A lot of guys would love it if they could make like one of the characters in Scary Movie and ejaculate so much that they plaster their girlfriends against the ceiling. And although that won't likely be happening anytime soon, it's believed that wheat germ increases seminal output. Bon appétit.
(Butter's note: I only tried it once and it thickened my load like I've rarely seen before. Eat with oatmeal for better results)
Amino acids are believed to increase ejaculate fluid (not the amount of actual sperm necessarily) if taken regularly. Some amino acids include:
L-ARGININE HCL
Studies show sperm and semen volume doubles, fertility improves (even among men with low sperm counts or poor sperm motility), and sperm health and activity increase with supplementation. Arginine is found in high concentrations in nuts and seeds like peanuts and almonds. It can also be found in chocolate and raisins. Some Natural Sources: Nuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, chocolate, popcorn, raisins, brown rice, carob, gelatin desserts, oatmeal, whole wheat bread, and protein rich foods.
L-LYSINE
Researchers find that this amino acids plus zinc increases sperm produced, stimulates testosterone production, and improves semen quality.
EPIMEDIUM SAGITTATUM
Sometimes called "horny goat weed," this botanical boosts libido and testosterone levels for greater sperm production for a strong ejaculation.
ZINC OXIDE
Has been shown to increase number of sperm and sperm motility by 80% to 200% by aiding testosterone synthesis.
L-CARNITINE
This amino acid is found in high concentrations in healthy sperm. Proven to significantly increase the percentage of highly motile sperm.
CATUABA BARK
Brazilian herb that strengthens the libido, and nourishes the entire male reproductive system.
PUMPKIN SEED
Supports prostate health and hormonal production. While they may not readily increase sperm volume, they do enhance prostate health and testosterone production.
MACA
Legendary South American botanical proven to promote libido, potency and energy.
Ginseng Y
ohimbe bark
Vitamin C, E
Magnesium
(Butter's note: Lecithin added daily increases amount, not thickness)
Zinc has been shown to improve both the amount of sperm you produce and the sperm's ability to move spontaneously and independently. Coupled with amino acids (see above), this will increase sperm volume significantly.
(Butter's note: Not as miraculous as they make it sound, but regular zinc intake (50mgs a day) does increase quantity somewhat.)
Whatever a pill company's claims are, you can probably do just as well with zinc and lecithin supplements. (Use zinc supplements in moderation; too much zinc intake can be dangerous.) For some guys, these nutrients do have a noticeable effect on ejaculation volume, and they're a lot cheaper and easier to get. In general, stay away from mail-order pills sold by less-than-reputable companies; you really don't know what's in them, and their claims are almost always untrue or at least greatly exaggerated.
PC Exercises:
While Kegel exercises can help you last longer, they can also aid in increasing sperm volume. There are a host of exercises you can do to keep your penis in great shape and shoot like a champion.
(Butter's note: PC muscle exercises have proven to help reduce prostate troubles in advancing age, but I have yet to see improvements in my ejaculate's volume through this method)
Frequency of sexual activity also contributes to volume -- although only to a certain degree. If you abstain for a day or two, you'll certainly produce more sperm than you would ejaculating every few hours. But any longer than this one- to two-day timeframe, and you won't see much of a difference, as semen reservoirs will have stopped building up a supply.
(Butter's note: True, the body will evacuate excess semen through urine & etc. so abstinence over 3 or 4 days will not continue increase of quantity. Usually, 2 or 3 days should be enough to reach maximum potential... but there are exceptions!)
And for those of you who wrote in asking if semen is a good source of protein, its protein content is roughly equivalent to that found in the egg white of a large egg. So you're probably best off sticking with the eggs.
Consistency of semen isn't very consistent; you've probably noticed that the thickness of your ejaculate can vary from day to day. This is because the quality of the fluid is very susceptible to a number of factors. Diet, exercise and frequency of sex can all dictate how thick or watery your emissions are, as can the tightness of the clothes that you wear (tight clothing will increase body temperature and can thus impact sperm motility.
While there is a lack of supporting scientific evidence, a number of ingredients are said to help thicken up semen. Because of their protein content, egg whites and gelatin are often recommended. Wheat germ, omega-3 oils, selenium, and zinc are all also believed to improve consistency.
(Butter's note: Tomato-based products, soy-based products, oatmeal, and celery have also proven to help thicken the load, at least in my case!)
Vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and essential fatty acids are found in the prostate in high levels, and are all necessary to produce semen. Low zinc levels have been connected to decreased production of seminal fluids, as well as lower testosterone levels. A healthy balance of nutrients is important for maintaining vascular health as well, which improves your ability to achieve and maintain erections. There isn't a need to go popping extra vitamins if you are already eating a diet rich in nutrients, particulary from fruits and vegetables. Essential fatty acids are found in certain kinds of fish (like salmon) and nuts.
Celery is one of food products known to have great properties for sexual stimulation. It contains androsterone, an odor free hormone which is very inviting for women. Raw celery is the best way to increase that desire.
Oysters are rich in zinc and are know to increase sperm and testosterone production. It contains dopamine which increases the sexual desire.
Bananas, Avocado and Almond or other nuts are some of the other food products which help in this matter.
10 Ways you can increase Your sperm count:
1. Have sex & masturbate less often - the more times you ejaculate, the less dense your semen will be. Maintain a gap of 3 days between two consecutive ejaculations.
2. Refrain from habits like smoking, alcohol consumption etc. - Alcohol affects your liver function, which, in turn, causes a dramatic rise in estrogen levels. Even two drinks a day will have long-term effects on sperm production
3. Exercise regularly.Exercising your PC muscle can help you shoot further than ever before.Read How to Exercise your PC muscles
4. Eat Nutritious Food - Diet that's low in fat, and high in protein, vegetables, and whole grains is good for your health and for your sperm. Avoid bitter, astringent and spicy foods.Reduce caffeine intake
5. Avoid heating of testicles - Wear loose, cotton boxer shorts, Avoid hot baths and saunas
6. Lose any excess weight, which tends to cause testosterone/oestrogen imbalances.
7. Reduce stress levels by learning relaxation techniques - Keep your mind and body healthy by regular practice of YOGA and MEDITATION.
8. Massage body with herbal oil, which improves blood circulation. Try Penis Massage Oil available
9. Try supplements - Certain natural supplements promise to increase sperm production.
10. Make love in the early morning or afternoon. Sperm levels are often highest in the mornings.
Foods to increase male fertility?
Tumors of the Central Nervous System
In the brain and spinal cord, even benign (noncancerous) tumors can be debilitating or life-threatening. Because the brain and the spinal cord are enclosed within bony structures, there is no room for tissue expansion. Any abnormal growth or swelling puts pressure on delicate tissues and can cause damage and impair function. Benign tumors growing next to critical nerves, brain structures, or blood vessels can compress them and cause problems. Tumors deep in the brain or surrounding tissue can be difficult or even impossible to remove surgically. Cancerous tumors can damage tissue and impair function. They may spread to the brain from other parts of the body or originate in the brain or spinal cord. Except for tumors that have spread from other parts of the body, the cause of brain and spinal cord tumors is unknown. Brain tumors can develop at any age. Spinal cord tumors are less common and are most likely to develop in young and middle-aged adults. Some genetic disorders, such as neurofibromatosis (in which many soft tumors grow from nerves in the skin) and tuberous sclerosis (a disorder causing an acnelike skin condition, mental retardation, and epilepsy), also can cause benign tumors to grow throughout the central nervous system. Tumors of the central nervous system are named for the type of cell or tissue from which they grow. The most common types of tumors in adults include the following: • Chordoma. This slow-growing tumor, which usually appears between ages 20 and 40, develops from tissue in the upper spinal cord. • Glioma. This type of tumor grows from the glial cells in the brain. Gliomas account for about half of all brain tumors and about a fifth of all spinal cord tumors. Gliomas are categorized according to the type of glial cells from which they arise: astrocytoma (from astrocytes), oligodendroglioma (from oligodendroglia cells), ganglioneuroma (from glial cells and immature neurons), and mixed glioma (usually from astrocytes and other glial cells). • Meningioma. Meningiomas develop from the meninges (the thin membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord). Meningiomas affect people of all ages but are most common among those in their 