Genetic Testing 101
It’s unlikely that the average person knows the difference between a phenotype and a genotype or the significance of a deleterious mutation compared to a specified mutation.
Yet on TVs across the Midwest, genetic tests are being marketed directly to consumers, who may face difficult decisions or serious health implications if they misunderstand the results.
Before ordering a test from a website or asking a primary care doctor to order one for them, consumers should work with a medical geneticist or genetic counselor. These trained professionals can help determine if genetic testing is a good idea and how to navigate choices based on test results.
Cleveland Clinic medical geneticist Dr. Charis Eng is available to talk about genetic counseling and testing. Genetic testing – when done by professionals – can be a powerful healthcare tool. Patients are available as well.
Contact: Molly Johnson, johnsm@ccf.org, 216/444-1815.
National Epilepsy Month
November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month. In addition to offering an overview of the disorder, Cleveland Clinic experts can discuss:
- SEEG Surgery: SEEG exploratory surgery is offering hope for patients who did not have surgery as an option before. SEEG (stereoelectroencephalography) is minimally invasive surgery that involves implanting electrodes deep in the brain to record electric currents and signals. The electrodes record electrical activity during epileptic seizures. Once the seizures are recorded, the electrodes are surgically removed and surgeons can then perform surgery to remove parts of the brain that are causing seizures. Cleveland Clinic is the first center in the United States to perform the procedure.
- Surgery for Children: More than 1.5 million children have epilepsy, and many of them take medications to control the disease. But most parents and patients are not aware that surgery may be an option. Less than 20% of surgical candidates make it to a center to have the surgery, according to Cleveland Clinic specialists. Cleveland Clinic is one of the few centers to perform brain surgery on epileptic patients to improve their quality of life.
- Treatment for Seniors: Senior citizens are becoming the fastest growing group to develop epilepsy. According to experts at Cleveland Clinic, 60 percent of people living with epilepsy are children and senior citizens. People used to be afraid of the word “seizure,” but there are many reliable treatment options available including medication and surgery.
Contact: Halle Bishop, bishoph@ccf.org, 216/445-8592.
Prescription Advice
With tough economic times affecting everyone, people are looking everywhere for places to save money. One item many people may look to cut back is prescription medications. But cutting out needed medications can be risky. Cleveland Clinic experts can offer better solutions and tips including:
1. Inform your physician or nurse that you need assistance with obtaining your medications. If the cost of your medications will prevent you from filling your prescription, then this is important information to discuss with your provider. Your physician may be able to prescribe a cheaper alternative and/or refer you to someone who can assist you with obtaining your medications.
2. Check with your physician or pharmacist to see if your medication has a generic alternative. Most medications have a generic alternative that may be cheaper than the brand.
3. Become educated about the effects of your medication. People often don’t realize the effects of not taking their prescribed medications, which can be life threatening. Missing doses of medication may lead to a hospital stay, which in turn is more costly than the medication.
Contact: Scott Heasley, heasles@ccf.org, 216.444.8853
Don’t Ignore Stroke Warning Signs
If you think you’re having a stroke, don’t ignore the warning signs. A new Canadian study finds one in eight strokes is preceded by a smaller “warning” stroke.
Researchers at the University of Western Ontario studied more than 16,000 stroke victims. More than 2,000 of them had a “warning” stroke – in which the symptoms lasted for less than 24 hours – prior to their stroke.
According to Cleveland Clinic experts, some common warning signs of a stroke include:
- Half of the body going numb or weak
- Sudden difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden confusion, difficulty speaking or difficulty understanding
Cleveland Clinic doctors are available to explain stroke warning signs and why it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
Contact: Molly Johnson, johnsm@ccf.org, 216/444-1815
Winter Workout
The onset of fall and then winter doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors. Activities like skiing, sledding or even a snowball fight can keep you from feeling sluggish and tired.
Some may shy away from the outdoors in winter months, but if you take the proper precautions, you can keep your activity level up. Cleveland Clinic experts offer these tips for outdoor activities:
- Warm up before heading outside to avoid muscle cramps
- Bundle up in layers – make sure the top layer is water resistant
- Stay hydrated – it’s just as important in the winter as it is in the summer
Contact: Natalie Guzzo, guzzon@ccf.org, 216/444-5703
