Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, named after the famous New York Yankees baseball player who was forced to retire after developing the disease in 1939.  Once ALS starts, it almost always progresses.  ALS is a relentlessly progressive disorder. The rate of progression between individuals is variable , different for each individual and the history generally reflects gradual and progressive worsening over time until last stage called end stage occurs. Their are 4 stages to ALS early, middle, late, and end stages.”

MDA Muscular Dystrophy Association

“Once ALS starts, it almost always progresses.  ALS is a relentlessly progressive disorder. The rate of progression between individuals is variable , different for each individual and the history generally reflects gradual and progressive worsening over time until last stage called end stage occurs. Their are 4 stages to ALS early, middle, late, and end stages.”

MDA Muscular Dystrophy Association

“Bedbugs are small, reddish-brown blood-sucking, wingless insects. Bedbug bites usually clear up without treatment in a week or two. Bedbugs aren’t known to spread disease, but they can cause an allergic reaction or a severe skin reaction in some people. Bedbugs are about the size of an apple seed. They hide in the cracks and crevices of beds, box springs, headboards, bed frames and other objects around a bed and come out at night to feed on their preferred host, humans. The risk of running into bedbugs is higher if you spend time in places where nighttime guests come and go often — such as hotels, hospitals or homeless shelters.

Lice are tiny, wingless insects that feed on human blood. Lice spread from person to person through close contact and by sharing belongings. You or your doctor can usually confirm a body lice infestation through a visual examination of your body and clothing items.There are 3 types of lice head, body, and pubic lice. Unless treated properly, lice can become a recurring problem.”.

MAYO CLINIC (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lice/symptoms-causes/syc-20374399)

Bite marks on the body are the first sign of a bug infestation.

However; there are many species of bloodsucking mites and insects some of which typically include fleas, lice, ticks, bed bugs and so on. So how can you tell what is biting you?

This article will inform you the differences between bed bug bites vs lice bites in order to help you better understand what is biting you.

The first sign of a bed bug infestation is bite marks on your body as well as those of your family members. However, in many people, there is no significant visible reaction as they may have grown immune to the bed bug bites. Hence; it is important to also watch out for other tell-tale signs of bed bugs which typically include brown or rust colored stains on mattresses, discarded white or brown colored shells, as well as an obnoxious almond like smell in the air near the sleeping areas.

Bed bug bites also have following distinguishing characteristics:

• Bite marks may be seen on face, arms, legs and neck.
• The bites typically produce swollen bump with or without a red spot at the centre.
• The bites may be present in a linear pattern with groups of 2 or three bumps in one spot where the bed bug has inserted its mouthparts into the skin.
• In some people, the bites might lead to an allergic reaction which can cause intense itchiness, pain, and inflammation.

Bed bugs hide during the daytime and usually come out only at night-time to feed. So make sure you check your sleeping areas for bed bug signs. The pests also tend to hide in cracks and crevices around the bedding, so visually examine these areas. You will also have to vacuum the entire house and, if needed, discard heavily infested items.

Now Lice=What’s the actual difference with Beg Bugs?

Body lice or head lice are common reasons why humans develop itchiness in their scalp or other body parts. The main similarity between bed bugs vs body lice is that both are typically seen in low economy housing areas or areas where humans have to live in close or cramped quarters under unsanitary conditions. Body lice are also common in school-aged children as they tend to come in close contact with infested kids. Bed bugs may be even found in the cleanest of places including five star hotels or posh residential areas. This is because; they have nothing to do with cleanliness or hygiene and usually come inside one’s homes through the luggage or even through buses, planes, movie theatres and retail stores.

Body lice bites can cause severe irritation on the skin. In sensitive people, red bumps might arise on the bitten areas. Large infestation can even lead to pain, fever, headaches and chills. Crab lice (pubic lice) often produce bluish spots about 1/10^th of an inch in measurement in the bitten regions.

Summary of differences between bed bugs and body lice

• Bed bugs are larger in size than body or hair lice and can be best compared (in size as well as appearance) to an apple seed. Body lice or hair lice measure upto 3mm in length.
• Bed bugs leave characteristic tell-tale signs like a almond-like smell, discarded shells or exoskeletons as well as bloody or fecal matter on the bedding and sleeping areas. Body lice are usually only found through combing with a fine toothed comb.
• Bed bugs get transported from place to place through infested hotels, planes, buses or trains etc. Body lice such as crab lice are transmitted through sexual activities.
• Bed bug bites vs body lice bites: The former may be seen on face, arms, back, neck, chest or other exposed body parts. Body lice or hair lice bites may be present only on specific areas such as scalp, pubic region etc.
• Bed bug bites do not lead to any diseases. Body lice can lead to shivering, fever, aches and pains, especially in case of more severe infestations.
• The best remedies for both bed bug bites and body lice bites is treating and eliminating the infestations from the root. Bed bug infestations might need an integrated pest control approach such as vacuuming, discarding infested items, and spraying or dusting the areas with bed bug products. In case of lice, one will need to use lice combs, anti-lice solutions, lotions, shampoos and soaps to kill the larvae and eggs.

