I have a degree in Biomedical Engineering and Psychology from Northwestern University. I finished medical school and completed my M.D. at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. I am currently in my residency for surgery- hopefully to be specializing in neurosurgery.
I want to answer questions on medical type questions. I'm a big fan of Dr. Drew Pinsky on Love Line and would like to help younger people from the mistakes I see a lot of young people do when they come into my ER.
Gender: Male
Location: I'm from all over.
Occupation: Physician- Surgeon
Age: 29
AIM: ArunKSherma
Member Since: January 23, 2005
Answers: 188
Last Update: January 2, 2009
Visitors: 18501
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Melanie4981
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Today my parents made me go to the doctor because I didn't eat for a week and a half. Everyone there kept asking me weird questions. I feel fine. I've felt fine. Yet they expected me to feel really sick and weak. No, I'm strong. What is not eating for a week and a half "supposed to do to you" anyway? Am I missing something? (link)
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Starvation diets where one doesn't eat for a week or even more than three days can be very harmful, but your body does adapt to it, but it is not recommended.
Initially, when your body goes into starvation mode, it burns off fuel in your liver called glycogen which can only last about a day. Eventually, the body starts to turn fat into energy for your body to use, however there are certain parts of your body that cannot use the fuel converted from fat- the most important being from the brain. Other sources of fuel comes from protein- which the brain can use and the body may start going into what is called metabolic ketoacidosis (most commonly seen in diabetics who go into diabetic ketoacidosis). Eventually if this starvation continues, a person starts to lose a lot of muscle mass, because the brain needs the fuel to keep functioning.
More importantly though is that from the starvation you're missing a lot of the important vitamins and minerals needed for the body to sustain life. For example- potassium is needed to regulate normal heart beat conduction, along with calcium. Magnesium is important for the heart, muscle (including the ones in the heart) and in my area- seizure prevention.
Your body after 2-3 days doesn't feel hungry anymore, because your brain shuts off this part of your conscious, but it is still important to eat. I hope this helps.
-AK
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what does viagra mean?? (link)
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VIagra is the tradename for Sildenafil Citrate- which is a cGMP specific phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, which allows a male (and theoretically females) to achieve erections (yes- females do have erections- but not the type you think). Funny thing, is that when they first were testing this drug- it was initially being tested as a heart drug to help arteries in the heart become bigger- but then they noticed a weird (and very profitable) side effect.
-AK
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i didn`t know where to put this question, but i`m really concerned right now so i guess that doesnt matter. ok so, i`ve had a lump kind of thing "down there" like kind of near my leg, but closer to my .. yeah you know. so i told my mom about it & she felt it & said its probably a cist, everyone gets them. i get cists in my ovaries, & a lot of people get those too (i didnt know if that has anything to do with this bt it might.) i've had this lump since the beginning of the school year, & now its turned into like a big zit. & its kind of a purplish color. i popped it today & blood came out but it just turned back into a big zit again. i know i should get it checked out by the doctor. but if its just something that will go away then i don`t want to worry about it. any ideas on whats wrong with me!? (link)
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It sounds like what you have is called an abscess. An abscess is when bacteria gets from your skin into the underlying tissue where it grows and makes a "pus" pocket. Depending on the size and symptoms, the usual treatment is to incise and drain the abscess and then a short course of antibiotics. Antibiotics alone doesn't help b/c the antibiotics can't get to the bacteria b/c its walled off from the blood vessels that carry the drugs to the pocket.
Often if it is small, a small sterile needle can be used to drain the pocket and then a small course of antibiotics can be used. If bigger, it may need a longer incision- some sterile packing- to keep the pocket open (if it closes then it'll stop draining and then the pus pocket will regrow) and then course of antibiotics and then the pocket will close from the bottom up without a problem.
It happens a lot to a lot of people. It is not anything to worry about.
FYI: A cyst is usually a more solid membrane (ie solid membrane) filled pocket- which can be surgically removed whole, which an abscess cannot.
Yours,
AK
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okay.. if someone was pregnant and within the first couple of weeks of being pregnant fell down the steps or something and had a miscarriage, would the baby/fetus still have to be removed? ill rate 5s. (link)
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There are several types of miscarriage- including complete, incomplete etc. Most miscarriages that come naturally (ie not from trauma) are expelled by the bodies own mechanism (menstruation), however, many times when trauma happens and the fetus is no longer viable- the OBGYN may decide that the best action may be to do a D + C (Dilation and Curretage). In this procedure- the OBGYN dilates the cervix to get access to the uterine cavity. Then using a "scraper" like device thoroughly cleans out the uterine cavity. The body usually does not have the hormones to cause a natural menstruation because the body still thinks that there is a fetus.
