Health

Experiencing a single miscarriage can be upsetting, but experiencing several miscarriages can be traumatic and demoralizing. Luckily, experts at Noble Fertility Center use state-of-art technology to determine the underlying cause of your New York recurrent miscarriage and create a personalized care plan to help you achieve your family goals. Recurrent miscarriages should not make you give up on having your bundle of joy when there are experts who can help you.

Can you have a healthy pregnancy after several miscarriages?

If you have had three or more miscarriages consecutively, your condition is known as recurrent miscarriages. Most of the women who have experienced recurrent miscarriages have a chance of delivering their baby the next time they conceive. This is possible even without a diagnosis of the root cause of the recurrent miscarriages.

What causes recurrent miscarriage?

Several factors may contribute to recurrent miscarriages, and in some cases, your doctor may not be able to identify the root cause. Your recurrent miscarriages may be due to genetic issues, cervix or uterus problems, and a blood clotting disorder. Dr. Chang may conduct thorough tests to rule out the following medical conditions.

• Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)

Antiphospholipid syndrome refers to a disorder that develops when your immune system erroneously produces antibodies that increase the clotting ability of your blood. Abnormal clotting can cause pregnancy complications that may eventually cause a miscarriage. Dr. Chang diagnoses APS by measuring your antiphospholipid levels. In most recurrent miscarriages, it is always about 15-20%.

• Genetic problems

You and your partner may possess a genetic trait that may not be a medical issue until your infant inherits it. Medical experts claim that chromosomal problems cause 2-5% of recurrent miscarriages.

• Advancing age

The chances of experiencing a miscarriage increase with age. After turning 35 years old, the quality and quantity of your eggs start declining. The age of the paternal parent is also a vital factor to consider. These factors can affect the fertilization process leading to a chromosomal abnormality. This increases the chances of recurrent miscarriages.

• Thrombophilia

Thrombophilia has a higher likelihood of increasing the risk of blood clotting as compared to APS.

•  Uterine or cervical problems

Weakness in your cervix or uterine abnormality may also increase your risk of recurrent miscarriages.

• Polycystic ovaries and hormone imbalance

Polycystic ovary symptom is a reproduction disorder that causes hormonal imbalance due to excessive androgens. Hormonal imbalance can interfere with pregnancy causing recurrent miscarriages.

How can your doctor detect the underlying cause of recurrent miscarriages?

During your appointment at Noble Fertility Center, Dr. Chang may conduct an ultrasound, chromosomal analysis, and order blood work to determine the root cause of your miscarriages. The team at the facility uses cutting-edge diagnostic tools to provide accurate diagnoses. After selecting the cause of your miscarriages, they may educate you on the available treatment options and recommend the most effective.

If you are experiencing recurrent miscarriages, do not hesitate to contact the Noble Fertility Center office or schedule an online appointment for consultation and diagnosis.

Psychiatry is a field in medicine that involves the study, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions. Mental health conditions are very common and have affected many people worldwide. The facility for psychiatry in Glendale, AZ, offers treatments that help manage your mental health condition. Finding a solution for your mental disorders can help improve your overall health. We will look at things you need to know about psychiatry.

What is psychiatry?

Psychiatry focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing behavioral, emotional, and mental disorders. A psychiatrist is a doctor who specializes in mental health conditions. People seek psychiatric help for some reasons like thoughts of suicide, panic attacks, hallucinations, hearing voices, anxiousness, or feelings of sadness.

Diagnosing

Mental suffering is not similar to other forms of illness. When the body gets sick, it affects the body. But when your mind is sick, it affects every part that makes you whole. Mental illness comes with negative feelings that dig deep into your sense of fear, helplessness, and loneliness. Psychiatrists need to do some tests to find a solution for these conditions.

Psychiatrists perform full psychological and laboratory tests after discussing the patient’s physical and mental state. They understand the relationship between medical and emotional illness and relationships with genetics, which helps them diagnose and come up with treatment plans for their patients.

Treatments used by psychiatrists

They use various treatments, such as psychotherapy, psychosocial treatments, and medications. Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, involves a talking relationship between the patient and the therapist. It treats a wide variety of mental and emotional disorders. Its main goal is to control and eliminate the extent of the problem. You will need a few sessions within two weeks. Psychotherapy can be done as a couple, family, or individually.

