Bipolar Disorder Treatments

Posted on November 12, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes intense shifts in mood, energy levels, and behavior. These shifts can last for hours, days, weeks, or months and can interrupt a person’s ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.

Many people with bipolar disorder experience both manic/hypomanic episodes, where they feel extremely energetic, happy, excited, or overactive, and depressive episodes, where they feel sad, irritable, or empty. These changing mood states don’t always follow a set pattern, and depression doesn’t always follow manic phases. A person may also experience the same mood state several times, with periods of a state of mental tranquility and stability that’s free of mood disturbances, called euthymia, in between, or before experiencing the opposite mood.

Mood changes in bipolar disorder can happen over weeks, months, and sometimes years. An important aspect of mood changes is that they are a departure from a person’s regular self and are sustained for a long time. It can be several days or weeks in the case of a manic episode and several weeks or months in the case of a depressive episode.

The severity of depressive and manic phases can differ from person to person and in the same person at different times. Some people with bipolar disorder will have episodes of mania or hypomania many times throughout their lives, while others may rarely experience them. Signs and symptoms of a manic episode include:

Excessive happiness, hopefulness, and excitement

Sudden and severe changes in mood, such as going from joyful to angry and hostile

Restlessness

Rapid speech and racing thoughts

Increased energy and less need for sleep

Increased impulsivity and poor judgment

Making grand and unattainable plans

Reckless and risk-taking behavior, such as drug and alcohol misuse

Psychosis, such as experiencing hallucinations and delusions (in the most severe manic episodes)

Most of the time, people experiencing a manic episode are unaware of the negative consequences of their actions. If a person is having an intense manic episode, especially if they’re experiencing hallucinations and delusions, they may need to be hospitalized to protect themselves and others from harm. With bipolar disorder, suicide is an ever-present danger, with some people becoming suicidal in manic episodes, not just in depressive ones.

Some people with bipolar disorder can have milder manic-like symptoms called hypomania. When experiencing hypomania, they may feel great and feel like they can get a lot done. They may feel like nothing is wrong during an episode; however, family and friends may notice their mood swings and activity level changes and think they’re unusual for them.

After a hypomanic episode, a person might experience severe depression. The symptoms of depressive episodes in bipolar disorder are the same as those of major depression, including:

Overwhelming sadness

Low energy and fatigue

Lack of motivation

Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

Loss of enjoyment of things that were once pleasurable for you

Difficulty concentrating and making decisions

Uncontrollable crying

Irritability

Increased need for sleep

Insomnia or hypersomnia

A change in appetite that causes weight loss or gain

Thoughts of death or suicide

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition. The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms. Treatment for bipolar disorder is guided by a mental healthcare team consisting of a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or psychiatric nurse.

Depending on your needs, treatment for bipolar disorder may include:

Talk therapy that includes:

- Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy

- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

- Psychoeducation

- Family-focused therapy

Medicines, such as mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, antidepressants, an antidepressant-antipsychotic combination, or anti-anxiety medicines

Intensive outpatient programs or a program involving a partial stay in a hospital

Treatment for alcohol or drug misuse

An extended hospital stay

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or crisis, call 911. Call, text, or chat 988 to speak to a trained crisis counselor who offers support 24/7/365. For ongoing mental health support or assistance from a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

National Epilepsy Awareness Month

Posted on November 5, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

November is observed as National Epilepsy Awareness Month. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. It affects people of all ages and can greatly impact daily life.

Epilepsy is a lot more common than people realize, as approximately one in 26 people will develop epilepsy at some point in their lives. Additionally, 470,000 children in the U.S. live with epilepsy, with approximately one in 150 children diagnosed with epilepsy.

