Health Journal Online

Category: Diseases & Conditions

  • Woman’s Migraines, Motion Sickness Thought To Be From Phone Use Revealed Rare Brain Disorder

    Woman’s Migraines, Motion Sickness Thought To Be From Phone Use Revealed Rare Brain Disorder

    For years, 44-year-old Charlie Rolstone from the U.K. brushed off her migraines, motion sickness, and occasional blackouts as the side effects of spending too much time on her phone. But a medical emergency three years ago revealed a chilling truth that her symptoms stemmed from a rare brain disorder from her skull pushing against the brain.

    An MRI taken during the emergency visit revealed that Rolstone had epilepsy and a Chiari malformation, a condition caused by an abnormal skull structure that forces the brain to extend downward into the spinal canal.

    “I’ve had it my whole life, but my symptoms have only been getting worse as I’ve got older,” said Rolstone, SWNS reported.

    “I’ve suffered with migraines since I was a teen. Whenever I cough, I also get a very piercing pain in my head, covering the back of my skull. It only lasts for, maybe, 30 seconds — but it’s enough to make me grab my head. I can’t even shout or raise my voice without getting a headache. These were symptoms I knew to be there, but I thought they were normal,” she added.

    Rolstone thought she would grow out of the symptoms until she received the diagnosis while she was taken to the hospital after collapsing from a seizure. The doctors also found out that she had brain lesions and an aneurysm.

    “I don’t know the full extent of the damage the condition has done, but I’m glad we’ve caught it now. That seizure saved my life — it revealed my Chiari malformation,” she said.

    Rolstone now manages her migraines with painkillers and limits her phone use to reduce motion sickness. With medications for epilepsy, she has been seizure-free for 21 months.

    Chiari malformation can be present with or without symptoms, and the signs depend on the type of condition. In Chiari malformation type 1, symptoms such as headaches, particularly while coughing or sneezing, neck pain, poor hand coordination, numbness in the hands and feet, and difficulty swallowing, typically begin in late childhood or adulthood, though the condition is often congenital.

    In rare cases, individuals with Chiari malformation type 1 may experience additional symptoms, including ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus), muscle weakness, a slow heart rhythm, curvature of the spine (scoliosis) linked to spinal cord impairment, and breathing difficulties.

    Type 2 Chiari malformation is typically associated with a myelomeningocele, a form of spina bifida where the spinal canal and backbone fail to close properly before birth. The symptoms include difficulty swallowing, changes in breathing pattern, sudden downward eye movements and weakness in arms.

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  • Pregnant Woman And Baby Saved After Doctors Identify Her Bad Cough, Breathlessness Was Rare Tumor In Chest

    Pregnant Woman And Baby Saved After Doctors Identify Her Bad Cough, Breathlessness Was Rare Tumor In Chest

    MaKenna Lauterbach from Illinois was 36 weeks pregnant when she received the shocking diagnosis of a large tumor in her chest, revealing the real cause of the persistent cough and breathlessness during her pregnancy. The 26-year-old, who was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma, is now stable and recovering, along with her healthy baby, thanks to the timely intervention and coordinated efforts of a dedicated team of doctors.

    When Lauterbach experienced a bad cough while she was expecting, she knew something was wrong. Simple tasks, like walking to the barn to feed her horses, left her unusually winded, as if she had just run two miles. However, doctors were initially hesitant to perform chest scans due to concerns about radiation exposure.

    When Lauterbach was almost due, the cough worsened to the extent that she started throwing up and had to be hospitalized for shortness of breath. The scans then revealed a grapefruit-sized tumor in her chest, blocking the artery to her right lung.

    By the time Lauterbach received the diagnosis, she was in respiratory distress, the tumor obstructing her airway, putting both her life and her baby’s at risk.

    After being airlifted to the intensive care unit at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, her condition worsened, she went into labor, her blood pressure spiked, and the baby began showing signs of distress during contractions.

    “Lauterbach was in real trouble, and we had to act quickly – this wasn’t something that could wait for Monday morning. When you’re pregnant with a baby that’s nearly full-term, your lungs already aren’t functioning at full capacity, and when you add a huge tumor on top of it, you run the risk of having respiratory collapse and cardiac arrest,” said Dr. Lynn Yee, maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Northwestern Medicine in a news release.

    Doctors quickly prepared Lauterbach for extracorporeal life support (ECMO) and performed an emergency C-section, successfully delivering a healthy baby boy.

    “Because of the tumor, the delivery happened so quickly. I was grieving the birth plan I had spent months preparing for, while also dealing with the news of my unexpected diagnosis,” Lauterbach said.

