Winter can feel like a natural time to slow down, but when profound fatigue, bone pain, and persistent low mood set in, it might be more than just the winter blues. This complex set of symptoms is often dismissed, yet experts warn they could be subtle indicators of one of the most widespread nutritional deficiencies: Vitamin D deficiency. As sunlight exposure dwindles in the colder months, the body's primary way of producing this essential nutrient is impaired, leading to consequences that affect everything from energy levels and immune function to bone health. This winter, medical experts guide you through the latest diagnostic standards, the non-deficiency causes of fatigue, and the practical steps you can take to maximise your health and vitality throughout the winter and into the new year. Standard blood tests to screen for physiological causes of fatigue When a patient presents with persistent fatigue, clinicians typically begin with a broad set of basic blood tests to identify the most common physiological contributors. According to Dr Geetanjali Patil, consultant pulmonologist at Ruby Hall Clinic Wanowire, these include:1. Complete Blood Count (CBC) to rule out anaemia or infection.2. Thyroid Function Tests (TSH, Free T4) to assess for hypothyroidism.3. Vitamin D (25-OH Vitamin D) to detect deficiency that often worsens in winter.4. Vitamin B12 levels are checked to identify deficiencies linked to low energy, neuropathy, or cognitive slowing.5. Iron studies, including serum ferritin, serum iron, Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC), and transferrin saturation, help diagnose iron-deficiency anaemia or low iron stores even before anaemia is visible on CBC.6. Many clinicians also add fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and basic metabolic panel to rule out diabetes, electrolyte imbalances, kidney dysfunction, or dehydration, all of which can contribute to fatigue. Differential diagnosis when blood tests are normal If initial blood work appears normal, non-deficiency causes of fatigue become important considerations. “Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is particularly relevant in winter and is linked to reduced sunlight exposure, disrupted circadian rhythm, low serotonin activity, and excessive melatonin production,” notes Dr Geetanjali. She lists other possible causes:1. Chronic stress and burnout, which can manifest as profound physical fatigue because prolonged cortisol dysregulation affects sleep, immunity, and energy levels.2. Sleep-related issues, particularly insomnia, poor sleep hygiene, and circadian rhythm disorders.3. Depression, generalized anxiety, post-viral fatigue, perimenopause/menopause in women, chronic pain conditions, restless legs syndrome, medication side effects, and chronic fatigue syndrome, especially if symptoms are prolonged and unexplained. Musculoskeletal pain with fatigue: Conditions to rule out Non-injury bone or joint pain paired with fatigue often points toward systemic medical conditions. Dr Geetanjali highlights that one of the first considerations is Vitamin D deficiency, as low Vitamin D commonly causes diffuse bone aches, muscle weakness, and fatigue. Conditions to rule out include:1. Autoimmune or inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, or polymyalgia rheumatica.2. Thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism, which can cause generalized muscle aches and joint stiffness.3. Osteomalacia (softening of bones due to long-standing Vitamin D deficiency) and early osteoporosis.4. Chronic infections (such as EBV, TB, or Lyme in endemic regions), metabolic issues like hyperparathyroidism, and rare haematological disorders such as multiple myeloma may be considered if symptoms persist or are accompanied by red flags such as night sweats or unexplained weight loss. Role of undiagnosed sleep issues Sleep disorders are one of the most overlooked contributors to chronic fatigue. Dr Patil explains, “Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is especially common and can occur even in people who are not overweight. It leads to repeated nighttime breathing interruptions, poor oxygenation, and non-restorative sleep, often leaving patients exhausted despite seemingly sleeping for 7 to 8 hours.” A formal sleep study (polysomnography) is typically recommended when a patient experiences symptoms such as:1. Loud snoring, witnessed apnoea’s, choking episodes at night.2. Morning headaches or excessive daytime sleepiness.3. Unexplained fatigue that persists despite normal labs.4. Resistant hypertension. Expected timeline for improvement in deficiency symptoms Recovery from Vitamin D deficiency is