40s. Meningiomas grow slowly and rarely spread. Most are noncancerous. Small meningiomas may not cause any symptoms and may be detected by chance during a brain scan performed for another reason. • Pineal tumor. Pineal tumors grow in the pineal gland, a small structure deep within the brain, and account for about 1 percent of brain tumors. • Pituitary adenoma. The pituitary gland is an endocrine gland in the brain that releases hormones that help control the function of other endocrine glands and influence growth, metabolism, and maturation. Pituitary adenomas are noncancerous tumors that account for about 10 percent of brain tumors. If a pituitary adenoma grows, it can press on the optic nerves and impair side vision. • Schwannoma. This type of noncancerous tumor arises from Schwann cells (cells that form a protective sheath around each neuron). One of the more common forms of schwannoma (an acoustic neuroma) affects the major nerve in the brain that is responsible for balance and hearing. Tumors in the spinal cord are also named according to their location. For example, extradural tumors develop between the vertebrae and the dura (the tough membrane that protects the spinal cord). Tumors within the dura are either extramedullary (outside the spinal cord) or intramedullary (inside the spinal cord). Brain tumors often do not cause symptoms until they have grown large enough to press on tissue, nerves, and blood vessels and affect brain function. When this occurs, a brain tumor can interfere with a specific sense, learned skill, or bodily function. Common symptoms of brain tumors include headaches and numbness or weakness in the arms and legs. The headaches tend to become more severe and last longer as the tumor grows, and they may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. If the tumor disturbs the normal flow of electrical signals through the brain, seizures can occur. Pressure on certain nerves can lead to vision or hearing problems. Tumors that arise in the cerebrum, especially toward the front of the brain, can alter normal behavior, personality, memory, language, and learning skills. Tumors located toward the base of the brain can lead to weakness or paralysis (partial or complete loss of movement), lack of coordination, or difficulty walking. A tumor on or near the spinal cord can disrupt the flow of sensory information (including pain) to the brain, or movement commands from the brain to the body. Pain caused by a spinal cord tumor may feel like it is coming from elsewhere in the body. Such pain is usually constant, sometimes severe, and often described as burning or aching. Tumor-related changes in sensation include numbness and decreased sensitivity to temperature. Because all muscles are controlled by nerves, tumors in the spinal cord can cause weakness, spasticity (stiffness and restriction of movement), paralysis, difficulty walking, or loss of bladder or bowel control. Tests to diagnose a tumor in the brain or spinal cord include computed tomography (CT) scanning and magnetic resonance imaging]. You may also have cerebral angiography—an examination of the arteries deep inside the brain to assess the tumor’s type and determine its exact position. Another possible test is an electroencephalogram (EEG), in which electrodes are attached to your scalp to monitor the electrical activity in your brain and help determine if the tumor is causing seizures or otherwise affecting brain function. Specialized surgical techniques may be used to remove the tumor. Microsurgery uses a high-power microscope that allows the surgeon to view and access delicate brain tissue. Laser surgery uses powerful, concentrated beams of light to destroy the tumor. Ultrasonic aspiration uses high-frequency sound waves to break up the tumor and an aspirator to vacuum up the pieces. If a tumor cannot be removed and the flow of cerebrospinal fluid inside the brain or skull is blocked, a flexible tube called a shunt will be inserted to reroute and drain the fluid, relieving pressure on the brain. If a tumor is malignant (cancerous) and cannot be removed completely, radiation therapy probably will be used to destroy tumor cells and shrink the tumor. Because radiation therapy destroys only dividing cells, it is particularly useful for treating brain tumors. Doctors use CT scanning and MRI to help focus treatment on the tumor and prevent radiation damage to healthy brain tissue. Chemotherapy (treatment with powerful anticancer drugs) is used to shrink or destroy tumors. Other medications may also be used to relieve problems associated with the tumor. For example, corticosteroids are often prescribed to control the swelling in the brain or spinal cord that can result from a tumor.
