ARTICLES ON General Health

What is Cataract Surgery? Cataract surgery is a medical procedure performed to remove the affected cloudy lens in your eyes. The lens is affected by protein breakdown in the eyes, causing the lens to become cloudy and blurred. Cataracts increase glare by preventing light from passing through the lens, which might affect your daily activities. When a cataract interferes with your normal life, the highly experienced doctors and eye surgeons at Wockhardt Hospitals might suggest cataract surgery. A cataract surgery procedure is the only sure-shot way to treat this condition in adults. Cataract surgery in India is done on an outpatient basis by a certified ophthalmologist and is a very common and safe procedure. We at Wockhardt Hospitals have performed a large number of successful cataract surgeries giving patients their vision back. Our ophthalmologists and surgeons are board certified and are backed by world-class medical facilities and well-trained staff to give the desired surgical results. Signs & Symptoms of Cataracts Typically, a cataract condition develops slowly. A person might not even be aware of their presence until they begin to block the light. As the symptoms start to surface, they might experience – Once these symptoms start interfering with the regular lives of a person, they immediately need a cataract treatment. Causes of Cataracts Cataract surgery in India is done to treat cataracts that cause a variety of symptoms, including blurry vision, floaters, itching, etc. The majority of cataracts occur when the tissue of the eye’s lens changes due to aging or trauma. The lens’s proteins and fibers start to degrade, clouding or obscuring the vision. The risk of cataracts may be increased by hereditary and/or genetic abnormalities resulting in other health issues. Other eye diseases, previous eye surgery, or medical conditions, especially Diabetes, might also lead to cataracts. Also, the long-term use of steroid medicines can also result in cataract development. Cataract Surgery – Dos & Don’ts Usually, the doctors advise the patients regarding dos and don’t during the final consultation before the surgery. However, even after the surgery, the doctors will reiterate the precautions that must be taken after cataract treatment. Some of the most important dos & don’ts are mentioned below – Dos Don’ts What Tests are Done to Diagnose Cataracts for their Effective Treatment? To determine if you have a cataract, the doctor will physically examine your eyes, and to rule out other eye conditions, they will order the following cataract diagnostic tests – Treatment of Cataracts The only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery; however, you might not require it immediately. You might be able to get by with a fresh prescription for your glasses if you identify the issue early. However, the need for surgery depends on how critical the condition is. If the cataract is diagnosed at the early stage, cataract can be taken care of by prescription glasses with stronger lenses to help the patient see clearly.  Though there are several types of cataract treatment procedures, all of them have one thing in common – the doctor replaces the cloudy and blurry lens with an artificial lens. It is a very common procedure and is generally safe. Doctors use local anesthesia to numb the eyes before the operation. Hence, the patient will not feel anything. The surgery usually takes less than 60 minutes, and the patient will be discharged on the same day. Also, if the cataract is in both eyes, the doctors will first perform the cataract operation procedure in one eye, and after it heals, they will continue with the other one.  Here’s a detailed process of the surgery performed at Wockhardt Hospitals- The lens is then divided into several tiny fragments by the surgeon using ultrasonic waves, and the pieces are vacuumed out. Also, the cataract surgery procedure does not require sutures.  The patient’s vision starts to improve a few days after cataract treatment. As the eye adjusts to the injury and heals, the vision may initially be blurry. After the cataract operation procedure, they may notice a bright and clearer view. This is because of the fresh and new lenses. After having a cataract surgery procedure, the majority of people use glasses, at least occasionally. When the eyes have recovered sufficiently to receive a final prescription for glasses, the doctor will let you know. This often occurs one to three months following surgery. To manage inflammation, reduce eye pressure, and prevent infection, the doctor may advise eye drops or other medications. These drugs may occasionally be administered into the eye during surgery. How Long Does it Take to Heal after Cataract Surgery? Every individual’s body is different, which means the amount of time it will take to recover also varies. At first, you might have a blurry vision as your eyes are in their healing process. Take time to recover, and try giving your eyes the maximum amount of rest. Usually, the eyes start to get better within 1 to 2 days, but it is advisable not to perform any heavy task which might cause stress to your eyes. Also, it is prohibited not to lift heavy objects or bend. Talk to your doctor when you can return back to work. They will tell you an estimated time when you can resume work. Most patients fully recover and heal in around eight weeks after the surgery. After the procedure, your doctor will schedule a few follow-up visits to check on your recovery and to ensure you are healing well.  Risk Factors for Cataracts The surgery performed at Wockhardt Hospitals under the supervision of highly experienced eye surgeons usually does not cause any serious complications. It is done under topical anesthesia with eye drops. But, just like any other surgery, it also has some risk factors which increase the chance of complications. Below are some of the risk factors for your reference- FAQs on Cataracts Q. Which surgery is best for cataracts? FLACS, or Femto Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery, is a new innovative technique and is considered the best.

