Category: Health

Understanding the Neurocare Consultation Process

On June 4, 2024

Neurosurgical medical expert witness services for liability, workers’ compensation & malpractice cases. Over 33 years of experience.

We are conducting a non-blinded randomised controlled trial (NeuroCARE) to test the effectiveness of an evidence-based telehealth psychological intervention in 120 caregivers who screen positive for heightened anxiety. Caregivers will be allocated to either the intervention or a usual care control condition and complete study assessments at baseline, 11 weeks and 16 weeks postrandomisation.

Diagnostic Assessment

The diagnostic assessment process can be nerve-wracking, but it is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment. During this appointment, your neurologist will ask about your symptoms and conduct a physical exam. They may also request tests like MRI or CT scans to provide more information about your condition.

Educators use diagnostic assessments to determine students’ strengths and weaknesses in order to inform future instruction. This approach allows teachers to create a more personalized curriculum that is tailored to the needs of each student. In addition, it gives educators a clear picture of where their students are on the learning journey so they can identify gaps and support them as needed.

Personalized Treatment

Movement, breathing, senses and thought are all controlled by the brain and nervous system. Our team of neurologists and neurosurgery specialists focus on delivering the finest care for your brain and nervous system.

We are conducting a non-blinded RCT to compare the effectiveness of our NeuroCARE telehealth intervention with a usual care control in 120 caregivers of patients with primary malignant brain tumours. Participants are recruited from MGH Boston campus and three community affiliates, as well as DF/HCC’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Boston) campus.

Caregivers are randomised to either the intervention or a usual care control group and complete study measures at baseline, 11 weeks, and 16 weeks postrandomisation. Those in the usual care control group continue to receive support from existing oncology social workers.

Motivational Interviewing

Many individuals who struggle with substance abuse understand the dangers of their behavior and want to stop. However, they feel conflicted, which leads to inaction. Motivational interviewing is a counseling technique that helps patients resolve their ambivalence and make positive changes.

In this method, the therapist uses reflective listening to demonstrate empathy and build trust with the client. They also encourage “change talk” to increase the patient’s belief that they can change.

Developed by William Miller and Stephen Rollnick, MI is an evidence-based practice that has been shown to be effective for treating addictions as well as for encouraging smoking cessation, healthy eating, and medication adherence in chronic diseases like diabetes.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people understand how their thoughts and emotions affect behavior. It also teaches patients healthier ways to respond to their difficulties and stressors.

Developed by psychiatrist Aaron Beck, cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on current problems and symptoms rather than addressing underlying issues such as past traumas or family dynamics. This is different than psychoanalysis, which seeks to uncover deeper causes of mental health disorders.

Therapists trained in cognitive behavioral therapy focus on identifying and changing false or distressing beliefs. Some examples of these irrational beliefs are all-or-nothing thinking, catastrophizing and personalization. They may teach patients skills to challenge these negative patterns of thinking, such as mindfulness and relaxation techniques.

TMS Therapy

TMS therapy uses electromagnetic pulses to stimulate the brain’s nerve cells and improve symptoms of mental health conditions. It has shown promise in helping people who don’t respond to other treatments, such as antidepressants and psychotherapy.

Unlike other FDA-cleared depression treatments, such as Spravato (esketamine) and electroconvulsive therapy, TMS does not require sedation or anesthesia. Research continues to explore TMS’ effectiveness for other disorders, such as anxiety and fibromyalgia. Know more on these treatments in https://universalneurocare.com/.

Currently, most insurance policies cover repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression, assuming certain medical necessity requirements have been met. It also might help reduce cravings for smoking or other addictive behaviors and improve motor dysfunction in fibromyalgia patients.

Neurofeedback

Many people with depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD or autism can benefit from neurofeedback. Unlike talk therapy, medication and mindfulness practices which are temporary, neurofeedback works to change your brain on a biological level to eliminate your symptoms.

A seasoned practitioner will use non-invasive sensors to measure brain electrical activity. This data is fed back to you via a video game on a computer screen. The goal is to train your brain to operate more efficiently, for example speeding up if you suffer from depression or slowing down if you suffer from anxiety. These techniques help you learn to self-regulate and are proven to offer long-term improvements.

Visit us now at:
Universal Neurological Care, P.A.
8823 San Jose Blvd Ste. 209, Jacksonville, FL 32217
(904) 404-7044

Nourishing Your Ears with Supplements

By Melinda

On May 16, 2024

In Health

Supplements can play a role in a holistic approach to hearing health, but professional medical guidance is irreplaceable.

This curated blend of vitamins and minerals promotes healthy circulation to the inner ears while addressing tinnitus symptoms.

