Health Blog

20 Dec

Risk Factors Of Stroke In Younger People

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Stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or when the blood vessel in the brain bursts,spilling blood into the spaces surrounding brain cells. Brain cells die when they no longer receive oxygen and nutrients from the blood or there is sudden bleeding into or around the brain. Your risk for stroke increase with age. But a stroke can strike anyone, anytime. In fact, the rate of stroke among the age group between 18 and 65 is on the rise. The fact is younger people ignore stroke symptoms

Common Risk Factors Of Stroke 

 
  1. Advancing Age
  2. Smoking
  3. High Blood Pressure
  4. Diabetes Mellitus
  5. High Cholesterol levels
  6. Irregular Heart Rhythm (Atrial Fibrillation/Atrial Flutter)
  7. Ischaemic Heart disease (Angina or Heart attack)
  8. Chronic Kidney disease
  Risk factors for Stroke in Younger Adult (Age <45 years) will include some of the risk factors as above. But not all of them are relevant in this age group. Stroke is not uncommon in this age group, but the causes are different and hence investigations to find them needs to be different.

Additional Risk Factors of Stroke 

 
  1. Vasculitis or swelling of brain blood vessels (can happen in isolation or in conjunction to disease in other systems like Rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, SLE etc.)
  2. Infective Vasculopathy - permanent change in blood vessel wall in relation to infections like HIV, Hepatitis B & C, Syphilis, Herpes Simplex or Varicella Zoster viruses.
  3. Toxic Vasculopathy - permanent change in blood vessel wall in relation to use of recreational drugs particularly cannabis and cocaine
  4. Reversible Cerebral Vasospasm (RCVS) - transient spasm in blood vessel wall in relation to recreational drugs (Cociane/Cannabis), infections or medicines (nasal decongestants are a common offender)
  5. Fibromuscular Dysplasia - Change is blood vessel wall causing them to be narrower and stiffer, so far cause is unknown. Usually associated with similar change in kidney blood vessels and this needs to be screened and scented if found.
  6. Dissection - Commonest cause of Stroke in young adults. A small tear occurs in the blood vessel wall due to trivial or non trivial trauma and this leads to blood clots forming around the tear. Common places are neck blood vessels (Carotid and vertebral arteries). Prognosis is very good. Usually the blood vessel remodels itself and completely reanalyses in 90-95% of cases.
  7. Atrial Fibrillation - irregular heart rhythm
  8. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea - screen for snoring.
  9. Patent Foramen Pvale - hole in the heart. Current evidence suggests closing the hole if found is better than medical treatment.
  10. Congenital Thrombophilia - Certain abnormal blood proteins which are present from birth which makes blood more sticky and therefore more prone to clot. These can be tested through blood samples and treated.
  11. Acquired Thrombophilia - Certain abnormal blood proteins which are acquired through life which makes blood more sticky and more prone to clot. They are often associated with disease in other systems like Rheumatoid Arthritis, SLE etc.
  12. COVID Infection - A form of acquired thrombophilia is reported with COVID infections with presence of Antiphosphoplipid antibodies (Abnormal blood protein) transiently which makes blood more prone to clot. Usually dissapears in 3 months.
  13. COVID Vaccination - Certain COVID vaccines, in particular AstraZeneca (Covishield) and Johnson & Johnson (Jansen), have been reported to cause an immune reaction (bodies defence mechanism malfunctions and attacks blood cells) where they deplete platelets (Vaccine induced thrombocytopenia, ViTT) which causes clotting all over the body.
Docoasis is an online consultation providing online neurology consultation on Stroke, Geriatric Medicine, Elderly Neurological Diseases by Dr. Dwaipayan Sen
For enquires, whatsapp us on 009108017349753
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12 Oct