gradual because the body has to rebuild the Vitamin D gap. Dr Bhaskar S, general physician and internal medicine specialist at Apollo One, Bengaluru outlines the different expected recovery timelines: 1. Many patients notice mood changes, increased awareness, and energy enhancement after 2 to 4 weeks of Vitamin D supplementation.2. Bone pain, muscle weakness, or muscle achiness usually take 6 to 12 weeks to show signs of improvement.3. Complete resolution of severe deficiencies may take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to fully correct.4. Periodic serum 25(OH)D monitoring is vital for insuring safe and effective results. Dr Mahesh D M, consultant, endocrinology at Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru adds, “Patients with chronic kidney disease, malabsorption disorders, post-bariatric surgery recovery, liver disease, or inflammatory bowel disease may need increased or specially formulated doses due to the lower absorption capacity.” Most effective dietary sources and essential micronutrients Bhaskar believes that Vitamin D needs to come from diet and supplements during winter months when low amounts of UVB light are available. He shares Vitamin D sources:1. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), which is produced from animal sources (like salmon, eggs, etc.) and fortified foods (like soy milk and cereals).2. Some mushrooms contain UV (ultraviolet) light which creates Vitamin D2. Mahesh and Bhaskar both stress that other micronutrients work together with vitamin D to provide synergy:1. Magnesium: Promotes vitamin D activation. Food sources include nuts, seeds, leafy greens.2. Vitamin K2: Responsible for directing calcium to the bones. Good food sources include beef, eggs, cheese, and spinach.3. Calcium: Strengthens bones when used in conjunction with vitamin D.4. Zinc: Helps convert vitamin D and supports the immune system. These nutrients are essential for optimizing absorption and positively impacting both skeletal health and extra-skeletal health. Evidence-based lifestyle changes to boost energy Dr Bhaskar and Dr Mahesh share realistic, healthy lifestyle changes to reduce tiredness and to naturally increase Vitamin D levels:1. Spend time in sun: Expose yourself to sunlight for at least 15 to 20 minutes per day. The time you need will vary by season and skin type.2. Consume foods and fluids that are high in vitamin D: Follow a healthy eating pattern that includes Vitamin D foods, magnesium, and K2, and consume adequate fluids (2 to 3 litres of water daily) to ensure that the body has maximum absorption of Vitamin D.3. Be active: Engage in a moderate level of physical activity (walking, yoga, swimming), this will have a positive effect on increasing your stamina and decreasing muscle strain. Set a timer to remind you to stretch or take a deep breath every 20 minutes of time you are working that day.4. Sleep and balance energy levels: Develop good sleep habits, also called sleep hygiene. Caffeine consumption and/or alcohol consumption in the evening should be limited to help keep your energy levels balanced and stable.5. Schedule your meals: Keep your meals on a consistent schedule throughout the day. Do not eat heavy meals at night. Dr Mahesh states that small changes to your daily routine are better than trying to find a quick solution to restore your daily vitality. Medications and supplements that may worsen fatigue Certain everyday medications can actually slow down the central nervous system or disturb metabolic pathways, ultimately leading to fatigue. Dr Bhaskar lists the following potential culprits:1. Common antihistamines like diphenhydramine and cetirizine often cause sedation and lethargy.2. Certain antidepressants can create a sedating effect which contributes to slight dizziness.3. Rarely, statins used to manage cholesterol may cause muscle pain and lead to tiredness.4. Over usage of sedatives (such as benzodiazepines) and sleep aids like melatonin can also lead to weakness or an uneasy feeling the next morning.5. Unwanted doses of supplements such as iron and even Vitamin D may lead to tenderness and pain in the body. Dr Mahesh adds that fatigue can also be caused by:1. High dose or unwanted medications like heart medications, anxiety drugs, muscle relaxants, and certain diabetes medicines that disturb blood sugar flows.2. Supplements like magnesium, valerian root, and herbal sleep formulas can also disturb sleep formations and cause drowsiness. He concludes, “If fatigue persists, a person should consult an expert or doctor to evaluate their medication list, as unexplained laziness or tiredness is often linked to drug usage or inappropriate dosing.”