There are many reasons to get this done but the most important is the possibility of a gestational tumor. Cancer cells are nothing more than irregular cells that have lost the ability to stop dividing. The fetus in a way is like a tumor because it has the ability to keep growing and dividing causing many other problems. Also, a D + C would be necessary to do if this person wants to get pregnant again (but after some time, not right away).
The best thing to do is to go to the OBGYN, tell him/her what happened, have a test done (depending how many weeks along either an ultrasound or hormone level test), and discuss options.
Take care,
AK
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Hey guys, if you have taken ECP(day after pills) please help me out! if you haven't and know alot about it, that works too :o) I had sex with a guy like on the 2nd of January and the condom broke. I went two days after to get ECP and I took it about 48 hours after we had had sex. About 3 days after that I bled for like... maybe a day? It was kinda like having my period but it was very short. The weird thing is that im supposed to get my period at the end of every month, my last period was december 29th ish? soo if that WAS it, it came like, 25 days early! Also, the package says that you have irregular bleeding? could that be it? or was it my period? thanks soo much! btw, Im 16 if that helps any? (link)
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The emergency contraception pill is a combination of progesterone and estrogen. The purpose of it is to simulate your endometrial tissue (the layer that lines your uterus that is expelled during your period) to start shedding. This way, if you were pregnant, the egg would not have a place to embed itself. It functions by making you have a period. Since the hormones do disrupt your regular cycle, you may experience breakthrough bleeding and irregular bleeding which is normal for a month or two. If it continues then you must see your OBGYN to try to regulate your period (usually with the use of a oral contraception pill).
Take care.
AK
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I got a muscle spasm in my leg. >__< Is there anything I can do to make it stop hurting? (link)
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It depends on where the muscle is and if it is made worse by exercise. If it is a typical muscle spasm, the best way to get rid of it is just doing some simple stretching exercises. If it is a chronic thing that happens- you may not be getting a lot of calcium in your diet (people with less calcium often get muscle spasms). You may try that. If it is persisent you may need to get some muscle relaxors, which you would have to get from your physician.
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hi. i am 15 years old and have not got my first period...my boyfriend wants to have sex...but idk what would happen...is that horribly bad if i havent got my first period yet
PLEASE help i rate 5s!
despretly confuxed (link)
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I am not going to comment on if you should or should not have relations, but I will help with the medical aspect of your period.
Usually, when someone doesn't have their period yet it is what physicians called primary amenorrhea (no period- secondary amenorrhea means that you've had it but it stopped again). Most times it is not a concern until a patient reaches the age of 16. It is at this time, we will do hormone tests to make sure that there is no underlying problem going on. You would need a full physical exam, where the doctor would also examine to see if you have secondary sexual characteristics- enlargement of breasts, pubic hair etc.
If you are really concerned- I would bring it up with your primary physician who then can talk to your parents about seeing an OBGYN or an endocrinologist (probably after drawing a few blood tests). It is not something to be worried about, because usually if there is something wrong, the answer is birth control pills which are nothing more than hormones to help regulate your system.
Best of luck.
AK
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I cut myself and i want to stop!! How can i make myself stop??
Will rate (link)
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I have worked with a lot of "cutters" and the most of the time the reason for cutting is to gain control. Often there is an inner pain, whether conscious or subconscious, thta they are not able to control so they cut themselves b/c that is a pain that they are able to control. Sometimes they need to make themselves feel something physical for some mental anguish that they may be going through. It is often not a sign that a person wants to committ suicide (we don't admit cutters to the psych ward), but it is a sign of something inside that needs to be explored and corrected. The best way to do this is to contact your school's psychological services (if you're in college) or to see a guidance counselor/nurse (if you're in secondary school). There are also hotlines that you can call if you want to get help. The best place to start is to call the local Children's Hospital (less than 18yo). Or you can call the United Way Helpline who may help you a bit more: 18002334357.
Best of luck.
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this guy i knew from a long time know...doesnt get the message that i dont like him anymore..we were together for 3 months but i dont have any feeling for him anymore and he keeps wanting to be with me.
idont know what to do?
i already told him that i dont like him and to leave me alone but he just wont. (link)
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There are several avenues that you can take to make your requests a bit more serious, so that this person will be more scared. It all depends on your age and exactly how far you want to go with it. I am an older person, so I know that many times if the person is harassing another person- one can file for a restraining order against that person. The person would then be afraid to get arrested if they come near you or try to contact you. If you're younger (ie in school) you can if it gets very bothersome go to the school's administration and then they can call for a conference with you, your parents, his parents and him. Of course, it may not need to go this far if you tell him if the harassment continues that you will take this to the administration. If you're afraid for your life, you have to tell your parents and the administration/police (if you're older) sooner.
This is a very difficult situation, but after you have told him nicely to leave you alone, and he continues to harass you then you will have to step it up a little bit. I'm sorry to hear that it has gotten to this level. If you need anymore help- do not hesitate contacting me.
Yours,
AK
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hi i just want to know that can we have sex during pregnancy, if yes then till which month,
or if no then why.
please answer me.
(link)
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You are able to have intercourse until the birth of your child. Actually it has been shown to be beneficial towards the end of the end of the pregnancy. Semen has a substance called prostaglandins which can cause a ripening of the cervix (getting it ready for birth) and can help with contractions of the uterus, which can facilitate the birthing process. We often tell women who are post-dates to engage in sexual activity because it may bring about labor without doctors inducing it unnaturally.
Then of course, continuing intercourse just brings your relationship with your partner even closer during this time. Sometimes women feel unattractive during this time or undesirable, and this can re-inforce the love. Personally, I don't think there is anything more beautiful than a woman carrying one's child.
Good luck and may this pregnancy bring you a happy and healthy child.
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Ok well here's my problem, my mom is like super christian and I think I wanna follow by the rules of buddah and I want to be boodist! but I still belive in god! I dunno what one to choose. And plus if I do decide to become budist I dont wanna tell my mom! I dont know what to Do! arg! help! (link)
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This is a very interesting question, which can bring some conflicts. First of all, much like Jesus was jewish before Christianity became "official", Buddha was hindu before buddhism became a faith.
The rules of Buddha and some of the rules of Christianity are very similar (love your brothers, help the poor and sick, etc.), which is something that your mom will understand. The only major differences is that Buddhism may be a little less restrictive (which you will learn when you study it), and will open your eyes to many things. Instead of just instantly becoming Buddhist, you should read up on the subject and compare it with Christianity. When you make your decision, you can sit down with your mom and have a discussion with her about how you feel about it. Most towns, however, don't have a temple where you can worship, but Buddhism doesn't require that you go to a temple to worship- jsut that you spend some time to meditate, which can be done anywhere.
You can still go and do Christian things without feeling that you're being a hypocrite, because you're being faithful to your family, which Buddhism also teaches. There is a God in Buddhism, much like Jesus and God are supposed to technically two "different" entities. Do whatever you think will bring you peace and joy.
Good luck on your spiritual awakening- wherever it may take you.
Yours,
ARun
" Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense. " - Buddha
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I recently was told by a doctor I have an eating disorder. I'm 5'7", and weight 105 lbs. She said I am still growing and should weigh about 125. I haven't had my period for like 7 months!! I told my doctor that too. But, the thing is, I didn't start losing weight until November. My mom's gonna take me to a nutritionist soon to tell me how I should be eating. But I'm scared I messed up my body & will never get my period back, or that I caused my breasts to never grow again. Could I have caused those 2 things? PLEASE be HONEST! Thanks (link)
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You are suffering from what is called secondary amennorhea (which means you haven't had your period in greater than 6 mos but you do have a period). A lot of people who have anorexia (by defn includes amenorrhea), are below or at 85% of their ideal body weight. This is what your doctor is concerned about.
To have regular "pubertal" growth (including menstrual periods and development of secondary sex characteristics (ie hair, breasts), you need to have a certain percentage of body fat (often between 16-24%). It is often seen that people with low body fat have hormonal problems (athletes esp). The hormones that are responsible for development are steroid hormones which are produced from cholesterol, which as you know, is a fat.
So, your doctor is just concerned that you don't have enough fat and weight to have a normal pubertal/hormonal response to growing. It is important that you eat properly and a good blend of foods that give you all the nutrition that you need. When you get to a more appropriate weight and body fat content- your periods will come back and the development of your secondary sexual characteristics. If it continues though, it may be beneficial to go to the doctor and be put on an estrogen/progesterone supplement (ie oral contraceptives) to help give you a regular period.
Best of luck.
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so a few weeks ago i started a new diet. i'm just eating healthier; more fruit, vegetables and healthier alternatives to food i used to eat. but ever since i started i've been having to go to the bathroom alot more. is this normal? will my body eventually get used to this new food? (link)
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Good for you! I know others have already told youthis but vegetables and fruit have a lot of cellulose (fiber), which the body cannot digest and therefore it stays in your colon and is great because it cleans you out. You're getting a great amount of fiber as long as it is not causing loose bowel movements, and if it does that is normal too for a while. You're preventing a lot of future problems due to something called diverticulitis (when it's bad it can cause an obstruction, perforation, which means that the surgeons would have to go in and take out your colon). Plus other health benefits.
Keep up the good work!
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Hey! If You have a favorite quote, or an inspiring something to share: please do!
I'll rate all 5's! Promice:)
-*KeLs*- (link)
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I printed this one in large letters and placed it over my door, so I read it every day when I leave.
" Hasta La Victoria Siempe"- Ernesto "Che" Guevara. (Until victory always- struggle until victory forever).
Later
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I was wondering if anyone could give me a small list, or even the biggest one you have of anti-depressents aside from Paxil, and Zoloft, I've been on those and they don't seem to help, so maybe anyone who knows of one thats worth a try. I'll rate 5 foe those who try, even if you only have 1 listed.
(link)
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As you are aware of- antidepressants come in different classes: I've included some below...
Serotonin Selective Reuptake Inhibitors
Celexa
Lexapro
Prozac
Paxil
Zolaft
Symbyax
Tricyclic Antidepressants
1. Amitriptyline
2. Anafranil
3. Aventyl
4. LimbitrolVivactil
Triavil
Tofranil
And then finally teh Monoxidase Inhibitors
1. Nardil
2. Parnate
Others
1. Effexor (very effective)
Ludiomil
Nefazodone.
Wellbutrin
There's a lot but you know that your doctor will find the right one for you. There are side effects with a lot of them, so you have to "experiment". Although, I would ask about Wellbutrin (doesn't have the sexual side effects like some of the SSRI's- however increases risk of seizure if you have a condition of seizures) or Effexor, which I have seen to be very effective.
Best of luck,
Arun
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Hi, I'm not really sure what category to put this under so i'm going to go for this one!!
Well, first of all I have a really good friend that I've known since 1st grade! It is currently my senior year. We've continued to be best friends over the years, and we are talking about going to college together. Well my friend has cystic fibrosis. I've known this since as long as I can remember, but I've never actually taken the time to look into it. My friend seems to be really healthy, and you would never be able to tell she has this disease by looking at her. She stays really active (she plays volleyball and she is a cheerleader) and has dreams of becoming a singer. She has even started working on devoloping a record! :) I'm so proud of her strength and her drive. But I guess what I'm trying to get at is how will CF effect her future? I also heard that people with CF generally die at fairly young ages... this is something that really scares me. If anyone has any additional information I would REALLY appreciate it!
Lots of Love,
Ashley (link)
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I have learned more about CF in the last couple of weeks then I think I would have. I've been working with CF kids as part of my pediatric rotation.
CF is a terrible disease where there is a deficit in a chloride channel which is autosomal recessive genetic disease. The problem occurs that pretty much any part of the body that has a "tube" related to it gets involved. The most dangerous or critical portion that gets affected is the lungs. The lungs are not able to clear all the mucous that "normal" people do. They get stuck with a lot of bacteria that generally we can clear but they can't. This causes them a lot of respiratory distress. There are other problems that arise from this disease, many become diabetic, they can't absorb many nutrients b/c the pancreas doesn't work properly. There are a lot of things going on too.
The average life expectancy is shortened by CF however that doesn't mean that they can't live full lives. They can now live into their 40's if they stay healthy. The best thing that you can do is just be supportive with her and if you want to get involved in the fight for a cure you can do a lot of things. My friends and I held a date auction which raised over a thousand dollars for CF. You can get involved in research if you like through the CHildren's Hospital or you can even volunteer at the CHildren's hospital.
YOu can find a lot of information on CF at www.cff.org
Breathe Easy. Cure Cystic Fibrosis. are those rubber bracelets that you can get to bring awareness and money for this cause.
