Epilepsy and Pregnancy: How to Prepare for the Challenges

 

For many years, epilepsy was a major health concern for women looking to get pregnant and, as such, women with epilepsy were discouraged from conceiving. However, this is luckily not the case anymore as, due to regular and early prenatal care, 90% of women who have epilepsy give birth to a healthy baby. That said, it’s important to see how having epilepsy can affect your wellness, and the wellbeing of your baby, so that you’re prepared to meet any potential challenges.

 

1. Epilepsy and Conceiving: If you have epilepsy, you might find you have menstrual irregularities and other gynaecological problems which causes difficulties in becoming pregnant. Moreover, some of the drugs for treating epilepsy have been associated with reduced fertility. Oral contraceptives, on the other hand, may trigger epileptic seizures, and contraceptives themselves have a reduced effectiveness when used with antiepileptic drugs.

 

2. Epilepsy and Pregnancy Complications: There are several complications you face when you’ve got epilepsy and you’re pregnant. These include:

 

• Pronounced morning sickness


• Vaginal bleeding throughout and after the pregnancy,


• Anaemia


• Premature placental separations from the uterus (otherwise known as placenta abruption)


• Excess protein in the urine after the 20^th week of pregnancy


• High blood pressure after the 20^th week of pregnancy


• Preterm delivery


• Low birth weight of the child


• Disturbance during childbirth


• Children with congenital anomalies

 

3. Epilepsy and Changes in Pregnancy: Most women with epilepsy find that their seizures remain the same. However, every woman reacts differently during pregnancy. Some women find that their seizures become more rare, while those with a less-controlled disease find that their number of seizures increases during pregnancy.

 

4. Epilepsy Medication: During pregnancy, any drug you take can affect the wellness of your child. When it comes to antiepileptic drugs, this means increasing the occurrence of major risks and minor malformations in children such as neural tube defects, skeletal malformations, congenital heart defects and urinary tract, the lag in the growth and development of a slightly lower IQ, facial irregularities, cleft palate and more. This is especially true of drugs that contain valproate or use more AEDs at the same time. According to research undertaken by Data Foundation for Epilepsy, the risk of birth defects for all children is 2-3%, while, for children whose mothers are using antiepileptic therapy, this risk rises to 4-8%. The results of the research show that the biggest risk is when you use more than one drug, especially in high doses. However, without the treatment you need to control your seizures, a seizure might reduce the supply of oxygen to your child and increase the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth. In most cases, it’s safer to carry on taking your medication than to stop, but doctors recommend that you avoid valproate and the simultaneous use of multiple antiepileptic drugs.

 

5. Epilepsy and Your Child: As well as the influence of your antiepileptic drugs, you child may be slightly more likely to develop epilepsy themselves at some point in their life.

 

6. Epilepsy and Folic Acid: Pregnant women are often told to take folic acid supplements to prevent the occurrence of neural tube defects, serious disorders of the brain and spinal cord. However, anticonvulsants affect the way your body uses folic acid, so women with epilepsy will be recommended to begin three months prior to conception with a dose of 5mg of folic acid daily.

 

7. Epilepsy and Breastfeeding: In women that have epilepsy, breastfeeding is still encouraged. However, when you reach that time, it’s best to first consult your doctor as sometimes a different therapy is recommended.

 

Categories: Epilepsy, Medications, pregnancy

CAM Caution: Could Alternative Therapies Put You at Risk?

Complementary wellness has seen a surge in popularity over recent years, but how do you know if it’s right for you? Before you put your wellbeing in the hands of alternative therapies, it’s important to be aware of your underlying conditions and potential interactions with your prescription medication, as this could have a disastrous impact on your wellness. More often than not, herbal supplements or natural therapies won’t cause any damage, but it’s better to be safe than sorry and know what you’re getting into.

