Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Poison Ivy Rash

Poison Ivy Rash Some plants contain oily resin like substance that causes itchy rash in men and women. Urushiol is one such resin found in the leaves and branches of poison ivy and oak trees that cause poison ivy rash. This type of resin can stick on to the clothing and boots of humans when they are walking through the plants. The same plant can produce worst type of infection in the lungs when it is burnt accidentally and the smoke is inhaled. Treatment can be given for poison ivy rash by medications like corticosteroid.


Symptoms :


The symptoms caused by direct contact of poison ivy plant are itching, swelling and redness on the area that is exposed to plants and its roots. It can also cause pus filled blisters or lesions on the skin. Red colored straight line is seen on the skin in the place where the plant has brushed your skin. Sometime it can cause bumps or blisters or even hives on the skin from which oily fluid oozes out.


Initial symptoms of itching and swelling will begin within a day of exposure to the plant. As such direct contact of the plant or its stem will not produce severe itching. But if a person has direct exposure to urushiol resin of the plant the infectious rash will become severe. This oily resin will cause high itching and has the quality of spreading to other parts of the body when the person rubs his finger over it.


Itching and swelling may continue to be there for 2-3 weeks and can be controlled by medications. Poison ivy rash is not contagious and it is the oily resin called urushiol that causes rapid spreading on the skin. In rare cases it can cause swelling of mouth or neck region or even the genitals.


Causes :


Oily resin by name urushiol is responsible for causing poison ivy rash. This oily resin is present in the leaves and stem and even on the roots of the poison oak plant. Due to its sticky nature this resin will easily attach to the skin and clothing. Pets can also spread the rash when its fur gets coated with oily resin.


There are 3 ways by which one can get poison ivy rash :



  • One way is by direct touching of the leaves or stems or roots of the plant.

  • Second way of spreading is by touching the objects that are contaminated with oily resin. You may touch the clothing or shoes or other tools used for cutting the plant through which you can get rashes. You can rub your fingers to other parts of the body accidentally after touching the sticky substance through which rashes can spread easily.

  • Third method of spreading rashes is by direct inhalation of smoke from plants. Poisonous smoke is emitted from the burning plant can cause great harm to your lungs.


Who are at risk?


The tendency of poison ivy rash is considered to run in families. It is because their skin is very sensitive for oily resin which when contacted can cause rashes. People who are directly in contact with the plants like foresters, farmers, gardeners and construction workers are prone to develop this rash. In severe cases poison ivy rash can cause skin infection when bacteria enter into your body through pus.


Tests :


Your doctor can easily diagnose poison ivy rash by mere physical examination and by looking for the symptoms of itching, red rashes and swelling. He may collect information from you by asking about your whereabouts the previous day.


Treatment :


Poison ivy rash will resolve on its own without wanting any treatment for mild cases. Self care methods are enough for reducing the symptoms of itching. However you need to visit the doctor if you have developed pus filled blisters and body swelling due to rashes. Steroid medication is prescribed for treating poison ivy rash. Prednisone is given in the form of oral pills and ointment. If the doctor suspects any bacterial infection he may give you antibiotics.


Home Remedies :


In case of severe itching with red colored lines on the skin, you can wash the skin with mild soapy water and apply calamine lotion on it. Antihistamines are effective in controlling itching. Benadryl or any other compound that contains diphenylhydramine is useful for reducing irritation and discomfort. If you have developed rashes on many parts of your body soaking in oatmeal bath is quite effective.


Pictures of Poison Ivy Rash :


Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Poison Ivy Rash


Poison Ivy Rash Poison Ivy Rash Poison Ivy Rash Poison Ivy Rash Poison Ivy Rash Poison Ivy Rash Poison Ivy Rash


Prevention :


You need to avoid the poison icy sumac and oak plants by identifying it. Stay away from these plants when you are involved in hiking schedule. Do not let your pets to wander in strange areas that contain many plants. Oily resin of the plants can stick to their fur which may then be contacted by you.


If these plants grow in your backyard you need to remove them carefully by wearing heavy clothing and covering your hands with gloves. You need to bathe completely soaking your body for 5-10 minutes in warm soapy water to prevent any rash reaction. It is wise to wash your clothing thoroughly if you suspect exposure to poison ivy oak.


