Different Types of Cancer Treatment

Posted on May 28, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Current cancer treatments are helping people live longer, fuller lives. There are many types of cancer treatment. Some people with cancer may only receive one type of treatment. While most may have a combination of treatments, such as surgery with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

A healthcare provider will recommend treatments based on your unique diagnosis, including your type of cancer, stage, and treatment goals.

The general goal of cancer treatment is to stop or slow the progression of the disease. In some cases, the goal of treatment is to eliminate the cancer.

There are more than 100 types of cancer, not including subtypes. Each type of cancer requires a unique treatment approach.

Healthcare providers may recommend one or a combination of cancer treatments, including:

Surgery- the goal is to remove all cancer cells and some of the surrounding healthy tissue
Radiation therapy uses high doses of radiation to destroy cancerous tumors. Types of radiation therapy include:
- External beam radiation therapy (EBRT)
- Internal radiation therapy
- Hyperthermia therapy
Chemotherapy- uses chemotherapy drugs to kill cancer cells
Hormone therapy blocks or reduces hormones that fuel cancer cell growth
Immunotherapy helps the immune system identify and destroy cancer cells
Targeted therapy- interferes with specific processes that allow some cancer cells to thrive
Ablation therapy- uses extreme hot or cold energy to kill cancer cells. Types of ablation therapy include:
- Cryoablation
- Laser therapy
- Electrosurgery
Bone marrow or hemopoietic stem cell transplant- replaces immature blood cells that are or could become cancerous with healthy cells. The two main types of stem cell transplants include:
- Autologous stem cell transplant
- Allogenic stem cell transplant
Clinical trials are studies that test the safety and effectiveness of new cancer treatments

Cancer treatment usually involves a main treatment and additional treatments. These treatments include:

Primary treatment is the main cancer treatment. The most common primary cancer treatment for tumors that haven’t spread is surgery
Adjuvant therapy is an additional therapy given after your primary treatment to help prevent or reduce the risk of cancer coming back
Neoadjuvant therapy is a treatment received before primary treatment

Cancer treatment may involve surgery or other procedures that target cancer cells, including:

Open surgery
Laparoscopic surgery
Precision technologies

Cancer therapy also involves medicines that you may take, which can include:

Orally
Topically
Intravenously (IV)
Injection

A healthcare provider may use words like “local” or “systemic” to describe the cancer treatments you may need.

Local treatments remove tumors or destroy cancer cells in a specific part of our body, or “locally”.

Systemic treatments destroy cancer cells that have broken off from the primary tumor and spread. This includes advanced cancers that have spread or metastasized to distant parts of the body.

Cancer treatment may be a one-time surgery or may require many treatments. Ask your healthcare provider what your course of treatment will involve.

To schedule an appointment with an oncologist at our MediSys Health Network Cancer Center, or to learn more about our cancer care program, please call (718) 206-6742.

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.

How Your Social Media Consumption Can Influence Your Eating Habits

Posted on May 22, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Social media has made it easier for us to connect with loved ones and even celebrities. For better or worse, social media has changed our lives.

Whether it is foodies posting photos of their meals, following food influencers, home chefs, or nutritionists, our social media consumption consciously and unconsciously affects what and how we eat.

A study from the University of Birmingham examined how Facebook users’ perceptions of food-related content in their social networks influenced their eating habits. Researchers found that perceived social norms about food consumption significantly predicted users’ intake of fruits, vegetables, energy-dense snacks, and sugar-sweetened beverages.

The study found that when people believed their peers ate more fruits and vegetables, they were likely to do the same. Furthermore, perceived norms around high-calorie snacks and sugary drinks also influenced consumption, whether encouraging or discouraging these choices.

While this implies that exposure to health-conscious content could promote healthier eating habits, it also poses the problem of someone’s social media feed being filled with fad diets, misleading nutrition information, or a lack of nutrient-dense food representation, which may negatively affect their dietary choices.

Research suggests that when social media users’ feeds are flooded with images of bodies that fit the “ideal” body image, they have lower self-esteem, feel shame, and feel the need to manipulate their diet to lose weight, gain weight, or gain muscle, leading to disordered eating, which is often misdiagnosed as healthy or disciplined eating habits.

With the negative feelings that can come with a social media feed, there are new movements such as intuitive eating, Health at Every Size (HAES), body acceptance, and body positivity that are helping bring a positive effect.