17 December,2025 02:17 PM IST | Mumbai | Maitrai AgarwalResearchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, have identified a new pathway involving nanoparticles to treat Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), said the Ministry of Science & Technology on Tuesday. Conventional Alzheimer’s therapies often target only a single pathological feature, such as amyloid aggregation or oxidative stress, yielding limited clinical benefit. However, the new therapy involves nanoparticles that integrate polyphenol with antioxidant properties found in green tea, a neurotransmitter, and an amino acid. It has the potential to treat Alzheimer’s Disease by changing the path of the progression of the disease, slowing it, improving memory, and supporting thinking skills, said the researchers in the paper, published in the journal Small. The therapy works by integrating epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) -- an antioxidant found in green tea --, dopamine -- a neurotransmitter important for mood -- and tryptophan -- an amino acid involved in many cellular functions -- into a nanoparticle called EGCG-dopamine-tryptophan nanoparticles (EDTNPs). This enables it to simultaneously target amyloid aggregation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuronal degeneration -- four key pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s. “Incorporation of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) -- a protein crucial for the survival, growth, and function of neurons onto EDTNPs (B-EDTNPs) creates a dual-action nanoplatform that not only clears neurotoxic Amyloid Beta aggregates (protein clumps that disrupt neural function and drive Alzheimer’s disease pathology) but also enhances neuronal regeneration,” said the team led by Dr. Jiban Jyoti Panda from INST, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). “This is a rare approach in Alzheimer’s therapeutics which uniquely combines antioxidant, anti-amyloid, and neurotrophic actions for the therapy,” they added. The research, conducted with support from Dr. Ashok Kumar Datusalia (NIPER Raebareli) and Dr Nisha Singh (Gujarat Biotechnology University), involves the synthesis of EDTNPs using biocompatible assembly techniques like pressure-assisted hydrothermal and electrostatic-based co-incubation methods to combine antioxidant, neurotransmitter, and amino acid components. These nanoparticles were then functionalised with BDNF, producing B-EDTNPs with enhanced neuroprotective potential. In lab experiments and mouse models, these nanoparticles disassembled toxic plaques, reduced inflammation, restored balance inside brain cells, and even improved memory and learning. Computer simulations further confirmed that the nanoparticles latch onto harmful Amyloid beta fibrils and pull them apart at the molecular level. “The research could help people with Alzheimer’s disease by offering a treatment that works on multiple levels. The nanoparticles not only remove harmful protein plaques but also reduce brain stress, inflammation, and help nerve cells grow through BDNF,” said the researchers. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
17 December,2025 12:59 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSResearchers at IIT Delhi on Tuesday announced the development of an ingestible device that can sample bacteria directly from the small intestine, opening a new window into the human gut microbiome. While not all bacteria are harmful, nearly half of all cells in the human body are microbial. These organisms line our gut and help us digest food, regulate mood, and build immunity. Yet studying them has remained difficult. Existing tools are invasive, such as endoscopy or ileostomy, or indirect, relying on stool samples that do not truly reflect conditions higher up in the digestive tract. The device, a tiny pill, once swallowed, stays shut in the stomach. It opens only in the intestine to collect bacteria, then seals itself again to keep the sample safe while moving through the gut, revealed the study, conducted in collaboration with the AIIMS, Delhi and funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). “To say there is a hidden universe of living microbes in our body is no exaggeration but a scientific reality -- we call it the human microbiome. Just as we send rovers to explore outer space, we need miniaturised devices to explore the inner space of the human body,” explained Prof. Sarvesh Kumar Srivastava, Principal Investigator at the Medical Microdevices and Medicine Laboratory (3MLab), CBME, IIT Delhi. “The prototype microdevice, once swallowed, can autonomously collect microbes from specific regions of the upper GI tract, allowing species-level identification of the residing microbes, among other biomarkers,” Srivastava added. The device comprises an enteric-coated gelatin cap that protects it in gastric pH (1-1.5) and disintegrates at intestinal pH (3-5), allowing luminal fluid via an inlet connected to activation and sampling chambers. The gut-sampling technology, publishing in the journal Small, has been validated in an animal model using a microdevice no larger than a grain of rice. The results showed promise without tissue injury or inflammation. “The small intestine plays a crucial role in health and disease. Understanding the microbes and chemicals being released there could be key to early disease detection, monitoring of chronic diseases, and developing more targeted treatments,” said co-senior author Dr. Samagra Agarwal from the Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition Unit at AIIMS New Delhi. The researchers noted that they aim to advance this platform technology to help Indian patients in the clinic after necessary approvals. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
