The monsoon season brings relief from the scorching heat, but for two-wheeler riders, it can also mean navigating tricky road conditions. Rain makes for slippery surfaces, reduced visibility, and a higher chance of accidents. But worry not, fellow riders! By following some simple safety precautions, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable ride during the monsoon.

Gear Up for the Downpour

Proper attire is key: Invest in a good quality full-face helmet, riding gloves with a good grip, and waterproof boots. A raincoat that covers you and your bike will keep you drier and more comfortable. Consider wearing high-visibility clothing or reflective gear to make yourself more noticeable to other drivers in low-light conditions.

Prepare your two-wheeler: Get your bike serviced before the monsoon arrives. This includes checking tyre tread depth and air pressure for optimal grip. Clean and lubricate the chain regularly to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.

Mastering Monsoon Manoeuvres

• Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Avoid speeding during rain. The reduced traction between tyres and wet roads increases the braking distance significantly. Ride at a moderate pace, allowing ample space between yourself and other vehicles.
• Shun the Sudden: Make smooth and gradual movements while accelerating, braking, or changing lanes. Jerky manoeuvres can easily lead to a loss of control on slippery surfaces.
• Eagle Eye on the Road: Be extra cautious while riding through puddles and waterlogged areas. These can hide potholes or uneven surfaces that can cause a skid. Try to follow the tyre tracks of the vehicle ahead to avoid uneven hazards.

Be Seen & Be Safe

• Light up the Way: Turn on your headlights (low beam) even during daytime rain. This improves your visibility to other drivers on the road.
• Stay Audible: Use your horn judiciously to warn other vehicles of your presence, especially at blind corners or while overtaking.

Planning is Power

• Plan Your Route Wisely: If possible, avoid riding during heavy downpours. Check weather forecasts and plan your trip accordingly. If you must ride in heavy rain, opt for lighter roads or highways that tend to drain better.
• Take Breaks for Safety: Riding in the rain can be tiring. Take short breaks to rest your eyes and avoid fatigue.

Bonus Tip: Apply a thin coat of car wax to your helmet visor to prevent rainwater from sticking and blurring your vision.

By following these essential safety tips, you can navigate the monsoon season with confidence. Remember, a little caution goes a long way in ensuring a safe and happy riding experience!

Today felicitated president namoshi , vice president bhimalli and secretary chincholi HKE Society kalburgi at our hospital.

Young male with grade IV liver injury with bilateral lung contusion was managed successfully by superspecialist Gastro surgeon Dr shrishail hanagandi.

Have you ever wondered about the impact of stroke on young individuals? Well, you are not alone. Stroke in young people is becoming a major health problem, especially in developing countries like India. Stroke, defined as an interruption of the blood supply to the brain, can have devastating consequences on an individual’s life and their family’s welfare.

India is not an exception when it comes to the burden of stroke in young adults. Recent studies have shown that the average age of stroke patients in developing countries is 15 years younger than in developed countries.

Risk factors for stroke in young Indians

Younger people are also at risk of stroke due to various factors. Some common risk factors include genetics, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking and tobacco use, lack of physical activity, drug and alcohol use. Genetics play an important role in determining an individual’s risk of stroke. Diabetes, obesity, and smoking increase the risk of stroke by contributing to the build-up of plaque in the arteries.

Etiologies of stroke in young Indians

There are various causes of stroke in young Indians, including cardioembolism, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), arterial dissection, infection, and migraines. In developing countries like India, infections like meningitis are a significant cause of strokes in the young.

Prevention and management

Prevention is always better than cure. A well-rounded prevention programme should involve controlling all the risk factors listed above — maintaining a healthy weight, reducing blood pressure and blood sugar levels, quitting smoking and alcohol consumption, and exercising regularly.

Conclusion

Preventing stroke in young India is crucial as the disease burden is high and can have severe consequences for both individuals and society. By managing risk factors and identifying etiologies early, the burden of stroke can be significantly reduced. Anticoagulant therapy, surgery, and rehabilitation, along with lifestyle changes, can also aid in prevention and management efforts.

It’s that time of the year again — time to observe World Trauma Day! This day is celebrated on October 17th each year with the aim to raise awareness about the impact of traumatic injuries on global health. Today, this observance has become global — uniting medical professionals, emergency responders, and concerned citizens alike, to work towards preventing and treating traumatic injuries.

Understanding Brain Trauma

Brain trauma can result from several causes such as falls, car accidents, sports injuries, and violent assaults. It can lead to a range of symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, loss of consciousness, confusion, and memory loss. At a global level, the effects of brain trauma are staggering, with millions affected every year. Preventative measures such as wearing protective gear, helmets and following safety guidelines can greatly reduce the risk of brain trauma. Quick and effective intervention by Experienced Neurosurgeons is crucial.

Understanding Spine Trauma

Spine trauma affects around 500,000 people worldwide each year. It can cause paralysis, loss of sensation or motor function, and chronic pain. The quality of life of individuals affected by spine trauma is often compromised, leading to long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial stress.

Prevention and Rehabilitation

Preventing trauma is the most effective way to reduce the global burden of brain and spine injuries. Promoting safety awareness, regulating traffic, and improving infrastructure can help prevent falls, road traffic accidents, and other traumatic events. Rehabilitation is also crucial to improving the quality of life of individuals affected by trauma.