Disorders of Brain Function
The underlying causes of certain neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease are not yet known. However, much is known about other neurological disorders—such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and migraines— although they are not yet fully understood. Research is ongoing to understand these disorders better and to develop effective treatments. Stimulate Your Mind Just as exercise strengthens your muscles, neurological research shows that “exercising” your brain may help keep it strong as you age.Engaging in intellectually stimulating activities such as reading, doing crossword puzzles, and learning new things increases the number of connections between the cells in your brain.Doctors now think that these extra connections may provide a buffer against the destructive effects of Alzheimer’s disease and, in some cases, postpone the onset of symptoms. Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease in which brain cells degenerate and die, causing memory loss, confusion, loss of intellectual abilities (including thinking, reasoning, judgment, and memory), physical deterioration, and eventually death. It can also cause significant changes in mood, personality, and behavior. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of irreversible dementia (progressive deterioration of mental functioning). The disease usually occurs after age 65, and progresses over a course of about 8 to 10 years. However, it can take as few as 2 or as many as 20 years. The cause of Alzheimer’s disease is unknown. Most people who develop Alzheimer’s disease have no family history of it. Women are affected more often than men, but this may be related to the fact that women generally live longer and the disease occurs later in life. Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, which vary from person to person, appear gradually and worsen over time. Initial symptoms—such as inability to concentrate, forgetfulness, anxiety, and depression—often go unnoticed or may be mistakenly attributed to normal aging. Memory problems eventually worsen, and the person also experiences impaired intellectual skills. He or she becomes apathetic and withdrawn. In later stages of the disease the person becomes severely confused and disoriented and also may become irritable, fearful, suspicious, delusional, agitated, and even violent. Eventually the person will be unable to perform daily activities (such as bathing, dressing, eating, and using the toilet) and will need total care. Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is based on symptoms (as described by the person or his or her family members) and tests that evaluate various aspects of mental functioning (such as short-term memory). To make a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, the doctor needs to rule out other possible causes of the person’s symptoms, such as depression, kidney failure, liver disease, thyroid disorders, excessive alcohol intake, side effects of medication, drug interactions, fatigue, poor diet, vision problems, and hearing problems. Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and other neurological disorders, such as meningitis or encephalitis, also can cause similar symptoms. Computed tomography (CT) scanning and magnetic resonance imaging are not performed to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease but often are used to rule out other possible causes of dementia, such as a brain tumor or a stroke. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, some people in the early to middle stages of the disease may benefit from medications (such as donepezil or tacrine) that help improve memory and manage some of the behavior problems caused by the disease. Other medications to treat or cure Alzheimer’s disease are currently under investigation. Caring for a Person Who Has Alzheimer’s Disease Caregiving can be demanding, stressful, and exhausting. If you are caring for a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease, learn all you can about the disease so you can be adequately prepared to deal with this challenging situation. Here are some useful recommendations for caregivers: • Watch for warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease such as forgetfulness, confusion, or withdrawal. Some symptoms may be due to another underlying disease or condition—such as depression —that can be treated and cured. • Gather useful information (such as educational materials and referrals to support groups) from reliable sources such as your doctor, your local library, your local hospital, and your local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. • Make all necessary legal and financial arrangements (including advance directives, durable power of attorney, and payment of healthcare costs) as soon as possible. This will help prevent potential legal and financial problems in the future. Contact a lawyer for additional information and assistance. • Take all necessary precautions to protect your loved one from potential dangers such as falls, burns, poisoning, and wandering away from home. Taking steps such as locking away hazardous objects and materials (including medications, cleaning fluids, matches, lighters, and firearms), installing special locks on doors and windows, and placing night-lights along the route from the bedroom to the bathroom and in the bathroom itself can help prevent serious injuries. The Alzheimer’s Association offers a nationwide program called Safe Return that registers people with memory problems and provides them with special identification. The program maintains a 24-hour, toll-free number to call when a registered person is either lost or found. Contact your doctor or the Alzheimer’s Association for additional information. • Seek help and support from others. Do not try to do everything yourself. Keep an updated list of things that need to be done, and ask reliable family members or friends for help whenever you need it. Contact your doctor, local hospitals, and volunteer, community, and health organizations for information and referrals. Join a support group to share information and experiences with others in a similar situation. Consider hiring a professional caregiver through a licensed home health agency. • Be realistic about the inevitable outcome of