Many medications are used the same way to treat conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. After completing exams, your psychiatrist will prescribe some medications that specifically treat mental disorders. If you are on long-term medication, you will have to periodically meet with your psychiatrist to monitor your progress and note if there is a need to change your medication if the previous one is ineffective.

Mental disorders that require psychiatric care

Depression

Depression is one of the very common conditions that cause disability worldwide. It is caused by sadness, loss of interest, guilt, or poor concentration. Depression can be long-lasting, affecting your ability to function well and cope with daily life.

Dementia

Dementia causes deterioration in the ability to process thoughts. It affects thinking, learning capacity, memory, and judgment. It is caused by various diseases and injuries affecting the brain, like stroke.

Bipolar disorder

This disorder consists of depressive and manic episodes. Manic episodes involve rapid speech, decreased need for sleep, and over-activity. If you have panic attacks and don’t experience depressive episodes, you are said to have bipolar disorder.

Your mental health is as important as your overall health. If you feel like you have a mental problem, make sure you see a psychiatrist to avoid suicidal thoughts. At the 2nd chance treatment center, we offer the best psychiatry care to our patients to help them manage both mental and emotional health. Contact us today and book an appointment.

Sweating is normal and good for your overall well-being. However,  sweating excessively should not be taken normally. Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating mainly due to an overactive sweat gland. The Plainview hyperhidrosis specialists evaluate and assess the situation to find a treatment option for the condition. The exact cause of excessive sweating is not known but mainly occurs due to stress. But certain common factors can also contribute to the condition, and understanding them is a step towards finding the right way to manage your condition. You might be sweating excessively due to the following reasons.

Medication Effect

Some medicines and drugs can cause excessive sweating. Therefore, it is crucial to speak about your medications during your initial consultation, especially if you are under treatment for a psychiatric condition or blood pressure. Your provider might prescribe another alternative medicine with less sweating effect.

Injury or Infection

Hyperhidrosis can result from certain infections or injuries. Abscess, bone infection, HIV, and tuberculosis are some of the infections commonly known to cause excessive sweating. Some cancer types like malignant and lymphoma tumors can also trigger excessive sweating. Also, you could sweat excessively if you experience spinal cord injuries.

Heart Attack

Excessive sweating is one of the main factors that prompt the need to seek medical attention for a heart attack. When you suddenly experience excessive sweating, you might be experiencing a heart attack, and you should seek immediate help. A heart attack will occur when the blood supply nourishing your heart is cut off and may also cause a flight response to your nervous system, which could cause hot flashes or excessive sweating.

Obesity

If you are obese or generally have a BMI of over 30, it could be leading to your condition. Obesity could cause you to sweat due to several reasons. Remember that you have to physically exert yourself when performing even simple daily tasks, probably overheating you. Also, your surface area is low in weight when you are obese, instigating your body to overwork to cool itself down. It will result in more sweating.

Diabetes

You could sweat more if you have diabetes. Remember that diabetes affects how the body utilizes blood glucose or sugar, resulting in low levels. Low blood sugar levels might prompt a flight response in your nervous system, which triggers the release of certain hormones, including adrenaline responsible for excessive sweating. Additionally, enduring prolonged low blood sugars can cause nerve damage, including those that control the sweat glands.

Hyperthyroidism

This is a condition where your body produces more hormone thyroxine responsible for regulating your heart rate, body temperature, and metabolism. Interrupting the normal levels of hormones in your body can result in excessive sweating. If this condition is causing your excessive sweating, you will probably experience other symptoms like fatigue, sudden weight loss, heart palpitations, heat intolerance, menstrual changes, or tremors.

Menopause

Women in menopause have greater chances of developing hyperhidrosis than young women. One of the common side effects of menopause is hot flashes which cause excessive sweating. But this can also occur during the perimenopause phase. The hormonal fluctuations during menopause cause warm feelings, which results in sweating.

Everyone sweats, but excessive sweating means something is not right somewhere. You can contact the MDCS: Dermatology Medical Cosmetic & Surgical Specialists today for help. Your dermatologist will evaluate your sweating to help you understand why it is occurring. It becomes easier to treat the condition with understanding the underlying cause. Book your appointment online for directions.

Gastrointestinal surgery is one of the most common procedures for humans. Many gastrointestinal surgeries are performed on different digestive tract areas, including the lips, esophagus, stomach, small intestines, large intestines, rectum, and anus. Digestive system disorders that can be corrected by gastrointestinal surgery include cancer, blockage or obstruction of the intestine, gallstones, and ulcers. Anesthesia is typically used during gastrointestinal surgeries. If you have a condition that requires gastrointestinal surgery, you need to ensure that you get it done by a doctor specializing in gastrointestinal surgery in Sebring. Here are some conditions you can get relief from with gastrointestinal surgery.

