DYSLEXIA

                                                                                                  

hAve yOU eVEr sEEn thE fiLM “ tAAre ZameeN Par”??? Does your child have learning disabilities? Then you should know about Dyslexia

Dyslexia is one of the most common learning disabilities and is characterized by difficulty with learning to read fluently and with accurate comprehension despite normal intelligence. The word dyslexia comes from Greek word “dys” means ill or difficult and “lexis” word used to describe a specific disturbance of reading in the absence of pathological conditions, these are often associated with CNS disorder. Children with dyslexia have difficulty in learning to read despite traditional instruction, at least average intelligence, and an adequate opportunity to learn. It is caused by an impairment in the brain's ability to translate images received from the eyes or ears into understandable language. It does not result from vision or hearing problems. It is not due to mental retardation, brain damage, or a lack of intelligence. Dyslexia can go undetected in the early grades of schooling. Children can become frustrated by the difficulty in learning to read, and other problems can arise that disguise dyslexia. They may show signs of depression and low self-esteem. Behavior problems at home, as well as at school, often manifest. Children may become unmotivated and develop a dislike for school, and their success there may be jeopardized if the problem remains untreated.

                                   

According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, dyslexia is a learning disability that can hinder a person's ability to read, write, spell, and sometimes speak. This includes difficulty with phonological awareness, phonological decoding, processing speed, orthographic coding, auditory short-term memory, language skills/verbal comprehension, and/or rapid naming. Dyslexia is the most common learning disability in children and persists throughout life. The severity of dyslexia can vary from mild to severe. The sooner dyslexia is treated, the more favorable the outcome; however, it is never too late for people with dyslexia to learn to improve their language skills.

AETIOLOGY

There are several types of dyslexia that can affect a child's ability to spell as well as read.

"Trauma dyslexia" usually occurs after some form of brain trauma or injury to the area of the brain that controls reading and writing. It is rarely seen in today's school-age population.

A second type of dyslexia is referred to as "primary dyslexia." This type of dyslexia is a dysfunction of, rather than damage to, the left side of the brain (cerebral cortex) and does not change with age. Individuals with this type are rarely able to read above a fourth-grade level and may struggle with reading, spelling, and writing as adults. Primary dyslexia is passed in family lines through their genes (hereditary). It is found more often in boys than in girls.

A third type of dyslexia is referred to as "secondary" or "developmental dyslexia" and is felt to be caused by hormonal development during the early stages of fetal development. Developmental dyslexia diminishes as the child matures. It is also more common in boys.

Dyslexia may affect several different functions. Visual dyslexia is characterized by number and letter reversals and the inability to write symbols in the correct sequence. Auditory dyslexia involves difficulty with sounds of letters or groups of letters. The sounds are perceived as jumbled or not heard correctly. "Dysgraphia" refers to the child's difficulty holding and controlling a pencil so that the correct markings can be made on the paper.

CLINICAL FEATURES:  
Symptoms of dyslexia may vary from mild to very severe and can be broadly grouped into the following categories:

General features: The child can be very talented in art, drama, music, sports, mechanics, story-telling, designing, etc. He may have high IQ but may not score well academically. At school he may be labeled as lazy or careless due to his symptoms. The child may develop low self-esteem due to his inability to cope up with the educational system

Reading (and spelling) Symptoms : The child is often confused by letters, numbers, words, sequences or verbal explanations. His reading or writing shows repetitions, additions, transpositions, omissions, substitutions, and reversals in letters, numbers and/or words. He may feel that the letters or words to be moving or jumping around on the page when he is reading or writing. He reads and rereads with little comprehension. He seems to have difficulty with vision, yet eye exams don't reveal a problem

riting (motor skills) Symptoms : He has trouble with writing or copying in class. He is clumsy, uncoordinated while writing, handwriting may be illegible. He can be ambidextrous and often confuses left/right, over/under

Hearing and Speech Symptoms: The child is easily distracted by sounds or he may hear things that have not been said.. He may face difficulty in speaking out what he is thinking (cannot put thoughts into words). He may mispronounce words (e.g. God instead of Dog), transpose words while speaking, leave sentences incomplete or take long halts during his speech