Remember those summer holidays when you would come home to freshly served slices of cool and sweet watermelon after a game of hide and seek with your friends? Watermelons are not just good for replenishing fluids; they have several health benefits and provide great nutritional value to prevent various health problems. It can even help manage diabetes and help in your weight loss journey while preventing the risk of developing heart disease and asthma.  Did you know that watermelon contains a whopping 92% water content with each bite you take? Not only does it give you a boost of freshness and hydration, but it also helps avoid overeating by giving you a feeling of fullness. Containing less than 45 calories, it is a super healthy fruit that everyone can enjoy. Nutritional Benefits of Watermelon for Your Health Watermelon is a hydrating, micronutrient-rich fruit containing a host of nutrients that do good to your health.  Apart from being an excellent hydrating agent, it imparts numerous health benefits while supporting weight loss. Watermelon is mostly water and due to its property of giving you a feeling of fullness, it helps to avoid unhealthy snacking while still providing the essential nutrients and just enough calories. Watermelons are also helpful in fighting inflammation, thereby preventing many serious diseases. Not just that, you can say bye to your gum problems if you just add some watermelon to your diet!  Delicious and Healthy Watermelon Recipes to Try Today Consuming watermelon every day may not be exactly a party situation for your taste buds, but incorporating this nutrient-dense fruit in various delicious recipes can surely leave your taste buds craving for more! Before we move on, did you know that watermelon is a cent percent edible? Sounds pretty interesting, right? The tough rind contains low levels of calories, but high concentrations of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Potassium attributing to improving heart and skin health and enhanced immune function. It’s also nutrient-dense, containing high amounts of citrulline, lycopene, amino acids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds that reduce oxidation and inflammation.  Watermelon seeds — dried or raw — are rich in magnesium and folate. Seeds also have the types of fatty acids that lower bad cholesterol in the blood and help avoid heart attack and stroke. Now that you know, save those pulps, rinds, and seeds for a perfectly healthy recipe. Oh, you’re here for one? Let’s get cooking, then! What comes to mind when you hear about healthy food? Salad, leafy greens, perhaps some fruits (watermelon, anyone?) But how do you make salad appetizing? Well, of course, cheese makes everything better! The best kind of cheese that goes with salad is feta cheese. Here’s how to make a delicious feta salad with watermelon. Ingredients: How to Make Water Melon Feta Salad Step 1: Whisk the vinegar, oil, and salt together in a bowl. Step 2: Add the watermelon and cucumber slices, and mix them with mint, onions, and feta cheese. Step 3: Garnish with more mint and salt, and enjoy! Make your childhood favorite homemade watermelon popsicles now and relive your days of childhood!  Ingredients: Steps to Make Step 1: Blend the strawberries and watermelon slices in a blender by adding lime juice, sugar, and salt it. Step 2: After blending it nicely, take out the mixture put it in a freezer mold, and put it in the deep freezer for 6 hours. Step 3: Take out the mold, thaw a little, and your watermelon popsicle is ready! To step up your foodie A-game with watermelons, add a little Mexican twist and make a healthy salsa with watermelon to devour those crispy chips. Ingredients  Making salsa is pretty easy. Simply take all the ingredients and mix them in a bowl, and it’s ready to serve! You can also keep it refrigerated for up to 2 days by covering the bowl with a wrap. Watermelon rind can be used in numerous ways and adjusted to make your favorite South Indian food. Watermelon rind is easy to grind and easy to store. So you can have it ready to mix and whip up a curry or dosa/idli/rice in just a few minutes! How to make watermelon rind: After using the watermelon, scrap the fruit part completely, and then cut it into small wedges. Put all the slices in a blender or keep them refrigerated as it is for future use. Ingredients How to Make Watermelon Rind Curry/ Stir fry/ Dosa Step 1: Wash and soak the rice for 3 hours. Grind it in ice water until smooth. Step 2: Blend the watermelon rind without water. Step 3: Transfer the blended rind and rice and set aside for fermentation for 8 hours. If you want to make curry, keep some watermelon rind aside. Step 4: Use the batter for making dosa or idli. Add the remaining watermelon rind to any curry you wish to make.  Watermelon seeds are an excellent source of essential nutrients that can be directly consumed or mixed in smoothies and breakfast cereals. Roasted watermelon seeds taste like caramel and add a salty crunch to your food.  Now that you know how to use watermelon with zero waste, use the MVP of summer fruit to add a twist to your diet and pair perfectly with basically every summer meal!