17 December,2025 12:47 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSA team of UK researchers has developed a pioneering blood test that could enable doctors to detect and monitor lung cancer in real time, which will help reduce diagnostic delays and improve patient outcomes. Using the technique Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) microspectroscopy, the team detected a single lung cancer cell in a patient's blood. The technique combines advanced infrared scanning technology with computer analysis, focusing on the unique chemical fingerprint of cancer cells, said researchers from University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM), Keele University, and Loughborough University. "This approach has the potential to help patients receive earlier diagnoses, personalised treatments, and fewer invasive procedures, and it could eventually be applied to many types of cancer beyond lung cancer," said lead author Professor Josep Sulé-Suso, Associate Specialist in Oncology at UHNM. Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) are a type of cancer cell that can break away from a tumour and travel in the bloodstream. They can provide vital clues about how the disease is progressing and how well treatment is working. CTCs are also the cells that can lead to the spread of cancer (metastases). Current methods for detecting CTCs can be complicated, expensive, and time-consuming -- and they can sometimes miss cancer cells altogether, as the cells often change their characteristics while circulating in the blood. The research team's method detects CTCs in a blood sample by shining an infrared beam onto it-- similar to the light in a TV remote control, but far more powerful. Different chemicals absorb infrared light in different ways, and CTCs have a distinct absorption pattern, or "chemical fingerprint." Computer analysis of the infrared absorption data can quickly identify whether circulating tumour cells are present. The technique, published in the journal Applied Spectroscopy, is simpler and more affordable than existing approaches and uses standard glass slides already found in pathology labs to prepare blood samples for analysis under the infrared instrument, making it easier to adopt into everyday clinical practice. The team now aims to test this method in larger patient groups, aiming to develop a rapid, automated blood test that could be integrated into cancer care pathways. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
17 December,2025 12:31 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSDoctors in Kolkata successfully carried out a highly complex microsurgical reimplantation of a completely severed right thumb of a man after he damaged it in an every day activity. The intricate procedure was led by Dr Akhilesh Kumar Agarwal, consultant – Plastic Surgeon, at Manipal Hospital Mukundapur supported by a multidisciplinary team. Proloy Bose, a 32-year-old businessman from Subhashgram in Sonarpur, was brought to the hospital after his thumb was accidentally amputated while cleaning his motorcycle. His thumb got caught in the motorcycle’s chain cover, the protective casing over the moving chain. The injury caused severe crushing damage to the thumb, making treatment and reconstruction more difficult than a clean-cut injury. Recognising the urgency of the situation, the emergency team promptly guided the patient on the correct method of preserving and transporting the severed thumb. His family and friends were advised to gently clean it, place it in a clean waterproof bag, and keep it cool without direct contact with ice. These timely measures helped maintain the viability of the amputated thumb and enabled the surgical team to proceed with reimplantation under optimal conditions. He arrived at the hospital within two hours of the incident, a crucial window for microsurgical success. During the operation, Dr Agarwal and his team meticulously repaired the bone, arteries, veins, nerves and tendons using ultra-fine sutures and stabilised the bone with a K-wire, a temporary pin used to maintain alignment during healing. The Kolkata-based doctor explained, “He came to our emergency with a completely amputated thumb caused by a blunt crushing injury, which made reimplantation extremely complex. We stabilised him immediately and proceeded with surgery. Under the microscope, we repaired the arteries, veins, nerves and tendons and fixed the bone with a K-wire. Maintaining blood supply was critical, and we were pleased that the thumb survived. He had already begun using it, physiotherapy has started, and I am hopeful that he will regain very good function over time.” Sharing his experience, Bose said, “I was in shock and rushed straight to the hospital. The team guided us on retrieving and preserving the thumb, and my friends brought it back just in time, I believe that helped us in saving my thumb. I am extremely grateful to the doctors for their reassurance and care. I feel positive about my recovery and doing my regular follow-ups. I have always been passionate about bikes, and knowing I will be able to return to them means a lot to me.” After a five-day hospital stay, he was discharged in stable condition, with early thumb movement restored and physiotherapy underway. Now four weeks post-surgery, he continues to make steady progress and is being regularly followed up, with the planned K-wire removal scheduled in two weeks. He is expected to begin active thumb movement soon after and gradually return to his everyday activities.
