Food Allergies and Neuropathy

It is mostly overlooked in articles about neuropathy but if a lack of Vitamin B12 for instance, is thought to be one of the causes of neuropathy, then why not certain food allergies too? Today's article from myiho.com, which is a Florida based neuropathy blog, (see link below) looks at the theory that certain food allergies may be primary causes of nerve damage. Aspartame, for instance, as one of the commonest ingredients of sweeteners, may surprise you.

Nutrition’s Role in Neuropathy
Posted on March 7, 2012

Neuropathy has wide variety of causes, and nutritional causes are a major subset of it. Neuropathy secondary to deficiency of Vitamin B (especially B12 and Folic Acid) is well known and one of the first suspicion in otherwise normal patients presenting with symptoms of neuropathy like numbness, pin-and-needle sensation, burning sensations, pain or loss of sensations. When it affects the nerves supplying the muscles, it may result in weakness of muscle, muscle atrophy, lack of fine muscle control which may result in many symptoms depending on which muscles are affected.

But one cause of peripheral neuropathy that is not readily thought to be associated with neuropathy is food allergy. The association between food allergy and neuropathy is often overlooked because only recently conclusive evidence from research has become available establishing a certain link between neuropathy and allergic response to certain food items. The culprits so far found to be most commonly occurring are derivatives of glutamic acid and aspartic acid, gluten, pesticides on fruits and vegetables, food coloring dyes. One very common artificial sweetener, Aspartame, is used in fruit juices, diabetic food and numerous other products. It is one of the most commonly recognized allergen triggering symptoms of neuropathy like tingling, numbness, burning sensation etc. and also affecting auditory nerve causing tinnitus. Consumption of large quantities greatly increases the chances of having the neuropathy. Often, stopping the consumption of aspartame cures the symptoms almost entirely.

Many more agents commonly found in food may cause allergic response which may present as neuropathy. The ones that are currently believed to be responsible for most of the cases are Azino-moto (Mono Sodium Glutamate) which is commonly used in Chinese foods, gluten found in wheat containing edible items, some coloring dyes used in foods. Not only these, but normal fully natural food items like fruits, eggs, and milk may be the cause of food allergy induced neuropathy. Often it may happen, that the tracking of the allergy causing food item may not be very simple and straightforward.

So what if your neuropathy is suspected to be due to food allergy. Main diagnostic test used is a Radioallergosorbent Test (RAST Test) which detects antibodies against “common” food allergens. Since not all antigens could be detected in 100% of cases, sometimes the treatment may involve just hit and trial in which suspected food items are stopped for few week and observed whether it alleviates the neuropathy. Also it would be advisable to stop common known allergens like aspartame, MSG, food dyes, and gluten and observe if the symptoms are alleviated by this. Also thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables before consuming, as pesticides present on them could be the cause.

If you are one of the many thousands of sufferers of Neuropathy, you know all to well that numbness and tingling is still a pain to deal with. Peripheral Neuropathy is a condition that is characterized by altered sensation or a change in motor control of a body part. The nerve becomes irritated or damaged and it no longer conducts the messages it should. If your neuropathy is left untreated, it will begin to affect your quality of life.

http://myiho.com/orlandoneuropathyblog/?m=201203

Psychosocial Considerations and Quality of Life Issues in Peripheral Neuropathy

It's something your doctor may not have time to address but unless you have help from elsewhere, the psychological effects of neuropathy are easily underestimated, whilst contributing to making your life a misery. This article from Medifocus Health (see link below) shows what happens to many neuropathy patients, sometimes without them realising it themselves. It's very important to be aware of how quickly your mental state can change when you're continually under stress from ill health. If you're also HIV positive, these problems can become exaggerated and friends and family become more important than ever!

