Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder characterised by involuntary movements or verbal tics. It is estimated to affect one in 2,000, although some cases are very mild. Accurate diagnosis can be difficult and children who suffer from TS can also suffer from associated conditions such as attention deficit disorder, or obsessive compulsive behaviour. Prof Mary Robertson of Queen's Hospital, London will be answering questions on the disorder at a public meeting hosted by the Tourette Syndrome Association of Ireland on Saturday, 2-5 p.m. at the Royal Dublin Hotel, O'Connell Street, Dublin.
Scientists at Cambridge University may have discovered a major reason for miscarriage in early pregnancy. They believe miscarriage could occur if foetuses receive too much oxygen - before they are developed enough to withstand it. Research found that in early pregnancy the oxygen supply to the foetus is deliberately restricted. Women who miscarry in the first three months may have passed too quickly to the second stage of pregnancy - normally the final six months. (BBC)
If you are considering a trip to a far-flung destination such as Mexico, Thailand, Bali, Singapore, South Africa or Egypt, and don't want to bring home more than a suntan, then you also need to plan your vaccinations. Only 8 per cent of Irish people travelling to "at risk" areas receive the necessary vaccinations against typhoid, tetanus, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, or take malaria tablets. Consult a tropical medical clinic or the Royal College of Surgeons at least one month before travelling.
Heart failure could be caused by a malfunction in the body's immune system, German scientists say. Antibodies in the immune system could attack the tissue of the heart instead of carrying out their normal role of fighting infection, according to the study published in Circulation magazine. This may be responsible for cases of congestive heart failure, a chronic condition in which the heart muscles become damaged.
Last month, it was announced that venom used by scorpions to paralyse their prey could be the next big thing to fight cancer - this month it's the turn of the snake to help mankind. A drug made from rattlesnake venom may successfully treat victims of stroke, US researchers have found. An experimental drug, ancrod, derived from the venom of vipers, lowers levels of a bood-clotting substance in the blood and may be used to reverse the effects of a stroke. (BBC)
Minor abnormalities in electrocardiogram (ECG) readouts and the results of exercise tests may predict the risk of dying from heart disease, according to US studies. Researchers suggest recurrent, minor ECG abnormalities in middle-aged men indicate increased risk and "warrant especially vigorous preventive management against the occurrence of clinical coronary heart disease".
In a second study, researchers found people who are unable to reach 85 per cent of the age-adjusted maximum heart rate during a treadmill exercise test have a higher risk of dying of heart disease.