Full Answer Section

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):

• Cause: Autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the synovial membrane (joint lining), causing inflammation.
• Diagnostic Criteria: (American College of Rheumatology criteria include at least 4 of the following for at least 6 weeks)
  • Morning stiffness lasting at least 30 minutes upon awakening.
  • Symmetry (arthritis affecting joints on both sides of the body in a similar way).
  • Small joint involvement (hands, wrists, feet)
  • A positive rheumatoid factor (blood test) or anti-CCP antibody test (blood test).
  • Characteristic X-ray changes showing joint erosions (bone damage).

Headache Types and Treatments:

• Tension Headaches: Most common type, characterized by a dull, achy feeling around the head or pressure in the forehead/temples. Treatment includes over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Migraines: Severe headaches with throbbing pain, often on one side of the head, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Treatment involves medications like triptans to stop the migraine and medications to prevent future migraines.
• Cluster Headaches: Occur in cycles with intense, burning pain usually around one eye. Treatment involves medications like triptans to stop acute attacks and preventive medications to reduce frequency.
• Sinus Headaches: Pain and pressure in the face caused by inflammation of the sinuses. Treatment includes decongestants, pain relievers, and addressing the underlying cause (like allergies, infection).

Seizures and Treatment:

• Types of Seizures:
  • Focal Seizures: Affect a specific part of the brain, causing localized symptoms like twitching, numbness, or altered sensations.
  • Generalized Seizures: Affect the entire brain, causing loss of consciousness, convulsions, or jerking movements.
• Treatment: The primary treatment for seizures is medication, with various options depending on the seizure type and individual factors. For some patients, surgery or vagus nerve stimulation may be considered.

Parkinson’s Disease:

• Cause: Neurodegenerative disease characterized by a loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain.
• Symptoms:
  • Tremor (shaking) at rest, often in the hands
  • Rigidity (stiffness) in muscles
  • Bradykinesia (slowness of movement)
  • Postural instability (balance problems)
• Treatment: There is no cure, but medications can help manage symptoms, such as levodopa to increase dopamine levels and deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery in some cases.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be substituted for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.