Brain Lesions

What is a lesion? You scrape your knee, and that's a lesion, an area of damage on the skin of your leg. But what are lesions in the brain? And what causes them? How serious are brain lesions? Here is information about this confusing and unsettling health concern. Read on to find out what the symptoms are and how brain lesions are treated.
What are brain lesions?
A lesion is an area of tissue that has been damaged through injury or disease. So a brain lesion is an area of injury or disease within the brain. While the definition sounds simple, understanding brain lesions can be complicated. That's because there are many types of brain lesions. They can range from small to large, from few to many, from relatively harmless to life-threatening.
What causes brain lesions?
Brain lesions can be caused by injury, infection, exposure to certain chemicals, problems with the immune system, and more. Many times the cause is not known.
What symptoms might indicate a brain lesion?
Symptoms of a brain lesion vary depending on the type, location, and size of the lesion. Symptoms common to several types of brain lesions include the following:
Headaches
Neck pain or stiffness
Nausea, vomiting, and lack of appetite
Vision changes or eye pain
Changes in mood, personality, behavior, mental ability, and concentration
Memory loss or confusion
Seizures
Fever
Difficulty moving
What are the different types of brain lesions?
Although they share a common definition -- injury or damage to tissue within the brain -- brain lesions vary greatly. Here are some common brain lesions.
Abscesses: Brain abscesses are areas of infection, including pus and inflamed tissue.They are not common, but they are life threatening. Brain abscesses often occur after an infection, usually in a nearby area, such as an ear, sinus, or dental infection.They can also appear after injury or surgery to the skull.
Alzheimer's disease and other dementias: Alzheimer's disease and some types of dementia are another group of brain lesions. In these lesions, nerve cells die, leaving behind damaged areas of the brain. Gradually, brain function in those areas decreases.
Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs): AnAVM is a type of brain lesion that occurs during early development. Arteries and veins in the brain grow in a tangle and become connected by tube-like structures called fistulae. The arteries are not as strong as normal.The veins are often too wide because of the constant flow of blood directly from the arteries through the fistulae to the veins.These fragile vessels may rupture, leaking blood into the brain.In addition, the brain tissue may not receive enough blood to function properly.
Cerebral infarction: Infarction refers to death of tissue. So a cerebral infarction is a brain lesion in which a cluster of brain cells have died. Most often, this brain lesion is caused by a stroke.
Cerebral palsy: This type of brain lesion occurs early in a child's development, from before birth until age 3.Cerebral palsy does not progress over time.The brain lesions affect the child's ability to move, which can also make communication and related skills difficult.
Multiple sclerosis (MS): With this condition, the immune system attacks and damages the nerve linings in the brain and spinal cord. These lesions make it difficult for messages to be sent and received properly between the brain and the rest of the body.
Tumors: Tumors are clumps of cells that grow abnormally from normal tissue. Some tumors in the brain are noncancerous, or benign. Others are cancerous. They may start in the brain, or they may spread from elsewhere in the body. They may grow quickly or they may remain stable.
How are brain lesions diagnosed?
The methods used to find and diagnose brain lesions depend on the symptoms. In many cases, CT and MRI imaging studies help pinpoint the location, size, and characteristics of the lesions. Blood and other lab tests may also be done to look for signs of infection.
How are brain lesions treated?
Treatment depends on the type of brain lesion. The goals of treatment may be to provide a cure, relieve symptoms, or improve the quality or length of life. Common approaches for treating brain lesions include the following:
"Wait and see"-- If the lesion is not causing problems and is not growing, you may only need periodic checkups.
Surgical removal of the lesion, if possible. New surgical techniques may make it possible to remove even hard-to-reach lesions.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for lesions that are cancerous.
Medication to fight infections, such as antibiotics or other anti-microbials.
Medication to calm the immune system or otherwise change the immune system's response.
Medication or other therapies to relieve symptoms associated with the brain lesion.
How can I find out more about brain lesions?
Brain lesions take many forms, so diagnosing and treating them can be complex. That's why it's important to discuss your individual questions about brain lesions with your doctor. Together, you can determine the best way to proceed in identifying, treating, and living with brain lesions.