It is very common to encounter patients presenting with dizziness or ‘chakkar’ in Neurology OPD but what patients perceive or mean by dizziness varies from patient to patient. It can be a manifestation of innocuous condition such as transient low sugars or may signal something as sinister as a brain stroke or a cardiac problem. Common underlying conditions that can result in dizziness: Considering the varied perceptions of dizziness in different patients and the underlying causes varying from relatively benign to grave, it is important that patients having the above symptoms should seek consultation from Neurologist at the earliest. Timely evaluation and treatment can not only relieve the patient of disabling symptoms but can also result in improved prognosis in patients with severe underlying causes. Dr. Prashant MakhijaMBBS, MD (Medicine)DM (Neurology), PDF Epilepsy & Sleep MedicineConsultant Neurologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower part of the neck that produces thyroid hormones that help the body regulate its metabolism. What Are Thyroid Nodules? Thyroid nodules are lumps or growths on the thyroid gland. They can vary in size – from small (the size of a chana) to large (the size of a lemon or larger) and can be single or multiple. These nodules are extremely common and in one study about 19% of people in India were noted to have thyroid nodules. Additionally, the number keeps rising as we age – approximately half of the people above the age of 60 years will have thyroid nodules.  While most of the thyroid nodules are benign (not cancerous), approximately 5-10% of nodules are found to be cancerous. What are the Causes of Thyroid Nodules? The cause of thyroid nodules is not always clear. However, there are some factors that increase the risk of developing nodules, including: 1. Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop thyroid nodules 2. Age: The risk of developing nodules increases with age 3. Family history: A family history of thyroid nodules or thyroid cancer increases the risk 4. Radiation exposure: Exposure to radiation, particularly in childhood (e.g. for treatment of cancer) increases the risk of developing thyroid nodules. What are the Symptoms of Thyroid Nodules? In the past 2 decades, thyroid nodules have been increasingly discovered on CT/MRI/PET scans done for other reasons and do not cause symptoms in these cases. However, occasionally these nodules may cause swelling/lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing or breathing, hoarseness or other voice changes, and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. How are Thyroid Nodules Diagnosed? Thyroid nodules are often discovered during a physical exam or imaging test such as a CT/MRI/PET scan. If a nodule is discovered, the following tests may be required: 1. Thyroid Ultrasound/Sonogram: High-frequency: sound waves are used to take a picture of the thyroid gland and nodule. It can quickly determine if a nodule is solid or fluid-filled (cystic) and it can choose the size of the nodule.  2. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB): A small sample of tissue is removed from the nodule using a thin needle and analyzed for cancer cells 3. Thyroid function tests: Blood tests are used to measure the levels of thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) 4. Nuclear thyroid scan: Not routinely needed nowadays with the use of ultrasound. It involves giving a very small dose of radioactive iodine and taking pictures with a special camera What is the Treatment of Thyroid Nodules? The treatment of thyroid nodules depends on whether the nodule is cancerous or not. Benign [Non-cancerous] nodules usually do not need treatment and may be monitored over time to ensure they are not growing or causing symptoms. Occasionally, overactive, or large nodules may require treatment with radioactive iodine therapy or surgery.   If the nodule is cancerous, treatment options may include surgery, radioactive iodine, and very rarely chemotherapy. In conclusion, thyroid nodules are common and are usually benign, but in rare cases, they can be cancerous. Most of the nodules do not cause any symptoms, but if you notice a lump in your neck or have trouble swallowing or breathing, it is essential to see your family doctor or an endocrinologist. 

