Surgical Treatment of Migraine Headaches

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A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery shows that trigger site surgery may aid in reducing or even eliminating migraine headaches. 100 patients in a study underwent injection of botulinum toxin A (Botox) into up to 4 potential trigger sites. If a trigger site was identified to be effective than surgery was performed in that trigger area in order to decompress nerves and remove muscles. 71 of 79 patients that were evaluated over a 5 year period were observed to have improvement. This meant they had less mean migraine intensity and or less mean migraine duration. 20 of 69 patients (29.0%) reported elimination of migraines and 41 of 69 patients (59.4%) experience a significant decrease. Surgery is not without risk and neither is injection of botulinum toxin A.  2 patients had hypersensitivity, 2 patients had hyposensitivity, and 2 patients … Read more

Health Care Costs in America

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I came across a very interesting graphic illustrating many of the myths and facts about healthcare in the United States. The graphic illustrates some reasons for the high costs of healthcare including the myths and the truths. The myths include 1) americans smoke and drink too much, 2) america has a larger elderly population, 3) obseity in america skyrockets costs, 4) malpractice is out of control. I actually slightly disagree with #3 and #4. I think being obese in the U.S. is a real problem, see this graph from the OECD. Further one has to account for defensive medicine (as in doctors being scared of getting sued  and ordering more tests than really needed) in malpractice lawsuits. Graph below illustrates the % obese in each country shown. Source: OECD Factbook 2010: Economic, Environmental and Social Statistics. I believe the truths … Read more

The Death of the United States of America

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I usually don’t do these types of posts on this website as this website covers wisdom teeth and dental issues. However, there is a real problem going on in the United States of America that will surely lead to our demise and inability to have laws for the benefit our citizens. I am talking of course about the invasion of the Southern Border that happens everyday. Let’s look at the recent figure from the 2010 Census http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/briefs/c2010br-04.pdf Here are a few quotes from Patrick J. Buchanan http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=37720 “In 1960, when JFK defeated Nixon, America was a nation of 160 million, 90 percent white and 10 percent black, with a few million Hispanics and Asians sprinkled among us.” “In 2050, there will be three times as many people living here as in 1960 – 420 million. White Americans will be a … Read more

American Health Care System

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A BBC One’s Panorama, a TV documentary show, took on the dismal state of health care in the U.S. back in January 2009 (so it is a bit dated now).  Nick Cargo. BBC documentary takes on Obama’s plans for American health care system. January 25, 2009. http://rawstory.com/news/2008/BBC_documentary_takes_on_Obamas_plans_0125.html The documentary takes on the (now) 50.7 million uninsured citizens and the length they will go for healthcare, the..”pharmaceutical industry’s rigged pricing against the American patient, and the insurance industry’s efforts to deny care whenever possible.” Due to licensing restrictions the episode is only available for viewing by those who live in the U.K., however, it has been posted online. I have embedded the first of the three parts on YouTube below. The documentary opens up in rural Kentucy and shows many who have driven long distances in the middle of the night … Read more

Dental Care in Japan

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I found an interesting piece by Kevin Rafferty in The Japan Times Online from June 15, 2011, titled “A dentist need not be a masked demon.” The article is located here http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/eo20110615a1.html The article gives an inside look into recent developments in dentistry with a particular focus on Japan but the principals and message apply globally. The main focus on the article centers around a report soon to be published in both English and Japanese titled “Guideline for treating caries following a minimal intervention policy, an evidence and consensus based study.” The report was conducted by Mikako Hayashi of Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry and her committee in which 18 months was spent conducting research. Some notabled quotes from the article by Kevin Rafferty include “Recent advances in dentistry include recognition that teeth, if properly treated, regularly cleaned and … Read more