Friday, 21 July 2017

The symptoms are quite evident in men and the clinical tests performed by doctors confirm the presence of hypothyroidism in their body.

Causes Thyroid deficiency affects men and women of all age groups. The causes can be either congenital or acquired. Improper functioning of the thyroid gland further leads to decreased secretion of the hormone androgen and testosterone. The prime causes of low production of the two types of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) are: Deficiency of iodine in the body is the main reason behind low levels of thyroxine in the body. It mostly affects people residing in hilly areas. Iodine deficiency also gives rise to goiter. Autoimmune disorders is one of the significant causes of low thyroid in men. In such conditions, the antibodies produced by the body start acting against it, subsequently breaking down the immune mechanism of the body. e.g., Hashimoto's thyroiditis. In rare cases, malfunction of the pituitary gland also affects the function of the gland, leading to the production of very less thyroxine. This is the case when low testosterone causes low thyroxine. Signs and Symptoms Any type of thyroid disease is detected by the conventional method of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test. Listed below are the symptoms observed in men suffering from hypothyroidism. Weight gain Sluggishness Depression Fatigue Constipation Decreased appetite Muscle pain Joint pain Decreased stamina Sexual dysfunction Lack of concentration Memory loss Cold intolerance Hair loss Low heart rate Deepening of voice Thinning eyebrows Low body temperature Puffy skin Treatment Methods Diagnosis of a malfunctioning thyroid gland starts with medical tests. 



























TSH test is one of the most reliable techniques to detect the Mandro RX low thyroid in men. Along with it, various other blood tests are also performed for a full diagnosis. Treatment starts with oral medications that elevate secretion of the hormone thyroxine. Hormone pills restore the activity of the gland, thereby maintaining adequate levels of thyroxine. However, the person has to be regular with the dose to meet with desired results. Irregular intake of such pills might cause sleep disorders. Apart from medical treatments, one has to concentrate on his diet and lifestyle. The diet should contain foods that are rich in iodine, zinc, and selenium. It includes the consumption of sea salt and iodized salt. Food rich in iodine include, haddock, sea weeds (sea kelp), fresh fish, cod fish, etc. Selenium being an anti-oxidant helps to boost up the immune system, thereby preventing autoimmune disorders. The supplements prescribed by doctors fulfill the mineral requirement of the body, eliminating the symptoms. Brazil nuts, chicken, eggs, rice, corn, wheat, etc., contain high percentage of selenium. Foods having high amount of proteins, fibers, vitamins, and fatty acids must also be included in the diet. One of the best options is the herb bladderwrack. It's a brown algae abundant in iodine and is effectively used to treat thyroid hormone disorders in both men and women. These were some of the effective ways to treat low thyroid in men. One should never neglect the health when suffering from the symptoms mentioned in the content above. It's always wise to get diagnosed as early as possible to prevent aggravation of this health condition. 































Andropause mainly occurs due to lack of testosterone in the male body. As men age and get older, the testosterone producing capabilities in their bodies diminish and start having visible effects on their lives. Many men have often complained of suffering from a mid-life crisis when they cross the 40 years mark, and after 50 years of age this mid-life crisis actually begins to take shape visibly. Unlike menopause, the symptoms of andropause that occur due to a lack of testosterone are not restricted to older or middle-aged men. Even younger men in their 20s or 30s are prone to this condition. Symptoms The sudden surge of adrenaline that rushes through the body at various points in time, the growth of hair on the body, the deepness of the voice, and the larger reserves of stamina compared to women, etc., attribute to the presence of testosterone in the male body. The lack of this hormone lowers all these characteristics in male. The following are the commonly seen symptoms. The most common of all is the loss of sex drive in men. A decreased libido, lowered levels of stamina, a visible disinterest in the act of sex, and erectile dysfunction is clearly noticeable. An overall reduction in energy levels and strength levels after a certain age can also be a possible sign of this condition. If this lethargy and constant sense of tiredness persists without any visible disease or illness, it could be because the body is just not producing any testosterone anymore, or is doing so at an incredibly lowered rate. If a middle aged man is finding it very hard to concentrate on his tasks and his attention keeps wandering easily, it could well be an indication of male menopause. Even a reduced or impaired memory can indicate the onset of this condition. Similar to menopause, the symptoms also include extreme bouts of sudden sweating, that are referred to as hot flashes. 