Epilepsy can manifest in various forms. The disorder is classified based on seizure type and underlying cause:

Generalized epilepsy affects both hemispheres of the brain, resulting in widespread symptoms, such as convulsions or absence seizures

Focal epilepsy is limited to one area of the brain, which often causes localized symptoms, such as sensory changes or motor disruptions

Unknown or idiopathic epilepsy is when the underlying cause of seizures can’t be determined

Terms like seizures and epilepsy are often used interchangeably. However, these terms are distinct concepts with unique characteristics and implications.

When a person has had two or more seizures more than twenty-four hours apart that haven’t been brought on by specific events, such as a stroke, brain injury, infection, fever, or fluctuations in blood sugar, they are considered to have epilepsy. A person can also be diagnosed with epilepsy if they have one or more unprovoked seizures and a probability of future seizures.

A seizure is a single event. It is an electrical disturbance in the brain that interferes with its normal function. Scientists and clinicians compare it to an “electrical storm in the brain” in which brain cells hyper-synchronize in an abnormal pattern, disrupting the brain signal balance.

Seizures vary from person to person depending on which type of seizures they experience. This is due to epilepsy being a spectrum disorder, which means the causes, type, and severity can differ greatly for those affected by it.

Common types of seizures include:

Tonic-clonic seizures

Absence seizures

Focal seizures

Febrile seizures

The exact causes of epilepsy vary and aren’t entirely known. Typically, epilepsy and seizures result from abnormal signals from neurons in the brain. It can be genetic or acquired through events, such as physical injury or infection. What’s more, the cause of up to 50% of epilepsy cases worldwide is idiopathic, which means unknown.

Some underlying causes of acquired epilepsy include:

Head trauma

Brain structure abnormalities

Infectious disease

Stroke

Tumor

Healthcare providers diagnose epilepsy by conducting tests to detect abnormalities in a patient’s brainwaves. Tests can also detect seizure activity, including where a seizure starts in the brain.

The most common diagnostic test for epilepsy is the EEG. However, other brain scans, such as MRI or PET, can be used depending on the patient’s seizure, epilepsy type, or both. To determine whether a patient has epilepsy, a healthcare provider compares their test results to the guidelines and criteria established by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE).

To treat epilepsy, healthcare providers prescribe a patient’s treatment based on the type or types of seizures they are experiencing.

Epilepsy treatments available include:

Medications

Dietary changes

Medical devices

Surgery

It is important to note that finding the right treatment plan may require trial and error.

Living with epilepsy requires careful management of triggers, following medication regimens, and awareness of safety precautions. Staying informed about epilepsy and building a strong support system can help individuals lead fulfilling lives despite the difficulties the disorder creates.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of epilepsy, you can consult with a neurologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7246.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month- Breast Cancer Stages

Posted on October 9, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Breast cancer happens when healthy breast cells become abnormal, multiply, and form tumors. Most breast cancers are carcinomas that start in milk ducts or milk-producing glands. Most cases are invasive, which means a tumor can spread to other parts of your body without treatment.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers that affects women. Approximately one in eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Although it is rare, male breast cancers also occur.

Most people who have breast cancer survive it. However, what a breast cancer diagnosis means is different for everyone. The cancer type, its stage, and your response to treatment are just a few factors that will shape your outlook.

Cancer staging systems help healthcare providers plan treatment and understand your prognosis, or what to expect after treatment. The most well-known one is called the TNM system, which considers (T) tumor size and location, and whether cancer has spread to the (N) lymph nodes or (M) metastasized to other sites. Healthcare providers will use this information to stage breast cancer from 0 to IV. The higher numbered stages mean the disease is more advanced. The TNM stages are:

Stage 0 describes non-invasive breast cancers, such as DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ). Stage 0 doesn’t show any evidence of cancer cells or non-cancerous abnormal cells breaking out of the part of the breast in which they started or getting through to or invading neighboring normal tissue

Stage I describes invasive breast cancer in which cancer cells break through to or invade normal surrounding breast tissue. Stage I breast cancer is divided into subcategories IA and IB:

- Stage IA describes invasive breast cancer that:

