The symptoms in cerebral palsy are not the same for all age groups and may have varying levels of severity. A child with cerebral palsy may have exaggerated reflexes, or may have stiff muscles called spasticity. Moreover, their arms, legs and trunk may look floppy. Other symptoms consist of irregular body posture, uncontrollable body movements, and unsteady walking. It may even consist of a combination of all. 

Cerebral palsy affects routine activities greatly. Some complain of having difficulty swallowing while others state that their eyes have difficulty focusing on a steady object. The muscle range also reduces in their joints because of muscle stiffness. There isn’t a definite cause for cerebral palsy and it may affect from individual to individual. While some can walk without help, others may require assistance for it. Some may experience intellectual disabilities while others may not. There might also be visual impairment such as epilepsy, blindness or some may even have hearing issues. It is essential to note that while there may not be a definite cure for cerebral palsy, there are treatments to reduce its effect. The condition of cerebral palsy usually remains the same over years. 

Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy: 

As mentioned above, the symptoms of cerebral palsy vary greatly from one individual to the other. The common symptoms of cerebral palsy are issues in mobility and body coordination, speech, development, eating and more. Therefore, let us dissect each section of symptoms relating to different aspects of the body. 

1. Movement and Coordination: The symptoms in movement and coordination may include:

• Rigid muscles and heightened reflexes, referred to as spasticity. This is the most prevalent movement disorder associated with cerebral palsy. 
• Differences in muscle tone, like being excessively rigid or overly loose. 
• Tight muscles exhibiting normal reflexes, referred to as rigidity. 
• Deficiency in balance and muscle coordination, referred to as ataxia. 
• Uncontrollable, quick movements referred to as tremors. 
• Slow, twisting motions. 
• Preferring one side of the body, like only using one hand to reach or dragging a leg during crawling. 
• Difficulty walking. Individuals with cerebral palsy might walk on their toes or bend down while walking. They might also display a scissor-like gait with their knees intertwined. Alternatively, they might have a broad stride or an unsteady walk. 
• Difficulty with precise motor skills, like fastening buttons on clothing or using utensils.

2. Speech and Consuming Food: These symptoms associated with speaking and eating might arise: 

• Holds in speech progress. 
• Difficulty communicating. 
• Difficulty with sucking, chewing, or consuming food. 
• Salivating or difficulty with ingestion. 

3. Advancements: Certain children with cerebral palsy exhibit developmental symptoms like these: 

• Hindrances in achieving motor skills milestones, like sitting up or crawling.
• Challenges in learning. 
• Cognitive disabilities. 
• Stunted development, leading to a smaller size than anticipated. 

4. Additional Symptoms: Injury to the brain may lead to additional neurological symptoms, including: 

• Seizures, which indicate the presence of epilepsy. Kids with cerebral palsy can be diagnosed with epilepsy. 
• Difficulty hearing. 
• Issues with eyesight and alterations in eye movement. 
• Discomfort or difficulty experiencing sensations like touch. 
• Problems with the bladder and bowel, such as constipation and loss of bladder control. 
• Mental health disorders, including emotional issues and behavioral problems. 

The brain condition that leads to cerebral palsy remains constant over time. Symptoms typically do not deteriorate as one gets older. Yet, as the child ages, certain symptoms may either improve or deteriorate. Additionally, if not treated rigorously, muscle shortening and rigidity can intensify.

Contact your child’s healthcare provider and get an immediate diagnosis if the child shows symptoms of a movement issue. It’s essential that you visit a doctor if your child shows developmental delays. In case of loss of awareness or irregular body movements or posture, difficulty in speech, eating or more, talk to your child’s healthcare provider.

Epilepsy is a brain condition causing recurring seizures. Also known as a seizure disorder, it is common. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), over 12 million people in India have epilepsy, which forms almost one-sixth of the global burden. While the cause of epilepsy can be determined in some people, it might be difficult in others. It affects people of all genders, races, ethnic backgrounds, and ages and does not have the same list of symptoms for all.

The symptoms differ from one person to another in epilepsy. While some may repeatedly experience twitching in arms or legs in the form of convulsions, others may stare blankly at the time of seizure. There is no similar experience of epilepsy in most cases. 

