An Active Brain makes a stronger person. Here are 10 Most Effective Ways to enhance your mind functioning

Stimulate your mind

Cognitive stimulation helps in regeneration of brain cells, further developing neurological “plasticity” and also preventing cell loss. Perform activities such as reading, painting, or playing instruments, that require both physical and mental work to help stimulate your mind.

Exercise

Whether it is the hectic everyday life or simpe lethargy that stops you from exercising, you are indirectly affecting your mental strength as well. Muscle movements can help your mind and being inactive can hamper the efficiency, plasticity, and adaptive potential of your brain. 

Eat healthy

Having a healthy diet and keeping your body adequately nourished will lead to a stronger and better mind. Include fruits, fish, nuts, unsaturated oils, and proteins from various plant sources, helping you develop mental cognition, and reduce the risk of conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, etc, suggest diet experts at AMRI Hospitals, the best neurology hospital in Kolkata.

Keep your cholesterol under control

Research shows that high cholesterol (LDL) can increase the risk of dementia. Maintaining cholesterol levels through exercise, diet or even medications can enhance your mental activity.

Avoid alcohol and tobacco

Alcohol and tobacco are related to accelerating physical and mental stress. Therefore, such substances should be avoided.

Avoid stress and rumination

For people suffering from anxiety, depression or any other form of mental trauma, therapies such as CBT can help in supporting their mental, social and psychological well-being.

Ensure adequate  amount of sleep

Sleeping for at least 7-8 hours a day helps your brain work quicker and more accurately. Also note that sleeping in excess is as bad as not having adequate sleep. Sleeping is essential for your brain as it also sieves out harmful toxins.

Meditate

The most effective way to rejuvenate your brain and relax your overall body is by meditating regularly. Meditation also reduces stress levels, makes you think more clearly and helps strengthen your brain’s ability to focus.

Laugh more often

Laughter therapy is said to be the best way to keep your brain function effective. The release of endorphins boosts the overall immune system, and energy level, besides helping to reduce stress and trigger positive effects on your body.

Keep learning new things

Keep learning new things as it helps keep specific areas of your brain working, making it more flexible.
These are some of the best ways to care for your mental health and lead a healthier, positive life. Follow these tips to help stimulate effective brain functioning, keeping yourself more active and focused.

What are the different types of brain disorders?

Brain Injuries

Brain injuries are often caused by blunt trauma. Trauma can damage brain tissue, neurons, and nerves. This damage affects your brain’s ability to communicate with the rest of your body. Examples of brain injuries include:

1. Hematomas
2. Blood clots
3. Contusions, or bruising of brain tissue
4. Cerebral edema, or swelling inside the skull
5. Concussions
6. Strokes

 Brain Tumors

Sometimes, tumors form in the brain and can be very dangerous. These are called primary brain tumors. In other cases, cancer somewhere else in your body spreads to your brain. These are called secondary or metastatic brain tumors.

The most common symptoms of brain tumors are:

1. headaches
2. seizures
3. numbness or tingling in your arms or legs
4. nausea
5. vomiting
6. changes in personality
7. difficulty with movement or balance
8. changes in your hearing, speech, or vision

 Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases cause your brain and nerves to deteriorate over time. They can change your personality and cause confusion. They can also destroy your brain’s tissue and nerves.

Some brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, may develop as you age. They can slowly impair your memory and thought processes. Other diseases, such as Tay-Sachs disease, are genetic and begin at an early age. Other common neurodegenerative diseases include:

1. Huntington’s disease
2. ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), or Lou Gehrig’s disease
3. Parkinson’s disease
4. all forms of dementia

 Mental Disorders

Mental disorders, or mental illnesses, are a large and diverse group of conditions that affect your behavior patterns. Some of the most frequently diagnosed mental disorders are:

1. depression
2. anxiety
3. bipolar disorder
4. post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
5. schizophrenia

The symptoms of mental disorders vary based on the condition. Different people can experience the same mental disorders very differently. You should talk to your doctor if you notice a change in your behavior, thought patterns, or moods.

