The brain is very sensitive to the amount of blood getting through to it, so anything which impedes the flow of blood to the brain or lowers oxygen to the brain, can damage it. Poisons in the blood, such as carbon monoxide from car fumes, can poison the brain. Finally there are treatments people can receive in good faith, which can damage the brain, a surgeon operating on the brain to remove a tumor can inadvertently damage it and radiation therapy, which is often used to treat malignant brain tumors, can damage the it especially in young people.
There are two broad guidelines to assess the severity of a brain injury. The first is how unconscious the patient is at their very worst, and this is measured with something called the Glasgow Coma Score, this is usually measured out of 15, 15 is fully conscious and three is as deeply unconscious as you can be and still be alive. The Glasgow Coma Score has three levels in it, one is to do with response to eye movement and eye opening, another is to do with response to speech, and the third is to do with response to movement. These three levels can all be given a number, and that gives you the total figure. Broadly speaking, any head injury in which the Glasgow Coma Score goes to eight or below is classified as a very severe brain injury.
The second things that’s used to assess the severity if a brain injury is what’s called the post traumatic amnesia (PTA), this is the period of time from the accident to when continuous memory returns. The PTA doesn’t shrink, so if a month after a head injury a person has a PTA of an hour, it’s still going to be an hour a year later. The PTA has a very close connection to time taken to get back to work and it’s also one of the factors in the risk of getting late traumatic epilepsy.
Early detection of oral cancer and treatment can make a big difference in the progression of the disease. Finding lesions early before they become cancerous could save your life, and the most likely person to discover them is your dentist. See your dentist if you notice any unusual lesions that don’t go away. Don’t wait till your regular checkup.
This issue can develop in the lips, gums, and tongue, as well as the lining of the cheeks and the floor and roof of the mouth. Call your dentist or doctor right away if you notice any of the following:
- White or red spots (or patches) on your tongue, gums, or any other tissues in your mouth.
- A sore or irritation in the mouth that bleeds easily and doesn’t heal.
- Persistent tenderness, pain, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips.
- A lump or thickening in the cheek.
- A thick, rough, or crusty spot, or a small area that looks like it’s wearing away anywhere in the mouth.
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, talking, or moving your jaw or tongue.
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down.
- A change in your voice that isn’t due to a cold or allergies.
Excessive sun exposure may also increase your chances of developing cancer of the lips. Protect yourself with a hat or stay out of the sun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., when the rays are the strongest, and always use a lip balm with a sun block of SPF 15 or more. You can also help protect yourself from cancer in general by eating 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, a diet low in fresh fruits and vegetables is linked to a higher overall risk of developing this disease. Finally, one of the best things you can do to prevent oral cancer is to visit your dentist regularly. Dentist will examine your mouth for any suspicious skin changes. With the exception of ear, nose, and throat specialists, dentists are likely to do a better job assessing oral lesions than most doctors.
This disorder isn’t common, but it is serious. Knowing the warning signs, having regular checkups, and limiting your risk increase your chance of avoiding it altogether.
