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Sunday, August 3, 2008

Causalgia (Sudeck's atrophy)

It is a pain syndrome that develops in the joints especially after nerve injuries. Other names include Sudeck's atrophy, Sudeck's dystrophy, algodystrophy, shoulder-hand syndrome, and reflex sympathetic dystrophy.

The major features are (1) pain; (2) dystrophy in involved skin, tissue, muscle, and bone; and (3) abnormal sweating and blood flow regulation in the affected area. Sometimes there is also hypertrichosis and ridging of nails. Weeks or months after myocardial infarction, this syndrome may develop in the left arm and hand ("shoulder-hand syndrome" or "Dressler's syndrome") and mimic the pain of angina pectoris.
After years of skepticism, most investigators now acknowledge the key role of the sympathetic nervous system in mediating causalgia. Destruction of the relevant sympathetic nerves often completely eliminates the pain. There is recent experimental evidence that blockade of a2-adrenoreceptors may also be helpful.

Major Factors for your gaining Weight

Weight gain is so complicated; there are so many factors that can impact your weight. It is more likely a combination of things more than just one factor. So,below are some of the major factors that are responsible for weight gain. You Might Be Gaining Weight


Because of Lack of Sleep

The body functions best when well rested. When you don't get enough sleep, your body experiences physiological stress and, biochemically, you store fat more efficiently.
When you're tired, you also don't handle stress as well, so you may reach for food as a coping mechanism. Further, you may be taking in extra calories from late-night snacking. Some people think eating might help them get back to sleep, but all it really does is add more calories to their daily total.
Symptoms that you may not be getting enough rest include fatigue, low energy levels, nodding off easily, and feeling irritable.
Strive to get eight hours of sleep each night.


Because of Stress

Stress response, whether it is 'fight-or-flight,' juggling too many responsibilities, or coping with financial pressures, triggers a biochemical process where our bodies go into survival mode," explains May. "Our bodies store fuel, slow down metabolism, and dump out chemicals [cortisol, leptin, and other hormones] which are more likely to cause obesity in the abdominal region."

Because of Medications

Some prescription drugs used to treat depression, mood disorders, seizures, migraines, blood pressure, and diabetes can cause weight gain, from a modest amount to as much as 10 pounds per month. Some steroids, hormone replacement therapy, and even oral contraceptives may also cause gradual weight creep.


Because of a Medical Condition

The most common medical condition that causes weight gain is hypothyroidism. A deficiency of thyroid hormone can decrease metabolism, causing appetite loss and weight gain.


Because of Menopause

When women go through menopause, they lose estrogen, causing their shapes to change -- usually a loss of hip and thigh weight. And they start to gain more in the middle.