Armpit Rash

Armpit Rash An armpit rash is medically known as Pruritus which can cause discomfort and irritation. It is a common problem in both sexes that causes itching in the armpits and redness on that area. The symptoms of armpit rash vary according to the intensity of the underlying problem. It would cause itching, irritation, redness and scarring in the armpits. Armpit rash is caused by many factors like lack of hygiene, allergen, excessive sweat, candida infection, exposure to hot climate and dermatitis. Armpit rash can be treated with suitable medications after examining the root cause of the rashes.


Symptoms :


Armpit rash appears anywhere under the arms and sometimes may appear deeper also. Some of the common symptoms of armpit rash are intense itching, inflammation of the skin in the area, redness and swelling of skin. For severe cases, the area of armpits become completely swollen and develops blisters. For others it can form black or red colored patches. The entire area becomes scarred and red due to continuous scratching.


Since the area of armpit has folded skin it is easy for the bacteria and fungus to thrive on the sweat and moisture created in it. The presence of hair follicles and sweat glands also makes it easy for the micro-organisms to thrive. Bacterial infections are also common in armpits since it has skin folds and sweat glands.


Causes :


Many factors (both external and internal) give rise to armpit rash. Some of the common causes of armpit rash are discussed below:


Lack of Hygiene :


Since the area of armpits is vulnerable to bacteria and fungus it should be kept completely dry and clean. It is the place where hair follicles and sweat glands are present. An individual who is not cleaning his armpit frequently is likely to develop armpit rash easily.


Infections :


Armpit rash is caused by allergy infections and due to various other skin problems also. Chemical allergy can develop in armpits when a person uses harsh soap or deodorants in armpit.


Yeast Infection :


Candida albicans is one of yeast varieties present in our body. When the immune system gets weakened, these organisms outgrow in number multiplying rapidly. The areas like armpits, groin and mouth are prone to yeast infection. Fungal infections are also common under the armpit causing severe itching and redness.


Excess of Sweat :


Some people sweat profusely for no reason. This gives room for micro-organisms to thrive on armpits causing irritation and discomfort. Excessive sweating can also stain the clothing apart from producing bad odor. This condition is medically termed as axillary hyperhidrosis. It can occur when the sweat glands is overly stimulated to produce excess of sweat.


Heat Rash :


If you are living in hot environment you are likely to develop heat rashes. Exposure to humid climate can increase the chance of rash formation in the body. Sweat glands are blocked due to sweat causing red bumps on the armpits which is known as Miliaria rubra.


Skin Problems :


If there is excess growth of skin cells it can cause inverse psoriasis. It can cause red patches on the armpits apart from severe itching. Some people will experience pain as well in that area. Skin inflammation can lead to the formation of skin lesions and bumps. This condition is described as dermatitis. It can develop due to skin allergy and overuse of antibiotics. There is chance for developing skin rash if you change your detergents. Excess use of deodorants will block the pores of the sweat glands leading to the formation of blackheads. This might cause itching and redness and for some people abscess may also develop in that area.


Diagnoses :


Your doctor can easily diagnose armpit rash by mere physical examination. He would listen to the symptoms mentioned above. No special test is needed to detect armpit rashes.


Treatment :


Home Remedies :



  • You should start practicing good hygiene. Take bath at least one time in a day and more times during summer.

  • Do not keep on changing soaps and detergents. Use only branded products that are soft to your skin.

  • Be careful while choosing deodorants since it can cause allergy on your skin.

  • Daily use of vitamin E product can keep your skin fresh and rejuvenated. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Add more of foods that contain vitamin C like citrus fruits.

  • If there is over irritation you can apply ice cubes on that area to reduce the symptoms.

  • Any type of microorganisms will thrive if the place is dark and moist. Hence ensure that you are keeping your armpits dry and clean. Apply soft talcum powder on the skin folds which helps in keeping it dry.


Pictures of Armpit Rash :


Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Armpit Rash


Armpit Rash Armpit Rash Armpit Rash Armpit Rash


Medical Treatment :


Your doctor will have to diagnose the root cause of the problem before treating it. Armpit rash can occur due to different causes given above. The method of treatment also varies according to the cause of the rash. However removing the symptoms is the first step for any treatment. Itching is controlled by taking oral pills, applying skin creams that contain antifungal medication. Candida yeast infection is treated with antifungal cream.


Mild ant-bacterial soap is recommended if the armpit rash is caused by bacterial infection. For people who sweat in excess special gel containing alum chloride hexahydrate is prescribed. Apply few drops of hydrocortisone cream on the armpits can also reduce excess of sweating. Apply calamine lotion on the affected area which provides good relief from the symptoms of redness and irritation. Aloe Vera creams is highly effective in controlling armpit rash. You can also try natural remedies like oatmeal baths. For severe infections, oral pills like antihistamines are prescribed. Benadryl is an effective drug that controls itching.


