The EEG in a child with simple absence (petit mal) seizures often shows brief bursts of spike and wave abnormalities. In between these abnormalities the basic rhythm is quite normal. Sometimes spontaneously, but usually with hyperventilation, the EEG demonstrates runs of spikes and waves, with a typical rate of three times a second. This type of “electrical storm,” if it lasts more than one second, interferes with the child’s alertness or awareness. He will stare into space for a few seconds, then may say, “What? What did you say?” He returns to his normal state just as quickly as he had lost awareness. The EEG also abruptly returns to normal background.If Roger has typical staring spells during hyperventilation and has a typical spike and wave pattern on his EEG, the physician will be able to tell his mother that these spells will be outgrown, that he is unlikely to develop other types of seizures, and that his seizures should respond easily to medication.*81\208\8*

Cancer of the prostate is the most common type of cancer in males today, after skin cancer. In 2000, 180,400 new cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed, and from these, about 32,000 men would die. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death.From 1980 to 1990, prostate cancer incidence rates increased by 65 [...]

Persons with epilepsy should be aware of and obey the local regulations affecting their driving. Failure to follow regulations may result in accidents. Accidents occurring when the driver’s epilepsy is unreported, even if unrelated to a seizure, can result in problems with insurance coverage. Check with your physician and your motor vehicle administration for applicable [...]

It is estimated that while one in ten persons has a single seizure at some time during a lifetime, only a small proportion of these will have a second seizure, and even if an individual did have a second seizure, it would be unlikely to occur during the tiny fraction of his life that is [...]

Usually a cancer begins when a single cell within the body undergoes essential changes in its DNA so that the ‘switches’ which control the processes of proliferation and of differentiation are altered. That cell multiplies by dividing into two cells and the cancer characteristics are transmitted in the DNA to each new ‘daughter’ cell. Hence [...]

Care can prevent infection Any wound can become infected, particularly if it has not been thoroughly cleaned. An infected wound will take longer to heal, is more likely to scar and can result in serious complications, including death. Take the treatment of any wound seriously, and be alert for signs of infection. Note your symptoms [...]

Mumps Prior to the introduction of mumps vaccine in 1967, mumps virus, a paramyxovirus, was an important cause of aseptic meningitis. It remains an important cause worldwide and in unimmunized populations. Mumps is transmitted via a respiratory route, with most infections occurring in winter and spring months. Symptomatic meningitis is estimated to occur in 10% [...]

When a child learns to write A, B, C, D etc. he is taught to move the fingers in a particular way to write these letters. Later on the child begins to write sentences and is still using the conscious brain to carry out this voluntary activity. After a few years of training, the writing [...]

Of all the factors affecting obesity, perhaps the most critical is the relationship between activity levels and calorie intake. Obesity rates are rising. But how can this be happening? Aren’t more people exercising than ever before? Though the many advertisements for sports equipment and the popularity of athletes may give the impression that Americans love [...]

Endocrine Influence Over the years, many people have attributed obesity to problems with their thyroid gland. They claimed that an underactive thyroid impeded their ability to burn calories. This belief substituted an organic cause for individual responsibility for obesity. How many obesity problems may justifiably be blamed on a poorly functioning thyroid? Most authorities agree [...]