Psychosocial Considerations and Quality of Life Issues in Peripheral Neuropathy

"Quality of life" is a measure of how well patients adjust to their condition. It measures many factors related to living with a medical condition, including:
•Physical and material well-being
•Social relationships with other people (e.g., spouse, siblings, or friends)
•Social activities (e.g., helping others, getting together with other individuals or groups, community/religious involvement)
•Personal fulfillment (e.g., career, creativity, pursuit of intellectual interests)
•Recreational activities (e.g., sports or relaxation)
•Health status (perceived and actual)

A significant aspect of quality of life and ability to function daily is related to how individuals with peripheral neuropathy perceive themselves and regard their situation. Physical well-being has the greatest influence on a person's perceived health status and on most other measures evaluated in quality of life test scales.

Chronic neuropathic pain can be very debilitating and can affect several dimension of daily life as reflected in lower scores of quality of life scales including:
•Psychological health (e.g., depression, anxiety)
•Work-related problems (e.g., reduced levels of productivity, absenteeism)
•Sleep disturbances
•Feelings of isolation
•Sense of disappointment that expectations of recovery are not being met

Peripheral neuropathy affects a wide range of people and its impact on quality of life is closely related to the severity of this interference in daily life. In some people it is very debilitating and chronic, while others may be affected only intermittently with varying degrees of discomfort ranging from mild to severe. Pain management programs play an important role in teaching individuals how to live with their condition. These programs focus on pain control, as well as social and physical functioning, and emotional health. Another benefit of pain management programs is that they usually consist of several types of professionals, including psychologists or psychiatrists who can help monitor emotional status and try to prevent secondary conditions such as depression and withdrawal from society in individuals with peripheral neuropathy.

Depression is not uncommon in persons with peripheral neuropathy due to the chronic aspect of the pain, loss of function, emotional burden, and reduced quality of life. Some of the medications used to treat peripheral neuropathy are actually antidepressants and may help to control depression as well. However, it is very important that patients share feelings of depression with their health care providers so that they can be addressed appropriately. Support groups are helpful for many persons in coping with the pain and discomfort and its impact on daily life.

Response to medications is extremely variable and many patients try numerous types and doses of medications before finding one that brings some measure of relief. Some doctors and patients find that keeping a daily pain diary is a useful tool to monitor responses to medications and therapies so that changes or adjustments to patients' pain management programs can be implemented as needed. Response to monotherapy (one drug) is estimated to bring a 30-50% reduction in pain, at best. Multi-drug therapies that target different parts of the nerve pathways may be more effective. Although there are no clinical trials to date regarding multi-drug treatment of peripheral neuropathy, this strategy is often practiced by physicians.

http://www.medifocushealth.com/NR021/Understanding-Peripheral-Neuropathy_Psychosocial-Considerations-and-Quality-of-Life-Issues-in-Peripheral-Neuropathy.php

Sperm and Spermatorrhoea

Sperm and Spermatorrhoea

MALE DISORDERS – Sperm and Spermatorrhoea

“Hundred drops of sweat equals one drop of blood and hundred drops of blood equals one drop of semen” – this is one of the age-old beliefs about semen.

The commonest sexual problem of men next to impotency is “spermatorrhoea”. Spermatorrhoea is medically meant an involuntary ejaculation/drooling of semen without any sexual event/thoughts. Likewise, seminuria/spermaturia is the discharge of semen in the urine. Normally, semen gets ejaculated in spurts only at the climax/culmination of the sexual act.

Semen loss can exhaust each and every system. So, one must treat semen loss with care to avoid dangerous after-effects. Of course, the incidences of spermatorrhoea are increasing in youths in this fantasy world. The reason behind it may be a polluted mind, due to circumstances and media (books, TV, movies, Internet, etc.). This pollution has made many youths notice mucous discharges, even ejaculation, while watching erotic scenes, sometimes even while talking to glamorous girls. This weakness (incontinence) makes the mind of men miserable, since this prevalence often causes early ejaculation without any satisfied sexual activity, even with the touch of the partner.

One should be aware of semen and sperm – its origin, its constituents and its functions – to understand the effects of spermatorrhoea in a better way.

