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Wednesday, 4 April 2012

Facial paralysis can be a condition in itself or it could be a symptom of some other more serious problem with the nervous system of the person, especially the nerves that run to the facial region. The commonest known facial paralysis today is that caused due to the idiopathic condition known as Bell's Palsy which is known to affect about 0.1% of the population and is responsible for three-fourths of all facial paralysis conditions.

However there are several reasons due to which paralysis of the face can occur. This article tries to delve into the details of the causes, symptoms and Ayurvedic treatment options for facial paralysis.

Definition of Facial Paralysis (Ardita)

Facial paralysis is defined as the total loss of all voluntary movement on one or both sides of the face. Due to this, the person cannot move any muscle in the affected region.

Facial paralysis is differentiated from facial paresis. Paralysis refers to the complete loss of movements; while paresis is an incomplete form of paralysis in which the person does retain some voluntary movements in the affected region. In fact one of the first steps in the diagnosis of facial paralysis is to determine whether the condition is that of paralysis or of paresis.

Also it is necessary to determine whether the nerves in the forehead are involved in the facial paralysis or not. To determine this, the examiner would make the person lift his or her eyebrows and check to what extent they can be pushed up. This will help determine whether the lower or the upper motor neuron is involved.

Hence, diagnosis of the facial paralysis is important. The following is a generalized manner in which it is determined which nerve is responsible for the facial paralysis:-

Symptom/Region Affected	Responsible Nerve or Organ
The entire face is paralyzed, including the motion of the eyebrows.	Facial Nerve
The mid face is paralyzed, but eyebrow can move normally.	Regions within the brain, where the Facial Nerve passes to

In Sanskrit, facial paralysis is termed as ardita. It is a disease caused due to the vata dosha, which is the air element of the human body.

Causes of Facial Paralysis (Ardita)

There are a very large number of causes that can lead to facial paralysis. The following are the most prominent of them:-

(i) Bell's Palsy

Bell's Palsy is the single largest cause of facial paralysis – it causes about 75% of all facial paralysis cases. Bell's Palsy is an idiopathic condition (i.e. its cause is unknown) and hence it is very difficult to diagnose it directly. The diagnosis of Bell's Palsy is done by excluding all other factors that cause facial paralysis.

Modern research shows strong evidence that Bell's Palsy is caused due to the herpes virus, though this cannot be said with conviction.

(ii) Injury or Trauma

If a person has suffered an injury on the face which has affected the facial nerve, then there is a strong chance that the person may suffer from facial paralysis, at least on one side of the face. Such traumas could be caused by the fractures of the temporal bones of the face.

In most cases, the facial paralysis occurs immediately after the trauma. When this happens, the condition can be surgically corrected. However in some traumatic conditions, there is an aggravation of symptoms due to edema or inflammation, due to which the facial paralysis can occur later on.

(iii) Tumors

Cancers in the facial region are very strong contributing factors to facial paralysis. Tumors that arise in the facial region can exert pressure on the facial nerve which could lead to the paralysis.

(iv) Infections

Viral infections also lead to facial paralysis. The herpes zoster virus is considered responsible for the Herpes Zoster Oticus, which affects the cranial nerves.

Apart from these, Lyme disease and strokes are also responsible for facial paralysis.

Symptoms of Facial Paralysis (Ardita)

Though different types of facial paralysis have different symptoms, the commonly observed symptoms are mentioned below:-

The person feels stiffness in the face and there is difficulty in moving the face. Normal activities like holding water in the mouth, closing the eyelids seem to be difficult and sometimes impossible.
Numbness sets in with the paralysis. There is loss of sensation in the face.
The face becomes expressionless and motionless.
Eating and drinking become difficult.

Complications of Facial Paralysis (Ardita)

Facial paralysis may or may not be complicated depending on its causes. The facial paralysis caused due to Bell's Palsy is a temporary condition, which can be treated in a few months. Similarly, the facial paralysis due to infection is cured when the infection is treated.

However, facial paralysis due to tumors is a very serious condition. This is due to the tumor itself and not the facial paralysis. In such cases, the paralysis could spread to the hands, chest and even the legs.

Transmission of Facial Paralysis (Ardita)

Most cases of facial paralysis are internal disorders that cannot be transmitted from one person to another. But the facial paralysis that is caused due to the herpes zoster virus is infectious.

