Relief Mission 2012

Pendaftaran untuk IMAM Relief Mission 2012 telah dibuka!!! *khas untuk ahli IMAM yang berdaftar sahaja*

Belum menjadi ahli IMAM?? sila ke http://imameiresc.blogspot.com/p/registration.html

Pendaftaran Relief Mission bahagian Semenanjung Malaysia:http://sjmy90.formees.com/f/rmsemenanjung/

Pendaftaran Relief Mission bahagian Sabah / Sarawak: http://sjmy90.formees.com/f/rmsabahsarawak/

Pertanyaan lanjut atau sebarang cadangan boleh dikemukakan kepada saudara Saiful Jalal My (pm)

ps: 'team relief mission' berpeluang untuk mencadangkan / menentukan lokasi program apabila sudah dibentuk nanti dan akan dilaksanakan sekitar bulan Julai 2012, sebelum Ramadan menjelang.

The Winner of IMAM Medical Quiz Ibnu Sina Medal 2011

With the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

THE ULTIMATE WINNER OF THE IBNU SINA MEDICAL QUIZ 2011 GOES TO....
MUHAMMAD KHIDIR MOHD KAMIL, 3RD YR RCSI!!! 
jazakallahu khairan katheer!! 
may Allah ease you in your studies in medicine 
and grant you great success in this World and the Hereafter inshaAllah! :)


Here are some pictures of the prize and the winner:

The prize is given to Muhammad Khidir by IMAM Funding Officer, Yasir Ahmad. 

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE COMPETITION,
CONTINUE SUPPORTING IMAM IN FUTURE ACTIVITIES
WE SHALL TRY TO CATER YOUR NEEDS, iA :)
and ALL THE BEST IN YOUR EXAMS! 

TANZIM IMAM 2011/2012

IMAM MEDICAL QUIZ : IBNU SINA MEDAL 2011

IMAM MEDICAL QUIZ: IBNU SINA MEDAL 2011

1. Open to ALL medical students around the WORLD!
2. Different sets of questions will be posted everyday at 9-10pm (GMT) from 5th - 9th Dec 2011 (5DAYS)
3. The FIRST person who gets ALL the questions right will be the WINNER of the day!!
4. AND the person who wins the most and/or actively participating will be announced as THE WINNER OF IMAM IBNU SINA MEDAL 2011!! on FRIDAY 9TH DEC.

ALWAYS ENRICH YOUR MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE AND BE LIKE THE GREAT IBNU SINA,
a MUSLIM scholar who CHANGED MEDICAL HISTORY, mA!

Grab this opportunity! JOIN THE CHALLENGE!! :)

and dont forget to 'LIKE' our FB page! :) http://www.facebook.com/imameiresc

IMAM MEDICAL QUIZ : IBNU SINA MEDAL 2011
5th - 9th Dec 2011

DAY 1 (5 Dec 2011) : CLICK HERE + answers
The winner: Amirul Mohd Sallehuddin Mannan, 3rd Year RCSI.

DAY 2 (6 Dec 2011) : CLICK HERE
 KHALIDAH MOHD ZAIN, 2ND YR, NUI GALWAY, IRELAND


DAY 3 (7 DEC 2011) : CLICK HERE
Muhammad Khidir Mohd Kamil, 3rd Year RCSI

DAY 4 (8 Dec 2011) : CLICK HERE
Nor Afifah Ibrahim, 3rd Year TCD

DAY 5 (9DEC 2011) : CLICK HERE
Mohd Akmal Jamaludin, 2nd Year TCD

Gelatin in Medicine and Vitamins

With the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

The source of gelatin is the collagen found in the skin and bones of animals like cattle, pigs, poultry, and fish. Cellulose from plants may also be used. If one is unsure of the source of a tablet or capsule, then it is considered pure by default.

أما المشكوك فيحكم عليه بالطهارة عملا بالأصل

Medicine or vitamins that include gelatin may either be in a capsule or tablet form. In tablet form, besides for coating, the gelatin may have also been used as a processing agent (even if not mentioned on the label). During production, the gelatin may have been mixed with something else until its qualities were obliterated [istihlak].

IMAM Eire SC Committee 2011/2012

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh

and the best of greetings

to all members of IMAM Eire and visitors of our blog.

Alhamdulillah we've recently held our Annual General Meeting; AGM for the session of 2010/2011 as well as an election for a new committee for the next session of 2011/2012. 

Officially, right after the end of the election at approximately 10.30pm on Friday, the 11th of November 2011 (11.11.11), the newly elected committee has been given the responsibility of leading IMAM Eire SC to greater heights right up until the next AGM.

Below are the names of the elected committee members of IMAM Eire SC for the session of 2011/2012. Congratulation to each and every one of you. 

PRESIDENT

Ahmad Bazli Azizah Ariffin

VICE PRESIDENT

Wan Farah Athirah Wan Nasruddin

SECRETARIES

Saffa Raihan Salehuddin

Nur Athirah Abd Rasid

TREASURER

Noor Azira Safie

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Saiful Jalal Mohamed Yusoff

Syamim Nabihah Abd Wahab

Jannah Mat Noh

Yasir Ahmad

Again, we congratulate the newly elected committee. We wish you the best of luck in handling this responsibility well and again, challenge you to take IMAM Eire to even greater heights.

Let's IMAMing.

Thank You.
Sincerely,


IMAM Eire SC Committee 2010/2011

What are you waiting for???...

Sick of boredom??..Wanna be recruited??...Come & start your first step this Friday (11/11/11)

It's AGM guys..come & be a part of it!!!

Salam all,

We would like to invite everyone to our AGM this coming Friday..Do come & be a part of the committee

Here you can download the nomination's file:
CLICK HERE

Whoever wants to nominate him /herself/ other friends, just fill in the 'downloaded file' above & please email it to muhammadnizamuddin@rcsi.ie

Do come guys..The MORE, The MERRIER ;)

Guys, It's IMAM MONTH!!!!

RUNNING DOCTORS

Hone your mind and body. Test your stamina. Join our Running Doctor Explore Race this Saturday 15th October 2011!..For further information don't hesitate to contact the number on the poster!

[slight change. 3 persons per team!]

Balanced diet: Quran vs Science

Quran says???

The Qur’ân has not restricted itself in merely mentioning the permissible and impermissible foods but goes to the extent of giving useful tips regarding a balanced diet, a diet which contains most if not all the useful ingredients required for the growth, strengthening and repairing of the human body. These ingredients include animal protein, fat, calcium, iron, salts, etc. The most balanced diets consist of meat, fish, fresh milk, cheese and fruit. Both direct and indirect references have been made regarding the afore mentioned.
The reference regarding the importance of meat protein in the human diet is given in the following verse:
“And the cattle, He has created them for you, in them there is warmth (clothing) and numerous benefits, and of them you eat.”
(16:5)
In this verse special reference has been given to the importance of eating despite having said, “…numerous benefits…”. Reference regarding other types of meat has also been given such as the meat of fowls in the following verse:
“And the flesh of fowls that they desire.”
(56:21)Fish has always been considered as a food of very high protein and is very important for human consumption. Allah says:
“And from them both (fresh and salt water) you eat fresh tender meat (fish).”
(35:12)The usefulness of fresh milk is stressed in these words:
“And verily in the cattle there is a lesson for you. We give you to drink of that which is in their bellies, from between excretion and blood, pure milk, palatable to the drinkers.”
(16:66)The benefits of fruits as good nourishment can be understood from this verse:
“And from the fruits of date palms and grapes, you desire strong drink and a goodly provision.”
(16:67)Similarly there are verses which cover the whole range of fruits, salads, and vegetables which also play an important role in a nutritious, balanced diet:
“It is He who sends down rain from the sky, and with it We bring forth vegetation of all kinds, and out of it We bring forth thick clustered grain. And out of the date palm and its spate come clusters of dates hanging low and near, and gardens of grapes, olives and pomegranates each similar (in kind) yet different (in variety and taste). Look at their fruits when then begin to bear, and the ripeness thereof.”
(6:99)Islam, being a complete religion, also teaches and advises the believer as to what the best method of eating is. The believers are advised to be moderate in every aspect of life. Direct reference has been made in the Noble Qur’ân regarding moderation in eating and drinking.
“And eat and drink, but waste not in extravagance, certainly He (Allah) likes not those who waste in extravagance.”
(7:31)

Islam strictly forbids indulgence in intoxicants such as alcohol and drugs for good reason. The limited pleasure of such vices causes immense long-term damage to both mind, body and the social fabric of society. Particular schools of thought include smoking within the list of prohibitions because of its harmful affects on the body. It seems that if Muslims adhere to the teachings of Islam, they would automatically lead a healthier lifestyle. God says in the Quran:

Satan's plan is (but) to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants and gambling and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer, will ye not then abstain? (5:90)
Science says???

