Conditions

Dr Pradnya Gadgil, Consultant Paediatric Neurology and Complex Epilepsy explains the causes and complexities of childhood epilepsy, how it differs from adult epilepsy, the relationship of seizures with sleep and more.  What is childhood epilepsy? How does it differ from epilepsy in adults? Epilepsy is a tendency to experience recurrent seizures- without a specific trigger. For example, seizures people experience after a head injury or with low sugar/ low calcium (in babies) do not…

Speech impairment affects nearly 70% of stroke patients. Dr Kaustubh Mahajan, Consultant Neurophysician, details some of the best and simplest speech exercises to help regain ability to communicate. Stroke is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Strokes can lead to muscle weakness/paralysis, imbalance without any weakness, cognitive issues, issues with speech and even death. But with better treatments most patients are surviving from otherwise life threatening strokes. After a…

Advises Dr Kalyani Nityanandan, veteran cardiologist, who comes across many patients with heart disease and diabetes. In her own style with a tinge of humour, she shares valuable strategies for meals and medicines to help patients manage blood sugar well. He is a very sweet man, and his wife is even sweeter. Unfortunately this "sweetness" does not refer to their disposition but to the unusually high sugar level in their blood. Yes, they both have diabetes. Diabetes is a very old disease. Five…

It is estimated that more than 200 million people across the globe suffer from osteoporosis. Approximately 30% of all postmenopausal ladies have osteoporosis. Dr S M Akerkar, consultant rheumatologist, stresses that brisk walking is one of the best and safest exercise for strengthening the bones. What is Osteoporosis? Simply speaking osteoporosis means – ‘porous’ or brittle bones. They are less dense when compared to a normal bone, hence weak and more likely to fracture. Osteoporotic fractures…

Polypharmacy in the elderly is a growing concern and can even cause harm to the patient. Dr. Anita Kumar explains the risks associated with polypharmacy, the symptoms to watch out for and the way forward for patients and their caregivers.     Polypharmacy is an issue that requires addressing because people unknowingly follow polypharmacy and do not recognize the potential harm it may cause. In recent times, polypharmacy has emerged as a public health issue and a concern globally…

Dr Kalyani Nityanandan, 85-year-old Chennai based cardiologist, who pioneered the first cardiac rehabilitation facility in Tamil Nadu, shares her vast knowledge on recovery and staying well after cardiac arrest. Let me begin with a real life case. A middle-aged man has a sudden cardiac arrest. With competent care and some luck, he is saved. He is discharged from the hospital with his heart and arteries in reasonably good shape. The doctors advise cardiac rehabilitation, along with a flood of…

Increasing number of Coronavirus patients have reported symptoms that persist weeks after the infection is clear. We speak with Dr. Swati Jha, Director, Community Health & Research at Aga Khan Health Services India on post viral syndrome, the common lingering symptoms and what actions should be taken.       What are the most common post-Covid symptoms/conditions seen? In a typical patient Physical fatigue- pain in the limbs, difficulty walking, climbing stairs…

COVID-19 Management The likelihood of presenting with a moderate or severe case with complication is linked to age and co-morbidities so far. These include: Acute respiratory distress syndrome or ARDS Pneumonia or other secondary infections Sepsis Coagulopathies Acute Kidney Injury Multiorgan failure Macrophage Activation syndrome or Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Many believe that the complications are caused by a condition termed as the Cytokine Storm. This is a hyper inflammatory…

Sign and symptoms of COVID-19 We are still learning about the virus and symptoms seem to vary from person to person. Many people experience no symptoms at all; they are termed as asymptomatic carriers. Many others experience some symptoms but again severity varies from person to person. Common symptoms include: Sore throat Low grade fever Shortness of breath Cough Loss of taste Loss of smell Fatigue Diarrhea Vomiting Headaches Signs typical of COVID as seen on Chest CT scan is the ground…