For males, attaining puberty is claimed by the production of male sex hormone (testosterone) and sperm in the testis. So, testis is the organ responsible for maleness. Seminiferous tubules in the testis produce sperms and throw them into the genital tract for ejaculation. Sperm emerging from the seminiferous tubules of the testis gets collected in the warehouse (epididymis) and later joins with the other secretions of various glands to reach the ejaculatory duct as semen. The ejaculatory

duct ejaculates everything through the penile urethra at the time of orgasm (heightened sexual excitement)

Libido (psychological feeling for moods of sex) and ejaculation of semen bring orgasm to men.. The vigorous movements, muscular contractions, rhythmic reflex contraction in glands, changes in heart beat, blood pressure, respiration, feeling heat with excitement and ejaculation creates the feeling of orgasm. Sex gives pleasurable fatigue after ejaculation. But, more sex often causes weakness and complications.

SEMEN is the mixture of male genital secretions ejaculated at the end of sexual activity. Semen production usually starts at the age of 13-14 in men. Normally, 2-3 ml volume of semen is ejaculated at the time of orgasm. Each ejaculation carries 200–300 millions of sperms i.e., nearly 70-100 millions per ml. There will be variation in volume of semen and sperm count depending upon the frequency of the sex and internal and external factors. Nowadays, universally, sperm count has decreased due to unknown reasons. The volume of semen will be more in low temperature conditions and in most excited conditions after less frequent sex. Ejaculated semen soon gets coagulated and gets liquefied in 10–30 minutes to aid movement of sperm to search and fertilise the ovum.

Semen is a rich source of calcium, phosphorus, lecithin, cholesterol, nucleoproteins, iron, vitamin-E, sodium, magnesium, etc. So, excessive loss of semen will deprive our body of calcium, phosphorus, lecithin, etc. Researchers find many similarities between cerebrospinal fluid (which nourishes the brain and nervous system) and semen in constituents/composition. Also, process of ejaculation is merely compared with convulsions (nervous twitching), since during ejaculation, body jerks, neck retracts & muscle contracts violently. This process is followed by great exhaustion and complete relaxation of the muscles as in convulsions. So, wasting of semen from excessive sexual activity or masturbation may reflect in composition of cerebrospinal fluid with nourishment of brain and nerves and can also cause neuralgic complaints.

Semen is a collection of secretions from seminiferous tubules, seminal vesicles, prostate and

bulbourethral glands. Semen gets

• Sperm from seminiferous tubules
• Alkaline bulk volume to disperse sperm from seminal vesicles and prostate gland.
• Fructose, ascorbic acids, fibronogen, prostaglandins, etc., from seminal vesicles to nourish the sperms till they reach the ovum
• Calcium, citrate, acid phosphatase, cholesterol, phospholipids, etc., from prostate secretions to favour circumstances for fertilisation
• Characteristic odour from prostate secretions
• Lubricating mucous fluids from bulbourethral glands.

Seminal Analysis – Semen should be analysed after sexual abstinence of 3-5 days. Also, it is better to have seminal analysis without strenuous exercises, smoking and drinking alcohol.

• Normal colour of the semen is whitish opaque. Infection may change its colour with pus cells and blood cells.
  
• The semen is always alkaline in nature i.e., pH – 7.3 – 7.8. This alkalinity, which is mainly due to prostatic secretions, helps in neutralising the acid vagina for the survival of the sperm with its motility and fertility.
• Also, analysing the presence of fructose in the semen gives an idea about obstruction in the pathway and directs treatment options in cases of infertility.
• Analysing the sperm count and its morphology aids in treatment of infertility

Less viscous semen (watery) will be usually of poor quality in constituents

SPERMS are the spermatozoa of men. They is dispersed through semen. In the semen, sperm constitutes only 5-7 per cent of the volume. They are so much micro-cellular and they are the smallest cells of the humans which hold responsibility in producing babies. Unlike other cells of our body, they contain only 23 chromosomes. The male produces sperms in millions per day which often go waste, whereas the female produces only one egg, that too in the middle of the menstrual cycle (once in 30 days). Also, only one sperm is going to succeed in the fertilisation of the egg. This Nature’s mystery of wasting can be clearly manipulated only while realising the task of the sperm in fertilising the ovum.