Memory Symptoms: He has poor memory for facts, sequences, information that has not been experienced. His memory can be very good for things that have been experienced. In general the child can appear to be very bright and intelligent but when it comes to reading, writing, spellings, etc he can be very bad at these. The child learns best through experience, observation, demonstrations, experimentation, and visual aids. He can fare well in verbal tests but may not be able to do well in written exams

DIAGNOSIS

Dyslexia is a difficult disorder to diagnose. There are many factors the psychologist or other health professional reviews to diagnose the disability. The testing determines the child's functional reading level and compares it to reading potential, which is evaluated by an intelligence test. All aspects of the reading process are examined to pinpoint where the breakdown is occurring. The testing further assesses how a child takes in and processes information and what the child does with the information. The tests determine whether a child learns better by hearing information (auditory), looking at information (visual), or doing something (kinesthetic). They also assess whether a child performs better when allowed to give information (output), by saying something (oral), or by doing something with their hands (tactile-kinesthetic). The tests also evaluate how all of these sensory systems (modalities) work in conjunction with each other.

The tests administered are standardized and are considered highly reliable. The child should not feel as if there is something wrong because testing is occurring. Many of the tests use a game-type or puzzle format which can help make the child feel more comfortable. Children should get a good night's sleep prior to the testing and have a good breakfast. If the testing is done in a school setting, the teacher can prepare the child by talking about the person who will come and do special work with the child. With young children, the psychologist may visit the child's classroom before the testing so that the child is familiar with him. Whether or not the testing is done at school, the parent may want to talk to their child about a new person coming to work with them. However, parents should not try to coach the child concerning the testing. It is recommended that parents not be present during the testing.

Self Care Measures :

·                     Help your child be aware of their problem.

·                     Recognize your child’s strengths and weaknesses and be a positive force in their intellectual growth.

·                     Be a good reading role model, encourage discussion and reinforce reading.

·                     Respect and challenge your child’s natural intelligence.

·                     Play spelling games with your child and encourage your child to write.

·                     Work with your child’s teachers and have your child use alternative means at school like using flash cards, listening to books on tape, using text reading computer programs, and writing on computers.

·                     Trace with a finger the shape of the letters used and the words spoken.

·                     Give your child emotional support and motivation, which will help them build a strong self-image.

·                     Have your child sit in an erect posture and read aloud, this will slowly help in successful conversion of visual symbols into sound.

·                     Have your child listen and repeat instructions.

·                     Stay involved with your child’s education and help them cope with strategies as they advance in school.

HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT:

Dyslexia a constitutional disorder, as it is an outcome of a constitutional problem (genetic factors). Homoeopathy is definitely recommended for the management of dyslexia. Special modified teaching methods and educational environment, special tutoring, summer school, speech therapy, or placement in special classes helps the dyslexics to cope up better. Homoeopathic treatment is extremely effective in the cases of Dyslexia and strongly recommended along with other supportive therapies. Homoeopathic remedies are natural, gentle, harmless, and easy to take and it helps the Dyslexia condition that burdens and interfere with the life of a child or an adult.

After understanding the child’s constitution, restricted capabilities, mental state, life situation, etc., a constitutional remedy is selected to start healing the patient. Homeopathic constitutional treatment will facilitate your child with constructive reinforcement of staying motivated and occupied in the learning process. Both hemispheres of the brain contribute in processing language and Homeopathic remedies will promote rejuvenation of the brain cells and help reinstate the equilibrium between the two hemispheres of the brain, which is imperative in overcoming Dyslexia and improve your child’s aptitude to read and spell. Homeopathic approach will enhance brain function and improve multi tasking, reading, spelling, and comprehension, reasoning ability, memory, focus and organizational skills. These remedies will also help your child cope with emotional struggles that may arise because of difficulties at school.

Lycopodium - Apprehensive. Weak memory, confused thoughts; spells or writes wrong words and syllables. Failing brain-power (Anac; Phos; Baryt). Cannot bear to see anything new. Cannot read what he writes. Loss of self-confidence. Melancholy; afraid to be alone.

Lac caninum - Very forgetful, absent-minded; makes purchases and walks away without them. In writing, uses too many words or not the right ones; omits final letter or letters in a word; cannot concentrate the mind to read or study; very nervous,  Fears to be alone

Stramonium - Weakness of memory; cannot remember names, words or initial letters; has to ask name of most intimate fried; even forgets his own name. Cannot spell correctly; wonders how a well-known name is spelled. Constantly loses the thread of conversation. Anxious, nervous, extremely sensitive; starts at the least sound.