16 December,2025 02:34 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentA two-year-old baby boy was successfully treated by doctors in Pune after accidentally ingesting acetic acid, a corrosive household cleaning chemical that caused severe burns to his mouth, food pipe, chest, genitals and groin. It all happened on this Children’s Day, when the two-year-old boy from Satara, met a life-threatening emergency when he accidentally ingested acetic acid, turning an ordinary day for his family into a nightmare within minutes. The corrosive liquid stored in a drinking water bottle burned his lips, oral cavity and food pipe and left painful chemical injuries on his chest and groin. As the child gasped for breath, crying in severe pain, his frightened parents watched helplessly, unable to understand what was happening or how their playful toddler had suddenly slipped into danger. He was immediately taken to a hospital in Satara, where Dr Ghorpade recognised the severity of the situation. Understanding that every minute mattered, he stabilised the toddler and urgently arranged a referral for higher-level pediatric care. The team from Ankura Hospital For Women and Children in Aundh in Pune travelled to Satara, with their specialised ambulance securing the child on ventilator support and ensuring continuous monitoring through the high-risk journey.The toddler was successfully treated by Dr Milind Jambagi and the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) team, who ensured timely stabilisation, safe ventilated transport from Satara, and comprehensive management of his airway, internal injuries, and chemical burns. The team was able to control further complications and guide the child to a safe and steady recovery through precise endoscopic evaluation and round-the-clock pediatric critical care. Dr Jambagi said, “On arrival, Arjun had scald burns over the body and his oral cavity revealed corrosion. An endoscopy done immediately revealed corrosive injuries to the food pipe, though fortunately, no perforation was detected." "The ventilator support was continued until the child’s breathing stabilised. The chemical burns on the chest and groin were managed with specialised dressings and medication to prevent infection and aid healing. Chemical and corrosive ingestion in toddlers is extremely dangerous because the damage begins instantly, can worsen rapidly and have lifelong consequences. He added, "Storage of corrosive chemical substances like house cleansers and acids in drinking water or soft drink containers in the home is a risk factor for accidental corrosive ingestion in children, particularly those less than five years of age. In the child's case, we were dealing with airway compromise, corrosive injury to the food pipe, and external burns all at the same time. Timely stabilisation, safe ventilated transport, and prompt endoscopic evaluation and evidence-based medical management helped us prevent life-threatening complications like - necrosis, perforation, disseminated intravascular coagulation, shock and sepsis. Our PICU team monitored his airway, nutrition, and wound healing round the clock and treated him with evidence-based latest medical care at every stage.” The Pune-based doctor cautions, “This case reminds families to store household chemicals safely, beyond the reach and sight of children. The child was taken off ventilator cautiously. Feeding was cautiously restarted first through a tube to avoid further injury of food pipe, and later orally once his swallowing improved. Over the next few days, the toddler responded positively to treatment, he was off ventilator, the burns began healing, and his oral intake slowly recovered. One week later, he was discharged marking a remarkable turnaround in a case that could have ended very differently." Dr Jambagi urges all the parents to stay alert and keep all household chemicals, medicines, and sharp objects completely out of children’s reach, as accidents occur in children most of the time when the parents are around them but unattended. Curious toddlers explore everything around them, often without understanding danger. Simple precautions at home can prevent life-threatening emergencies like these. He further added, “Every minute matters in accidents, poisoning and corrosive ingestion. When the child arrived, his airway was fragile, his mucosa was injured, and he was in significant pain. The child's recovery is a powerful example of how coordinated, compassionate, and evidence-based pediatric multidisciplinary care can change outcomes. Every child deserves the chance to heal and thrive, and we are committed to providing that level of care every single day.” “Seeing our little boy struggling to breathe and scream in pain is something no parent should ever witness. We had no idea how something so serious could happen so suddenly to our child. When the doctors told us his condition is critical after accidental ingestion of acid, our world collapsed. We feared losing him at any moment. But when the hospital's specialised children’s retrieval team arrived, we felt hope for the first time. They treated him gently even while acting fast, and once we reached the hospital, every doctor and nurse cared for him like family round the clock. Watching him slowly open his eyes, breathe without support, and take his first sip of water again felt like witnessing a miracle. We will always be grateful to Dr Milind Jambagi’s team at the hospital for giving our child a second chance at life,” said the child's mother.