Stomach Ulcers

Stomach ulcers are the most common reason for gastrointestinal surgery. These ulcers can occur anywhere in the stomach, but they are most commonly found at the junction of the stomach and small intestine (duodenum) or the pyloric sphincter. A doctor may use an endoscope to find out whether there is any damage to the stomach lining. Other tests include a breath test, x-rays, electrocardiogram, and blood tests. The doctor will recommend the proper treatment depending on the severity of the ulcer.

Stomach Cancer

Cancers of the stomach are classified as adenocarcinomas, lymphomas, and sarcomas. They originate from the cells that secrete hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes. The early stages of these cancers do not have any symptoms. If a doctor suspects cancer, they will recommend tests such as computed tomography (CT), barium swallow, ultrasound, and endoscopy. If cancer is detected, the doctor will suggest surgery to remove part or all of the stomach.

Hernias

Hernias are caused by the protrusion of contents from a weak spot in the abdomen wall. These bulges can occur anywhere, but they’re most common in areas where ligaments and tissues supporting internal organs (such as bowels and blood vessels) weaken. Surgery is required to repair the hernia and prevent a recurrence.

GI Cancers

A doctor will recommend surgery to treat GI cancers depending on the location, severity of symptoms, and type. The abdominal cavity is opened up during the surgery. If cancer has spread to other parts of the body, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may also be required after the surgery.

Polyps

Polyps are non-cancerous growths that grow on the lining of the intestines. They are rounded and bumpy and can get infected or turn cancerous if not removed during surgery. The doctor may recommend a biopsy to determine the cause of polyps. Some polyps require removal, while others do not need any treatment.

GI Tract Blockages

A blockage in the intestines can cause serious problems, which is why it’s crucial to get treated right away. A doctor will recommend a treatment plan depending on the type and severity of the blockage. For example, if a patient has swallowed something blocking the intestines, they may need an endoscopy for foreign objects or surgery to remove intestinal obstructions.

In summary, gastrointestinal surgery is a surgery that targets the gastrointestinal system. It can help treat various conditions, including stomach ulcers, stomach cancer, polyps, and other GI cancers. It can also help patients with hernias or blockages in the digestive system. If you need gastrointestinal surgery, make sure you have it done by a specialist to avoid complications.

Sports trauma or teeth grinding contribute significantly to injuries in the cheeks, tongue, and gums. There are various reasons why your dentist may recommend Midtown mouth guards, including night protection from bruxism. However, choosing the right mouth guard can be challenging, especially if you do not know what to look for. Working with your dentist can help you have the ideal device that will suit your unique needs.  

What to consider when selecting a mouth guard

Thanks to their small size, mouth guards can be confusing. You start thinking of the kind that might best suit your unique needs, depending on the size and the specifications. For instance, your healthcare provider might suggest a device that suits your sports or for general purposes. Choosing the right mouth guard entails:

• Select the right fit

Mouth guards come in three types:

• Mouth-adapted mouth guards

Mouth-adapted devices adapt to your mouth’s features. Also referred to as boil-and-bite mouth guards, you will need to immerse the mouth guard in hot water to soften its inner layers before biting on it to create the shape. Thus, they give you the chance to tailor your mouth guard to your perfect fit. Thanks to their adaptability, healthcare providers mostly recommend them to athletes.  

• Ready-made

Also referred to as instant fit mouth guards, the devices do not need adjustments to fit. Thus, you take the guard out of the box and wear them without alterations. Though these types are easy to wear and remove, they can be bulky and less secure.    

• Custom-fit mouth guards

Unlike the other devices, you might need to contact your dentist for fitting. The medical expert will mold the mouth guard to your teeth for an exact fit. 

• Choose a mouth guard that will give you protection and comfort

Do not opt for a device that prompts you to choose between comfort and safety. While assessing the right fit, you might ask yourself questions like:

• Will I breathe and talk comfortably? If the device prevents you from sustaining a conversation or makes it challenging for you to breathe, then it is not your size.
• Does it fit securely? You do not need to bite your teeth to keep a fitting mouth guard in place. Additionally, you should not find it easy to loosen the device with your tongue.
• To what extent does the mouth protection cover? A good mouth guard should protect all your teeth, excluding your back molars. Though the device should cover parts of your gum, it should not overwhelm your jaws or extend far into your mouth as it might result in gagging.

• Ensure the mouth guard has features fitting your sport

Besides the color, size, and type, you should also consider your sport and how you play the game. For instance, a boxer might need a mouth guard with a higher level of protection than a field hockey player. Your healthcare provider might recommend a convertible mouth guard if your sport entails wearing additional gears like a helmet or a brace-compatible mouth guard if you have braces to protect the braces and your teeth.

Contact your dentist for more inquiries about mouth guards. 

Chronic pain can be debilitating, making it challenging to go about your day-to-day life. If medication and other treatments haven’t been successful in reducing your pain, an interventional pain specialist in Eugene, OR, may be able to help. This doctor has specialized training in diagnosing and treating chronic pain with various techniques, including injections and nerve blocks. Here are indicators that you need help from an interventional pain specialist in Eugene, OR.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting millions of people in the U.S. It is a degenerative joint disease that causes pain and loss of joint function. Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint in the body, but it most commonly affects the hands, knees, hips, and spine. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion.

There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but many treatments can help relieve symptoms. These treatments include medications, physical therapy, and surgery. If you are experiencing symptoms of osteoarthritis, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Bursitis

Bursitis is inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints. When bursae develop tiny tears or become clogged with inflammatory cells, it can cause pain and stiffness in the affected joint. 

The most common type of bursitis is known as “heel pain” (also called plantar fasciitis.) This painful condition causes inflammation at the bottom of the foot, where a pad of fat and connective tissue known as the plantar fascia supports your arch. Other types of bursitis include knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, and wrist bursitis.

Treatments to reduce swelling and pain from bursitis include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy. If these treatments don’t help relieve your pain, see your doctor for further diagnosis.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease is one of the most common causes of lower back pain. Over time, normal wear and tear on the spinal discs can lead to deterioration and possible damage to a spinal disc. When a spinal disc bulges or ruptures, it places pressure on nearby nerves. 

If you have degenerative disc disease caused by arthritis, you may experience pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs. Other symptoms include muscle spasms, cramps, and damage to the nerves that travel out of your spine.

Facet Joint Syndrome

Facet joints are located in the spine where the vertebrae meet. They help maintain the stability of the spinal column and allow us to move. When facet joints become inflamed, they can cause radiating pain, stiffness, or tenderness in your upper or lower back. The condition is known as facet joint syndrome.

If you have chronic lower back pain that isn’t relieved by rest or medications, see your doctor to diagnose facet joint syndrome.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a condition that happens when spinal discs start to collapse, and the spine becomes narrow. If the spinal canal gets too little, it can pressure nerves traveling out of your spine. Over time, this pressure can cause pain, numbness, weakness in your legs or arms, and difficulty with bladder control.

If you seek relief from chronic pain that is not alleviated by traditional treatments, an interventional pain specialist may help. These doctors have specialized training in diagnosing and treating chronic pain with various techniques, including injections and nerve blocks. An interventional pain specialist should be your target if you have medical concerns such as osteoarthritis, bursitis, and spinal stenosis.

When you visit a spa or dermatologist, you will likely hear about tattoo services. One of the services you will hear about in a modern-day spa-like Florida Lakes Spa is microblading. Microblading is similar to permanent makeup. The only difference between the two is that microblading uses nothing more than a blade to make tiny cuts on your skin. These cuts make your eyebrows look more defined and aesthetically pleasing. Here are some reasons why you should consider microblading for yourself:

The Procedure is Not as Painful as You Might Think

Now, the idea of having your eyebrows cut into your skin may sound like a painful experience. However, that is not always the case with microblading. Unlike other types of eyebrow tattoos and permanent makeup, microblading uses a blade to make minor cuts on your brows instead of needles which means that you will not test your pain threshold. The pain you experience will vary from person to person, depending on how much pain your skin can handle. Also, the procedure may feel a lot different depending on what type of skin you have. The best way to know how it feels is to go for a test drive with a professional who provides microblading services.

Precise and Effective

What makes microblading different from other types of eyebrow tattoos and permanent makeup is the precision involved in the process. Microblading only requires one small cut at a time, which means it is pretty precise. This type of precision also ensures cosmetic effects that are longer lasting than any other treatment you can get for your eyebrows. Unlike other cosmetic treatments, microblading does not require a lot of recovery time either, which is excellent news for people who have a busy schedule and cannot afford to take off from work or school to get their eyebrows done.

Quick Procedure

Microblading is a quick procedure meaning that it only takes a single session to get the perfect eyebrows you have always wanted. In fact, the procedure only takes about one hour from start to finish, which includes consultation time and everything else. When you compare this to eyebrow tattoos and permanent makeup, microblading stands out in terms of time saved. However, the effects of microblading tend to last a lot longer than other types of eyebrow tattoos and permanent makeup because all you have to do is let your brows heal from the cuts before you can see the final results.

No Needles

Unlike regular tattoo procedures that usually require needles, microblading uses nothing more than a special blade to make the cuts on your skin for this procedure which is why it’s different from other eyebrow tattoos and permanent makeup. Also, microblading does not require any injection of ink under your skin.

Procedure is Less Invasive

Microblading is one of the least invasive procedures out there compared to other eyebrow tattoos and permanent makeup. Using a blade to make cuts on your skin means that you only need the smallest number of incisions for this treatment compared to other procedures out there. Being minimally invasive makes it one of the most effective treatments for men and women interested in having their eyebrows done.

Microblading is a safe and effective treatment for eyebrows. However, you need to know that all types of eyebrow tattoos and permanent makeup are not created equal. You should go for an experienced professional who offers microblading services to get the best results from this type of treatment.

Primary care medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on the health care needs of people throughout their lives, from before birth to old age. It is an essential part of preventing and treating illness and making sure we stay as healthy as we can be. Primary care doctors work as part of a health care team that often includes other specialists such as physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They provide most or all of their patients’ non-emergency medical treatment. Dr. Leela Patel in South Charleston emphasizes disease prevention and health maintenance. Like other primary care doctors, she accomplishes this through patient education and counseling, examinations and screenings, immunizations, and collaborations with other health care professionals. But why is primary care medicine a critical part of the modern healthcare setup? Here are some reasons.

Prevention

Primary care doctors help in preventative healthcare. Primary care physicians can give people a timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment to keep them well and ensure they don’t get sick. Because people come to primary care doctors regularly, they know their patients well and can pick up on early signs of illness. By diagnosing problems before they become severe, primary care doctors help many patients avoid visiting the hospital or even a specialist.

Disease Management

Primary care doctors help manage diseases. When patients have a chronic condition or a long-term illness that requires ongoing medical treatment and monitoring, primary care doctors are well equipped to keep things under control. They coordinate care among other specialists, prescribe medications, and manage treatment. When things get out of control or patients are not improving, primary care physicians can track down the cause or refer them to another doctor.

Health Promotion & Maintenance

Primary care doctors help in health promotion and disease prevention. Because they see people when they’re feeling well, primary care doctors can keep their patients on track. They provide vaccinations, conduct health screenings, and teach people to maintain good health through proper diet and exercise. Primary care physicians also follow up with patients after high-risk procedures or treatments that may pose some risks to the patient’s overall health.

Informed Decisions

Primary care doctors provide information. It is difficult for patients to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments and procedures from adverts, product information leaflets, or advice from friends. Primary care doctors have the necessary knowledge to answer questions about treatments and diagnosis. Patients are more likely to understand what is being said if they receive most of their health information from one reliable source rather than multiple sources that can conflict with each other.

Effective Collaboration

Primary care physicians work together with other health care professionals and make healthcare efficient. They work closely with nurses, social workers, and other health professionals to offer patients the best treatment for their conditions. This way, patients get the best care possible under one roof.

In summary, primary care is vital for various reasons. It focuses on the prevention and management of multiple conditions through continual care. It also promotes overall health and wellbeing and allows for informed decisions among medical experts through effective collaboration.

Corn and calluses are an accumulation of thick and hard skin areas. These hardened skin areas can form anywhere in the body, but they are mainly found in the feet. People with this condition feel embarrassed, and some wear their socks to hide the cracks. However, do not panic when they happen to you because this condition is manageable. Coral Springs corn and calluses can be addressed and the problem forgotten completely. Below, we discuss all you should know about corn and calluses.

What Causes this Condition?

Some callus and corn issues occur due to an improper waking style. However, some happen when you wear ill-fitting shoes. High-heel shoes also cause this condition. They exert pressure on toes, making women ten times more likely to get this disease than men. Another condition that causes corn or callus is foot deformities.  All these factors cause friction on the feet. Get your child checked if they get a callus with no visible pressure. This callus might occur as a result of a wart. Staph infections begin when bacteria access corn via skin breaks.