Prevention and Basic Care during Facial Paralysis (Ardita)

It is necessary to take some basic care and preventive measures to see that the facial paralysis does not exacerbate much. The following precautions must be taken:-

The face must not be exposed to drastic weather conditions, especially of the cold and the rain.
In winter special care needs to be taken as the nerves can become number. The face (as well as the whole body) must be kept properly draped with a shawl in the daytime and a blanket in the nighttime.
Extreme care must be taken while sleeping. In most people with facial paralysis, the eyes cannot be closed. This can introduce foreign bodies into the eyes and cause infections. Hence the eyes must be cleaned regularly.
It is necessary to sleep in the night. Tiredness and sleepiness in the daytime aggravates the vata of a person.

Diet for People with Facial Paralysis (Ardita)

Since facial paralysis or ardita is a condition caused due to the aggravation of the vata dosha, it is necessary to take a diet that balances the vata. The following dietary guidelines must be followed:-

All cold foods must be avoided. This includes ice-creams and cold drinks, as well as cold fruits and vegetables such as oranges, green bananas, papayas, watermelons and cucumbers.
Curds and other sour foods must be avoided.
Fermented foods can aggravate the vata and hence must be avoided.
Even pulses and their preparations such as dals are harmful to a person with ardita.
Yellow pumpkin and colocasia also must be avoided as they can be harmful to the person.
The diet must consist of wheat rather than rice.
Green leafy vegetables are best in conditions of facial paralysis.
Cow's milk is preferable to buffalo milk.
Alcohol and smoking must be avoided at all costs.

Apart from all these guidelines, it must be remembered to keep the diet simple and easily digestible. If not, then there are chances that constipation may occur. in constipated conditions, the Ayurvedic medicines for facial paralysis will not show their effects.

Ayurvedic Treatment of Facial Paralysis (Ardita)

There are some herbs which can be effectively used to reduce the conditions of facial paralysis. The following is a list of these herbs with their actions on the human body.

Ayurvedic Name of the Herb	Biological Name of the Herb	Common English Name of the Herb	Action on the Human Body
Beejband, Jungli Methi	Sida cordifolia	Country Mallow	The country mallow contains an alkaloid which was initially confused with the very beneficial ephedrine. The herb is used traditionally in India for treatment of facial paralysis due to its nervine properties.
Kali mari	Piper nigrum	Black pepper	Black pepper is used in a water gargle. It is supposed to rectify paralysis of the tongue.
Kudzu	Pueraria montana	Kudzu	Kudzu tablets help to reduce the tension in the facial muscles that are not yet affected by the Bell's Palsy. Hence they can prevent the further spread of the disease.
Lavanga	Syzygium aromaticum	Cloves	Just five to ten drops of clove oil in a quarter cup of water taken thrice a day helps to reduce the facial paralysis brought on by Bell's Palsy.
Mulethi	Glycyrrhiza glabra	Licorice	Mulethi is an effective herb for stopping the progress of partial paralysis into complete paralysis. It can stop the automatic flowing of tears from the eyes in people with facial paralysis. In order to avail of better benefits of licorice, this herb is taken in conjunction with foods rich in potassium such as bananas.

The herbs mentioned above have been expertly mixed into preparations. These preparations contain just the right proportions of herbs so as not to produce major side effects. The following are some herbs that are effective in the treatment of Facial Paralysis:-

Type of Preparation	Name of Preparation
Asava/Arishta	Dashamula Arishta
Bhasma/Kashaya	Ashtavarga Kashaya, Dhanvantaram Rasadi Kashaya
Choorna	Rasna Choorna
Ghrita	Trivrita Ghrita, Rasnaadi Ghrita
Lehya	Rasnaadi Lehya, Sukumara Lehya
Rasa	Mahavata Vidhwasa, Brihat Vata Chintamani
Vati	Vatagajankusha, Shalaki

Some age old practices have been used in Ayurveda to bring relief in people with facial paralysis problems. The following are some of the treatment methods:-

· Hot fomentation is very effective, and the effect becomes more pronounced when some salt is used for fomenting. Be careful to test the fomenting material before applying on the face of the patient, because the numb portion of the face will have no sensitivity to the heat. Fomentation should be given more on the area below the ear, as this is the region from where the facial nerve passes out.

· Maharana taila is a very powerful herbal oil that can be massaged on the afflicted region. The oil should be only just tolerably warm. Be careful as it can get hot very fast. After the massage the patient should remain indoors for about an hour of the massage.

In addition, the following medications can be given:-

Ayurvedic Preparation	Mode of taking	Action on the human body
Vatagajankusha	Two pills to be taken thrice a day with honey	This vati soothes the nerves and removes the numbness.
Dashamula Arishta	Six teaspoonfuls twice a day after meals, mixed in an equal amount of water	The arishta preparation of Dashamula (literally meaning 'ten roots'). It has several beneficial on the human body such as:- Soothes the nervous system Tones up the nerves Reduces inflammation

If the person has constipation problems, then castor oil can be given to the patient as a purgative. This will help the medicines to become more effective.