A Family In Denial

ASSI - Brandy and Ray J is hard for me to watch, Ray J seems to be misinformed regarding factual information. For example, he mentioned that he has been in the business for twenty years and Brandy and Sonja, the mother both state that they have been in the business for fifteen years. Ray J claimed that he had the number one dating show for "The Love of Ray J" one and two, but was not really looking for love something all of new, except for the women on the show. On this episode of "Brandy and Ray J, A Family Business" both dealt with relationship issues. Ray J had to deal with reunion show for "The Love of Ray J Two", he was nervous because he neglected to tell Ms. Berry that he had no love for her and was without any future plans for them as a couple. Brandy was dealing with her on again and off again feelings regarding her date with Flow Rider, a rap artist who wanted to take her to the Grammies but Management seemed to think that it isn't good for either artist. However, Brandy wanted to go and was seemingly torn regarding her feelings for Flow Rider but could not stop talking about him and when he makes the decision that they should not go to the Grammies together it dawns on her that she really wanted to accompany him to the Grammy.

Sonja is struggling with her dual roles as Manager and Mother, she agrees as a manager that it was not good business for Brandy to attend the Grammies as Flow Riders date, but as a mother wanted Brandy to go because Brandy really wanted to go. Sonja wanted Ray J to handle things with Ms. Berry in a honest and respectful manner; however, she wanted him to light firer to Cocktail at the reunion show because she felt like cocktail was out of line, and he needed to stand up for himself as a man and not allow a woman to make him look bad. Sonja is the mother bear who refuses to allow anyone to harm her baby cub in any manner. He mother had to bail him out of the confusion with cocktail and he went to cocktail to console her while Ms. Berry was waiting in the wings, the only reason cocktail backed off was due to his mother stepping in and telling her that she needed to leave. He walk around with bottles of Champagne which is probably preventing him from thinking rationally about the situation that he placed himself in for the love of money. Ms. Berry was more poised and mature than Ray J, she gave him an out, and he wasn't mature enough to take it.

Willie, the father needs a little more back bone, he is a little to passive and friendly, which can be good and bad, and he truly sees himself in his son and tries to relate to Ray J without being hard on him. I guess he is being understanding but that's not what he needs. Ray J needs his family to level with him, they all give it a shot but in such a nice and comforting way that he gets it but still lacks the maturity needed to relate to women. However, the show ends with him breaking things off with Ms. Berry over the phone. Why didn't anyone council him to have a face-to-face meeting with her, after all she waited five months to see him and learn if there was a possibility for a love connection with this young man, especially since she had his back during the reunion show and kept it 100 with him. He could have done the same thing with her but chose not to because he lacked the maturity to handle the situation like a man.

I am waiting to see more of a connection between Sonja and Willie....I like that Brandy has a good support system with her friends, it was nice to see her and Kelly Rowland have dinner together, and that her other non celebrity friends went bowling after she learned that she was not going to attend the Grammies with Flow Rider. Ray J is living in a fantasy world but sometimes you have to dream the impossible and take ownership of the things you want for yourself. He seems to be good at that and there isn't anything wrong with dreaming the impossible it is the only way to make your dreams come true.

LisaRaye and the Comeback

ASSI - LisaRaye McCoy is on a comeback and perhaps her reality show is the key to getting her back in the business. On the last episode of the "Real McCoy," LisaRaye made a signature milkshake concocted by her and her daughter, Kai. The name of the milkshare is LisaRaye's Love Thing and can be purchased at Millions of Milkshakes in LA. She met with the Director of Stomp the Yard and also rode a horse in the Wild Bill Picket's Rodeo Race. Unfortunately her team was disqualified because her racing partner's hat fell into her eyes causing her to circle inside the barriers instead of outside of the barriers. LisaRaye wasn't happen, she likes to win, and is extremely competitive; however, she was a good sport. I am glad to see she is comfortable wearing her signature White clothes regardless of the event. She must keep extra clothes in her designer bags. On the next episode, LisaRaye is headed to Atlanta, GA where she will visit her sister DaBrat, and host stripper pole dancing contest at Magic City.

Grand Oasis Playa

ASSI - We were looking for some place warm to go for my life partner's birthday. I went to my favorite travel site skyauction.com to see what hot spots were available for a great price. We booked four days at Grand Oasis Playa in Cancun Mexico and had the best time. I was somewhat concerned about the quality of the resort due to the written reviews that I read. Especially since most reviews wrote that Grand Oasis Playa is a three star resort. We like to stay at four and five star resort; however, skyauction always have such great prices for lesser resorts that we have taken a chance at staying at under four star resorts, and to our surprise have been more than pleasantly pleased with our accommodations. I also realized that other resorts are probably writing negative resorts regarding their competitors. The food at Grand Oasis Playa was okay at the buffets but at the three other restaurants the food was delicious, the only thing that I did not care for was the house Red Vino it was tasteless. The resort recently up graded all of the rooms, the lobby is open and airy with plenty of seating, there are two pool areas one on the beach and one located in the front of the resort next to the sushi bar, there are outdoor Jacuzzis as well as suites with Jacuzzis, there is a spa and fitness room, and swinging beds outside next to the sushi bar.