Diagnosis:

It’s a popular myth that a single episode of seizures might indicate that you have epilepsy. The right diagnosis, however, is that if you or someone you know has experienced at least two unprovoked seizures at least 24 hours apart, it may be epilepsy. There is no clear cause for unprovoked seizures. 

Symptoms:

While symptoms vary from one person to another, here is a common list of symptoms experienced by those with epilepsy. Some may include:

• Staring spell
• Uncontrolled jerking movement of arms and legs
• Stiffened muscles
• Temporary confusion 
• Loss of consciousness 
• Psychological symptoms like fear, anxiety, or deja vu. 

While some people may have a change in their behavior, others may experience psychosis too. Those suffering from epilepsy usually have the same kind of seizure every time, coupled with the same set of symptoms in each episode. 

Recognizing Red Flags of Seizure:

Before an epileptic seizure, some people experience warning signs in those moments, known as auras. These signs may even be a simple feeling in the stomach or emotions such as fear and deja vu. Aura could also embody a taste, a smell, a light, a color, or a shape. While some feel dizzy and lose balance, others experience hallucinations. Seizures can either be focal or generalized depending on where and how the brain activity causing it is. 

Those with focal seizures have some or low awareness and might have an altered emotion or distorted perception of things. They may also experience deja vu and uncontrollable jerking of a body part, such as an arm or leg. Apart from these symptoms, the person may also experience sensory tingling, dizziness, and the triggering feeling of flashing lights. 

Focal seizures with impaired awareness or complex seizures are those with a change or loss of consciousness that may make the person feel like they’re in a dream. People in this scenario may blankly stare into a space and have no response to anything in their environment. They may also have recurring actions or movements such as hand rubbing, chewing, swallowing, or walking in circles. 

While these symptoms may be confused with migraines, narcolepsy, or mental illness, it is always advised to seek a medical opinion and a thorough examination for the right diagnosis. 

The focal seizures may arise from the temporal, frontal, or occipital lobes of the brain, whereas generalized seizures arise from all areas of the brain. 

When to Consult a Doctor?

If one experiences any of these symptoms during a seizure, contact a doctor immediately.

1. A seizure lasting more than five minutes
2. No return of breathing or consciousness after the seizure stops. 
3. An immediate second seizure.
4. In case of high fever.
5. In case of diabetes. 
6. In case of injury. 
7. If it continues despite anti-seizure medicine. 

If you experience a seizure for the first time, seek medical advice. 

A stroke is a potentially fatal illness that results from insufficient blood flow to a portion of the brain. The most prevalent causes of this are cerebral hemorrhage or clogged arteries. The brain cells there begin to lose oxygen when there isn’t a constant blood flow. It is the brain’s version of a heart attack. This may occur as a result of cerebral hemorrhage or clogged blood vessels. Strokes are a potentially fatal emergency for which prompt medical intervention is essential to avert irreversible harm or death.

When a stroke occurs, every second matters as it is a life-threatening emergency. Call 911 (or your local emergency services number) as soon as possible if you or someone you’re with is experiencing stroke symptoms. Your chances of recovering from a stroke without becoming disabled increase with prompt treatment.

Who is Affected by a Stroke?

All ages, including children, are susceptible to stroke, while certain individuals are more vulnerable than others. Strokes are more common in later life (those over 65 account for around two-thirds of all stroke cases). A person’s risk of stroke can also be increased by many medical disorders, such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, Type 2 diabetes, and a history of heart attacks, strokes, or abnormal heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation.

Strokes occur frequently. Strokes are the second leading cause of death globally. Stroke ranks as the sixth leading cause of mortality in the US. Another major global source of impairment is strokes.

What Are the Symptoms Of A Stroke?

The part of the brain affected by a stroke will determine the symptoms you experience. A stroke that affects Broca’s area, the portion of the brain that regulates the muscles in your face and mouth used for speech, is an illustration of this. This explains why some stroke victims slur their words or find it difficult to talk.

A stroke may cause one or more of the following symptoms:

• Weakness or paralysis on one side.
• Aphasia is the inability or lack of ability to speak.
• Speech that is slurred or distorted (dysarthria).
• Loss of facial muscular control on one side.
• Sudden loss of one or more senses (hearing, taste, smell, vision, and touch), either completely or partially.
• Double eyesight or blurry vision (diplopia).
• Ataxia is the loss of coordination or clumsiness.
• Wooziness or dizziness.
• Vomiting as well as nausea.
• Stiffness in the neck.
• Unstable emotions and shifts in personality.
• Agitation or confusion.
• Seizures.
• A lack of memory (amnesia).
• Headaches, which are often intense and abrupt.
• Fainting or passing out.
• Coma.