Sudden and inexplicable sweating can also be attributed to the lack of testosterone in the male body. A decreased sense of agility, strength, virility, memory, muscle strength, and other similar characteristics are all classic symptoms of andropause. This is a condition that cannot be avoided in males, and every male will go through it at some point in time. It is a natural process that is inevitable as bodily functions and hormone secretions start diminishing slowly but steadily. Did You Know? Low sperm count in men that causes fertility problems has been attributed to disturbances in luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in the blood. A pea-sized structure, the pituitary gland that lies in the center of the skull, at the base of the brain, does an important job of secreting the luteinizing hormone (LH). LH plays a very important role in the proper development of reproductive organs in both males and females. The hormone is critical for regulating the working of the reproductive system. What Does the Luteinizing Hormone Do? As aforementioned, the production of LH is necessary for proper functioning of the reproductive system in males and females. Its functions are elaborated as under: Regulates Testosterone Production In males, LH is known to stimulate the testes, which in turn releases the testosterone hormone. To be precise, it prompts the Leydig cells located in the testes to release the testosterone hormone. This is a male sex hormone that ensures proper development and maintenance of male characteristics. For instance, masculine qualities such as facial hair, muscle mass, and growth of hair on the chest and the armpit are due to the presence of testosterone. Decline in LH production can cause poor secretion of testosterone, which can lead to a low sex drive. Helps in Maintaining a Healthy Sperm Count Apart from follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), LH also contributes in sperm synthesis. Adequate supply of LH is essential to ensure normal sperm production. 





























In order to treat fertility problems, intravenous administration of hCG hormone may help overcome shortage of LH, which prompts the testes to secrete sperm. Thus, to resolve low sperm count, adequate supply of LH is a must. For development of mature, healthy sperm cells, it is necessary that the LH supply does not diminish below the normal levels. Regulates Oestradiol Production Oestradiol is a female sex hormone that is released in the first phase of the menstrual cycle. It plays a critical role in the proper growth of breast tissue in women. This is the main sex steroid hormone present in women, and its presence is crucial for ovulation. The release of oestradiol is also regulated by the luteinizing hormone. Streamlines the Menstrual Cycle The first phase of menstrual cycle involves the production of luteinizing hormone. Without the release of this hormone, your body is not prepared for the next two phases of menstrual cycle. Menstrual problems are often an indication of disturbances in the LH levels in blood. Apart from controlling the menstrual cycle, LH plays a very important role in stimulating egg production in the ovaries. Thus, the process of ovulation cannot take place without adequate production of luteinizing hormone. Couples unable to conceive are often advised to undergo a LH blood test. Difficulty getting pregnant has been associated with abnormally high LH levels. Too much of LH during pregnancy can also lead to miscarriage. On the whole, ditching unhealthy habits like smoking and alcohol consumption and following a healthy diet and exercise will ensure adequate supply of LH and avert any reproductive problems. Aggressiveness is a major cause of disruptive behavior, crimes, robberies, fights, and all sorts of conflicts. It is most commonly encountered among the strong, and can take various forms, such as verbal or physical. 






























The causes of aggressive behavior are the sum of genetic and environmental factors. These days, the only dispute comes from the importance given to these two factors. Abnormalities on the neuroanatomic level―on the neurophysiologic and endocrine system―affect the probability of developing aggressive behavior. Although these factors do not seem to represent direct causes, the biological differences between children interact with the early exposure to different types of learning environment creating an individual pattern of social behavior. These are called biosocial interactions. Studies, such as MRI and PET, have shown significant differences between the brain of a more aggressive person and another one who has a diminished level of aggression. Together with the prefrontal cortex, the hypothalamus and the amigdala seem to represent extremely important places where to find the anatomic differences which affect the level of aggressiveness. Electric stimulation and lesions of these nuclei can increase or reduce the tendency of an individual to be violent or not. So, different traumas, lesions, or similar affections can lead to important changes in the behavior of a person, which can include a serious form of aggressiveness. Nevertheless, the occurrence of these changes also depends on situational factors. For example, research made throughout electrical stimulation on this cortical zone on animals, show that the same kind of stimulation which triggers aggression against a weak opponent might not lead to the same result when it is involved a stronger one. Persons presenting a low level of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter involved in the restraining of impulsive reactions, seem to develop a higher risk for developing aggressive behavior.

