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Good News

Medical Miracle: Rare Spinal Tuberculosis Successfully Treated in a 13-Year-Old Girl in Pune

Pune city celebrated the successful recovery of a 13-year-old girl diagnosed with Pott's Spine, a rare and severe form of spinal tuberculosis. Under the care of Dr. Rajesh Parasnis, a spine surgeon at a hospital near Deccan Gymkhana, the timely and precise surgical intervention led to a remarkable recovery. In just three days, the young girl made a full recovery, showcasing the effectiveness of the treatment.For two months, the patient first had an increasing upper back ache. She first experienced intense back pain and upper back soreness. Her health worsened even after she sought treatment at a government hospital in Pune, where she was given a Pott's Spine diagnosis and put on bed rest and anti-tubercular therapy (AKT). Her back pain worsened over the course of the following two months, and she eventually lost the ability to move her lower limbs due to paraplegia.A thorough evaluation was carried out by Dr. Rajesh Parasnis and his team as soon as the patient was taken to the hospital. An open biopsy taken during surgery, MRI results, and a clinical evaluation were all used to confirm the diagnosis. The team used the GeneXpert MTB test, a very precise and specific way to find tubercle bacilli from the surgery site, to make sure everything was accurate.  Addressing The Urgency Effectively ~ (Source: Google Images)   Compared to pulmonary TB, Pott's Spine, commonly referred to as spinal TB, is a less frequent form of tuberculosis. It frequently arises after pulmonary tuberculosis as a secondary infection. The incidence rate of spinal tuberculosis is higher in urban regions (1.43 cases per 100,000) than in rural areas (0.76 cases per 100,000). As demonstrated in this instance, when the woman had paraplegia as a result of the strain on her spinal cord, this ailment can have disastrous outcomes if left untreated. Dr. Parasnis recognized the urgency of the issue and, as soon as the patient arrived at the clinic, performed a D1-D6 Dorsal Decompression, Debridement, and Pedicle Screw Fixation. In order to stop the condition from getting worse, the main objectives of the surgery were to stabilize the spine and relieve pressure on the spinal cord. To ensure the highest level of accuracy and safety throughout the treatment, the surgical team made use of cutting-edge technologies, such as intra-operative neuro-monitoring to evaluate spinal cord function in real-time and O-arm Navigation for exact screw placement."Immediate surgical intervention was necessary due to the urgency of the situation," Dr. Parasnis stated. Our objective was to stabilize the spine and decompress the spinal cord in order to stop additional neurological damage. For this young kid to have the greatest possible outcome, cutting-edge surgical methods were essential. The hospital's spine team kept a close eye on the patient after surgery. Pain management techniques and daily neurological evaluations were used to oversee her recuperation. She was fitted with a Taylor's Brace (a thoraco-lumbar orthosis) and started an intensive physiotherapy program after three days of bed rest to facilitate her early recuperation. Through incentive spirometry and deep breathing exercises, the physiotherapy team worked to strengthen her lower limbs and enhance her respiratory function.The Quick Recovery ~  Surprisingly, the patient was able to stand and walk a short distance with assistance by the sixth day after surgery. She was walking on her own without assistance by the fifteenth post-operative day, when her sutures were taken out. The patient had fully recovered by the time of her follow-up appointment one month later. Her neurological function was fully recovered, and she experienced no weakness, leg pain, or back pain. In light of the case's success, Dr. Parasnis emphasized the significance of prompt surgical intervention when spinal cord compression results in paraplegia. "The favorable outcome of this case was largely due to the prompt choice to operate before irreversible neurological damage developed.This young patient's entire recovery was made possible by the multidisciplinary approach, which included diligent observation, continuous antibiotic medication, and surgical intervention.  The successful conclusion of this case at Sahyadri Hospitals shows how sophisticated medical technology and teamwork can effectively cure complicated spinal disorders.

24 Oct 2024
Good News

Breakthroughs in Brain Injury: Harnessing Light for Healing!

The ability of various wavelengths of light to heal wounds has been researched for many years. According to a recent study published in the journal Radiology, which is published by the Radiological Society of North America, individuals who have experienced substantial brain injuries may benefit from low-level light treatment in terms of their brain's ability to repair. Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital treated 38 patients with moderate traumatic brain injury—a brain injury severe enough to affect cognition or show up on a brain scan—using low-level light therapy. Within 72 hours of their injuries, all of them underwent light therapy using a near-infrared light-emitting helmet. Low-level light Could Be the Next Breakthrough in Medicine Industry ( Source: Google Images)  Low-level Light Therapy ~ Nothing is as potent as hope, as an incentive as strong, or as a tonic as the expectation of a brighter tomorrow ~ “The skull is quite transparent to near-infrared light,” said study co-lead author Rajiv Gupta, M.D., Ph.D., from the Department of Radiology at Mass General. Once you put the helmet on, your whole brain is bathing in this light ~  To measure the impact of the light therapy, the researchers employed a functional magnetic resonance imaging approach. They concentrated on the communication that takes place between brain areas during rest and when an individual is not working on a particular task, which is known as the brain's resting-state functional connectivity. Three recovery phases were studied by the researchers using MRI(Magnetic resonance imaging) data: the acute phase occurred one week after the injury, the subacute phase occurred two to three weeks after the injury, and the late-subacute phase occurred three months after the injury. Alan Minson also stated his Parkinson's symptoms improved after he started to use a "light helmet" in July 2019 ( Source: Google Images  )  Twenty-one of the 38 trial participants did not get light treatment while donning the helmet. This was done as a control to reduce potential placebo effects and bias resulting from patient characteristics. Compared to the control group, patients who underwent low-level light therapy throughout the acute-to-subacute recovery phase exhibited a larger change in resting-state connectivity in seven brain area pairs. “There was increased connectivity in those receiving light treatment, primarily within the first two weeks,” said study coauthor Nathaniel Mercaldo, Ph.D., who noted the next step is to study long-term effects. It's also unclear exactly how light treatment affects the brain and how exactly. According to Dr. Gupta, prior studies suggest that an enzyme in the mitochondria—often referred to as the "powerhouse" inside each cell—may have changed. Adenosine triphosphate, a chemical that stores and transports energy within cells, is produced in greater quantities as a result of this. Light treatment is also associated with blood vessel dilation and anti-inflammatory benefits. The study's 810-nanometer wavelength of light is already being used for several medical purposes. Due its portability, the helmet can be used in environments other than hospitals. Dr. Gupta says it might be useful in treating a variety of other neurological disorders. There are numerous connection issues, mostly in the field of psychiatry, for which this intervention may be beneficial. The fields of light therapy show promise in treating PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder), depression, and autism. It's true that one thing. The more study results that are received, the more beneficial light treatment will become. "Medical science has proven time and again that when the resources are provided, great progress in the treatment, cure, and prevention of disease can occur."  ~ Michael J. Fox

