Five Forms of Anxiety

The symptoms of anxiety cannot be compartmentalized into a single diagnosis; there are a number of conditions for which anxiety may be one of the symptoms. For this reason, when a person is experiencing symptoms such as rapid heart rate, sweaty palms, or dizziness, their doctor will need to investigate further to determine which form of anxiety is the cause.

For example, the doctor may ask in what setting the anxiety symptoms tend to occur or if the patient uses any type of prescription medication or illicit drugs. The doctor will also probably gather information about any traumatic events the patient has experienced in the past. With these questions, and perhaps additional testing, the patient’s healthcare provider can develop a diagnosis as to what type of anxiety is present.

Anxiety can take many forms. Here are five of the most commonly diagnosed forms of anxiety.

·         Social Phobia symptoms include an intense fear of being judged by others or of becoming the center of attention. It can cause the patient to avoid social contact and to worry incessantly about being humiliated weeks before a social occasion.

·         Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a form of anxiety that results from traumatic events in the past. The symptoms of PTSD may not be displayed immediately after the trauma, but the patient may later begin reliving the event mentally, suffering from extended insomnia, withdrawing from everyday life, or being easily startled. PTSD symptoms take different forms, but the central factor of having lived through some form of trauma is a constant.

·         Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is actually a form of anxiety that causes a person to obsessively perform certain rituals that can hamper their ability to work, be in relationships, and otherwise function normally.

·         Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is diagnosed when the patient reports feeling largely anxious or fearful without an obvious cause. This overall feeling of anxiety can keep the patient on edge, irritable, or overly emotional.

·         Panic Disorder is present when the person reports severe attacks of anxiety that appear without warning. The patient may have difficulty breathing, feel dizzy or nauseous, have an accelerated pulse rate, or experience chest pains. These episodes are usually not connected in any way to the person’s circumstances at the time.

Treatment for anxiety depends upon which form the disorder takes and also on the severity of the symptoms. The more details a patient can furnish their doctor or therapist, the more accurate the diagnosis and the more successful their treatment will be.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ANXIETY

How to Treat a Headache without Medication

Headache pain can range from a mild irritation to teeth-grinding, day-stopping pain that makes normal function impossible. When suffering headache pain, your first impulse may be to reach for medication, but did you know there are several effective methods of treating headaches naturally? The next time headache pain strikes try these suggestions for treating it without medication.

The cause of your headache pain can help determine the simplest way of treating it without medication. One interesting tidbit: no matter what the underlying cause, new research suggests that disrupted electrical activity in the brain may be the ultimate trigger of headache pain.

Some of the most common reasons for headache pain are:

·         Hunger

·         Anxiety and muscle tension

·         Physical exhaustion brought on by insomnia or overwork

·         Eyestrain caused by too many hours at the computer or poor lighting in your work/study area

·         Sinus or allergy triggers

·         Migraine symptoms

Treating headache pain with self-care techniques, rather than medication, can be quite effective. Simple acupressure techniques such as pressing your thumbs against the base of the skull while gently dropping the head back then forward, may relieve the tension that has disrupted the brain’s activity. Massaging the neck, jaw, and forehead can also be helpful.

Another way to find relief from headache pain is by simply taking a nap or sitting quietly in a darkened room over a lunch hour. Others find relief through meditation or relaxation exercises that reduce mental and physical tension. One more time-honored way to relieve headache pain is to apply heat or cold to the forehead and back of the neck.

For headache pain that persists, you may need to seek professional help. Once it’s been determined there isn’t an illness or injury causing the headaches to reappear, there are a number of non-medication based methods they might prescribe for relieving headache pain.

A chiropractor might, for example, use adjustment, massage and other therapies to relieve recurring headaches. Many medical professionals are now using neurofeedback training to teach patients how to self-regulate irregular brainwave activity associated with headaches.

An acupuncture or acupressure practitioner can also be helpful in bringing relief to those for whom headache pain is a frequent occurrence. And don’t forget to consult your massage therapist about the pain you’re feeling; they can teach you a number of techniques for relieving the muscle tension that may be at the root of your pain.