Research shows that these movements help to rectify the impact of social media on disordered eating behaviors and negative body image:

When compared to a control group, people enrolled in a HAES intervention were less susceptible to hunger and inhibition than those in the control group
A systematic review of HAES interventions demonstrated a positive effect on mental health outcomes and physical activity, and they also promote positive changes in eating habits.
An eight-year longitudinal study found that intuitive eating produces better psychological health and lower use of disordered eating behaviors
Body acceptance and body positivity movements on social media show diverse body types and sizes through fashion and beauty-related activism, physically active portrayals of people in bigger bodies, and a focus on holistic wellbeing. However, like any community-driven movement, these movements are not immune to conflicting messaging.

As social media continues to play a powerful role in how it shapes its users’ perceptions of health, nutrition, and body image, it is up to us to understand that our self-worth, eating, and wellness habits shouldn’t be dictated by social media.

Lupus Awareness Month

Posted on May 21, 2025 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 on 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 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 one. 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

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 or the Lupus Hotline at 1-877-33-LUPUS.

Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month

Posted on May 19, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

May is Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. It is observed as a month that encourages education about the battle against the disease, which affects more than 30,000 people in the United States.

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs, causing constant lung infections. It also impacts other organs in the body where mucus builds up, such as the pancreas.

There are two types of cystic fibrosis, classic cystic fibrosis and atypical cystic fibrosis.

Classic cystic fibrosis often affects multiple organs. It is usually diagnosed in the first few years of life.

Symptoms of classic cystic fibrosis include:

Frequent lung infections
Loose or oily poop
Trouble breathing
Frequent wheezing
Frequent sinus infections
A nagging cough
Slow growth
Failure to thrive (inability to gain weight despite having a good appetite and taking in enough calories)

Atypical cystic fibrosis is a milder form of the disease. It may only affect one organ, or symptoms may come and go. It is usually diagnosed in older children or adults.

People with atypical cystic fibrosis may have some of the same symptoms as those with classic cystic fibrosis. Over time, they might experience symptoms that can include:

Chronic sinusitis
Nasal polyps
Dehydration or heatstroke from abnormal electrolyte levels
Diarrhea
Pancreatitis
Unintended weight loss

Changes to the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene cause cystic fibrosis. It affects the cells that make mucus, sweat, and digestive juices. When the CFTR protein doesn’t work as it should, it results in a thick, sticky mucus in the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems, as well as extra salt in sweat.

Changes in the CFTR gene that cause cystic fibrosis are divided into several different groups based on the problems they cause. Different groups of gene changes affect how much CFTR protein is made and how well it works.

To have cystic fibrosis, children must get one copy of the changed CFTR gene from each parent. If children get only one copy, they won’t develop cystic fibrosis. But they will be carriers and could pass the changed gene to their children. People who are carriers may have no symptoms of cystic fibrosis or a few mild symptoms.

Because cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition, family history is a risk factor. Cystic fibrosis occurs in all races. However, it is most common in white people of North European ancestry. Because it is less common in people who are Black, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, Native American, or Asian, this may lead to a much later diagnosis.

A late diagnosis may cause worse health issues. Early and effective treatment can improve your quality of life, prevent complications, and help you live longer. If you are a person of color and have symptoms that could be cystic fibrosis, talk to your healthcare provider so you can get tested for it.

To diagnose cystic fibrosis, healthcare providers usually perform a physical exam, review your symptoms, and perform tests.

Every state in the U.S. now routinely screens newborns for cystic fibrosis. Early diagnosis means treatment can begin right away. Testing can include:

Newborn screening
A sweat test
Genetic testing

Cystic fibrosis tests may be recommended for older children and adults who weren’t screened at birth. A healthcare provider may suggest genetic and sweat tests if you have repeated bouts of symptoms of cystic fibrosis.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for cystic fibrosis, however, treatment can ease symptoms, lessen complications, and improve quality of life. Close monitoring and early, aggressive intervention are recommended to slow the worsening of cystic fibrosis over time, which can lead to a longer life.

The goals of treatment include:

Preventing and controlling infections that occur in the lungs
Removing and loosening mucus from the lungs
Treating and preventing intestinal blockages
Getting enough nutrition

To learn more about cystic fibrosis or to make an appointment with a pulmonologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call (718) 206-7126.

Acute Coronary Syndrome

Posted on May 16, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Acute coronary syndrome refers to three types of coronary disease that are related to sudden reduced blood flow to the heart.

