Migraines are throbbing headaches that are normally very intense, occurring in just one half of the head. They can affect people of all ages and their cause is unknown. What is known is that during a migraine attack, blood vessels located in the brain dilate. This dilation causes the blood vessels to draw in on each other which stimulate the nerve endings near to these blood vessels. It is this that is thought to cause the pain.

Migraine

Migraines are fairly common occurrences, affecting nearly 20% of women and 6% of men during their lifetimes. Triggers for the migraine attack can vary, but some people are very aware that eating certain foods such as chocolates, cheese or citrus fruits can bring on an attack. Some other things that have been known to trigger migraines include anxiety, stress, exercise, loud noise, bright lights, traveling and the contraceptive pill. Many women appear to have attacks on or around the time of the menstrual periods.

When people describe migraines, they are commonly associated with headaches of varying degrees. These can include headaches occurring in bouts of approximately four to 72 hours; headaches on one side of the head; headaches throb and get worse with physical activity; nausea accompanied by vomiting; and other symptoms associated with sensitivity to light.

Migraines are treated by using painkillers. Which type depends on the severity and length of bouts being suffered.

Bipolar disorder is more commonly known as manic depression and is actually a fairly common mood disorder. The condition can be characterized by alternating episodes of depression and euphoria and there are several symptoms associated with it that affect the daily functioning of an individual as well as the relationships they have with others. Some of these symptoms include depression and a feeling of despondency as well as irregular sleeping patterns, loss of interest in various activities which may have been pleasurable in the past and suicidal thoughts.

The difference between bipolar disorder and major depression is the instances of manic episodes, sometimes described as great emotional highs in between bouts of depression. When an individual goes through these manic episodes or states, the symptoms can vary greatly and include an increase in energy, restlessness, poor judgment, euphoria, lack of concentration and a less than normal requirement for sleep. The afflicted individual may also appear very irritable, speak rapidly and thing they are invincible, or at least have more capabilities than they actually possess.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder can fortunately be treated, and more often than not the people treated do achieve a quite substantial change in the mood swings they suffer, allowing them to lead an almost normal live. Treatment involves medication known as mood stabilizers.

The testicles are found within the scrotum which is a loose sac of skin hanging down behind the penis.  The function of the testicles is to produce sperm and the male sex hormone testosterone.  Most of the time any lumps or swelling within the testicles are benign but it is natural for people to worry when they have found a lump.

Testicular torsion results in swelling of the testicles if the testicle has become twisted.  This interrupts blood flow and causes a large tender distension.  It often happens in developing boys who are experiencing puberty but has also been know to happen in men in their 20’s although it is quite rare.  Testicular torsion is a medical emergency due to the fact that it needs to be rectified by surgery within 6 hours or there is a risk that the testicle will be lost.

Symptoms of testicular torsion include nausea; vomiting; swelling of the scrotum; fever; abdominal pain; the need to urinate often; and, excruciating pain in one testicle.  The cause of testicular torsion results from a spermatic cord that is too long.  The spermatic cord is where the testicles hang from and in some boys this cord is too long leading to increased movement of the testicle which means the cord becoming twisted.  If it twists too much it will cut off the blood supply and the testicle will die.  Testicular torsion can sometimes just happen for no reason at all or it can be the result of strenuous exercise or other physical activity.

An ultrasound scan can be done to confirm suspicion of testicular torsion. Surgery needs to take place almost immediately to save the testicle.  The surgeon will have to cut the scrotum and untwist the cord.  He will then sew the cord to the scrotum to prevent this happening again.

Testicular Torsion