How do they Form?

Corns and calluses occur after repeated friction on the skin. They form on the feet’ most prominent parts. Corns and calluses also form in the hands, so you should wear protective gear. Your body keeps you safe from this condition with the hardened layers.

Who is More Likely to Get them?

You have higher chances of getting corns or calluses if;

• You smoke
• You do not wear socks
• You wear narrow shoes.
• You have a condition that triggers this disease.

Signs and Symptoms of Corns and Calluses

Below we discuss how to spot this infection;

• A callus is a compact patch that happens due to friction. Calluses are available in different names.
• A soft corn is a tender skin area. It occurs between the toes and has a slim center.
• A plantar callus occurs on the foot’s bottom

When to Contact a Doctor

It is advisable to contact a doctor if;

• The corn discharges clear fluid or pus. This condition needs immediate attention.
• You cause corn bleeding by cutting it. This skin break causes an infection.
• You get corn and are also diabetic. This disease puts you at more risk.

How to Prevent Corns and Calluses

Try the following things to avoid corns and calluses;

• Measure your feet well at the shoe store. Wear fitting shoes only to prevent this condition.
• Buy shoes in the evening when your feet are swollen. This will ensure you but only fitting shoes.
• Do not buy shoes with sharp toes. Instead, wear shoes with the lowest heels possible.
• Repair or replace shoes frequently. This keeps you free from bacteria.
• Ensure your shoes have enough space to accommodate your toes if you have hammertoes.
• Wear protective gloves. Suppose you use tools because calluses also occur on hands. 

Corns and calluses are common diseases that occur on the feet. It is easily manageable, but you should consult your doctor to tackle it better. This disease is now treatable in Coral Springs, and our team is always ready to treat new patients. Contact us to get the best services at affordable prices.

Epilepsy doesn’t discriminate, and it can affect both men and women of all races, ages, and different backgrounds. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder affecting brain activities, causing seizures, unusual sensations, and loss of awareness. Epilepsy in San Jose is treated by experts in neurology who offer comprehensive care to reduce the severity of seizures. Here is everything you should know about epilepsy.

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in the brain that affects a large number of people worldwide. It causes seizures which are involuntary movements involving the entire body or a part of the body and can be accompanied by control of bladder or bowel function and unconsciousness.

Seizure symptoms vary individually. Some people stare for a few seconds while others repeatedly twitch their legs or arms. People with epilepsy usually have more physical injuries related to seizures. Also, the risk of death for epileptic people is higher, but the causes of these deaths, such as burns, drowning, and falls, are preventable.

Epilepsy diagnosis

Epilepsy is not diagnosed in one appointment; you have to be patient. Different disorders can cause behavioral changes and can be mistaken for epilepsy. To get the correct diagnosis of epilepsy, your doctor will order a complete blood count and rule out all conditions that can cause seizures.

Electroencephalogram (EEG) is commonly used in diagnosing epilepsy. Your doctor places electrodes on your scalp, and you will be asked to perform a task so that a record of electrical activities going on in your brain can be taken. Sometimes tests can be done during sleep. Changes in normal brain waves indicate a sign of epilepsy. Other imaging tests like MRI, CT scans, and positron emission tomography reveal tumors causing seizures.

Treatment

The first treatment approach is an anti-seizure medication. They help in reducing the severity and frequency of seizures. They are not a cure for epilepsy and cannot stop a seizure in progress. The stomach absorbs the medication, and it travels through the blood to the brain. It hijacks the neurotransmitters reducing the electrical activity that causes seizures.

Surgery can also be an option if medications don’t work. Resection is the most common type of surgery used to remove a part of the brain causing seizures. During the surgery, you will be kept awake so that the doctors can talk to you to avoid removing a part of the brain that controls your speech, vision, hearing, and movements.

Another surgery called multiple subpial transections is done if the brain area is too big to remove. The neurosurgeon makes an incision in the brain to disturb the nerve pathway to stop the seizures from spreading. After surgery, you can stop taking the antiseizure medications completely.

Having epilepsy can be very stressful because you are always afraid that you can get injured when you have a seizure episode. But with proper medication or surgery, you can live a happy life. South Valley Neurology offers treatment plans for epilepsy to help you get your normal life back. Call them today and book an appointment online.