- - Has a tumor that measures up to 2 cm

- - The cancer has not spread outside the breast, and no lymph nodes are involved

- Stage IB describes invasive breast cancer that:

- - Has no tumor in the breast, but small groups of cancer cells that are larger than 0.2 mm but not larger than 2 mm, and are found in the lymph nodes

- - There is a tumor in the breast that is no larger than 2 cm, and there are small groups of cancer cells larger than 0.2 mm but not larger than 2 mm in the lymph nodes

Stage II is divided into subcategories IIA and IIB:

- Stage IIA describes invasive breast cancer that:

- - Has no tumor present in the breast, but is found in one to three lymph nodes under the arm or in the lymph nodes near the breastbone and is larger than 2 mm

- - A tumor that measures 2 cm or smaller and has spread to the axillary lymph nodes

- - The tumor is larger than 2 cm but not larger than 5 cm and has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes

- Stage IIB describes invasive breast cancer that:

- - Has a tumor larger than 2 cm but no larger than 5 cm, and a small group of breast cancer cells larger than 0.2 mm but not larger than 2 mm are found in the lymph nodes

- - The tumor is larger than 2 cm but no larger than 5 cm, and the cancer has spread to one to three axillary lymph nodes or to lymph nodes near the breastbone

- - The tumor is larger than 5 cm but hasn’t spread to the axillary lymph nodes

Stage III breast cancer is divided into subcategories IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC:

- Stage IIIA describes invasive breast cancer in which:

- - No tumor is found in the breast, or the tumor may be any size, or cancer is found in four to nine axillary lymph nodes or in the lymph nodes near the breastbone

- - The tumor is larger than 5 cm, or small groups of breast cancer cells larger than 0.2 mm but not larger than 2 mm are found in lymph nodes

- - The tumor is larger than 5 cm, or the cancer has spread to one to three axillary lymph nodes or to the lymph nodes near the breastbone

- Stage IIIB describes invasive breast cancer in which:

- - The tumor may be any size and has spread to the chest wall and/or skin of the breast, causing swelling or an ulcer

- - May have spread to up to nine axillary lymph nodes

- - May have spread to lymph nodes near the breastbone

- Stage IIIC describes invasive breast cancer in which:

- - There may be no sign of cancer in the breast, or if there is a tumor, it may be any size and may have spread to the chest wall and/or the skin of the breast

- - The cancer has spread to 10 or more axillary lymph nodes

- - The cancer has spread to lymph nodes above or below the collarbone

Stage IV describes invasive breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other organs of the body, such as the lungs, distant lymph nodes, skin, bones, liver, or brain

Whether you need diagnostic testing or treatment, the MediSys Cancer Center located at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center offers unmatched Queens cancer care for any form of cancer. To schedule an appointment or learn more about our New York hospital’s oncology department, please call 718-206-8263.

National AFib Awareness Month

Posted on September 9, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

September is National AFib Awareness Month, a month dedicated to promoting education, early detection, and improved care for AFib.

AFib stands for atrial fibrillation, a type of arrhythmia, or abnormal heartbeat. During AFib, the heart’s upper chambers, or the atria, beat chaotically and irregularly. They beat out of sync with the lower chambers, called ventricles.

Afib can lead to blood clots in the heart. It also increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications.

Afib usually isn’t life-threatening, but it is a serious medical condition that needs proper treatment to prevent serious health issues.