Best of luck,
Arun
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My mum told me today that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She will have to have an operation and go through radiotherapy. I'm so worried- she will have to be in hospital for 4 days then go once every day. I'd be thankful for any information about the symtoms of radiotherapy and cancer, ways to make her feel better about it and any other things that would be useful. Thank you. (link)
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My mom had breast cancer 3 times. The first time they just took the lump out and then used radiation. The second time, they took out more of her breast and the lymph nodes in the armpit. The third time she had a full mastectomy on her left breast + chemotherapy.
Your mom is going to be fine- the reason for the long hospital stay is just to make sure that she has recovered from the actual operation and start the radiotherapy. Nowadays the radiation is very focusedx on the breast and doesn't get to the other places around that (arm, other side of the chest etc.). She may feel very tired after the radiation and then her skin might become like it is very "sun-burned" like. Cancer is a horrible disease that can be caused by a lot of things, but in general cancer is when cells grow uncontrollably but are not functional tissue. The most that you can do for your mom that she would love is to show her that you love her. Be with her, rent movies and watch together, take her out to coffee and be the best child that you can be.
Together you can get through this and feel that you've really bonded.
Best of luck to you and your mom.
-Arun
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im REALLY tiny, only 5'1 and 120 lbs. i have HUGE boobs, and they keep getting bigger. im a size 34 DD, and i cant even buy a shaped cup bra cause they dont even fit. my bra rides up my back from my boobs pulling down on it. theyre so big that i have to wear two bras just to keep them up. i dont even know where i can find a bra that will work for me, because the cups kinda cut thru my boobs and give me "bubble boob." im a size 5, and i had to buy a size 12 formal dress just to fit my boobs, and it was WAY too big. my boobs pop open the buttons on button up shirts. SERIOUSLY i know this is a dumb question but what the hell can i do? (link)
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It does sound a little suspect about the growth of your breast tissue. The first questions that I would have to ask is if your mom or other female family members also have large breasts. There is a huge genetic factor that could be the cause of it. Also, depending on your age, there may be a hormonal imbalance that is causing you an over-acceleration of breast tissue. Before going to a plastic surgeon for a breast reduction- i would see your physician about getting some hormone levels measured. There might be something else going on. And if there isn't then breast reduction is a viable option however most plastic surgeons won't do that until you've "stopped" growing.
Best of luck,
Arun
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I think I may have a blatter infection. This may sound gross, if it does, I'm sorry. Alot of times whenever I need to use the restroom, I feel like I need to REALLY bad. I try to go, but only a very little comes out and then I get this sharp pain near my blatter and it hurts really bad. When I wipe myself, it looks as if I was bleeding a little down there and I'm not due to get my period for another few weeks. I've been drinking so many liquids all day to try to make myself go to the bathroom, but it just makes it even worse because I still can't go! I'm going to be making an appointment with my doctor to see what the problem may be but in the mean time, I just need a heads up on what might be wrong with me. Can anyone help? I'm a 15 year old female. (link)
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It may be a Urinary Tract Infection, which does not mean that it necessarily means that your bladder is infected. There are other ways that they may come up with the diagnosis. You are expressing urgency and dysuria which are typical of urinary tract infections. You may also have the symptoms that it burns when you urinate + you may feel that you get a fever (esp true of very young infants). We get really concerned when there is abdominal pain and it is on yoru side and radiates toward your back.
Depending on hwo you look the doctor may just treat you with an antibiotic (Flagyl) x 14 days. The doctor may if he thinks it is right may want to get a urine culture + analysis to see fi there is any bacteria in your "bladder". The best way to get this sample is through a catheter which is placed directly into your bladder, but you may not need this. The doctor may also depending on if you're sexually active or not, may test for other bacteria that may not be standard.
Best of luck,
Arun
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I was at my friend's house the other day and we decided to make him pass out. Then i wanted to try it just to see how it felt. So i hyper-venalated myself, held my breath, and let him pick me up with my arms crossed at my chest. Before i knew it i woke up and was on the floor. Everyone was staring at me and i didn't remember anything but it was really cool. I did it about 12 more times. Is there a health risk when you do this? Can it cause serious damage to your brain or anything?? (link)
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You can cause serious damage to your brain if you keep doing this. THe passing out mechanism is a way for the brain to get more oxygen rich blood to it. THe heart doesn't have to pump against gravity when you're flat on your back, so the brain can get the blood that it needs. However, nerve cells are very sensitive to lack of oxygen and do die quick. That is the reason why CPR is so crucial to be started right away when a person's heart stops. They die in less than 5 minutes when there isn't oxygen.
-Arun
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