How Virtual Medical Consultation Bridged the 2 Years Wait of Mr Das

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I love this technology and amazed to see how the technology bridged the 5604 km distance (UK to Kolkata Flight Distance) and a wait of 2 years in a few days with few steps.   A simple email made all the difference.   Mr. Das was trying to get an appointment from Dr. Dwaipayan Sen for his father-in-law who is having some neurological disorder.   He has been waiting to book an appointment for 2 years. WOW that’s a lot of time… Isn’t It?   At least, this is what he said in his email.   In his email, he highlighted as Dr. Sen stays most of the time abroad, he has not been successful to book an appointment with him. He wanted to find out if in any way he can get an appointment from him for his father-in-law in near future.   I know what you must be thinking?   Why would one wait for 2 years for a consultation? Yes, he consulted somebody else.   But as the neurological symptoms persisted with his father-in-law he was not sure and wanted to consult Dr. Dwaipayan Sen for a second opinion.   To this, he was introduced to DocOasis by Dr. Dwaipayan Sen   You must be thinking… Now what is DocOasis?   DocOasis is an online consultation platform helping you to connect to Dr. Dwaipayan Sen across the globe virtually for a second opinion in fields of Stroke, Geriatric Medicine, Elderly Neurological Diseases and on General Medicine. In a way it helps to validate your current diagnosis and treatment virtually from the comfort of your home.   Mr. Das was initially a bit hesitant about using technology for the consultation but thinking he how very much wanted the appointment he booked the video consultation with Dr. Dwaipayan Sen, Consultant Stroke Physician UK through DocOasis.   He created an account, submitted a summary of the health problem his father-in-law was having, current medicines undertaken by him, test results and the imaging studies from the previous consultation through the portal and booked the video consultation with the doctor.   To find out how the 30 minutes of the consultation went, we (DocOasis) asked him to leave a review and the review that came from him is   “Recently I consulted Dr. Sen for my father in law who has been suffering from Parkinson for last 2 years. Initially, I contacted Dr Sen for his appointment through e-mail and amazed to see his answer within an hour with suitable guideline. It was an unbelievable experience of video conference with Dr. Sen.   I appreciate Dr. Sen for his detail explanation about the root cause of the disease as well as it's remedies. His personality coupled with his great knowledge towards his subjects has been reflected in every words of his advice.   Moreover, his behaviour towards the patient as well as his family members build up a confidence in patient's mind. We are really grateful to Dr. Sen and will look forward to his advice further.   I would also like to appreciate the support team of DocOasis for their very prompt response regarding all kind of helps. Many thanks again to Dr. Sen and the team.   Regards, Mr Das"     Further to this he did all the tests requested by the doctor and booked a follow up with the doctor again through video consultation. But this time he was more confident in using the technology.   Who would have thought about consulting a doctor virtually before the year 1998?   Thanks to Google and the Skype Founders and similar technologies who is bridging the distance and waiting gap and strengthening the interaction between patients and doctors across the globe.   So, today in this internet age with a phone/laptop and internet connection, patients can receive medical advice/second opinion from world best doctors without leaving the comfort of their homes.   Harnessing the power of technology, with virtual second opinion a patient can get confirmation on their current diagnosis and treatment or get recommendation on additional treatment options from doctors across the globe. Just like Mr. Das who consulted Dr. Dwaipayan Sen Consultant Stroke Physician UK (NHS) through DocOasis to validate his treatment on the current diagnosis  

Now, the question is do we need second opinion?

  Sometimes, we might notice that the symptoms are persisting, and the proposed treatment is not working as it should have, it puts so many questions in your mind i.e. Have I been misdiagnosed, and should I consult a different doctor for a second opinion?   Well, misdiagnosis is not rare. But people only come to this conclusion only after a severe incident has happened to the patient.   According to a recent study by Johns Hopkins, in USA more than 250,000 people in the United States die every year from medical errors making it the 3rd cause of death after cancer and heart disease. So, if you have a hunch that your current diagnosis is not right, or you want to explore the other alternatives for the treatment, it is advisable to take a second opinion from the doctor.   Because getting a second opinion from another doctor can help you make informed decisions about the treatment plan. Just like Mr. Das did by consulting Dr. Dwaipayan Sen through DocOasis…  

When To Seek A Second Opinion?