The three types of coronary artery disease are:

Unstable angina
Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction
ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Acute coronary syndrome can affect anyone. However, certain risk factors raise the likelihood of developing the condition. Risk factors include:

Older age
High blood pressure
High blood cholesterol
Smoking or tobacco use
Not enough physical activity
An unhealthy diet
Obesity or being overweight
Diabetes
Personal or family history of angina, heart attacks, or stroke
History of high blood pressure, preeclampsia, or diabetes during pregnancy
Early menopause
COVID-19 infection

The symptoms of acute coronary syndrome usually start suddenly. They include:

Chest pain or discomfort, which may feel like aching, pressure, tightness, or burning
Pain that starts in the chest and spreads to other body parts. These areas include the shoulders, arms, upper belly area, back, neck, or jaw
Nausea or vomiting
Indigestion
Shortness of breath
Sudden, heavy sweating
A racing heartbeat
Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
Fainting
Unusual fatigue

Acute coronary syndrome is usually caused by a buildup of fatty deposits or plaque in and on the walls of the heart’s arteries. When a fatty deposit breaks open, a blood clot can form and block blood flow to the heart, causing the heart not to receive enough oxygen.

The lack of oxygen can cause cells in the heart muscle to die. This damage can lead to a heart attack. When acute coronary syndrome doesn’t cause heart muscle cells to die, it is called unstable angina.

Acute coronary syndrome is an emergency and is usually diagnosed at a hospital. A healthcare provider runs tests to check the heart and determine the cause of symptoms.

Tests for acute coronary syndrome may include:

Electrocardiogram
Blood tests

A healthcare provider looks at the symptoms and test results to diagnose acute coronary syndrome. This information can also help classify your condition as a heart attack or unstable angina.

Other tests may be done to rule out other possible causes of symptoms and may also help determine treatment. Tests include:

Coronary angiogram
Echocardiogram
Myocardial perfusion imaging
CT angiogram
Exercise stress test

There is no cure for acute coronary syndrome. However, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can protect your heart from further damage and help it work as well as possible. A healthcare provider can discuss ways to reduce risks and avoid complications.

The immediate goals of treatment for acute coronary syndrome are to:

Relieve pain and distress
Improve blood flow
Restore heart function quickly and as much as possible

Long-term treatment goals are to:

Help the heart work as well as possible
Manage risk factors
Lower the risk of a heart attack

Treatment for acute coronary syndrome may include medicine, heart procedures, or surgery.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of acute coronary syndrome, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911.

Are Allergy Symptoms Worsening?

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

As we enter the height of spring, seasonal allergy symptoms may seem to be getting worse for those who suffer from them.

Seasonal allergy symptoms can include:

Sneezing
A runny or stuffy nose
Watery, itchy eyes
Itchy sinuses, throat, or ear canals
Ear congestion
Postnasal drainage

Public health and research organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America point to climate change as a possible contributing factor to worsening allergy seasons.

Due to the warmer temperatures, pollinating plants experience earlier and longer growing seasons, which allows them to produce more pollen.

“Climate change impacts allergy season because the consistent rhythm of, in this case of pollen, for example, new flowers being generated through spring is all off kilter. Areas that were not pollinating at a given time are pollinating earlier, while other areas are pollinating later”, says Frederic Bertley, PhD, president and CEO of the Center of Science and Industry.

More than a quarter of adults and about 1 in 5 children experience seasonal allergies in the United States.

However, despite the increasing severity of allergy season, there are ways to decrease exposure to pollen and reduce symptoms, including:

Keeping pollen out of your home by closing doors and windows
Installing HEPA filters
Giving your home a deep clean
Washing your hands often
Tracking pollen levels before you go outdoors
Showering after being outdoors
Staying indoors if pollen levels are high

In addition to decreasing exposure, there are over-the-counter allergy medications that you can take to relieve symptoms, including:

Antihistamines
Decongestants
Nasal and oral corticosteroids

You can receive an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for seasonal allergies at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Posted on May 8, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common hand conditions. It is caused by extra pressure on the median nerve in the wrist’s carpal tunnel.

