Long COVID Treatments in Trials: Antivirals, Anti-Inflammatories, Anticoagulants (2023)

Long COVID affects millions globally, causing debilitating symptoms that can persist for months or years. Experts are calling for urgent clinical trials to find treatments. Key Facts: Long COVID can cause fatigue, brain fog, muscle weakness, sleep disturbances and other symptoms lasting weeks to years after initial infection. The mechanisms are unclear but may involve …

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Long COVID Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments (2023)

Long COVID syndrome (LCS) is a complex, chronic condition that can arise after COVID-19 infection. Key facts about LCS: Affects an estimated 10-30% of COVID survivors Causes debilitating symptoms lasting months to years after initial infection Impacts nearly every organ system, especially the brain Exact causes remain unclear but may involve vascular damage and inflammation …

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Brain Freeze: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments for Cold Stimulus Headache

Cold stimulus headache, commonly known as “brain freeze”, is a curious and understudied phenomenon that many of us have experienced when eating or drinking something cold too quickly. Though brief and benign, these headaches provide insight into how the brain responds to sudden temperature changes. Key Facts About “Brain Freeze”: Caused by quick exposure of …

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Post-COVID Lung Damage Linked to Anxiety & Depression

A new study reveals important connections between lingering lung damage after COVID-19 and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. The research also demonstrates that simple at-home breathing exercises can improve both lung function and mood. Key facts: 1 in 3 patients in the study still had abnormal lung function 2 months after moderate COVID-19 …

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Celecoxib for Depression: Targeting Inflammation via COX-2 (2023 Research Update)

Mood disorders like major depression and bipolar disorder affect millions worldwide. Existing treatments often fall short, highlighting the need for better options. An emerging possibility is anti-inflammatory drugs like celecoxib that may target the immune system abnormalities linked to these conditions. A new comprehensive review suggests celecoxib holds promise as an add-on treatment for major …

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CGRP Antibodies & Migraine Prevention: Targeting Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide

A new network meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Pharmacology provides important insights into the relative efficacy and safety of monoclonal antibodies targeting calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) for migraine prevention. This comprehensive analysis compares four CGRP monoclonal antibodies – eptinezumab, erenumab, fremanezumab, and galcanezumab – and sheds light on which ones are most effective for reducing …

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Brain Zaps: Electric Shock Sensations from SSRI Antidepressant Withdrawal

Brain zaps are brief, electric shock-like sensations felt in the brain that can occur when decreasing or stopping dosage of certain antidepressants. Though poorly understood, new research is shedding light on this perplexing phenomenon. Key Facts: Brain zaps are a recently acknowledged potential side effect of discontinuing certain antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs. They feel …

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Brain Dead & Pregnant: A Rare Case Report in 31-Year-Old Woman

Brain death during pregnancy is extremely rare but presents profound ethical, medical, and legal challenges. Key Facts: Brain death during pregnancy is very rare, with about 35 cases reported worldwide. The most common cause is bleeding in the brain from ruptured aneurysms or trauma. Infection, unstable vital signs, and hormone deficiencies are common after brain …

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