    While her newborn remained in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit, doctors performed an advanced bronchoscopy on Lauterbach. The procedure revealed that her tumor was stage 3 melanoma, prompting the medical team to immediately begin developing a treatment plan.

    “Lauterbach’s diagnosis was difficult to make because we weren’t sure if the melanoma started in the chest or somewhere else, and there isn’t much literature or published cases on how to best treat tumors like these, so we had to rely on the expertise that we’ve developed here at Northwestern Medicine,” said Dr. Kalvin Lung, a thoracic surgeon with the Northwestern Medicine Canning Thoracic Institute.

    The medical team decided on surgery to remove the tumor. Before the procedure, Lauterbach was given three cycles of immunotherapy which helped shrink the tumor from 13 centimeters to nine centimeters.

    “We think at some point, Lauterbach had a melanoma on her skin and her own immune system took care of it, but not before a cell or two may have escaped and eventually started growing inside her body,” explained Dr. Sunandana Chandra, medical oncologist with the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

    During the surgery, doctors had to remove her right lung parts of the main pulmonary artery, and lymph nodes. “The tumor was sitting on top of Lauterbach’s heart and extended into the right lung, impacting all three lobes and the entire main trunk of the pulmonary artery, which is why we had to remove the right lung,” said Dr. Lung who conducted the surgery along with Dr. Chris Mehta, a cardiac surgeon with the Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute.

    “It’s extremely rare to see this type of tumor invading into the major blood vessels of the heart. We may see something like this once every few years,” Dr. Mehta added.

    Lauterbach’s latest scans show no evidence of metastatic melanoma, and while her cancer remains stable with no new tumors, she will continue immunotherapy treatments for the next year.

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  • Eye Drops Recalled For Possible Fungal Contamination That May Affect Eyesight: FDA Warns

    Eye Drops Recalled For Possible Fungal Contamination That May Affect Eyesight: FDA Warns

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sounded the alarm on a nationwide recall of Systane brand eye drops, citing potential fungal contamination that could pose serious risks to eyesight.

    Systane Lubricant Eye Drops Ultra PF, commonly used to temporarily relieve burning and irritation caused by dry eye symptoms, is now at the center of a nationwide recall. The product was distributed to multiple retail stores and online platforms.

    Manufacturer Alcon Laboratories initiated the voluntary recall after a consumer reported foreign material inside a sealed single-use vial, which was later identified as fungal contamination.

    “Fungal contamination of an ophthalmic product is known to potentially cause eye infections. If an infection occurs, it may be vision-threatening, and in very rare cases potentially life-threatening in immunocompromised patients,” the FDA stated in a news release.

    The FDA has confirmed that no adverse events related to the recall have been reported so far. However, individuals experiencing quality issues or adverse reactions after using the product are encouraged to report them through the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program. Complaints can be submitted online, by downloading and mailing the form, or via fax at 1-800-FDA-0178.

    Each cardboard box of the product contains 25 sterile, single-use vials of lubricant solution for ophthalmic use. “The affected Systane Lubricant Eye Drops Ultra PF, Single Vials On-the-Go, 25 count is limited to lot number 10101, expiration date 2025/09. The product can be identified by the green and pink carton design, the presence of “Systane” and “ULTRA PF” brand names on the front of the carton, and the “25 vials” package size,” the news release stated.

    Consumers who still have the products with them are advised to stop usage immediately and return to the place of purchase for a replacement or refund. Those who experience any issues potentially linked to the use of these eye drops should seek advice from a healthcare provider without delay.

    As Alcon conducts its investigation, a spokesperson told NBC News that “the presence of foreign material appears to be isolated to the single unit returned by a customer.” They emphasized that the recall is being carried out, “out of an abundance of caution to prioritize consumer safety.” Those who have issues with the product can also contact them at 800-241-5999.

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  • 12 Questions To Ask Your Doc

    12 Questions To Ask Your Doc

    Kickstart the New Year with better brain health. While several factors influence brain health, improving or protecting brain health is easier than you think. The American Academy of Neurology has identified 12 key factors to protect your brain, and it all starts with a simple conversation with your neurologist or primary care physician.

    “Neurologists are the experts in brain health, with the training and insight needed to help you keep your brain in top shape throughout life,” said Dr. Carlayne E. Jackson, President of the American Academy of Neurology in a news release.

    In the latest online issue of the journal Neurology, the experts explored various factors that may protect brain function and outline a practical framework for screening and preventive interventions.

