 |
|
Brain-damaged children often have cold feet
October 20, 2009Many wheelchair-using children with neurological disorders have much colder hands and feet than other children, and most receive no special help even though they have had these problems for a long time, is revealed in at thesis from the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
"These children have a disorder that can make it difficult to express how they feel, but it must be unpleasant to have cold hands and feet," says physiotherapist Lena Svedberg, author of the thesis. "I find it surprising that the matter hasn't been given more attention."
The thesis shows that skin temperature in brain-damaged preschool children in wheelchairs was several degrees lower than in children without neurological disorders. The temperature of their feet was three degrees lower and their hands two degrees lower than children without brain damage. The reason for their cold extremities may be that the brain damage affects the part of the nervous system that is not controlled by the will and which, among other things, regulates blood circulation, digestion and sleep.
"This hypothesis is supported by a study in the thesis that shows that children with cerebral palsy who had cold hands and feet also had problems with constipation, sleeping disorders, pain and impaired well-being," says Svedberg.
There is currently no established treatment for cold hands and feet, but a small pilot study - also part of the thesis - demonstrates that acupuncture might be effective.
"Acupuncture activates the nerve fibres that lead inwards and can affect activity in the autonomic nervous system," says Svedberg. "We could see that treatment raised skin temperature in some children with neurological disorders, but it is a very small study and more research is needed."
Parents are often anxious when children have cold hands and feet indoors, but the long-term effects on children are unknown.
"However, there are studies that suggest that balance reactions can be affected if the soles of the feet are cold," explains Svedberg.
University of Gothenburg
"This hypothesis is supported by a study in the thesis that shows that children with cerebral palsy who had cold hands and feet also had problems with constipation, sleeping disorders, pain and impaired well-being," says Svedberg.
There is currently no established treatment for cold hands and feet, but a small pilot study - also part of the thesis - demonstrates that acupuncture might be effective.
"Acupuncture activates the nerve fibres that lead inwards and can affect activity in the autonomic nervous system," says Svedberg. "We could see that treatment raised skin temperature in some children with neurological disorders, but it is a very small study and more research is needed."
Parents are often anxious when children have cold hands and feet indoors, but the long-term effects on children are unknown.
"However, there are studies that suggest that balance reactions can be affected if the soles of the feet are cold," explains Svedberg.
University of Gothenburg
Neurological Disorders Current Events and Neurological Disorders News RSSChildren with autism show slower pupil responses, MU study finds
Autism affects 1 in 150 children today, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined.
Researchers identify drug candidate for treating spinal muscular atrophy
A chemical cousin of the common antibiotic tetracycline might be useful in treating spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a currently incurable disease that is the leading genetic cause of death in infants.
Clinical tests begin on medication to correct Fragile X defect
NIH-supported scientists at Seaside Therapeutics in Cambridge, Mass., are beginning a clinical trial of a potential medication designed to correct a central neurochemical defect underlying Fragile X syndrome, the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability.
Cholesterol-lowering medicines may be effective against cancer
Statins lower cholesterol by blocking certain enzymes involved in our metabolism.
Alzheimer's lesions found in the retina
The eyes may be the windows to the soul, but new research indicates they also may mirror a brain ravaged by Alzheimer's disease.
Exon-skipping drug prevents muscle wasting, maintains muscle function in dystrophin deficient mice
An exon skipping PPMO has demonstrated dramatic effects in the prevention and treatment of severely affected, dystrophin and utrophin-deficient mice, preventing severe deterioration of the treated animals and extending their lifespan.
Dysfunctional protein dynamics behind neurological disease?
Researchers at Lund University, Sweden, have taken a snapshot of proteins changing shape, sticking together and creating structures that are believed to trigger deadly processes in the nervous system.
Cell death occurs in the same way in plants, animals and humans
Research has previously assumed that animals and plants developed different genetic programs for cell death.
LSUHSC's England plays key role in developing new ALS treatment guidelines
Dr. John England, Professor and Chairman of Neurology at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans, analyzed research findings and was responsible for the quality and accuracy of evidence analysis and the conclusions of the studies resulting in new guidelines for treating Lou Gehrig's disease, or amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Investment in Parkinson's disease data bank yields potential therapy
Individuals with Parkinson's disease who have higher levels of a metabolite called urate in their blood and in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have a slower rate of disease progression.