Wednesday, 19 July 2017

A final subtest of sensory perception that concentrates on the sense of proprioception is known as the Romberg test. The patient is asked to stand straight with feet together.

Once the patient has achieved their balance in that position, they are asked to close their eyes. Without visual feedback that the body is in a vertical orientation relative to the surrounding environment, the patient must rely on the proprioceptive stimuli of joint and muscle position, as well as information from the inner ear, to maintain balance. This test can indicate deficits in dorsal column pathway proprioception, as well as problems with proprioceptive projections to the cerebellum through the spinocerebellar tract. representing a Watch this video to see a quick demonstration of two-point discrimination. Touching a specialized caliper to the surface of the skin will measure the distance between two points that are perceived as distinct stimuli versus a single stimulus. The patient keeps their eyes closed while the examiner switches between using both points of the caliper or just one. The patient then must indicate whether one or two stimuli are in contact with the skin. Why is the distance between the caliper points closer on the fingertips as opposed to the palm of the hand? And what do you think the distance would be on the arm, or the shoulder? Muscle Strength and Voluntary Movement The skeletomotor system is largely based on the simple, two-cell projection from the precentral gyrus of the frontal lobe to the skeletal muscles. The corticospinal tract represents the neurons that send output from the primary motor cortex. These fibers travel through the deep white matter of the cerebrum, then through the midbrain and pons, into the medulla where most of them decussate, and finally through the spinal cord white matter in the lateral (crossed fibers) or anterior (uncrossed fibers) columns. These fibers synapse on motor neurons in the ventral horn. The ventral horn motor neurons then project to skeletal muscle and cause contraction. 





























These two cells are termed the Nooflex upper motor neuron (UMN) and the lower motor neuron (LMN). Voluntary movements require these two cells to be active. The motor exam tests the function of these neurons and the muscles they control. First, the muscles are inspected and palpated for signs of structural irregularities. Movement disorders may be the result of changes to the muscle tissue, such as scarring, and these possibilities need to be ruled out before testing function. Along with this inspection, muscle tone is assessed by moving the muscles through a passive range of motion. The arm is moved at the elbow and wrist, and the leg is moved at the knee and ankle. Skeletal muscle should have a resting tension representing a slight contraction of the fibers. The lack of muscle tone, known as hypotonicity or flaccidity, may indicate that the LMN is not conducting action potentials that will keep a basal level of acetylcholine in the neuromuscular junction. If muscle tone is present, muscle strength is tested by having the patient contract muscles against resistance. The examiner will ask the patient to lift the arm, for example, while the examiner is pushing down on it. This is done for both limbs, including shrugging the shoulders. Lateral differences in strength—being able to push against resistance with the right arm but not the left—would indicate a deficit in one corticospinal tract versus the other. An overall loss of strength, without laterality, could indicate a global problem with the motor system. Diseases that result in UMN lesions include cerebral palsy or MS, or it may be the result of a stroke. 



























A sign of UMN lesion is a negative result in the subtest for pronator drift. The patient is asked to extend both arms in front of the body with the palms facing up. While keeping the eyes closed, if the patient unconsciously allows one or the other arm to slowly relax, toward the pronated position, this could indicate a failure of the motor system to maintain the supinated position. Reflexes Reflexes combine the spinal sensory and motor components with a sensory input that directly generates a motor response. The reflexes that are tested in the neurological exam are classified into two groups. A deep tendon reflex is commonly known as a stretch reflex, and is elicited by a strong tap to a tendon, such as in the knee-jerk reflex. A superficial reflex is elicited through gentle stimulation of the skin and causes contraction of the associated muscles. For the arm, the common reflexes to test are of the biceps, brachioradialis, triceps, and flexors for the digits. For the leg, the knee-jerk reflex of the quadriceps is common, as is the ankle reflex for the gastrocnemius and soleus. The tendon at the insertion for each of these muscles is struck with a rubber mallet. The muscle is quickly stretched, resulting in activation of the muscle spindle that sends a signal into the spinal cord through the dorsal root. The fiber synapses directly on the ventral horn motor neuron that activates the muscle, causing contraction. The reflexes are physiologically useful for stability. If a muscle is stretched, it reflexively contracts to return the muscle to compensate for the change in length. In the context of the neurological exam, reflexes indicate that the LMN is functioning properly. 




