16 December,2025 12:26 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentBringing blood glucose to normal range through lifestyle changes could halve the risk of heart attack, heart failure and premature death among prediabetics, according to a study. Findings published in 'The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology' journal show that remission of prediabetes -- achieving normal blood glucose levels -- may establish a new, measurable target for clinical guidelines, according to researchers. A fasting blood glucose value of under 97 milligrams per decilitre proved to be a simple marker for a persistently lower risk of heart disease, regardless of age, weight, or ethnic background, the researchers said. This threshold could be applied in primary care practices worldwide, making prevention more tangible, they added. "Our results suggest that remission of prediabetes not only delays or prevents the onset of type 2 diabetes, as already known, but also protects people from serious cardiovascular diseases in the long term, over the span of decades," author Dr Andreas Birkenfeld, a board member of the German Center for Diabetes Research and medical director of the department of medicine at University Hospital Tübingen, said. The team, including researchers from the US and China, analysed long-term data from more than 2,400 people with prediabetes. The participants' risk of cardiovascular death reduced by roughly 50 per cent, with a significant lowering of overall mortality. The US study followed its participants for 20 years, while the China one tracked participants for 30. Cardiovascular prevention has so far rested on three pillars -- blood pressure control, lowering LDL cholesterol, and smoking cessation. With the new findings, a fourth pillar could be added -- a sustained normalisation of blood glucose in prediabetes, the team said. "Reaching prediabetes remission is linked to a decades-long benefit, halving the risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalisation for heart failure in diverse populations. Targeting remission might represent a new approach to cardiovascular prevention," the authors wrote. Birkenfeld said, "We see a clear therapeutic window: If glucose levels are normalised already at the prediabetes stage, the long-term risk of heart attack, heart failure and premature death can be markedly reduced." "Our data support explicitly anchoring remission as a primary treatment goal in guidelines for the prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular disease," the author said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
15 December,2025 05:29 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIDoctors in Mumbai have successfully treated a young ex-airhostess suffering from palmar hyperhidrosis, a medical condition characterised by excessive sweating of the hands, through Bilateral Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy (VATS)—a safe, minimally invasive, day-care surgical procedure with immediate results. Hyperhidrosis is estimated to affect 2–5 per cent of the population in India, yet remains significantly underreported, as many individuals do not recognise it as a medical condition and continue to suffer silently. The disorder can severely impact daily functioning, emotional well-being, and professional life if left untreated. The patient had been experiencing symptoms since adolescence and had sought multiple medical opinions over the years with no lasting relief. The condition eventually forced her to step away from her profession and affected her mental health and self-confidence. The patient underwent Bilateral Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy (VATS), performed by Dr. Vimesh Rajput, consultant – Thoracic Surgery at Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre. Anaesthesia was expertly managed by Dr. Savi Kapila, Consultant – Anaesthesiology, a one-hour surgical procedure that interrupts the sympathetic nerves responsible for excessive sweating of the hands. “Hyperhidrosis is not a minor inconvenience—it is a disabling medical condition that can push patients into social isolation, anxiety, and even depression,” said Dr. Vimesh Rajput, Thoracic Surgeon at Jaslok Hospital. “What makes the situation unfortunate is that a definitive, safe solution exists, yet awareness remains extremely low.” Emphasising the effectiveness of the procedure, he added, “This is a minimally invasive, day-care surgery. Patients walk in with a problem that has affected them for years and walk out the same day with immediate relief. The results are predictable, lasting, and often life-changing.” Dr. Rajput also highlighted the importance of early consultation and intervention, “Many patients dismiss excessive sweating as something they must live with. Over time, it impacts