Sperm production is medically called spermatogenesis. Sperm is produced in seminiferous tubules in the testis. Sperm has head, neck, body and tail like a tadpole. The head is loaded with precious genetic material. Normally, the sperm takes 70–90 days to mature. But its production, quality and maturation time may differ from internal and external factors. Low temperature favours s faster rate of production and maturation. Diseases/depression/stress and strain may cause a slowdown. Weight loss, tight clothing, hot environment, drugs, etc., can lower sperm production and motility. Unlike in females, who attain menopause with the stoppage in the production of the egg, the process of sperm production in male is continuous from teenage, giving man his manliness lifelong.

Sperm produced in the testis is usually stored in the epididymisbefore getting ejaculated where it is trained to swim. The sperms are propelled then through vas differens and ejaculated in spurts with other genital secretions, at the time of orgasm. The sperm is usually more concentrated in the first spurt of ejaculation followed by seminal and prostatic secretions. Sperm has its own life period, i.e., even if it is not used, it will die on its own and is absorbed by the body.

Normally, sperm count exceeds 65-70 millions per ml. While doing semen analysis, sperm is analysed further with motility and morphology. Semen is a mixture of mature and immature cells. Mature cells are highly motile and normal in shape. Less than 30 million sperm count or having less motile sperms or less normal sperms accounts for infertility. The semen with more of giant head sperms, tail-less sperms, abnormal sperms also result in infertility.

Clear cuts about sperm count

• Frequent sex/masturbation usually have low sperm count. This is normal and temporary. Here normal count can be revived by 4 -5 days of sexual abstinence.
• Building masculinity will not increase sperm count. Sometimes strenuous exercise can cause a slow down
• Sleeplessness and depression can also cause low sperm count
• Childhood intensive small pox/mumps can cause testicular failure and cause Azoospermia – (Nil sperm count)
• No one can store sperms for a long time. Its life ends naturally, as time passes. Also, it is important to note that semen ejaculated after a prolonged time will have many dead sperms.
• Nuts, dry fruits (dates, etc.), fruits, vegetables and oats can improve sperm count.
• Good habits, good nutrition and good sleep can provide good count.

Sperm is the seed of human genesis. The secrecy of human genesis is many more than beyond this.

Normally, men are very cautious about their virility and potency in sex. Their quest for sex and pleasure ends in marriage (mostly). One main thing one should be aware of is that the sperm cannot be stored and one cannot drain it away to azoospermia (nil sperm count). It is rightly said that lustful desires usually give vent as spermatorrhoea. Spermatorrhoea is one of the foremost threats faced by men next to impotence. There are many misconceptions about spermatorrhoea and masturbation.

Spermatorrhoea medically means an involuntary escape or ejaculation or drooling of semen without

any sexual event/erection/orgasm. Hiding it often leads to complications. Sufferers may be aware or unaware of spermatorrhoea, according to its presentation. Usually, sufferers are unaware of wet dreams (night emissions) which occur during sleep and loss of semen in urine (seminuria/spermaturia), whereas the discharge of semen, while straining (while passing stool or at any other time) may be noted immediately.

Bachelorhood – A bachelor’s life needs more strength and more brain power to be without losing/wasting any semen. But, a bachelor’s real strength is that he doesn’t have any weaknesses or distractions, since their lifestyle might not be a forced existence.

Masturbation – refers to self abuse of genital organs (voluntary act) with erotic thoughts, to give vent to sexual tension and satisfy one’s sexual appetite. It equals sexual activity with orgasm in the

absence of a partner. Many youths are becoming addicted to this momentary bursting excitement due to arousal by the media and circumstances.

