What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?

 

Peripheral neuropathy happens when the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord become damaged. These nerves control:

• Sensation (touch, pain, temperature)

• Movement

• Autonomic functions (digestion, heart rate, sweating)

🌟 ROOT CAUSES

1. Diabetes (Most Common Cause)

High blood sugar over time damages nerve fibers and blood vessels that supply the nerves.
If someone’s HbA1c is high (above 7), neuropathy risk increases sharply.

2. Vitamin Deficiencies

Especially:

• B12 deficiency

• B1, B6 deficiencies or excess

• Vitamin D deficiency

3. Poor Blood Circulation

Blood flow issues from:

• High cholesterol

• High blood pressure

• Smoking

• Vascular disease

4. Nerve Compression

From:

• Spine problems (disc bulge)

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

5. Autoimmune or Inflammatory Disorders

Examples: Guillain-Barré, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis.

6. Kidney or Liver Disease

Toxins accumulate and irritate nerves.

7. Medications or Alcohol

Some chemotherapy drugs and long-term alcohol use cause nerve damage.

8. Infections

Shingles, HIV, Lyme disease.

🩺 BEST REMEDIES (Scientific + Natural)

A. Manage the Root Cause

1. For diabetic neuropathy

This is critical:

• Aim for HbA1c below 7

• Reduce sugar, white flour, and rice portions

• Increase fibre and protein

• Walk 30–45 minutes daily

Good blood sugar control may slow, stop, or reverse early neuropathy

B. Vitamin Therapy

Do this only after a blood test, because taking B6 or B12 unnecessarily can cause nerve issues.

Usually beneficial:

• Methylcobalamin (B12) 1500 mcg/day (doctor-guided)

• Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) 600 mg/day (powerful for nerve repair)

• Vitamin D3 if low

C. Pain and Nerve Symptom Relief

Your doctor may recommend:

• Pregabalin

• Gabapentin

• Duloxetine
  These reduce burning, tingling, and electric-shock sensations.

🌿 AYURVEDA / SIDDHA REMEDIES (Supportive)

Ayurveda views neuropathy as Vata imbalance affecting nerve channels.

Herbal remedies

• Ashwagandha – Improves nerve healing, reduces stress inflammation

• Bala Thailam – External application

• Dhanwantharam 101 – For nerve strengthening

• Nerunjil and Aavarai – For diabetes control

• Turmeric + black pepper – Anti-inflammatory

Treatments

• Abhyanga (oil massage)

• Kizhi (herbal bundle therapy)

• Pizhichil

• Nasyam

These help nerve circulation and reduce pain.

Always go to a qualified Ayurvedic/Siddha physician for correct dosage and diagnosis.

🌿 1. SIDDHA (Traditional Tamil Medicine)

Siddha focuses on calming “Vatham” imbalance, which is linked to nerve issues.

⭐ What Siddha doctors usually do:

• Oil-based therapies
  Warm herbal oil application on feet to improve circulation and reduce burning.

• Herbal tonics
  Used to improve nerve strength and reduce inflammation (must be given by a qualified Siddha doctor).

• Diet plan
  Foods that calm Vatham like:
  – Warm foods
  – More vegetables
  – Less sugar and refined flour

👍 Good for:

• Burning sensation

• Tingling

• Nerve weakness

• Poor circulation

⚠️ Safety:

Never take Siddha internal medicines without a licensed practitioner—they can be strong.

💧 2. HOMEOPATHY

Homeopathy works on gentle nerve calming and whole-body balance.

⭐ Homeopathic practitioners often use remedies for:

• Burning feet

• Numbness

• Tingling

• Weakness

• Stress related to chronic illness

Homoeopathy is generally considered safe when prescribed by a trained homoeopathic doctor.

👍 Good for:

• Symptom relief

• Emotional stress

• Improving comfort

⚠️ Important:

Homoeopathic remedies should be chosen based on detailed symptoms, so it is best to avoid self-treatment.

