Spontaneous intracranial hypotension: an interesting cause of intractable headache

Intracranial hypotension [ICH] is a benign syndrome which is often under-diagnosed. It is characterized by orthostatic headache which is predominantly occipital. ICH is diagnosed in the presence of a typical history and characteristic imaging findings. Further confirmation by Lumbar Puncture to document low CSF pressure is necessary in some cases. Treatment is mainly conservative. However, surgical intervention might be required if conservative measures fail. In this report we present a case of 42 year old male patient who presented with symptoms of orthostatic occipital headache of three months duration and was subsequently diagnosed with Intracranial Hypotension based of characteristic MRI findings

Empty sella syndrome

An Empty Sella occurs due to herniation of the arachnoid throughan incompetent diaphragma sellae. Over time, cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] pulsations may enlarge the sella and compress the gland against the floor of the sella. Empty Sella Syndrome is a considered a less common entity and is usually asymptomatic and an incidental finding. However, it can be a manifestation of increased intracranial pressure and can be occasionally severe. Compression of the pituitary gland may affect function, or traction on the optic chiasm and nerves may cause visual symptoms. An empty sella may be classified as primary when this occurs in persons who have not received pituitary radiation or pituitary surgery, while an empty sella discovered following such procedures is classified as secondary empty sella. We had a 41 year old patient who came to us with symptoms of headache and left sided hemi-sensory disturbance. An evaluation revealed multiple comorbid illnesses with MRI showing features of Empty Sella

Partial lobar collapse of lung in young adult: a case report

Atelectasis describes loss of lung volume due to collapse of lung tissue. It can be classified according to pathophysiologic mechanism [e.g. -Obstructive and Non obstructive], amount of lung involved [e.g.-lobar, segmental and subsegmental] or location [i.e. specific lobe or segment location]. Obstructive atelectasis [i.e. resorptive] is a consequence of blockage of an air-way[1]. We hereby present a young man who came to outpatient clinic with history of chest pain and dyspnea. He was subsequently found to have partial collapse of left upper lobe of lung. Bronchoscopy showed mucus plug closing anterior and posterior segment of left upper lobe. The patient responded significantly following removal of mucus plug both clinically and radiologically

Treatment and prevention of a hospital based infection caused by crusted scabies: a rare variant of scabies

The purpose is to report a rare variant of scabies known as Norwegian or crusted scabies which was the source of an outbreak of scabies in the hospital and highlight the preventive and treatment aspects by which the infection was controlled. All staff members who were in contact with the patient with complaints of itching were screened. Diagnosis was made by the typical history and examination of all the affected staff members and also the family members. All affected contacts were treated with anti-scabetic treatments. Information leaflets highlighting the importance of containing the infection by preventive measures were distributed to the staff. All patients responded well to treatment. Because all staff members followed the preventative advice the infection was controlled without spreading it to their contacts. A rare variant of scabies was the cause of a nosocomial infection causing distress to the affected staff members and financial implications, as the hospital had to breathe cost of the expensive anti-scabetic preparations. Prompt treatment and appropriate preventative advice and care contained this rare parasitic nosocomial infection

Self reported physical activity among university students in Ajman, UAE

To assess the prevalence, pattern of self reported physical activity among university students and its association with socio demographic characteristics. One hundred and ten entry year students of 2009 from four colleges of Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates participated in the study. Inquiry into physical activity showed that during the past 30 days, 64.5% were performing brisk walk daily, 23.6% of the students performed physical activity on treadmill, 10% of the students performed fast cycling in the static position, 8.2% of the participants did aerobics, and 4.5% in the motion cycle. Eleven of them [10%] were not involved in any physical activity. The prevalence of physical inactivity varied among different socio demographic groups and females were more inactive compared to males. The study points out the need for additional research in the area of physical activity among students