    To help organize and remember these factors, the researchers created a mnemonic called “SAFEST BRAINS,” where each letter stands for different aspects that may contribute to the development and long-term maintenance of brain health.

    Here are the 12 key factors that come under SAFEST BRAINS and the questions to discuss with your doctor:

    Sleep- Check with the doctor if you are sleep is optimal for brain health.

    Affect, Mood, and Mental Health- Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about your mood, anxiety, or stress.

    Food, Diet, and Supplements-Check with your doctor if you need supplements and whether your diet provides the necessary nutrients.

    Exercise- Discuss your daily or weekly exercise routine and physical activity levels with your doctor.

    Supportive Social Interaction- Talk about your social support system and interactions. This is also a chance to screen for intimate partner abuse.

    Trauma Avoidance- Inquire about occupational risks or fall risks based on your age and life stage.

    Blood Pressure- Have your blood pressure checked at your doctor’s office. Ask about secondary causes of high blood pressure, the relationship between medications and blood pressure, and ways to manage systolic hypertension.

    Risks: Metabolic & Genetic Factors- Discuss your genetic risk with your doctor and learn ways to maintain a healthy weight and control lipids and diabetes.

    Affordability and Adherence: Talk about any issues with the cost of medications and how life transitions might affect your insurance.

    Infection: Ask if you are up to date on vaccines, and discuss your risk of infections from animals, sexually transmitted infections, and travel.

    Negative Exposures: Get screened for tobacco use, pesticides, alcohol, nonprescription substances, and workplace exposures.

    Structural and Social Determinants Of Health: Talk to your doctor about your concerns about housing, transportation, access to care and insurance, or personal safety.

    The experts believe that discussing these key factors with your doctor will enable them to provide advice, medical care, and resources to help improve your brain health.

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  • How Much To Drink For Benefits

    How Much To Drink For Benefits

    Can’t start a day without drinking coffee or tea? Here’s some good news: your morning ritual not only fuels you for the busy day ahead but may also protect you from head and neck cancers.

    Head and neck cancer refers to cancers that develop in areas such as the mouth, throat, nose, and larynx. Although survival rates have improved over the years, the number of people diagnosed with these cancers is rising, especially oropharyngeal cancer, increasing the overall burden in lower-income countries. This highlights the urgent need for prevention.

    Recent research that reviewed 14 studies by different scientists associated with the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology Consortium revealed a reduced cancer risk among daily coffee and tea drinkers, including head and neck cancers, cancers of the oral cavity, and oropharyngeal cancers.

    People who drank more than 4 cups of coffee had a 17% reduced risk of head and neck cancers, a 30% reduced risk of oral cavity cancer, and a 22% lower risk of oropharyngeal cancer. Drinking 3–4 cups daily reduced the risk of hypopharyngeal cancer by 41%.

    “Dose-response relationships were observed between drinking >4 cups of caffeinated coffee daily and decreased risks of HNC and all its subsites,” the researchers wrote in the study published in Cancer, a journal from the American Cancer Society.

    Even decaffeinated coffee drinkers saw benefits, with those consuming up to 1 cup daily reducing their risk of oral cavity cancer by 25%.

    Among daily tea drinkers, consuming up to 1 cup was linked to a 9% reduced risk of head and neck cancers and a 27% reduced risk of hypopharyngeal cancer. However, drinking more than 1 cup was associated with a 38% higher risk of laryngeal cancer.

    “While there has been prior research on coffee and tea consumption and reduced risk of cancer, this study highlighted their varying effects with different sub-sites of head and neck cancer, including the observation that even decaffeinated coffee had some positive impact,” said senior author Dr. Yuan-Chin Amy Lee in a news release.

    “Coffee and tea habits are fairly complex, and these findings support the need for more data and further studies around the impact that coffee and tea can have on reducing cancer risk,” Dr Amy Lee added.

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  • All Set For Holidays? Watch Out For Accidental Poisoning; Here’s How To Keep Kids Safe

    All Set For Holidays? Watch Out For Accidental Poisoning; Here’s How To Keep Kids Safe

    The holiday season is meant for joy, celebration, and cherished moments with loved ones. However, amid the festivities, a hidden danger lurks—accidental poisoning.

    More than 90% of all poison exposures occur in the home, with over half involving children under the age of six. From seasonal plants to cleaning products, many hazards can often be overlooked, especially with curious little ones around. Taking a few simple precautions, such as those offered by the Nebraska Regional Poison Center can ensure your holidays remain stress-free, keeping your family safe from unexpected dangers.