🪡 3. ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture is one of the most effective alternative therapies for peripheral neuropathy.

⭐ How acupuncture helps:

• Improves blood flow to the nerves

• Reduces burning and tingling

• Supports nerve repair

• Helps balance blood sugar in some people

• Reduces foot pain

👍 Good for:

• Burning

• Tingling

• Numbness

• Foot weakness

⚠️ Important Safety Notes:

• It must be done only by a licensed acupuncturist

• Do NOT attempt any needle technique yourself

• It is safe even for young people, but always under professional supervision

🌟 BEST COMBINATION (Safe + Effective)

For many people, the following combination gives the best improvement:

✔ Acupuncture

(For nerve healing + pain relief)

✔ Siddha external therapies

(Oil massage, circulation improvement)

✔ Homoeopathic support

(Gentle relief for burning, tingling, emotional stress)

✔ Blood sugar control

(The key part: without this, nerve healing is slow)

🥦 FOOD FOR NERVE REPAIR

• Green leafy vegetables

• Nuts (almonds, walnuts)

• Seeds (chia, flax)

• Omega-3 (fish or flax oil)

• Turmeric

• Bitter vegetables (help control sugar)

Avoid:

• Sugar

• White bread/rice

• Excess tea/coffee

• Alcohol

• Smoking

🚶 PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

• Brisk walking

• Foot exercises

• Yoga: Vajrasana, Trikonasana, Bhujangasana

• Gentle stretching

• Avoid prolonged sitting

⚠️ WHEN TO WORRY

Seek medical care urgently if:

• Rapidly worsening numbness

• Difficulty walking

• Weakness in feet/hands

• Loss of bladder/bowel control

• Sudden sharp pains

EARLY SIGNS of DEMENTIA that you SHOULD NEVER IGNORE

Detecting early signs of dementia is critical for early intervention and support. Here are some early signs you should never ignore:

1. Memory Loss

• Forgetting recent events, names, or important dates.
• Repeatedly asking the same questions.

2. Difficulty with Problem-Solving

• Struggling to follow plans, manage finances, or complete familiar tasks like cooking or paying bills.

3. Confusion with Time or Place

• Losing track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time.
• Getting lost in familiar locations.

4. Challenges with Language

• Difficulty finding the right words or following a conversation.
• Frequently pausing mid-sentence or substituting unusual words.

5. Poor Judgment or Decision-Making

• Making inappropriate decisions regarding finances, personal care, or social interactions.

6. Withdrawal from Social Activities

• Avoiding hobbies, work, or social gatherings due to difficulty keeping up or feeling overwhelmed.

7. Changes in Mood and Personality

• Becoming more irritable, anxious, depressed, or suspicious.
• Unusual outbursts of anger or apathy.

8. Difficulty with Visual and Spatial Relationships

• Trouble judging distances, recognizing faces, or understanding visual information.

9. Misplacing Things

• Putting items in odd places and being unable to retrace steps to find them.
• Accusing others of theft as memory fades.

10. Difficulty Adapting to Change

• Becoming easily upset or stressed when routines are altered or in unfamiliar situations.

What to Do if You Notice These Signs:

If you or someone you know exhibits these symptoms, consult a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis can help manage symptoms, plan for the future, and improve quality of life.

Things you need to know about Neuropathy

 Neuropathy refers to damage or dysfunction of one or more nerves, typically in the peripheral nervous system (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord). This condition can lead to pain, tingling, numbness, weakness, and changes in sensation in the affected areas.

 Neuropathy can result from various causes, including:

Diabetes: Diabetic neuropathy is a common type of neuropathy that occurs in people with diabetes due to prolonged high blood sugar levels damaging the nerves.

Trauma: Physical injuries, such as from accidents, sports injuries, or surgeries, can damage nerves and lead to neuropathy.

