Injections of Medical Insights

Pompe disease is a rare genetic condition where the body is unable to break down complex sugars. This is due to a deficiency in an enzyme called acid alfa glucosidase (GAA). Mutations in the GAA gene causes this disorder and results in a build up of glycogen in cells.  Pompe disease can appear in patients from within a few months of birth, at about 1 years old and even during the teenage years.  Those with Pompe disease usually inherit the disease from their parents. However, the allele for the disease is recessive, and may not be expressed in the parents. This disease is typically associated with weak muscles, poor muscle tone and an enlarged liver. However, there are many complications with regards to the respiratory system and motor skills which can also develop.  Enzyme replacement treatment is used for all Pompe patients. A drug called aglucosidase alfa is given intravenously, which acts as a replacement for GAA. Sources: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15808-pompe-

The trigeminal nerve, or the cranial nerve V is responsible for sensations in the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing. It originates from 3 sensory nuclei and 1 motor nucleus, which send fibres to form its tracts and is associated with 3 separate branches. Ophthalmic branch (V1), the maxillary branch (V2) and the mandibular branch (V3). The mandibular (lower jaw bone) branch has both the sensory and motor component whereas the ophthalmic and maxillary (smell and sight) only has sensory components.  Being an extremely important and the largest of the 12 cranial nerves, conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia can affect both motor and sensory functions of the face, having a significant impact on the patient’s life. Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/trigeminal-neuralgia/symptoms-causes/syc-20353344

  Dyscalculia is a math learning disability which impairs an individual’s ability to learn number related concepts and perform accurate mass calculations reason and problem solving. It is also sometimes called “math dyslexia”.  Dyscalculia is present in about 11% of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although the exact cause of dyscalculia is unknown, research points to issues in brain development and genetics, as the disability is known to run in families. Furthermore, it is possible to develop acquired dyscalculia due to brain injuries.  Similar to other learning disabilities, there is no cure for dyscalculia. Special teaching and therapy is required to fill in the gaps in the often shaky math foundation of these patients. Moreover, certain arrangements such as extra time for tests are often given to help children with dyscalculia. Sources: https://www.additudemag.com/what-is-dyscalculia-overview-and-symptom-breakdown/ https://www.understood.org/en/learnin

  Melatonin, also known as the sleep hormone, is found naturally in the body. The hormone binds onto melatonin receptors which are found throughout the body in places such as the brain, the retina of the eye, the cardiovascular system and many others. Melatonin regulates night and day cycles or sleep-wake cycles. Darkness causes the body to produce more melatonin, which prepares the body for sleep. Light decreases melatonin production and wakes the body. Some people who have trouble sleeping have low levels of melatonin may require supplements to aid sleep. People with insomnia have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. When symptoms last a month or longer, it’s called chronic insomnia. Sources: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/melatonin-for-sleep-does-it-work?amp=true https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/melatonin-and-sleep

Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system and are small glands that filter lymph. These lymph nodes store white blood cells which are responsible for killing invading organisms. They are most commonly found in the armpit, on the neck and under the jaw.  Lymph nodes become swollen in response to illness, infection, or stress. It is a sign that the lymphatic system is working to get rid of pathogens. However, immune system disorders or cancers can also cause the lymph nodes to swell.  A swollen lymph node can take on many different sizes. They are painful to the touch and can also hurt when making certain movements. They are most often accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and chills. If the swollen lymph node does not subside within a few days, it is advisable to see your doctor. Sources: https://www.healthline.com/health/swollen-lymph-nodes https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15219-swollen-lymph-nodes

  Flat foot is a congenital condition when a patient has lost the medial longitudinal arch of the foot. It is caused by the talus bone. This bone is hypermobile and comes out of its natural alignment. The talus bone is located inside the ankle joint, and provides the foundation for the mid foot. When pressure is exerted, the talus bone slides out and the medial longitudinal arch collapses.  Patients will typically feel pain in the arch of the foot, inside and even outside of the ankle  Treatment for flat foot is typically reserved for patients who are experiencing pain or those who experience symptoms. These patients normally turn to orthotics, tendon injections and/or physical therapy for treatment. However, if the pain resurfaces or persists, surgery may be used for a more permanent correction. Sources: https://health.mountsinai.org/blog/what-causes-flat-feet/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CFlat%20feet%20are%20typically%20caused,stone%2C%20then%20the%20bridge%20collapses . https://www.health.harva