It must be borne in mind that while taking any Ayurvedic preparation, the doctor must be consulted first. Most of the herbs do not have any side-effects (and are indeed a regular part of the diet), but some people may be allergic to certain herbs and may show adverse reactions.

http://www.ayushveda.com/health/facial-paralysis.htm

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor.

www.keralites.net

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[www.keralites.net] Health: Six Serious Medical Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore:

Six Serious Medical Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore:

Some medical symptoms are warnings that you need immediate care. Learn to recognize these six.

By Katherine Kam
WebMD Feature

That new symptom is troubling: the inexplicable swelling in your calf or the blood in your urine. Could it be serious or even life-threatening?

"Your body flashes signals -- symptoms and signs -- that warn you of potential problems," say Neil Shulman, MD, Jack Birge, MD, and Joon Ahn, MD. The three Georgia-based doctors are the authors of the recently revised book Your Body's Red Light Warning Signals.

Fortunately, many symptoms turn out not to be serious. For example, the majority of headaches stem from stress, eyestrain, lack of sleep, dehydration, caffeine withdrawal, and other mundane causes.

But a sudden, agonizing "thunderclap" headache -- the worst of your life -- could mean bleeding in the brain. Being able to recognize this serious symptom and calling 911 may save your life.

Here are six important flashing signals:

1. Paralysis of the arms or legs, tingling, numbness, confusion, dizziness, double vision, slurred speech, trouble finding words, or weakness, especially on one side of the face or body.

These are signs of stroke -- or a "brain attack" -- in which arteries that supply oxygen to the brain become blocked or rupture, causing brain tissue to die.

Symptoms depend on which area of the brain is involved. If a large blood vessel is blocked, a wide area may be affected, so a person may have paralysis on one side of the body and lose other functions, such as speech and understanding. If a smaller vessel is blocked, paralysis may remain limited to an arm or leg.

If you have symptoms, call 911 right away and get to an emergency room that offers clot-busting therapy for strokes due to blocked vessels. Such treatment, which dissolves clots in blocked vessels, needs to be given within the first three hours after symptoms begin, but newer treatments may work within a longer time frame, says Birge, who is medical director at the Tanner Medical Center in Carrollton, Ga.

Timing is urgent; fast treatment can potentially stop brain tissue death before permanent brain injury happens. "There is a time clock ticking as to when you might totally recover," Birge tells WebMD.

2. Chest pain or discomfort; pain in the arm, jaw, or neck; breaking out in a cold sweat; extreme weakness; nausea; vomiting; feeling faint; or being short of breath.

These are signs of heart attack. If you get some of these symptoms, call 911 immediately and go to the emergency room by ambulance. Shulman and Birge also recommend that patients chew one regular, full-strength aspirin (unless they're allergic to aspirin) to help prevent damage to the heart muscle during a heart attack.

Not everyone who has a heart attack feels chest pain or pressure or a sense of indigestion. Some people, especially women, the elderly, and people with diabetes, get "painless" heart attacks, the doctors say. Being aware of "painless" heart attack signs is crucial: a very weak feeling, sudden dizziness, a pounding heart, shortness of breath, heavy sweating, a feeling of impending doom, nausea, and vomiting.

Both doctors say that it's important to learn heart attack signs and understand them in context. "Everybody has jaw pain. You don't immediately run and say, 'I've got a heart attack,'" Shulman tells WebMD. He is an associate professor of internal medicine at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. "But if you're also sweating and you have some of these other symptoms -- shortness of breath and so forth -- then that's going to tip you off that there's something much more serious happening."

3. Tenderness and pain in the back of your lower leg, chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.

These are symptoms of a potentially dangerous blood clot in your leg, especially if they come after you've been sitting for a long time, such as on an airplane or during a long car trip. These signs can also surface if you've been bedridden after surgery.

"Anybody is susceptible, " Birge says. He adds that such blood clots are more common than most people and doctors realize.

Blood is more likely to pool in your legs when you're sitting or lying down for long periods of time, as opposed to standing and walking. If a blood clot forms in your leg as a result, your calf can feel swollen, painful, and tender to the touch; you should be evaluated. If you get sudden chest pain or shortness of breath, a piece of the blood clot may have broken off and traveled through the bloodstream to your lungs. This condition can be life-threatening, so get to an emergency room without delay.

4.. Blood in the urine without accompanying pain.

Anytime you see blood in your urine, call your doctor promptly, even if you have no pain.

Kidney stones or a bladder or prostate infection are common causes of blood in the urine. But these problems are usually painful or uncomfortable, which sends people to the doctor promptly.