Headache pain can be caused by many things, and can be relieved in a variety of ways, with or without medication. If you’re interested in how to treat a headache without medication, try the suggestions above to determine which best brings you relief.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR MIGRAINES & HEADACHES

Reasons for Insomnia and How to Find Relief

The inability to sleep is one of the most vexing conditions in the human experience. It is written about in the Bible and in literature from around the world. Leonardo Da Vinci said, “A well-spent day brings happy sleep.” But does it really? For most people, not being able to fall asleep sets their world on edge, at least temporarily during some point in their lives.

What, exactly, is the reason so many people struggle to sleep well? An investigation into the reasons for insomnia begins with an explanation of the common types of sleeplessness. Some people struggle to fall asleep. They may lay awake well into the night, or if they are shift workers, during the daytime when they should be sleeping. Others will fall asleep quickly, but then will wake up several times during the night. Still others may be awakened by noises or other environmental factors and then be unable to go back to sleep, or they may wake up too early.

Whatever form insomnia takes, it has an impact on health, emotions, and productivity unless a remedy is found. What are the reasons for sleeplessness? The most common reasons for insomnia are:

·         Poor sleep habits

·         Overuse of caffeine and other stimulants

·         Chronic pain

·         Drug or alcohol addiction

·         Emotional disturbance, like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder

·         Side effects of medication

·         Physical conditions such as apnea, COPD, or acid reflux

These are not all the reasons a person might have trouble sleeping. Chronic, long-term insomnia can be the result of a serious medical condition that requires consulting a physician; however, for most people there are changes that can be made that will allow them to sleep well. For example, they can change habits like watching television in bed (overstimulation) or not keeping a regular sleep schedule. The body’s circadian rhythms may be trying to move them to a sleepy state, but if they stay up late one night, go to bed immediately following dinner the next, and so forth without a regular bedtime that rhythm may be out of sync.

Another important change that can be made to promote sleep is avoiding caffeine in coffee or energy drinks in the evening. Illicit stimulant drugs like methamphetamines will disrupt the sleep cycle for days at a time. Some prescription medications also have the unfortunate side effect of insomnia. A doctor can recommend an alternate medication if necessary.

Two more reasons for insomnia are physical or emotional illness. It is well documented that conditions like anxiety and depression cause sleep disruption. If one of these is suspected, a doctor or therapist can provide help with therapy, alternate treatments like biofeedback training or, if necessary, medication. Some physical conditions like asthma and apnea cause the sufferer to wake suddenly when the body isn’t getting enough oxygen. This is a serious symptom that needs medical attention.

And, finally, the chronic pain of such illnesses as cancer or rheumatoid arthritis can disrupt the sleep cycle. If that is the case, the patient can ask their health care provider for a remedy with the least side effects.

Thomas Dekker said, “Sleep is that golden chain that ties health and our bodies together.” This is wisdom, indeed, as no one can function well without adequate sleep. By first making environmental changes and then consulting their health care provider if the insomnia persists, the balance of sleep and wakefulness can be restored.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR INSOMNIA AND SLEEP DISORDERS

Natural Remedies for Headaches – Try Acupressure

Suffering from headache pain caused by tension in the head and neck can be more than an annoyance; it can impact your ability to study, work, and generally be at the top of your game in life. If your medical care provider has determined that your tension headaches don’t have a more serious underlying cause and you don’t want to take pain medication, there are natural remedies for headaches that may bring relief.

One of the most interesting is acupressure, the application of pressure via the thumbs and fingers (most commonly) to ‘acupoints’ in the body. The practice of acupressure comes from traditional Chinese medicine and is based on the concept of meridians located throughout the body along which energy flows.

According to TCM practitioners, pressure at acupoints along those meridians releases blocked energy and reduces the surrounding tension. At the same time, endorphins are being released to relieve the pain associated with the blockage. They also believe that acupressure can enhance necessary bodily functions like digestion and sleep.

In particular the acupoints located at the base of the skull on either side of the neck are favored for relieving headache pain. It is believed that energy must flow freely through these gateways to the mind in order for a person to function well.