 

As one of the most popular supplements used to combat colds and flu, you may think that echinacea is pretty safe to use. However, this herbal remedy has been known to cause allergies. In fact, if you have a condition such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis or asthma, doctors recommend that you steer clear of echinacea. If not taken correctly, even a herbal multivitamin can cause nerve toxicity, so make sure you read the label carefully before you try any complementary wellness product, and consult a physician if you’re unsure. This is especially the case if you suffer from depression, stroke, heart disease or cancer, as a recent survey of cancer patients at Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital has shown that more than half of the study participants using a mixture of complementary and alternative therapies. This is a cause for concern because – according to the hospital’s safe medicines specialist – these medicines can interfere with anti-cancer medications.

 

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is more popular than ever before, thanks in no small part to a number of credible studies proving their benefits. From vitamin D for osteoporosis and glucosamine for osteoarthritis, to St John’s wort for depression and folic acid for birth defects, CAM has been shown to prevent or treat various medical conditions. In the US, omega-3 fatty acids not only reduced the country’s occurrence of coronary heart disease; it saved the hospital system almost a billion dollars in a year. The Complementary Healthcare Council of Australia also points out that CAM is also relatively harm-free. They note a 2002 survey in which it was found that 23% of Australians who were recently ill had suffered from a medical or pharmaceutical drug error in the past two years, while there were just 483 adverse reports regarding CAM in 2002.

 

That said, Dr Vicki Kotsirilos, chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ Australasian Integrative Medicine Association joint working party, warns that this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t exercise some caution. ‘The good news is that overall complementary medicine is relatively safe,’ she comments. ‘However we also know there is significant under-reporting [of adverse reactions]. We know that half of all patients who are taking complementary medicines don’t tell their GPs because they fear they’ll be dismissed or jumped on. This is a real concern because of the risk of interactions with pharmaceutical medicine and because if they’ve had side effects [from the complementary medicine], and their doctor is wondering why they’re unwell, that’s a problem.’

 

Moreover, not all CAM has sound scientific evidence behind it. Dr Kotsirilos says, ‘Some areas of complementary medicine have been proven to be helpful for cancer patients, for instance, such as music therapy, meditation, acupuncture and gentle reflexology. These therapies can improve quality of life and work alongside an orthodox approach. But if you Google “cancer therapy” you will come across hundreds of therapies, from shark cartilage to ozone therapy, which carry little evidence and are negative and risky, not just in terms of the side effects, but also [in terms of] the financial cost and the time wasted in not getting proper treatment.’

Categories: alternative therapies, cancer, cancer patients, complementary, complementary medicine, complementary wellness, heart disease, Medications, medicine, Risks, Therapies

Sex Headaches: Are You Dreading Your Next Orgasm?

Everyone’s heard of the “Sorry, I have a headache” gambit when you’re just not in the mood, but did you know that a special kind of headache could affect your wellness after you have sex? Any kind of sexual activity can negatively impact your wellbeing, but orgasms are especially well-known for causing sex headaches. These headaches can be a serious dampener on your sexual health; after all, would you want to get intimate if you knew a nasty headache was to follow? Let’s take a closer look at the causes of sex headaches, and what you can do to prevent and treat them.

 

Most sex headaches are nothing to worry about, but if you don’t understand the signs as they’re happening, you may be a bit concerned. Sometimes, sex headaches begin as a dull ache in your head and neck, often on both sides. You might also find that your neck and jaw muscles might tighten up. Then this pain builds over several minutes as your sexual excitement increases. However, the most common form of sex headache is a sudden, severe pain just before or during orgasm. Though this can hurt, sex headaches are usually no more than a general annoyance. However, some sex headaches can be a sign of something serious, such as problems with the blood vessels that feed your brain.

 

Generally speaking, a sex headache will last for a few minutes, but some can linger for a few hours. For most people, sex headaches will occur in clusters over a period of a few months, and then they’ll disappear for a year or more. While we’ve already established that sex headaches aren’t usually a cause for concern, if you do experience a headache during sexual activity, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible. This is especially true in the case of headaches that begin abruptly, or if it’s your first headache of this type. No matter the kind of sexual activity – be it masturbation, anal sex, oral sex or intercourse – you should speak to your doctor.

 

If your sex headache comes on abruptly, it may be associated with:

• Intracranial aneurysm: This is a widening or bubble in the wall of an artery inside your head.


• Arteriovenous malformation: This is an abnormal connection between the arteries and veins in your brain that bleeds into the spinal fluid-filled space in and around the brain


• Dissection: This is a case of bleeding into the wall of an artery leading to your brain.


• Stroke


• Coronary artery disease


• Use of some medications: This includes birth control pills


• Inflammation from certain infections

 

As well as these underlying medical conditions, there are some nasty side effects that can come along with sex headaches. Accompanying symptoms of sex headaches include loss of consciousness, vomiting, stiff neck, other neurological symptoms and severe pain lasting more than 24 hours. If these occur alongside your sex headache, this means that it is more likely to be due to an underlying cause. You’re also more likely to get a sex headache if you’re a man or your generally prone to having migraine headaches. However, sex headaches can affect anyone. If you want to prevent sex headaches, stopping sexual activity before you reach orgasm can help, as can taking a more passive role during sex. For those who have a history of sex headaches and there’s no underlying cause, your doctor may recommend that you take preventive medications regularly. These may include daily medications, such as beta blockers, or occasional medications like indomethacin (Indocin) or one of the triptans.

Categories: Brain, headache, headaches, Medications, orgasm, severe pain, sex headache, sex headaches, sexual, sexual activity, Underlying Conditions

Medically Unfit to Drive: Hanging up the Keys

 

Changes in your health can impact your life in many ways. From the food you eat to the activities you participate in, your medical fitness can have far-reaching implications on aspects of your life that you may not have considered. One of these is your ability to drive. Some medical diagnoses and even the addition of new medications can mean you need to think about hanging up your keys for good. But how do you determine when you’ve crossed the line from good driver to road menace? 

 

Moving Away From the Wheel: Factors to Consider

When you receive a new diagnosis or medication from your doctor, it’s important that you understand the full impact it can have on your life. While driving can make your ability to get around a lot easier, some medications and illnesses can make getting behind the wheel dangerous for yourself and others.

According to a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a relationship has been found between increased crash risk and declines in vision, hearing, and reaction time, all of which can be brought on by various medical conditions. Here are some factors to consider when deciding if you’re not fit to continue being on the road. 

1) Are you currently diagnosed with a neurological disorder?

As people go through the stages of life, neurological disorders such as strokes or Alzheimer’s Disease can become more prevalent. Currently, strokes are the third leading cause of death for Americans, and it’s effects can greatly impact your ability to drive. Be sure to discuss your condition with your doctor, who can do a full assessment to ascertain if you’re mentally competent enough to drive.

 

2) Does your illness or medication cause any vision issues?

Although getting a vision test is the norm for getting and keeping your driver’s license, vision problems can pop up between tests, thus putting your driving ability at serious risk. Additionally, some medications can cause dizziness or blurred vision, making driving on more dangerous roads such as a mountainous region like Denver a huge risk.

 

3) Are you suffering or recently diagnosed with a joint or movement-related disorder?

It may come as a surprise to some that movement-related issues could pose a problem to drivers. After all, you’re probably driving to avoid having to move too much. However, simple tasks such as turning around to park, being mobile enough to turn the wheel or even using a stick shift can be greatly compromised by mobility issues.

 

4) Are you taking multiple medications?

Medication interaction is a serious issue for drivers across the United States, and the wrong combination of medications can make you as dangerous as a drunk driver. One Denver car accident attorney states that ”a driver who is improperly medicated is a driving menace. Both your doctor and your pharmacist can advise you on any of your medications and how they might affect your abilities. Additionally, be aware that the effects of some medications can be severely heightened with the use of alcohol.

 

Keeping both you and your passengers safe while driving may always have been a priority for you. However, a new diagnosis or medication can greatly jeopardize your safety on the road. Get to know your medication and how it affects you before getting behind the wheel and ensure you discuss your condition with your doctor. The more information you have the more likely you will keep your road journeys safe.

Writer Melanie Fleury has a father who is on several medications that affect his motor skills. He has to remain very diligent about knowing the side effects of each medication before attempting to operate a vehicle. She hopes that others in the same position take the same care to be mindful of what their body can and cannot do. She used the blog of a Denver car accident attorney to learn more about the consequences of driving when medically unfit.

 

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brianteutsch/43051087/

Categories: accident attorney, car accident, denver car, drive, Driving, medically, medically unfit, medication, Medications, movement related, nbsp, unfit

Warning: Increased Medicine Leads to Mental Health Problems

It has been said that almost ten percent of adults are currently suffering from some sort of problem affecting their mental wellness and wellbeing. Many physicians are also becoming more and more concerned about the increasing number of medications available to these patients.

 

Not every patient responds in the same way to mental health treatments, and so physicians must be very familiar with the different types of medications and the different dosing protocols. They also have to be aware of the signs and symptoms that could indicate that a medication is not working and which symptoms are indicative of a mental health complication such as anxiety or depression.

 

The spectrum of prescription medications used for these patients is relatively new. If you suffer from some kind of mental health condition, you may be tempted to consult with an older doctor, thinking that they are most likely to be well versed in the different treatment options available, but actually the reverse of this is true. Due to the fact that most mental health medications did not arrive until the 1990s, many younger doctors are better up to speed with the treatments that are now available for them to prescribe.

 

Some people think that the rise in diagnoses of mental health conditions is due to the fact that doctors are now more likely to be sensitive to mental health issues. The taboo surrounding mental health is gradually lifting, and there is more of a willingness in the profession to talk about mental health and to allow people to express their concerns.

 

If you think you may be suffering from a mental health condition, the best thing to do is to speak to a physician candidly about your symptoms and then look at all the treatment options available.

Categories: health, health condition, medication, Medications, mental, Mental Health, nbsp, Symptoms, treatment options

Sexless Symptoms: Are Allergies Ruining Your Sex Life?

Look at your allergy symptoms: sneezing, runny nose, congestion, itchy watery eyes and fatigue – feeling in the mood? I guess not. Although you may not be aware, allergy symptoms really take their toll on your sex life, with 83% of those polled in an Allergy and Asthma Proceedings study reporting this to be the case. As with any medical condition, it’s important to consult your doctor. Tell your GP about the changes you’ve experienced in your sexual activity, as you can then work together on ways to inject a little more va va voom into your bedroom. There are plenty of avenues that you can explore with your doctor and your partner, so ask yourself the following questions:

 

1. Could you use a little help to fight fatigue? Whether you get them on prescription or over-the-counter, non-drowsy medications can help to guard your wellbeing against fatigue.

 

2. Are you suffering from an allergy? An allergist can test you for – as you might guess – allergies, while health food shops can test for intolerance. Identifying the culprit is an important step, as it is only then that you can create your plan of action.

 

3. How is your environmental wellness? Allergens that thrive in your home and grow in the soil can make everything worse, so limit your exposure to dust mites, pollen, mould and pet dander.

 

4. What’s today’s pollen count? If you monitor daily pollen counts in your area, you can guard your wellness against them on days that they’re particularly high. This means shutting your windows and turning off the air conditioner.

 

5. Does your dog need to sleep at the end of your bed? You or your partner may like to have your furry little friend on or even in your bed, but your pet may be playing havoc with your sex life if you have a pet dander allergy or intolerance. You don’t need to get rid of your pooch, just keep him or her off the bed or – even better – out of the bedroom altogether.

 

6. Is everything squeaky clean between the sheets? They call it getting down and dirty, but this doesn’t mean your bed has to follow suit! If you regularly replace your pillows, and wash your bedding in hot water, you can keep your boudoir as allergen-free as possible and promote a dust mite-free sex life.

