National Epilepsy Day – November 17: Awareness, Education & Support, What is Epilepsy?, Why Do We Celebrate National Epilepsy Day?, Causes of Epilepsy, Is Epilepsy Treatable?, Important Tips for Epilepsy Patients:, How We Can Help as a Society

 

National Epilepsy Day – November 17: Awareness, Education & Support

National Epilepsy Day is observed every year on November 17 to raise awareness about epilepsy, a neurological condition that affects millions of people across the world. In India, this day is especially recognized to educate people, reduce stigma, and support those living with epilepsy and their families.

Why Do We Celebrate National Epilepsy Day?

National Epilepsy Day aims to:

• Spread awareness about epilepsy and its symptoms

• Correct myths and misconceptions

• Encourage early diagnosis and proper treatment

• Support individuals living with epilepsy

• Promote research and better healthcare facilities

• Reduce discrimination in society

Many people still consider epilepsy a social taboo. Awareness campaigns on this day help people understand that epilepsy is a medical condition and not a curse, fear, or mental illness.

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which people experience repeated seizures. These seizures happen due to sudden, abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Common Symptoms:

• Sudden shaking or convulsions

• Staring spells

• Temporary confusion

• Loss of consciousness

• Strange sensations or emotional changes

Not all seizures look the same. Some are mild and last only a few seconds, while others may be severe.

Causes of Epilepsy

Epilepsy can occur due to:

• Genetic factors

• Head injuries

• Brain infections

• Stroke

• Brain tumor

• Unknown causes (in many cases)

Is Epilepsy Treatable?

Yes!
With proper medication, lifestyle management, and sometimes surgery, many people with epilepsy can live normal, healthy lives.

Important Tips for Epilepsy Patients:

• Take medicines regularly

• Avoid sleep deprivation

• Reduce stress

• Avoid alcohol and smoking

• Follow doctor’s advice strictly

How We Can Help as a Society

• Do not panic during a seizure

• Ensure the person is safe

• Do not put anything in their mouth

• Turn them gently to one side

• Call for medical help if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes

Cerebrovascular Diseases CVDs, Definition, Causes and Risk Factors

Cerebrovascular Diseases (CVDs) refer to a group of conditions that affect the blood vessels and blood supply to the brain. These disorders can lead to significant neurological damage and are a major cause of death and disability worldwide.

Definition

Cerebrovascular disease occurs when there's a sudden disruption of blood flow to the brain due to blockage (ischemia) or rupture (hemorrhage) of blood vessels.

Types of Cerebrovascular Diseases

1. Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident)

   • Ischemic Stroke (≈ 85% cases): Caused by a blood clot blocking a vessel.

     • Thrombotic (from a local clot)

     • Embolic (from a clot that travels from another part of the body)

   • Hemorrhagic Stroke: Caused by bleeding into the brain.

     • Intracerebral hemorrhage

     • Subarachnoid hemorrhage

2. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

   • A "mini-stroke" with temporary blockage of blood flow. Symptoms resolve within 24 hours.

   • A warning sign for future major strokes.

3. Aneurysm

   • A weakened area in a blood vessel that balloons out. May rupture, leading to hemorrhage.

4. Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs)

   • Abnormal tangles of arteries and veins that can rupture and bleed.

5. Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST)

   • Blood clot in the brain’s venous sinuses, leading to increased intracranial pressure.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Hypertension

• Diabetes mellitus

• High cholesterol

• Smoking

• Atrial fibrillation

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Obesity

• Family history of stroke or CVD

Symptoms

• Sudden numbness or weakness (especially one side of the body)

• Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding

• Visual disturbances

• Dizziness or loss of balance

• Severe headache (especially in hemorrhagic stroke)

Diagnosis

• CT Scan / MRI Brain

• CT Angiography / MR Angiography

• Carotid Doppler Ultrasound

• Blood tests (clotting profile, glucose, cholesterol)

• Echocardiogram / ECG (if embolic cause is suspected)

Treatment

• Ischemic Stroke:

  • Clot-busting drugs (e.g., tPA)

  • Mechanical thrombectomy

• Hemorrhagic Stroke:

  • Blood pressure control

  • Surgical intervention (e.g., clipping or coiling of aneurysms)

• Preventive Therapies:

  • Antiplatelets (aspirin)

  • Anticoagulants

  • Lifestyle modification

  • Statins

Prevention

• Control blood pressure and sugar

• Quit smoking and alcohol

• Healthy diet and regular exercise

• Manage heart conditions (e.g., atrial fibrillation)

• Regular health screenings

When is World Prematurity Day Celebrated?, Why Do We Celebrate World Prematurity Day?, Signs of Preterm Labour, Causes of Premature Birth

When is World Prematurity Day Celebrated?