  Summary of the possible situations when you can go for a second opinion.  
  • If you have doubts about the recommended treatment and wanted a second opinion from another doctor, it is advisable to seek a second opinion
  • If there was not enough communication between both parties and you wanted to be more informed, please seek one
  • If there is more than one route to the treatment, please seek for a second opinion
  • If the treatment is not effective and the symptoms persist.
  • Many patients with complex medical questions or concerns may be looking for answers, alternatives, or peace of mind. If you are unsure about your treatment plan, have symptoms that have not been explained, or have been diagnosed with a life-changing illness, an online second opinion can help.. Another perspective to be taken into consideration.
    Some interesting stats indicating how Medical Second Opinion has helped patients.   For example, in a study conducted by Mayo Clinic on patients who wanted a second opinion found 66% Of Patients Received Refined Diagnosis 22% Of Patients Diagnosed with Something Different 12% Of Patients Were Confirmed the original diagnosis   Another data collected by Pinnacle Care on their 1,000 Members found 3% Had a Change In Diagnosis 21% Changed Treatment Plans 2% Didn’t need surgery though initially recommended by their Physician   But people sometime hesitate to get a second opinion thinking it might upset their doctor, it might be expensive, it is a difficult process to seek a second opinion, take things for granted thinking my health condition isn’t life threatening.   But these are all myths. It’s your life. It’s your decision.   So, in this day and age where technology is moving at a fast pace, seeking a virtual second opinion from top specialist doctors is not impossible. You owe it yourself to explore your options in validating your treatment by world’s top doctors.   So, if there is a hunch that your diagnosis is not correct or want to validate your treatment in fields of Stroke, Elderly Neurological Diseases, Geriatric Medicine, book a consultation with Dr. Dwaipayan Sen on DocOasis.       Reference: https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-common-is-misdiagnosis-or-missed-diagnosis-2615481 https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-researchers-demonstrate-value-of-second-opinions/ https://www.pinnaclecare.com/highlights/blog//data-shows-second-opinions-can-change-the-course-of-your-healthcare// https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/22/medical-errors-third-leading-cause-of-death-in-america.html
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13 Dec

I Have Diabetes. Am I at Risk Of Having Stroke?

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Diabetes is not only a serious condition itself but is also responsible for increasing the vulnerability for many health conditions, stroke being one of them. Studies indicate that people suffering from diabetes have around 1.5 times greater chances of having a stroke, than people who do not have it. According to World Health Organisation (WHO), total number of people with diabetes is projected to increase to 366 million in 2030 from 171 million in 2000.   Diabetes affects the capabilities of the body to create insulin or put it to best uses. Insulin plays a very important role in filtering out the glucose from the bloodstream into the cells. People who suffer from diabetes, do not have this mechanism working quite efficiently, thus they are often left with extreme amounts of sugar in their blood. As time passes by, this extra sugar leads to the building up of clots or deposits of fat inside the vessels that are responsible for supplying blood to the brain and the neck. This is nothing but the process of atherosclerosis.   As a result of these deposits growing, the blood vessels often narrow down or can even get blocked completely. When the blood flow to the brain stops, there are chances of occurrence of a stroke.  

What is a stroke and what are the types of it?

  For the definition of a stroke, in a layman’s terms, stroke is a condition in which the blood vessels of the brain are damaged. A number of factors characterize the occurrence of a stroke, like the place in the brain where the blood vessels have been damaged, the size of the damaged blood vessel and the event responsible for the damage. Following are the types of strokes:
  • Ischaemic stroke: This is the most common type of stroke and occurs when the artery supplying oxygen-rich blood to the brain, gets blocked. Most often the bran gets blocked due to a blood clot.
 
  • Hemorrhagic stroke: This stroke happens when the artery in the brain ruptures or leaks blood. This is a very serious kind of stroke and is responsible for 40 per cent of deaths related to strokes.
 
  • Transient ischaemic attack: Also known as TIA, this condition is often known as a mini-stroke as the blood flow to the brain gets blocked for a certain amount of time. This stroke does not result in a permanent neurological damage. TIA may last from a minute to many hours, till the clogged artery opens back. Often referred to as a warning stroke the symptoms should not be ignored.
 

What are the warning signs of stroke?

 
  1. Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
  2. Sudden confusion or trouble understanding
  3. Trouble talking
  4. Dizziness, loss of balance, or trouble walking
  5. Double vision
  6. Severe Headache
As the signs develop suddenly and as STROKE is a life-threatening disease, it is important to contact the emergency department as getting treatment as soon as possible after a stroke can help prevent permanent damage to your brain  

A deep connection between stroke and diabetes

  As we have already understood, diabetes increases the chances of stroke. To add to this, diabetes also makes it hard for the body to respond to stroke. When the oxygen supply gets cut off, the other arteries can normalise the situation by acting as a bypass. In case, a person suffering a stroke already has diabetes, the vessels may remain clogged or hardened with plaque, a condition which is known as atherosclerosis. Thus, the brain finds it hard to receive the supply of the blood.   With the passage of time, the high blood sugar levels can damage the nerves and the blood vessels.  If the condition is not brought under control in time, a person with diabetes can suffer a stroke anytime. People suffering from diabetes are also vulnerable to suffer from other conditions that can increase the risks of having heart disease and stroke.   The American Heart Association have indicated in their findings that 16 % of the adults above 65 years and with diabetes, die from a stroke and 68 % die from other heart diseases. They have also warned that diabetes is one of the seven controllable risk factors for various kinds of cardiovascular diseases.  