World Tuberculosis Day is observed to indicate the progress made in the fight against the disease and to progress on the commitment to eradicate the epidemic. It is also a day to spread awareness about the fact that tuberculosis is not merely a health disorder but also a social issue since malnutrition and poverty also promote to spread of the ailment. Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, the virus is spread through the air. TB is more common in people with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, or diabetes. India has made significant efforts to tackle TB over the years, including through the implementation of the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) in 1997. The RNTCP has since been replaced by the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) in 2017, which aims to eliminate TB in India by 2025. The Government of India has said it aims to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) by 2025. In a strict sense, TB elimination means there should be <1 case of TB for a population of 10 lacks. The World Health Organization (WHO) END TB Strategy adopted by World Health Assembly in 2014 aims to end the global TB epidemic with a target to reduce TB deaths by 95% and to cut new cases by 90% between 2015 and 2035 and to ensure that no family is burdened with catastrophic expense due to TB.  In a country like India, a huge population and overcrowding in multiple places leave us the biggest challenge to curb this disease. On this world TB day, we wish to create awareness and want to make leaders at the level of community or even at the household level. Every society should appoint a leader who assesses the symptoms of the sick and encourages them to take the tests as early as possible to start treatment. Under national programs, treatment is provided free of cost and additional financial help is also given by the government.  Each one should know about the symptoms of cough for more than two weeks, loss of appetite, and loss of weight as indicators of tuberculosis and should report to their doctor and get tested. Another challenge is the stigma related to this disease where people are not comfortable accepting the diagnosis or are isolated by the community once diagnosed. Such practices should be discouraged, and it should be considered an offense to stigmatize any patient. We need to ensure good ventilation in our houses and avoid overcrowded localities strictly to stop the spread. The government should aim to start more and more dedicated tuberculosis hospitals to serve the huge population. Schools and colleges should play an important role in creating awareness about tuberculosis among the youth of the society who can be the future leaders to devise better plans to eliminate tuberculosis. It is important that we understand that tuberculosis is a curable disease and if diagnosed at an early stage, ensures faster recovery. In this era of artificial intelligence, we should put the robot to our use to serve this huge population at a personalized level and ensure full treatment support to the needy. Let us pledge to play our role sincerely to “END TB”. We have a 102-year-old vaccine, BCG, against tuberculosis, which hardly protects against disease in adolescents and adults. Hence the need arises for a better and more effective vaccine for the future. Dr. Honey Savla Internal MedicineWockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central

Early diagnosis and treatment of sinusitis are important to avoid complications. A child with a deviated septum may also have enlarged adenoids. Learn more here. Sinusitis In Children If your child is having breathing difficulties, recurrent cold and cough attacks, or he/she is breathing through the mouth, it’s time to consult the ENT. These are signs and symptoms indicative of deviated septum, adenoiditis, and sinusitis. Read on to know more about these conditions from Dr. Sheetal Radia, ENT & Head Neck Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals in Mira Road said. Sinusitis Causes Sinusitis happens when the sinuses get filled with water and pus. It can occur due to recurrent cold attacks, bacterial and viral infections, structural abnormalities in the nose, turbinate bone enlargement leading to nasal obstruction, nasal secretions, dust, pollutants, pet, and environmental allergies. Sinusitis Symptoms A stuffy nose, runny nose, severe headaches, recurrent headaches, redness and swelling of eyes, pain in eyes, recurrent throat pain, throat irritation, change in voice, post nasal drip leading to foul breath, and snoring at night are symptoms associated with sinusitis. Sinusitis Complications If not treated at the right time, sinusitis can lead to blurry vision, redness of eyes, swelling of eyelids, recurrent throat infections that may invite tonsillitis, laryngitis (infection and inflammation of the larynx that is the voice box), chronic nasal obstruction and polyps in sinuses (swelling filled with water and infected pus). Polyps can cause chronic nasal obstruction leading to breathing problems. Sinusitis Diagnosis A