Q is epilepsy treatable?

Rather to say curable, epilepsy is very well treatable with medication (anti-epileptic drugs). Epilepsy is the disorder of the brain and central nervous system where abnormal electrical impulse leads to uncontrolled, involuntary movement of the body. The balance between the factors that begin electrical activity and factors that restrict it is lost, resulting in the body jerking. Several reasons are cited for the cause of the disease like neurocysticercosis (worms from intestine reach brain), tuberculosis of brain, brain tumour, brain stroke and even genetic. In most of the cases, the cause of the fits remains unknown. Neurologist would be able to select the best medication depending on the type of epilepsy and also age and sex of patient. The medicines are required to be taken for long-term without any discontinuation. Avoid driving, swimming and hazardous activities, as occurrence of seizures during these activities can be dangerous. With all above simple management you can live normal life with Epilepsy.

Q My pubic area is black due to heavy pigmentation. I want to make it look normal colour

Some amount of hyperpigmentation in pubic area in normal. However if you feel it is excessive or if it is associated with other symptoms then medical help is necessary. If your hyperpigmentation is associated with symptoms like itching, burning, etc then it is suggestive of fungal infection. In that case you will require antifungal medications. If along with pubic area if you also have hyperpigmentation behind neck, in armpits then it is necessary that you get yourself evaluated for diabetes. Topical medications and laser treatment can help you reduce the hyperpigmentation. Consult a cosmetologist.rnrn 

Q How to avoid dandfuff?

There are many reasons for dandruff - Stress, nutritional deficiencies, excessive dryness of the scalp, fungal infection, vitamin C deficiency, pregnancy, long illness, thyroid imbalance, as well as hair damage caused by procedures like hair coloring/dyeing, bleaching, straightening, perming, etc. You can do following things to prevent hair loss: Getting proper nutrition is essential for healthy hair. Water, protein, biotin (part of the vitamin B complex), vitamins A, B6, B12, C, copper, iron, omega 3 fatty acids, zinc, calcium, folic acid, and magnesium all play a part in maintaining a healthy scalp, skin, and hair. Using your fingertips to massage your scalp will increase circulation in your scalp which is important for hair growth. Take 10-12 jaswand (hibiscus) flower +200gm methi (fig) seeds soaked in coconut oil for 7 days then boil it sleeve it and use it daily for head massage it prevent hair loss, promote new hair growth and hairs become thick and restrict dandruff formation. In a week massage your scalp with yoghurt(curd) or aloe-Vera pulp or neem leaves paste which has antibacterial properties which help to clear dandruff formation. Instead of using chemical shampoo, use rita to wash the hairs; take 7-8 rita soaked for whole night boil in the morning in water gently massage and wash the hairs with this mixture.Gentle combing or brushing of your hair will help break up hardened oils that clog your pores. It is recommended that you comb or brush 100-200 strokes in the morning and at night. Avoid excessive wind, sun, and heat (such as from hair dryers, hot showers, and curling irons) on your hair. Tight fitting caps and hats will cause poor circulation in your scalp and will also cause buildup of sweat and grime. Take plenty of water keep yourself hydrated. Take care.

Q What is the true cause of trichotillomania aslo known as severe obsessive compulsive hair pulling?

The cause of trichotillomania is unclear. But like many complex disorders, trichotillomania probably results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Also, abnormalities in the natural brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine may play a role in trichotillomania. While the underlying biology is not clearly understood at this time, we do know that people with trichotillomania generally have a neurologically based predisposition to pull their hair as a self-soothing mechanism. The pulling behavior serves as a coping mechanism for anxiety and other difficult emotions. It does not hurt and they are not trying to damage themselves. While the average age of onset is 11, trich can be found in children as young as one year old. Onset of trich can be triggered by simple sensory events, such as itchy eyelashes, or by stressful life events, and it can occur quite suddenly. For example, it may be a tingling feeling that can only be relieved by pulling. ny relief that comes with hair pulling usually only lasts for a moment. The urge almost always returns. Thats because when the mind becomes used to giving in to the powerful urges that go with compulsive behaviors, the behavior is reinforced, and then becomes a habit. The mind gets trapped in a cycle of expecting to have the urge satisfied. The longer this goes on, the harder it can become to resist the urge.

