of vaginal yeast infection: 

The common symptoms of a uncomplicated infection are itching, discomfort , pain during urination or sexual intercourse and excessive vaginal discharge. The level of pain may vary from moderate to mild. however in a complicated case the infection repeatedly occurs with symptoms like vulvar redness, swelling, ulceration may occur.  

Possible Complications: 

• Chronic/ Recurrent Infections: 

A recurrent infection may occur because of an incomplete treatment or an underlying dieases such as diabetes. 

• Secondary Infections: 

The rigourous itching may cause the infection.

Diagnosis: 

Diagnosis is made based on a pelvic examination which will show the redness of the skin/vagina/cervix. Following that a microscopic examination is made on the vaginal discharge,called the wet mount and KOH test. 

Treatment: 

To treat an uncomplicated case, the simple application of the antifungal cream or suppository for 3 to 7 days will help reduce the symptoms. In the case of a complicated vaginal candidiasis, a 7-14 days course of a suppository is recommended. In case this also fails then a longer course of 6 months is recommended. The failure of any kind of treatment may indicate a serious complication such as HIV. 

Precautionary Measures: 

The easiest measure is to keep yourself clean by washing and rinsing with warm water. Avoid the use of soaps, perfumes, deodorants, powders and gels due to its sensitivity towards chemicals. Avoid douching. Wear cotton-made garments to allow the ventilation of air and reduce the level of irritation.Avoid wearing wet or sweaty garments for long. Keep your blood sugar level low. 

It should be a relief to learn that vaginal yeast infection is a common infection and an easily eradicable one. However a medical consult should be consulted to take precautionary measures to prevent its progression to a complicate case. 

What are the effects of obesity in children?

                           

     

Obesity in children is an epidemic which is widely spreading around the globe. It has negatively impacted lives in both developed and developing economies alike. It is undoubtedly a challenging socio-economic problem which is multiplying readily.  Scientifically obesity has been defined as the Body mass index (BMI) to be greater than the 95th percentile. Let’s figure out what are the effects of obesity in children: 

• The economic boom : 

In developed countries such as US the economic boom forces both parents to be engaged in some form of employment to either make both ends meet or to professionally utilize themselves. This professional fast-track life automatically makes the children dependent on fast foods and ready to eat meals, which are dangerously unhealthy and low in nutrients. Furthermore, the high intake of fast foods and sweet beverages is attributed to the high purchasing power of the both parents income.  

• Less physical exercises: 
  
  

The academic curriculum is designed as such that discourages physical activities and encourages book memorization. Due to its low importance of exercise  children now prefer to play games online instead of on the grounds.     

Effects of obesity in children

Where obesity is mistakenly taken as a sign of good health it must be understood that it can lead to fatal morbid conditions. Some of them are diabetes mellitus, fatty liver disease, obstructive sleep apnoea and ischemic heart disease.Below is a brief description of each:

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus: 

Diabetes is probably the highest growing case that reduces the life expectancy and quality of life. It disables the intake of any substance as metabolism is readily disturbed and makes it difficult to treat. The intake of insulin has an anabolic effect which further causes weight gain. Similarly other solutions such retinopathy are concluded as complications as it ultimately reduces vision and damages other organs such as the kidney and liver. 

• Fatty liver disease: 

The accumulation of fats indicates the development of Hepatitis which later transforms into Cirrhosis and paralyses the liver from performing its function. This may require a transplant at the later stage. 

• Obstructive Sleep apnea: 

An obstruction occurs in the airway for 20-40 seconds which make breathing very difficult and can cause ischemic heart disease in certain cases.  

• Behavioral changes: 

There are critical psychological changes and challenges beneath the obvious physical changes that take place. Researches have proven that over-weight children are always bullied and considered to be lazy and dull. Due to this taboo, most victims are unable to complete their education or even attempt to commit suicide if made felt worse. 

It is also important to understand that obesity may be genetic. However, it is a public health problem which will eventually cripple the health, education, social or even economic stability of any county. It is important to force children to maintain a controlled diet and weight during their childhood and well as during adolescence.

Gynaecomastia – why breasts enlarge in males?

The term Gynaecomastia originates from a Greek word which means female breasts. The primary cause of Gynaecomastia, the over grown breasts in males is either due to an increase in the estrogen or a deficiency in the androgen level.

Gynaecomastia occurs in various stages of life varying from neonatal to adolescence to old age. The cause of each kind is different; in neonatal it is due to the placental estrogen on the breast tissue. In adolescence it is due to imbalanced testosterone and in old age it is due to the fall in the level of testes which causes a rise in estrogen. 

Pathological changes: 

The diagnosis is usually categorized according to the deposition found which is either glandular or fatty tissues. 

Clinical features:  

Gynaecomastia may appear in either one or both sides; which may feel like a nodule with/out pain. The following chart explains the types and symptoms: 

Causes : 

With the evolution of modern researches the cause of gynaecomastia has been concluded as either the excess of estrogens or the failure/disease in another organ. A disorder in the testes will also cause a lack of testosterone; this can either inherited as well as developed. 