Similar to a stroke, a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) has fleeting effects. It is frequently referred to as a “mini-stroke.” These are frequent indicators that someone is quite likely to experience a real stroke shortly. A TIA sufferer thus requires immediate medical attention as soon as possible.

What Are the Risk Factors of Stroke?

Hemorrhagic and ischaemic strokes can occur for a variety of causes. Blood clots are typically the cause of ischaemic strokes. These may occur for many causes, including:

• Atherosclerosis.
• Clotting illnesses.
• Atrial fibrillation, particularly in cases where sleep apnoea is the cause.
• Abnormalities in the heart (ventricular or atrial septal defects).
• Microvascular ischemia, a condition where your brain’s tiny blood capillaries become blocked.

Hemorrhagic strokes can also occur for some reasons, such as:

• High blood pressure, particularly if it’s extremely high, persistent, or both.
• Hemorrhagic strokes can occasionally result from brain aneurysms.
• Tumors of the brain (including cancer).
• Illnesses like moyamoya disease weaken or create strange alterations in the blood arteries in your brain.

A person’s risk of stroke can also be influenced by several other illnesses and variables. Among them are:

• Alcohol use.
• High blood pressure (this can lead to blood vessel damage that increases the risk of stroke, which can affect all types of strokes, not only hemorrhagic ones).
• Hyperlipidaemia, or high cholesterol.
• Headaches are caused by migraines (which can resemble stroke symptoms, and those who suffer from migraines, particularly those with auras, are more likely to experience a stroke at some point in their lives).
• Diabetes type 2.
• Smoking as well as using alternative tobacco products (such as vaping and smokeless tobacco).
• Misuse of medications (both prescription and over-the-counter).

Preventive Measures for Stroke

You have a lot of options for lowering your chance of having a stroke. This can reduce your risk of having a stroke, but it does not guarantee it. Among the things you can do are:

• Make lifestyle improvements. Your health can be enhanced by including regular exercise and a portion of nutritious food in your daily routine. Additionally, you should make sure you obtain the seven to eight hours of sleep every night that is suggested.
• Make safer lifestyle decisions or alter your habits. Using tobacco products, such as smoking and vaping, abusing prescription or recreational drugs, and abusing alcohol can all raise your risk of stroke. It’s crucial to put an end to these or never begin them. See your healthcare practitioner if you experience any difficulties with any of these.
• Control your risk factors and medical conditions. An ischaemic stroke can be caused by many diseases, including obesity, irregular cardiac rhythms, sleep apnoea, excessive blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. You must take all necessary steps to manage any illnesses you may have, including taking prescription drugs like blood thinners as directed by your doctor. You can prevent serious stroke-related issues later in life by doing that earlier in life.
• Every year, schedule a wellness appointment or check-up with your primary care physician. Annual wellness examinations can identify health issues far in advance of any symptoms, particularly those that raise the risk of stroke

What Does Life After Stroke Look Like?

When a stroke is severe or goes untreated for an extended period, it can be fatal. The prognosis, however, might still differ greatly based on a variety of circumstances. These variables include your medical history, the location and severity of the stroke, and more.

The best person to give you further information regarding the prognosis for your case is your healthcare physician. They will give you the most up-to-date, pertinent, and accurate information available.

Your healthcare professional will discuss a treatment plan and recovery schedule with you if you have had a stroke. In addition, they might suggest therapies, provide prescriptions for drugs, and do more. It’s crucial to discuss these recommendations and what they can achieve for you with your healthcare physician.

You must adhere to the treatment plan as strictly as possible after you and your provider have finalized it. You will have the best opportunity to maximize your recovery if you do that. Additional actions you could take are:

• Consume your prescription drug. After a stroke, taking some medications can help you avoid having another one.
• Attend therapy and rehabilitation appointments. These consultations are essential to your healing. Making the most of your time and energy during these appointments can significantly impact how quickly you recover from a stroke.
• Ensure your emotional well-being. Following a stroke, depression and anxiety are very frequent. It doesn’t indicate weakness or hopelessness to experience emotions, but if you ignore them, it may be more difficult for you to get better. If you are experiencing these feelings, discuss them with your healthcare physician. They can offer recommendations for treatment that can prevent mental health issues from impeding your ability to heal.