Q Hello doctor, my grandfather was diagnosed with an alzheimers dementia; could u give me more info about this disease? What is the cause? Is it hereditary? Any treatment for the same?

Alzheimers disease is the most common form of dementia, a serious brain disorder that impacts daily living through memory loss and cognitive changes. Alzheimers is a degenerative disease, progressing from mild forgetfulness to widespread neurological impairment and ultimately death. nAlthough a direct cause of Alzheimers is not known certain common factors are found in the clinical picture of sufferers. These include; prior personality organisation of the individual and stressfulness of their life situation. You are at higher risk, if family history of this disease is there.nAlthough there is no cure for Alzheimers, and various psychotherapies appear to be ineffective, there are ways to treat some of the symptoms of the disease: Use of medications to treat cognitive decline and memory loss. Also appropriate activities such as exercise, recreation, and adult day care services appear to assist in the management of the patient.

Q I am 43 year old man and my wife 41 year we have 4 year and 6 month daughter. We are very confused whether to go for second child as my only daughter feels very lonely. Can you advice?

First, determine whether you and your wife are physically, mentally and financially ready to have a second child. It is definitely possible to conceive at this age; however there are many factors that you should take into account before arriving at a decision. A womans fertility decreases drastically in her forties so there is a major possibility that your wife may have to use donor eggs to achieve pregnancy. The risk of complications during pregnancy such as diabetes and high blood pressure increases. Moreover, there are higher chances of premature and still births. You may need to use assisted reproductive techniques thus escalating costs. I am not trying to discourage you, but giving you the facts. On the other hand, some women do get pregnant well into their 40s, and many of them have complication-free pregnancies and healthy babies. Both of you should make an informed decision after knowing all the pros and cons. For any further clarification, visit a gynaecologist who will brief you about all available options. Do consider the possibility of adoption too.

Q Diagnosis of high cholesterol

The diagnosis of high cholesterol levels is based on a simple blood test. Usually a complete Lipid profile is advised to test the levels of different components of cholesterol and triglycerides. Total cholesterol levels should be less than 200 mg/dl. LDL levels less than 100 mg/dL ( 2.6 mmol/L) are considered optimal. An acceptable HDL range is between 40- 60 mg/dL (1.04-1.56 mmol/L). Triglyceride levels should be maintained less than 150 mg/dl. High levels of HDL have a protective effect against heart disease whereas high levels of LDL and triglycerides increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Q Does sex cause hair-loss?

No. Sexual intercourse has many health benefits and has no connection with hair-loss.

Q Is depression common in children? If yes, how common it is?

Yes. Depression in children, though missed many times, is a common childhood condition. Teen age is the most affected age in children. Chances of depression increase as the child ages. It is most commonly found in girls. About 11% children can develop depression. Symptoms and signs of depression may vary in children and hence is commonly get misdiagnosed.

Q What can you tell me about Borderline Personality Disorder?

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a Mental Health disorder that generates significant emotional instability. This can lead to a variety of other stressful mental and behavioral problems. When you have borderline personality disorder, you often have an insecure sense of who you are. Your self-image, self-identity or sense of self often rapidly changes. You may view yourself as evil or bad, and sometimes you may feel as if you dont exist at all. An unstable self-image often leads to frequent changes in jobs, friendships, goals and values. This is because people with borderline personality disorder often have difficulty accepting gray areas; things seem to be either black or white. The common symptom of borderline personality disorder are overwhelming feelings of distress, anxiety, worthlessness or anger, difficulty managing such feelings without self-harming, for example by abusing drugs and alcohol or taking overdoses, difficulty maintaining stable and close relationships, sometimes, periods of loss of contact with reality, in some cases, threats of harm to others. Treatment may involve a range of individual and group psychological therapies (psychotherapy) carried out by trained professionals.