The resort is all inclusive, there are about four bars, and enough restaurants to satisfy your palate. The rooms are clean, spacious, has a safe for three dollars a day, some have balconies, plenty of towels, and flat screen televisions. We took a cold shower our first night because my partner thought there was not hot water. We reported the problem only to learn that we had not turned on the hot water. I didn't try it because I was told that it did not work but because my partner misread the knobs turned on what he thought was the hot water and when it didn't get warm, his brain did not inform him to try the cold water knob; therefore, we took cold showers that wasn't too bad but because we thought that there wasn't any hot water it seemed worse than it was. Caution, there are a number of peddlers walking the beach selling sterling silver jewelry but buyer beware do not buy any of the items sold on the beach. The items are cheap and not real.

I stayed away from Mexico because I had heard the water was undrinkable and will make you sick and that the State Department had put out a warning to all American citizens to stay away due to criminal activity, claims were made that there were gunmen in the hills waiting to rob Americans, and the Island was unsafe to visit. The band was lifted. Therefore, we decided to give Cancun a try and had the best time, we went to the Ancient Mayan Ruins at Chichen Itza, Tulum another Mayan Ruins tourist spot, went on two time share presentations, went on a Jungle Tour (in a two passenger boat) that was a snorkeling excursion to a beautiful coral reef and enjoyed a couples message that was absolutely fabulous. Our stay in Mexico literally flew by, we met some really nice people from the States, and visited other resorts where we had just as much fun for the day. As I see it, if you have yet to visit Cancun you must place it on your list of places to visit, take plenty of $2 dollar bills for tips, see as much as you can while your there, take the bus around town instead of a cab its less expensive at $1.50 a person, and the beach is really nice but I am unable to speak of the water. It is the only beach that we have visited that I did not get in the water, except for when I went snorkeling. I give Grand Oasis Playa three and a half blinks.

Ancient Mayan Ruins

ASSI - We had the opportunity to visit one of the seven wonders in the world while vacationing in Cancun, Mexico. Chichen Itza is one of many impressive pyramids in the world. The ancient Mayan world is centered on the Yucatan Peninsula. I was in total awe, it was a wow moment, when we I saw the pyramid. and all of the ancient ruins. I lacked the patience and was anxious to see all of the ruins; therefore, did not stick around to learn about the pyramid and Mayan culture. Shame on me but nothing a google search cannot handle. It was crowded with tourist and vendors, the vendors were out of control, they approached you every half a second selling handmade wood carvings, blankets, t-shirts, and etc. We only had an hour to tour the grounds, tit was hot and wanted to keep it moving. It took us an hour and a half to get there from the hotel, we stopped at a designated souvenir shop operated by Mayan people, but was a waste of time because the novelty items were over priced for the same stuff peddled on the grounds at Chichen Itza for a 4th of the price. We went back to the souvenir shop for dinner, which should have been our only stop, but the tourist companies have an agreement with the Mayans. Overall the trip was beyond worth it. As I see it, if and when you visit Chichn Itza wear comfortable shows preferably sneakers, take a pair of sun glasses, a couple bottles of water, a hand towel, a light snack, and small bills. Charge your camera battery the night before, download any pics on your memory card and delete them, digital cameras with video are permitted without a fee. There is a fee for camcorders. I give the ancient Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza, five blinks

Perry Does It Again in Too

ASSI - Tyler Perry is back with a follow-up to his movie, Why Did I Get Married, regarding four couples who get away for a weekend retreat, and learn more about each other than they wanted to know. In "Why Did I Get Married, Too" the entire cast: Janet Jackson, Malik Yoba, Sharon Leal, Tasha Smith, Michael Jai White, Richard T. Jones, Jill Scott, Lamman Rucker, and Tyler Perry return to deal with all of the unresolved issues from one. Tyler is a good director, screen writer and producer who knows what resonates with Black movie goers. "Why Did I Get Married, Too is reminiscence to opening Pandora's box. The couples are harboring relationship issues that are manifesting in an unhealthy ways.

