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.

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder otherwise known as trisomy and it is where an individual has inherited an additional or extra copy of a particular chromosome. In the case of Down’s syndrome, the affected individuals have three copies rather than two of chromosome 21. The consequence of this additional copy is that it changes the balance of the body resulting in characteristic intellectual and physical features.

Down Syndrome

There are three kinds of Down’s syndrome: regular trisomy 21 which is where all the cells in the body have an extra chromosome 21 and is the most common type of the condition with nearly 94% affected with Down’s having it; translocation, which is where extra chromosome 21 material attaches to another chromosome, and four percent have this type; and mosaic, which is where only some of the cells have additional chromosome 21. This usually has milder features than the other two types and only two percent of affected individuals have mosaic.

Down syndrome sufferers look different to normal people and usually have a flat type of facial profile with eyes slanting upwards. Smaller ears, protruding tongue and a flat back of the head are other features. Individuals affected tend to be shorter than normal, have poor muscle tone and have broad, short hands. Half the affected individuals have a heart defect, which can be treated in some, but not others. Some have problems with their gut, making it difficult to eat while increasing the risk of constipation and thyroid problems.

There is no cure for Down syndrome but there are treatments available for the accompanying symptoms as well as support for the learning difficulties.

Sinusitis affects the cavities inside the cheekbones and forehead.  It usually develops after a cold or flu and clears up on its own.  This is known as acute sinusitis.  Chronic sinusitis however is less normal and lasts much longer.  The sinuses become swollen and other symptoms include pain over the area as well as a high temperature and a blocked or runny nose. As well as having pain in the sinuses, there are other symptoms of sinusitis which may be present including headache, cough, tiredness or a feeling of unwell. Painkillers can be used to treat the symptoms or a doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

Viruses that cause the cold or influenza virus can spread to the sinuses causing sinusitis. It can also be caused by a bacterial infection. There are also several factors which can cause a person to be more susceptible to sinusitis such as, asthma or hay fever, smoking, weakened immune system, allergies, facial surgery, pregnancy, or an infected tooth.

Sinusitis

Most cases of sinusitis will clear up by itself but antibiotics may be needed for more severe cases.  Painkillers can help to ease the pain associated with sinusitis.  Nasal sprays can help to unblock the nose and help make breathing easier but should not be used for more than seven days at a time.

In order to prevent sinusitis there are a number of things that can be done including, getting plenty of exercise, eating a well balanced diet with lots of fruit and vegetables, drinking plenty of water, keeping stress levels to a minimum and even having a flu vaccination annually.