Infections: Certain infections, such as shingles, HIV/AIDS, Lyme disease, and hepatitis C, can cause neuropathy.

Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Guillain-Barré syndrome can trigger the immune system to attack the nerves.

Toxins: Exposure to toxins, such as heavy metals, chemotherapy drugs, or excessive alcohol consumption, can damage nerves and cause neuropathy.

Genetics: Some inherited disorders can lead to neuropathy, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Treatment for neuropathy aims to manage symptoms, prevent further nerve damage, and address the underlying cause when possible. Depending on the severity and type of neuropathy, treatment options may include:

 

Medications: Pain relievers, such as over-the-counter drugs (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen) or prescription medications (e.g., gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine), may help alleviate neuropathic pain. In some cases, topical treatments or nerve blocks may be recommended.

Physical therapy: Exercises and stretches prescribed by a physical therapist can help improve strength, mobility, and coordination and reduce pain associated with neuropathy.

Lifestyle modifications: Managing underlying conditions, such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases, through proper diet, exercise, medication, and monitoring can help prevent further nerve damage. Avoiding activities or behaviours that exacerbate symptoms, such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, is also important.

Alternative therapies: Some individuals may relieve neuropathic symptoms through complementary and alternative approaches, such as acupuncture, massage therapy, biofeedback, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).

Nutritional supplements: Certain vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins (e.g., B12), alpha-lipoic acid, and acetyl-L-carnitine, may have potential benefits for nerve health and neuropathic symptoms.

Surgery: In severe cases of neuropathy, particularly when compression of nerves or structural abnormalities contribute to symptoms, surgical interventions such as decompression surgery or nerve repair may be considered.

Individuals with neuropathy need to work closely with healthcare professionals, such as neurologists, primary care physicians, or pain management specialists, to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. Additionally, early diagnosis and intervention can help prevent or minimise complications associated with neuropathy.

Alternative medicine approaches may offer complementary options for managing neuropathy symptoms. However, it's important to note that these methods may not suit everyone, and evidence supporting their effectiveness can vary. Here are some alternative medicine options that individuals with neuropathy may consider:

 

Acupuncture: Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate nerve function, improve blood flow, and reduce pain. Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help alleviate neuropathic pain in specific individuals.

 

Acupressure: Similar to acupuncture, acupressure involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to promote healing and relieve pain. While research on acupressure specifically for neuropathy is limited, some people find it helpful for managing symptoms.

 

Herbal supplements: Certain herbs and plant extracts may have potential benefits for neuropathy symptoms. Examples include evening primrose oil, alpha-lipoic acid, capsaicin (from chili peppers), and ginkgo biloba. However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before taking herbal supplements, as they may interact with medications or have side effects.

 

Massage therapy: Massage therapy can help improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and alleviate pain associated with neuropathy. Gentle techniques, such as Swedish massage or reflexology, may particularly benefit individuals with neuropathy.

 

Yoga and tai chi: Mind-body practices like yoga and tai chi incorporate gentle movements, stretching, and relaxation techniques, which can help improve balance, flexibility, and overall well-being. Some studies suggest that yoga and tai chi help reduce neuropathic pain and improve quality of life in individuals with neuropathy.

 

Mindfulness meditation: Mindfulness-based practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance coping skills for managing neuropathy symptoms.

 

Dietary supplements: Certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids, may support nerve health and function. However, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider before taking dietary supplements, as they may interact with medications or have side effects.

 

It's essentia to approach alternative medicine approaches for neuropathy as complementary to conventional treatments rather than replacements. Before trying any alternative therapies, individuals should consult with a healthcare provider to ensure they are safe and appropriate, especially if they have underlying medical conditions or are taking medications. Additionally, it's essential to continue following any prescribed treatment plans and regularly communicate with healthcare providers about symptoms and progress.

