608 - A Massage from Our Sponsors
Weird Medicine: The Podcast
Deep Dive
Why is chronic migraine treated with Botox?
Botox (abobotulinumtoxinA) prevents headaches in adults with chronic migraine, reducing an average of eight to nine headache days per month compared to placebo.
What are the risks associated with Botox treatment?
Botox can cause serious side effects, including difficulty swallowing, speaking, breathing, eye problems, or muscle weakness. Allergic reactions, neck pain, injection site pain, fatigue, and headaches are also possible.
What is the significance of the gut microbiome in health?
The gut microbiome, often referred to as the 'second brain,' can influence mood and overall health. Inflammation in the gut can affect mental health, and fecal transplants have shown promise in treating conditions like ulcerative colitis and C. diff.
How does fecal transplant work in treating certain conditions?
Fecal transplants replace bad gut bacteria with good bacteria, effectively treating conditions like C. diff and, in some cases, ulcerative colitis by restoring a healthy microbiome.
What is Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, and how is it related to alcoholism?
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is a form of dementia caused by thiamine deficiency, often seen in chronic alcoholics. Even with thiamine supplementation, some individuals may still develop the condition due to liver damage from alcohol.
How has P.A. Lydia's life changed after her breast augmentation?
Lydia reports increased confidence and the ability to wear clothing she couldn't before, such as sundresses. She also experiences heightened sensation in the area, which the surgeon attributed to new nerve endings forming after surgery.
What happened during P.A. Lydia's bizarre massage experience?
Lydia received an intense massage where the male masseuse pulled down her underwear and straddled her while she was face down. She left feeling uncomfortable but still tipped the masseuse.
What are the current drug shortages in the U.S., and why are they concerning?
There are shortages of critical medications, including Dronabinol (used for chemotherapy-induced nausea and wasting syndrome) and emergency medications. These shortages are due to manufacturing issues and consolidation in the pharmaceutical industry.
How does the FDA's potential rescheduling of marijuana affect its availability?
If marijuana is rescheduled from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3, it will become prescribable and legal in all 50 states. However, pharmacists will need to dispense it, which could impact the availability of products like Delta-8 currently sold in dispensaries.
What is the role of lion's mane mushrooms in treating neuropathy?
Lion's mane mushrooms have shown promise in treating neuropathy, with some patients reporting significant improvement in nerve pain. Dr. Steve uses an alcohol and water extraction method for better absorption.
Shownotes Transcript