19 Jun 2024
Good News

The Whys and Hows

From Spice Rack to Medicine Cabinet: The Wonders of Star Anise

Star anise has been included in some Western medical procedures relatively recently, but it has been utilized for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine. Its pharmacological potential and antibacterial qualities have played a major role in its increasing popularity. (Source: Google Images)   Antiviral Capabilities ~ The amount of shikimic acid in star anise is one of its most well-liked pharmacologically significant characteristics. One molecule with potent antiviral properties is shikimic acid. It is one of the primary active components of Tamiflu, a well-known drug used to treat influenza. At the moment, the main source of shikimic acid utilized in the creation of pharmaceutical products is star anise. The need for star anise is growing as the influenza pandemic poses an increasing threat to world health. Star anise essential oil has also been proven in several test-tube studies to be effective in treating herpes simplex type 1 and other viral diseases. More investigation is required to fully understand the potential of star anise to cure other viral diseases, even though it is commonly used to treat influenza. Antifungal Properties ~ (Source: Google Images)   Star Anise is an excellent source of the flavonoid anethole. This ingredient gives the spice its unique flavor and has strong antifungal properties. According to specific agricultural studies, trans-anethole made from star anise may prevent harmful fungi from growing on a few edible crops. Other bioactive substances in star anise essential oil, such as the terpene linalool, have been shown in test tubes to potentially inhibit the development of infectious fungal biofilms and human cell walls. To fully understand how star anise can be used to treat human fungal infections, more research is required. Antibacterial Benefits ~ The ability of star anise to suppress bacterial growth, which is linked to a number of common ailments, is another significant medical benefit. According to certain studies, star anise extract works just as well against a variety of drug-resistant harmful bacteria as antibiotics. This could be very helpful in the future for the creation of novel antibacterial drugs. Studies conducted have also revealed that the bioactive components in star anise may be useful in the treatment of urinary tract infections brought on by certain bacteria. The growth of E. coli on a petri dish could be somewhat inhibited by star anise extract, according to a different study, however, it wasn't as successful as other widely used antibiotics at the moment. At the moment, the majority of investigations on star anise's antibacterial qualities are conducted on animals or in test tubes. To learn more about the potential uses of this spice to promote human health, more research is required. INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO USE STAR ANISE ~ (Source: Google Images)  STAR ANISE IN CHAI TEA~ Star anise is a common addition that brings warmth and spice to tea mixes. Star anise not only improves flavor but also has the previously mentioned health advantages. Savoring a cup of chai tea with star anise infusion can be a lovely method to benefit from it. Star anise gives a distinct flavor and aroma to tea when added to it. It is usually mixed with other spices, like ginger, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon, to produce a rich, spicy-sweet flavor profile. Since star anise has a star-shaped appearance and enhances the tea's presentation, it can also be used as a garnish. HOW TO USE STAR ANISE IN COOKING ~ Star anise is a versatile spice with a unique licorice-like flavor and aroma that can add depth and complexity to your dishes. Here are some ways to use it in cooking: Whole star anise: Simmering liquids: Add a whole star anise to broths, stews, soups, braises, and marinades. It infuses the liquid with its flavor without becoming too overpowering. Remember to remove it before serving as it's not meant to be eaten whole. Spiced teas and mulled wine: Add a star anise to your favorite tea blend or simmer it with warm beverages for a cozy winter treat. Pickles and brines: Whole star anise adds a unique touch to homemade pickles, kimchi, and other fermented foods. Ground star anise: Baking: Ground star anise adds a subtle licorice note to cookies, cakes, breads, and even ice cream. Use it sparingly as it has a more concentrated flavor than whole stars. Rubs and marinades: Mix ground star anise with other spices like cumin, coriander, and pepper to create fragrant rubs for meats or poultry. Stir-fries and curries: Add a pinch of ground star anise to stir-fries and curries for an extra layer of complexity. Tips: Start with a little: Star anise has a strong flavor, so it's always better to start with less and add more to taste. A single-star anise is usually enough for most dishes. Toasting: Toasting whole star anise in a dry pan for a few minutes before using intensifies its flavor. Substitutions: If you don't have star anise, you can substitute a combination of fennel seeds, licorice root, and cloves, but it won't be an exact match. Star anise has several surprising benefits, ranging from potential digestive aid and respiratory support to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. This spice can improve your taste buds and overall wellness whether added to food recipes or savored in a cup of chai tea. Accept the benefits of star anise and learn about its amazing powers for your life.  

19 Jul 2024
The Whys and Hows

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