There are many symptoms of AFib, including:

Feelings of a fast, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat
Chest pain
Dizziness
Fatigue
Lightheadedness
Reduced ability to exercise
Shortness of breath
Weakness

People can experience three types of AFib, including:

Paroxysmal AFib
Persistent AFib
Long-standing persistent AFib

The most common cause of AFib is problems with the heart’s structure. Other health problems and heart diseases that can cause AFib include:

A congenital heart defect
Sick sinus syndrome
Obstructive sleep apnea
Heart attack
High blood pressure
Lung diseases, including pneumonia
Coronary artery disease
Thyroid diseases
Infections from viruses

Many factors can increase your risk of AFib, including:

Age
Caffeine, nicotine, or illegal drug use
Drinking too much alcohol
Changes in the level of body minerals
Family history
Long-term health conditions
Obesity
Some medicines and supplements

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce heart disease risk and prevent AFib. Some basic heart-healthy tips include:

Controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes
Not smoking or using tobacco
Eating a diet that is low in salt and saturated fat
Exercising at least 30 minutes a day at least five days a week
Getting at least seven to nine hours of sleep a day
Maintaining a healthy weight
Reducing and managing stress

A healthcare provider can diagnose AFib by examining you and asking questions about your medical history and symptoms. Tests may be done to look for conditions causing irregular heartbeats such as heart disease or thyroid disease, including:

Blood tests
ECG or EKG
Holter monitor
Event recorder
Implantable loop recorder
Exercise stress tests
Chest X-ray

The goals of AFib treatment are to reset and control the heartbeat and prevent blood clots. Treatment for AFib depends on how long you’ve had it, your symptoms, and the cause of the irregular heartbeat. Afib treatment can include:

Medications
Cardioversion therapy
Surgery or catheter procedures

If you are experiencing any symptoms of Afib, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-7100. If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 right away.

National Sickle Cell Awareness Month

Posted on September 3, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, a month that addresses the challenges patients, their families, and caregivers experience and provides an opportunity to increase public knowledge and understanding of sickle cell disease and traits.

Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders that affect hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen through the body. It is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States. The disease gets its name from the abnormal crescent or “sickle” shape that some red blood cells develop. These abnormal red blood cells block blood flow, resulting in recurring episodes of pain.

Sickle cell disease is a lifelong disease affecting more than 100,000 people in the United States and 20 million worldwide. In the U.S., most people who have sickle cell disease are of African ancestry or identify themselves as Black. About one in 13 Black or African American babies are born with the sickle cell trait, and about one in every 365 Black or African American babies are born with sickle cell disease. Many people who come from Hispanic, Southern European, Middle Eastern, or Asian Indian backgrounds also have sickle cell disease.

There are several symptoms of sickle cell disease. Early symptoms can include:

Jaundice- a condition that causes the color of the skin or whites of the eyes to turn yellow

Extreme tiredness

Painful swelling of the hands and feet

Many serious symptoms and complications of sickle disease can include:

Episodes of severe pain

Anemia symptoms, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and an irregular heartbeat

Fever

Acute chest syndrome

Stroke

Priapism

Avascular necrosis

Pulmonary hypertension

Organ damage

Leg ulcers

Gallstones

Deep vein thrombosis

Pregnancy complications

Vision problems

Frequent infections

There are many ways to manage and treat sickle cell disease, including:

Medicines

Blood transfusions

Blood and bone marrow transplant

Gene therapies

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)

Your healthcare team will probably include a doctor specializing in blood diseases called a hematologist.

If you need help managing symptoms of sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait, schedule an appointment with a hematologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Internal Medicine at (718) 206-7001.

Dysautonomia

Posted on August 13, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Dysautonomia is the general term for nervous system disorders that disrupt the autonomic nervous system (ANS).

There are two main types of dysautonomia: primary and secondary.

Primary dysautonomia can happen on its own without a specific cause and isn’t as common as secondary dysautonomia. Two types of primary dysautonomia are familial dysautonomia, which means it is inherited, and idiopathic dysautonomia, which means it happens for reasons healthcare providers can’t explain or detect. Your odds of having familial dysautonomia are increased if you:

Have a family member, such as a parent or sibling, with dysautonomia

Are of Jewish heritage, especially if you are Ashkenazi Jewish heritage

Are of Eastern European heritage

Secondary dysautonomias are conditions that can cause or contribute to dysautonomia, such as:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy (AAG)

Amyloidosis

Botulism

COVID-19 infection, especially long COVID

Lewy body dementia

Lupus

Parkinson’s Disease

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Type 2 diabetes

The autonomic nervous system manages all the body processes you don’t think about, such as your blood pressure, body temperature, breathing, digestion, heart rate, sweating, and much more. If you have dysautonomia, one or more of these ANS processes aren’t functioning properly.