How to reduce the occurrence of a stroke in people who have diabetes?

  While stroke is a disease of the blood vessels, diabetes affects blood vessels in addition to other organs. So, if diabetes can be controlled, its timely control and other sorts of precaution can lessen the risks of a stroke resulting from it.
  • People need to take proper medications to lower associated risks.
  • A dietary change is also beneficial for the prevention of strokes.
  • Exercising regularly, at least for 2 hours and 30 minutes is of great help.
  • The diet should include lots of vegetables.
  • Quitting smoking would be really great.
  • Maintaining good cholesterol levels is a very important preventive measure.
  • A healthy weight should also be maintained.
  If you have any health queries related to Stroke Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, Neurological Diseases in the Elderly and General Medicine, and need medical advice/second opinion, contact us on  [email protected]   References:
  • https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/diabetes-and-stroke
  • https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/type-2-diabetes-guide/diabetes-stroke#1
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3543806/
     
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03 Dec

What You Need To Know If You are A Caregiver Of A Stroke Survivor?

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A stroke may be frightening to both the survivor and the family. Immediately after stroke it’s not unusual to feel overwhelmed, uncertain, about your newly added role as a caregiver. The common question that comes to the mind as a caregiver “Will My Loved Ones Recover from STROKE?”   Stroke recovery varies from person to person and is nearly impossible to predict. Some people can recover completely, some survivors require long-term care because of the severity of the impairments, some soon die after a stroke. Recovery from a stroke can vary from few days to months to years. It is determined by where in the brain the stroke occurred. For example, in which portion of the brain the stroke occurred. How much of the brain is affected, the survivor’s motivation, caregiver support, the quantity and quality of rehabilitation and the survivor’s health before the stroke.

What You Need To Know As a Caregiver

 
  • Educate Yourselves:
    • The first thing you should do as a caregiver is to ask questions for example What type of stroke did your loved one have? What side of the brain was affected? What caused the stroke? How can another stroke be prevented?
    • Build a network with other stroke survivors and caregivers.
 
  • Avoid Falls: Falls after stroke is common. So, the first thing as a caregiver one should take into consideration is to make the home safer to avoid falls. For example, if there is a way the patient can avoid stairs, is there a way to put grab bars and seats in the bathroom and shower.
 
  • Reduce the risks of having another stroke: Survivors are at a higher risk for a second stroke, so it’s important to help minimize that risk. Along with it, is also important to recognise the signs of Stroke.The risk of having another stroke goes up with the older age, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, cigarette smoking, use of alcohol and drug use. Though some of these risk factors cannot be controlled for example age, gender but some of these could be reduced through use of prescribed medicines by doctor or change of lifestyle.
 
  • Focus on a healthy life style: After a stroke it is crucial to get all the nutrients your brain needs for a fast recovery from stroke. Neurogenesis helps to regenerate new cells and compensate for the damage from Stroke. It is crucial to have diet that is rich in neurogenesis for example blueberries, omega-3 fatty acids, green tea and curcumin. Along with proper diet, regular exercise, taking medicines on time as prescribed by the doctors and visits to the healthcare provider on time is crucial towards lowering the risk of having another stroke.

 

Stroke Complications That You Need To Be Aware Of

 
  • Swallowing: Post Stroke, the survivor may have problem in swallowing. If the survivor face such problems, get some help from a speech therapist who can help you to relearn how to swallow and eat normally again. Dietitian can help you to find nutritious food that are easier to eat and swallow.
 
  • Bladder And Bowel Control: Frequent urination, trouble urinating, ability to identify the need to go for urinating can be some of the problems a survivor may face. It is advisable to seek help from a bladder or bowel specialist if such problem persists.
 
