by Mikha Canon | Mar 6, 2014 | Sudden Emergency
Eclampsia is a serious, albeit rare, condition that causes seizures (convulsions) or coma in pregnant women. These seizures are of no relation to the existing brain condition, thus pregnant women who may not even have a history of seizures may develop this condition. Seizures are episodes of disturbed brain activity characterized by staring, lack of alertness and convulsions (violent shaking). Eclampsia develops from a condition called preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a condition present exclusively in pregnant. In this condition, pregnant women develop high blood pressure and protein in the urine after the 20th week of pregnancy, usually late in the second trimester or during the third trimester. Eclampsia occurs in one out of every 2,000 to 3,000 pregnancies. Some complications that may occur from eclampsia include separation of placenta (placenta abruption), premature delivery, and blood clotting problem. Causes of Eclampsia Eclampsia frequently follows preeclampsia, although the exact cause of preeclampsia is still not yet determined. Possible causes may include the following: Problems or damage to the blood vessels Insufficient flow of blood to the uterus Diet Genes Autoimmune disorders Risk Factors of Eclampsia It is not easy to tell which pregnant women with preeclampsia will progress to eclampsia, however, it was determined that the following risk factors increases a pregnant women’s chances of developing severe preeclampsia and seizures include: Hypertension (high blood pressure) Having headaches Age – being under age 20 but over age 35 Race – African Americans are at greater risk First pregnancy Multiple pregnancy (twins or more) History of malnutrition or poor diet Diabetes Having conditions that affect the blood vessels Signs and Symptoms for Eclampsia...
by Admin | Mar 5, 2014 | Featured, Sudden Emergency
Suicidal thoughts are troubling thoughts that involve killing oneself. Suicidal thoughts are usually due to feelings of hopelessness in one’s life often from stressful life situations, which may be extra disturbing if accompanies by mental illnesses, depression, alcohol or substance abuse, or suicidal plans. When one or a friend has suicidal thoughts, call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline as soon as possible. The number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255). It is necessary to learn of the warning signs of suicidal thoughts and suicide, as one can save a life. Doctors classify suicidal thoughts as either active or passive. Active suicidal thoughts involve a present desire and plan to die. On the other hand, suicidal thoughts can be passive when they involve a desire to die but has not made plans on how to take own life. It is common for people to have passive suicidal thoughts at one point in their lives. People with history of suicidal thoughts or attempts are likely to have suicidal thoughts. Suicidal thoughts are also called suicidal ideation. According to Statistics Canada (2012), 3,890 were recorded to have committed suicide in 2009, as slight increase from the 3,705 the previous year. There has been a small increase, percentage-wise, in the number of people committing suicide from 2006-2009. However, statistics may be inaccurate as suicide is sometimes difficult to classify. Men are more likely to take their lives as compared to women. Causes of Suicidal Thoughts Suicidal thoughts often stem from feelings of hopelessness in one’s life. Common causes of suicidal thoughts include: Depression Sudden, unanticipatedand overwhelming change in life, usually negative Mental disorders such as bipolar disorders,...
by Admin | Mar 5, 2014 | Sudden Emergency
A hangover is a group of unpleasant signs and symptoms that occur upon waking up after drinking too much alcohol the night before. Hangovers usually lead to poor work/ school performance and increased irritability leading to conflict. The general rule is that the more alcohol a person drinks, the higher the possibility of developing a hangover the following day, however, each person’s limits before developing a hangover will vary. Moreover, not all persons will develop a hangover from drinking.The severity of hangovers will vary per person. Most hangovers will resolve on their own, but there are ways to alleviate the signs and symptoms. Causes of Hangover In some cases, one alcoholic beverage is enough to result to a hangover, whereas others may drink heavily and not trigger a hangover. Hangovers are caused by drinking too much alcohol but the following factors may add to the problem leading to the symptoms, which will be discussed later: Alcohol as a diuretic will cause the body to produce more urine à may lead to dehydration Alcohol as an activator of an inflammatory response from the immune system à may trigger agents that may lead to certain symptoms Alcohol as an irritant of the stomach lining àincreases stomach acid production and slows stomach emptying Alcohol expands blood vessels Alcohol decreases blood sugar Alcohol reduces sleep quality Alcohol may contain certain ingredients that may contribute to hangovers such as, congeners Signs and Symptoms of Hangover The unpleasant signs and symptoms from hangovers are usually evident, which include: Thirst Dizziness and light-headedness Headaches and sometimes, migraines Muscle aches Decreased appetite Nausea with or without...