World Prematurity Day is celebrated on 17th November every year.

Why Do We Celebrate World Prematurity Day?

The day is observed to:

• Raise awareness about preterm birth

• Support families who have premature babies

• Appreciate and honor NICU doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers

• Promote better prenatal and neonatal care

• Educate the public about preventing preterm birth

Every year, more than 15 million babies are born prematurely worldwide.
It is one of the leading causes of newborn deaths, but most complications are preventable with proper care.

Theme of World Prematurity Day 2024

Why Do We Celebrate World Prematurity Day

“Small Actions, Big Impact – Immediate Skin-to-Skin Care for Every Baby Everywhere.”

Skin-to-skin contact (Kangaroo Mother Care) helps premature babies by:

• Improving breathing and heartbeat

• Increasing bonding with parents

• Maintaining body temperature

• Reducing infections

• Improving breastfeeding and weight gain

Causes of Premature Birth

Some common causes include:

• High blood pressure during pregnancy

• Diabetes

• Infections

• Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets)

• Smoking, alcohol, or poor nutrition

• Physical stress, long working hours

• Previous history of preterm birth

• Unknown reasons (in many cases)

Signs of Preterm Labour

• Regular contractions

• Lower abdominal pressure

• Back pain

• Vaginal bleeding

• Water breaking early

Women experiencing these symptoms should immediately visit a hospital.

How to Reduce the Risk of Premature Birth

• Regular antenatal checkups

• Good nutrition during pregnancy

• Avoid smoking and alcohol

• Managing medical conditions (BP, diabetes)

• Reducing stress

• Adequate rest

• Taking pregnancy supplements as advised

How Premature Babies Are Treated

Preterm babies often require:

• NICU admission

• Incubator care

• Respiratory support (CPAP, ventilator)

• Feeding through tube

• Infection control

• Monitoring oxygen, temperature, and heart rate

With advanced neonatal care, survival rates of even extremely preterm babies are improving.

Additional Info (Useful for Readers)

1. Color of the Day

The official color of World Prematurity Day is Purple, symbolizing sensitivity and compassion.

2. World Statistics

• 1 in every 10 babies is born premature

• Prematurity is a leading cause of death among children under 5

• Most preterm births occur in Asia and Africa

3. Support for Parents

Having a premature baby can be emotionally challenging.
Supporting parents through counseling, education, and emotional care is extremely important.

4. Role of Radiology

Radiology helps in:

• Diagnosing complications in premature babies

• Monitoring lung development

• Detecting infections, brain injuries, bowel issues (NEC)

• Providing vital information for NICU treatment

This is an important awareness area that many parents don’t know.

Conclusion

World Prematurity Day reminds us that every small life matters, no matter how early they arrive.
By spreading awareness, supporting families, and improving neonatal care, we can give premature babies a better chance at a healthy future.

When Was Radiology Day Decided & What Is Radiology?, What Is Radiology?, Common Radiology Techniques.

 When Was Radiology Day Decided & What Is Radiology?

World Radiology Day was officially established by the European Society of Radiology (ESR) and supported by radiology organizations worldwide. It was decided that 8 November would be the global date because it is the exact day on which Roentgen discovered X-rays in 1895.

The purpose of choosing this date was to:

• Celebrate the impact of radiology

• Educate the public about imaging

• Highlight the importance of radiation safety

• Encourage young professionals to enter the field

What Is Radiology?

Radiology is a branch of medical science that uses various imaging techniques to diagnose and treat diseases. It helps doctors look inside the body to identify fractures, tumors, infections, and many other health conditions.