Heat Rash Pictures

Heat Rash Pictures Prickly heat rash are not refined only for babies but for adults too. Hot summer weather is the main cause of heat rash. Actually during hot climate due to excess of sweat the pores get blocked by dust particles and perspiration remains inside the skin leading to formation of blisters and lumps on the skin. Heat rash requires no special treatment except some home remedies and taking some precautions.


Symptoms :


Heat rashes are often found in the areas of skin folds in which there are friction. In babies heat rash is commonly found in the neck and shoulders and on the armpits. In adults heat rash appear on the chest, shoulder, and groin and on the back. Heat rash is seen as small red colored bumps on the skin causing itching and discomfort.


Types :


There are 3 types of heat rash based on the site at which the sweat glands are blocked.


Miliaria Crystalline :


It is the mild form of heat rash at which the sweat glands are superficially blocked. It causes fluid blisters and lesions that break away easily. Often, this type of rash is not painful and not very itchy and resolves on its own.


Miliaria Rubra :


In this type of rash the epidermis or outer layer of the skin is deeply blocked. There is no way for the perspiration to escape which causes lesions on the skin. People who are confined to bed and those who are overly exposed to hot weather develop this rash. They appear as red lesions that are itchy and painful.


Miliaria Profunda :


It is a rare type of heat rash that develops on adults. This type affects the dermis (inner layer of the skin) and occurs soon after workouts or excess of sweating. The lesions are more or like goose bumps and in some people it can cause dizziness and nausea.


Causes :


When the sweat ducts get blocked by dust particles heat rashes are formed. It is often the perspiration that gets trapped inside appear in the form of lesions causing inflammation of the skin. Hot and humid climate, immature sweat glands, severe workouts and use of certain fabrics (that does not allow perspiration) can cause heat rash. Intake of certain medications like clonidine can also block the sweat glands causing heat rash. Individuals who are confined to bed-rest without any movement for longer periods (due to illness) can also develop heat rash.


Risk Factors :


People living in hot climatic zones and those who are sweating more due to workouts can develop heat rash.


Tests :


Mere physical examination of the body is enough to diagnose heat rash.


Pictures of Heat Rash :


Heat Rash Heat Rash Heat Rash Heat Rash


Treatment :


Heat rash does not require any special treatment in most of the cases. Avoid roaming out in excessive heat and take comfort in a cool room with air conditioner. In case your heat rash does not get resolved you can use calamine lotion or use cream that contains anhydrous lanolin. Wear loose fitting cotton clothes that absorb perspiration. Do not go out in hot sun which is not good for your skin. Apply cool compress on the affected area.


Prevention :


Avoid using heavy dressing in summer and use only cotton and soft clothing. If possible stay in a cool room and avoid going out in hot summer. Keep the bedroom well ventilated and cool. Do not use creams that can block the pores of sweat glands.


Urticaria

Urticaria Urticaria also known as chronic hives are nothing but raised lesions that are red or white in color resembling wheals of small and medium sizes. These hives develop suddenly and disappear within few days to appear again. Often, these itchy welts survive for 5-6 weeks which will fade subsequently. Urticaria is caused for reason unknown and is considered to be of autoimmune disorder. The symptoms can be totally managed by effective antihistamines. In rare cases, these hives develop on the throat region which can block the windpipe causing choking and difficulty in breathing.


Causes :


Urticaria is believed to be caused by weakened immunity. Certain mast cells of the body would release large quantities of histamine into the blood causing severe itching and hives. Autoimmune disorder can originate from other diseases like lupus or thyroid deficiency. The blood plasma would start leaking out of blood vessels finding its way into the skin causing chronic hives. Certain types of allergic reactions caused by food, over-exposure to sunlight, insect bites and prolonged use of certain medication can also cause this effect. Exact cause of urticaria is unknown.


Symptoms :


You can identify urticaria or chronic hives which appear as wheals or itchy belts on the skin. It would be seen as small patches of rings causing severe itching. They are raised red colored lesions appearing on the hands and legs and sometimes on your face also.


Often urticaria is associated with angioedema. The skin develops inflammation on the hands, feet and on the genitals and in rare cases on your throat. Swelling of throat can cause difficulty in eating and swallowing and can obstruct the airway. In most of the cases the symptoms come and go which may recur again within few days. Excess of heat or stressful events can trigger the formation of hives. In rare cases angioedema or urticaria can cause difficulty in breathing if the throat portion develops inflammation inside.