doctor may do a physical checkup and ask about symptoms. Looking inside the nose and feeling for any soreness in the face and nose are possible parts of the evaluation. A physical examination, an evaluation of the medical history, and occasionally imaging tests are necessary for a sinusitis diagnosis. Here are some methods to rule out other illnesses and identify chronic sinusitis: Parents should watch out for sinusitis symptoms and consult the ENT on time to avoid complications. If nasal polyps are detected, surgery will be required to remove them. If the sinusitis is caused by deviated nasal septum, one needs septal correction surgery to straighten the nasal bone, and the surgery can take up to 2 hours. Sinusitis Treatment One with a deviated septum may suffer from adenoiditis (inflammation of the adenoid tissue) and sinusitis. Such patients may also have enlarged adenoids (type of tonsils behind the nose where the nose and throat meet or nasopharynx). Not only enlarged adenoids can cause breathing problems but they can also interfere with the normal growth of the child. Hence, treating adenoids at the right time is important for pediatric patients. Dr. Sheetal RadiaENT & Head Neck SurgeonWockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road said To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: https://www.thehealthsite.com/photo-gallery/deviated-septum-adenoiditis-sinusitis-in-children-symptoms-parents-should-look-out-for-963724/sinusitis-in-children-963725/ FAQs on Adenoids and Deviated Septum Q. Can a deviated septum cause sinusitis? Indeed, a deviated septum can exacerbate sinusitis by blocking the sinuses’ natural drainage, which causes swelling and congestion. The divergence may result in places where mucus collects, raising the possibility of infection. In some situations, it could be advised to surgically repair the deviated septum to relieve the symptoms of sinusitis. Q. How do you treat a deviated septum in a child? When treating a child with a deviated septum, conservative methods like nasal saline rinses and decongestants are usually used to treat symptoms like congestion. After a thorough examination by an ear, nose, and throat expert, surgical intervention, such as Septoplasty or turbinate reduction, may be considered in severe instances that result in breathing difficulties or recurrent sinus infections. Q. Can adenoids cause a deviated septum? While adenoids can not directly cause a deviated septum, they can aggravate pre-existing septal abnormalities by contributing to nasal obstruction and changed airflow patterns. Adenoids that are too big might block the nasal airway, causing mouth breathing and putting more pressure on the nasal septum, which over time may cause the septum to deviate. Certain symptoms related to a deviated septum may be relieved by treating adenoid enlargement. Q. What are the symptoms of inflamed adenoids in children? Children’s inflamed adenoids might cause the following symptoms: Congestion in the nose and trouble breathing through it Continuous mouth breathing Snoring while asleep Sleep apnea, in which a child’s breathing periodically pauses for a brief period of time while they’re asleep Persistent post-nasal drip or nasal discharge Middle ear fluid accumulation or recurrent infections Painful throat or trouble swallowing. Q. Is there a correlation between sinusitis, adenoids, and allergies? There is a connection between allergies, adenoids, and sinusitis. Because it obstructs nasal airflow, adenoid growth can aggravate sinusitis. The symptoms of sinusitis can be made worse by allergies that inflame the adenoids and nasal passages. Effective management of sinusitis may be aided by addressing adenoid problems and allergies. Q. Can sinusitis with adenoids be a chronic condition? Adenoidal sinusitis has the potential to progress. Chronic or recurring sinus infections can result from enlarged parotid glands that cause nasal congestion and poor sinus outflow. Treatment for sinusitis must be combined with the management of underlying adenoid problems in order to address and avoid persistent symptoms. Q. What are the common symptoms associated with adenoids and deviated septum? A deviated septum and adenoids are frequently accompanied by the following symptoms: Having trouble breathing through your nose and congestion in the nose. Mouth breathing, particularly during the night Disrupted sleep habits and snoring Recurring sinus infections Persistent post-nasal drip or cough Fluid accumulation in the middle ear or ear infections Q. What are the potential complications if deviated septum and adenoids are left untreated? It is not possible for a deviated septum to go away on its own. If treatment is not received in time, there’s a higher chance that things will get worse. A deviated septum and untreated adenoids can cause a number of issues, such as: Persistent sinus infections Unusual facial growth Hearing problems and recurring ear infections Breathing disorders while sleeping, such as sleep apnea Impaired quality of life owing to continuous nasal congestion and breathing issues.

