Ear, Nose, Throat , Head & Neck

30/05/2025

World’s first middle ear transplant using 3D-printed bones restores hearing:

In a medical breakthrough, Professor Mashudu Tshifularo and his team at the University of Pretoria have successfully performed the world’s first middle ear transplant using 3D-printed bones.

This pioneering procedure offers new hope for individuals suffering from conductive hearing loss caused by congenital defects, infections, trauma, or metabolic diseases.

The innovative surgery, initially performed in 2019 by the team, replaces the middle ear ossicles—hammer, anvil, and stirrup. And it has already transformed the lives of two patients, including one born with an underdeveloped middle ear.

Using 3D-printing technology, the bones are recreated with biocompatible titanium, ensuring a precise and safe reconstruction. The minimally invasive procedure is performed with an endoscope, significantly reducing risks such as facial nerve paralysis and scarring compared to traditional methods.

Professor Tshifularo, head of UP’s Department of Otorhinolaryngology, views this achievement as a testament to the power of innovation in medicine. “3D technology is allowing us to do things we never thought we could,” he stated.

While the procedure has shown promising results, the professor emphasized the need for sponsors and funding to further advance and scale this revolutionary technique.

learn more https://www.up.ac.za/news/post_2750323-up-academic-pioneers-worlds-first-middle-ear-transplant-using-3d-printed-bones

10/03/2025

ACLS, BLS, PALS, CPR or BBP

07/03/2025

Tura, March 3: The Civil Hospital in Tura observed World Hearing Day 2025 on Monday with the theme “Changing mindsets: Empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all” with a special awareness program aimed at promoting hearing health and the importance of early detection and pre...

11/02/2025

Nasal obstruction is a very common complaint for many individuals presenting to a doctor’s office. Such patients often find themselves mouth-breathing. Norma...

16/11/2024

Successful completed Certificate course in Assessment and Management of Vertigo and Balance Disorders from Yenepoya (Deemed to be University),Mangalore. And Finally, I become Certified Neuro-otologist.

My sincere thanks to The Guru of Neuro-otologist, Dr. Srinivas Dorasala, and other faculty members and his team Equidor for providing such a nice platform for learning Neuro-otology.

16/11/2024

23/10/2024

Allergic rhinitis

also know as
Hay fever; Nasal allergies; Seasonal allergy; Seasonal allergic rhinitis; Allergies - allergic rhinitis; Allergy - allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is a diagnosis associated with a group of symptoms affecting the nose. These symptoms occur when you breathe in something you are allergic to, such as dust, animal dander, or pollen. Symptoms can also occur when you eat a food that you are allergic to.

Causes

An allergen is something that triggers an allergy. When a person with allergic rhinitis breathes in an allergen such as pollen, mold, animal dander, or dust, the body releases chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.

Hay fever involves an allergic reaction to pollen.

Plants that cause hay fever are trees, grasses, and ragweed. Their pollen is carried by the wind. Flower pollen is carried by insects and does not cause hay fever. Types of plants that cause hay fever vary from person to person and from area to area.

The amount of pollen in the air can affect whether hay fever symptoms develop or not.

Hot, dry, windy days are more likely to have a lot of pollen in the air.
On cool, damp, rainy days, most pollen is washed to the ground.
Hay fever and allergies often run in families. If both of your parents have hay fever or other allergies, you are likely to have hay fever and allergies, too. The chance is higher if your mother has allergies.

Symptoms
Symptoms that occur shortly after you come into contact with the substance you are allergic to may include:

Itchy nose, mouth, eyes, throat, skin, or any area
Problems with smell
Runny nose
Sneezing
Watery eyes
Symptoms that may develop later include:

Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)
Coughing
Clogged ears and decreased sense of smell
Sore throat
Dark circles under the eyes
Puffiness under the eyes
Fatigue and irritability
Headache

Exams and Tests

The skin prick testing, special blood tests may help with the diagnosis such as IgE tests, can measure the levels of allergy-related substances.

A blood test, called the eosinophil count, may also help diagnose allergies.

If you are suffering from these symptoms you can visit to your nearest Allergy Specialist or ENT specialist for the management of Allergic Rhinitis.

15/09/2024

New Research Shows Couples Develop "Distributed Cognition"

The concept of distributed cognition, which posits that cognitive processes can be spread across individuals and material resources, has gained traction in recent debates.

This idea extends to groups of individuals, where memory processes may be influenced by collaboration. A growing body of empirical research has explored how this distributed cognition plays out in intimate couples, revealing new insights into shared remembering and brain processing.

Across four studies, researchers examined how couples collaborate on memory tasks and discuss past shared experiences. They also looked at how couples manage everyday memory challenges by coordinating both interpersonal and material resources.

These studies highlighted the complexity of shared remembering, which can offer both costs and benefits depending on factors like the nature of the task and the dynamics of the group. Collaboration on memory tasks can sometimes improve recall, but in other instances, it may introduce errors or inefficiencies.

11/09/2024

Stress can cause:

❤️‍🩹 headaches
❤️‍🩹 neck and shoulder pain
❤️‍🩹 lack of appetite
❤️‍🩹 back pain
❤️‍🩹 a heavy chest
❤️‍🩹 tight muscles
❤️‍🩹 an upset stomach

Pausing, breathing, and reflecting through slow breathing techniques can help to reduce stress.

07/09/2024

Differences between Sinus Headache and Migraine Headache?

Migraines and sinus headaches can have similar symptoms, including pressure and pain in the head and face.
Here are some difference of the two conditions:

Sinus headaches:
Typically caused by sinus infections (sinusitis), sinus headaches can feel like a constant ache in your face, especially behind your eyes, in your cheekbones, forehead, or bridge of your nose. The pain can worsen when you bend forward, lie down, or move your head suddenly. Other symptoms include a stuffy or runny nose, fatigue, and an achy feeling in your upper teeth. Allergies can also cause sinus headaches .

Migraines:
Pressure in the temples can be a sign of a migraine. Headache of migraine is of throbbing type.



Seek medical advice if you experience severe or persistent pain or pressure.