This fantasy of sex is also often misunderstood as sin and one is forced to feel guilty by money-minting quacks who advertise that . sufferers are losing

every precious thing in the semen. Actually, infrequent masturbation/night emissions will not have any after-effects, whereas excessive involvement or over indulgence may cause spermatorrhoea, nervous debility, exhaustion, tremors, etc. The results of masturbation, excessive seminal losses and indulging more in sexual activity will nearly be the same, since the same vital fluid – semen – is lost in all the processes.

Nocturnal emissions (Night emissions / wet dreams) – Normally sex is very pleasurable while there is ejaculation from an erected penis. In wet dreams, ejaculation occurs during sleep without any orgasm or erection. Their incidences are often found to be related to frequency of sex/masturbation/abstinence. They may or may not accompany erotic dreams.

Semen in the urine – Semen and urine will never get mixed up while letting out, even though the outlet is same for both. The architecture of the neck of the bladder is designed in such a manner that contracture of the neck of the bladder restricts the entry of sperm and leakage of urine. But in the case of infection/diseases of urethra and prostate and in diabetic complications, semen can get mixed with urine with incontinence or may get propelled into the bladder. When the semen gets ejaculated into the bladder, the urine is found to be cloudy while being passed. But in the case of semen getting mixed with urine just at the time of urination, due to strain and incontinence, then drooling of semen will be seen while ending up the urine. Prostatorrhea is often confused with spermatorrhoea. But it can be easily differentiated with microscopic examination of the discharge, i.e. prostatorrhoea has no sperms at all, compared to spermatorrhoea. Any way, losing more seminal fluid/prostatic fluid will devitalise our body.

Incidences of spermatorrhoea –Higher incidence of spermatorrhoea is frequently noted in the age group of 18-30 years. It is most commonly seen in unmarried, sexually perverted persons (dreamers), and in sexually transmitted diseases (STD). Also higher incidence of spermatorrhoea and impotency are often noted in men who stay away from their wife with suppressed sexual desires. Anyhow, most men would have experienced wet dream/night emissions at one time or the other, irrespective of good physique or power of mind.

Causes – are mainly

• Polluted mind
• Perverted sexual behaviours and dreams
• Excessive masturbation/overindulgence in sex
• Urinary tract infection spreading to prostate/seminal vesicles
• Chronic constipation
  

Symptoms – The core symptoms of night emissions/involuntary loss of semen in urine are exhaustion and weakness. The common presenting features are:

• Drooling of urine at the end of urination
• Cloudy urine
• Incontinence or drooling of semen even at slightest stimulation (watching erotic scenes, reading novels, talking to girls, etc.)
• Burning sensation during/after urination
  
• Ejaculation seems to have less volume and very thin (low viscose) semen
• Impotency and early ejaculation
• Dull and depressed with irritable mood/psychosis
• Loss of memory and inability to concentrate
• Headache and drowsiness
• Sleeplessness with lascivious/vivid dreams
• Sunken, dull and burning eyes
• Hollow cheeks with disfiguring pale face
• Cramps/ pain in back and legs
• Tremors with nervousness
• Pain in spermatic cord (in groin) – Spermoneuralgia

Offensive sweat

Diabetic complications Diagnosis & investigations – The need of scientific tests are:

• Semen analysis and culture to check the presence of sperms as well as infection
• Ultra sound scan to rule out prostate problems
• Routine blood tests including electrolytes to rule out any metabolic disorders
• Hormone tests for
  • Testosterone and follicle stimulating hormone – to analyse testicular functions
  • PSA – to rule out benign prostate hypertrophy (enlargement) BPH

Complications –

• Weight loss
  
• Nervous weakness
• Growth and learning process will be affected when there is sexual excess or excessive seminal loss in the teens
• Chronic inflammation of seminal vesicles and prostate

Testicular failure/atrophy

Prevention

Avoid

• Stress & Strain
• Stimulants like alcohol, drugs, tobacco chewing, smoking, coffee and tea
• Meat, chicken, fish and fatty diets
• Drug cocktails
  
• Overindulgence in sex

Take care of

• Constipation with water, vegetables and fruits
• Health by taking oats, dry fruits such as dates, nuts, etc.