confidence, social interactions, and mental health. Early diagnosis and timely surgical treatment can completely restore dignity and quality of life.” Post-procedure, the patient experienced instant and complete resolution of symptoms, allowing her to resume normal daily activities without fear, embarrassment, or discomfort. Speaking about the case Dr Milind Khadke, Chief Medical Officer at hospital said “Correct diagnosis of hyperhidrosis is vital. With minimally invasive, short-stay procedures like VATS sympathectomy, patients can achieve immediate relief and restored confidence. Greater awareness is needed so individuals recognise this condition as treatable and seek timely medical intervention. Jaslok Hospital’s clinical excellence ensures comprehensive management of all kinds of diseases with world-class care.”
15 December,2025 09:51 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Supernova Stent -- a new and advanced brain treatment device -- has been demonstrated to be safe and effective for stroke patients, said experts at AIIMS Delhi on Saturday, who led the first clinical trial. AIIMS Delhi was the national coordinating centre and the lead enrolling site of the GRASSROOT trial for the Supernova Stent. “This trial is a turning point for stroke treatment in India,” said Dr. Shailesh B. Gaikwad, Professor & Head, Department of Neuroimaging & Interventional Neuroradiology, AIIMS Delhi, and National Principal Investigator of the GRASSROOT Trial. “The Supernova stent has shown excellent safety and efficacy outcomes in the treatment of severe strokes, according to the preliminary trial results,” revealed the preliminary findings published in the reputed Journal of Neurointerventional Surgery (JNIS). In the first prospective multicentre thrombectomy (procedure to physically remove a blood clot from a blocked artery) trial, the Supernova stent retriever achieved high successful restoration of blood flow with brain bleed (3.1 per cent), mortality (9.4 per cent), and 50 per cent functional independence at 90 days. Developed by Gravity Medical Technology, Supernova is designed for India’s diverse patient population, where strokes often strike patients younger than in the West. Earlier this year, data from the GRASSROOT trial were accepted by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), and the Supernova stent-retriever was approved for routine use in India. The GRASSROOT India trial, which confirmed the device’s safety and efficacy in treating life-threatening strokes, was conducted across eight centres. The trial marks a milestone for the Make-in-India initiative and positions India as a global player in advanced stroke care, the experts said. “The device has already treated more than 300 patients in Southeast Asia and will now be manufactured and is available in India at affordable prices, offering new hope to the 1.7 million Indians who suffer strokes each year,” said Dr Dileep Yavagal, Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of Miami, part of the global trial. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
15 December,2025 09:48 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSA year-long autopsy-based study conducted by the AIIMS, New Delhi, found no scientific evidence linking Covid-19 vaccination to sudden deaths among young adults, reaffirming that the vaccines are safe and effective. The study, titled ‘Burden of Sudden Death in Young Adults: A One-Year Observational Study at a Tertiary Care Centre in India’, has been published in the ‘Indian Journal of Medical Research’, the flagship journal of the Indian Council of Medical Research. Researchers closely examined sudden death cases of people aged between 18 and 45 years using verbal autopsy, post-mortem imaging, conventional autopsy and detailed histopathological tests. According to the findings, there was no statistically significant association between Covid-19 vaccination status and sudden deaths in the young population. The researchers found that most of the deaths were caused by well-known medical conditions, with cardiovascular diseases emerging as the leading cause. Respiratory illnesses and other non-cardiac causes were also identified in several cases. The study also noted that both Covid-19 infection history and vaccination status were similar across younger and older age groups, and no causal link between vaccination and sudden deaths was found. These results, the researchers said, are in line with global scientific evidence that supports the safety of Covid-19 vaccines. Dr Sudheer Arava, Professor at AIIMS, New Delhi, said the study is particularly important at a time when misleading claims and unverified reports are circulating about a possible link between Covid-19 vaccines and sudden deaths. He stressed that the findings clearly do not support such claims and highlighted the need for scientific and evidence-based research to guide public understanding. Health experts said that sudden deaths among young individuals, though tragic, are often linked to underlying and sometimes undiagnosed health issues, especially heart-related conditions. They underlined the importance of early health screening, lifestyle changes and timely medical intervention to reduce such risks. Dr Arava also advised people to trust credible scientific sources and avoid misinformation that could weaken public confidence in proven public health measures, including vaccination. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