In one acupressure exercise known to relieve tension headaches, the practitioner will place her thumbs against these acupoints and press firmly in toward the center of the skull. As you allow your head to drop slowly back, inhaling as you do, she will continue to maintain pressure. The acupressure is released as you exhale and slowly bring the head all the way forward to hang loosely.

As natural remedies for headaches go, acupressure moves such as this are safe, non-invasive, and easy to learn. If you were practicing this on yourself just now, you have just completed one of the many soothing yet energizing acupressure routines a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner can help you to learn.

Tension headaches are a reality of life. When they become frequent and painful enough to disrupt your usual routine, you might want to investigate acupressure; it is one of the most intriguing natural remedies for headaches.

NATURAL REMEDIES: NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY FOR HEADACHES

ADD Medications and Drug Interactions

Once a person has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, ADD, (or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD), they may be prescribed one or more medications to help with their symptoms. ADD medications vary greatly as to their potential side effects and drug interactions. To avoid dangerous drug interactions and side effects, it is important to know the possibility for both.

To research these potential negative impacts, you must first know the class of drug prescribed. Here are some of the common ADD medications by class and some possible drug interactions and side effects.

Stimulants – Potential drug interactions include increased effect of the stimulant when also taking diuretics, impact on blood levels of blood thinners, and anti-seizure meds and a potentially dangerous interaction with MAOI antidepressants. Possible side effects of stimulants include headaches, depression, feeling jittery, dizziness, and upset stomach. Stimulants prescribed as ADD medications may include: Adderall , Concerta, Focalin, Vyvanse, Ritalin, Dexedrine, and Quillivant XR.

Non-Stimulants – The non-stimulant Strattera is being prescribed for patients who can’t tolerate the side effects of stimulant drugs. Potential drug interactions with Strattera include potentially dangerous reactions in combination with such drugs as Arava for rheumatoid arthritis, Eldepryl and Jumex for Parkinson’s disease symptoms and furazolidone for the treatment of diarrhea. This list of possible drug interactions is not exhaustive. The patient should discuss all other medications and supplements currently being used and contact their doctor before taking any other medication with Strattera. The common side effects of Strattera include sleepiness, mood swings, dizziness, headaches, and nausea.

Antidepressants – A third class of ADD medications includes antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Elavil and Norpramin, although they are not officially recognized by the FDA as effective in treating ADD symptoms. Potential drug interactions for this class of drugs when taken with other antidepressants, pain relievers, or sleeping medications, in particular, can be serious. The patient should carefully discuss other drugs prescribed with their doctor or pharmacist when starting to take an antidepressant for ADD.

When a patient is diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder and is prescribed one or more medications to help manage symptoms, it is very important that they discuss potential drug interactions with their health care providers. Doing so can help ensure that the ADD medications they are prescribed will have a positive impact on their health.

ALTERNATIVE THERAPY vs ADD MEDICATION: NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADD

Should You Worry About Sudden Memory Loss?

When is Sudden Memory Loss Serious?

As the years pass and we grow older, it's normal for some of our memories to fade. The brain has a tendency to prioritize things that are relevant to our immediate, present situation, so a bit of trouble remembering details, dates, or faces isn't a medical problem – it's just a fact of life. However, some people (no matter their age) experience a phenomenon known as sudden memory loss, and it can be a frightening experience. Whole swaths of a person's memories become suddenly irretrievable, and sometimes there is no immediate or obvious proximate cause or explanation.

Sudden memory loss sometimes has benign origins, and is a temporary side effect of a temporary condition that will resolve itself on its own. Sudden memory loss can be caused by:

1.       Medication. Certain drugs, such as antidepressants, can cause short-term sudden memory loss.

2.       Alcohol. Abusing alcohol can lead to sudden memory loss in a small window of time (this is often called blacking out).

3.       Transient Global Amnesia. This is a rare but frightening experience in which someone suddenly wakes up without any idea of how they got where they are or what they're doing there. Luckily, it's harmless and usually not an indication that there is something else wrong with the brain.

There are serious ailments that can cause sudden memory loss, as well – and in these cases, it's important to get medical attention right away.

1.       Transient ischemic attack. Just about everyone knows that someone who suffers a stroke experiences sudden memory loss, but there are also episodes called warning strokes or mild strokes that, in medical terminology, are known as transient ischemic attacks. These cause stroke-like symptoms, including sudden memory loss, but don't permanently damage anything. If you experience something like this, it's important to seek medical help right away.

2.       Emotional trauma. Sometimes horrible experiences, such as those that stem from war or acute physical or emotional abuse, can cause the brain to repress memories – mimicking the effects of sudden memory loss. In modern parlance, we would consider this an effect of post-traumatic stress disorder. While many people have suffered memory loss from emotional trauma, few seek the help of a therapist or other psychiatric professional to deal with the other effects of trauma, such as resultant mental illness.

3.       Epilepsy. When a person has a seizure (especially a grand mal seizure) their brain temporarily stops making memories, so there is usually a large gap in their memory during the time period surrounding the seizure. Due to oxygen deprivation, epilepsy can also cause retrograde or anterograde amnesia – meaning it can cause sudden memory loss about other time periods, as well.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR MEMORY LOSS

Changes in How to Treat ADHD

 Conventional Answers to ADHD

Knowing how to treat ADHD is paramount to creating a positive learning environment for children afflicted by this disorder. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is so prominent today that there are a lot of established treatment options available. Both traditionally and historically, doctors have used a two-pronged approach to treating ADHD: medication and therapy. It is important these are used in conjunction with one another, because while medication helps, it is not a long-term solution. Likewise, when it comes to therapy, results take a great deal of commitment and can be relatively far off on the horizon.

There is a flip side of the coin with these customary options in how to treat ADHD. First, medications come with well-known side effects ranging from minor nuisances to severe risks. Patients must consciously accept these side effects, because the common ones really can become part of everyday life. Furthermore, with regard to therapy, all may be for naught without the proper time, commitment, and financial resources.

Subtle Changes Can Make a Big Difference

Fortunately, the best course of action in how to treat ADHD is not limited to medication and therapy. In fact, you can make changes to your everyday life that can tangibly alleviate symptoms of ADHD. Dietary corrections, exercise regulation, sleep stability, and even certain herbs and supplements have been shown to help fight ADHD without subjecting yourself to prescriptions or the rigors of a therapy regimen.

Thinking Outside the Box

In addition to the aforementioned natural remedies that help with managing ADHD, there are some intriguing alternatives now on the market. One new and innovative treatment that has already proven successful in managing the disorder is neurofeedback therapy. Neurofeedback is a completely painless and noninvasive therapy that trains your brain to self-regulate the dysfunctional brainwave patterns at the root of ADHD. Not only are drugs out of the picture with neurofeedback, you won’t encounter the same commitment issues that accompany psychotherapy because the goal of neurofeedback is to set patients up for a future without neurological disorders by teaching their brains to self-correct automatically for the long-term.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADHD/ADD

How to Treat Insomnia Without Sleeping Pills

Many people suffer from some degree of insomnia, whether periodically or chronically, and want to know how to treat insomnia without using prescription or over-the-counter sleeping pills, which are known for having disagreeable side effects and for causing drowsiness and sluggishness the next day.

There are a variety of methods for treating insomnia without using pills. One of the most effective is making changes in behavior, such as keeping a regular sleep schedule and avoiding stimulants such as caffeine after a certain time of day. Another alternative is using herbal supplements, such as valerian and chamomile, which can function as sleep aids. Using behavioral techniques and herbs eliminates side effects, and is a healthier option than using sleeping pills on a regular basis. 

How to Treat Insomnia with Changes in Sleep Schedule and Behavior

There are several things you can do, without taking any substances at all, to help normalize your sleep schedule and ensure a good night’s rest.

Avoid stimulants, such as caffeine and nicotine, before bed. Caffeine can stay in your system for as long as eight hours, so it is beneficial to designate a certain time of day when you “cut yourself off” from caffeinated beverages. Remember that coffee and tea aren’t the only drinks with caffeine in them; many sodas, including colas and Mountain Dew, also contain caffeine. After a certain point in the afternoon, sticking to non-caffeinated beverages will go a long way in preventing insomnia.