Would we be interested in Perry movies if they were without DRAMA and more DRAMA,? Is DRAMA the key ingredient to a successful movie? The rumor mill circulating the film tauted it as Perry's best film. I beg-to-differ it was about the same as his other movies. Is it worth seeing on the big screen? No! You can wait for it to come out on DVD where it will probably do better in sells than the box office. Perry claims that other directors are going to take note of Janet's performance and book her for other films, I disagree, she was alright but it was not an Oscar winning performance. I liked the movie for the eye candy. My eyes love what it sees when looking at Lamman Rucker, Richard T. Jones, and Michael Jai White who I had the pleasure of meeting at a restaurant in Seattle, Washington was worth it for me.

Tasha Smith connects a little too well with her character, I know she had a blast playing Angela the none trusting wife of Marcus, played by White. Patricia, played by Jackson, is tormented over the lost of her son and simply cannot find her way back to her husband, Gavin. Terry who is Perry's character loves his wife but does not feel the love in return until her little secret is revealed. Scott plays, Sheila who is newly married and dealing with a new addition, new husband, a new home, and a old husband who just want go away. It is all too much for her husband Troy, played by Rucker, who is struggling with finding employment. There relationship is early similar or should I say exactly like Bird and Lem's situation in Soul Food the movie. I thought that Louis Gasset, Jr. and Cicely Tyson's characters, were going to be insightful, and be the positive influence the couples needed to rekindle their relationships. What was I thinking? It's a movie things are not supposed to make sense, just entertain.

As I see it, Why Did I Get Married, Too is an entertaining movie that tackles the same issues that couples, in the real world, face daily. It's how we deal with these issues that makes a difference in our lives. In the movies, there is a script that actors follow; therefore, we should not get ourselves all wrapped up in their on screen lives. If you see yourself or your relationship in any of these couples, get some help. I give "Why Did I Get Married, Too two and half blinks.

Celebrity Reality - Take Over

ASSI - Are celebrities taking over scripted reality shows? Is this merely another lucrative acting gig for them? What segment of their shows are unscripted by them or the network? Although I watch many of the scripted reality shows, I do miss well written and acted situational comedies and dramas, and with the a new crop of shows scheduled. I am curious to see what captures my attention. I really liked the family Crews that airs on BET, the finale aired this week, it is one of the few reality shows that I actually like. It has the flavor of the Cosby and Bernie Mac show. Terry Crews, plays the father on "Everybody Hates Chris", he is a handsome man, to me, and one who loves his wife and five children. The baby and only son, Isiah is three but acts like he is five, and is smart, insightful, and cute. I would love to see a second season of The Family Crews and BET should negotiate for more episodes per season.

I also hope to see another season of ":Let's Talk About Pep" that aired on VHI, starring Pep (Sandy Denton) from Salt-N-Pepper rap duo, "Let's Talk About Pep" was the Black version of Sex in the City, Sandy (PeP) and three of girlfriends get together once a week to dish about their dates, and other outings that happened since their last meeting. It might even remind you of the show "Girlfriends." The cast of women include, Jacque Reed from BET nightly news; Joumana Kidd, former wife of NBA player Jason Kidd, and Kittie who is the around the way girl, the Kim Catrel of the group. I did look forward to seeing that show every week and just when it was getting good it was over. I was a little over hearing every week that Pep still had her four years, she felt a need to inform was weekly that she has not had sex in four years. Jacque is looking to have a baby, has never had an orgasm, and has a man check list. It seems that there was much missing in Joumana's marriage due to the fact that she is a recent divorcee, who was interested in finding a hot body to replace the cold one, and Kittie was looking for someone with a higher freak meter than hers but when she meets her match, she couldn't handle it. She broke the girlfriend code and brought the drama. "Let's Talk About Pep" was an entertaining show that I enjoyed watching, I am looking forward to the next season.

"Lisa Raye the Real McCoy" aired Thursday night at 9:00 pm on TVOne, it was a double header two episodes in one night. I am happy that Lisa Raye is back to business, focused on her career, and doing whatever to get that paper. Lisa revealed that White is her signature color and she wears it well. What's up with all the flamboyant stylist on these shows, most of them look a hot mess, but are trusted and revered by their celebrity clients. How and where do they meet these people? Why is it that a gay man can dress a woman, seemingly, better than a woman. Are there any lesbian women dressing men? According to Lisa Raye, she has a Rolls Royce that her former husband, Michael Eugene Misick gave her as a gift, but she is paying the $9,000.00 a month note. Attention ladies, Lisa Raye married her husband a month after meeting him, and within two years everything fell apart. It seems that his representative misrepresented him, made him out to be someone that he wasn't, and now she is fighting to settle the financial terms of her divorce. She is an extremely overly affectionate mother who loves-up on her daughter, with lots and lots of kisses, initially it caught me off guard, it felt a little incestuous, but I understand the unconditional love a mother has for her child. However, it is classic "It is not what you do but how you do it" situations.