The two major types of treatment for mental disorders are medication and psychotherapy. Different methods work better for different conditions. Many people find that a combination of the two is the most effective.

If you think you might have a mental disorder, it’s important to talk to your doctor of AMRI Hospitals, best neurology hospital in Kolkata to come up with a treatment plan that works for you. There are many resources available — don’t try to self-medicate.

Neurological Problem Symptoms, Causes and Effects

Neurological Drugs: Possible Options

The type of medication that may be used for the treatment of your neurological disorder will depend on your condition. Possible options for neurological drugs may include corticosteroids, which are often indicated for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. This type of medication may assist with decreasing inflammation. Dopamine-affecting drugs, such as Levodopa, are commonly used in the treatment of Parkinson’s to help with rigidity and tremors.

Medication Side Effects

When taking medication for the treatment of any condition or disorder, it is important to understand that you may experience certain side effects. Medication side effects related to the treatment of neurological disorders can vary based on your own situation and the type of medication in question. In some instances, it may be possible to develop dependence to the medication you are taking. This can occur even if it is a prescription medication, and you are taking it for the treatment of a serious health problem, such as a neurological disorder.

Drug Addiction, Dependence and Withdrawal

If you have developed a drug addiction, dependence and withdrawal are two critical components you need to understand. Dependence can develop when you take medication over a period of time. Depending on the addictive nature of the medication and your own personal situation, dependence can sometimes develop quickly. If you do become dependent on your medication, you will experience withdrawal symptoms when you abruptly stop taking the medication. Symptoms can include headaches, nausea and tremors.

Addiction generally means you also have a psychological dependence on the medication in addition to a physical dependence.

Medication Overdose

The potential for medication overdose is quite real and should not be taken lightly. In instances where an individual has become dependent on a medication, they may begin taking increasingly larger doses of the medication in order to achieve the same effects. This can result in an overdose – a serious medical situation that can be fatal.

If you believe that you or someone you know may be taking too much medication and could be at risk for overdose, it is important to seek help right away. Please contact us at AMRI Hospitals, Best Neuro Hospital in Bhubaneswar

Lower abdominal pain in women can indicate severe health conditions

Lower abdominal pain (also known as pelvic pain) is a common medical condition, especially in women. It can indicate some transient disorders or serious disease in a few cases, warn gynaecologists at AMRI Hospital, one of the best hospital in Kolkata. The reasons for this pain, however, can be different for different people. Some of the most common reasons for lower abdominal pain in women include:

Diverticulitis

Pain in the lower left side of the abdomenis a result of inflammation in the small pouches, called diverticula, which can form in the lining of your digestive system. Fever, weakness, nausea, constipation, cramping, bloating, rectal bleeding (in a few cases) and vomiting are some of the most common symptoms of diverticulitis. The condition can also require a surgery, depending upon its severity.

Indigestion

Health experts at AMRI Hospitals explain that indigestion is mainly due to the stomach producing more acid in response to the food. This acid can cause irritation in your oesophagus, stomach, or bowel. Common symptoms of indigestion include bloating, belching and gas, nausea and vomiting, having acidic taste in mouth, growling stomach and burning sensation in your stomach or upper belly.

Hernia

A condition occurs when an organ, usually one of the intestines, pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. Though hernias are most common in the abdomen, they can also occur in the upper thigh, belly button, and groin areas. The condition can range from severe to mild.

Gallstones

Stones in the gallbladder are yet another common cause of pain in the lower abdomen. It occurs when snallstones block your gallbladder duct. Along with stomach ache,nausea, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, indigestion, and diarrhoea are some of its common symptoms. Health experts at AMRI Hospital warn that gallstones are also associated with various other health conditions like jaundice, cholangitis, gangrene of the gallbladder, sepsis, pancreatitis, fistula, and ileus.

Menstrual cramps

These are the periodic abdominal and pelvic pains experienced by women during menstruation. The pain can range from severe toa minor annoyance. As a matter of fact, pain is severe in at least one in every seven women. It can also hinder your day-to-day activities. Gynaecologists at AMRI Hospitals recommend physical exercise for alleviating menstrual cramps.