  • Be aware of the Physiological Problems A Stroke Patient May Face: Post Stroke, depression & anxiety are some of the common psychological problems noticed among the survivor. Signs of such emotions might interfere with your loved one’s recovery. In such cases, if you notice your loved one is having hard time controlling emotions, it is important to seek advice from your healthcare provider.
 
  • Be aware of the Disrupted Cognitive Functions: One or more of the cognitive functions can be disrupted by a stroke. This includes communication, memory, and concentration, the ability to carry out skilled activities such as getting dressed or making a cup of tea. Though most of the communications skills can be recovered through speech and language therapy over time, but you may find that they don’t return to the way they were before.
  The role of a caregiver can be stressful. So, as a caregiver it is important that you look after yourself. The more you look after yourself both physically and emotionally, the more you can care your loved ones. It is also crucial to take time for yourself. This shouldn't be ignored. It contributes to your loved ones' healing process. If your loved ones had a stroke and you have questions about your loved ones recovery, it is best to ask a stroke specialist online   References:  
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17 Nov

Lifestyle Changes To Reduce The Chances Of Stroke Affecting Your Loved Ones

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In our daily lives, we often hear our relatives or other acquaintances suffering a stroke. A stroke connotes a situation when there is a sudden disruption in the blood supply to the brain. Most strokes result from a sudden blockage of the arteries which lead to the brain. This condition has a better medical term. It is also known as an Ischemic Stroke. Some other kinds of strokes are caused by the bleeding tissues in the brain due to the sudden bursting of the blood vessels. This condition is known as the haemorrhagic stroke. Now, whatever be the medical situation, prompting the stroke, we have to opt for certain lifestyle changes to prevent or reduce the rates of occurrence.  

How to Recognise the Signs of a Stroke?

Though every different people have different symptoms of a stroke, they occur suddenly most of the times. Different parts of our brain are responsible for controlling the different parts of our body and this is the reason why the symptoms are varied. The symptoms depend on the affected parts of the brain as well as the extent of the damage caused. We can take the help of the word FAST to remember the symptoms:
  • F stands for face- The face may start dropping on one of the sides and the affected person may not be able to conduct any facial movement. Their mouth or eyes may also start drooping.
 
  • A stands for arms-There might be weakness or numbness in the arms and the affected person may face difficulty in lifting them.
 
  • S stands for speech: The speech starts getting slurred and the person will not be able to talk even if he tries hard. They also start having comprehension problems.
 
  • T stands for time to call for medical help: If the patient shows any of these symptoms, please take him to the hospital immediately. Even if the symptoms goes away, it is advisable to seek emergency medical services immediately.
Some other symptoms might also be attributed to a stroke attack. It includes complete paralysis of any side of the body, confusion, dizziness, problems with coordination and balance, dysphagia, loss of consciousness etc.  

Serious Changes in Lifestyle

Many of us may attribute divine intervention or destiny to the occurrence of a stroke in our known people. We may also conclude that nothing could have been done to avoid it. But, are we aware of the fact that a stroke can be prevented by incorporating some healthy changes in our lifestyle? One of the best ways to prevent a stroke is to make positive changes in our lifestyle. We can start eating a healthy diet, avoid too much drinking and smoking and exercise regularly to avoid getting affected by certain medical ailments. Often life gives a second chance and people might have recovered from a first stroke. Bringing about lifestyle changes is important for them, as well.
  • A change in diet: An unhealthy diet is very much responsible for increasing the chances of having a stroke. This is because the unhealthy components can increase the levels of cholesterol as well as blood pressure. The medical practitioners recommend a high-fibre and low-fat diet. This kind of diet usually comprises whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. Eating a balanced diet is equally important. Eating too much of a single kind of food is not recommended. This advice works preferably for processed foods and foods high in salt.
 
  • Exercising: Engaging in physical activities, especially exercising is a very good way of maintaining a healthy weight as well as staying away from unnecessary health complications. We should also be aware of the fact that exercising is also good for preventing strokes. Regular exercise can not only help in lowering cholesterol levels but also stabilises high pressure. For most of us, a two and half hour of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week is quite preferable. Cycling and walking fast are the best aerobic activities, we can indulge in. Exercising also helps in fast recovery of the patients, who have recently suffered a stroke.
 
  • Stop smoking: Smoking is a malicious activity, which increases the risks of having a stroke. This is because smoking narrows down the walls of the arteries and enhances the risks of blood clotting. When we stop smoking, we can reduce the risks of being affected by stroke, besides improving our general health conditions.
 
