Monday, April 26, 2010

'Uncontrolled brain activity' linked to epilepsy



Brain
Epileptic seizures are caused by chaotic electrical activity in the brain

Researchers have shed new light on the mechanism behind epilepsy attacks in the brain, revealing a potential new target for drug treatment.


Around half a million people in the UK have some form of epilepsy. Until recently the focus of research has been on cells called neurons, but a US study points to a completely different cell. Nature Neuroscience journal reports its behaviour may be key to uncontrolled brain activity behind the condition.


Epilepsy attacks, which can manifest as fits in some people, or "absences" in others, are caused by too much electrical signalling from the brain's neurons. However, in many cases, the reason for this over-activity is poorly understood. Scientists now believe that, in some cases, although the problem happens at the neuron the underlying reason may be the failure of surrounding cells to help control this activity.

The latest study, from the Tuft University School of Medicine and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, provides the strongest evidence yet that a cell called an astrocyte is the culprit. The astrocyte is known to have a wide range of functions, including supplying nutrients to other brain cells, and even helping the brain cope with damaged nerve cells. In some brain diseases, the astrocytes swell up and behave differently, and it is this condition which the researchers believe is linked to epilepsy.


No inhibition

They induced this swelling in brain samples from mice, then tested whether this made a difference to the ability of the brain cells to "turn down", or inhibit, the brain signals from specific neurons. They found that the enlarged astrocytes led to reduced levels of a brain chemical known to inhibit electrical signalling from the neurons.

Dr Douglas Coulter, one of the researchers, said: "We already know that inhibition is a powerful force in the brain. "In epilepsy, inhibition is not working properly, and uncontrolled signalling leads to epileptic seizures. By better understanding the detailed events that occur in epilepsy, we are gaining knowledge that could ultimately lead to better treatments for epilepsy, and possibly for other neurological diseases."

Professor Vincenzo Crunelli, a neuroscientist from the University of Cardiff, said other research, including his own, now pointed towards a role for astrocytes in various different types of epilepsy. He said the finding might be particularly relevant in a form of epilepsy called temporal lobe epilepsy, which can be resistant to treatment.

He said, "This certainly suggests that the astrocytes may be involved in maintaining this over-excitation of the neurons. If this is the case, it offers the chance of a new therapeutic target."



source : www.news.bbc.co.uk

Thursday, April 22, 2010


SCARED OF KNOWING MEDICAL TRUTHS


My friend, Jane Lee and I had tea recently. We had our cuppas of tea and a quick exchange of updates revealed that Jane had never had a full body medical examination with blood test done before. I asked Jane how come and she simply answered it is best not to know any results pertaining to her health condition. She wanted to live her life happily in bliss till medical issues crop up. Ignorance is bliss. Although she agreed prevention is always better than cure, she would not lift a finger to do so. She hates coming face to face with the crippling and nightmarish fears of knowing frightening truths related to many types of illnesses.

Many people are like Jane. I admit there were times when I was taken aback by many awful truths of some medical illnesses but then that would be momentarily only. I believe all of us should attempt to know some basic information of health issues affecting us everyday. That way, when illnesses strike us we will be more ready to accept it and not be swept off our feet unguarded and unprepared. In many instances, many illnesses are not frightening by nature and do not portray grave images and also can be treated quickly and easily.

None of us are spared of illness. We are all responsible for our own health. Take action now and start reading, discussing and finding out as much medical information as possible. As an epilepsy advocate I encourage you to read some basic knowledge about epilepsy. Epilepsy is a brain disorder that is still commonly unknown and largely misunderstood by the public.
One in every 50 people will develop epilepsy at some time in their live. One in every 20 people will have an epileptic seizure. Find out now what epilepsy is all about before it strikes you.


You can visit the EPILEPSY LINKS I have listed down on the right hand side bar of my blog to read and retrieve epilepsy information.









Thursday, April 15, 2010

DANGERS OF WATCHING TOO MUCH T V





Don't watch so much TV!

For once that warning isn't coming from a nagging parent. Instead, it's Samsung that's issuing the warning. Samsung issued an alert on its Australian website warning children and teenagers with a family history of epilepsy or strokes that watching 3D television could heighten their risk of seizures or strokes.

"Children and teenagers may be more susceptible to health issues associated with viewing in 3D and should be closely supervised when viewing these images," Samsung said on its website. "Even those without a personal or family history of epilepsy or stroke may have an undiagnosed condition that can cause photosensitive epileptic seizures."

Samsung's warning is also intended for pregnant women, elderly people, people who suffer from serious medical conditions and sleep-deprived people.

Samsung instructed consumers to immediately stop watching the 3D TV if they experience any of the following symptoms:

  • altered vision
  • lightheadedness
  • dizziness
  • involuntary movements such as eye or muscle twitching
  • confusion
  • nausea
  • convulsions
  • cramps; and/ or
  • disorientation









Sunday, April 4, 2010

HAPPY EASTER





REJOICE, REJOICE. OUR CRUCIFIED CHRIST HAS RISEN FROM THE DEAD. HE DIED ON THE CROSS TO CLEANSE US OF OUR SINS AND GRANT US NEW LIVES SO THAT WE MAY LIVE OUR LIVES FEARLESS OF SUFFERINGS, PAIN AND DEATH. TO GOD BE THE GLORY.


Wishing everyone a Very Blessed and Happy Easter