Common Radiology Techniques:

• X-ray: Shows bones and certain body structures

• CT Scan: Provides detailed cross-sectional images

• MRI: Shows soft tissues like brain, muscles, ligaments

• Ultrasound: Uses sound waves, often used in pregnancy

• Mammography: Helps detect breast cancer

• Interventional Radiology: Minimally invasive procedures using imaging guidance

Radiology is one of the most important fields in modern medicine. Without it, diagnosing many diseases would be difficult or even impossible.

Why Do We Celebrate World Radiology Day?

Why Do We Celebrate World Radiology Day?

World Radiology Day is celebrated every year on 8 November to honor one of the greatest discoveries in medical history—X-rays. This day marks the anniversary of the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen in the year 1895. His invention completely changed the way doctors diagnose and treat diseases.

Before X-rays, doctors had to rely only on physical examination or surgery to understand internal injuries. But Roentgen’s discovery made it possible to see inside the human body without making a single cut. Because of this achievement, he received the first-ever Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901.

World Radiology Day is celebrated to:

• Create awareness about the importance of radiology in healthcare

• Appreciate the hard work of radiologists and radiographers

• Promote radiation safety in medical imaging

• Encourage advancements in imaging technology

Today, radiology plays a major role in diagnosing diseases early, improving treatment accuracy, and saving millions of lives. From X-rays to CT scans, MRI, Ultrasound, and Interventional Radiology, the journey of imaging has transformed modern medicine.

 

World Prematurity Day – Importance, Awareness & Support for Preterm Babies

What is Prematurity?

Prematurity means a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
A full-term pregnancy is around 40 weeks, so a premature baby arrives earlier than expected and often needs special medical care.

world prematurity day awareness.

Types of Preterm Birth

1. Late Preterm: 34–36 weeks

2. Moderate Preterm: 32–34 weeks

3. Very Preterm: 28–32 weeks

4. Extremely Preterm: Below 28 weeks

Preterm babies usually have:

• Low birth weight

• Difficulty breathing (due to immature lungs)

• Difficulty feeding

• Need for NICU care

• Higher risk of infections

But with proper medical care, many premature babies grow up healthy and strong.

Why GFR matters in MRI, GFR Guidelines for MRI contrast

Why GFR matters in MRI

• In MRI, gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA) are sometimes injected to enhance images.

• If a patient’s kidneys are not working well (low GFR), the body can’t clear gadolinium quickly.

• In severe kidney failure, gadolinium can rarely cause a dangerous condition called Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) — thickening and hardening of the skin and other tissues.

GFR Guidelines for MRI contrast

eGFR (mL/min/1.73m²)	MRI Contrast Use Recommendation
≥ 60	Safe to give GBCA
30–59	Usually safe, but use lowest dose, avoid in high-risk patients
< 30	Avoid GBCA unless absolutely essential (use safer macrocyclic agents if needed)
Dialysis patient	GBCA only if necessary, and schedule dialysis immediately after

Typical hospital protocol before MRI with contrast

1. Check serum creatinine within last 1 month (or last 7 days for high-risk patients).

2. Calculate eGFR.

3. If GFR is low, discuss with the referring doctor whether contrast is necessary.

4. If contrast is given to a patient with impaired kidney function, use safer GBCA types (macrocyclic, non-ionic) and minimal dose.

GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate)
GFR is a measure of how well your kidneys are filtering blood. Specifically, it estimates the volume of fluid filtered by the glomeruli (tiny filters in the kidneys) each minute.

Why it’s important

• It’s the main indicator of kidney function.

• Used to detect, stage, and monitor Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).

• Helps guide treatment decisions, especially for kidney-related illnesses and drug dosing.

Normal & abnormal values

GFR (mL/min/1.73m²)	Kidney Function
≥ 90	Normal
60–89	Mildly decreased
45–59	Mild to moderately decreased
30–44	Moderately to severely decreased
15–29	Severely decreased
< 15	Kidney failure (end-stage)

How GFR is measured

1. Estimated GFR (eGFR) – Calculated from blood creatinine, age, sex, and sometimes race.

2. Measured GFR (mGFR) – More accurate, uses special markers (like inulin, iohexol) in research or special cases.

Factors affecting GFR

• Lower GFR: CKD, acute kidney injury, dehydration, heart failure.

• Higher GFR: Early diabetic nephropathy, pregnancy.

• Temporary changes: High-protein meal, exercise.