Health
What Are the Symptoms of Brain injury?
What Are the Symptoms of Brain injury?
Symptoms of brain injury include atrophy, seizures, and subarachnoid hemorrhage.
If you think you may be suffering from one of these conditions, you should consult a doctor.
Listed below are the symptoms of stroke, brain atrophy, and seizures. These can all be very frightening. However, the best way to cope is to take care of yourself and get the right treatment.
Symptoms of brain injury
There are many causes of symptoms of brain damage and loss. In motor vehicle accidents, shaking injuries, or other causes of brain damage, the result is a diffuse axonal injury.
This injury damages the white matter (nerve axons) of the brain. These axons are stretched throughout the brain and disrupt blood flow. The result is decreased oxygenation and loss of function.
If these symptoms occur, it is time to seek medical attention. Traumatic brain injuries can lead to coma, a state of total unconsciousness, and an inability to wake up.
The most severe coma occurs when the brain is struck by a bullet or broken piece of skull. In addition, brain injury can cause a motor disorder known as apraxia.
It is more common in the left brain and is characterized by a loss of mechanical knowledge. A traumatic brain injury can lead to permanent disability.
Symptoms of brain atrophy
Brain atrophy is a neurological condition characterized by the gradual deterioration of brain cells and neurons. It can be caused by various diseases and injuries, such as traumatic brain injury.
This condition can lead to decreased mental capacity and difficulty with speech. Symptoms of brain atrophy may include a decrease in intonation when speaking, difficulty with language, and difficulty with walking.
A variety of medications is available to treat this condition. The loss of neurons and connections between brain cells is one of the most common causes of brain atrophy.
This degenerative condition usually affects people over 40 and progresses slowly over time.
Certain conditions such as stroke, infection, and dementia can accelerate the rate of brain atrophy.
While there is no cure for brain atrophy, healthy lifestyle choices, proper diet, and physical activity can slow its progression. However, if you already have the disease, treatment may be necessary.
Symptoms of subarachnoid hemorrhage
Subarachnoid hemorrhage can occur in anyone, but it is most common in people 45 to 70 years old.
People with high blood pressure are at a higher risk of developing this type of brain bleed.
The bleeding can cause permanent brain damage and cause coma or paralysis.
There is no known cure for subarachnoid hemorrhage, but treatment options are available to help reduce the severity and impact of brain damage.
A subarachnoid hemorrhage is a type of stroke that involves bleeding in the area surrounding the brain.
This space is normally filled with cerebrospinal fluid and serves as a cushion for the brain.
If the space surrounding the brain is affected, it can cause severe damage and even death.
One-third of people will survive the condition, but if they do survive, they will most likely have some form of disability.
Symptoms of seizures
Seizures and brain damage are the result of damage to the brain’s nerve cells, which can cause a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms.
Although many types of seizures cause only temporary effects, some can be life-threatening.
Most types of seizures only last a few minutes and cause little or no damage to the neurons.
However, in some cases, prolonged seizures, called status epilepticus, can cause permanent damage to the brain.
This is due to prolonged abnormal electrical activity in the affected area of the brain.
The diagnosis of epilepsy is made through a detailed medical history. The physician will ask about previous illnesses and any family history of seizures.
The physician will also ask the patient’s caregivers to record an account of a seizure.
If possible, the person will be asked about the time and place of the seizure. An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that records electrical activity in the brain.
Perinatal brain injury is a condition affecting newborns that occurs during or immediately after birth.
The most common type occurs when the baby stops breathing in the mother’s womb.
The resulting brain damage can result in motor impairment, cognitive disability, and developmental delays. Fortunately, there are several ways to detect brain damage in newborns.
Learn more about the symptoms of perinatal brain injury and how to treat it. Infant brain injuries can be difficult to diagnose, and some may not present symptoms for months or even years.
The extent of perinatal brain damage depends on what type of injury occurred. Severe brain damage can result in lifelong neurological and physical impairments.
Although severe brain injuries require emergency medical care, there are also mild cases that may not need any treatment at all.
In these cases, the newborn child may require more medical intervention
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Health
Iowa Reports First Fatal Case of Ebola-like Lassa Fever Following Travel to West Africa
Iowa Reports First Fatal Case of Ebola-like Lassa Fever Following Travel to West Africa
Iowa health officials recently confirmed a fatal case of Lassa fever, an Ebola-like viral disease, in a person who had recently traveled to West Africa.
This incident has raised concerns about Lassa fever’s risks, transmission methods, and potential impacts on public health, especially as it is one of the few recorded cases of this virus in the United States.
This article will provide an in-depth overview of Lassa fever, its origins, symptoms, transmission risks, and the measures people can take to protect themselves and those around them.
Understanding Lassa Fever
What is Lassa Fever?
Lassa fever is a hemorrhagic virus similar in presentation to Ebola, transmitted primarily by contact with food or objects contaminated with infected rodent urine or feces.
