hydromorphone

Indication

A narcotic pain medication used to relieve pain.

Side effects

Sedation, decreased senses, dizziness, seizures, euphoria, low blood pressure, decreased heart rate, nausea, vomiting, constipation, ¯ paralytic ileus, urine retention (cannot void), respiratory depression (slowed breathing), and addiction.

Interactions and precautions
1. Use with alcohol tricyclic antidepressants, sedatives, other narcotic pain medications, antihistamines, muscle relaxants, or other depressants can increase sedation.
2. Use with anticoagulants; (Warfarin) may increase anticoagulant effect.

Usual dose

Adults: oral, 2 mg every three to six hours as needed. Paediatrics: individualized by physician.

EEG

EEG or Electroencephalography is a diagnostic test that measures the brain's electrical activity. This non-invasive test is used to detect any abnormality in the brain's electrical impulses. Nearly 16 - 25 electrodes are placed over different areas of your head and they record electrical activity. A study of the pattern of these electrical activities of the brain help in detecting any abnormality. Electroencephalography helps in detecting causes of seizures, epilepsy or degenerative diseases. It helps in evaluating head injury, tumor or infections. But an EEG cannot help diagnose mental illness. Sleep disorders such as narcolepsy can be evaluated with the help of EEG. An EEG helps confirm brain death in comatose patients. Brain tumors, encephalitis, meningitis, Parkinson's disease or cerebral infarct can be detected with EEG test.

The patient will need to lie down with eyes closed during the EEG test. Sometimes the doctor may ask the patient to breathe deeply or look at bright flickering lights. Sometimes the patient may also be asked to go to sleep. The patient must not consume caffeine, tea, cola or chocolate for about 8 hours prior to the EEG test. The hair must be free of oils, creams or sprays. Medications such as tranquilizers, muscle relaxants and anti-epilepsy medicines might need to be discontinued for a short period.

Costochondritis

Costochondritis involves inflammation of the cartilage connecting a rib to the breastbone. It manifests as sharp chest pain in the front chest wall. This condition is usually harmless and usually does not need any treatment. Often Costochondritis pain feels much like a heart attack. It is a common cause for chest pain. Costochondritis may also result from injury or as a complication of sternum surgery. Costochondritis can result from viral, bacterial or fungal infections. Tietze's syndrome is a condition where the costochondritis pain is also accompanied by swelling. Fibromyalgia can be another cause of costochondritis.

The pain occurs when coughing, sneezing or taking deep breaths. Patients suffering from costochondritis may have difficulty while breathing. Chest pain may be aggravated due to stress. Costochondritis cannot be diagnosed with imaging tools. NSAIDs are prescribed to relieve pain and inflammation. Muscle relaxants can give relief to those suffering from Costochondritis.