Archive for December, 2007

Brain or Parameningeal Abscess Information

Monday, December 31st, 2007

A brain abscess is an infection in the brain which is encapsulated (bounded within its own area) and localized to one or more areas inside of the brain. Brain abscess usually occurs secondary to a focus of infection utmost of the CNS. An abscess usually begins as cerebritis and furtherances from focal necrosis to form encapsulated lesions. Brain abscess is caused by intracranial inflammation with successive abscess formation. Brain abscess happens twice as often among men than women. The infection may also be herald through a skull fracture following a head trauma or surgical procedures. Brain abscess is generally related with congenital heart disease in young children. It may occur at any age but is most haunt in the third decade of life. Brain abscesses occur more habitually in the first 4 decades of life.

The symptoms of brain abscess are caused by a cooperation of increased intracranial pressure due to a space-occupying lesion (headache, vomiting, confusion, coma), infection (fever, fatigue etc.) and focal neurologic brain tissue damage (hemiparesis, aphasia etc.). A brain abscess is a medical crisis. Medications are used to regulate the infection, seizures, fever, and/or other conditions that may be present. Anti-fungal medications may also be prescribed if the infection is possibly caused by a fungus. Certain diuretics and steroids may also be used to reduce swelling of the brain. Surgical drainage provides the most superlative therapy. Surgical drainage may be necessary in many patients to warrant adequate therapy and complete resolution of infection.

Brain Abscess Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Optimal therapy intermittently is also recommended.

2. Steroids is also recommended.

3. Surgery is mainly carried out to open up the abscess and drain it.

4. Surgical drainage provides the most optimal therapy.

5. Certain diuretics may also be used to reduce swelling of the brain.

6. Anti-fungal medications may also be prescribed if the infection is possibly caused by a fungus.

Alcoholic Ketoacidosis Information

Monday, December 31st, 2007

Alcoholic ketoacidosis is the build up of ketones in the blood. Ketones are a type of acid which form when the body breaks down fat for energy. Alcoholic ketoacidosis is caused by the production of keto-hydroxy acids. Alcoholic ketoacidosis is caused by alcohol use, usually exorbitant. Alcoholic ketoacidosis is attributed to the cooperative effects of alcohol and starvation on glucose metabolism. Alcohol rebates hepatic gluconeogenesis and leads to decreased insulin secretion, increased lipolysis, impaired fatty acid oxidation, and subsequent ketogenesis. The symptoms related with alcoholic ketoacidosis differ according to the severity. Nausea, vomiting, and generalized abdominal pain and succulence are common. Confusion and light headedness occur.

Several mechanisms are accountable for dehydration, including protracted vomiting, decreased fluid intake, and inhibition of antidiuretic hormone secretion by ethanol. AKA usually occurs in persons aged 20-60 years who do chronic maltreat of alcohol. Males and females are affected equally. AKA occurs only seldom after a binge in persons who are not chronic drinkers. Bicarbonate therapy should only be considered in the face of severe life-threatening acidosis. Confining the amount of alcohol you drink may help prevent this condition. Treatment may involve fluids given through a vein. Exogenous insulin is contraindicated in the treatment of AKA. Potassium repletion is indicated in hypokalemic and normokalemic patients with acidemia. Phosphate satiation is recommended.

Alcoholic Ketoacidosis Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Limiting the intake of alcohol.

2. Bicarbonate therapy is also recommended.

3. Fluid resuscitation is the mainstay of treatment in AKA.

4. Methanol and ethylene glycol may also produce an upraised anion-gap acidosis.

Acetaminophen Information and Side Effects

Monday, December 31st, 2007

Acetaminophen is one of the most common medicaments found in households. Acetaminophen is also called as paracetamol and N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP). It is used for the treatment of pain and to lower fever. It is an effective pinch-hit for aspirin, due to its analgesic and antipyretic properties. It reduces fever through its comportment on the heat regulating center of the brain. Typically, hydrocodone and acetaminophen are combined to realize pain relief, as in Vicodin and Lortab. Acetaminophen may also be used to abet the pain of osteoarthritis. Acetaminophen comes as a tablet, chewable tablet, capsule, suspension or solution drops extended-release (long-acting) tablet, and orally disintegrating tablet (tablet which dissolves quickly in the mouth), to take by mouth, with or without food.

Acetaminophen also comes as a suppository to use rectally. Acetaminophen is very quickly absorbed from the stomach and small intestine and metabolized by composition in the liver to nontoxic compounds. These water-soluble conjugates are then liquidated in the urine. Acetaminophen is usually avoided in pregnant Women. Acetaminophen is excreted in breast milk in small quantities. Somewhat, acetaminophen use by the nursing mother appears to be safe. When used preemptly, side effects are rare. The most severe side effect is liver damage because of large doses, chronic use or concomitant use with alcohol or other drugs that also damage the liver. Chronic alcohol use may also increase the chance of stomach bleeding.