December 10th, 2009 by Steve Novella, M.D. in Better Health Network, Research
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Many parents of children with autism have expressed to me their dismay that the anti-vaccine lobby is sucking all the oxygen out of the room for autism awareness. They feel that just being a parent of a child with autism makes others assume that they are anti-vaccine. They also worry that resources and attention are being diverted from promising legitimate research because of all the attention being paid to the failed vaccine hypothesis.
So it is good to occasionally focus on mainstream autism research to show that progress is being made, despite the unfortunate anti-vaccine sideshow. Read more »
*This blog post was originally published at Science-Based Medicine*
December 9th, 2009 by Paul Auerbach, M.D. in Better Health Network, Health Tips, Research
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported an analysis of motorcycle helmet use in fatal crashes. What was discovered is not surprising – namely, that in states in which there is not a state helmet law, the odds of a rider in a single-vehicle (e.g., the motorcycle) crash wearing a helmet was 72% less than in states with a helmet law. So, absent a law, people are not particularly inclined to wear a helmet.
One needs to couple this information with the facts about the benefits of wearing motorcycle helmets. First, motorcyle fatalities and fatality rates are increasing at a time when motorcycle riding is becoming more popular. Second, the average age of motorcycle fatalities has moved up to 39 years, from 30 years nearly 20 years ago, probably because the age of motorcycle riders has increased. Third, motorcycles expose the drivers more directly to lethal forces than do enclosed vehicles. Helmets are essential to prevent brain injuries and deaths. Read more »
This post, Motorcycle Helmets: Why Don’t People Wear Them?, was originally published on
Healthine.com by Paul Auerbach, M.D..
December 7th, 2009 by Medgadget in Better Health Network, News
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Contrary to common misconceptions, real cases of amnesia are extremely rare. But Henry Gustav Molaison (known as patient H.M.) was subject of a radical experimental brain surgery in 1953 in an attempt to treat his epileptic seizures following which he was not able to form new memories. About a year ago, Mr Molaison passed away but left to science his fascinating brain which is currently being dissected at the University of California San Diego Brain Observatory. The researchers in charge of the project have setup a live video feed with an open invitation to anyone interested in viewing the slicing to join in the fun. Read more »
*This blog post was originally published at Medgadget*
December 3rd, 2009 by Steve Novella, M.D. in Better Health Network, News, Quackery Exposed
1 Comment »
I don’t know. The mainstream media is doing a wonderful job sensationalizing this case, presenting it without skepticism. Some outlets are doing a good job of discussing the relevant issues – but they don’t have the information to have a meaningful discussion of this particular case. Details are tantalizing but thin.
The case is that of Rom Houben. The story was broke, as far as I can tell, by the Mail Online – yes, that is a huge red flag. It does not make the story wrong, it just doesn’t instill in me confidence in the reporting.
Mr. Houben was in a terrible motor vehicle accident 23 years ago and has been paralyzed ever since. His diagnosis has been PVS – persistent vegetative state. However, recently, we are told, his mother insisted on a neurological re-evaluation. This is actually quite reasonable, generally speaking (again, without knowing specific details of this case). Read more »
*This blog post was originally published at Science-Based Medicine*
November 21st, 2009 by DrCharles in Better Health Network, News, Opinion
1 Comment »
In my efforts to have a rational discussion about the H1N1 flu shot I have been increasingly confronted with the following fear, expressed most commonly by concerned mothers and teenagers:
Did you see that video on Youtube about the cheerleader who got the flu shot? Something called dystonia? She can’t walk unless she goes backwards. I don’t want to risk ending up like that.
Apparently Inside Edition broadcast a story featuring a woman who claims to have a movement disorder she attributes to an adverse effect of the seasonal flu shot. I had to take a look at this video along with the millions of other viewers. Here it is: Read more »
*This blog post was originally published at The Examining Room of Dr. Charles*