the disease. Prepare yourself to deal with the loss of your loved one. Talking things over with a close friend or relative or with members of a support group will help you come to terms with your grief. • Be prepared to make informed decisions about long-term care. A person with late-stage Alzheimer’s disease needs total care. As soon as you learn that your loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, begin gathering information about longterm- care facilities in your area so you will be able to make an informed decision when necessary. • Take care of yourself. Take regularly scheduled breaks; eat a nutritious, wellbalanced diet; exercise regularly ; do not smoke ; and get plenty of sleep. Limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol, and use relaxation techniques such as meditation and deepbreathing exercises to help relieve stress. Contact the Alzheimer’s Association (800-272-3900) for additional information and advice on caring for a person who has Alzheimer’s disease. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive motor neuron disease that has no known cause. In ALS, the motor neurons (nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control muscular activity) gradually degenerate, causing the muscles to weaken and waste away, eventually leading to paralysis. ALS occurs during middle age, and men are more likely to develop the disease than women. Symptoms of ALS include tripping and falling, weakness in the hands and arms, and twitching and cramping of the muscles. As the disease progresses, it can cause difficulty speaking, swallowing, and breathing. In the final stages, although the person is aware and his or her intellect is unimpaired, he or she is unable to speak or move. Diagnosis of ALS is based on the symptoms and on the results of various diagnostic procedures, including electromyography (an examination that measures the electrical activity of the muscles), blood tests, muscle biopsies (removal of small samples of muscle tissue for microscopic examination), and computed tomography (CT) scanning and magnetic resonance imaging. There is no way to prevent the disease or to reverse or slow its progression. Most people with ALS die within 5 years of diagnosis. Treatment focuses on relieving discomfort and helping the person stay independent for as long as possible. The person’s life may be prolonged through the use of a ventilator (a machine that takes over breathing when a person can no longer breathe on his or her own) and feeding through a tube when a person has difficulty swallowing. Epilepsy In a person who has epilepsy, abnormal electrical activity in the brain causes seizures (temporary loss of consciousness or memory, or uncontrolled movements or behaviors). Epilepsy refers to a pattern of repeated seizures. The disorder can result from a brain tumor, stroke, head injury, lead poisoning, alcohol or other drug withdrawal, metabolic imbalances, or brain infections (such as encephalitis or meningitis). There are two basic categories of seizures: generalized seizures, which affect the entire brain, and partial seizures, which affect only one area of the brain. The two most common types of generalized seizures are grand mal seizures and petit mal (or absence) seizures. During a grand mal seizure, the person experiences loss of balance and coordination, loss of consciousness, and uncontrollable jerking movements. In some cases the person may also experience loss of bladder or bowel control. A grand mal seizure can last for several minutes and leave the person disoriented and exhausted. The person usually does not remember the seizure. Petit mal seizures occur most often in children. During a petit mal seizure, the person experiences loss of awareness that may last from a few seconds to about half a minute. Some people also experience brief confusion, muscle twitching, or rapid eye movements. The person is not aware of the seizure, and the symptoms are often subtle and may go unnoticed; the person may appear to be inattentive or daydreaming. This type of seizure may occur hundreds of times per day, seriously impairing the ability to concentrate or complete even simple tasks. During a simple partial seizure, a person may experience sudden muscle twitches, tingling sensations, or hallucinations that affect smell, taste, or vision. This type of seizure lasts for several minutes. The person is aware of the seizure as it occurs and can recall what happened afterward. During a complex partial seizure, a person appears dazed and may perform involuntary actions such as walking in circles, laughing, speaking nonsensically, or smacking his or her lips. The person is not aware of his or her actions. Afterward the person is confused and does not remember the seizure. A diagnosis of epilepsy is based on the results of a thorough neurological examination and an evaluation of the type and pattern of the person’s seizures. Because most people do not remember their seizures, information about the seizures is usually obtained from witnesses. The person will probably undergo an electroencephalogram to examine the electrical activity of the brain. Computed tomography (CT) scanning or magnetic resonance imaging will probably be performed to rule out other possible causes of the seizures, such as a brain tumor or a stroke. The risk of having a seizure increases with stress, sleep deprivation, fatigue, inadequate food intake, or failure to take prescribed medications. Seizures often occur spontaneously, but they can also be triggered by certain stimuli such as flickering or flashing lights, loud noises, or monotonous sounds. If you have grand mal seizures, you may be able to sense an oncoming seizure through feelings of unease or a recognizable sensory change (such as a specific sound, smell, or visual disturbance) called an aura. Epilepsy is usually treated with anticonvulsant medications (such as primidone or diazepam) that prevent or control seizures. In rare cases, if medication does not control the seizures, surgery may be performed to remove the affected brain tissue. A special diet helps some people. Biofeedback also may be helpful. Most people with epilepsy live normal, productive lives with the help of medication. Multiple Sclerosis Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive, disabling disease of