Dysautonomia can cause several different symptoms due to its effect on the autonomic nervous system, including:

Nausea and vomiting

Brain fog, forgetfulness, or trouble focusing

Balance problems

Vertigo

Migraines or frequent headaches

Mood swings or anxiety

Fatigue or ongoing tiredness

Sexual dysfunction

Vision issues, such as blurred vision or trouble with your eyes adjusting to light changes

Pinpoint pupils or unusually wide-eyed pupils

Unusually dry or watery eyes

Trouble swallowing

Sound or light sensitivity

Chest pain or discomfort

Runny nose

Shifts in body or skin temperature

Sweating more or less than usual, or sweating more in certain body parts

Clammy or pale skin

Exercise intolerance

Excessive drooling

There can be several possible complications of dysautonomia because of how it affects vital body processes. Most of the complications revolve around symptoms of dysautonomia, especially when they’re severe or disrupt your usual routine and activities. Serious symptoms and complications typically include:

Trouble breathing, such as shortness of breath

Heart rate issues, such as heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, or a fast or slow heart rate

Dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or passing out (especially when standing up), which can lead to injuries from falls

Disrupted digestion, such as changes in bowel movements, such as constipation or diarrhea

Disrupted kidney function, leading to urinary tract infections, a frequent urge to pee, or urinary incontinence

Diagnosing dysautonomia is often a process of elimination, using a combination of methods and tests. It also involves determining how and when symptoms happen and finding the pattern linking them. Experienced healthcare providers may find it challenging to diagnose dysautonomia because it can cause symptoms throughout the body that might not seem connected. Healthcare providers may also link symptoms to the condition causing dysautonomia but not realize dysautonomia is also happening.

Some of the tests that may help diagnose dysautonomia or help rule out other conditions include:

Physical and neurological exams

Heart tests, especially an electrocardiogram

Ultrasound and other tests for symptoms related to urinary incontinence

Blood tests, especially testing for antibodies that indicate an autoimmune disorder or testing levels of certain neurotransmitters such as catecholamines

Tilt table test

Sweat tests, such as the quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test

Pupil measurement testing, also known as pupillometry

There is no cure for dysautonomia. However, many symptoms are manageable, and the approach for treating dysautonomia depends on several factors, especially the cause.

Some treatment approaches that might help include:

Staying hydrated

Making dietary changes

Taking medications to increase blood pressure

Taking immune-suppressing medications or other immune system treatments

If you are experiencing any symptoms of dysautonomia, you can consult a neurologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7246.

Men’s Health Month- Health Screenings for Men

Posted on June 10, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

June is Men’s Health Month. This observance aims to raise awareness about preventable health problems that affect men and boys.

Statistics show men are less likely than women to seek medical attention when something affects their health. Men are also less likely to have preventative screenings and checkups with their healthcare providers. This is a problem as early detection of a medical condition is the best way to effectively treat and manage it.

Additionally, avoiding or delaying checkups or screenings could result in a treatable condition becoming severe and/or fatal.