It is also helpful to stick to a regular sleep schedule. Some people, such as shift workers or parents with newborn babies that wake up during the night, may be unable to do this effectively; however, going to bed at the same time each night can help to regulate your biological rhythms so that you will sleep for a long enough period of time at the correct time during the night, which eight hours each night is usually suggested. A bedtime between 9 and 11 p.m. is reasonable for most individuals.

When you go to bed, try turning off the TV or laptop screens. The wavelengths of light these screens emit may actually contribute to keeping you awake. The noise from the television may also keep you awake, though some people like TV as “white noise” when they go to sleep.  

How to Treat Insomnia with Herbs and Supplements

There are some herbs and supplements that may be helpful in combating insomnia. These include:

·         Calcium and magnesium, both sleep boosters, and when taken together, they become even more effective

·         Melatonin, an important hormone in regulating sleep-wake cycles

·         Valerian, a plant root used in tea or also in capsule form to induce sleep

·         Chamomile, a plant commonly used to make herbal tea

These methods can help your insomnia without the side effects common with over-the-counter or prescription sleeping pills. A combination of a supplements like valerian or melatonin, along with better bedtime habits, may be enough to get you the good night’s sleep you need in order to function well during the day. 

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR INSOMNIA

What to Know About Adult ADD Medication

Adult Attention Deficit Disorder

Before we talk about Adult ADD medication, let’s talk about Adult ADD. Adult Attention Deficit Disorder affects approximately 1% of the population in the United States, with slightly more men than women being afflicted. The disorder is characterized by chronic forgetfulness, short attention span, difficulty focusing or concentrating, and inability to complete work or other tasks in a timely manner. The disorder is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, and while many children grow out of the problem as they grow older, some are saddled with the condition for life.

Concerns About Medication

Typically, Adult ADD is treated by a mix of Adult ADD medication and intensive therapy. The FDA has approved several drugs for Adult ADD, and these are either of the stimulant or non-stimulant variety. While these drugs can make a positive impact on the life of someone afflicted with Adult ADD, they also come with significant side effects that are not altogether uncommon:

·         Dry Mouth

·         Upset Stomach or Nausea

·         Dizziness

·         Shaking or Trembling

·         Tics

·         Headaches

·         Loss of Sleep

·         Lack of Appetite

Needless to say, if your Adult ADD medication is causing any of the aforementioned problems, the drug may simply be unacceptable to you and your quality of life. While correcting Adult ADD is extremely important, all of us must ask the question: at what cost?

You Have Other Options

Fortunately, there are now several ways to treat ADD without reliance on Adult ADD medication. A couple remarkable new treatments have come to the forefront in recent years, and scientific research has proven their efficacy. One such treatment is called neurofeedback. The principle behind neurofeedback is this: your body knows how to correct its own problems, and if shown the way, it will return to being a highly functioning whole. Neurofeedback uses painless and noninvasive EEG sensors to monitor brainwave activities that have become dysfunctional and are potentially at the root of the problem when it comes to Adult ADD. Utilizing these same sensors and a series of guided brain exercises, doctors can assist patients in actually retraining their brain how to self-regulate and get these patterns back on track. Over time, your brain will learn to correct these problems automatically, and when this happens, both Adult ADD and Adult ADD medication should be a thing of the past.

To learn more about getting yourself off adult ADD medication and gaining the tools to overcome the problem on your own, clickhere today and find out more about BrainCore’s incredible neurofeedback therapy.

Home Remedies for Insomnia

Home Remedies for Insomnia: Simple Cures Guaranteed to Put You to Sleep

It is the rare person who has never spent a restless night tossing and turning fitfully, locked in a futile quest to get some much-needed sleep. For most of us, this type of insomnia is an occasional, temporary thing, usually lasting no more than a few nights at the most. However, for many adults chronic insomnia is a very real problem, and one that can lead to severe long-term health consequences such as heart disease.