When to See Your Doctor?

It is advised that you visit your doctor as recommended by them, after your first stroke event. Additionally, you need to visit them if you start experiencing any new symptoms, particularly ones that could be related to your prior stroke. Don’t wait to talk to your doctor about any symptoms, even if they don’t appear related. If you have any symptoms that could indicate another stroke, you should contact your local emergency services number, and visit the closest emergency room (see the FAST criteria at the top of this article to know which symptoms you should look for).

Additionally, if you encounter any of the risky post-stroke consequences that are common, you should visit the hospital.

A stroke is a medical emergency that happens when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted. It’s often called a “brain attack,” similar to how a heart attack affects the heart. When the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen, the affected cells start to die within minutes, which can lead to serious damage or even death. But here’s the good news: fast action can make a huge difference. If you or someone you’re with shows signs of a stroke, calling an ambulance can save lives and reduce long-term complications.

What Causes a Stroke?

There are two main types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Both types can result in significant damage, but they happen for different reasons.

Ischemic Stroke: The Most Common Type

About 85% of strokes are ischemic, which happen when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain. The clot prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching brain cells, which can cause those cells to die. There are several common causes of ischemic strokes, including:

• Atherosclerosis: A buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) in the arteries that leads to narrowing or blockages.
• Atrial Fibrillation: An irregular heartbeat that can cause blood clots to form in the heart, which may travel to the brain.
• Clotting Disorders: Conditions that make your blood clot too easily, increasing the risk of stroke.

Hemorrhagic Stroke: Less Common but Serious

Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding in or around the brain. This can increase pressure on brain tissue and cause severe damage. Some common causes include:

• High Blood Pressure: Chronic high blood pressure weakens the blood vessels, increasing the risk of a rupture.
• Aneurysms: These are weak spots in the blood vessel walls that can balloon out and burst.
• Brain Tumors: Both benign and cancerous tumors can increase the risk of hemorrhagic strokes.

Risk Factors to Watch Out For

Certain lifestyle choices and medical conditions increase your risk of having a stroke. These include:

• Smoking: Both cigarettes and other tobacco products increase your risk of stroke.
• High Blood Pressure: One of the biggest risk factors for all types of strokes.
• Diabetes: Increases your risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.
• High Cholesterol: Leads to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing your risk of ischemic strokes.
• Alcohol and Drug Use: Misusing alcohol or drugs can increase your risk of a stroke, especially hemorrhagic strokes.

Recognizing the Signs of a Stroke

Strokes happen quickly, and every minute counts. The faster you recognize the signs, the better the outcome. Symptoms vary depending on which part of the brain is affected, but the most common signs can be remembered using the FAST acronym:

• Face: Is one side of the face drooping? Ask the person to smile and see if their smile is uneven.
• Arms: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask them to raise both arms and see if one drifts downward.
• Speech: Is speech slurred or hard to understand? Ask them to repeat a simple sentence.
• Time: If you notice any of these signs, call an ambulance right away. Every second counts!

Other possible stroke symptoms include sudden confusion, trouble seeing in one or both eyes, severe headache, dizziness, or loss of balance. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek medical help immediately.

What Happens After a Stroke? Treatment and Recovery

The way a stroke is treated depends on what type of stroke it is. For an ischemic stroke, the goal is to restore blood flow to the brain as quickly as possible. Doctors might use medications called clot-busters (like tissue plasminogen activator or tPA) or a procedure to physically remove the clot. For a hemorrhagic stroke, treatment focuses on stopping the bleeding. This may involve surgery to repair the damaged blood vessel or medications to lower blood pressure and prevent further bleeding.

Once the initial treatment is complete, stroke recovery is all about rehabilitation. This process can take weeks, months, or even years, depending on how severe the stroke was. Some common rehabilitation methods include:

• Physical Therapy: Helps regain strength and coordination in muscles affected by the stroke.
• Speech Therapy: Focuses on recovering the ability to speak, understand language, or swallow.
• Occupational Therapy: Helps stroke survivors relearn everyday tasks like dressing, cooking, or writing.
• Cognitive Therapy: For those who experience memory loss or trouble concentrating, cognitive therapy can help improve brain function.