The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) publishes a list of recommended, age-specific screening guidelines for men to help them manage their health:

Screenings guidelines recommended for men ages 18-39 include:

Physical examinations

Blood pressure screenings

Cholesterol screenings

Colon cancer screenings

Dental examinations

Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes screenings

Eye examinations

Immunizations

Skin examinations

Infectious disease screenings

Screenings guidelines recommended for men ages 40-64 include:

Physical examinations

Blood pressure screenings

Cholesterol screenings

Colorectal cancer screenings

Prostate cancer screenings

Osteoporosis screening

Lung cancer screening

Infectious disease screening

Immunizations

Eye examinations

Dental examinations

Skin examinations

It is important to visit your healthcare providers regularly, even if you are feeling healthy. These visits can help:

Screen for any medical issues

Encourage a healthy lifestyle

Assess your risk for any future medical problems

Update vaccinations and other preventative care services

Help you get to know your healthcare provider in case of an illness

If you are experiencing any medical problems or would like to receive health screenings, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, by calling (718) 206-7001.

Cataract Awareness Month

Posted on June 3, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

June is Cataract Awareness Month, a month that recognizes the importance of educating the public on an eye disease that is the leading cause of vision loss in the United States and the world’s leading cause of blindness.

Most cataracts occur when aging or injury changes the tissue that makes up the eyes’ lens, and proteins and fibers in the lens begin to break down, causing it to become cloudy. Most cataracts develop slowly and don’t disturb eyesight early on, but with time, they will eventually affect a person’s vision.

There are several symptoms of cataracts, including:

Clouded, blurred, or dim vision

Trouble seeing at night

Sensitivity to bright light and glare

The need for brighter light for reading and other activities

Seeing “halos” or streaks that form around lights

Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription

Fading or yellowing of colors

Double vision in one eye

There are many types of cataracts, including:

Nuclear cataracts

Cortical cataracts

Posterior subcapsular cataracts

Congenital cataracts

Several factors can increase the risk of cataracts, including:

Increasing age

Diabetes

Getting too much sunlight

Smoking

Obesity

Family history of cataracts

Previous eye injury or inflammation

Prolonged use of corticosteroid medicines

Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol

Ophthalmologists and optometrists diagnose cataracts through a comprehensive eye exam. A healthcare provider will closely examine your eyes for signs of cataracts and assess their severity. They will also ask about your vision, medical history, and if you’re having trouble with everyday tasks because you can’t see as well as before. Tests used to diagnose cataracts include:

Slit lamp exam

Visual acuity test

Cataract surgery is the only way to remove cataracts and restore clear vision. During this surgery, an ophthalmologist removes the clouded natural lens and replaces it with an intraocular lens (IOL). An IOL is an artificial lens that permanently stays in the eye.

No studies have proven how to prevent or slow the growth of cataracts. However, healthcare professionals think several strategies may be helpful, including:

Getting regular eye exams

Quitting smoking

Managing other health problems

Choosing a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables

Wearing sunglasses

Reducing alcohol use

If you’re experiencing cataract symptoms, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ophthalmology Center by calling (718) 206-5900.

Lupus Awareness Month

Posted on May 6, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

May is observed as Lupus Awareness Month, a month used to educate, advocate, and support those affected by lupus.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its tissues and organs. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems, such as the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs.

Healthcare providers sometimes call lupus systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is the most common type of lupus, which means you have lupus throughout your body. Other types of lupus include:

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus- is lupus that only affects your skin

Drug-induced lupus- occurs when some medications trigger lupus symptoms as a side effect. It is usually temporary and might go away after you stop taking the medication that caused it

Neonatal lupus- occurs when babies are sometimes born with lupus. Babies born to biological parents with lupus aren’t certain to have lupus, but they might have an increased risk

No two cases of lupus are exactly alike. Signs and symptoms may come suddenly or develop slowly, may be mild or severe, and may be temporary or permanent. Most people with lupus have a mild form of the disease characterized by flare-ups, when signs and symptoms may get worse for a while, and then improve or disappear completely for a time.

The signs and symptoms of lupus you experience will depend on which body systems are affected by the disease. The most common signs and symptoms include:

Fatigue

Fever

Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling

A butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose, or rashes elsewhere on the body

Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure

Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods

Shortness of breath

Chest pain

Dry eyes

Headaches, confusion, and memory loss

Lupus likely results from a combination of genetics and the environment.