You’ve hit the bed and are waiting for a sound, restful sleep to consume you. But as soon as you find yourself drifting off to sleep, have you ever felt like you are falling or experienced a sudden startling shock? If yes, chances are that you have experienced ‘sleep starts’, also known as ‘hypnic jerks’ or ‘myoclonic jerks’. But, what does it mean? Simply put, these jerks are sudden, involuntary muscle contractions that can occur when a person is falling asleep. “Sleep starts, also known as hypnic or hypnagogic jerks, are an abrupt, quick, and forceful contraction of the entire body, or of single or several body segments. These generally happen when a person is starting to nod off,” Dr. Vipul Gupta said. “A large portion of the body is typically affected by one abrupt jerk as the person starts falling asleep. It is most likely to impact the arms and legs. A sensory flash, feeling of falling, and a visual dream can also mark a sleep start.” Agreeing, Dr. Krishnan P R,  said that sleep starts are thought to be caused by sudden relaxation of the muscles as you transition from wakefulness to sleep. As a person falls asleep, their body temperature drops, and their muscles relax, which can trigger a reflex response in the nervous system that causes sudden muscle contractions. Usually, a sleep start does not make you wake up from your sleep. “This implies that you would probably not remember a jerk that your bed companion noticed,” Dr. Pavan Pai, Consultant Interventional Neurologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road said. While the exact cause of sleep starts is not known, experts believe that many people can experience these jerks as a result of stress, anxiety, or other psychological factors. “While there is no main specific cause behind hypnagogic jerks, some factors like excessive caffeine intake, and physical, and emotional stress can gradually increase the frequency. Extreme tiredness and sleep deprivation can also be a major factor behind these hypnic jerks,” Dr. Gupta said. Sharing their incidence, Dr. Pai highlighted that about 60 percent to 70 percent of people have them. “Most individuals only experience them sometimes. Men and women of various ages are affected by sleep disorders. Adults are more prone to complain about jerks, which are persistent or violent.” Agreeing, Dr. Gupta said that it is important to note that it is not necessary that people experiencing these will experience them every time they fall asleep. Are they risky? Doctors share that sleep starts are generally not considered to be harmful or risky. “However, in rare cases, they can be a symptom of a sleep disorder such as restless legs syndrome or periodic limb movement disorder. If sleep starts are accompanied by other symptoms such as insomnia or daytime fatigue, it is recommended to consult a doctor to rule out any underlying conditions,” Dr. Krishnan said. Additionally, they aren’t dangerous until and unless people aren’t hurting themselves or start experiencing symptoms like incontinence, injury, pain, or confusion, Dr. Gupta added. If you are bothered by these sleep starts or have been experiencing them frequently, here are some tips to follow: Dr. Pavan PaiConsultant Interventional NeurologistWockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/sleep-starts-hypnic-myoclonic-jerks-causes-prevention-sleep-101-8454666/ FAQs on Feeling of Falling While Sleeping Q. Is a hypnic jerk serious? Despite being startling, hypnic jerks are usually not taken seriously. They typically do not pose health hazards and are regular events during the shift from awake to sleep. However, it might be wise to speak with a medical expert for a more thorough assessment if they severely interfere with sleep or are accompanied by other severe symptoms. Q. What causes the falling feeling when sleeping? A common explanation for the feeling of falling asleep is hypnic jerks or sleep starts. These uncontrollably jerky muscle movements happen when you’re about to go asleep or wake up, and it’s thought that the brain interprets muscular relaxation as a fall. They are often not a reason for concern and are thought to be a typical aspect of the sleep process. Q. Why do you feel like you’re falling in your sleep? The sensation of falling asleep is often due to hypnic jerks, also known as sleep starts. It is believed that the brain misinterprets muscular relaxation as falling, resulting in uncontrollable muscle spasms that occur when you go from awake to sleep. Usually benign, they are a component of the regular sleep cycle.