• No fruits or vegetables have cholesterol, and most are naturally low in fat and calories.
• Vegetables are a great source for potassium, dietary fiber, folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin C.
• Fruits are a great source for nutrients such as potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin C and folic acid.
• Diets rich in potassium may help to maintain healthy blood pressure.
• Dietary fiber helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower risk of heart disease. Fiber is important for proper bowel function. Fiber-containing foods such as vegetables help provide a feeling of fullness with fewer calories.
• Folic acid (folate) helps the body form red blood cells. Women of childbearing age who may become pregnant and those in the first trimester of pregnancy should consume adequate folic acid, including folic acid from fortified foods or supplements.

MGUS : Living with a time bomb

What ?

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a COMMON but typically HARMLESS blood disorder that occurs when there is overgrowth of identical plasma cells in bone marrow. Since it is the job of any given plasma cell to make a single (monoclonal) immunoglobulin protein, an increased population of identical bone marrow plasma cells may be detected by discovery of a monoclonal protein (M protein) in the blood stream. 

MGUS becomes more prevalent with age. About 3 percent of people 50 and older and 5 percent of those 70 and older have M protein in their blood. The highest incidence is among adults age 85 and older. And MGUS is more common in men than in women.

Sign & symptoms?


MGUS is usually found by chance during a blood test carried out for some other reason. The test, called a serum protein electrophoresis, can reveal abnormal proteins and unusual amounts of normal proteins.It doesn't usually cause any symptoms.

Occasionally people with MGUS have numbness or tingling in their hands and feet or problems with their balance. This may be due to damage to nerves caused by the paraprotein in the blood.

If these symptoms are troublesome or get worse you may be referred to a neurologist, who is a specialist in the nervous system.

Developing Myeloma??

The 3 Veggies with the Least Nutritional Value

1.    Celery: Sure, you can nosh on 8 inches of celery for only 6 calories, but are you really getting any nutrients in return? The answer: Yes, but you'd have to go beyond an 8-inch stalk, which provides a mere 1.6 percent of our daily requirement for calcium and 2 percent of our daily requirement for vitamin C. It does, however, boast a decent amount of fiber and vitamin K. A better alternative: Carrots, which are loaded with eye-protecting beta carotene. Toss them into salads for a low-calorie crunch; braise them as a sweet summer side dish or slice them thin and add them to your favorite stir-fry.

2.    Cucumbers: The cucumber is another low-calorie veggie. One cup of sliced cucumber weighs in at only 16 calories. But it's slim on nutrients, too. In fact, cucumbers contain 5 percent or less of our daily requirement for potassium, manganese, magnesium and vitamin C. On the plus side, cucumber extracts (not the whole cucumber) do have a number of disease-fighting antioxidant compounds, like tannins and flavonoids, says Registered Dietitian and Chef Consultant Michelle Dudash. A better alternative: Purslane, a peppery herb that's high in heart-healthy alpha linolenic acid (a type of omega-3). It's also higher in beta carotene than spinach. Toss it in salads, fold it into omelets or use it as a crunchy green on sandwiches.

3.    Iceberg Lettuce: Iceberg lettuce is one of the most commonly consumed vegetables in the U.S., along with

Embryology + Human creation: QURAN and SCIENCE

"Religion without science is blind and science without religion is lame," Albert Einstein.

Islam and science are not different; the in fact they are one and the same. You can not have one without the other. Without science there is no Islam, and without Islam there is no science. This is the way Allah created it. Science goes to prove Islam, and therefore it is not in conflict with the laws of Islam. To prove Muhammad(pbuh) was a true Prophet, God revealed things to him to but into the Qur'an, hundreds of years before science would know about it. There are many examples of this throughout the Qur'an, every thing from: germs, mold, earth science, to the process of birth, and so much more. In fact the entire birth process was revealed by Muhammad(pbuh) 1100 years before science knew about it. People look at the Qur'an as a religious text only, when it is so much more.

"Do they not carefully consider (investigate) the Qur'an or are there locks upon their hearts." Qur'an 47:24

Dr. Moore was a former President of the Canadian Association of Anatomists, and of the American Association of Clinical Anatomists. He was honored by the Canadian Association of Anatomists with the prestigious J.C.B. Grant Award and in 1994 he received the Honored Member Award of the American Association of Clinical Anatomists "for outstanding contributions to the field of clinical anatomy."

He is or at least was a Christian when this book was written.

"O mankind! if ye have a doubt about the Resurrection, (consider) that We created you out of dust, then out of sperm, then out of a leech-like clot, then out of a morsel of flesh, partly formed and partly unformed, in order that We may manifest (Our Power) to you; and We cause whom We will to rest in the wombs for an appointed term, then do We bring you out as babes, then (foster you) that ye may reach your age of full strength; and some of you are called to die, and some are sent back to the feeblest old age, so that they know nothing after having known (much). And (further), thou seest the earth barren and lifeless, but when We pour down rain on it, it is stirred (to life), it swells, and it puts forth every kind of beautiful growth in pairs." Qur'an Al-Hajj verse 5

If you read the descriptions of birth, it is exactly as it happens. When the birth process starts, the embryo look like a blood clot, then a leech and feeds like a leech. It then goes on to say t it looks like a morsel of flesh what this means is; then the embryo looks like a piece of chewed meat. Actually it looks exactly as such, the best comparison in modern time is: a piece of chewed gum with teeth marks in it.

“But He fashioned him in due proportion, and breathed into him something of His spirit. And He gave you (the faculties of) hearing and sight and feeling (and understanding): little thanks do ye give!” Qur'an As-Sajda verse 9

Once again knowing the birthing process, you would know that in the beginning the human child in the womb is not proportioned well, until it is time for birth.

“Was he not a drop of sperm emitted (in lowly form)? Then did he become a clinging clot; then did (Allah) make and fashion (him) in due proportion.” Qur'an Al-Qiyama verse 37-38

Happy Eid Mubarak to all muslim

Idul Fitri

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar !

La ilaha ilallah, Allahu Akbar !

Allahu Akbar, Walillahilhamdu !

a harmonious, joyous voice

echo all around earth, sea, and sky

everybody cheer up, everything shine

a victorious, amorous sound

soar so beautifully, proudly and confidently

human and nature join in gorgeous celebration

all hearts bow to Allah

all eyes cries in faithfully pray

all families smile to face a new day

only to God, only to Allah

all thanks dedicate, all best wishes go

all praises ascend, all greetings deliver

the Most Merciful, the Greatest

forgive us, our children, our parents 

guide us to the bright path, to the right way

the Most Powerful, the Greatest

bless us, our nature, our environment

save us, our friends, our families, our leaders

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar !

La ilaha ilallah, Allahu Akbar !

Allahu Akbar, Walillahilhamdu !

By Ahmad Shiddiqi (Indonesian)

Behind the scene of Hari Raya:

1. It is a day of victory for Muslims, having successfully completed the fast.

2. Zakat-e-fitr to help the poor & needy.

What to say?

The main greeting used by Muslims in Singapore and Malaysia is “Selamat Hari Raya”which means “wishing you a joyous Hari Raya” .

What to do?

1. Period of family gathering.

2. Asking for forgiveness between each other.

3. Visiting mosque: Performing Solat Hari Raya. [sunnah muakkad]

4. Visiting neighbours as well as exchanging food.

5. Cheering up by wearing new clothes, shoes etc.

6. Some lights up - eg: bunga api, mercun etc.

Circumcision - Benefits from religion & science

 The shar’i (religious) benefits: 

Circumcision is one of the commands concerning beautification enjoined by Allaah, which Allaah has prescribed for His slaves to make them beautiful both outwardly and inwardly (physically and spiritually). It is the perfection of the fitrah (natural state of man) with which He created them, and hence it is the perfection of the haneefiyyah (pure monotheism) of the religion of Ibraaheem (Abraham). The origin of the institution of circumcision as the perfection of haneefiyyah was when Allaah made a covenant with Ibraaheem and promised to make him an imaam (leader) of mankind, and promised him that he would be the father of many people, that prophets and kings would come from his loins and that his descendants would be many. And He told him that between him and his descendants there would be the sign of the covenant, which would be that every newborn male among them would be circumcised, and so the covenant would have this sign on their bodies.  Circumcision is a sign of having entered into the religion of Ibraaheem, and this is in accordance with the interpretation of the verse (interpretation of the meaning) –

“[Our Sibghah (religion) is] the Sibghah (religion) of Allaah (Islam) and which Sibghah (religion) can be better than Allaah’s? And we are His worshippers”

[al-Baqarah 2:138] –

as referring to circumcision.  

For the haneefs (pure monotheists, i.e., Muslims), circumcision has the same status as baptism does for the worshippers of the cross (i.e., Christians). They purify their children – as they say – when they baptize them in the baptismal water, and they say, now he has become a Christian. Allaah has prescribed for the haneefs their own rite, the symbol of which is circumcision. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“[Our Sibghah (religion) is] the Sibghah (religion) of Allaah (Islam) and which Sibghah (religion) can be better than Allaah’s? And we are His worshippers”

[al-Baqarah 2:138] – 

… So Allaah has made circumcision a symbol of those who belong to Him and to His religion, and who attribute themselves to Him as being utterly enslaved to Him alone… 

The point here is that the religion of Allaah is haneefiyyah (pure monotheism) which fills the heart with knowledge and love of Him and sincerity towards Him, and worship of Him alone with no partner or associate, and which marks the body with the characteristics of the fitrah, namely circumcision, removal of the pubic hair, trimming the moustache, cutting the nails, plucking the hair from the armpits, rinsing the mouth, rinsing the nose, using the siwaak (toothbrush made from twigs from a certain tree) and cleaning oneself after elimination of urine or faeces. 

So the fitrah of Allaah is manifested in the hearts of the haneefs and on their bodies. 

(Tuhfat al-Mawdood bi Ahkaam al-Mawlood by Ibn al-Qayyim, p. 351) 

It is not essential for the child to remain as he is when he comes forth from his mother’s womb, if there is something that may be done for him that serves a purpose and is enjoined by the pure religion. Such things include shaving his head after he is born, because that is in his best interests. The Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Remove the harm from him.”

The same applies to washing the blood from him and cutting the cord by which he was attached to his mother, and other things which are done to benefit him. 

The health benefits: 

Dr. Muhammad ‘Ali al-Baar (a member of the Royal College of Surgeons in the UK and a consultant to the Islamic Medicine department of the King Fahd Centre for Medical Research in the King Abdul Aziz University in Jeddah) says in his book al-Khitaan (Circumcision): 

“Circumcision of newborn boys (i.e., within the first month of life) brings numerous health benefits, including: 

1 – Protection against local infection in the penis, which may result from the presence of the foreskin, causing tightening of the foreskin, which may lead to retention of urine or infections of the glans (tip) of the penis – which require circumcision in order to treat these problems. In chronic cases, the child may be exposed to numerous diseases in the future, the most serious of which is cancer of the penis.

Hyperthyroidism -' people usually unaware of! '

Hyperthyroidism is a condition caused by the effects of too much thyroid hormone on tissues of the body. Although there are several causes of hyperthyroidism, most of the symptoms patients experience are the same regardless of the cause (see the list of symptoms below).

Because the body's metabolism is increased, patients often feel hotter than those around them and can slowly lose weight even though they may be eating more. The weight issue is confusing sometimes since some patients actually gain weight because of an increase in their appetite. Patients with hyperthyroidism usually experience fatigue at the end of the day, but have trouble sleeping. Trembling of the hands and a hard or irregular heartbeat (called palpitations) may develop. These individuals may become irritable and easily upset. When hyperthyroidism is severe, patients can suffer shortness of breath, chest pain, and muscle weakness. Usually the symptoms of hyperthyroidism are so gradual in their onset that patients don't realize the symptoms until they become more severe. This means the symptoms may continue for weeks or months before patients fully realize that they are sick. In older people, some or all of the typical symptoms of hyperthyroidism may be absent, and the patient may just lose weight or become depressed.

Common symptoms and signs of hyperthyroidism

·         Palpitations

·         Heat intolerance

·         Nervousness

·         Insomnia

·         Breathlessness

·         Increased bowel movements

·         Light or absent menstrual periods

·         Fatigue

Fasting is good..

Fasting may be defined as a period of complete abstinence from all types of food or just specific food. Contrary to perception that fasting is akin to subjecting the body to austere measures, it may turn out to be a ‘good treat’ for the body. What is perhaps a rare phenomenon with humans is rather second nature to animals, who instinctively avoid food to ease pain, discomfort or disease.
Many are wary of fasting fearing unhealthy outcomes. According to A. J. Carlson, Professor of Physiology, University of Chicago, a healthy person can survive without food for 50-75 days, of course only in the absence of  health problems or emotional stress. The rationale is each pound of human fat is equivalent to 3,500 calories. Even one pound of superfluous or extra fat is enough to provide the required calories for a full day of strenuous physical exertion.

Fast Healing

Phenomenal benefits occur when fasting is done following the advice of a specialist. During the initial days of a fast, usually the toughest phase, large quantities of waste flood the blood stream, ready to be flushed out. The body throws out waste through every pore, perceptibly as a thick coat on the tongue and a foul breath emanating from the mouth.

As the fast extends, the cleaning process is perfected, cleansing the body off fat, diseased cells, and mucus. When people undertake extended fasts, even toxins accumulated in the cells are removed. Diseased cells, dead cells, thickened coating of mucus on the intestinal wall, waste from - blood stream, liver, spleen, and kidney make an exit from the body. The body holds on to important minerals and vitamins throwing out toxins and old tissues. When the toxic load of the body is lessened, the efficiency of each cell is enhanced. This promotes healing. Thus during a fast, the body is on a ‘conserve energy’ and ‘healing’ mode.

Fast Treat 

Why do people feel more energetic after a fast? In addition, why do they experience less hunger? 

Not many of us may know that the body requires abundant energy to digest food. Fasting enables rest for the digestive system, and this saved energy goes into self-healing and repairing operations. Cleansing and detoxification in the intestines, blood and cells heals the body from many ailments.  Fasting thus, invigorates the immune system to function at its best and helps promote physical and emotional health, by rejuvenating the body. 

Fasting is especially beneficial in the following situations:-

• Finding relief from a variety of health disorders may no doubt begin my making lifestyle changes. Supervised fasting for a stipulated period helps patients make those required changes in their life that will positively influence their health. 

ECSTASY: common teens' problems

What Is It?

“Ecstasy” is a slang term for MDMA, short for3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, a name that’s nearly as long as the all-night parties where MDMA is often used. That's why MDMA has been called a “club drug.” It has effects similar to those of other stimulants, and it often makes the user feel like everyone is his or her friend, even when that’s not the case.

MDMA is man-made—it doesn't come from a plant like marijuana does. Other chemicals or substances—such as caffeine, dextromethorphan (found in some cough syrups), amphetamines, PCP, or cocaine—are sometimes added to, or substituted for, MDMA in Ecstasy tablets. Makers of MDMA can add anything they want to the drug, so its purity is always in question.

What Are the Common Street Names?

There are a lot of slang words for MDMA. “Ecstasy” is one of the most common. You might also hear “E,” “XTC,” “X,” “Adam,” “hug,” “beans,” “clarity,” “lover's speed,” and “love drug.”

How Is It Used?

Most MDMA abusers take a pill, tablet, or capsule. These pills can be different colors, and sometimes have cartoon-like images on them. Some MDMA users take more than one pill at a time, called "bumping."

What Are the Effects of Ecstasy?

It is known for its energizing effect, as well as distortions in time and perception and enhanced enjoyment from physical experiences.

Guillain-Barré syndrome..You may be 1 of the victims!

What is it?

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a disorder in which the body'simmune system attacks part of theperipheral nervous system. The first symptoms of this disorder include varying degrees ofweakness or tingling sensations in the legs. In many instances the weakness and abnormal sensations spread to the arms and upper body. These symptoms can increase in intensity until certain muscles cannot be used at all and, when severe, the patient is almost totally paralyzed. In these cases the disorder is life threatening - potentially interfering with breathing and, at times, withblood pressure or heart rate - and is considered a medical emergency. Such a patient is often put on a respirator to assist with breathing and is watched closely for problems such as an abnormal heart beat, infections,blood clots, and high or low blood pressure. Most patients, however, recover from even the most severe cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome, although some continue to have a certain degree of weakness.

Guillain-Barré syndrome can affect anybody. It can strike at any age and both sexes are equally prone to the disorder. The syndrome is rare, however, afflicting only about one person in 100,000. Usually Guillain-Barré occurs a few days or weeks after the patient has had symptoms of a respiratory or gastrointestinal viral infection. Occasionally surgery or vaccinations will trigger the syndrome.

After the first clinical manifestations of the disease, the symptoms can progress over the course of hours, days, or weeks. Most people reach the stage of greatest weakness within the first 2 weeks after symptoms appear, and by the third week of the illness 90 percent of all patients are at their weakest.

Causes?

No one yet knows why Guillain-Barré - which is not contagious - strikes some people and not others. Nor does anyone know exactly what sets the disease in motion.

What scientists do know is that the body's immune system begins to attack the body itself, causing what is known as an autoimmune disease. Usually the cells of the immune system attack only foreign material and invading organisms. In Guillain-Barré syndrome, however, the immune system starts to destroy the myelin sheath that surrounds the axons of many peripheral nerves, or even the axons themselves (axons are long, thin extensions of the nerve cells; they carry nerve signals). The myelin sheath surrounding the axon speeds up the transmission of nerve signals and allows the transmission of signals over long distances.