Conclusion

In conclusion, trauma is a global health problem that affects millions of people each year. Brain and spine traumas are among the most severe and can have serious long-term effects. Understanding the impact of trauma is crucial to preventing it and promoting early management and rehabilitation.

As you go about your day, you may not actively think about maintaining balance and avoiding stumbling. However, there are individuals worldwide who live with balance disorders, experiencing constant dizziness and difficulty with even the simplest activities. Balance Awareness Week aims to shed light on these invisible neurological disorders that can cause vertigo and balance problems.

The Vestibular System, located in our inner ear, is responsible for our sense of balance and spatial orientation. It works in conjunction with our visual and musculoskeletal systems to ensure we stay upright. Some common disorders include Vestibular Neuritis, Meniere’s disease, and Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).

These disorders can have a significant impact on daily life, making routine activities like walking or shopping challenging. They can also take a toll on mental health, causing anxiety, stress, and depression. Diagnostic techniques such as the Caloric Test, Dix-Hallpike Test, and Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMP) can help identify and diagnose these disorders.

Living with balance disorders can greatly affect everyday life, leading to limitations in activities, social isolation, and mental health issues. Balance Awareness Week aims to shed light on these invisible disorders, provide support, and improve understanding.

Dr. Raviraj Ghorpade M.Ch (Neurosurgery, NIMHANS)
Consult Brain & Spine surgeon
Lake view hospital Belgavi

World Spinal Cord Injury Day (WSCI Day) is observed on September 5th every year to raise awareness of spinal cord injuries (SCIs) and their impact on individuals, families, and communities & provide support to those affected by them. The theme for WSCI Day 2023 is “Access to Care: Moving Mountains”.

In the context of the Indian Subcontinent, where the prevalence of spinal cord injuries is a significant concern, this day holds even greater importance. SCIs can have a devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities. People with SCIs often experience a range of physical, psychological, and social challenges.

Factors contributing to the high burden of SCI in the Indian subcontinent:

• High rates of road traffic accidents
• Falls from heights
• Violence
• Neglect of basic safety measures
• Lack of access to quality healthcare

Ways to raise awareness of SCIs:

• Organise events and awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and communities.
• Share information about SCIs on social media and other platforms.
• Talk to your friends, family, and colleagues about SCIs.
• Support organisations that are working to improve the lives of people with SCIs.

Dr. RAVIRAJ GHORPADE
Consultant Brain and spine surgeon
Lake view Hospital, Belgaum

Every year on 30th November celebrated as Neuro-spinal day, last year we had discussed about low back pain. Today we are going on to another important topic of neck pain. Neck pain is caused by numerous factors, including muscle or ligament strains, arthritis, or a “pinched” nerve. About 10 to 20 percent of adults have neck pain at any one time. Females are affected more than males. Most of the time, pain improves with conservative therapy.

Neck pain is often categorized as “acute” (lasting less than six weeks), “subacute” (lasting 6 to 12 weeks), or “chronic” (lasting more than 12 weeks). Most episodes of acute pain resolve spontaneously; some go on to have long-term pain.

Neck Anatomy

The neck, or cervical spine, is formed by seven square-shaped bones (cervical vertebrae), which are stacked one on top of another. Together with the supporting ligaments and the overlying long neck muscles, the cervical vertebrae form a strong spinal canal that surrounds and protects the spinal cord.

Discs are found between the neck bones, which function as shock absorbers. Whenever there is excessive pressure on disc, the inner jelly-like material protrudes through its outer capsule which is called herniated or “slipped” disc. If a herniated disc irritates a nerve root, it can cause symptoms.

Neck Pain Causes

There are many causes of neck pain, although it is often difficult to know with certainty what is causing it. The best approach is the physical examination. Degenerative bone and joint changes visible on imaging tests often do not correlate with the severity of pain.

Understanding Epilepsy: What you need to know about epilepsy? Epilepsy and pregnancy. Myths and facts. What to do if someone has a seizure. Working with epilepsy.

Human brain is made up of billions of nerve cells or neurons. These neurons communicate through electrical and chemical signals. When there is any fault in the nerve cells, there is a sudden excessive electrical discharge that disturbs the normal activity in the brain. Abrupt and increased electrical discharge in the brain results in epilepsy, also known as a seizure disorder.

What happens during a seizure attack?

During seizures, the person may become unconscious, fall on the floor and jerk violently for several minutes. Epilepsy doesn’t discriminate — it affects both males and females of all races, ethnic backgrounds and ages. The condition can begin at any age, although its onset is most often in childhood or in the later years of life.

Burden of Epilepsy

Epilepsy is the second most common and frequently encountered neurological condition. In India, +10 million people suffer from epilepsy. Nearly 70 Million people around the world suffer from epilepsy. 80% of the people with epilepsy live in low- and middle-income countries.

What Causes Epilepsy?

Some types of epilepsy are inherited genetically. Infectious diseases, such as meningitis, AIDS and viral encephalitis can cause it. Stroke is a leading cause of epilepsy in elderly population. In 50% of the Cases, the cause of epilepsy is not identifiable or unknown.

What to do if someone has a Seizure?

• A seizure lasts for 5 minutes or longer
• One seizure occurs right after another before the person regains consciousness
• Breathing becomes difficult or the person appears to be choking
• The seizure occurs in water
• Injury may have occurred
• The person asks for medical help

Working with Epilepsy

Most people with epilepsy can continue working. The law provides some degree of protection against seizure-related discrimination in the workplace. However, some tasks may pose a risk for people with seizures.