What you need to know about Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity, also known as brain plasticity, refers to the brain's remarkable ability to reorganize and adapt throughout an individual's life in response to various experiences, learning, injury, or environmental changes. This process involves the brain's capacity to rewire its neural connections, modify its structure, and adjust its functions. Neuroplasticity is a fundamental property of the brain that underlies learning, memory, recovery from injury, and even the development of new skills and habits.

 

There are two main types of neuroplasticity:

 

Structural Plasticity: This type of plasticity involves physical changes in the brain's structure. It includes the creation of new neurons (neurogenesis), the formation of new synaptic connections (synaptogenesis), and the pruning or elimination of unused or unnecessary connections (synaptic pruning). Structural plasticity allows the brain to adapt to new information, experiences, and skills.

 

Functional Plasticity: Functional plasticity refers to the brain's ability to redistribute functions across different areas in response to damage or changes in demand. If a specific brain region is injured or less active, nearby or distant regions can compensate for the lost function. For example, after a stroke, other parts of the brain may take over some of the functions that were impaired due to the stroke.

 

Neuroplasticity occurs throughout an individual's life, but it is most prominent during early development (critical periods) when the brain is highly adaptable and flexible. However, even in adulthood, the brain retains a degree of plasticity, allowing for ongoing learning and adaptation.

 

Several factors can influence and enhance neuroplasticity:

 

Experience and Learning: Engaging in new activities, acquiring new skills, and learning new information can stimulate neuroplastic changes in the brain. Repeatedly practicing a skill or exposing oneself to novel experiences can strengthen neural connections.

 

Environmental Enrichment: A stimulating and enriched environment, both mentally and physically, can promote neuroplasticity. This includes exposure to diverse stimuli, social interaction, and physical exercise.

 

Neurorehabilitation: After brain injuries or conditions like stroke, rehabilitation programs that focus on specific tasks and exercises can help promote functional recovery through neuroplastic changes.

 

Neurotransmitters and Neuromodulators: Chemical signals in the brain, such as neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, play a role in regulating neuroplasticity. For example, substances like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are known to promote synaptic plasticity.

 

Genetics: Individual genetic factors can influence the extent and rate of neuroplastic changes.

 

Understanding neuroplasticity has significant implications for various fields, including education, rehabilitation, and neuroscience. It highlights the importance of lifelong learning and the potential for recovery and adaptation following brain injuries or neurological disorders. Researchers continue to study neuroplasticity to uncover ways to harness its potential for improving cognitive function, treating brain-related conditions, and enhancing human performance.

 

 

 

 

  

Which parts of the brain are activated by music?

When a person listens to music or practices music, their brain is activated in unique ways. For listeners, music activates the brain by setting off “fireworks”; quickly decoding each element of a piece (melody, rhythm, etc.) and combining it again to hear the song unified. But studies have shown that for music players, the activity in the brain when playing or practicing is much more intricate – equivalent to a full body workout.

Music has the power to motivate and soothe, no doubt about it. But how and why does it affect us? Why do certain songs trigger excitement or make us grin? Why do others bring relaxation, tears, or send shivers down our spines?

These are questions some scientists are asking in their laboratories. They are studying how our brains process music and learning why we respond in the ways we do. They are using new technologies to explore why music—whether it’s reggae, rap, rock, or Rachmaninoff—is celebrated in every human culture.

Exploring how our brains work is one of the most exciting areas of modern-day science. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and other high-tech scanners let researchers see which parts of our brains tackle different tasks. With MRIs, a person is slid inside a tube-shaped tank. Then the machine finds where his or her brain “lights up” when undertaking certain activities, such as reading or doing math problems. The scan can also spot what parts of the brain go to work as the person sees pictures, hears sounds, or feels sensations.

How the brain processes music is an exciting area of this research. Researchers have discovered that the brain does not have one special place to analyze music. Instead, different parts of the brain handle different aspects of a song, like rhythm (the beat) and tone (pitch and loudness). And one of the most mind-blowing discoveries is that the parts of the brain that deal with emotions also fire up in response to music. In other words, music is wired directly into our feelings.