In contrast, when people see blood in their urine but feel no pain, some take a "wait and see" approach, especially if they just have one episode. "But you can't have this attitude," Shulman says. Lack of pain doesn't necessarily mean lack of seriousness.

Cancer of the kidney, ureter, bladder, or prostate can cause bleeding into the urinary tract; when these cancers are small enough to be curable, they may not cause pain. So don't dismiss this important sign because, according to Shulman and Birge, "blood in the urine may be the only clue for an early diagnosis."

5. Asthma symptoms that don't improve or get worse.

Asthma attacks are marked by wheezing or difficulty breathing. When an attack doesn't improve or worsens, a patient should get emergency care.

If an asthma attack is left untreated, it can lead to severe chest muscle fatigue and death, say Shulman and Birge. Some people with persistent asthma hesitate to go to the emergency room because they've gone so many times before, or they need someone to drive them because they're too short of breath. So instead of seeking care, "They try to hang in there," Birge says, even if they need higher doses of inhalants or have decreasing lung function measurements when using a device to measure how well they move air out of their lungs.

Because asthma makes breathing difficult, the muscles for breathing may tire and the volume of air exchanged by the lungs will decrease. As a result, a person's oxygen level drops while blood levels of carbon dioxide rise. As Birge and Shulman explain in their book, "A carbon dioxide buildup in the blood has a sedating effect on the brain, which may cause you to feel even drowsier. You may lose the motivation or energy to breathe."

"A person with asthma who seems to be relaxing more, who seems to not be struggling for breath anymore -- even though they've been at it for six or eight hours -- may actually be worse. It could be a sign of respiratory fatigue," Birge says. Eventually, the person could stop breathing.

"They're really in a big danger zone," Shulman adds. Patients believe they're getting better when they're actually getting worse, he says. "They become sedated and seem to be peaceful when actually, they're dying."

One of the most important considerations is how long an attack lasts, according to both doctors. "If you've been having labored respirations with the asthma not relenting after a period of several hours, even though you may be apparently doing OK, don't let it go any longer," Birge says. "Get on to the emergency room."

6. Depression and suicidal thoughts.

Few people would put up with crushing chest pain or extreme shortness of breath, but many endure depression, even though at its extreme it can be life-threatening.

"Depression can be a very, very serious problem because people can commit suicide," Shulman says. "Some people will not seek care when they are depressed because they think that they'll be perceived as being crazy or not strong or not manly, and they have to understand that there is a chemical imbalance going on in their brain. It is a disease just like any other disease."

Symptoms of depression include sadness, fatigue, apathy, anxiety, changes in sleep habits, and loss of appetite. Depression can be treated with medications and psychotherapy.

If you have suicidal thoughts, you can speak to someone right away by calling national phone numbers such as 1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-SUICIDE.

Speak Up When You Think Something Is Wrong

Doctors are human: They can miss important diagnoses, including heart attacks. A patient's awareness and vigilance can make a difference, Shulman says.

"My feeling is, as a doctor, I want a patient who's informed. I'd rather have a patient who's informed, who's helping me so I won't make a mistake," Shulman says. "And I can be honest and say, 'I'm human. Don't be intimated by me because I have a white coat on. Don't be intimidated by me because I'm using big words.'"

If patients can recognize potentially serious symptoms, they'll have more power when they go to the doctor or the emergency room, he adds. "You have enough to say, 'Well, have you ruled out this problem?'"

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[www.keralites.net] Ruth's Chris Steak House Secret Recipe

Ruth's Chris Steak House Bread Pudding

1 stick sweet butter

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1 tbs vanilla extract

1/2 quart milk

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 tbs cinnamon a pinch of nutmeg

a pinch of salt

1 tbs bourbon

6 eggs, beaten

1 1/4 cups sugar

1 8 oz loaf French bread cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1 small apple, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2-inch dice

1/2 quart half & half vanilla ice cream as needed

Combine sugars and divide in half.

Add cinnamon, eggs, vanilla, bourbon and salt to half of the sugar.

In a saucepan, combine milk, half & half and butter with the other half of the sugar and bring to a boil. Whisk milk mixture into egg mixture, add raisins and apples.

Add bread cubes and let stand until soaked through to center.

Stir in a few raisins from the bottom and sprinkle a few on top.

Pour into buttered baking dish (8 x 10 x 3 inches) and bake at 375° for 45 minutes.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Top with whiskey sauce.

SWEET CREAM SAUCE

2 cups heavy cream

1 1/2 cups sugar

8 egg yolks (whites discarded)

1 tsp vanilla extract

Place cream and 3/4 cup sugar in pot.

Mix well and heat until it starts to boil.