Syphilinum - Loss of memory; remembers everything previous to his illness. Apathetic, cannot remember names of books, persons or places; arithmetical calculation difficult.

Baryta carb  - Memory deficient; forgetful, inattentive; child cannot be taught for it cannot remember; threatened idiocy. Children both physically and mentally weak. Scrofulous, dwarfish children who do not grow, Loss of memory, mental weakness. Irresolute. Lost confidence in himself. Confusion. Bashful. Aversion to strangers. Childish; grief over trifles.

Aethusa cyn  - Restless, anxious, crying. Unconscious, delirious. Inability to think, to fix the attention. Brain fag. Idiocy may alternate with furor and irritability.

Anacardium - Brain-fag. Impaired memory. Absent mindedness. Very easily offended. Malicious; seems bent on wickedness. Lack of confidence in himself or others.  impaired memory, depression, and irritability;

Other Frequently used Homoeopathic remedies for Dyslexia are Kali brom, Stramonium, China, Nux vom, Silicea, Thuja, Chammomilla, Cannabis sativa, Sulphur, Hypericum,

The selection of remedy is based upon the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity by using holistic approach. This is the only way through which a state of complete health can be regained by removing all the sign and symptoms from which the patient is suffering. The aim of homeopathy is not only to treat dyslexia symptoms but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility. As far as therapeutic medication is concerned, several well-proved medicines are available for dyslexia symptoms that can be selected on the basis of cause, sensations and modalities of the complaints.  For individualized remedy selection and treatment, the patient should consult a qualified homeopathic doctor in person.

Hence, increase your child’s confidence, improve their level of fluency, expression, comprehension and help your child achieve higher in school and in life with the help of Homoeopathy.

FREQUENT COMPLICATION OF UTI IN CHILDRENS

                                                                                                 

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common pediatric infections. It distresses the child, concerns the parents, and may cause permanent kidney damage. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that affects any part of the urinary tract. Acute pyelonephritis in children may lead to renal scarring with the risk of later hypertension, preeclampsia during pregnancy, proteinuria, and renal insufficiency. Recurrence of UTI is the most troublesome part. It tends to recur quite frequently in some childrens; so much so that people may have multiple attacks (up to 6-7 ) in one year.

Aetiology

UTIs are generally ascending in origin and caused by perineal contaminants, usually bowel flora. However, in neonates, infection is assumed to be hematogenous in origin rather than ascending. This feature may explain the nonspecific symptoms associated with UTI in these patients. After the neonatal period, bacteremia is generally not the source of infection; rather, UTI or pyelonephritis is the cause of the bacteremia.

Bacteria cause the large majority of urinary tract infections in children. Viral infection of the bladder is less common, while fungal infections of the urinary tract are rare and occur most commonly in immunocompromised individuals

 Bacterial sources include the following:

·        Escherichia coli - This is by far the most common organism, causing more than 90% of all cases of acute pyelonephritis

·        Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase–producing E coli is becoming more frequent

·        Klebsiella oxytoca and species

·        Proteus species

·        Enterococcus faecalis and species

·        Gram-positive organisms, including staphylococcal species and group BStreptococcus- These are rare causes of acute pyelonephritis

Risk Factor

Until now, High grade Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) has been considered the most important risk factor for post-UTI renal scar formation in children. VUR predisposes children with UTI to pyelonephritis, and both are associated with renal scarring. Reflux nephropathy is not always acquired; rather, it reflects reflux-associated congenital dysplastic kidneys. 

Congenital or acquired anomalies, including dysplasia, hypoplasia, and obstruction, increase the risk for UTI, VUR, and pyelonephritis.

Pathogenesis

The exact pathogenesis of renal scarring following acute pyelonephritis is not well understood. the acute inflammatory response that is meant to eradicate the invading bacteria is also responsible for early renal parenchymal damage and subsequent scarring. This process is an inflammatory response that features chemotaxis, phagocytosis, the release of lysosomal enzymes and superoxides, the production of peroxide and hydroxyl radicals, tubular ischemia, and reperfusion injury. The fibrosis that follows is initiated mainly by macrophages.

The pathogenesis of proteinuria in reflux nephropathy is also not well understood, and it is variably attributed to immunological injury, macromolecular trapping and mesangial dysfunction, vascular alterations and hypertension, and glomerular hyperfiltration.