Though potentially harmless, both bed bug bites and body lice bites can be extremely annoying and itchy. Hence, it is vital to know how to identify the bug bites VS. lice through how they feel and look in order to seek proper medical attention or treat it at home so you get rid of the entire infestation of bed bugs or lice.

“Parkinson’s disease is an age-related degenerative brain condition, meaning it causes parts of your brain to deteriorate. It’s best known for causing slowed movements, tremors, balance problems and more. It is ranking second among age-related degenerative brain diseases. It’s also the most common motor (movement-related) brain disease. The best-known symptoms of Parkinson’s disease involve loss of muscle control. However, experts now know that muscle control-related issues aren’t the only possible symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.  Parkinson’s disease is not curable, but there are multiple ways to manage its symptoms. The treatments can also vary from person to person, depending on their specific symptoms and how well certain treatments work. Medications are the primary way to treat this condition.”

Cleveland Clinic (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8525-parkinsons-disease-an-overview)

“Parkinson’s disease affects 10 million people worldwide, along with its symptoms, causes and treatments. Symptoms generally develop slowly over years. The progression of symptoms is often a bit different from one person to another due to the diversity of the disease. The cause remains largely unknown. Scientists believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors are the cause.  The first step to living well with Parkinson’s disease is to understand the disease and the progression.”

Parkinson’s Foundation (https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons)

What are the signs and symptoms (s/s) of this disease?

The early signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease that are often overlooked by both patients and doctors because the symptoms are subtle and the progression of the disease is typically slow. S/S of parkinson’s disease are:

Parkinson’s disease does not affect everyone the same way. In some people the disease progresses quickly, in others it does not. Although some people become severely disabled, others experience only minor motor disruptions. Tremor is the major symptom for some patients, while for others tremor is only a minor complaint and different symptoms are more troublesome.

The Motor function symptoms associated with Parkinson’s Disease:

• The tremors associated with Parkinson’s disease has a characteristic appearance. Typically, the tremor takes the form of a rhythmic back-and-forth motion of the thumb and forefinger at three beats per second. This is sometimes called “pill rolling.” Tremor usually begins in a hand, although sometimes a foot or the jaw is affected first. It is most obvious when the hand is at rest or when a person is under stress. In three out of four patients, the tremor may affect only one part or side of the body, especially during the early stages of the disease. Later it may become more general. Tremor is rarely disabling and it usually disappears during sleep or improves with intentional movement.
• Rigidity, or a resistance to movement, affects most parkinsonian patients. A major principle of body movement is that all muscles have an opposing muscle. Movement is possible not just because one muscle becomes more active, but because the opposing muscle relaxes. In Parkinson’s disease, rigidity comes about when, in response to signals from the brain, the delicate balance of opposing muscles is disturbed. The muscles remain constantly tensed and contracted so that the person aches or feels stiff or weak. The rigidity becomes obvious when another person tries to move the patient’s arm, which will move only in ratchet-like or short, jerky movements known as “cogwheel” rigidity.
• Bradykinesia, or the slowing down and loss of spontaneous and automatic movement, is particularly frustrating because it is unpredictable. One moment the patient can move easily. The next moment he or she may need help. This may well be the most disabling and distressing symptom of the disease because the patient cannot rapidly perform routine movements. Activities once performed quickly and easily — such as washing or dressing — may take several hours.
• Postural instability, or impaired balance and coordination, causes patients to develop a forward or backward lean and to fall easily. When bumped from the front or when starting to walk, patients with a backward lean have a tendency to step backwards, which is known as retropulsion. Postural instability can cause patients to have a stooped posture in which the head is bowed and the shoulders are drooped.

The Non-Motor function symptoms that are often associated with Parkinson’s Disease include:

-Cognitive impairment –Dementia –Psychosis –Depression –Fatigue -Sleep disturbances -Constipation -Sexual dysfunction -Vision disturbances.

As the disease progresses, walking may be affected. Patients may halt in mid-stride and “freeze” in place, possibly even toppling over.  Patients may walk with a series of quick, small steps as if hurrying forward to keep balance. This is known as festination.

A detailed overview of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale that is used by doctors to follow the course of disease progression and evaluate the extent of impairment and disability.

