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FAKE STROKE EFFECT LINKED TO FULL MOON

WARNING: Full moon can be a health hazard

Saturday August 16,2008

By Victoria Fletcher, Health Editor

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THE full moon may cause people to suffer symptoms similar to those of a stroke, experts believe.

The number of people treated for mystery numbness and co-ordination loss rises significantly on full-moon nights – like tonight.

And although there is no permanent damage, the symptoms can at first seem like those of a stroke.

A recent advertising campaign has warned the public to dial 999 if they recognise stroke symptoms. The faster they get expert hospital care, the less likely patients are to suffer severe brain damage or death.

Symptoms include facial and arm weakness, and speech problems. But according to research, around two per cent of people rushed to hospital actually have symptoms of a mystery condition.

Dr Terry Quinn, of the University of Glasgow Medical School, said: “We found a significant increase in presentations to a stroke unit with medically unexplained symptoms during the full moon.”

The researchers analysed all admissions to Glasgow’s Western Infirmary stroke unit between January 1993 and September 2006. Of more than 7,200 patients, 129 were found to have medically unexplained stroke symptoms, or MUSS.

Despite intensive tests, doctors could not explain these symptoms. But when researchers matched up MUSS with lunar patterns, they found they peaked on full-moon nights. Most patients were women and under 65.

The researchers said their results, published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research, supported the idea that mystery stroke cases may be due to psychiatric rather than medical problems.

It is not the first time the moon has been blamed for health changes. Some doctors even dub it “the Transylvania effect”.

According to a Leeds University study, the number of GP visits soars by around 30,000 in the days after a full moon. Most patients complain of anxiety and depression.

Scientists remain baffled by the effects, but some suggest the moon’s gravitational pull could upset the balance of fluid in the body’s cells.

STROKE SYMPTOMS

16.08.08, 5:03pm

Stroke Symptoms can also be confused with advanced Lyme's Disease, which seems to be undiagnosable inside the NHS.
Especially if combined with a stiff neck and lethergy, arthritus and "foggy" eyesight.

NHS blood tests for Lyme's give negative results everytime, so you may find yourself being treated as a stroke patient as you finally end up in a wheel chair. and then a wooden box.

The only recourse is private medicine, Where Doxycyciline is one of the drugs commonly used to supress symptoms.
Lyme's disease Action Group may be of benefit.
Good luck !

• Posted by: JonO • Report Comment

NUTTERS

16.08.08, 11:33am

I can vouch for that. We used to deal with more psychos on full moons than at other times.

There used to be three dead givaways:

1. They knew the Queen.

2. God spoke to them.

3. They claimed they were in the S. A. S.

Also, the men used to wear the regulation, half-mast trousers.

• Posted by: Harveymiff • Report Comment