    Here are a few things to take caution of:

    Medications: Accidental ingestion of medicine is one of the leading causes of poisoning in young children. During holiday gatherings, when guests of all ages may be visiting, it is especially important to be vigilant about where medications are stored. Always make sure medicines are securely stored out of reach and out of sight as curious kids might mistake pills or liquids for candy or treats.

    Cleaning products: Cleaning products like disinfectants and cleaners should never be stored on the counter, even though it may seem convenient. When stored in easily accessible areas, children may explore them and accidentally swallow them or spray them on their skin or in their eyes.

    Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are an inevitable part of Holiday gatherings. All items with alcohol, including hand sanitizers, and perfumes should be kept from sight and reach of kids to prevent accidental ingestion.

    Nicotine: Nicotine exposure in children can have serious and life-threatening consequences. Early signs include agitation, sweating, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, and seizures. With higher doses, the effects can escalate to a slow heart rate, low blood pressure, respiratory failure, and even coma, making immediate medical intervention essential.

    Food: Caution should be taken while cooking and storing food during gatherings. When preparing meals with frozen meats or other items, always thaw them in the refrigerator and never on countertops to avoid food poisoning. Once the meal is finished, refrigerate or freeze leftovers within two hours, as bacteria grow rapidly at room temperature and can cause illness.

    Plants: Seasonal plants like mistletoe, holly berries, yew plants, and poinsettias, often featured in holiday decor, may seem harmless but can be harmful if ingested.

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  • Dreaming of A Flat Stomach But Too Lazy? A Fitness Coach Shares 3 Simple Tips

    Dreaming of A Flat Stomach But Too Lazy? A Fitness Coach Shares 3 Simple Tips

    Flat tummies without endless hours in the gym- sounds like a wishful dream, right? Well, dream bodies are not just for those dedicating their entire life to fitness.

    Even Jenna Rizzo, a young women’s fitness coach who has dedicated almost a decade of her life to staying in shape, admits she considers herself pretty lazy. For women like her, she has created a “lazy girl guide” with three simple tips to snatch the waist without much effort.

    “Lazy girls deserve to have banging bodies too,” Rizzo said in a video on TikTok.



    Keep Yourself Hydrated:

    Believe it or not, the journey to a flatter stomach starts with something as simple as drinking water.

    “I wish I could scream this from the rooftops. Water is such a fundamental key to life itself, but from an aesthetic [perspective], it’s going to do wonders for your skin and it is so good for your digestive system,” Rizzo said.

    Keeping yourself hydrated is not just important for your skin, it also helps reduce bloating by flushing out toxins and keeping your system balanced for overall health.

    Cut down the Alcohol:

    Worried about facial puffiness? It’s simple—just skip alcohol for a week, says Rizzo. While Rizzo is not against having a drink every now and then, she cautions that repeated regular use can cause inflammation, puffiness, and bloating.

    “Alcohol itself is a toxin, and when you drink it, it actually activates your immune system. And when it gets activated, it causes an inflammation response,” she explained.

    The term “beer belly” is often associated with alcohol, but it’s not just the alcohol to blame. A combination of calories from food, sugary drinks, and alcohol can all contribute to fat accumulation in the abdomen, leading to the classic beer belly.

    Aim for a small calorie deficit:

    You don’t always need intense workouts or food deprivation to start your weight loss journey. Eating a little less than what your body burns is a simple way to slim you down, said Rizzo.

    “No, its not toxic diet culture over here. I am not asking you to eat 1,000-calories-a-day. Be in a small calorie deficit, it’s still going to help your body be burning fat,” Rizzo said.



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  • Why Are Heart Attacks More Common On Christmas Day? Doctor Explains Winter Surge And Warning Signs

    Why Are Heart Attacks More Common On Christmas Day? Doctor Explains Winter Surge And Warning Signs

    As the holiday season brings festive cheer and celebration, beware of a secret risk that quietly looms on Christmas Day. Well, it’s not the Grinch stealing decorations, but a life-threatening emergency.

    According to the American Heart Association, heart attacks and strokes spike during the last two weeks of December, and December 25 marks the year’s peak for cardiac events. Dr. Patricia Vassallo, a cardiologist with Northwestern Medicine, explains that the increased risk during the winter months results from a combination of cold weather, holiday stress, and disrupted routines.

    “Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict, which raises blood pressure and makes the heart work harder to pump blood. At the same time, stress around the holidays and disrupted routines — like less sleep, more alcohol and skipped medications — add to the strain. Overexertion from winter chores like shoveling heavy snow can further increase the risk, especially in people with existing heart conditions,” said Dr. Vassallo.