 

7. Are you inviting pollen round for tea? Just because you expose yourself to pollen outdoors, you don’t have to bring it into the bedroom. Leaving your clothes at the front door helps to ensure that you’re not tracking it in the house and, who knows? It could be a sexy starter if you strip and hit the shower together.

 

8. Are you prepared for the big event? Although planning and preparation aren’t the sexiest things you can think about, neither is an allergy-ridden sex life. Take care of your sexual health by taking allergy medicine a good half an hour before getting down to it. It’s not the end of the world if it’s not exactly 30 minutes in advance, but planning ahead in this way helps you to make sure your allergy medications are raring to go when you are.

 

9. Are you (and your partner) educated? Education and communication is key here, as a lot of people don’t even realise that their allergies (or their partner’s) are getting in the way of their sex life. You need to understand your wellness, and how everything is connected. If you and your partner are aware of the issue, it makes it so much easier to solve together.

Categories: allergies, allergy, Allergy Symptoms, libido, life, Medications, nbsp, partner, Pet Dander, Pollen, sex life

Talking to Your Doctor: How to Keep Communication Open

Modern medicine seems to have a cure, or at least a way to manage, just about any disease or disorder imaginable. Many people would believe that this is the miracle of modern medicine. In many ways this is true. However, many medications have harmful side effects that appear to be worse than the disease or disorders themselves.

 

It is very important when you are diagnosed with a disease or disorder that you have a very open conversation with your medical provider about your treatment plan. Do not just accept blindly what the physician prescribes.

 

Many times physicians are prescribing the latest medication to hit the market, or one that has the most benefits for their practice. It is not beyond a pharmaceutical companies marketing strategy to provide bonuses to medical offices that issue high amounts of prescriptions manufactured by their company.

 

Take the time to ask your doctor the following questions:

 

• What Are The Side Effects? Make sure that you discuss all the potential side effects with the doctor, not just the common ones. Many medications have serious side effects that could harm you more than the disease.

 

• What Are My Other Options? If you do not like what the medication may do to you, ask for other options. If your doctor becomes offended by this, or if they state there are no other options, seek a second opinion.

 

 

Dangerous Medications

Many medications come on to the market as “wonder drugs” or “beak trough drugs” and are quickly prescribed by doctors. However, within a very short period of time, the side effects become an issue. For instance, Januvia is a new medication that was released as a secondary medication for the treatment of Type II diabetes. It was recommended that patients receive this medication if they are having a hard time managing the condition with only one type of medication.

 

Within a very short period of time, people taking this medication began developing pancreatitis, a very painful and debilitating disorder. What is perhaps the scariest part of this development is that many of these people went on to develop pancreatic cancer, the most aggressive form of cancer known.

 

Another example is Pradaxa. Marketed as the wonder drug to replace Warfarin, Pradaxa was immediately prescribed to millions of patients. Not long after it was released, Pradaxa side effects that patients experienced included bleeding episodes and hemorrhaging. It was then discovered that there was no antidote for Pradaxa and that the bleeding could not be stopped and the patient could not be removed from the drug without possibly death.

 

Sadly, the list of drugs that are later found to be too dangerous to take could continue for a very long time.

 

With this in mind, make sure that you are willing and able to talk to your doctor. You are not questioning their authority, you are protecting your health. Your doctor should welcome an open discussion about your health and medications. If not, then it may be time to find a new doctor.

 

Researcher Melanie Fleury has an autoimmune disease that often is prescribed medications, which she avoids. Before adding a new medication, she determines if the side effects are worth the pill. She hopes that those who read this article will make the decision to maintain open communication with their doctors so that they can be prescribed the best possible option. If you are experiencing Pradaxa side effects after being prescribed the medication, there is legal recourse available. Doyle Raizner LLP can help you to get proper compensation if you are in this situation.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/doug88888/2800841720/

Categories: Communication, doctor, Effects, medication, Medications, modern medicine, nbsp, questions, short period