The Brain

Once the nerves deliver musical signals inside the skull, the brain goes to work. Researchers now realize music is not just processed in one part of the brain. Performing and listening to music gives big chunks of your brain a workout.

Use the labeled images in the slide player (below) to locate the parts of the brain highlighted in the text. Once you've found them, see if you can locate them on the unlabeled images!

Rhythm 

The belt and parabelt are located on the right side of the brain. They are mainly responsible for figuring out a song’s rhythm. When creating rhythm by tapping toes or beating a drum, the motor cortex and cerebellum get involved.

Pitch and Tone 

The recognition and understanding of pitch and tone are mainly handled by the auditory cortex. This part of the brain also does a lot of the work to analyze a song’s melody and harmony. Some research shows that the cerebellum and prefrontal cortex contribute, too.

Anticipation 

Research shows our brains create expectations when listening to a song. For example, it would figure out if a beat is steady or the melody makes sense. But we especially like it when songs surprise us with smart, quirky changes. This analysis takes place in the brain’s prefrontal cortex.

Memory 

People have an amazing ability to remember music. Chances are you can recognize your favorite song after hearing just a fragment. These memories are stored in the hippocampus.

Performance 

Musical acts like reading music, playing an instrument, and dancing fires up the cerebellum, motor cortex, sensory cortex, and visual cortex.

Emotion 

Music has the power to trigger feelings in listeners. Three main areas of the brain are responsible for these emotional responses: nucleus accumbens, amygdala, and the cerebellum.

https://www.kennedy-center.org/

https://news.mit.edu/

Mhttps://www.creativesoulmusic.com/usic and feelings have always gone together. 

What is Nystagmus?

Nystagmus is a condition that causes involuntary, rapid movement of one or both eyes. It often occurs with vision problems, including blurriness.

This condition is sometimes called “dancing eyes.”

Symptoms of nystagmus

The symptoms include fast, uncontrollable eye movements. The direction of movement determines the type of nystagmus:

• Horizontal nystagmus involves side-to-side eye movements.
• Vertical nystagmus involves up-and-down eye movements.
• Rotary, or torsional, nystagmus involves circular movements.

These movements may occur in one or both eyes depending on the cause.

Types of nystagmus

Nystagmus occurs when the part of the brain or inner ear that regulates eye movement and positioning doesn’t function correctly.

The labyrinth is the outer wall of the inner ear that helps you sense movement and position. It also helps control eye movements. The condition can be either genetic or acquired.

Infantile nystagmus syndrome

Congenital nystagmus is called infantile nystagmus syndrome (INS). It may be an inherited genetic condition. INS typically appears within the first six weeks to three months of a child’s life.

This type of nystagmus is usually mild and isn’t typically caused by an underlying health problem. In rare cases, a congenital eye disease could cause INS. Albinism is one genetic condition associated with INS.

Most people with INS won’t need treatment and don’t have complications later in life. In fact, many people with INS don’t even notice their eye movements. However, vision challenges are common.

Vision problems can range from mild to severe, and many people require corrective lenses or decide to have corrective surgery.

Acquired nystagmus

Acquired, or acute, nystagmus can develop at any stage of life. It often occurs due to injury or disease. Acquired nystagmus typically occurs due to events that affect the labyrinth in the inner ear.

Possible causes of acquired nystagmus

Possible causes of acquired nystagmus include:

• stroke
• certain medications, including sedatives and antiseizure medications like phenytoin (Dilantin)
• excessive alcohol consumption
• head injury or trauma
• diseases of the eye
• diseases of the inner ear
• B-12 or thiamine deficiencies
• brain tumours
• diseases of the central nervous system, including multiple sclerosis

When to seek treatment for nystagmus

See your doctor if you begin to notice symptoms of nystagmus. Acquired nystagmus always occurs due to an underlying health condition. You’ll want to determine what that condition is and how best to treat it.