Tiny and Toya are back for another season, premiering Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at 10:00 pm on BET...from the promos airing it looks like Tiny has finally opened her nail salon or will open it during the season, she has owned the shop for over a year, but had not been proactive regarding getting it open, she had other priorities to deal with, TI who is her significant other and Rap star and father of one or two of her children was top priority, last season he went to prison for attempting to purchase fire arms from an under cover cop. With TI temporarily out of the way she can focus on other ventures like her music and shop, I am sure when he returns things will be all about TI. It appears that Tiny made herself over during his absence. Hopefully he will like the changes. We will see Toya come into her own, according to the highlights she styled the young girl group that Tiny put together, and maybe we will learn what became of Toya's meeting with a publisher, she was interested in writing a book. It seems that family is big to these Southern Black Belles, I am hopeful that Toya made a difference in her mother's life, perhaps the mother entered rehab for her drug addiction, and just maybe we will learn if Toya is still dating that football player she went out with last season. I did see them at the BET Awards show together. I will probably catch the second run of the show, BET will air it a couple of times a day, and have a marathon leading to the final episode.

Brandy and Ray J, the sister and brother, acting and singing team are allowing the cameras into their lives, so that the public can better understand their family ties. Their show "A Family Business" can be seen on VHI on Sunday at 9:00 pm. I am unsure if this one is going to hold my attention, I am already a little bias toward the mother, I think she is a bit brash, cold, and down right rude. An over bearing mother with nothing to do but try and control the lives of her children. I am unsure if it is her camera persona or the way she really is, and the father seems to be a down-to-earth fun-loving-guy who has lots of patience.

What is Chili from TLC on? Have you seen the promos for her new show? "What Chili Wants" that airs on VHI on Sunday at 10:03 pm. She is looking for The One but her criterion list seems a little unrealistic but obtainable if that's what she really wants. According to Chili, the man must be gorgeous, sensitive, charming, love God, love her son, love her mother, and cannot drink or smoke, or eat pork. To help her find a man that completes the check list. She hires, Tionna Tee Smalls, author of "Girl, Get Your Mind Right" a no nonsense young woman from Brooklyn, New York to guide her to The One. However, to Chili, she is not understanding why she is unable to find love. She is a talented and attractive woman, who is handling her own, so why is it difficult for her to seal the deal? Is she really looking for love or is this just an avenue to make some revenue? Rarely does any of the men or women who are so call looking for love find it, but they seem to have a good time on during the journey. It is not for everyone but for those who subscribe to dating different men and women at the expense of a network, have a producer plan excursions, dates, and outings with handsome men and women all vying for your attention, have a stylist dress you in the finest designer wear, eat at the best restaurants, live life to the fullest on camera for thirty to forty five days, and receive a pay check for doing so? All I have to say is, "Sweet!"

Shauni O'Neal, the soon to be ex wife of NBA, Player Shaquel O'Neal, developed a show for VHI titled what else, "Basketball Wives" what will viewers learn from the scripted show, I don't know, but I am sure to tune in to see what I am not missing. It airs on Sunday at 10:00 pm.

An Unsual Case

ASSI - Case 39 is without a release date in the United States. It premiered on August 13, 2009 in New Zealand and opened to rave reviews. This is a must see movie, it is filled with suspense, the cast (Renee Zellwiger, Bradly Cooper, and Jodell Ferland) were convincing, and it is a surprising thriller that will defiantly keep your attention. I saw this movie last evening and was pleasantly surprised. Case 39 started out innocently, I wondered where it was going, and then it went there and didn't stop until the very end. This movie was well written, directed, and cast perfectly each actor assumed the role of their characters. This movie will spawn conversation, it is truly a date night movie, a day out with the girls, or you can go with yourself. As I see it, whatever you do see Case 39 on the big screen, it is worthy of the price of a movie ticket, and is more than a movie it is an experience. I give Case 39 four blinks.