If you’ve ever had tingling or numbness in your body and you also tend to be anxious in general, you must know that they are linked. Typically, when we discuss the signs and symptoms of anxiety, we mean the mental state in which a person may experience a feeling of fear, worry, concern, uneasiness, or panic. You should be aware that anxiety is a condition that is not bound to only mental health. It may also pose a risk to your physical well-being because it sets off a fight-or-flight response in your nervous system. One such reaction is anxiety numbness or tingling sensation in the body. HealthShots got in touch with Dr. Pavan Pai, Consultant Interventional Neurologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, Mumbai, to understand anxiety numbness in detail. Can Anxiety Cause Numbness or Tingling Sensation? Anxiety can cause you to experience numbness and tingling at any time, and it can stay with you for a prolonged period of time. It generally feels like your body is buzzing, shaking, or vibrating. It can affect any part of your body, especially your feet, hands, fingers, arms, legs, or toes. When someone experiences numbness and a tingling feeling, they may experience a panic attack as a result, which may cause them to feel even more numb and anxious. Can you Control or Stop Numbness and Tingling? While some people only experience these sensations when they move their hands, feet, arms, or legs, others experience them consistently and independently. Dr. Pai says, “There isn’t much we can do to prevent these symptoms from occurring because they often arise unintentionally and involuntarily. The sensations may be infrequent, regular, or chronic. However, some people might be able to control this sensation by relaxing or by tightening and relaxing their muscles.” Keep in mind that you rarely have control over this. How Does Anxiety Cause Numbness and Tingling Sensations? There could be many reasons behind anxiety-related numbness and tingling sensations. Here, we’re discussing the 3 top causes of anxiety numbness: 1. Side effects of anxiety medication Buzzing in the extremities can be a side effect of several medications, including popular psychiatric drugs (anti-anxiety, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, etc.). Any of these symptoms should be discussed with your doctor, who can then adjust your medication to assist you to stop having those symptoms. 2. Chronic stress A few signs of chronic stress include trembling, shaking, and body vibration. You may even experience your heart racing. To manage your physical symptoms in such a situation, try to take deep breaths and relax. 3. Side effects of stress hormones Your neurological system suffers as a result of your anxious behavior, which triggers the stress reaction that can cause numbness and stiff muscles. According to Dr. Pai, hormones and nerves have a direct impact on muscles, and if either one or both of these systems are dysfunctional, it might result in mild to moderate sensations in your body. Takeaway The buzzing feeling brought on by anxiety is still being studied by specialists. It is thought to have something to do with how hormones react to long-term and consistent stress in your body. The most effective strategy to halt the feelings is to deal with your anxiety. If you have concerns about anxiety symptoms, always consult a doctor. Make sure you are not causing yourself more worry by researching all of your symptoms and convincing yourself you have the worst possible condition. Dr. Pavan PaiConsultant Interventional NeurologistWockhardt Hospital, Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: https://www.healthshots.com/mind/mental-health/heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-anxiety-numbness/

Prince Harry mentioned in his memoir Spare that he resorted to psychedelic drugs to deal with the trauma of his mother Princess Diana’s death. A look at how psychedelic drugs can be dangerous. Prince Harry admitted in his book Spare mentioned that he used psychedelic drugs to deal with his mother Lady Diana’s death. Ever since that psychedelic drugs have become a hot topic of discussion. During Harry’s interview with Anderson Cooper for 60 Minutes, he touches upon a topic from his book about how he used psychedelic drugs to deal with the death of his mother several years later. He mentioned that he had a lot of trouble coping with the loss, even having a hard time believing she was truly dead. Psychedelic drugs come with their own share