Hypertension occurs in 10 to 30% of children and young adults with renal scarring, and it may take up to 8 years to develop. The exact cause of hypertension due to renal scarring is not known, but it is believed to be due to segmental ischemia with increased renin secretion, and it is not dependent on scarring severity. However, the belief that infection and VUR are the cause of upper tract parenchymal damage is undergoing critical review. Increasing knowledge shows that reflux nephropathy is not always acquired but that it rather reflects reflux-associated damage related to congenital dysplastic kidneys.

Clinical Features & Diagnosis

Signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI) and pyelonephritis vary with the age of the patient. Neonates often present with nonspecific symptoms of jaundice, hypothermia or fever, poor feeding, vomiting, and failure to thrive. Neonates, especially male newborns, may develop hyponatremia and hyperkalemia as a result of secondary pseudohypoaldosteronism.

Infants and young children aged 2 months to 2 years often present with nonspecific symptoms of fever lasting longer than 48 hours, as well as with poor feeding, vomiting, and diarrhea. Their urine may be malodorous; hematuria may be noted.

Preschoolers and school-age children present with fever for greater than 48 hours. They may complain of abdominal pain or flank pain. Vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia may be present. Their urine is typically malodorous, and hematuria may be noted. Voiding-related symptoms including enuresis, dysuria, urgency, and frequency, may occur but need not be present.

Physical examination findings in pediatric patients with UTI can be summarized as follows: Costovertebral angle tenderness, Abdominal tenderness to palpation, Suprapubic tenderness to palpation, Palpable bladder, Dribbling, poor stream, or straining to void

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) criteria for the diagnosis of UTI in children 2-24 months are the presence of pyuria and/or bacteriuria on urinalysis and of at least 50,000 colony-forming units (CFU) per mL of a uropathogen from the quantitative culture of a properly collected urine specimen.

Laboratory studies includes   Complete blood count (CBC) and basic metabolic panel (for children with a presumptive diagnosis of pyelonephritis), Blood cultures (in patients with suspected bacteremia or urosepsis), Renal function studies (ie, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen [BUN] levels), Electrolyte levels.

Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) may be indicated after a first febrile UTI if renal and bladder ultrasonography reveal hydronephrosis, scarring, obstructive uropathy, or masses or if complex medical conditions are associated with the UTI. 

Management

Natural Treatment

·        Cranberry Juice produces hippuric acid in the urine. This acidifies urine and inhibits bacterial growth. Try to drink 1 liter of UNSWEETENED cranberry juice daily.

·        Take one teaspoon of colloidal silver morning and night. This is a natural antibiotic that destroys bacteria, viruses, and fungal growth.

·        Vitamin C acidifies urine and thereby inhibits bacterial growth.

·        Celery, parsley, watermelon are natural diuretics – drink juice made with these fruits and vegetables.

·        The most important thing is to drink – lots! Pure water is good – try to drink a glass every hour.

·        Stay away from coffee, alcohol, all sweetened drinks, sugar, and processed foods.

HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

Homeopathic remedies for Uti has a great role to play in curing the infection and also in stopping their recurrence. Moreover homeopathic medicines are very safe . They use body’s own defenses to fight the infection. Once treated with homeopathic medicines recurrence of Urinary Tract Infection greatly reduces and eventually stops. The top  homeopathic remedies for treating UTI are

Cantharis: Strong urging to urinate—with cutting pains that are felt before the urine passes, as well as during and after—may indicate a need for this remedy. Only several drops pass at a time, with a scalding sensation. The person may feel as if the bladder has not been emptied, still feeling a constant urge to urinate.

Clematis: This remedy may be indicated if a person has to urinate frequently with only a small amount being passed. A feeling of constriction is felt in the urinary passage, and the flow may be interrupted, or there may be dribbling afterward. A tingling sensation may occur, lasting long after urination is finished.

Equisetum: If cystitis is accompanied by dull but distressing pain and a feeling of fullness in the bladder, even after urinating, this remedy may be helpful. Urging and discomfort are more intense when the bladder has recently been emptied, improving over time as the bladder become more full.

Aconitum napellus: This remedy is often useful when a person feels anxious both before and during urination, with hot, scanty urine, and a burning or spasmodic feeling in the outlet of the bladder. It can also be helpful if retention of urine occurs after a person has been very cold and chilled, or after a shaking experience.