Ovarian cyst

Ovarian cysts are small sacs filled with fluid that develop in a woman’s ovaries. Although majority of cysts do not cause any major symptoms, they can lead to serious complications. Larger cysts can press on the bladder, leading to increase in urination. Rupturing of a cyst can also cause severe pain and internal bleeding. Thus, it is advised to seek immediate medical attention in case you experience any symptom of ovarian cyst.

Neuroscience Centre of AMRI Hospital Probes How the Brain Makes Decisions

Neuroscience Centre at AMRI Hospital probes how the brain makes decisions. Brain has an incredible power to store more information than a supercomputer and to create a network that outweighs any social portal. The brain has helped human beings to achieve great milestones such as walking on the moon, studying the human genes, and creating masterpieces of music, art and literature.

Moreover, scientists are yet to discover the full potential of things that the brain can do. This organ solely controls different aspect of the body—rate of heart beat, appetite, emotions and, most importantly the memory.

The brain also determines the response of immune system to a disease and partially controls how humans respond to medical treatments. It frames our mindset, beliefs, dreams, and emotions. It is the brain that performs all these functions which make us human.

Neuroscientists deal with the diagnosis and treatment of nervous system disorders in the body.  Their expertise is to decode the brain’s command of all its diverse functions. In all respects, neuroscience has made massive progress. Scientists are working towards gaining a deeper understanding of how the brain’s 100 billion nerve cells are born and their growth pattern. They further research on how these cells categorize themselves into effective, functional circuits that typically remain in working order for life.

Brain researchers of Institute Of Neurosciences at AMRI Hospital continually strive for a better understanding of this behavior. How do cell circuits allow us to read, speak and respond? How and why do we build connections? How do we think, memorize, or motivate? Scientists at AMRI Hospital are exploring possible causes of distressing disorders of the brain and body, as well as measures to avert or cure them.

AMRI Institute of Neurosciences is well-appointed with the latest equipment and expertise of highly qualified professionals. With round the clock service, the institute lays a special focus on Neuro Emergency and Trauma Care. It offers neuro care for neuro diagnostics, advanced neuro surgery, neuro rehab and stroke management, all under one roof.

Source: newshour.press

Common digestive conditions which indicate serious gastrointestinal disorder

Digestive issues (also known as gastrointestinal disorders) are one of the most common health conditions. Research by medical experts at AMRI Hospitals, one of the leading multi-speciality hospitals in Kolkata, shows that there are millions of people across the globe, who suffer from some form of digestive disorder. However, the conditions can range from mild to serious. There are a number of serious conditions, which indicate a need to consult the doctor. Listed below are some of the most common ones:

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) 

Also known as acid reflux, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is one of the most common digestive ills. It is a long-term condition characterized by backing up of stomach acid in your oesophagus. Symptoms include a feeling of burning pain in the middle of your chest or upper part of your abdomen, tooth erosion, nausea, etc. Various drugs like Prilosec, Zantac, H2 blockers Axid, Pepcid, proton pump inhibitors Aciphex, Tagamet, Nexium, Prevacid, and Protonix can be effective in keeping a check on acid levels. However, there are certain cases of GERD which need stronger treatments, including surgery.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) 

A common disorder that affects the large intestine (colon), IBS is characterized by a few common signs and symptoms like abdominal pain, intolerance towards food, cramping, bloating and altered bowel habits. Irritable Bowel Syndrome does not has any major impact on the body. However, it does cause a lot of discomfort at times. Although the exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is not known, medical experts at AMRI Hospitals associate it with digestive issues and increased sensitivity of the gut. The hospital offers one of the best gastroenterology treatment in Kolkata.

Celiac Disease

A genetic autoimmune disorder, Celiac disease is basically caused due to sensitivity to gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley). It damages the villi (small finger-like projects lining the small intestine), and has a major impact on absorption of nutrients from food. Experts at AMRI Hospital Kolkata state that more than 80% of people having celiac disease aren’t aware about it, or have been misdiagnosed with some other condition. Celiac disease also has a relation with other disorders like infertility, neurological disorders, cancer, reduced bone density, and other autoimmune diseases. Following a strict gluten-free diet is one of the most effective treatments for Celiac disease.