    Holidays may not be the season filled with joy for everyone, it can bring feelings of stress or sadness due to grief of lost loved ones, managing large gatherings, or dealing with complex family dynamics. Emotional and physical stress have a significant effect on heart health, which is why there is a spike in heart attacks and strokes on Monday mornings when stress levels are at the highest, Dr. Vassallo said.

    How to reduce risk:

    Since cold weather, increased stress, and changes in routine are key factors driving the winter surge of cardiac events, Dr. Vassallo recommends following specific tips to reduce the risk.

    1. Dress for the weather: To stay warm in cold conditions, wear layers, and use essential accessories like hats, gloves, and heavy socks.

    2. Come inside often: Spending extended time outdoors in the cold can increase the risk of hypothermia and heart attacks. If you have to spend time outdoors, make sure to take breaks inside to warm up.

    3. Avoid excess alcohol: Although alcohol seems to give a temporary feeling of warmth, it can lower your body’s core temperature and make you more vulnerable to the cold.

    4. Do not shovel for long periods: Shoveling is an activity that puts extra strain on your heart, especially if you have a pre-existing heart condition. It’s important to check with your doctor whether it’s safe for you to shovel or if you should limit the activity.

    5. Wash your hands frequently: Respiratory infections are common in the winter months, and they can increase the risk of heart attacks. Frequent handwashing helps reduce the spread of germs and infections.

    6. Get help: If you experience any new symptoms of a heart condition or your existing symptoms worsen, do not hesitate to seek medical help, even if it’s a holiday.

    Signs To Look out for:

    Knowing the signs of heart attacks and strokes can save lives. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if you notice symptoms like severe chest pain, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, pain or numbness in the jaw, back, neck, or shoulders, cold sweat, heartburn, or sudden fatigue.

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  • She’s Never Been to Italy

    She’s Never Been to Italy

    A British grandmother and her family were baffled after a stroke left her speaking with an Italian accent and using Italian words, despite her never visiting the country.

    Althia Bryden, 58, from Highbury, London, could not speak for three months after suffering a stroke in May 2024.

    When the function suddenly returned, Bryden was shocked to find herself speaking with an Italian accent, using phrases like “mamma mia,” “bambino,” and “si,” GB News reported. She was later diagnosed with aphasia.



    “I feel like someone is impersonating me,” she told GB News. “I have no idea I’m about to do it—my brain just converts the English word into Italian.”

    In addition to her Italian accent, Bryden has found that even her laugh and body language have changed. Although she is grateful for surviving the stroke, she hopes to wake up one day feeling like her old self.

    “I’m still looking for the person I was before. Where do I go to find the button to switch this stuff off?” Bryden added.

    Originally published by Latin Times

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  • Promoting Covid, Flu Vaccines to Public Quietly Banned by Louisiana Department of Health: ‘Unconscionable’

    Promoting Covid, Flu Vaccines to Public Quietly Banned by Louisiana Department of Health: ‘Unconscionable’

    Louisiana public health officials are no longer permitted to promote vaccines, including those against illnesses such as COVID-19 and the flu, to members of the public in a new policy that was covertly implemented in the state.

    The policy was considered during two Louisiana Department of Health meetings held on Oct. 3 and Nov. 21, reported NPR. Employees who discussed the policy under anonymity revealed that it was to be quietly implemented and was never written down.

    The limits placed upon public health employees are far-reaching. They are forbidden from distributing press releases, giving interviews, holding vaccine events, giving presentations or creating social media posts that advocate for the benefits of vaccines and encourage members of the public to get them.

    The policy comes after President-Elect Donald Trump named former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as his pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. RFK Jr., a known anti-vaxxer, has frequently perpetuated myths about vaccines including one debunked conspiracy theory that points to vaccines as the cause of autism amongst children.



    A city in Florida voted to remove fluoride from its water supply, citing Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s crusade against the chemical.
    Rebecca Noble/Getty Images


    Trump has stayed firm in his nomination of RFK Jr., stating that he is “much less radical than you would think” and that he has “a very open mind.”

    Staff at Louisiana’s health department have voiced frustrations with the new policy, with many of them expressing concern about the possible spread of illness as a result of the new rule.

    “Do they want to dismantle public health?” one employee at the health department said.

    “We’re really talking about deaths,” said another. “Even a reduction in flu and COVID vaccines can lead to increased deaths.”

    “It’s a step backwards,” said Kimberly Hood, who led the Office of Public Health, a subunit of the health department, from 2021 to 2022. “It’s a medical marvel that we’re fortunate enough to live in a time where these vaccines are available to us, and to not make use of that tool is unconscionable.”

    Originally published by Latin Times.

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