General treatment – Since most of the times there won’t be any abnormality in functions or investigations, general physicians encourage patients psychologically that nocturnal emissions are a normal occasional event / a physiologically overwhelming process. Also, just for patient’s satisfaction, they simply prescribe multivitamins, zinc, selenium supplements, etc., with the advice to avoid lascivious thoughts/masturbation/overindulgence in sex. The change of attitude/lifestyle (i.e. stopping the masturbation and overindulgence in sex all of a sudden) often brings more nocturnal emission for the time being as a continuation of habit/secretions. Doctors, if they find any good reason, they would go for controlling or eliminating it (infection or other irritants), or otherwise, they have to simply go with strengthening of vitality with supplements, etc.

Homeopathic approach – Active participation in sex/erotic thoughts will stimulate the pituitary to provoke the testis for producing more number of sperms and more secretions in seminal vesicles. When this continuous habit or process is interrupted with temporary sexual abstinence or stoppage of masturbation, there might be an involuntary ejaculation which should be considered as normal. In due course, if abstinence continues, it will slow down by itself. But if it is felt more or persists continuously or happens to flow in urine with incontinence, Homeopathy can surely help to revive normalcy by correcting continence, energising the nerves and muscles of the organs, making the semen high viscous (thick), etc.

Draining of semen usually disappoints people with minimal semen ejaculation, low viscous (thin watery) semen, erectile dysfunction, early ejaculation without satisfaction in sex, nervousness, impotency, etc. But by maintaining good habits and taking Homeopathy treatment, normalcy can be resumed at the earliest without any complications.

Even though spermatorrhoea is considered a non-pathological condition, it affects body and mind, in so exhaustive and annoying a way that everyone will be compelled to go for treatment. Patients, without having any patience to see fruitful results, go on changing doctors and take too many worthless drug cocktails and worsen the condition with complications. With this attitude, many often get trapped in the hands of quacks where they also lose self-esteem, confidence in sexual life and marriage and lead a dejected life.

Homeopathy is a wonder of scientific application and not a magical prescription. Homeopathy treats the person’s mind and physique (characteristic of a person as well as the disease) to provide dramatic relief. But one should keep in mind that it will take some time to regain stamina and potency, revoke semen loss, revive semen normalcy in volume and viscosity, etc. Homeopathy can quarantine the progress of the disease and can cure the situation in due course without any recurrences.

Homeopathic medicines commonly used in cases of spermatorrhoea/seminal losses are Acid acetic, Acid phos, Acid picric, Agnus castus, Avena sativa, Caladium, Calc Carb, Calc phos, Cantharis, Causticum, Chinchona, Conium, Damiana, Gelsemium, Ginseng, Kali brom, Lycopodium, Nat mur, Nuphar, Nux vom, Osmium sanc, Selenium, Sepia, Stannum met, Staphysagria, Titanium, Yohimbinum, Zinc met, etc. These Medicines should be taken under the advice and diagnosis of a qualified Homeopath.

Best of all is good food, good thought, good habit and good sleep

for new hope

Dr. S. Chidambaranathan, BHMS, MD (Homeo)

Laxmi Homeo Clinic

24 E. New Mahalipatti Road

Madurai, TN 625 001

India

Tel:  +91-452-233-8833 | +91-984-319-1011 (Mob)

Fax: +91-452-233-0196

E-mail:  drcheena@yahoo.com

www.drcheena.com / www.drcheena.in

(Disclaimer: The contents of this column are for informational purpose only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional healthcare advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of healthcare professional for any health problem or medical condition.)

Suspect Drug Interactions for HIV and Neuropathy Patients

Today's post from Aidsmeds.com (see link below) concerns the somewhat controversial view that older anti-seizure drugs can clash with HIV anti retroviral drugs to such a degree that the HIV meds can fail, with all the ensuing consequences. Underneath the article are comments which dispute that view but for HIV-patients who take Carbamazepine amongst others, in combination with Prezista amongst others, for their neuropathy problems, this is a very important question which needs to be resolved. Your neurologist and/or hiv-specialist may not be aware of the potential clash between the drugs so you should certainly discuss the issue with them perhaps with a photocopy of this article to back up your concerns. The article explains why the clash occurs.

