Stroke Archive

For hundreds of years there have been documented instances of groups of people developing similar, medically inexplicable, and sometimes bizarre symptoms, such as paralysis, involuntary tics, or uncontrollable laughter. Known as sociogenic illness, a recent example appears to be fueled by social media postings—meaning physical proximity is no longer a factor.

Exercise may help to reverse some types of heart damage. Not only can workouts prevent heart problems, but it may help to improve conditions that may raise risk for cardiovascular events. A 2021 study, for example, showed that a yearlong exercise program helped improve heart health in people who were at increased risk for heart failure.

It is possible to experience a stroke without symptoms. Addressing cardiovascular risk factors can help lower the risk.

A large study published online Aug. 29, 2021, by The New England Journal of Medicine found that people who used a salt substitute on their food had a lower risk of stroke, heart attack, and early death, compared with people who used regular salt.

In October 2021, the FDA proposed rules to create a new category of over-the-counter hearing aids that would require special regulations and FDA approval. Approval of the rules is expected sometime in 2022.

Thick, dead skin patches (calluses) on the heels sometimes become cracked. The condition, known as cracked heels, makes it hard to walk and increases the risk for infection, since cracks open the door for bacteria to enter the body. If infected, cracked heels can turn into foot wounds that become hard to heal, especially in people with diabetes or peripheral artery disease who have poor circulation in their legs and feet.

Walking pneumonia means a person with pneumonia is highly likely to get well at home and not develop complications. Still, walking pneumonia is considered a significant infection and requires prompt and appropriate treatment. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics and rest.

Low-carbohydrate diets have been popular for many years, but due to the high amounts of saturated fat, doctors and nutritionists worry about possible increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A study comparing three diets found that eating a high-fat diet did not necessarily raise heart risk, but the types and quantities of food make a difference.

Millions of people have tinnitus, a condition where a person hears a sound inside the head that does not come from any external source. There are many possible causes and no cure, but there are ways to ease the symptoms, one of which is sound therapy, which uses external sound to alter a person's perception of or reaction to tinnitus.

Rapid COVID tests aren't foolproof, but can provide an added layer of assurance if people take them before a planned gathering, in addition to following other preventive strategies.