How to Treat Sexual Dysfunction as a Couple

Sexual dysfunction can affect men and women, in both the body and the mind. Sexual health is about more than mechanics; it’s about your emotions, your relationship and other aspects of your life and wellbeing that you might not even know about. Sexual dysfunction is an umbrella term for problems with excitement, arousal, plateau and resolution, so if that sounds like something that’s affecting you or your partner, you need to find a solution that works for you. As sexual dysfunction involves multiple wellness factors, you may need a comprehensive approach to tackle the issue from all possible angles:

 

1. Relationship counseling or couples therapy: Couples therapy can help you find out if there are any conflicts or patterns of distress between you that are getting in the way of your sex life. A sex counselor can also help you to learn your sensual preferences and dislikes and to communicate in a healthy way, so that you build up to better sex together.

 

2. Muscle Training: Both men and women can benefit from the kegel exercise, as it enhances the quality of erection and control of ejaculation in men, and the contraction of vaginal muscles in women. The exercise basically involves contracting your pelvic muscles and squeezing for three seconds, and then relaxing for three seconds.

 

3. Medications: If you’ve been affected by erectile dysfunction (ED) you might want to talk to your doctor about medications such as viagra, levitra, and cialis. You can also take testosterone hormones orally or as an injection if you suffer with hypogonadism or decreased libido. Remember to consult your doctor about any medications you’re already on that may be causing your sexual dysfunction, or interfering with your ED medications.

 

4. Surgery: There are a few surgical methods that might help you with your sexual dysfunction. these include a surgical correction for peyronie’s disease, penile prosthesis for ED, penis augmentation surgery for hypogonadism and surgery for correction of malformations in the penis – such as hypospadias – and female genitalia.

 

5. External Aids and Implants: For ED, a penis pump or vacuum constriction device can restore your ability to get a natural erection if you’ve just had prostate surgery or radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Or else, you and your partner can use a penis extension condom, which can be used more than once, or vibrators which have been designed to ergonomically stimulate your erogenous zones.

Categories: couples therapy, Dysfunction, Kegel Exercises, Medications, nbsp, penis, relationship counseling, sexual, sexual dysfunction

How to Reduce Your Child’s Asthma and Allergy Symptoms

It seems as though spring is finally on its way. However, whilst most of us may breathe a sigh of relief as we pack away the winter warmers and flu relief medications, if you have a child with asthma or allergies, spring presents a whole new set of wellness problems.

The symptoms of asthma can occur at any age, although most children tend to experience them by the age of five. The triggers that set off your child’s asthma will be unique to their condition, which makes it hard to determine what those triggers are, and how to guard your child’s wellbeing against them. Larry Blumenthal, CFO at Goodnight Paediatrics, explains, ‘Knowing what triggers your child’s asthma is extremely important. For example, if pollen is a problem, then it is important for parents to keep the windows closed to control pollen levels and adjust outdoor activity accordingly.’

The symptoms of asthma and spring allergies, often caused by high pollen counts this time of year, are similar. Both can include coughing (especially at night), whilst allergies can also incur a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes and nose. Airborne allergies can also trigger asthma, with added symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness, pain or pressure.

So, as a parent, what can you do to minimise these nasty symptoms? If you can identify the triggers of your child’s asthma or allergies, that’s half the battle and you can achieve this more easily if you work with your child’s doctor. You should also consult your child’s physician before you begin to regularly give your child allergy medications. Zyrtec, for example, is approved for children over the age of six months and can help keep child allergy symptoms under control, but it’s best to consult a doctor as Zyrtec requires regular, daily use.

However, if you don’t like the idea of allergy medications, or your child’s doctor advises against it, there are other things you can do to minimise your child’s symptoms. Artificial tears can help to lubricate your child’s eyes, which reduces certain symptoms such as irritation and itchiness. Otherwise, keeping your house free from pollen and dust can go a long way. Avoid dry dusting that can cause the dust to become airborne, and keep outside pollen at bay by keeping the doors and windows closed and turning on the air conditioner.

How to Reduce Your Child’s Asthma and Allergy Symptoms

Categories: artificial tears, Medications, Triggers