of effects and adverse effects. Further studies are definitely required to know the long-term side effects due to regular and prolonged use of these drugs. Though many studies have shown that addiction and abuse of psychedelic drugs is not a problem, it is the tolerance part that is a worrying attribute. Dr. Sonal Anand, psychiatrist, at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai says “Although most psychedelics have not been directly responsible for causing death, the judgment of users is certainly impaired and can pose a greater risk in an unsupervised setting. The safety concerns with psychedelics are predominantly psychological but studies have shown that pre-existing physical conditions might show exacerbations because of tachycardia, increased blood pressure, and heart rate. One major concern of hallucinogen use is that hallucinogen persisting perception disorder. It is characterized by re-experiencing the perceptual distortions induced by a hallucinogen at some later time. HPPD is composed of afterimages and perceived distortions of movements. These can cause more anxiety, can lead to re-experiencing the same trauma, and worsen depression and PTSD or acute stress. Due to tolerance increased doses of the psychedelics might have to be taken to relieve trauma and these increased doses might not have the same pleasurable effect.” Dr. Sonal AnandPsychiatristWockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/spare-harrys-drug-connection-why-it-is-unsafe-to-use-psychedelic-drug-to-deal-with-trauma-12004132.html

You drink several rounds of booze, get high, enjoy, and what? End up with a hangover? The majority of you must be familiar with this after-effect. Particularly if you drink too much alcohol, this occurs. And those who’ve been through it, know that it can take longer to wear off. However, among all the side effects of alcohol, one is “hangxiety”. Simply put, it occurs when you experience a headache, nausea, and anxiety all at once. Health Shots contacted Dr. Sonal Anand, Psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, Mumbai, to learn more about this condition and how to get rid of hangxiety. To understand more about this condition and ways to get rid of hangxiety, Health Shots got in touch with Dr. Sonal Anand, Psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, Mumbai. What is Hangxiety? Dr. Anand says, “Hangxiety is not a specific term used in Psychiatry. It is more of a scenario that is experienced after a heavy bout of alcohol consumption. It is the combination of having a hangover and anxiety related to the hangover.” Not only does the person feel physically ill, but they also may have high anxiety caused by erratic behavior and the blackout period of the night before. Hangovers can last anywhere from a few hours after waking up to the entire day. Excessive consumption of alcohol, combining drinking with using recreational substances, or having a low tolerance can all lead to experiencing hangxiety the next day. Symptoms of Hangxiety Feeling irritable, panicked, having a sense of impending doom, feeling your own heartbeat, having increased heartbeats and an increased rate of breathing, sweating, trembling, tummy issues, and difficulty focusing are all common symptoms of hangxiety. What is the Link Between Alcohol and Anxiety? “There is a clear connection between alcohol and anxiety, and some people would undoubtedly have hangxiety, especially in light of the fact that binge drinking raises the heart rate, impairs concentration, and impairs the capacity to make rational decisions, says Dr. Anand. Additionally, drinking alcohol initially reduces your stress and helps you feel more at ease, but after some time you could start to feel restless, and a hangover can make that worse. One of the main causes of hangover anxiety is drinking less water or being dehydrated as well. How to Get Rid of Hangxiety? Curing hangxiety requires resting and rehydrating the body. Plus, follow these 7 tips to deal with hangxiety: 3 Home Remedies to Cure Hangxiety: Though these tips are effective for avoiding hangover anxiety and the after-effects of alcohol, prevention seems to be the best cure for it. So be mindful of the amount of alcohol being consumed and make sure that you are not on an empty stomach before drinking. Dr Sonal AnandPsychiatristWockhardt Hospital, Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: https://www.healthshots.com/mind/mental-health/10-ways-to-get-rid-of-hangxiety-or-hangover-anxiety/