More Neurological Disorders Current Events and Neurological Disorders News Articles
 |
Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders (Current Clinical Neurology) by Frank I. Tarazi (Editor), John A. Schetz (Editor) A comprehensive, systematic, and advanced review of the scientific, preclinical, and clinical aspects of several major mental illnesses. The illnesses covered range from neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, and Parkinson's disease, to psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, Tourette's syndrome and tic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, unipolar depression, bipolar disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. For each disorder, the authors uniformly discuss its incidence and prevalence, etiology, molecular targets and mechanisms of action, brain structures and pathways, animal models, signs and symptoms, genetics, treatments, and related medical terminology. |
 |
ABC News Nightline A Troubled Mind A look at the movie "A Beautiful Mind" that offers what many consider the first realistic look at schizophrenia. ABC News analyzes the movie, and the disease, through the eyes of people who know what it is really like. Airdate: 3/22/2002 This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply. |
 |
Neurological Disorders, Second Edition: Course and Treatment by Thomas Brandt (Editor), Louis R. Caplan (Editor), Johannes Dichgans (Editor), Hans-Christoph Diener (Editor), Christopher Kennard (Editor) This single-volume reference covers the natural course, treatment, and management of all neurological diseases affecting the brain, spinal cord nerves and muscles. This comprehensive text reference seeks to assist physicians with treatment by providing an easy-to-use compendium covering the treatment and management of all neurological diseases along with details on the natural course of these diseases. Organized for ease of use and quick reference, each chapter presents a neurological disorder or key symptoms and systematically discusses the clinical syndrome and differential diagnosis, natural course, principles of therapy, and practical management of each. Key Features * Covers wide range of neurological conditions and potential... |
 |
Neurological Biotechnology Nutrition Disorder Phokus Group (Primary Contributor) |
 |
Narcolepsy Directed By: (c) Information Television Network |
 |
Amazing Brain - Neurological Disorders by Connie Goldsmith (Author) The Amazing Brain series offers exciting answers about how our brain works and why we respond to the world the way we do. Questions addressed in this 4-vol. set include: Do male and female brains work differently? Can music enhance learning and boost brain development? Was Einstein's brain more unique than the average brain? What dependencies are really true addictions? Can brain cells... |
 |
12K Gold Filled Saint Dymphna Medal and 18-inch Chain by A Great Jewelry Co. 12K Gold Filled Saint Dymphna Medal and 18-inch Chain - Picture shown above is not actual size, it is to showcase the fine craftsmanship and quality. See measurements for actual size. |
 |
ABC News Specials Medical Mysteries Series-Episode #1 Medical science has progressed exponentially in recent times, but scientists are still left with unanswered questions when it comes to the human body. "Medical Mysteries" looks at some of the rarest disorders and syndromes in medicine today. First ABC News examines two cases in which individuals either sleepwalked to their death or caused themselves serious injury while in a dream state. Then, hear the story of a modern day "sleeping beauty," but instead of a fairy tale it's a disease. Medically referred to as Kleine-Levin Syndrome (KLS), the neurological disorder manifests itself in an unexplainable urge to sleep continuously for periods up to 23 hours a day. The disease, which affects an estimated 500 people worldwide, completely removes people from day-to-day life for weeks or... |
 |
The Everything Parent's Guide To Sensory Integration Disorder: Get the Right Diagnosis, Understand Treatments, And Advocate for Your Child (Everything: Parenting and Family) by Terri Mauro (Author), Sharon A. Cermak (Technical Editor) Ten percent of the U.S. population has Sensory Integration Disorder-also known as Sensory Processing Disorder-which is characterized by the inability of the brain to accurately process information coming from the senses. For kids living with Sensory Integration Disorder, the world can be a scary place, full of potentially stressful experiences. Kids with Sensory Integration Disorder can howl in discomfort over the feel of a shirt tag or a sock seam on bare skin. They may find the sound of a whisper to be as loud and frightening as a siren, and may perceive the caring touch of a parent or jostling in the school lunch line as equivalent to an assault. The Everything Parent's Guide to Sensory Integration Disorder: Provides an in-depth definition of Sensory Integration Disorder... |
 |
ABC News Nightline Autism: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Jake and Andrew are quite similar in many ways -- both adored by their parents -- and both diagnosed with autism while they were in pre-school. Both Jake and Andrew received an expensive, intensive and to some, a controversial therapy known as Applied Behavioral Analysis or ABA. It's not a cure for autism. However, applied early, the intensive and highly-structured teaching of skills can work minor miracles and over a long period of time, can have a dramatic impact on learning skills and social interaction. ABC News correspondent John Donvan explores how this treatment is being hailed as one of the few known keys to unlock the mysterious doors of autism. Correspondent: John Donvan |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |