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Betreff:
EPILEPSY (TGA)
...REVIEW RE CLOSE EMF EXPOSURES AT NIGHT.... |
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Von: JCMPelican@aol.com |
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Datum: Wed, 25 Jul 2007 14:28:22 EDT |
DRUGS OR DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT
- EPILEPSY (TGA)
...REVIEW RE CLOSE EMF EXPOSURES AT NIGHT....
To All: Read the following
information keeping in mind recent postings regarding adverse chemical
reactions (including those naturally-produced) -- specifically,
the increasingly serious issue of prescription medication black box
warnings and recalls.
"Epilepsy," involves changes in electrical
activity in the brain. This is actually a puzzle, for which the
answers exist -- not only re the link between TGA (trans global amnesia),
epilepsy and the reduction of melatonin -- but the link to close, chronic
prolonged EMF/EMR exposures at night. All of this further
supports the urgency of providing prudent avoidance information regarding the
need to reduce EMF exposures!!!
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Journal Watch General Medicine Alert
for July 24, 2007
Summary and Comment
Epilepsy Can Cause Isolated Transient Amnesia
Consider the diagnosis of nonconvulsive epilepsy in patients with
unexplained episodic memory loss.
When a patient presents with an episode of
transient memory loss without other neurologic symptoms, the diagnosis
"transient global amnesia" (TGA) is often made, but the etiology is
often unclear. Researchers in the U.K. describe 50 patients, recruited over 18
months, in whom epilepsy was thought to be the cause of otherwise unexplained
transient amnesia, resulting in the more specific diagnosis of "transient
epileptic amnesia" (TEA).
All patients had recurrent episodes of amnesia in which other cognitive
functions were judged by witnesses to have remained intact. Diagnostic criteria
for epilepsy were presence of at least one of these conditions: (1)
epileptiform abnormalities on electroencephalogram (EEG), (2) presence of other
clinical features of epilepsy such as lip-smacking or olfactory hallucinations,
and (3) clear response to anticonvulsant therapy. Each of the three conditions
was met by 18, 36, and 48 patients, respectively. Mean age at onset was 62,
median attack frequency was 12 per year, and median duration of amnestic
episodes was 30 to 60 minutes. Compared with age-matched controls, patients had
subtle long-term memory problems on standardized tests. A diagnosis of epilepsy
was initially considered in only 12 of these patients.
Comment: This is the largest published case series to date of
patients with TEA. Because only 18 of the patients had documented epileptiform
activity on EEG, one might challenge whether the diagnosis of TEA was certain
in all cases. Nevertheless, this report demonstrates that clinicians should
consider the diagnosis of nonconvulsive epilepsy in patients with unexplained
episodic memory loss.
Published in Journal Watch General Medicine July
24, 2007
Citation(s):
Butler CR et al. The
syndrome of transient epileptic amnesia. Ann Neurol 2007 Jun; 61:587-98.
- Medline abstract (Free)
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While the following information is an
advertisement regarding melatonin, rather one of the many scientific
studies re melatonin, their is a nice outline with brief explanations
re benefits and other issues including possible concern in certain
instances. Even tho links to specific references are not provided,
the list of various health problems can easily be applied to available
studies (although time-consuming).
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MELATONIN
Melatonin
is secreted by the pineal gland in the brain and is important in the regulation
of many hormones in the body. Among its key roles, melatonin controls the
body's circadian rhythm, an internal 24-hour time-keeping system that plays an
important role in when we fall asleep and when we wake up. Darkness stimulates
the release of melatonin and light suppresses its activity. Normal melatonin
cycles are disrupted when we are exposed to excessive light in the evening or
too little light during the daytime. For example, jet lag, shift work, and poor
vision can disrupt melatonin cycles. In addition, some experts claim that
exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields (as is common in household
appliances) may disrupt normal cycles and production of melatonin.
Melatonin
is also one of the hormones that controls the timing and release of female reproductive
hormones. As a result, melatonin helps determine when menstruation begins, the
frequency and duration of menstrual cycles, and when menstruation ends
(menopause). Many researchers also believe that levels of melatonin in the body
are related to the aging process. For example, young children have the highest
levels of nighttime melatonin and these levels are thought to diminish
progressively with age. This decline likely contributes to why many older
adults suffer from disrupted sleep patterns and tend to go to bed earlier and
wake up earlier in the morning than when they were younger. However, emerging
research is bringing the idea of diminished melatonin levels in the elderly
into some question. Therefore, those considering use of this supplement should
first talk to their healthcare provider about having blood levels of melatonin
checked.
In addition to its hormone actions, melatonin also has strong
antioxidant properties and preliminary evidence suggests that it may help
strengthen the immune system. Because melatonin is a potent hormone, it's
advisable to check with a healthcare provider before using it as an antioxidant
supplement.
Insomnia
Although results are still controversial,
studies suggest that melatonin supplements help induce sleep in people with
disrupted circadian rhythms (such as those suffering from jet lag or poor
vision or those who work the night shift) and those with low melatonin levels
(such as some elderly and individuals with schizophrenia). In fact, a recent
review of scientific studies found that melatonin supplements help prevent jet
lag, particularly in people who cross five or more time zones.
A few studies suggest that when taken for short
periods of time (days to weeks) melatonin is significantly more effective than
placebo in decreasing the amount of time required to fall asleep, increasing
the number of sleeping hours, and boosting daytime alertness. In addition, at
least one study suggests that melatonin may improve the quality of life in
people who suffer from insomnia and some experts suggest that melatonin may be
of value for children with learning disabilities who suffer from insomnia.
Although research suggests that melatonin may be
modestly effective for treating certain types of insomnia as described, few
studies have investigated whether melatonin supplements are safe and effective
over the long term.
Osteoporosis
Melatonin has been shown in laboratory
studies to stimulate cells called osteoblasts that promote bone growth. Given
that melatonin levels may also be lower in some older individuals such as
postmenopausal women, current studies are investigating whether or not
decreased melatonin levels contribute to the development of osteoporosis, and
whether treatment with melatonin can help prevent this condition.
Menopause
Melatonin supplements may benefit
menopausal women by promoting and sustaining sleep. Peri- or postmenopausal
women who use melatonin supplements to regulate sleep patterns should do so
only for a short period of time since long term effects, as indicated earlier,
are not known.
Depression
In one small study of 10 people with a
particular type of depression known as seasonal affective disorder (depressive
symptoms that develop during the winter months when exposure to light is
lessened), those who received melatonin supplements had significant improvement
in their symptoms compared to those who received placebo. Given the small size
of this study, however, more research is needed before conclusions can be drawn
regarding use of melatonin for either seasonal affective disorder or any other
type of depression. This is particularly true since one study from the 1970s
suggested that symptoms of depression may worsen when taking melatonin.
.Eating Disorders
Melatonin levels may play a role in the
symptoms of anorexia. For example, abnormally low melatonin levels may cause
depressed mood in people with this condition. However, it is not known whether
supplementation will change the course of the disease. Some researchers
speculate that low melatonin levels in people with anorexia may indicate who is
likely to benefit from antidepressant medications (a treatment often used for
eating disorders
Breast Cancer
Several studies indicate that melatonin
levels may be linked with breast cancer risk. For example, women with breast
cancer tend to have lower levels of melatonin than those without the disease. In
addition, laboratory experiments have found that low levels of melatonin
stimulate the growth of certain types of breast cancer cells and adding
melatonin to these cells inhibits their growth. Preliminary laboratory and
clinical evidence also suggests that melatonin may enhance the effects of some
chemotherapy drugs used to treat breast cancer. In a study that included a
small number of women with breast cancer, melatonin (administered 7 days before
beginning chemotherapy) prevented the lowering of platelets in the blood. This
is a common complication of chemotherapy, known as thrombocytopenia, that can
lead to bleeding.
In another study of a small group of women whose
breast cancer was not improving with tamoxifen (a commonly used chemotherapy
medication), the addition of melatonin caused tumors to modestly shrink in over
28% of the women. People with breast cancer who are considering taking
melatonin supplements should first consult a healthcare provider who can help
construct a comprehensive treatment approach to be administered together with
conventional care.
Prostate Cancer
Similar to breast cancer, studies of
people with prostate cancer suggest that melatonin levels are lower compared to
men without cancer, and test tube studies have found that melatonin inhibits
the growth of prostate cancer cells. In one small-scale study, melatonin (when
used in conjunction with conventional medical treatment) improved survival
rates in 9 out of 14 patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Interestingly,
meditation appears to be a valuable addition to the treatment of prostate
cancer. The positive effects of meditation may be due to a rise in levels of
melatonin in the body. Although these early results are intriguing, more
research is needed.
Cancer-related Weight Loss
Weight loss and malnutrition are of great
concern for people with cancer. In one study of 100 people with advanced cancer
that had spread throughout the body, those who received melatonin supplements
were less likely to lose weight than those who did not receive the supplement.
.Sarcoidosis
Some physicians use melatonin to help treat sarcoidosis (a condition where
fibrous tissue develops in the lungs and other tissues). Two case reports
suggest that melatonin may be helpful for those who do not improve from
conventional steroid treatment.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
In a group of patients with rheumatoid
arthritis, melatonin levels were low compared to healthy individuals without
arthritis. When treated with the anti-inflammatory medication indomethacin,
melatonin levels returned to normal. The chemical structure of melatonin
resembles indomethacin, so researchers speculate that melatonin supplements may
work similarly to this medication for people with rheumatoid arthritis. This
theory has not been tested, however.
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Although melatonin supplementation does
not appear to improve the key behavioral symptoms of ADHD, it may be effective
in managing sleep disturbances in children with this condition
Epilepsy
Preliminary research suggests that melatonin reduces the number of
seizures in certain animal species and may reduce seizures in people with
epilepsy. However, not all experts agree with these findings. In fact,
concern has been raised that melatonin (1 to 5 mg per day) may actually induce
seizures, particularly in children with neurologic disorders. Given that the
research is in a very premature stage, some experts suggest that melatonin
should be administered by healthcare providers to only a select group of people
who suffer from seizures that cannot be controlled by any other type of
therapy.
Sunburn
A few small-scale studies suggest that
gels, lotions, or ointments containing melatonin may protect against redness
(erythema) and other skin damage when used either alone or in combination with
topical vitamin E prior to exposure to UV radiation from the sun.
Viral Encephalitis
Although melatonin has not been
scientifically evaluated for use in treating human encephalitis (inflammation
of the brain), some studies suggest that this supplement may protect animals
from serious complications associated with the condition and even increase
their survival rates. In one study of mice infected with Venezuelan equine
virus (a type of organism that causes viral encephalitis), melatonin
supplements significantly lowered the presence of virus in the blood and
reduced death rates by more than 80%. More studies are needed, however, to
determine whether similar treatment may offer the same protection to people
with viral encephalitis.
Heart Disease
Low levels of melatonin in the blood have
been associated with heart disease, but it is not clear whether melatonin
levels are low in response to having heart disease or if low levels of
melatonin predispose people to developing this condition. In addition, several
studies in rats suggest that melatonin may protect the hearts of these animals
from the damaging effects of ischemia (decreased blood flow and oxygen that
often leads to a heart attack). It is not known from this information, however,
whether melatonin supplements may help prevent or treat heart disease in
people. More research and scientific information is needed before conclusions
can be drawn.
There
is currently no recommended dose range for melatonin supplements. Different
people will be more sensitive or less sensitive to its effects. For those
especially sensitive, lower doses may work effectively while a higher dose
could cause anxiety and irritability. The best approach for any condition is to
begin with very low doses of melatonin that match the amounts our bodies
normally make on a daily basis (< 0.3 mg) and keep the dose to a minimum. Your
healthcare provider can help guide what is best and most appropriate, including
how to increase the amount as needed......... [ skip ]
.......
[
Note: Emphasis re epilepsy by joanne mueller
...research file re statin increased free radical damage due
to combination of the medication and EMF/EMR from
appliances and telephone equipment on nightstands and headboards -- CLOSE,
CHRONIC PROLONGED EXPOSURES.....ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT...THE MELATONIN LINK,
ETC. .......jcm 7-25-07.....]
http://www.hbcprotocols.com/sleep/melatonin.html
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I do not necessarily agree with many of the comments in the
advertisement re melatonin -- I do know that Dr. Russel Reiter ( book,
"Melatonin") provides more specific information that much more
strongly supports the importance of taking melatonin and that it would be
difficult to overdose, etc. As I have reported numerous times, my
husband and I wouldn't think of going to bed without taking melatonin and many
of our family members do the same. I have cited many instances of moving
electric items away from beds with remarkable improvement occuring shortly
thereafter. We know EMF's lower one's natural production of
melatonin......... Also, Scientist Roger Coghill provides natural
radioprotective nutraceuticals: www.asphalia.co.uk
I have not commented on breast cancer info above re melatonin albeit
equally important, only because of need to "focus" on epilepsy
and TGA as related to existing studies re EMF's and
melatonin. Take
care everyone - Joanne
Joanne C. Mueller
Guinea Pigs "R" Us
731 - 123rd Avenue N.W.
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55448-2127 USA
Phone: 763-755-6114
Email: jcmpelican@aol.com
( 7-25-07 )
NEW WEBSITE: http://guineapigsrus.org
All truth goes through three stages:
first it is ridiculed:
then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident.
-
Schopenhauer
DRUGS OR DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT
- EPILEPSY (TGA)
...REVIEW RE CLOSE EMF EXPOSURES AT NIGHT....
I forgot to include an important
reference. Dr. Duane Graveline (astronaut, medical doctor,
researcher) has an excellent book re dangers of statins. He
experienced two incidents of TGA a year apart. His doctor at NASA
insisted he try taking Lipitor the year following a dramatic episode he
describes in his book and on his website. Another episode of TGA
occurred, hence, Dr. Graveline's focus on informing the public of the dangers
of not only taking statins but that cholesterol is actually protective of the
brain.
Dr. Graveline provides detailed explanations re
cellular changes/mechanisms, etc. in his book (or books).....
To my knowledge, he has not addressed the issue of sleeping close to electric
appliances and telephone equipment. He does mention radiation on his
website as it applies to exposures in space. I do not recall
whether his excellent website refers to epileptic changes, etc. See:
www.spacedoc.net .
Joanne C. Mueller
Guinea Pigs "R" Us
731 - 123rd Avenue N.W.
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55448-2127 USA
Phone: 763-755-6114
Email: jcmpelican@aol.com ( 7-25-07 ) My birthday.... age
71
NEW WEBSITE: http://guineapigsrus.org
ARE YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN GUINEA
PIGS? Letter 7-22-04 by Joanne Mueller
http://omega.twoday.net/stories/282050/