Treatment: 

The treatment for this disorder can be done with the intake of drugs or by surgery, if persisted over the period. The reason for the treatment can be cosmetic as well as a medical requirement. 

A timely check up with medical expert consultation should help solve any doubt and proactive measures can be taken to avoid any serious disorder. 

Meningitis shots – how effective are they?

Meninges is a membrane that surfaces on the central nervous system, brain and the spinal cord. The natural response to heal from infections caused by diarrhea, virus, bacteria , parasites and fungi is called meningitis. Meningitis is curable by taking shots  but the effectiveness is yet to be determined. Lets read upon the effectiveness discovered so far .. 

 

Features of Meningitis

The most popular form of the disease in Viral Meningitis which is automatically and fully cured without therapy. 

Bacterial meningitis is a the attack of more than one bacteria that occur in the blood circulation. This can be caused by an ear infection or even in the upper respiratory track. 

Symptoms of meningococcal disease

The Meningococcal infection is the deadliest form of the disease which begins with a fever, chills and rash , headaches, neck stiffness and grows into seizures. The later stage of the disease is coma and ultimately death. The recovery stage is as painful as being paralyzed or dysfunctioning of the brain. 

Prevention of meningococcal infection:

Types of meningitis vaccines

There are two major types of meningitis shots:

• Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4)

• Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4)

 

Safety and efficacy of meningitis shots 

• The MPSV4 vaccine is given as an injection into the muscles of the arm. Both meningococcal vaccines are very safe. After effects may be a mild fever. 
• The MPSV4 has proven to be 85-100 % effective against infection from meningococcus subtypes (A, C, Y and W-135) except serogroup B meningococcus. The effectiveness of both vaccines have proven to be equally effective but MCP4 guarantees a longer immunity.  

Although the disease can cause the life of the patient but over dosage is highly forbidden and shots are suggested to be taken after the age of 12.

High fructose corn syrup and obesity – is there a relationship?

Scientific research proves the existence of a strong correlation between obesity and high sugar intake. The credit of high sugar intake owes to the significant increase in the consumption of sugar items in the form of beverages and juices, fats and caloric rich food such as fast foods. Let’s dig deeper into the relationship between High Fructose Corn Syrup and obesity. 

High fructose corn syrup(HFCS) 

The HFSC is a major ingredient used mostly by manufacturers of carbonated beverages, baked foods, jams and dairy product as a substitute for sucrose(sugar) because of its stronger sweetening characteristic. This HFSC metabolizes in the liver with the production of fats and is apparent in the form of weight gain and obesity. The daily calorie consumption in foods containing HFCS has been found to be in the range of 100 to 300 kcal. 

Metabolic effects of fructose

Fats deposits are clearly as result of indigested fats and each kind of fat maybe associated with a different kind of disease. It has been proposed, based on one single study, that fructose associated with excess energy intake would preferentially increase visceral fat.

 High fructose corn syrup and obesity

The correlation between the HFCS and obesity has been proven by experimenting two groups – one consumed HFCS containing beverages and the other consumed diet beverages. A significant contrast was concluded between the weight gained by the two groups. 

Is heart rate the same as pulse?

                                             

Heart rate and pulse rate are the immediate indicators of a patient’s health status. In order to figure out the similarity or difference between heart rate and pulse we will first look into how the cardiovascular system works. 

Cardiac cycle

The heart is a muscle that supplies blood and oxygen to the entire body. This fist size organ allows the flow of blood to and from the organs of the body by contracting and relaxing in a cyclical rhythm. This sequential rhythm produces heart beats. The normal frequency of heart beat is 60-100 per minutes. This obviously varies due to factors like age, fitness level, exercise etc. 

Pulse rate

Pulse rate is usually detected by palpating the pulse around the radial wrist and the neck. This pulse rate is a reflection of the heart condition because the pulse’ characteristics such as rate, volume, rhythm defines the condition of the heart. Hence both are the same.  The pulse rate can be detected at numerous points such as wrist, elbow, ankle, foot, knee or jaw. 

Abnormal rate

When the sequence of heart beat follows an irregular pattern, as in the case of cardiac arrhythmias,  the pulse rate become irregular in volume and rhythm. In very abnormal cases a difference is seen between the heart rate and the pulse rate which is assessed through the ECG tests. 

Tachycardia 

A heart beat faster than the normal 60-100 per minute is termed as tachycardia. The reason for this accelerated heart beat may be exercise, stress, pregnancy or infection of diseases such as amemia, sepsis, shock  and many more. 

Bradycardia

However a heart beat slower than normal is called bradycardia. In case of  bradycardia the heart rate is less than normal. This may depend on age – children have a higher rate than adults and other physiological factors. Also athletes have a lower range of normal heart rate. Pathological bradycardia is seen in hypothyroidism, late stage of shock, heart block and syncope.