Abstract

The Movement Disorder Society Task Force for Rating Scales for Parkinson’s Disease prepared a critique of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). Strengths of the UPDRS include its wide utilization, its application across the clinical spectrum of PD, its nearly comprehensive coverage of motor symptoms, and its clinimetric properties, including reliability and validity. Weaknesses include several ambiguities in the written text, inadequate instructions for raters, some metric flaws, and the absence of screening questions on several important non-motor aspects of PD. The Task Force recommends that the MDS sponsor the development of a new version of the UPDRS and encourage efforts to establish its clinimetric properties, especially addressing the need to define a Minimal Clinically Relevant Difference and a Minimal Clinically Relevant Incremental Difference, as well as testing its correlation with the current UPDRS. If developed, the new scale should be culturally unbiased and be tested in different racial, gender, and age-groups. Future goals should include the definition of UPDRS scores with confidence intervals that correlate with clinically pertinent designations, “minimal,” “mild,” “moderate,” and “severe” PD. Whereas the presence of non-motor components of PD can be identified with screening questions, a new version of the UPDRS should include an official appendix that includes other, more detailed, and optionally used scales to determine severity of these impairments.

How Parkinson’s disease is diagnosed:

There isn’t a specific test to diagnose Parkinson’s disease;  it is based on factors such as signs/symptoms, patient history, physical examination, and a thorough neurological evaluation.

A doctor trained in nervous system conditions (neurologist) will diagnose Parkinson’s disease based on your medical history, a review of your signs and symptoms, and a neurological and physical examination.

Your doctor may suggest a specific single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) scan called a dopamine transporter (DAT) scan. Although this can help support the suspicion that you have Parkinson’s disease, it is your symptoms and neurological examination that ultimately determine the correct diagnosis. Most people do not require a DAT scan.

Furthermore, making the diagnosis is even more difficult since there are currently no blood or lab tests available to diagnose the disease. Your health care provider may order lab tests, such as blood tests, to rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms.  Some tests, such as a CT Scan (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and PET Scans may be used to rule out other disorders that cause similar symptoms. Imaging tests aren’t particularly helpful for diagnosing Parkinson’s disease.  Given these circumstances, a doctor may need to observe the patient over time to recognize signs of tremor and rigidity, and pair them with other characteristic symptoms.

The doctor will also compile a comprehensive history of the patient’s symptoms, activity, medications, other medical problems, and exposures to toxic chemicals. This will likely be followed up with a rigorous physical exam with concentration on the functions of the brain and nervous system. Tests are conducted on the patient’s reflexes, coordination, muscle strength, and mental function. Making a precise diagnosis is essential for prescribing the correct treatment regimen. The treatment decisions made early in the illness can have profound implications on the long-term success of treatment.

Recommended Related to Parkinson’s

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Parkinson’s Disease:

Since you’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, ask your doctor these questions at your next visit.   1.What stage is my illness in now?

2. How quickly do you think my disease will progress?

3. How will Parkinson’s disease affect my work?

4. What physical changes can I expect?

5. Will I be able to keep up the activities, hobbies, and sports I do now?

6. What treatments do you suggest now?

7.Will that change as the disease progresses?

8. What are the side effects of medication?…

Because the diagnosis is based on the doctor’s exam of the patient, it is very important that the doctor be experienced in evaluating and diagnosing patients with Parkinson’s disease. If Parkinson’s disease is suspected, you should see a specialist, preferably a movement disorders trained neurologist.

“Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Symptoms usually begin gradually and worsen over time. As the disease progresses, people may have difficulty walking and talking.  While virtually anyone could be at risk for developing Parkinson’s, some research studies suggest this disease affects more men than women. It’s unclear why, but studies are underway to understand factors that may increase a person’s risk. One clear risk is age since most are over 60 y/o.”

NIH National Institute on Aging (https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/parkinsons-disease)

“When you’re over age 65, your immune system isn’t as strong as it used to be. Seniors make up the bulk of the people who die or are hospitalized for flu-related problems like one being pneumonia to sepsis.  Getting older can be a triple whammy. You lose muscle as you age. That makes it harder to keep the pounds from creeping up. You also become less active. At the same time, your body burns fewer calories for the same physical activities as when you were younger.  Our nutritional needs change as we age. Many of us don’t eat as well. Plus, older bodies can more easily lack certain vitamins and nutrients.  Also, bones become less dense and more prone to breaks and fractures.  Did you know that age is the single biggest predictor of your chances of getting cancer? It jumps up after you hit age 50. Half of all cancers happen in people over age 65. For lung cancer, the median age is 70.  Still getting older doesn’t mean you’re destined to get cancer. You can adopt healthy habits proven to help you lower the odds.”.

WebMD (https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/challenges-of-aging)