This viral disease is common in parts of West Africa, where an estimated 100,000 to 300,000 cases are reported annually. Though many cases go unreported, the virus can cause severe illness and death in severe cases, particularly in patients with underlying health conditions.
Lassa Fever vs. Ebola: What’s the Difference?
Both Lassa fever and Ebola are viral hemorrhagic fevers, but they differ in their method of transmission, symptom severity, and geographical reach.
While Ebola spreads through human-to-human contact, Lassa fever is mainly rodent-borne and spread through direct or indirect exposure to rodents’ excretions.
Ebola outbreaks have historically shown higher fatality rates, but Lassa fever is often underreported, making mortality comparisons challenging.
Origins and Transmission of Lassa Fever
Where Does Lassa Fever Come From?
Lassa fever was first identified in 1969 in Nigeria and has since remained endemic in countries like Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Nigeria.
The Mastomys rat, or “multimammate rat,” serves as the natural reservoir for the virus and is a common species in West African regions, leading to frequent human contact and possible transmission.
How is Lassa Fever Transmitted?
Transmission occurs mainly through:
- Direct contact with infected rodents’ urine or droppings.
- Ingestion of contaminated food or household items.
- Human-to-human transmission in healthcare settings due to improper hygiene practices or exposure to bodily fluids of infected individuals.
The virus does not spread through casual contact, making general public spread less likely unless in close contact with contaminated surfaces or bodily fluids.
Symptoms of Lassa Fever
Early Symptoms
Early symptoms of Lassa fever can be mild, leading to undiagnosed cases or delayed medical attention.
Symptoms typically appear 1-3 weeks after exposure and may include:
- Fever and fatigue
- Sore throat and cough
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Abdominal and chest pain
Severe Symptoms and Complications
As the disease progresses, patients may develop more severe symptoms like:
- Hemorrhaging from gums, eyes, or nose
- Facial swelling and fluid in the lungs
- Seizures and confusion
- Organ failure
While some patients recover within weeks, severe complications can arise, especially in pregnant women and individuals with preexisting health conditions.
Diagnosis and Treatment
How is Lassa Fever Diagnosed?
Diagnosis requires specialized laboratory testing, as Lassa fever’s early symptoms resemble many other viral illnesses.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) can identify viral RNA and antibodies in blood samples, aiding in accurate diagnosis.
Treatment Options
Antiviral medication, such as ribavirin, has shown promise in reducing symptoms when administered early. Supportive care, including rehydration, oxygen therapy, and blood transfusions, is crucial for severe cases.
However, there is no universally approved vaccine, making prevention through hygiene and rodent control vital.
Preventive Measures for Lassa Fever
Minimizing Contact with Rodents
Effective rodent control is essential in areas where Lassa fever is prevalent. Keeping food in rodent-proof containers, clearing homes of food scraps, and storing waste away from living spaces can minimize exposure to rodent excretions.
Maintaining Hygiene in Healthcare Settings
In hospitals, isolation protocols and rigorous hygiene practices, including the use of gloves, masks, and proper disposal of waste, are critical to prevent transmission from infected individuals to healthcare workers or family members.
Public Health Concerns and Global Impact
Why Should We Be Concerned About Lassa Fever?
While cases outside of West Africa are rare, the recent case in Iowa illustrates the potential for Lassa fever to appear in non-endemic regions.
Increased global travel poses risks, necessitating enhanced screening and awareness, especially for travelers returning from high-risk areas.
The Role of the CDC and WHO
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) play significant roles in monitoring and controlling Lassa fever outbreaks.
Both organizations work closely with local health agencies to provide guidelines, support diagnosis, and enhance preventive measures.
Conclusion
The tragic loss of life due to Lassa fever in Iowa serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of hemorrhagic fevers. Increased awareness, hygiene measures, and public health vigilance are essential to prevent future cases and protect communities.
As international travel grows, so does the need for education on preventing and responding to rare but deadly diseases like Lassa fever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Lassa fever be spread through the air?
No, Lassa fever is not airborne. It spreads through contact with rodent excretions or bodily fluids of an infected person.
2. Is there a vaccine available for Lassa fever?
Currently, there is no FDA-approved vaccine for Lassa fever, though researchers are actively working on developing one.
3. What regions are considered high-risk for Lassa fever?
High-risk regions include West African countries such as Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea, where the Mastomys rodent is prevalent.
4. What should travelers do to protect themselves from Lassa fever?
Travelers to endemic regions should avoid contact with rodents, keep food secured, and wash hands frequently. It’s wise to stay updated on health advisories from the CDC.
5. How can healthcare facilities prevent Lassa fever spread?
Hospitals can reduce risks by implementing stringent hygiene protocols, using personal protective equipment, and isolating infected patients to prevent cross-contamination.
References :
Health
Understanding Menstrual Allergy: What You Need to Know
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REFERENCE:
https://www.healthwellnessjournal.com/menstrual-allergy-guide
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