Gallstones

Usually formed in the gallbladder or bile ducts, gallstones are primarily made of cholesterol and bile salts. Common signs and symptoms include nausea, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, indigestion, diarrhoea and pain in the upper abdomen. Also, there are several health conditions associated with gallstones, which include jaundice, cholangitis, gangrene of the gallbladder, sepsis, pancreatitis, fistula, and ileus. A transabdominal ultrasonography is usually performed to diagnose gallstones. Other common tests include magnetic resonance cholangio-pancreatography (MRCP), intravenous cholangiogram (IVC), endoscopic ultrasonography, endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP), oral cholecystogram (OCG), liver and pancreatic blood tests, cholescintigraphy (HIDA scan), magnetic resonance and duodenal drainage.

Haemorrhoids

Commonly known as piles, this disorder is caused due to an increase in pressure on the rectal veins. It mainly occurs when the muscles supporting the haemorrhoidal vessels become weak and stop giving adequate support. This leads to an inflammation of the blood vessels at the end of the digestive tract. Indigestion, diarrhoea, strain during bowel movements and a lack of fibre in diet are some of the most common causes of haemorrhoids.

Keeping in mind the severity of these gastrointestinal disorders, it becomes imperative to keep a check on their symptoms and ensure timely treatment.

SOURCE: Virily.com

Ultra-modern imaging equipment introduced by AMRI Hospitals for precise spine and neurosurgery

Taking big strides in orthopaedic and neurological innovations, health practitioners at AMRI Hospital in Kolkatta and other parts of eastern India have introduced new imaging equipment and navigation system for accurate spine and neurosurgery. The system is expected to increase the success rate of surgeries.

Spine and neurological surgeries used to be the most complex surgeries, but not anymore with advancement in technology. Many failed surgeries were reported in India every year. Even if a surgery was successful, a patient would not recover quickly, due to loss of blood, damage to the muscles and large incisions.

With the introduction of minimally invasive technique, spine and neurological surgeries were conducted with much more precision and success. The patients recovered within a few weeks and were able to perform most of the activities, although there was still a long way to go.

However, the introduction of O-arm S8 navigation system, the most advanced 3D surgical imaging equipment will make these surgeries a lot more effective. It will further reduce the recovery time of the patients, with no pain. Blood loss and post-operative discomfort will be reduced as well.

Clear visualization and surgical navigation of every segment in the spine is enabled by this sophisticated equipment. With a detailed view of the patient’s anatomy in real time, a surgeon can navigate accurately through critical structures in the spine.

As a result, the patients preparing for spinal and neurosurgery will be more confident about the success of surgery. They will no longer need more than a week to prepare for, and recover from the surgery. Apart from this, it is very easy for a surgeon to control the tissue damage of patients with this technology introduced by health practitioners of AMRI Hospital, Kolkata. With minimal incisions, there is no pressure on the tissues and nerves.

The Rs 6-crore machine will not only guide a surgeon, but will assist him in placing an implant or scrw exactly where it should be, without damaging any blood vessel or nerve in the area. The chances of infection are very less as compared to open surgeries.

The retractable O-arm can move around the operating table taking a 3D image of the area to be operated. The image is overlaid on the one taken by the camera that goes through one of the holes made on a person’s body during microsurgery. A surgeon is guided by a composite view that comes alive on a screen.

The best thing about this new technology is that the chances of mistake are very less. Images provided by the machine’s O-arm are very clear and make a huge difference in the outcome of the surgery.

“Most hospitals use the C-arm, which produces 2D images of low resolution that can’t be merged with the ones taken by the camera that goes inside the body,” stated a health practitioner at AMRI Hospital. But, with this technology, the scope has broadened and the outcome of precision spine and neurosurgery is only going to get better.

SOURCE: wesrch.com