Certain Anti-Seizure Drugs Up the Risk of HIV Treatment Failure
June 14, 2011

People taking older anti-seizure medications that are broken down by the same liver enzyme (CYP3A4) as many common antiretroviral (ARV) drugs were more likely to experience treatment failure than people taking seizure medications that aren’t broken down by that liver enzyme. These data were published online May 16 in the journal AIDS Research and Therapy.

A significant minority of people with HIV use anti-seizure medications. Roughly 11 percent of all HIV-positive individuals are diagnosed with a seizure disorder, and a substantial number of additional people use the same class of drugs for other disorders, including neuropathic pain, bipolar disorder and depression.

Though FDA guidelines recommend against combining—or urge caution when combining—some of the older anti-seizure drugs with ARV therapy, not all people have the option of the newer medications. For some people this is because the new medications don’t control their seizure disorders well, or because they can’t tolerate the newer drugs. The lack of available alternative drugs in resource-poor settings is another common reason why people with HIV still use them.

The problem with these older anti-seizure drugs is that they are broken down by the liver enzyme CYP3A4. This enzyme is also required to break down protease inhibitors such as Prezista (darunavir) as well as non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors such as Sustiva (efavirenz) and the entry inhibitor Selzentry (maraviroc). This means that people who combine the anti-seizure drugs with their HIV therapy might be at higher risk of HIV treatment failure.

To study how a group of older anti-seizure drugs—including Dilantin (phenytoin), Tegretol (carbamazepine) and Luminal (Phenobarbital)—affects ARV treatment, Jason Okulicz, MD, from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland, and his colleagues studied the medical records of a group of HIV-positive people enrolled in the U.S. Military HIV Natural History Study.

Okulicz and his colleagues compared the rates of treatment success in 19 HIV-positive people taking the older anti-seizure drugs, with 85 people taking new anti-seizure drugs and 190 people taking no seizure medication. The research team only included people taking anti-seizure medication for either a seizure disorder or neuropathy.

The groups were similar in most respects, except that those taking the older anti-seizure medications were more likely to have a seizure disorder and those taking the newer medications were more likely to have neuropathy. The criteria for a person to be defined as having treatment failure included having no viral load measures under 400 copies within the first six months after starting ARV therapy, or having at least two measurements above 400 copies after the first six months of therapy.

Okulicz’s team found that treatment failure was more than four and a half times more common in people taking the older anti-seizure medication. This difference held up even when the team accounted for differences in viral load before starting therapy and the year in which people started therapy. The difference between people on the older anti-seizure drugs and those taking no anti-seizure medication was less meaningful, however. People on the older anti-seizure medications were only significantly more likely to experience treatment failure than those taking no anti-seizure medication when pre-treatment viral loads were taken into account.

“[Older anti-seizure medications] should be avoided in favor of [newer medications] in patients requiring concurrent [ARV treatment] and [anti-seizure] therapy due to the higher potential of virologic failure and reduced efficacy,” conclude the authors, who added, “In areas where [older anti-seizure medication] use cannot be avoided, closer and more frequent monitoring of HIV and seizure control is warranted.”

Previous Comments:
comments 1 - 3 (of 3 total)

David Evans, AIDSmeds, New York, NY, 2011-06-23 15:55:37
While there was a difference in the risk of treatment failure between those on older versus newer anti-seizure meds, there was less difference between those NOT taking seizure meds and those taking older-seizure meds. The authors don't provide an explanation, but argue that there may have been more significant differences in terms of baseline viral load and and adherence between those on and off seizure meds compared with the two groups that were both taking seizure meds.