the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). MS is an autoimmune disease, in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys its own tissue (in this case, the myelin that surrounds and protects nerve cells). Early in the disease, inflammation occurs at random sites in the brain or spinal cord, damaging myelin and causing scarring (sclerosis) that interferes with the transmission of messages between the brain and the body. The initial symptoms of MS may include blurred or double vision, red color distortion, or blindness in one eye. Muscle weakness, lack of coordination and balance, fatigue, partial or complete paralysis, and spasticity (stiffness) can occur in the early stages of the disease. Other symptoms include numbness, tingling, tremors, dizziness, and slurred speech. About half of all people with MS also experience problems with concentration, attention, memory, and judgment, although intellectual and language skills remain unchanged. Depression and paranoia can occur, as can inappropriate mood swings. Sexual dysfunction and loss of bowel and bladder control also can occur. The symptoms may worsen when the body heats up from high environmental temperature, exercise, taking a hot bath, or having a fever. Early in the disease, symptoms often come and go. Later they may gradually worsen. The symptoms of MS usually appear between ages 20 and 40, although a diagnosis may not be made immediately. A diagnosis is based on eliminating other possible causes of the symptoms, such as stroke or a brain tumor, and detecting characteristic features of MS. For example, certain changes in the brain can be observed with magnetic resonance imaging after sufficient damage has occurred, and sometimes increased inflammatory proteins (antibodies) can be found in cerebrospinal fluid (obtained during a lumbar puncture). These antibodies, which are produced for no known reason, are strongly associated with MS. In some cases the doctor may perform an evoked response test, in which electrodes are placed on the person’s head, and electrical activity in the brain is recorded as he or she is exposed to various sensory stimuli such as sound or light. The cause of MS is unknown. Evidence suggests that the disease may result from a combination of a person’s genetic susceptibility (the disease tends to run in families) and a viral infection early in life. Environment also appears to have a role in susceptibility to MS. People who spend the first 15 years of their lives in a temperate climate have a higher risk of developing the disease later in life than those who spend their first 15 years in a tropical climate. This is thought to be the period when the viral infection occurs in susceptible people. Whites are twice as likely as blacks to develop MS, and women are twice as likely to be affected as men (although, when the disease starts later in life, men are as likely as women to be affected). Most people with MS live a normal life span. There is no cure for MS, although new treatments, such as interferon beta and glatiramer acetate, can reduce the likelihood of episodes and can slow progression of symptoms. Treatment will depend on symptoms. Corticosteroids (such as dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, or prednisone) or adrenocorticotropic hormone are prescribed to control inflammation in the nervous system during acute episodes, especially when the symptoms affect movement rather than sensation. To relieve fatigue, your doctor may prescribe amantadine or modafinil. He or she also will advise you to help prevent fatigue by staying cool (such as with air conditioning). The doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants to relieve muscle spasms and also may recommend that you swim or participate in a water therapy program. Physical therapy can help maintain muscle strength and improve your balance and coordination. Occupational therapy can help you learn easier ways to perform daily tasks. For urinary incontinence, your doctor may prescribe an antispasmodic medication (such as dicyclomine or hyoscyamine) to relax the bladder and control muscle contractions. Parkinson’s Disease Parkinson’s disease is a progressive degenerative disease like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, though it has a much slower course. Researchers believe that a combination of factors—including environmental toxins, genetic predisposition, accelerated aging, or damage to cells from free radicals—may bring about the disease. The average age of onset is 60, but many younger adults have early symptoms. Men and women are affected equally by Parkinson’s disease. In Parkinson’s disease, the neurons in the basal ganglia (clusters of paired nerve cells deep inside the brain) that control muscular activity become damaged or die. These nerve cells produce an important neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) called dopamine, which has an essential role in controlling muscle actions. Without sufficient dopamine, the nerve impulses are disrupted, causing the primary symptoms of the disease: tremor (trembling) in the hands, feet, arms, legs, and head; stiffness and weakness; slow movement; and impaired balance and coordination. The early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are subtle and appear gradually. The hands and feet may tremble slightly. Eventually the person’s speech may become slow and halting, and his or her handwriting will become very small. Some people may have a flat facial expression and become stiff and unsteady. As the disease progresses, they may experience problems with memory and thought processes. The skin may become oily (especially on the forehead, nose, and scalp) or very dry, or excessive sweating may occur. People with Parkinson’s disease often have difficulty sleeping. Depression also is common. A diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is based on the symptoms. There is no cure for the disease, but medication can relieve the symptoms for most people in less severe stages of the disease. The most common medication is levodopa (also called L-dopa), which the body converts to dopamine. Not all symptoms respond well to levodopa, and those that do will return if the medication is stopped. Anticholinergic drugs such as benztropine may be prescribed to relieve tremor. Brain surgery to