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Parkinson’s disease is a nervous system disorder named after Dr. James Parkinson, a British physician. It was first described by him in the year 1817.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is caused by gradual death of nerve cells (neurons) in the brain which make ‘dopamine’.  Dopamine is a vital chemical messenger  (neurotransmitter) used by nerve cells to help control movement of muscles. These dopamine producing nerve cells are clustered in a part of brain which is called ‘substantia nigra’ Loss or damage of dopamine producing nerve cells causes reduction in dopamine level. Due to deficiency of dopamine the nerve cells of that part of brain cannot send messages properly and so brain cannot have proper control over movement of muscles.

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic disease and symptoms get worse with time. Both man and woman can get Parkinson’s disease. It is a common disease for elderly. Though it affects persons over age of 50 yet sometimes it affects younger adults also.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease

• Trembling: – Trembling in different parts of body like hands, arms, legs, head, jaw etc.
• Stiffness of limbs and trunk.
• Loss of balance/postural instability.
• Slowness in movement (Brady kinesia).
• Difficulty in movement – e.g. difficulty in starting to walk.
• Difficulty in swallowing, eating and chewing.
• Reduction in speech volume.
• Expressionless face.
• Constipation or urinary problem.

Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease

Though there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease (PD) yet some symptoms can be reduced by medications. Varieties of drugs are available these days. The patients of PD are treated with Levodopa in combination with carbidopa. When Levodopa reaches the brain, it can be converted to dopamine by nerve cells. Carbidopa helps to delay the process of conversion of levodopa into dopamine until it reaches the brain.

But this treatment can reduce some symptoms only. In some cases surgery may be needed. When the symptoms of the disease do not respond to drugs then doctors may go for the surgery.

Author: Surya Narayan Bhattacharya

Insomnia is a disorder in which a person finds difficulty in falling asleep and staying asleep. In insomnia sleep is hard to achieve. For efficient functioning human body requires rest. Insomnia is a condition in which the body fails to get proper rest especially at night for want of proper sleep. Sleep is very essential for the body. It gives rest to the body as well as the brain and also gives relief from tension. A person feels fresh and relaxed when he or she wakes up in the morning after a sound sleep at night. On the other hand patient of insomnia feels tired and lathergy in the morning. Man, woman, young or old anyone can get insomnia. It is common in elderly.

Insomnia may continue for a long period and it may be chronic.

Causes of Insomnia

There are various causes of Insomnia. A scientific reason may be lowered level of brain’s melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland and is important for sleep regulation.

Other Causes

• Mental stress

• Anxiety, tension, fear.

• Drinking excess coffee and tea.

• Environmental factor – e.g. Noise

• Not maintaining the scheduled time for sleeping – unusual sleep.

• Breathing problem and cough (due to asthma).

• Pain in joints (due to Arthritis).

• Indigestion and severe headache.

Side effects of Insomnia

• Loss of concentration – Persons having insomnia feels difficulty to concentrate on task.

• Tiredness

• Lethargy

• Anxiety

• Depression

Tips:-

• Take a hot bath at night before going to bed. This will relax your body.

• Avoid Coffee and tea.

• Avoid oily food, fried food.

• Do aerobic exercises like walking, jogging, swimming in the morning or in the afternoon.

• Take meal at least two hours before going to bed.

Home remedies for Insomnia

Lettuce: – Due to presence of a sleep inducing substance in lettuce herb it is useful for the treatment of insomnia.

Valerian: – Valerian improves sleep quality and is very useful in insomnia.

Thiamine: – Thiamine, which is vitamin B, can be taken by persons having insomnia. It is very good for nerves. Whole grain cereals, nuts etc. can be taken.

Milk and honey: – A glass of milk with a few drops of honey can be taken at night before going to bed. It is a good home remedy.

Mixture of bottle gourd and sesame oil: – A mixture of bottle gourd juice and sesame oil can be massaged gently on scalp every night. This is a good home remedy.
Author: Surya Narayan Bhattacharya

Chikungunya is a type of viral disease caused by alpha virus. It is transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquito bites. Aedes aegypti mosquito bites during day time. Though chikungunya is not usually life threatening yet person affected by chikungunya becomes very weak and the person’s joint pains may last for long time. Full recovery from chikungunya may take several months.

Symptoms of Chikungunya

• Chills
• Fever about 40 degree Centigrade (104 deg. Fah.)
• Pain in joints
• Headache
• Rashes in limbs
• Nausea/vomiting

Prevention & Treatment

There is no specific medicine for Chikungunya. But it can be prevented by taking more fluids,cleaning the area of dwelling place and taking necessary steps to stop mosquitoes from spreading.

Persons affected by chikungunya may take medicines to get relief from pain and should take rest. Aspirin should be avoided. Improving immune system it can be cured in most cases.

Author: S.N.Bhattacharya