Diagnoses :


Your doctor will look for the above symptoms after careful examination of the affected skin. To find out the root cause he may request for blood profile for detecting plasma proteins in the blood, allergy tests to rule out any allergic reactions and any other tests to rule out hepatitis or lupus.


Treatment :


It is difficult to treat urticaria and is possible to control only the symptoms. Exact cause that triggers formation of hives is to be identified and treated. Underlying health causes are to be analyzed before giving any treatment. Mild itching can be resolved by over the counter antihistamines. Most of the people can get relief by taking oral histamines of second/first generation. For some people combination of these drugs is to be given.


Newer antihistamines do not cause sedation but are effective. Some of the important second generation antihistamines are cetrizine, levocetrizine, loratadine and fexofenadine. First generation antihistamines like vistaril, Benadryl and chloropheniramine can make you drowsy. You may not be able to drive after taking these medications. Medications like cimetidine (H-2 antagonist) are also given along with antihistamines. Prednisone is an effective corticosteroid for managing urticaria. For some people tricyclic antidepressants like zonalon is prescribed for severe hives.


Home Remedies :


For mild form of hives you can apply cool compress on the skin and repeat the process several times a day. Soaking in oatmeal bath is also effective. Stay in cool atmosphere and wear loose fitting clothes.


Pictures of Urticaria :


Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Urticaria


Urticaria Urticaria Urticaria Urticaria Urticaria Urticaria Urticaria


Prevention :


You cannot totally prevent urticaria but can identify the agents that are triggering them and avoid it. In case you are allergic to certain food items you can always avoid it. In case you have developed hives make a note in the diary about the period of hives and about your diet so that your doctor can figure out what exactly caused it. Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen for long term unless it is given by your doctor.


Thursday, May 15, 2014

Meralgia Paresthetica

Meralgia Paresthetica Meralgia paresthetica is a disorder that causes tingling sensation and numbness in the thigh. It is actually caused by nerve compression that cuts-off the sensation to the area of the thigh region. It can occur due to obesity or wearing tight clothing or due to local injury and even during pregnancy. This condition can be treated using conservative methods and in severe cases by medications. The other name for meralgia paresthetica is femoral (cutaneous) nerve syndrome.


Symptoms :


This condition can cause tingling sensation or sudden numbness on the outer part of the thigh region. For some people it is felt as burning pain on the skin surface of the thigh portion. The symptoms are mild to moderate and it may increase when the person is standing or walking.


Causes :


Meralgia paresthetica is caused by increased pressure on the thigh region due to obesity, enlargement of belly, or by pregnancy. Sudden tingling occurs when the femoral cutaneous nerve gets compressed due to excess of pressure. This nerve is actually a sensory nerve that passes through the groin but during such condition the nerve gets trapped or compressed causing burning pain on the thigh. Often, the nerve gets trapped in the groin under the inguinal ligament from the abdomen to the upper thigh portion.


Wearing a tight belt, tight clothing, and tight pants is the common cause for this condition. The same feeling or numbness also occurs for some pregnant women when the increasing belly exerts pressure on the groin. Meralgia paresthetica also occurs when the tissue of the inguinal ligament gets scarred due to sudden injury. In some cases prolonged diabetes and motorcar accident (if the seat belt gets pressed to the body) can also cause meralgia paresthetica.


Who are at risk?


People who are obese, people who are diabetic for prolonged period, and people who have the habit of wearing tight clothing are prone to develop this condition. Pregnant women can also experience tingling pain in the thigh region.


Tests :


No tests are necessary to diagnose meralgia paresthetica. Your doctor will often examine the affected portion of the groin and assess the intensity of the pain you experience. For some people imaging tests like X-ray, nerve conduction test and electromyography is done to detect nerve compression.


Treatment :


For mild to moderate pain it is enough if you use any of the conservative measure. You can loosen the clothing in the abdomen region or take pain relieving medications like Ibuprofen or Tylenol to get relief from the symptoms. Your doctor will examine the area physically to find out the underlying cause of the pain. He may give you a shot of cortisone injection if the nerve pain is severe.


Medications like gabapentin or Dilantin or Lyrica is also prescribed to get relief from neuropathic pain. Some of these drugs may produce side effects like nausea, vomiting, and constipation. You need to consult your doctor before taking any medication. In rare cases, surgery is done to release the nerve compression.


Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is neurological problem that causes impairment in physical movement and muscular weakness. The affected person may not be able to move or speak as before and is a nervous system disorder. The nerve cells of the spine and the brain will gradually become weak and ultimately die. It is not clear what causes ALS and the disease cannot be cured but the symptoms can be treated. ALS is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease since it was first diagnosed with the famous football player. When the neurons progressively become weak and unable to function properly the person’s voluntary muscular movement will become paralyzed.


Symptoms :


Initial symptoms of ALS include difficulty in talking, walking and carrying out routine activities. There will be weakness in the legs and ankles causing great difficulty in moving his legs. The affected person will make clumsy movements due to his inability to move the muscles properly. It may cause difficulty in eating and talking. He may not be able to stand or sit in good posture and cannot make any muscular movements on his legs and hands as before.


The paralyzed muscular movement will gradually spread to various parts of his body after his hands and limbs are affected. The person will have great trouble in speaking and even breathing. As more and more of motor neurons die due to the progression of the disease the person will eventually become paralyzed and even die. Fortunately the nerves that are involved in digestion and bladder control are not affected by ALS since they are done automatically.


Causes :


The disease of ALS can be genetic suggesting that it can be inherited. It is the nerve cells that are actually affected in this disease causing progressive weakness. Although there is no solid theory that explains what causes ALS there are theories suggesting that it can occur due to gene mutation or chemical imbalance. An individual affected with ALS will have high levels of glutamate which is a chemical secreted in the brain leading to toxicity. Weakened immunity can also trigger ALS leading to nervous disorder.


Who are at risk?


Children born to parents of ALS have increased chance of developing this disease. Men are more prone to have this disorder than women and often the disease occurs in the age group of 40-65. A person who is smoking continuously and a person who have increased exposure to poisonous chemicals like lead have increased risk for getting ALS.


Consequences :


As the disease progresses it may affect your normal functions like eating, breathing and speaking. Certain muscles involved with breathing can get affected and paralyzed leading to difficulty in breathing. In the advanced stage of ALS the patient will have to depend on tracheostomy procedure that involves artificial respiration. In many causes the patients with advanced stage of ALS will die due to lung failure.


ALS can affect the normal speaking ability of the person causing slurred speech. For some people the speech can become totally affected as the disease progresses. The neuro-generative disease can affect the eating or swallowing ability of the person leading to malnutrition. In rare cases ALS can cause dementia.


Tests :


Some of the symptoms of ALS are very much like other neurological problems and hence it is difficult to be diagnosed at early stage. After examining the patient and collecting his medical history, the doctor may request for electromyogram for studying the electrical activity of the muscles. Abnormal muscular activity can be due to ALS or nerve cell death.


Nerve conduction study is administered to assess the ability of the nerves to send or receive impulses. In some cases imaging tests like CT or MRI scan is done for getting clear images of the brain function. Lumbar puncture is also done in some people to collect the spinal fluid for testing. If necessary, the doctor may do muscle biopsy for testing in the laboratory.


Treatment :


There is not a single medication or therapy to treat ALS but the symptoms can be controlled or slowed down to prevent many complications. The symptoms of one person may vary squarely with other person and hence the method of treatment is devised suitably suiting the needs of the person. Riluzole is prescribed for ALS to slow down the progression of the disease. It can cause slight dizziness or GI problems in some people.


Medications are given for controlling the symptoms of muscular cramps, fatigue and spasticity. Suitable drugs are given to reduce sleep apnea and other sleep related problems. For people with severe breathing difficulty, mechanical ventilation is given by tracheostomy procedure in which a small tube is inserted in the neck portion to connect with windpipe which is then connected to respiratory machine. Physiotherapy is given for reducing problems in muscular movement in walking. Suitable exercises are suggested for improving the muscular strength and for getting cardiovascular fitness.


The affected person will be taught the ways of using walker or wheelchair or tramps to improve one’s walking ability. Suitable stretching exercises will help in getting relief from muscular cramps or pain. Hand or arm weakness can be treated with suitable occupational therapy so that the affected person can carry out his daily activities. A speech therapist can help you to overcome your speaking ability and to get improved communication. Nowadays tablet computers are used for effective methods of communicating. The affected person should make sure that he/she gets adequate nutrition if they have problems in eating or drinking.


Coping with Problems :


It is hard to accept that you have serious neurological problem like ALS but you have to overcome the shock and grief and develop positive ideas to carry on with your life. Joining a support group can help you in sharing your feelings with others who are undergoing similar pain and physical problems. Discuss with your doctor about the ways of improving the quality of life with suitable therapy.