reduce tremor and rigidity may be performed on some people for whom medication has not been effective. Although the progression of Parkinson’s disease cannot be slowed, treatment to relieve symptoms can help people continue to lead active lives. Tourette’s Syndrome Tourette’s syndrome is a rare inherited disorder characterized by involuntary movements and nasal and vocal sounds. Researchers believe that the abnormality in the gene or genes responsible for the disease affects the way the brain controls neurotransmitters (chemical messengers such as serotonin and dopamine). Symptoms usually begin before age 18, and men are up to four times more likely to have the disease than women. In some cases the symptoms are not noticeable or do not continue into adulthood. Early symptoms of the disease include facial tics such as eye blinking, nose twitching, or grimaces. (Note that most such tics are not due to Tourette’s syndrome.) Over time the tics may become more noticeable and may include head jerking, neck stretching, foot stamping, and body twisting or bending. The person also may make strange noises, such as coughing, sniffing, grunting, yelping, barking, or shouting. More disturbing symptoms, such as involuntary shouting of obscenities, constantly echoing words of others, touching others excessively, or repeating actions obsessively, also may occur. In severe cases people with Tourette’s syndrome may harm themselves by biting their lips and cheeks and banging their heads against hard objects. Tics periodically change in number, frequency, type, and location. They also may disappear for a time and then reappear. If a person tries to suppress a tic, tension will build until the tic occurs, often in a more dramatic manner. Tics tend to worsen in stressful situations and improve during periods of relaxation or when the person concentrates on another activity. Tourette’s syndrome is diagnosed through monitoring of symptoms (the tics must be present for at least 1 year) and confirmation of a family history of the disease. In some cases neurological tests may reveal another cause of the symptoms. There is no cure for Tourette’s syndrome, although symptoms tend to decrease with age. The disorder does not affect the intellect. The person may not require any treatment, but the doctor may prescribe medications to reduce specific symptoms that interfere with daily routine. Relaxation techniques and biofeedback can help prevent tics.
Headaches
A headache is a very common type of pain. The pain of a headache may extend over the entire head, or it may be limited to a specific area. Headache pain may range from mild to severe. Unusual or sudden changes in posture or prolonged coughing, sneezing, or exposure to sunlight can lead to a headache. In some cases, however, a headache may be a symptom of a serious underlying condition, such as a stroke or a brain tumor. Call your doctor immediately if your headache is severe or persistent, if it occurs after a blow to the head, or if it is accompanied by any of the following: • fever • nausea • stiff neck • pain in your eye or ear • dizziness, confusion, or loss of consciousness • weakness or paralysis • seizures Tension headaches (also called muscle contraction headaches) are the most common type of headache. These headaches produce mild to moderate pain that feels as though pressure is being applied to the head or neck. The pain may be accompanied by muscle tenderness. Tension headaches can be brought on by head or neck injury, anxiety, stress, eyestrain, or poor posture. If the headaches occur almost every day, they are referred to as chronic daily headaches, and they may cause fatigue, depression, and difficulty sleeping. A migraine is a severe, persistent headache accompanied by certain recognizable symptoms. Migraine headaches produce intense throbbing pain that occurs on one side of the head and may spread to the other side. Evidence suggests that susceptibility to migraines is inherited. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sensitivity to light and noise, fever, chills, aches, and sweating. Some people experience a specific warning sign called an aura, such as a visual disturbance, just before the onset of a migraine. Migraine attacks usually last for a few hours, but more severe episodes may last for a few days. Attacks can occur several times per week or once every few years. A migraine can be completely disabling; following an attack, the person is often exhausted, irritable, or unable to concentrate. People who have migraines may be able to identify triggers (specific substances, conditions, or circumstances that can bring on a headache), such as alcohol, monosodium glutamate (MSG; found in processed foods), tyramine (found in aged cheese and red wine), or nitrates and nitrites (found in processed meat products). Other potential triggers include fluorescent lights, glaring light (such as from computer screens), high altitudes, strong smells, and sudden changes in temperature or barometric pressure. A cluster headache is a series of headaches that affects one side of the head. Cluster headaches come on suddenly and produce intense symptoms, which may include a runny nose; drooping eyelid; and an irritated, watery eye on the affected side. The pain often centers just behind the eye. Cluster headaches often occur early in the morning and can be as brief as 15 minutes or as long as 3 hours. With episodic cluster headaches, attacks occur daily or several times per day for many weeks or months and then disappear for an extended period (months or years). With chronic cluster headaches, attacks occur at least once per week. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen will relieve most headaches. Some antidepressants are useful for treating chronic pain and may help reduce the occurrence of most types of headaches. Muscle relaxants may reduce the pain of muscle contraction headaches. People with migraine headaches can take ergot alkaloids or serotonin agonists at the onset of symptoms to help reduce the severity and duration of their headaches. Migraines often can be reduced or prevented in people who experience frequent episodes by daily use of medication. If you have frequent headaches you will benefit from keeping a headache diary to track your headache triggers, symptoms, and sources of relief.
