African trypanosomiasis - Sleeping sickness

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Symptoms

Swollen red painful nodule at site of inoculation

Generalized lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes all over the body)

Headache

Fever

Sweating

Anxiety

Increased sleepiness

Insomnia at night

Mood changes

Drowsiness

Uncontrollable urge to sleep

Exams and Tests A physical examination may show signs of meningoencephalitis

(inflammation of the brain and meninges).

 

Tests include the following:

Blood smear (demonstrates motile trypanosomes in blood)

Lymph node aspiration (demonstrates motile trypanosomes in node material)

CSF (demonstrates motile trypanosomes in cerebrospinal fluid)

Low red blood cell count in blood

Elevated globulin levels

Low albumin levels

Elevated ESR

Antibody and antigen test are not very helpful

http://www.lifespan.org/adam/english/hie/001362sym.htm

 

Prevention

Pentamidine injections protect againstgambiense, but have not yet been

demonstrated as effective against rhodesiense. Insect control measures can help

prevent the spread of sleeping sickness in areas where the disease is endemic.

 

http://www.lifespan.org/adam/english/hie/001362prv.htm

 

Treatment Medications used to treat this disorder include:

 

Suramin (Antrypol)

Melarsoprol

Pentamidine

Outlook (Prognosis) Untreatedrhodesiense infection is almost universally

fatal. Gambiense infection causes the classic " sleeping sickness " disease. Both

diseases should be treated immediately upon diagnosis. The diseases are easier

to treat during the blood-borne stage and more difficult to treat once

meningoencephalitis develops.

Possible Complications

Injury related to falling asleep while driving or engaging in similar

activities

Progressive damage to the nervous system

When to Contact a Medical Professional Call your health care provider if

symptoms of this disorder develop. It is important to begin treatment as soon as

possible.

 

http://www.lifespan.org/adam/english/hie/001362trt.htm

 

 

 

" Respect means listening until everyone has been heard and understood, only

then is there a possibility of " Balance and Harmony " the goal of Indian

Spirituality. " Dave Chief, Grandfather of Red Dog

 

 

 

 

 

 

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