Neurological Conditions

Dr. Pettarusp Wadia, Consultant Neurologist and Movement Disorder Specialist, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, speaks to Dr Shital Raval about the latest treatments to manage Parkinson’s Disease.  Is Parkinson's a genetic condition? In about 5% of the adult population and 25% of the young-onset Parkinson's disease population, a single gene can be identified. However research is on to identify if certain genes make a person more susceptible to develop…

His parents were told he was mentally retarded, but Siddharth Jayakumar – bank manager, motivational speaker and award-winning role model for the disabled – proved them all wrong. Here, his life and learnings. 1.  Please tell us briefly how you developed Cerebral Palsy (CP). What was your physical condition - your abilities and your limitations?  I developed CP following an attack of jaundice when I was a few days old. This affected my physical movements and clarity of speech. It also…

During the fasting month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world fast for more than 15 hours a day. Here, 6 possible side effects and how to counter them. It is best to have a check-up before you start fasting for Ramadan. This is particularly important if you have any chronic conditions, like diabetes or migraine. Do remember that the Qur’an exempts the sick from fasting. If your doctor advises against your fasting, speak to your Imam about your situation. Even if you are…

There’s not a special diet plan for those living with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). But maintaining a healthy diet is a good idea for anyone. Of course, changing eating habits can be difficult, so try setting small, easily attainable goals. Try a new recipe once a month. Cut out dessert once or twice a week. You get the idea. Just make sure to talk to your doctor before starting any diet or nutritional program. Start Slow Plan Ahead Stay hydrated Control portions Make low fat…

As we wait for Kalki Koechlin’s portrayal of a gutsy girl with Cerebral Palsy in the award-winning film Margarita with a Straw, we find out more about the condition from rehabilitation specialist Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan. The film releases on 17th April 2015.  Cerebral Palsy is a birth-related disorder that affects the brain and nervous system. The nerve damage causes difficulties in the child’s movement, coordination, posture and ability to walk. It can also affect speech,…

Many patients can be overwhelmed, surprised, or simply anxious when they are first diagnosed with relapsing multiple sclerosis. One doctor shares how he helps patients understand more about their condition during these first steps in their MS journey. Some aspects you can talk to your doctor about are : Understand the diagnosis Treatment options and side effects Impact on work, family life, day to day living Prognosis Research opportunities      

Prem's startling discovery of the root cause of his wife’s altered personality. Prompt diagnosis and treatment gave him back the woman he had married.  In the summer of 2012, my wife’s behaviour started to change. Initially we attributed it to age-activated attention deficit disorder (AAADD). We noticed that she was forgetful, moving from one chore to another unmindful of the earlier one. She showed signs of indifference, depression and withdrawal.  These…

Rehabilitation specialist Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan suggests small changes around the home that make a big difference to the quality of life of the elderly.    Having worked in the rehabilitation field for more than 15 years and having been a caregiver to four elders above the age of 80, I kept coming across the need for adaptations in daily living activities. The idea is to keep the elders as independent as possible and maintain their dignity. अब हिन्दी में पढ़ें: घर को बुजुर्गों…

Bladder problems affect 75 to 90 percent of people with multiple sclerosis, according to a July 2014 in-depth report in MS in Focus, published by the Multiple Sclerosis International Foundation (MSIF). “Patients need to understand that bladder issues are a symptom of their disease process and not something they should be embarrassed or ashamed about,” says Dr. Marlene Murphy Setzko, a urologist and director of Urologic Services at the Mandell Center for Comprehensive MS Care in Hartford,…

Nytol, Benadryl, Ditropan and Piriton among the medications identified by scientists as raising likelihood of dementia A report published online this week in JAMA Internal Medicine offers compelling evidence of a link between long-term use of anticholinergic medications like Benadryl and dementia. Anticholinergic drugs block the action of acetylcholine. This substance transmits messages in the nervous system. In the brain, acetylcholine is involved in learning and memory. In the…