Three years ago, while on vacation, I began experiencing electric shock-like sensations in my mouth. I attended the dentist upon my return, who diagnosed me with trigeminal neuralgia.
My doctor concurred but was unable to provide me with advice or treatment. Thankfully, the pain subsided with time, but it returned a few weeks ago. My physician recommended pregabalin, but it has not been effective. Can more action be taken?
Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by incidents of abrupt, intense facial pain, typically on one side. Patients frequently compare it to electric shocks or piercing pains in the jaw, teeth, or gums.
The attacks are typically brief, lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes, but can occur up to 100 times per day in severe cases. They can be triggered by touch, speech, and even tooth-brushing.
It is a distressing condition that can be incapacitating.
The pain is caused by an issue with the trigeminal nerve, which originates in the temple, branches around the eyes and forehead, and sends impulses to the jaw muscles.
Some individuals have an underlying cause, such as nerve injury from dental issues, a blood vessel or tumor pressing on the nerve, or a disorder like multiple sclerosis that causes nerve degeneration. If there are further concerning symptoms, such as eyesight or balance issues, a general practitioner may prescribe a scan to rule out anything dangerous.
However, trigeminal neuralgia is a major condition in and of itself. As a result of being unable to perform typical daily activities, patients may be unable to eat, lose weight, develop depression, and even lose their jobs.
It is not something that physicians should disregard.
The epilepsy drug carbamazepine is approved for use in this condition, and general practitioners can prescribe it to alleviate the discomfort. If this drug does not work or cannot be taken, NHS recommendations suggest a professional should be consulted to manage the pain and propose remedies, including alternative epilepsy medications and neurology-specific opioids. Request a referral to a team of neurology or pain specialists.
My spouse has been instructed to record his blood pressure twice a day, as his readings have been extremely high. According to the NHS website, readings should be obtained three times at one-minute intervals, and the first measurement should be ignored because it will always be higher. The problem is that the physician only administered it once before prescribing medicine. Could they have made a mistake?
Blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day based on a variety of circumstances, such as the time of day, what we’ve eaten and drink, and our level of stress.
Anxiety also raises blood pressure, which is why it’s frequently higher when the doctor takes it; this phenomenon is known as a white-coat syndrome. Therefore, repeated measures, and not a single reading, are the only accurate way to determine whether a person has high blood pressure.
Taking it three times is intended to improve accuracy; taking it five or 10 times would be even better, but we must do what is practical. However, high readings at the clinic may signal a problem and lead to a prescription for blood pressure medication. We would still want home readings to confirm the diagnosis and provide a clear picture of a patient’s blood pressure.
Typically, we require a week’s worth of measurements.
Having a blood pressure monitor known as an ABPM is one of the best ways to measure blood pressure, particularly if there is doubt or a wide range of values. This is a digital monitor that is attached to the patient’s waist and arm cuff.
It is worn for 24 hours and at least 14 readings are taken during awake hours. It is considered an accurate method for confirming a diagnosis of hypertension.
I was diagnosed with osteopenia recently. I’ve read that exercise helps enhance bone density, and I’m eager to give it a try, but I’m afraid of breaking a hip or something. Should I avoid the situation entirely just in case?
Osteopenia is diagnosed when bone density is below average but not low enough to be called osteoporosis — when bones become weak and prone to fracture. Typically, patients with osteopenia are not prescribed osteoporosis medication but are advised to adopt a healthier lifestyle to improve their condition.
Yes, exercise is essential. Even those with osteoporosis are encouraged to exercise, as bone fractures are unlikely to occur. In reality, exercise increases bone density, enhances muscle strength, and decreases the chance of fractures. Walking and stair climbing, skipping, tennis, and star jumps are all viable possibilities, as impact stimulates bone formation.
In addition, muscle-building exercises are recommended. This could be lifting weights, utilizing resistance bands, or performing body-weight workouts like wall push-ups two to three times each week.
Patients with osteopenia are typically recommended to take a daily Vitamin D supplement and get an adequate amount of calcium throughout their diet; the Royal Osteoporosis Society’s website contains helpful information on how to select calcium-rich foods.
Why your leaking plumbing may not indicate prostate cancer
Could you recognize the indicators of prostate cancer? Okay, this is somewhat of a trick question.
In reality, a great majority of patients do not exhibit noticeable symptoms. Therefore, I was glad to see specialists from Cambridge University expressing concern over NHS public health campaigns that advise men to be on the lookout for signs of pee problems, such as urinating more frequently than usual. However, there is scant evidence linking these issues to the disease; they are more likely the result of a swollen prostate.
Approximately fifty percent of prostate cancers are not detected until later stages, and confusion about the true symptoms may be one reason why.
What should you search for? All that matters are risk factors, such as being over 50, of African or Caribbean heritage, or having a parent or sibling with a history of the disease. If all three are true, regular doctor visits are essential. If you checked two boxes, you should attend all health exams and keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary.
I sense Covid issues again
According to my patients, Covid-related anosmia — the loss of sense of smell – is back with a vengeance.
This peculiar symptom quickly became synonymous with the virus’s initial waves.
However, Covid mutated, people were vaccinated and developed immunity, and the disease appeared to diminish.
No, not any longer. The most recent wave of Covid has generated an abundance of patients.
Another observation: the incidence of terrible Covid symptoms appears to be rather unpredictable these days. Young, athletic individuals have been diagnosed with the “worst flu ever,” whereas elderly individuals have described their illness as a simple cold.
I am interested in hearing about your experiences with Covid. Did you receive a dud, or did you barely notice it? Write and inform me.