  • Cutting down on alcohol consumption: When we depend on alcohol consumption, to a great extent, we are building a conducive environment for strokes to occur. Alcohol consumption leads to high blood pressure and prompt atrial fibrillation or irregular heartbeat, the conditions which increase the risks of suffering a stroke. Heavy drinking increases the risks of stroke as alcoholic drinks are high in calories.
 
  • Never provide an excuse to miss your medicines: Often, the doctors prescribe us certain medications to help protect our body from certain impending medical ailments. We should never be so busy in our lives to forget eating these medicines.
  Our present-day lifestyle is in a great way responsible for a large number of medical complications we suffer from. When we bring about healthy changes in it, we reduce the risks of suffering from them. Strokes have become quite common and to reduce the chances of them affecting us or our near and dear ones, we should maintain a healthy lifestyle.   If you have any health queries related to Stroke Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, Neurological Diseases in the Elderly and General Medicine, or need medical information, please don’t hesitate to Ask a Doctor Online     References: https://www.webmd.com/stroke/features/stroke-prevention-lifestyle-tips#2 https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/8-things-you-can-do-to-prevent-a-stroke
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02 Jul

Why Medical Second Opinion Matter?

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Do You Know? Every year in US, 1 of every 20 adults receiving outpatient care experiences diagnostic error which can be either an inaccurate diagnosis or untimely diagnosis or failure to communicate a diagnosis to the patient. Diagnostic errors can cause serious physical harm, including death, either by a delay in appropriate treatment for a serious disease, or by provision of unnecessary, harmful treatments.   In a study conducted on Israeli patients with response rate 62%, it is found that clinical uncertainty or lack of communication is a reason for the patients seeking medical second opinion and not with the diagnosis itself. Communicating with the patient in a jargon free manner could reduce the need for patients seeking medical advice.   In a Mayo Clinic study, it is being found that
  • 88% of patients who requested for a medical second opinion went home with new or refined diagnosis that led to changing their care plan
  • 12% receive confirmation that the original diagnosis was the right treatment plan
  According to a study by the latest Global Medical Second Opinion Market report it is being found that considering there is an increasing need for improved diagnosis and treatment planning, as well as employer pressures to reduce financial healthcare costs, the need for second opinion is predicted to grow at an annual compound rate of 18.2% between now and 2024.   Second Opinions have proven to be a valuable strategy for reducing medication errors. Moreover, patients seeking second opinion could lead to quicker access to live saving treatment or prevent unnecessary treatments in a way minimizing the impact that could result from diagnostic error    

What Is Medical Second Opinion?

  Medical Second Opinion is the additional consultation taken by the patient after the primary diagnosis. A second opinion about your health situation from another doctor helps you to compare the advices provided by both the medical specialists. You feel more confident if the results are the same but with a different view you get to know different medical options available to your health condition.     

When to consider a Medical Second Opinion?

 
  • Sometimes when your symptoms persist, or the situation becomes worse after your medical consultation, it is better to get a second medical opinion.
 
  • To ensure the planned treatment is the best option for you, it is better to seek a medical second opinion
 
  • If you have been diagnosed with a rare or life-threatening disease, for example, if you have been diagnosed with critical, chronic or degenerative health conditions and diseases such as cancer, AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, severe burns, stroke, coma, paralysis, Alzheimer’s disease, blindness, deafness, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, renal failure, speech loss, organ transplants, motor neuron diseases, it is advisable to seek a medical second opinion to be aware of the availability of the alternate diagnosis
 
  • If you not have been communicated properly about your condition or need more information about your disease, you should seek a medical opinion. In that instance
 
  • You can either ask your primary physician to help you suggest with another medical specialist whom you can seek advice from
  • For a health professional who does not require a referral from your doctor, you have the right to organise an appointment with another health professional without informing the first, if you wish. However, if possible, take any test results or scans with you.
But as a patient do you consider getting a medical second opinion? Sometimes it has been found out patients feel awkward as they think it might ruin the relationship between the patient and their primary doctor. But it is a common request. It is your absolute right to seek advice and be in charge of what happens to your body. Receiving the right diagnosis is a critical aspect of any patient’s healthcare    

How Do I Get A Medical Second Opinion from A Doctor at DocOasis?