Magnesium is known to reduce ear noise while vitamin D slows the progression of age-related hearing loss. Folic acid and vitamin C are antioxidants that deter free radical damage to healthy cells.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in the eyes and the ears. Deficiency of this vitamin can lead to poor night vision and loss of hearing, but supplementation with Vitamin A can help restore hearing and vision if deficiency is diagnosed early.

Low levels of folate (or its synthetic form, folic acid) are linked with higher incidence of hearing loss, and steady supplementation with folic acid has been shown to reduce the rate of hearing decline.2

Studies have also shown that a diet rich in the antioxidants Vitamins C and E and magnesium can decrease the risk of ear infections. These vitamins prevent damage to healthy cells and bolster the immune system, which can help keep pesky ear infections at bay.

Vitamin C

Vitamins are complex organic substances that bolster immunity, strengthen bones, heal wounds and repair cellular damage. Like other organs in the body, ears need vitamins for healthy functioning. Visiting the ear doctor to pinpoint dietary deficiencies can help you add supplements to your routine for healthier hearing.

Exposure to high-decibel noise pollution places the ear under constant strain. A regimen that includes Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E alongside minerals such as magnesium has been shown to alleviate ear stress and sensitivity and is effective in protecting against noise-induced hearing loss.

Folic acid, which is also known as vitamin B-9, can prevent nerve degeneration in the inner ear and has been linked to improved tinnitus management. This is because it helps to keep the ear’s sensory cells in good condition, and ensures blood circulation. Folic acid has also been proven to slow the decline of age-related hearing loss. Folic acid is readily available in a wide variety of foods and can be taken as an over-the-counter supplement.

Folic Acid

Folic acid, or vitamin B-9, is a synthetic form of a naturally occurring B vitamin found in foods. Manufacturers add it to supplements and fortified foods because it helps produce red blood cells and prevents birth defects. Women of childbearing age should consume at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily from food and supplements to reduce the risk of pregnancy complications.

A recent study showed that people with high levels of folate had lower rates of age-related hearing loss than those with low levels of the nutrient. A diet rich in folate also may help reduce homocysteine levels, which increase the risk of heart disease. If you need a supplement then give cortexi a try by heading to the cortexi official website.

Some medications interact with folic acid. People should talk to their doctors before taking folic acid supplements. Folic acid is often included in multivitamins and prenatal vitamins, but it’s available separately as well. If you take it alone, make sure to get enough other B vitamins as well.

Omega 3

In addition to promoting overall health, vitamins and supplements can also play a role in protecting the ears from age-related hearing loss. Experts like Sharon Curhan, MD, director of the Conservation of Hearing Study, say that diet plays a crucial role in this and highlights diets that are known to improve circulation as helping to protect ear health.

For instance, she says, a recent study that followed people for three years found that those who ate more than two servings of fish per week had lower rates of hearing loss than those who ate less. Fish is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and keep blood vessels healthy.

Other dietary nutrients that are important for ear health include folate, vitamin C, and potassium, which regulates inner ear fluid and helps protect cells. Leafy greens, fatty fish, legumes, nuts and seeds, citrus fruits, and fortified foods such as milk and orange juice all provide these vitamins and minerals.

A Patient’s Guide To Dental Implant Surgery

By Melinda

On May 11, 2024

In Health

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that hold a replacement tooth in place, and they function just like real teeth roots do. They are often the preferred method for replacing missing teeth, because they look and feel so much like natural teeth. However, they are not right for everyone. Some people may develop conditions that can affect how well they heal, or have other reasons for preferring a different type of tooth replacement.

To determine whether you’re a good candidate for dental implant surgery, we’ll start with a comprehensive exam. This will include a dental exam, X-rays and impressions. We’ll also ask about your medical history to see if you have any conditions or medications that could interfere with the procedure. We’ll also ask you about how many teeth you want to replace and whether you have any existing restorations, such as bridges or removable dentures.

Before we begin the dental implant surgery, we’ll make sure that you’re comfortable and pain-free. We can use local anesthetic or IV sedation to keep you calm and relaxed during the procedure. Then, we’ll create a small incision in the jaw to expose the bone. If the site of your missing tooth still has an existing tooth, that tooth will be extracted and the site prepared for an implant. If the site has no existing teeth, we may need to put in a bone graft (made from synthetic or cadaver bone) to build up the area.

Once the implant is in place, it will take several months for it to fuse to your jawbone. During this time, you can use a temporary denture to fill in the gap and help with chewing. We’ll also use a metal extender called an abutment to connect the implant and the replacement tooth.

It’s important to follow your doctor’s postoperative care instructions and call us if you have any issues. This includes taking pain medications and making regular appointments for checkups. It’s also important to avoid activities that could damage or dislodge your implant. This includes smoking, which can lead to slower healing and complications.