Apis mellifica: This remedy is indicated when the person frequently needs to urinate, but only small quantities are passed. Stinging and burning sensations are felt (especially with the last few drops) and the person may also experience soreness in the abdomen. Heat and touch make the symptoms worse, and cold applications, cool bathing, and open air bring relief. A lack of thirst is another indication that Apis may be needed.

Belladonna: This remedy may be beneficial if urging to urinate is frequent and intense, and the bladder feels very sensitive. A cramping or writhing sensation may be felt in the bladder area. Small amounts of highly-colored urine pass. (This remedy is sometimes helpful if a person passes small amounts of blood and no serious cause can be found on medical examination.)

Berberis vulgaris: Cystitis with twinges of cutting pain, or a burning feeling that extends to the urethra and its opening, may indicate a need for this remedy. The passage may also burn at times when no attempt at urination is being made. After emptying the bladder, the person feels as if some urine still remains inside. Urging and discomfort are often worse from walking.

Borax: This remedy can be helpful for cystitis with smarting pain in the urinary opening and aching in the bladder, with a feeling that the urine is retained. Children may cry or shriek, afraid to urinate because they know the pain is coming. Borax is often indicated for people who are sensitive to noise and inclined toward motion sickness.

Chimaphila umbellata: If a person has a troublesome urge to urinate but has to strain (or even stand up and lean forward) to make it pass, this remedy may be useful. A scalding sensation may be felt while the urine flows, with a feeling of straining afterward.

Causticum: In paralytic conditions about the bladder Causticum deserves first place. It is one of our great remedies in enuresis, and its characteristics are involuntary micturition at night in sleep, when coughing, sneezing or blowing the nose, showing a weakness of the sphincter.

Mercurius corrosives: Has tenesmus of the bladder with intense burning. The burning is less, but the tenesmus is greater, than in Cantharis. The passing of the urine drop by drop reminds of Aconite, which has the same symptoms. 

Lycopodium: This remedy may be helpful if a person has to urinate frequently during the night and passes large amounts of urine. Or the person may feel a painful urge, but has to strain to make the urine flow. Pain may be felt in the back before the urine passes. (If fever is present, the urine has a reddish color, or discomfort is felt in the kidney region, the person should see a doctor.)

Nux vomica: Irritable bladder with a constant need to urinate, passing only small amounts, suggests a need for this remedy. Burning or cramping pain may be felt in the bladder area, with an itching sensation in the urethra while the urine passes. The person may feel very irritable, impatient, and chilly. Symptoms may be relieved by hot baths or other forms of warmth.

Terebinth: The urine of Terebinth is one of its most characteristic features. It is smoky, turbid, depositing a sediment like coffee grounds, which indicates the presence of disintegrated blood cells. Haematuria from venous congestion of the kidneys calls often for Terebinth. It has burning during micturition and most painful strangury; the urine, too, may contain albumen and has the odor of violets.

Sarsaparilla: This remedy is often useful in cystitis and often helps when symptoms are unclear, or if other remedies have not been effective. Frequent urging is felt, with burning pain at the end of urination. Urine passes when the person is standing up, but only dribbling occurs while sitting. Flakes or sediment are sometimes seen in the urine. (Sarsaparilla is sometimes helpful when stones are forming or the kidneys are involved; however, these conditions need a doctor’s care.)

Sepia: This remedy may be helpful if a person has to urinate frequently, with sudden urging, a sense that urine will leak if urination is delayed, and small amounts of involuntary urine loss. The person may experience a bearing-down feeling in the bladder region, or pressure above the pubic bone. A person who needs this remedy often feels worn-out and irritable, with cold extremities, and a lax or sagging feeling in the pelvic area.

Staphysagria: This remedy is often indicated for cystitis that develops in a woman after sexual intercourse, especially if sexual activity is new to her, or if cystitis occurs after every occasion of having sex. Pressure may be felt in the bladder after urinating, as if it is still not empty. A sensation that a drop of urine is rolling through the urethra, or a constant burning feeling, are other indications. Staphysagria is also useful for cystitis that develops after illnesses with extended bed rest, or after the use of catheters.

Coli Bacillinum is a near specific medicine for treating e-coli infection. It helps in treating the recurrence of E coli Infection.

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