How Do You Treat Nystagmus?

If you developed nystagmus as an adult, there may be simple things you can do to lessen its effects. Sometimes you may just have to stop a medicine or quit drinking alcohol or taking drugs.

 Wear the right contacts or glasses to improve vision. It won't cure nystagmus, but it can help with other eye problems that can make it worse.

 Eye muscle surgery may be an option. The goal is to help with the head tilt that often comes with nystagmus. Sometimes surgery improves vision, too.

 Some drugs may ease symptoms in adults but not children. These include the anti-seizure medicine gabapentin (Neurontin), the muscle relaxant baclofen (Lioresal), and onabotulinumtoxina (Botox).

 For people who are very nearsighted, LASIK or Visian ICL can help improve eyesight. The surgeon may advise you to take relaxation medication before the procedure to lessen the nystagmus.

 

 

Tips for Living With Nystagmus

There are things you can do at home to make it easier to deal with your "dancing eyes." Use large-print books and turn up the print size on your computer, tablet, and phone. More lighting may help with vision, too.

 

If your child has nystagmus, encourage them to use their eyes. Big and brightly colored toys are the easiest to use. Choose toys that make noise and have unique textures.

 

Let your child hold books close to their eyes with their head tilted. Let them wear a hat or tinted glasses -- even indoors -- to reduce glare.

 

Talk to your child's teacher to make things easier at school. It would be hard for them to share books or papers. Let them choose where to sit so they can see the board and the teacher.

Understanding Cellular Clock Synchronization

Mice without a brain clock lose the synchronization between the different organs, as shown in the bioluminescence profile (right). In the liver, however, synchronization is maintained. Credit: UNIGE
Circadian clocks, which regulate the metabolic functions of all living beings over a period of about 24 hours, are one of the most fundamental biological mechanisms. In humans, their disruption is the cause of many metabolic diseases such as diabetes or serious liver diseases. Although scientists have been studying this mechanism for many years, little is known about how it works. Thanks to an observation tool based on bioluminescence, a research team from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) were able to demonstrate that cells that compose a particular organ can be in-phase, even in the absence of the central brain clock or of any other clocks in the body. Indeed, the scientists managed to restore circadian function in the liver in completely arrhythmic mice, demonstrating that neurons are not unique in their ability to coordinate. 

Using new imaging technology, researchers find cellular clocks in a given organ can be synchronized without the intervention of external signals.

Scientists now want to understand how these cells stay in the same phase when they are not receiving any information, either from the brain or from other external signals. Their hypothesis? The existence of a form of coupling, in the form of an exchange of molecules between these different

cells.

Thanks

Cecile G. Tamura

The neural correlates of empathy

Empathy is characterized by the ability to understand and share an emotional experience with another person and is closely tied to compassion and concern for others. Consequently, this increased emotional awareness and sensitivity may also be related to increased anxiety.

The link is to a commentary on research, which identified the neural circuits involved when mice feel another mouse's pain (empathize with them).  This will allow us to identify variations in the noted circuitry that result in lower or higher empathy.  In the future, it will also allow us to identify the developmental genes that create these neural correlates of empathy.  I judge the chances that these same neural correlates of empathy are found in humans as very high.

Finding those genes in mice will allow us to use simple genetic screens to determine if people with low empathy have learned that less-than-socially-desired behavior or if they have inherited a suite of genes that makes them more susceptible to expressing low empathy.  Perhaps those "susceptibility" genes have "crossed paths" with a particular environmental cue that essentially triggered them to reframe these neural correlates of empathy.

https://science.sciencemag.org/content/371/6525/122?fbclid=IwAR04tq_R92sbtLjgWdTbY76P5rEOSvCLOmfHSsp-QIk41ZJ4Jxp9W4oXies https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2019.00094/full