Friday, August 21, 2009

Alternative Medicines For Brain Calcifications

Brain calcifications, also called Fahr's Syndrome or calcinosis, are characterized by the formation of calcium deposits in the soft tissues of your brain. Symptoms associated with brain calcifications include the partial or full loss of motor control, bodily rigidity, bodily stiffness, mental retardation, dementia, vision complications, seizures, tremors and involuntary facial movements. Your face may also develop a mask-like appearance. Although no cure for the condition currently exists, several alternative remedies can help you deal with brain calcification symptoms.


Diagnosis and Treatment


Visit your doctor to get a full examination to check for Fahr's Syndrome. CT scans, X-rays and MRI images may be taken to view the present condition of your brain. In extreme cases, surgical removal of the calcium deposits is required, but oftentimes the condition is treated with noninvasive measures. You may be prescribed warfarin, a calcium blocker. Your doctor may also advise you to alter your diet to reduce your calcium intake levels. Avoid the use of calcium supplements if you have brain calcifications.


Valerian and Skullcap


In "The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing," nutrition expert Gary Null explains that a combination of valerian and skullcap herbs can help in dealing with the tremors associated with brain calcifications. Mix 15 drops of valerian extract with 15 drops of skullcap extract and consume the mixture one time a day. You can also take each herb in capsule form to reduce brain calcifications: take 200 mg of valerian three to four times a day and two 850 mg capsules of skullcap two times a day.


Do not take valerian if you are nursing or pregnant. This herb may intensify the use of certain medications like sedatives, anticonvulsants, barbituates, benzodiazepines, zolpidem, zaleplon, eszpiclone, ramelteon, tricyclic antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, statins, antifungal medications and anesthetic medications.


As well, do not take skullcap if you are pregnant or nursing. Diabetics should get the approval of a doctor before consuming skullcap, as it can reduce glucose levels in your blood and may cause hypoglycemia. This herb may interact or interfere with sedatives, anticonvulsants, barbituates, benzodiazepines, insomnia medications, tricyclic antidepressants, alcohol and diabetic medications for controlling glucose levels.


Taurine


In "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch explains that taurine offers brain protecting properties and can diminish the chance of seizures that are sometimes associated with brain calcifications. Take 500 mg of taurine supplements in capsule form three times daily; this amino acid may reduce seizures, and it works much like gamma-aminobutyric acid in the brain, a neurotransmitter that also has seizure-inhibiting properties. Nursing women and pregnant women should not use taurine unless it is prescribed by a physician. Diabetics as well as those with hypoglycemia should also speak with a doctor before using taurine, as this supplement can interact with diabetic medications.







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