The most common superficial reflex in the neurological exam is the plantar reflex that tests for the Babinski sign on the basis of the extension or flexion of the toes at the plantar surface of the foot. The plantar reflex is commonly tested in newborn infants to establish the presence of neuromuscular function. To elicit this reflex, an examiner brushes a stimulus, usually the examiner’s fingertip, along the plantar surface of the infant’s foot. An infant would present a positive Babinski sign, meaning the foot dorsiflexes and the toes extend and splay out. As a person learns to walk, the plantar reflex changes to cause curling of the toes and a moderate plantar flexion. If superficial stimulation of the sole of the foot caused extension of the foot, keeping one’s balance would be harder. The descending input of the corticospinal tract modifies the response of the plantar reflex, meaning that a negative Babinski sign is the expected response in testing the reflex. Other superficial reflexes are not commonly tested, though a series of abdominal reflexes can target function in the lower thoracic spinal segments. Testing reflexes of the trunk is not commonly performed in the neurological exam, but if findings suggest a problem with the thoracic segments of the spinal cord, a series of superficial reflexes of the abdomen can localize function to those segments. If contraction is not observed when the skin lateral to the umbilicus (belly button) is stimulated, what level of the spinal cord may be damaged? Comparison of Upper and Lower Motor Neuron Damage Many of the tests of motor function can indicate differences that will address whether damage to the motor system is in the upper or lower motor neurons. 































Signs that suggest a UMN lesion include muscle weakness, strong deep tendon reflexes, decreased control of movement or slowness, pronator drift, a positive Babinski sign, spasticity, and the clasp-knife response. Spasticity is an excess contraction in resistance to stretch. It can result in hyperflexia, which is when joints are overly flexed. The clasp-knife response occurs when the patient initially resists movement, but then releases, and the joint will quickly flex like a pocket knife closing. A lesion on the LMN would result in paralysis, or at least partial loss of voluntary muscle control, which is known as paresis. The paralysis observed in LMN diseases is referred to as flaccid paralysis, referring to a complete or partial loss of muscle tone, in contrast to the loss of control in UMN lesions in which tone is retained and spasticity is exhibited. Other signs of an LMN lesion are fibrillation, fasciculation, and compromised or lost reflexes resulting from the denervation of the muscle fibers. DISORDERS OF THE… Spinal Cord In certain situations, such as a motorcycle accident, only half of the spinal cord may be damaged in what is known as a hemisection. Forceful trauma to the trunk may cause ribs or vertebrae to fracture, and debris can crush or section through part of the spinal cord. The full section of a spinal cord would result in paraplegia, or loss of voluntary motor control of the lower body, as well as loss of sensations from that point down. A hemisection, however, will leave spinal cord tracts intact on one side. The resulting condition would be hemiplegia on the side of the trauma—one leg would be paralyzed. The sensory results are more complicated. The ascending tracts in the spinal cord are segregated between the dorsal column and spinothalamic pathways. 




























This means that the sensory deficits will be based on the particular sensory information each pathway conveys. Sensory discrimination between touch and painful stimuli will illustrate the difference in how these pathways divide these functions. On the paralyzed leg, a patient will acknowledge painful stimuli, but not fine touch or proprioceptive sensations. On the functional leg, the opposite is true. The reason for this is that the dorsal column pathway ascends ipsilateral to the sensation, so it would be damaged the same way as the lateral corticospinal tract. The spinothalamic pathway decussates immediately upon entering the spinal cord and ascends contralateral to the source; it would therefore bypass the hemisection. The motor system can indicate the loss of input to the ventral horn in the lumbar enlargement where motor neurons to the leg are found, but motor function in the trunk is less clear. The left and right anterior corticospinal tracts are directly adjacent to each other. The likelihood of trauma to the spinal cord resulting in a hemisection that affects one anterior column, but not the other, is very unlikely. Either the axial musculature will not be affected at all, or there will be bilateral losses in the trunk. 





























Sensory discrimination can pinpoint the level of damage in the spinal cord. Below the hemisection, pain stimuli will be perceived in the damaged side, but not fine touch. The opposite is true on the other side. The pain fibers on the side with motor function cross the midline in the spinal cord and ascend in the contralateral lateral column as far as the hemisection. The dorsal column will be intact ipsilateral to the source on the intact side and reach the brain for conscious perception.