People with an inherited predisposition for lupus may develop the disease when they come into contact with an environmental trigger of the disease. Some potential triggers of lupus include:

Sunlight

Infections

Diagnosing lupus is difficult because signs and symptoms can vary from person to person and may change over time, overlapping with those of many other disorders.

No one test can diagnose lupus. The combination of blood and urine tests, signs and symptoms, and results of a physical examination can lead to a diagnosis. Blood and urine tests may include:

A complete blood count

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate

Kidney and liver assessment

Urinalysis

Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test

If your healthcare provider suspects that lupus is affecting your lungs or heart, they may suggest imaging tests that can include:

A chest X-ray

An echocardiogram

Lupus can harm the kidneys in many ways, and treatments can vary depending on the type of damage it causes. Sometimes, a kidney biopsy is needed to determine the best treatment. A skin biopsy can be performed to confirm a diagnosis of lupus affecting the skin.

A healthcare provider will suggest treatments for lupus that manage your symptoms. The goal is to minimize damage to the organs and how much lupus affects your day-to-day life. Most people with lupus need a combination of medications to help them prevent flare-ups and lessen the severity of symptoms during a flare-up. Medications you might need include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Corticosteroids

Antimalarial drugs

Immunosuppressants

Biologics

Simple measures can help prevent lupus flare-ups if they occur, and help you to better cope with the signs and symptoms you experience, including:

Seeing your doctor regularly

Being sun smart

Getting regular exercise

Quitting smoking

Eating a healthy diet

Asking your healthcare provider if you need vitamin D and calcium supplements

If you would like to participate in Lupus Awareness Month, here are some ways you can do so:

Learn about lupus

Support those who are suffering from lupus

Advocate for better research, more care, and more compassion

For more information about the Lupus Center at the campus of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center or to make an appointment with a lupus doctor, call (718) 206-9888.

Patient Testimonial: Mary Tucker

Posted on April 24, 2026 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

After a two-week trip to London, I was four hours into my return flight when I began seeing flashing lights and a sudden surge of floaters in my right eye. Given my family history of retinal detachment — and knowing it can lead to blindness — I decided before we even landed in New York to cancel my connecting flight and go directly to the emergency room.

I chose Jamaica Hospital Medical Center near JFK Airport.

Even at check-in, I was met with extraordinary kindness and empathy. In a busy ER, that level of warmth stood out. Within minutes, I was triaged, insurance processed, vitals taken, and escorted for an ocular sonogram. I waited less than 30 minutes before Dr. Eric Zhong, the ophthalmologist on duty, evaluated me thoroughly. He determined my retina was not detached and gave me clear guidance on monitoring symptoms.

The following day, just five minutes after boarding a rescheduled flight, my symptoms worsened. I immediately deplaned and returned. The Jamaica Hospital EMTs were calm, skilled, and remarkably reassuring — the kind of competence that lowers your blood pressure the moment they enter the room.

Dr. Zhong was still on duty and recognized that the situation had evolved. Unable to immediately identify the cause, he brought in a colleague — not out of uncertainty, but out of commitment. They suspected a small retinal hole and ensured I had next-day specialist follow-up, which they personally arranged.

A subsequent specialist initially questioned the finding — but when I followed up at one of the top eye hospitals near my home, the diagnosis was confirmed. I had a retinal hole in one eye and an issue in the other. I went directly from the exam chair to laser surgery in both eyes.

The Jamaica Hospital team’s diagnosis was right all along. I was very satisfied with their level of care.

Both of my ER visits were completed in just two to three hours — nearly unheard of in emergency care. More importantly, the culture was unmistakable: collaborative, respectful, compassionate, and highly competent.

They didn’t just treat my eyes — they restored my confidence in what healthcare can look like at its best.

I am deeply grateful to the entire team.