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Stenting for Intracranial Hypertension
*Read Disclaimers Here* While Intracranial Hypertension may not have an official cure, there are still a few treatment options available that have been known to relieve symptoms. One of these options is a surgical procedure known as stenting. Our brains contain large veins called ‘venous sinuses’ which are responsible for draining blood and spinal fluid from our head, through the jugular in our neck, and to our heart. The narrowing of these passageways is known as venous sinus stenosis, stenosis meaning ‘narrowing’. Once these veins narrow, CSF flow becomes impaired, causing intracranial pressure to increase, also known as Intracranial Hypertension. However, the cause of this narrowing can also be a…
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Natural Remedies for Intracranial Hypertension
Intracranial Hypertension is a rare and unusual condition with unfortunately no cure. However, there are many options out there that may help you manage this complex condition, from medication to brain surgery. But sometimes medicine and even surgical intervention can only do so much. In this case, natural remedies may help, either in place of these options or in addition to them. Everyone is different, and like with any treatment method, natural remedies may take just as much trial and error. But in time, relief can come. Before proceeding, it is important to note that I am not a doctor. I do not have a medical degree. The following natural…
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Gravity & Its Bizarre Effect on Spinal Fluid
Did you know that two-thirds of astronauts who are in space for a lengthy amount of time come home only to report vision problems such as papilledema? Why? Because spinal fluid is very positional. And gravity – or lack thereof – plays a crucial role in keeping levels balanced. “On Earth, this spinal fluid system is designed to accommodate changes whether a person is sitting, standing or lying down. But in space, ‘the system is confused by the lack of the posture-related pressure changes,’” ¹ My Experience When I first developed a spinal fluid leak, the tell-tale sign for my doctor was the fact that my pain was relieved when…
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Jesus Loves You – But Not Your Sin
(A Preface to “When God Brings Judgment – An Isaiah 1 Commentary”) God is many things. Most notably, we know Him as our Creator and Savior, our Healer and Redeemer. God is love. He is just. He is patient and full of grace and mercy. Yes, God is a good God. So much so that we refer to Him as Our Father. He cares for us endlessly and only wants the best for us. But like a Father, God has rules. Laws – commandments, actually. And He expects us to obey them like any parent would desire of their child. But when any parent sees their child is being disruptive…
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When God Brings Judgment – An Isaiah 1 Commentary
The following post is a commentary on Isaiah 1:2-20. Like a parent, there are times that our Father must bring judgment upon His children. But also like a parent, He only ever wants what is best for us. (Read Preface here) Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth! For the Lord has spoken: God is calling all of creation to be a witness. Has He not give us everything? Have we not acted like rebellious children? Let the world around us bear witness to our behavior and who He is. And this is who He is: “I have nourished and brought up children, He has been a loving, providing…
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A Strange Way of Healing
Last month, I relapsed. What I thought would end as beautiful memories of the zoo and park with my family turned out to be days of pain and pressure. I overdid it, and I relapsed. You may be wondering how that can be. What happened to being healed? Trust me, I was asking God the same thing. I knew I couldn’t doubt what God had promised, but was I expected to ignore the way I was feeling? There was certainly no doubt there when it came to the stiff inflammation building in my back. There was no ignoring the pressure pushing on my eyes and tightening my neck. How could…
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Medication Options for Intracranial Hypertension
Having lived with Intracranial Hypertension for almost four years, I must say learning the ropes comes very slowly – but it does indeed come. Year one was mostly spent being misdiagnosed while trying all forms of relief in the wrong direction (allergies, migraine, etc). Year two was nothing but being a guinea pig for what helped and what didn’t, this included both noninvasive and invasive treatments (medications, weight loss, surgery). Year three was thankfully the beginning of finding successful answers – very, very slowly. Now with year four at its close, I hope to share with you some of what I have learned that has helped me manage this condition,…
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Who Do I Pray To?
Opening Prayer: Father, I ask that you open my heart. Make it soft and receptive. Fill me with wisdom and discernment for Your truth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. If you do a quick internet search, you will discover that the God of the Bible is not always considered the first god in history. You may find this surprising. How can the God who created the world not be the first god of the world? Clearly, history has become twisted. But if you believe in the God of the Bible, then you must believe in the Bible. And if you believe in the Bible, isn’t it safe to assume you believe…
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Lessons from World War II
Note: the following post is for symbolic purposes only. No political opinions whatsoever are intended by this post. Historical discrepancies can be addressed via our email. It was the 1930s. Japan was already trying to take over Asia, and Germany had just invaded Poland. It was the beginning of World War II. Immediately upon the Polish invasion, France and the UK declared war on Germany. They stood up and said, “We’re not standing for this anymore.” They chose to fight the evil that was trying to take over the world. But standing up for what is right does not guarantee an easy fight. France was soon invaded by both…
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The Auditory Symptoms of Intracranial Hypertension
Did you know that the first sign I experienced of something being wrong was hearing trouble? I was two days post-blood patch from my CSF leak when my hearing became completely muffled. It felt as if they were stopped up entirely. And I only grew increasingly frustrated with having to constantly hear my own breathing and heartbeat louder than the sounds around me. This pressure was only relieved by lowering my head, which obviously I couldn’t do in casual conversation. This symptom seemed to come on in the morning, shortly after waking and starting my day. It would then typically disappear on its own around lunchtime. Meanwhile, work phone calls…
