Busting Popular Myths about Epilepsy

October Marks CMT Awareness Month: Shedding Light on a Rare Neurological Condition

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) affects an estimated 25,000 individuals, making it the most common inherited neurological disorder across the globe. Despite its prevalence, public awareness of CMT remains surprisingly low, with limited understanding even within the medical community. This knowledge gap can delay early diagnosis and access to effective management resources for those impacted by the disease.

CMT Awareness Month is observed every October to bridge this awareness gap, with dedicated campaigns and outreach led by advocacy groups. These initiatives aim to educate the public, support those with CMT, and improve early diagnosis and treatment options through a better-informed medical network.

Understanding CMT Disease

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a hereditary condition that progressively damages peripheral nerves, primarily impacting muscle function and sensory perception in the arms, hands, legs, and feet. CMT causes muscles to weaken, leading to difficulty with mobility and coordination. Symptoms can vary in severity, but some of the most common include muscle weakness, loss of sensation in the extremities, and balance issues.

One notable symptom is "foot drop," where individuals cannot lift the front part of the foot, often leading to walking difficulties and falls. Additionally, physical deformities in the hands or feet can develop, sometimes requiring orthotic aids or surgery. According to recent surveys, many with CMT experience the onset of symptoms before age 20, with muscle weakness, fatigue, and foot drop being the most reported issues.

Challenges in Diagnosis and Medical Awareness

A recent survey highlighted the challenges individuals with CMT face in obtaining an accurate diagnosis. Around 70% of respondents reported that their primary healthcare provider had limited knowledge of CMT, with some stating their doctors were unaware of the disease altogether. This lack of awareness can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, making daily life harder for those living with the condition.

For instance, 41% of surveyed individuals noted regular visits to podiatrists, with a third having undergone foot surgery due to CMT-related deformities or difficulties. Advocacy groups underscore the importance of educating healthcare providers, as increased awareness can significantly improve patient outcomes through timely interventions and tailored treatment plans.

Pre-Diagnostic Testing and Early Identification

Given the wide range of symptoms and over 120 variants of CMT, diagnosis can be challenging. However, early identification can help in managing the disease more effectively. Key pre-diagnostic steps include:

● Genetic Testing: Identifies inherited patterns and specific gene mutations linked  to CMT.
● Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS): Measures nerve nerve impulses in the nerves, helping pinpoint nerve damage.
● Electromyography (EMG): Assesses muscle response to nerve signals, indicating muscle weakness and function issues.
● Physical Examination: Focused evaluations on muscle strength, balance, and reflexes can indicate early symptoms.

Support and Resources

Numerous resources are available for those diagnosed with CMT, including online support communities, informative literature, and medical alert cards for emergency settings. Advocacy organizations also assist medical professionals in improving understanding and patient care.

Despite the lack of a cure for CMT, advancements in research and clinical trials are ongoing, providing hope for more effective treatments. CMT support organizations aim to involve patients in trials, where they can contribute to research that could lead to breakthroughs in treatment.

Snippets

● CMT Awareness Month: Observed in October annually
● Primary Symptoms: Muscle weakness, foot drop, balance issues
● Diagnosis Tools: Genetic tests, NCS, EMG
● Treatment Options: Orthotics, physical therapy, and surgery
● Support Resources: Online communities, awareness campaigns

 https://www.innovationnewsnetwork.com/cmt-awareness-month-raising-awareness-of-a-little-known-condition/52219/ 

Boost your cerebral power with these easy lifestyle changes

The cerebrum is the most anterior and principal part of the brain in vertebrates, placed in the front area of the skull comprising two hemispheres, left and right. A fissure separates both hemispheres. It helps integrate complex sensory and neural functions along with the initiation and coordination of voluntary activity in the body. 

Here are some quick facts about your brain. Did you know, it is believed that your brain’s storage capacity is almost virtually unlimited? And not just that, information stored in the brain travels over an astounding 268 miles per hour. Your brain weighs 3 pounds. Therefore, it is crucial to boost your brain's power. We’re talking about improving your brain health in this blog in detail. 

1.Ensuring your blood vessels are healthy

Ensuring the wellness of arteries and veins is good for your brain health too. Get your  Blood Sugar Fasting PP, blood pressure and Cholesterol Tested regularly and make sure your results reach the normal range. 

Reduce your sodium intake, eat a nutritious or balanced diet and up your exercise game.  To decrease blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Not to forget, please abstain from consuming alcohol or tobacco as it adversely affects your brain health. 

2.Exercising regularly

Regular exercise has a myriad of benefits on your health including your brain. Research has shown that physically active people are less prone to face a decline in their mental health and have a minimal risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. 

These advantages originate from higher blood flow to your brain as you exercise. It also helps combat reduction in brain connections that happen as we begin to age, thereby, reducing a few problems. 

Try to exercise numerous times per week for atl east 30 to 60 minutes. Aim for walking, swimming, playing tennis or performing any moderate aerobic activity that boosts your heart rate. 

3.Consuming Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega 3 fatty acids are instrumental in boosting your brain power but we tend to miss it out in our mundane lives. In order to enhance the intake of Omega 3 fatty acids, you can opt for flaxseed, walnuts, salmon, seaweed and supplement of 2-3 grams of fish oil each day.

4.Keeping yourself hydrated

Brain mass is made up of 75 per cent water. Therefore, even a little decrease in hydration levels can swiftly affect your brain health and cognitive skills. A person’s neurons can’t run efficiently if your body has low hydration levels. So, have a glass full of water prior to every meal and put a 1 litre water bottle on your bedside table and drink it as soon as you rise the next morning. 

5. Get sunlight exposure

Research shows that lack of sunlight exposure can reduce your dopamine levels. Try to bask in the sun early in the morning for at least 2 to 5 minutes that can also make you focused and alert. Being an early riser will also make you sleep on time, at night. Go for a brisk morning walk early in the morning and refrain yourself from using your mobile for bare minimum 30 minutes after you wake up. 

6.Sleep tight

Sleep has restorative properties on brain health. Having a disturbed sleep pattern can not only exhaust your energy but also motivation levels. As per CDC (Center of Disease Control and Prevention), it is highly imperative for an adult of up to 50 years to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep at night. To get adequate sleep, try to refrain from caffeine after 12pm. Wake up and sleep at the same time regularly to create a routine and restrict your screen time prior to bed time. 

7.Diagnosis

Keeping your brain healthy and strong is crucial to prevent diseases associated with brain such as Alzheimer's or dementia. Timely detection is early prevention. Therefore, you can opt for Brain scans to check how it’s working and prevent other issues like a stroke, bleeding or a brain tumour: Manipal TRUtest provides comprehensive diagnostic services backed by 70 years of assured quality and trust. Test reports are available within 24 hours’ time-frame.

• CT Scan
• MRI Scan
• PET Scan

Conclusion

In conclusion, enhancing your cerebral power is achievable through simple lifestyle changes. By focusing on nutrition, exercise, quality of sleep, stress management, and social connections, you can unlock your brain's full potential. Remember that consistency is key, and these changes may take time to yield noticeable results. Patience and persistence will lead to a sharper, more agile mind.