Weekly Health Wrap

Weekly Health Wrap

New research out of a major radiology meeting shows that virtual colonoscopy along with computer-aided detection is highly effective for finding colon polyps, which can become cancerous. Virtual colonoscopy is desirable because there is no risk of bleeding or colon perforation and intravenous sedation is unnecessary. The procedure is less costly than conventional colonoscopy and it’s more convenient, taking 15 minutes or less.

But critics have said it’s not ready for prime time, that it can’t detect cancers as well as traditional colonoscopy, using a scope. Now, a new National Institutes of Health study shows that after having a radiologist read the virtual colonoscopy, and then following up with a computer reading, essentially acting as a second set of eyes, more polyps can be detected.

Overall nearly 90 percent of polyps 10 millimeters or larger were found using the computer backup which falls within an acceptable range. The researchers think this computer aided technology will make virtual colonoscopy a mainstream procedure. That morning cup of coffee isn’t just waking you up; it’s revving up your brain.

For the first time, researchers have shown that caffeine actually helps your short term memory! This is when you try to remember things immediately, like a phone number or facts just before a test. 100 milligrams of caffeine, or about two cups of coffee, was found to have a direct effect on the ability to remember items better, and answer questions significantly faster.

And brain scans showed the regions of the brain that control memory and attention were more active when the participants drank caffeine. And there’s a new minimally invasive procedure which can cure people who suffer from sweaty hands, or palmar hyperhidrosis.

The problem is due to an over activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which is what’s activated when you’re nervous for example. The treatment--called CT flouoroscopy--involves radiologists making a single needle puncture through the upper back and, using cat scan guidance, injecting a medication that destroys the nerve tracts that transmit signals to the sweat glands.

Experts say this is the most precise and effective treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis available. Up to three percent of Americans face social and professional issues because of sweaty hands. Previously, the only known permanent treatments for sweaty hands were surgical procedures to interrupt the nerves which required general or local anesthesia. With these there are potentially serious complications including bleeding and a collapsed lung.