One of the common side effects of Depakote (divalproex sodium) is somnolence (excessive tiredness, sleepiness, etc). This is due to the depletion of L-Carnitine which can readily be replaced. However, one of the more rare but more deadly side effects of Depakote is heptatoxicity leading to high blood levels of ammonia which causes confusion, delirium,… Continue reading For the last couple of days my husband has been sleeping more and acted more tired. He hasn’t been sick and we haven’t done anything different but he’s been on depakote for many years to control his seizures. Last week, the doctor increased his dose to 1000 mg taken 3 times a day. That is the only pill he is taking. Could him taking more Depakote cause him to be more tired or is something else going on?
Category: Neurology
Is there a medical reason why the age of 25 is the start of a different age bracket for insurance and renting a car?
Aside from 25 being a round number, it is believed that insurance companies chose 25 because the human brain isn’t fully developed until about that age. In fact, the frontal lobe – the part of the brain responsible for inhibiting our risk taking behavior and controlling our impulses – is one of the last parts… Continue reading Is there a medical reason why the age of 25 is the start of a different age bracket for insurance and renting a car?
In House MD season two, there was this girl who was immunocompromised and developed neurological symptoms after having a tick on her. Does that really happen if I get a tick?
It appears you are referring to House MD Season 2 Episode 16 “Safe.” The final diagnosis was “tick paralysis.” Tick paralysis is caused by a neurotoxin in the tick saliva and is commonly associated with the Dermacentor andersoni (wood tick) or Dermacentor variabilis ticks (dog tick) that are found in wooded areas. After a tick… Continue reading In House MD season two, there was this girl who was immunocompromised and developed neurological symptoms after having a tick on her. Does that really happen if I get a tick?
I am a diabetic. Why does my doctor tell me to wear white socks?
Proper foot care is essential for the health of diabetic patients. This involves wearing comfortable shoes, frequent foot exams, and wearing white socks. The reason is because diabetes causes small blood vessels to die thereby killing the nerves they supply and making healing of wounds especially difficult. The patient can become numb in the feet… Continue reading I am a diabetic. Why does my doctor tell me to wear white socks?
I was opening my shed in my backyard and a bunch of bats few out. I didn’t get bit but should I go to the hospital to get checked out for rabies or should I wait and see if I start feeling sick?
Yes, you should go to the hospital immediately for rabies prophylaxis. Bats are known carriers of rabies and they don’t have to bite to transmit rabies. Studies have shown that bats can transmit the rabies virus to humans through aerosolized particles of saliva and feces. Rabies is almost universally deadly once symptoms start but rabies… Continue reading I was opening my shed in my backyard and a bunch of bats few out. I didn’t get bit but should I go to the hospital to get checked out for rabies or should I wait and see if I start feeling sick?