Rehabilitation is critical for helping people regain independence and improve their quality of life after a stroke. The earlier rehab starts, the better the chances of recovery.

Prevention: Lowering Your Risk of Stroke

There are several things you can do to lower your risk of stroke. These include:

• Quit smoking: If you smoke, quitting can dramatically lower your risk.
• Control your blood pressure: High blood pressure is the leading cause of strokes, so keeping it in check is essential.
• Exercise regularly: Physical activity can improve heart health and reduce stroke risk.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help lower your cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Manage underlying conditions: Conditions like diabetes and atrial fibrillation should be managed with the help of a healthcare provider.

A stroke can be scary, but the more you know about it, the better prepared you’ll be to act if one happens. By recognizing the symptoms, acting fast, and seeking medical attention immediately, you can greatly improve the chances of recovery. And by making lifestyle changes, you can lower your risk of ever experiencing a stroke in the first place. 

If you have any concerns about your stroke risk or need guidance on managing your heart health, don’t wait—reach out to Dr. Ananth Egoor for expert advice. Dr. Egoor is an experienced specialist in stroke prevention and recovery, and he can help you take proactive steps to safeguard your brain and heart. Schedule a consultation today and start your journey toward better health.

Sciatica refers to nerve pain resulting from irritation or damage to the sciatic nerve. This can lead to discomfort, tingling, or numbness in your lower back, buttocks, and legs. In severe cases, the symptoms may worsen over time. Sciatica is typically caused by irritation, inflammation, compression, or pinching of the nerves that run from your lower back down into your legs. Fortunately, most cases improve with time and self-care, but surgery may be necessary in extreme situations.

If you have sciatica, the pain can range from mild to severe, impacting various areas connected to the sciatic nerve, including your legs, hips, buttocks, and lower back. In some instances, symptoms may even extend to your feet and toes, depending on which nerves are affected.

Common Symptoms of Sciatica

• Pain: Sciatica pain feels like an electric shock or burn. It usually radiates down the affected leg and can become more intense with certain movements.
• Tingling or “Pins and Needles” (Paraesthesia): Similar to a limb falling asleep, you may experience tingling sensations in your legs or back.
• Numbness: This occurs when the affected areas lose sensation, indicating that signals from your back or legs are not reaching the brain.
• Muscle Weakness: Weakness in the back or legs suggests that your muscles are not receiving proper signals from the brain, which could lead to more severe issues.
• Fecal or Urinary Incontinence: This rare but serious symptom means that the signals controlling your bladder or bowel function are not being properly transmitted.

Possible Causes and Risk Factors

Any condition that affects the sciatic nerve can lead to sciatica. Common causes include:

• Herniated or slipped discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal stenosis
• Foraminal stenosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Osteoarthritis
• Physical injuries
• Pregnancy
• Tumors or growths
• Conus medullaris syndrome
• Cauda equina syndrome

Factors that can increase your risk of sciatica include:

• Previous or current injury
• Wear and tear from aging
• Excess weight or obesity
• Poor posture, especially when lifting heavy objects
• Type 2 diabetes
• Tobacco and nicotine use

Steps to Prevent Sciatica

While sciatica is sometimes unavoidable, there are proactive steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Maintain proper posture: Practice good posture whether you’re sitting, standing, or lifting heavy objects.
• Quit smoking: Avoid tobacco products, as nicotine weakens your bones and damages your spine.
• Manage your weight: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the strain on your spine.
• Stay active: Regular exercise strengthens core muscles and improves flexibility, which helps prevent back issues.
• Fall prevention: Wear well-fitting shoes and keep walkways clear to avoid falls.
• Rest when needed: Don’t push through back pain—take time to recover to prevent more severe injury.

Get Expert Help for Sciatica

Sciatica can disrupt your life, but with proper treatment and self-care, most cases can be managed successfully. For more serious symptoms or concerns, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional.

If you’re struggling with sciatica, contact Dr. Ananth, a highly skilled neurosurgeon, to discuss treatment options and get back to living pain-free.