Universal Medicine

Akhil Hanmantgad [1] [2] According to a census taken in 2011, it was estimated that Black, Asian and other Minor Ethnicities (BAME) accounted for roughly 14.5% of the UK’s population, which at the time would equate to around just over 9 million people. Since then, the UK’s BAME population has grown, whilst our understanding of their medical needs has not.  [1] During the COVID-19 pandemic alone, it was found that Persons of Colour (POC) were 1.5 - 2 times more likely to die compared to their white counterparts. Epidemiologists attribute this difference to social inequalities such as predisposed health issues, crowded living situations and occupation. Whilst the above factors would contribute to an increased incidence of COVID-19 amongst BAME communities, it does not explain why POC were at a much greater risk of dying from the virus in the UK compared to their countries of origin. [3] [4] For example, in India, the number of cases have overtaken the UK, however, their death rat...

Unlike an episode of sleep paralysis, locked in syndrome can be expressed as a more extensive version of it without the demons or monsters, some people never recover from it. It can happen to anyone of any age or gender. This rare illness which leaves only sight and hearing as the only senses working. Therefore, sometimes it goes unnoticed which may lead to incorrect treatment and or the the resources available to still communicate is ignored. An individual suffering from this has no ability to move or speak however can blink and move their eyes as they please. Causes:   Damage to a specific brain stem section called the pons, which contains neuronal pathways between the cerebrum, spinal cord and cerebellum, can cause and is the most common cause of this syndrome. Locked-In syndrome is a result of the interruption of all the motor fibres running from the grey matter in the brain through the spinal cord to the body's muscles,  which in turn causes paralysis...

Amniocentesis is a procedure used to obtain a small sample of the amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus to diagnose chromosomal disorders and open neural tube defects (ONTDs), such as spina bifida. An amniocentesis is generally offered to women between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy who are at increased risk for chromosome abnormalities, such as women who are over age 35 years of age at delivery, or those who have had an abnormal maternal serum screening test, indicating an increased risk for a chromosomal abnormality or neural tube defect. The procedure involves inserting a long, thin needle through the mother's abdomen into the amniotic sac to withdraw a small sample of the amniotic fluid for examination. The amniotic fluid contains cells shed by the fetus, which contain genetic information. Although specific details of each procedure vary slightly, generally, an amniocentesis follows this process: The woman's abdomen is cleansed with an antiseptic   The doct...

Maple syrup urine disease is an inherited disease, where a newborn has built up substances in their urine and blood due to incapability to process amino acids. Classic MSUD, the most common form, is caused by the absence of a group of enzymes called “branched-chain ketoacid dehydrogenase” (BCKAD). The job of this enzyme group is to break down three different amino acids called leucine, isoleucine and valine which are called “branched-chain amino acids” (BCAAs) because of their “tree-like” structure. They are found in all foods that contain protein. Large amounts are found in meat, eggs, milk, and other dairy foods. Smaller amounts are found in flour, cereal, and in some vegetables and fruits. As breast milk is usually the staple food for a newborn, the risks are very high as a small baby is very sensitive and MSUD can be therefore life threatening. MSUD is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. It affects both boys and girls equally. In children with MSUD, a pair of genes nee...

A new born baby may not do a lot, considering all they do is eat,sleep and defecate. However, the first few weeks of life can be a lot more energy requiring than one may think as new born babies grow, during this period of rest, at an astonishing rate. Parents or carers must ensure they are fed exactly enough to fuel their growth spurt. Here are some indications that you are overfeeding your new born: Baby becomes greater than average weight (weight should be monitored by NHS or preferred health service for first few days, especially before leaving hospital after delivery) Eight or more heavily wet nappies per day. Frequent sloppy, foul-smelling bowel motions. Extreme flatulence (intestinal gas) Large belching. Milk regurgitation. Irritability. Sleep disturbance. However depriving your child of food is also possible, here are a few signs that may indicate a hungry child besides crying: Less than five wet disposable nappies in a 24-hour period. Infrequent, hard dry stools. Baby may b...