Steven McLaughlin, Washington, DC, 2011-06-17 12:55:25
This article is poorly written and provides no meaningful data. In the 8th paragraph the author states that the individuals taking the older seisure meds were 4.5X more likely to have treatment failure and then in went on to say,"The difference between people on the older anti-seizure drugs and those taking no anti-seizure medication was less meaningful, however." The author tried to identify patterns but did not clearly establish a causal relationship between the 3 groups of test subjects.

jjbearphx, Phoenix, 2011-06-16 11:37:22
I have HIV induced eplepsy. My experience is not failure to maintain viral suppression, but failure of the anti seizure meds Dilantin then Zonigram was added and that has causes exacerbation of neuropathy. Hideous AM Med Hang over, that doubles after my AM antiviral pass as liver dumps toxins to work on HIV meds. Anti Epileptics aren't covered on ADAP formularies end up o o pocket, new anti seiz drugs are expensive. Lack of access to epileptologists makes things harder all around. not covered


http://www.aidsmeds.com/articles/hiv_seizure_protease_1667_20615.shtml

HIV and Neuropathy in Lesotho

Amongst several other serious complications as a result of contracting HIV, the lady in orange has severe neuropathy in her feet. The lady in orange... for us a lady without a name yet her face shows how much she is suffering and reveals the fear of not knowing what is happening to her. Thankfully, she's able to receive help but she represents the face of HIV in Africa - a medical situation that doesn't seem to be getting that much better.

The only reason for posting this video is to put our own situations in context and remind ourselves that however much we may be suffering personally... everything is still relative!

Compression Band for Plantar Fasciitis Ankle Sprains and Knee Pain

At the request from multiple people, this post is focused on how to use a compression band (voodoo band) for the lower extremity. The feedback I receive after being wrapped is the treatment area feels lighter, more mobile and less achy. This is does not fix an injury but a way to manage your symptoms.

On the left is a home-made compression band from a bike tube.
On the right, is the compression band aka. voodoo band

How the compression band works

The band works by providing a compression onto the connective tissue. Imagine our connective tissue as a kitchen sponge. When it is being used, the sponge soaks up dirt and grime. When the sponge is compressed the dirty fluid is squeezed out and upon release fresh water is absorbed. By pushing stagnant fluid out and allowing fresh fluid to enter, our soft tissue is lubricated and mobility is restored! Drink Water!

How to use the compression band

Stretch the band about 50-75% and cover half of the prior band. I recommend performing stepping motions in all 3 planes of motion to maximally compress the different aspects of the connective tissue. The band stays on for no more then 2 minutes maximum!


DO NOT use the band if you have peripheral vascular disease, peripheral neuropathy or being treated for cancer. Take the compression band off if the tissue becomes gray, have numbness and tingling or have sudden claustrophobia

The band can be purchased online or you can cut a bike tube in half and split down the middle for a flat band. Note: A bike tube is much shorter then the 7-foot band and you'll smell like rubber.

I will demonstrate on to use the band for the lower extremity - foot, ankle and knee. 
The band can help reduce symptoms associated with plantar fascia, ankle sprains, Achilles tendonitis and general knee pain. 

Plantar Fasciitis 

Start the wrap at the base of your toes and wrap around the foot and onto the ankle. Tuck the end in. You can perform toe curls and extensions, ankle pumps and ankle circles. For the best effect perform a lunge matrix. 

Ankle Sprains and Pain

For ankle sprains, start the band the base of the ankle. Always start the band distal to the ankle to push the swelling into the leg to be absorbed. You want to cover the skin as much as you can so the swelling doesn't get pushed into the uncompressed area. Covering the entire surface around the ankle can be tricky. I recommend completely covering the heel with one circle and angling the ankle down.

This method can also be used for Achilles tendonitis.

Knee pain 

Start the band below the kneecap. You should have enough the cover the entire knee. Tuck the end of the band under the. You can bend and straighten your knee at different angles or contract your quadriceps muscles. My recommendation...  a lunge matrix!

The band can also be used around your muscles such as quadriceps and calf. 

Please see your MD if your pain is a chronic or serious injury.

Those who have use this please comment and give your feedback!

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