The causes of insomnia vary significantly from one individual to the next, but fall into three distinct categories. The first relates to psychological factors such as stress and depression, and is in fact the most common cause of insomnia in adults. The second category includes physical causes of insomnia such as chronic pain, low levels of melatonin, physiological sleep disorders like sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and some genetic disorders. The third category of insomnia causes centers on lifestyle choices such as overuse of caffeine and alcohol. In most cases, a long-term, working cure can be found from among the many easily available and highly effective home remedies for insomnia. However, it is always wise to seek the guidance of a qualified medical professional, especially if you suspect that your insomnia is linked to a biological cause.

There are numerous home remedies for insomnia, encompassing a wide array of lifestyle changes as well as natural supplements and relaxants. The following strategies and cures are most effective when followed on a daily basis.

·         Stick to a routine. Keep a set bedtime and waking time every day of the week. Also try and institute a daily bedtime ritual, which could include a relaxing bath and a warm glass of milk. It is important to avoid any excessive auditory or visual stimulation before going to bed, so TV, reading, and above all, work, is not a good idea in the hour or so before you go to sleep.

·         Caffeine and alcohol: Do not consume caffeine or alcohol less than two hours before you go to bed. Both have the effect of keeping you awake and while alcohol might initially lull you to sleep, the stimulants in the alcohol will wake you after the mellower effects have passed.

·         Naptime: Try to avoid sleeping during the day and if you do nap, limit the nap to between 30 and 45 minutes. This will ensure that you are tired enough and ready to go to sleep at the end of your day.

·         Soporific foods: Try eating a light snack before you go to bed, such as a piece of toast or even a few cookies. Sugar and carbohydrates are known to help you relax and may help you fall asleep. Warm milk and honey also works wonders for inducing sleep.

·         Natural supplements: There are numerous herbal supplements available today that help in relaxation. By far, the most effective of these in terms of soporific effects is valerian. Available in pill form, it is not addictive and is easy on the stomach. Melatonin pills are also known to be an effective remedy as decreased melatonin levels have been linked to heightened insomnia.

It might take some time and a little bit of experimentation to find the right cure for yourself from among these various homes remedies for insomnia. However, with a little bit of patience and a willingness to stick to a daily routine, even the most stubbornly persistent cases of insomnia can be overcome.

Neurofeedback Therapy for Insomnia

Weighing Alternative Treatments for ADHD

Sifting Through the ADHD Treatment Muck

With medication and therapy coming at high costs – monetarily and health-wise – many people are wondering if alternative treatments for ADHD are viable options that can actually help treat and control the problem. Though many of these treatments have been written off as hokey or impractical, they have actually experienced some degree of success if administered correctly. At the very least, they are at least worth looking into and considering.

Dietary Changes Lack Proof

When speaking about alternative treatments for ADHD, one of the first things that comes to mind is dietary modification. Historically, there was always thought to be a link between ADHD and sugar intake. This hypothesis has been researched extensively over the last several decades, and it has never once been conclusively shown to be true. Alternatively, in recent years, the thinking has shifted to adding more high-fiber and whole foods into a child’s diet may subdue ADHD symptoms or defeat the disorder altogether. While promoting a healthy and balanced diet in the lives of our children is certainly of paramount important, unfortunately research has again debunked this as a worthwhile combatant for ADHD.

Is the Answer in Your Back?

One really interesting theory that has surfaced amongst alternative treatments for ADHD has been that the disorder can be controlled through chiropractic medicine. Doctors have utilized several methodologies, including the correction of spinal imbalances and the realigning of cranial bones. Where the first method might have a little validity (although research has been inconclusive), the second one has been laughed off by most doctors, who are quick to point out that cranial bones do not move and therefore cannot be realigned.

Neurofeedback: The Last Treatment Standing

While most of the alternative treatments for ADHD have been debunked both here and elsewhere, there are some interesting new methods that actually are backed up by scientific research. One such method is called neurofeedback, a painless and noninvasive process in which the brain is taught to regulate dysfunctional patterns that may in fact be at the root of ADHD and its symptoms. After a comprehensive assessment, patients are taken through a series of guided brain exercises over the course of their treatment sessions. These exercises slowly but surely retrain the brain to vigilantly police its own activity, and thereby quelling the more problematic symptoms of ADHD.

Now that you have sorted through the various alternative treatments for ADHD, it is time to embrace BrainCore’s dynamic and transformative neurofeedback therapy; to learn more click here today.

Addressing Your Fibromyalgia Prognosis

After being diagnosed, many people seek to address and understand their fibromyalgia prognosis. Fibromyalgia is a complicated, chronic condition that can cause a lot of emotional and physical distress for sufferers. Fortunately, the prognosis is not definite. Patients have shown a range of responses to different fibromyalgia treatments, but there is hope of improving your symptoms – especially if you’re proactive. 

Long-Term Outlook 

When looking at your fibromyalgia prognosis it is important to understand how different people’s experiences with the disorder can be. There is no definitive answer for whether your symptoms will worsen or improve. Each year we get closer to understanding the disorder, but here are some facts we know as of now:

·         Doctors who extensively treat fibromyalgia estimate that around 1/3 of patients will make significant improvements, 1/3 will stay the same, and 1/3 will experience worsening symptoms.

·         Fibromyalgia sufferers experience greater psychological distress and a greater impact on quality of life than those with other chronic pain conditions, and require treatment to address symptoms on a range of levels.

·         Research shows that patients treated with a multidisciplinary approach including medication, physical, and mental therapy showed the most significant response to treatment. 

Finding Relief 

One positive thing about your fibromyalgia prognosis is that every year more research is done to find effective treatment. Over the past decade the medical community has made great strides in better diagnosing and relieving the chronic pain disorder. It is generally recognized that as everyone’s experience with fibromyalgia is different, their response to treatment will be different as well. That means you and your doctor may have to experiment with different combinations of treatment to find a plan that’s effective for you. There is not one clear-cut cure, but studies have shown that many fibromyalgia sufferers find success by combining treatments to address symptoms on all sides. Some of the most effective fibromyalgia treatments include:

·         Medication – There are a number of medications available for fibromyalgia. None of them can cure the disorder on their own, but pairing them with other therapeutic treatments can increase their effect. The three most commonly prescribed medications for fibromyalgia are Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Savella.  Typically only around 35% of patients will respond to medication, and they do come with side effects, so a doctor should be consulted throughout treatment.

·         Exercise – Physical activity has been shown to be incredibly helpful for improving your long-term fibromyalgia prognosis. Studies on patients have shown that vigorous exercise is not necessary, and can actually worsen symptoms. However, some mild stretching and a short walk daily can make a big difference. Doctors suggest that fibromyalgia sufferers who get even five minutes of light exercise each day show much a much better physical prognosis over time.

·         Physical Therapy – This therapy seeks to alleviate the many consequences of fibromyalgia. It is particularly beneficial for treating the postural problems and muscle fatigue and weakness that often accompany the disorder. Physical therapy can be easily combined with other therapies to increase its benefits.

·         Neurofeedback Therapy – This brain training therapy works to redirect patient’s brainwaves to healthy and organized patterns. By correcting off-track brainwaves, neurofeedback creates a more stable and functional brain. This therapy has been shown to have no side effects, and has been effective in treating a variety of neurological conditions like chronic pain, panic attacks, and anxiety. Neurofeedback can be a great therapy option for fibromyalgia sufferers. To learn more about this treatment, Click Here. 

What Works for You? 

It can be scary when you first begin addressing your fibromyalgia prognosis. However, with patience, research, and dedication you stand a great chance of finding relief. Be kind to yourself, and honest about your feelings and response to treatment. If something isn’t working, try something new. Only you can decide what treatment is most effective for your body.

What is EMDR Therapy?

How it Works

EMDR therapy, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, is a relatively new form of psychotherapy. It does not follow traditional therapeutic techniques such as talk therapy, and it does not require prescription medication. This makes it a particularly exciting treatment option for patients seeking relief without the risk of dangerous adverse side effects. EMDR therapy lasts around 90 minutes, and works by using the patient’s own rapid, rhythmic eye movements to improve their emotional responses to certain stimuli. During an EMDR therapy session, a therapist will gently work with the patient to revisit a traumatic event or problematic trigger situation. As the patient addresses the memory, the therapist moves an object rapidly in front of the patient’s eyes like windshield wipers. As emotionally charged images and memories arise, the patient views them through rapidly moving eyes. When these natural, rhythmic eye movements are induced, the painful feelings about the event are replaced with peaceful and resolved ones. The eye movements naturally lessen the power of emotionally charged traumatic memories. EMDR therapy has already been very successful at reducing many of the troublesome symptoms that arise from instances of trauma.

What it Treats

EMDR therapy has been shown effective in treating many psychological problems, such as anxiety, eating disorders, and addictions. However, it is particularly useful for treating patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD can occur after a variety of traumatic experiences, such as sexual or physical assault, the loss of a loved one, military combat, or even a car accident. By changing the brain’s emotional response to memories of the trauma, EMDR therapy can help resolve the physical sensations that go along with it. Some common symptoms of PTSD that EMDR therapy has been able to relieve include:

• Avoidance of Reminders
• Increased Emotional Arousal
• Intrusive Thoughts
• Insomnia
• Nightmares
• Flashbacks
• Emotional Outbursts
• Paranoia
• Difficulty Maintaining Focus 

Can EMDR Therapy Help You?

If you are suffering from problematic symptoms related to a traumatic event, EMDR therapy can be a safe and effective treatment option. Patients with PTSD are often prescribed serious medications like antidepressants or antianxiety pills, but these drugs can lead to even more unwanted side effects. EMDR therapy is a natural option that has not been shown to produce adverse results. It has been declared an effective form of trauma treatment by many psychiatric organizations including the International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies, the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, and the American Psychiatric Association. EMDR therapy has already provided relief for countless patients, so don’t suffer in silence – there is help available!
For more information, please visit our website here!

Can BrainCore Therapy Treat Post Stroke Syndrome?

What is Post Stroke Syndrome?

Central Post Stroke Pain Syndrome, also called CPSP or simply Post Stroke Syndrome, is an excruciating and debilitating condition, one BrainCore Therapy is determined to defeat. Post Stroke Syndrome is extremely difficult to treat because it can take many forms and we are still in the process of learning about it. Generally, there are four kinds of pain common to post-stroke recovery:

·         Peripheral neuropathic pain: nerve sensitivity that causes muscle pain, numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and weakness throughout the nervous system

·         Spasticity: tightness or stiffness in muscles causing discomfort and limiting movement

·         Musculoskeletal pain: pain centralized in the bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons

·         Headaches

BrainCore Therapy recognizes that surviving a stroke is unfortunately only the first hurdle patients must overcome in getting their life back to some semblance of normalcy. In addition to these typical post-stroke symptoms we just discussed, Post Stroke Syndrome is characterized by thalamic pain syndrome, a neurological disorder that causes the brain and spinal cord to register various stimuli incorrectly and cause chronic and agonizing pain throughout the body. It is precisely this condition that BrainCore Therapy wishes to treat with neurofeedback. 

How Neurofeedback Works

The concept behind BrainCore Therapy’s groundbreaking treatment is simple: your body knows how to function properly, and if it has lost its way, we must simply retrain it. That sounds well and good in theory, but never before have we been able to accomplish this through such technologically sophisticated means. Neurofeedback therapy allows doctors to monitor cues and feedback from the body real-time while patients are taken through a series of guided brain exercises aimed at correcting brainwave patterns that are causing problems such as Post Stroke Syndrome.

The best part is this: neurofeedback by BrainCore Therapy is all completely painless, noninvasive, and doesn’t involve any sort of medication. All that is used are small EEG sensors that hook you up to monitoring devices, all supervised by a doctor. BrainCore Therapy understands that you have been through enough surviving and recovering from a stroke, and the ultimate goal of neurofeedback is to give you lasting tools to make each and every day more comfortable and enjoyable for you as you put your best foot forward.

To learn more about BrainCore Therapy and their incredible neurofeedback treatment technique for Post Stroke Syndrome, click here today.