Other Neurological Disorders
This section describes several less common central nervous system disorders. • Meningitis. Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges (membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord), usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Symptoms often appear suddenly and include high fever, severe and persistent headache, sensitivity to light, rigid neck, nausea and vomiting. In the viral meningitis symptoms are less serious. The symptoms of bacterial meningitis is development faster and are monitored by the drowsiness and in some cases, the loss of consciousness. Viral meningitis clears in a week or two usually and requires no other than the drug treatment to relieve pain. Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment with large doses of antibiotics given intravenously. Contact your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of meningitis. • Encephalitis. Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain, usually caused by a viral infection. The symptoms are sudden fever, headache, vomiting, sensitivity to light, neck and back, confusion, drowsiness, clumsiness, unsteady stiffness and irritability. More serious symptoms are muscle weakness, changes to behavior, loss of memory, judgment with impaired driving, seized and loss of consciousness. Some types of encephalitis can be treated with medications such as acyclovir. In most cases, however, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, keep the person to be comfortable and allowing immune the body against infection. The doctor may prescribe the anticonvulsant medication to prevent seizures and corticosteroid drug to reduce swelling in the brain. Some cases of encephalitis are short and relatively benign. Others may be serious, causing disability long-term or even death. The symptoms of encephalitis require immediate by a physician evaluation may be because early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications, fatal. • Arteriovenous malformation. A (AVM) arteriovenous malformation is a congenital (present at birth) disorder in which there is a web abound arteries and veins in the brain or spinal cord. The symptoms are entered, headaches, paralysis, loss of speech or vision, bleeding (the site of the incorrect blood vessels), or other neurological symptoms. Once detected, the AVM can be removed surgically, closed by injecting a medicinal special glue (in a called procedure embolization) or with radiation. If an AVM is untreated it can bleed in the brain or spinal cord, causing disability death or serious. ‘ • Bell ' s palsy. ‘ Paralysis of ' s Bell is a temporary paralysis of the facial muscles due to inflammation of one of the facial nerves. Usually only one side of the face is assigned. Symptoms include weakness, twitching or paralysis (which may prevent the eye of close completely), drooling and impairment of flavor. Other symptoms may include pain, larmoyants eyes and hypersensitivity to sounds. ‘ Bell ' s palsy may occur in anyone at any age, but it is more common among pregnant women and people who have diabetes or a viral infection as flu, a cold or cold sores. There is no specific treatment, and clear symptoms often on their own people that have no other related diseases. Weakness sometimes face is caused by a more serious illness. If you have other symptoms, or if the condition does not quickly improves, consult your doctor.
types of cancer
Cancer is a group of many related diseases that begin in cells, the body's basic unit of life. Normally, cells grow and divide to produce more cells only when the body needs them. Sometimes, however, cells become abnormal and keep dividing to form more cells without control or order, creating a mass of excess tissue called a tumor. Tumors can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (not cancerous). Common Cancers
The cells in malignant tumors can invade and damage nearby tissue and organs. Cancer cells can also break away from a malignant tumor and travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to form new tumors in other parts of the body.
Most cancers are named for the organ or type of cell in which they begin. For example, cancer that begins in the lung is lung cancer, and cancer that begins in cells in the skin known as melanocytes is called melanoma.
When cancer cells spread (metastasize) from their original location to another part of the body, the new tumor has the same kind of abnormal cells and the same name as the primary tumor. For example, if lung cancer spreads to the brain, the cancer cells in the brain are actually lung cancer cells. The disease is called metastatic lung cancer (it is not brain cancer).
Use the links below to find information on specific types of cancer, including treatment options, expertise at The James, clinical trials, and frequently asked questions.
Heroin
Heroin is opiate, which means that it is the opium poppy. Like other opiates, can be eaten, inhaled, smoked or injected. Because the body quickly built a tolerance to heroin, users can become addicted quickly. The heroin tranquilizing euphoric effects arrives at a high price: regular use can lead to kidney, pneumonia, Lung abscesses and disorders, depending on how the drug is taken of the brain dysfunction. Those who inject drugs also may abscesses skin, phlebitis (inflammation of a vein, often with a blood clot formation), scarring, hepatitis and HIV infection. The drugs, methadone itself creates a dependency goal much less than heroin, is often used to treat heroin dependence; the person may need to take to the rest of his life. The methadone treatment is generally given on an external basis under the supervision of a doctor.