  Step 1: Select How You Would Like to Book A Consultation Video/Online Step 2:  Define Your Health Problems for Which You Need A Consultation Step 3: Pay & Book Your Consultation Step 4:
  • If You Have Booked A Query Online Consultation, doctor reviews your case and replies within 24 - 48 hours. With this consultation you can ask 2 Free Follow Up Queries
  • If You have booked a Video Consultation, doctor reviews your case and replies to you on the day consultation is booked. This consultation lasts for 30 minutes and is initiated by the doctor
 

Who at DocOasis will provide Medical Second Opinion and on what Speciality?

  Here at DocOasis, Dr. Dwaipayan Sen Consultant Stroke Physician from UK will be providing answers to medical questions and provide you second opinion on your current medical queries raised in the portal. The specialities are Stroke Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, Neurological Diseases in the Elderly and General Medicine.  

Questions to Ask Doctor i.e. your Second Healthcare Provider?

 
  • If you have been diagnosed correctly?
  • If the tests are costly, try to find out if all of them are necessary?
  • What are the different options i.e. pros and cons of each if you have advised with different diagnosis options
  Examples of Case Studies to see how people are helped with a medical second opinion.   Sometimes a story is not enough. We need to know the experiences people had with Dr. Dwaipayan Sen. Hence you can have a quick read here.   If you have any health queries related to Stroke Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, Neurological Diseases in the Elderly and General Medicine, and need medical advice don’t hesitate to contact us on [email protected]     References:  
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20 Jun

Life with Dementia – A Guide From Dr. Sen, for Family Members and Care Givers

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Dementia is a neurodegenerative disorder where the brain gradually loses several aspects of its function. While the most common symptom is memory loss, there is gradual impairment of several other brain functions where often the person ends up being unable to look after his own affairs.

Dementia And Its Impact On Day To Day Activities

 

  • Maintaining Health: This includes both physical and mental health. Dementia is a process of deterioration and it is expected that functions will deteriorate. However, with correct planning patients will be able to maintain their independence and function for a long time. Hence it is useful for such patients to get regular check up and take medicines regularly. Light physical exercise like walking helps. Playing games like crosswords, chess, card games which involve working the mind is extremely helpful. Regularly reading books and seeing photos of yesteryears are also thought to preserve brain function for longer.

 

  • Driving: This is a difficult issue in dementia patients as there is no clear guideline or a test to say when driving is not anymore advisable. Dementia being a progressive illness at some point all patients will be at risk if they continue to drive. This is a decision that has to be taken jointly by the doctor along with the patient and his or her family.

 

  • Medication: Dementia patients will often get confused with there medication and may not take them, or take too many. A family member or care giver must monitor this regularly as it is important for their well being that they take the correct medication in the right manner.

 

  • Cooking: As dementia involves the patient being forgetful and often having reduced attention span, cooking can be quite dangerous for these patients. Just like driving there is no definite test to say when a patient should stop and therefore a difficult decision. The patient should be regularly supervised during activities involving gas cooking. The decision to stop cooking should be taken jointly between the doctor and the patient or his or her family if there are concerns arising from such supervisions.

 

Tips For Family members and Caregivers for Patients with Dementia

 

Dementia is debilitating and can impose an enormous burden on patients and their families. People with dementia become less able to care for themselves as the condition progresses. Dr. Dwaipayan Sen share some tips that may help their families to cope include the following:

  • Be patient when responding to repetitive questions, behaviours, or statements.
  • Try not to argue or confront persons with dementia when they express mistaken ideas or facts. Gently remind them of the inaccuracy. If they continue to believe in the mistaken ideas, change the subject or distract them in some way. Continuing to argue or confrontation may make the patient aggressive or agitated.
  • Write down daily instructions for them to follow. Write down instructions for usual tasks (i.e. the telephone, microwave, etc).
  • Establish night routines to manage behavioural problems, which are often worst at night. Leave a night light on in the person's bedroom.
  • Avoid major changes to the home environment.
  • Employ safety measures in the home, such as locks on medicine cabinets, keep furniture in the same place to prevent falls.
  • Speak slowly, present only one idea at a time, and be patient when waiting for responses.
  • Encourage physical activity and exercise. A daily walk can help prevent physical decline and improve behavioural problems.

If you have any symptoms or questions related to Dementia, always ask a doctor.

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