Aphasia

Aphasia Aphasia is a condition that seriously affects your ability to communicate. It can affect the individual’s verbal and written skills and often it occurs after an accident of head injury. The cells of the brain are affected severely causing disruption of communication. The portion of the brain that controls the language and communication skills is seriously affected in Aphasia. However this disease does not affect the individual’s intelligence. This communication disorder can be treated by improved communication methods and by practicing various modes of language skills.


Causes :


Often the condition of aphasia occurs after a stroke or brain injury. This disorder develops after there is sudden block of blood flow or due to sudden rupture in the major blood vessel of the brain. It causes serious damage to the cells of the brain or cell death that involves in communication and language. A head injury or stroke or a tumor or an infection in the brain cells can be the cause of aphasia.


For some people there will be progressive degeneration of brain cells that controls the language. In later stages the affected person will eventually develop dementia. In some cases there can be temporary aphasia due to uncontrolled seizures or due to transient ischemic attack which disrupts the normal blood flow in the brain. The affected person will regain the verbal skills once the condition is reversed. It is reported that more than 40-50% of the people who develop a stroke will get aphasia.


Types :


There are many types of aphasia and it causes disruption of communication in various degrees.



  • Expressive aphasia is one in which the affected person will know exactly what he/she wanted to express but will have difficulty in telling it. It occurs when the cells of language network gets seriously affected in the frontal portion of the brain. In this type often the listener can understand what the person is trying to communicate. This type is also called as Broca aphasia or Non fluent aphasia.

  • Fluent aphasia is one where the middle portion of the frontal lobes of the brain is damaged. A person affected with fluent aphasia can speak fluently or read sentences but he cannot understand the meaning of the words. They cannot understand what they are talking and end up talking nonsense. They often use irrelevant words or unrecognizable words and the person who listens cannot understand what they are trying to communicate.

  • Anomic aphasia is one in which the person will have problems in finding relevant words while talking. This would cause difficulty in talking and writing.

  • Global aphasia is the serious type and most prevalent type which a person develops after a stroke or head injury. Here the person’s ability to speak or read is seriously affected. There will be extensive damage to the language network portion of the brain which leads to severe disability of speech and understanding.

  • Primary progressive aphasia is very rare type in which the person’s ability to talk or write will get reduced gradually. Here the affected person will often use gestures to communicate and can improve their verbal skills by speech therapy.


In severe cases aphasia can affect the quality of life of the person causing disturbed relationships or loss of job.


Symptoms :


Aphasia is not a disease but a sign of underlying disorder like stroke or brain infection. Some of the symptoms of aphasia are difficulty in talking, slurred speech, speaking incomplete sentence or using irrelevant words while communicating. The individual will not understand what others are taking or have difficulty in understanding them.


They will use sentences that are not recognized and write words that gives no meaning. The symptoms are not the same for every person since it varies according to the extent of damage caused to the brain. Individuals with mild symptom will struggle while making conversation and have trouble in choosing the right word while talking.


Tests :


The doctor will look for the above symptoms and will make use of informal observation to assess the patient’s condition. He may ask you to name some objects kept in the table or ask you to repeat some words or narrate a story and ask some questions about it or use similar procedures for testing the person’s vocabulary skill. He may order for imaging tests like X-ray, CT scan of the brain to know the exact damage. He will have to find out the root cause of the disease which can be a stroke or head injury or brain infection.


Treatment :


Treatment for aphasia depends on the age, health condition and extent of brain injury of the patient. In case the damage is mild the person can easily recover with the help of speech therapy. If the problem is due to brain tumor, then surgery is to be done for improvement of communication. Underlying problem is to be treated for aphasia. Most of the affected person will show improvement through effective speech therapy. The therapist will teach various other means of communication to overcome the difficulty in language.


Language Rehabilitation :


This is an excellent remedy for people affected with aphasia to recover their language skills. There are people who regain full levels of communication after learning speech therapy. It is necessary that the person should start this therapy in early stages. Drawings, gestures and various other modes of communication is taught during therapy sessions. They will be taught to use books or boards for effective communication when they have trouble to find the right set of words.


Medications like piracetam or memantine are given for people with aphasia to clear the block or to improve the blood flow in the brain. Family support is absolutely necessary for affected people to overcome their inability. Friends should be understanding and cooperative to encourage the person to talk freely to avoid anxiety. They should be instructed to carry paper-pen whenever they go out and carry their identification card. With the help of doctor or therapist you can find some association or support groups.