14 December,2025 03:43 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSSchool-going children are picking up drug and smoking habits and engaging in consumption of alcohol, with the average age of introduction to such harmful substances found to be around 13 years, suggesting a need for earlier interventions as early as primary school, a multi-city survey by AIIMS-Delhi said. The findings also showed substance use increased in higher grades, with grade XI/XII students two times more likely to report use of substances when compared with grade VIII students. This emphasised the importance of continued prevention and intervention through middle and high school. The study led by Dr Anju Dhawan of AIIMS's National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, published in the National Medical Journal of India this month, looks at adolescent substance use across diverse regions. The survey included 5,920 students from classes 8, 9, 11 and 12 in urban government, private and rural schools across 10 cities -- Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Delhi, Dibrugarh, Hyderabad, Imphal, Jammu, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Ranchi. The data were collected between May 2018 and June 2019. The average age of initiation for any substance was 12.9 (2.8) years. It was lowest for inhalants (11.3 years) followed by heroin (12.3 years) and opioid pharmaceuticals (without prescription; 12.5 years). Overall, 15.1 per cent of participants reported lifetime use, 10.3 per cent reported past year use, and 7.2 per cent reported use in the past month of any substance, the study found. The most common substances used in the past year, after tobacco (4 per cent) and alcohol (3.8 per cent), were opioids (2.8 per cent), followed by cannabis (2 per cent) and inhalants (1.9 per cent). Use of non-prescribed pharmaceutical opioids was most common among opioid users (90.2 per cent). On being asked, 'Do you think this substance is easily available for a person of your age' separately for each substance category, nearly half the students (46.3 per cent) endorsed that tobacco products and more than one-third of the students (36.5 per cent) agreed that a person of their age can easily procure alcohol products. Similarly, for Bhang (21.9 per cent), ganja/charas (16.1 per cent), inhalants (15.2 per cent), sedatives (13.7 per cent), opium and heroin (10 per cent each), the students endorsed that these can be easily procured. About 95 per cent of the children, irrespective of their grade, agreed with the statement that 'drug use is harmful'. The rates of substance use (any) among boys were significantly higher than those of girls for substance use (ever), use in the past year and use in the past 30 days. Compared to grade VIII students, grade IX students were more likely, and grade XI/XII students were twice as likely to have used any substance (ever). The likelihood of past-year use of any substance was also higher for grade IX students and for grade XI/XII students as compared to grade VIII students. About 40 per cent of students mentioned that they had a family member who used tobacco or alcohol each. The use of cannabis (any product) and opioid (any product) by a family member was reported by 8.2 per cent and 3.9 per cent of students, respectively, while the use of other substances, such as inhalants/sedatives by family was 2-3 per cent, the study found. A relatively smaller percentage of students reported use of tobacco or alcohol among peers as compared to among family members, while a higher percentage reported inhalants, sedatives, cannabis or opioid use among peers. Children using substances (past year) compared to non-users reported significantly higher any substance use by their family members and peers. There were 25.7 per cent students who replied 'yes' to the question 'conflicts/fights often occur in your family'. Most students also replied affirmatively to 'family members are aware of how their time is being spent' and 'damily members are aware of with whom they spend their time'. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
14 December,2025 03:37 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIADVERTISEMENT
