KARACHI, Dec 29: Prof I. H. Bhatti in his state-of-the-art lecture on "Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus" discussing dynamics of intra-cranial pressure presented the novel theory of genesis and dissemination of pressure and fluid in the intra cavity.

The senior medical expert in his presentation at one of the scientific session during the 42nd Annual Symposium of the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC) suggested that treatment of NPH with an intra-cranial shunt could alleviate gait disturbances as difficulty in walking besides urinary incontinence and cognitive deterioration in elderly people with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.

Meanwhile, Emeritus Prof Hasan Aziz in keynote lecture: "Migraine and its Management" mentioned that the condition to be experienced by one among every 10 people in the country.

Attributing the condition to surge in generation of certain chemicals in body as well as brain, he said it was generally witnessed to assume severity owing to wide range of factors.

Dr Hasan Aziz observed that while Migraine itself may not be prevented but taking due care to protect oneself from precipitating factors can considerably reduce the suffering of patients.

"Migraine patients are usually the silent sufferers, who have to brave through severe headache," the speaker observed adding that it mostly happens to be self limiting but medical intervention is required where life quality of sufferers may be jeopardized.

The speaker reminded that pain killers are the simplest and most effective medical intervention mentioned that apart from some of the older drugs prescribed to treat Migraine new regimen of drugs has recently been introduced.

These have considerably little side effects but are comparatively expensive though medically safer. Pain relieving capacity of these drugs is not different from old drugs, he stressed reiterating that cause of concern may be the side effects and people with high blood pressure and pregnant ladies are particularly advised not to take the old drugs.

Meanwhile, stress, noise, extreme temperatures - sizzling heat, bad light, irregular eating habits were identified as some of the precipitating factors for Migraine, which again could be a cause of restlessness among almost all age group of people is particularly unbearable for those suffering from migraine.

The doctor further mentioned that Migraine could also be associated with depression and individuals inflicted with the two makes it imperative for the concerned physician for a balanced drug regimen.

According to Prof Hasan certain anti depressants are beneficial in their own right for migraine patients while some of the old drugs for treating epilepsy are now found to be effective to prevent migraine attacks. -APP