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome usually start gradually and can include:

Tingling and numbness in the wrist, hand, or fingers
Weakness
Pain in the wrist, hand, or fingers
Trouble using hands to hold or control objects

Several factors have been linked to the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. Although they may not directly cause carpal tunnel, they may increase the risk of irritation or damage to the median nerve. These include:

Anatomical factors
Sex assigned at birth
Nerve-damaging conditions
Inflammatory conditions
Medicines
Obesity
Body fluid changes
Other medical conditions
Workplace factors

To diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome, a healthcare provider will ask questions about your symptoms and perform a physical exam and other tests that include:

Tinel’s sign
Phalen’s test
X-ray
MRI
Ultrasound
Electromyography
A nerve conduction study

Healthcare providers treat carpal tunnel syndrome with nonsurgical treatments first. The most common carpal tunnel treatments include:

Modifying your daily routine
Supporting and strengthening your wrist
Taking over-the-counter medication
Wearing a splint (especially at night)
Physical therapy
Changing your posture or working environment
Corticosteroids

You may need carpal tunnel surgery if nonsurgical treatments don’t relieve symptoms. The goal of carpal tunnel surgery is to relieve pressure by cutting the ligament pressing on the median nerve. The three different techniques used in carpal tunnel surgery include:

Endoscopic surgery
Open surgery
Ultrasound-guided surgery

It is best to treat carpal tunnel syndrome as early as possible after symptoms start. There are simple things that you can do for yourself that may help symptoms go away, such as:

Taking more frequent breaks to rest the hands
Not doing activities that make symptoms worse
Using cold packs to reduce swelling

If you have any questions or concerns about carpal tunnel syndrome or carpal tunnel surgery, you can receive more detailed information from a doctor at Orthopedic Specialists of New York, located on Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s campus. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-6923.

Patient Testimonial- Wayne Texeira says, “Dr. Lasic and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center Gave Me a Second Chance.”

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

“I got a second chance”, is what Wayne Texeira said after his experience at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. While working at Jamaica Hospital, Mr. Wayne Texiera suddenly couldn’t breathe and fell to his knees. He saw the lights fading and passed out. While in the ER, he was told his lungs were filling with fluid, he had heart failure, and he almost died. His doctor, Dr. Zoran Lasic, told Mr. Texiera that he had to change his lifestyle after performing an angiogram that showed that he had 30% functionality in his heart.

Over the next year, through the care and recommendations from Dr. Lasic, Mr. Texeira lost 45 pounds, quit smoking, and stopped eating unhealthy foods. He also gained 60% functionality in his heart, which is remarkable. “I am very grateful to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, the staff, and the doctors. My perception changed after I got a second chance.” Now living in Georgia with his wife and daughter, the catalyst for his lifestyle change, “I kept looking at her and I didn’t want her not to have a father, Mr. Texeira said. With a second chance, Mr. Texeira is grateful, “Life has been good. I have no regrets.”

Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Posted on April 23, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the peripheral nerves, causing sudden numbness and muscle weakness.

Guillain-Barre syndrome often begins with tingling and weakness starting in the legs and feet and spreads to the upper body and arms. Some people may notice the first symptoms in the arms or face. As the condition progresses, muscle weakness can turn into paralysis. Symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome include:

A pins and needles feeling in the fingers, toes, ankles, or wrists
Weakness in the legs that spreads to the upper body
An unsteady walk, or not being able to walk or climb stairs
Trouble with facial movements, including speaking, chewing, or swallowing
Double vision or inability to move the eyes
Severe pain that may feel achy, shooting, or cramp-like, and may be worse at night
Trouble with bladder control or bowel function
Rapid heart rate
Low or high blood pressure
Trouble breathing

People with Guillain-Barre syndrome usually experience their most significant weakness within two weeks after symptoms begin.

The symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome differ depending on the type, as there are several forms of the condition. The main types are:

Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP)
Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS)
Acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) and acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN)

There is no exact known cause of Guillain-Barre syndrome. It usually appears days or weeks after a respiratory or digestive tract infection. Rarely, a recent surgery or vaccination can trigger it.

In Guillain-Barre syndrome, the immune system attacks the nerves. In AIDP, the myelin sheath protecting the nerves is damaged. The damage prevents nerves from transmitting signals to your brain, causing weakness, numbness, or paralysis. It can be triggered by:

Most commonly, an infection with Campylobacter, a type of bacteria often found in undercooked poultry
Influenza virus
Cytomegalovirus
Epstein-Barr virus
Zika virus
Hepatitis A, B, C, and E
HIV
Mycoplasma pneumonia
Surgery
Trauma
Hodgkin lymphoma
Rarely, influenza vaccinations or childhood vaccinations
COVID-19 virus

Healthcare providers can typically diagnose Guillain-Barre syndrome based on symptoms and medical history. They may ask how and when your symptoms started and if you have been sick recently. They will also perform physical and neurological exams to look for signs of muscle weakness and weak or absent deep tendon reflexes.

Unfortunately, many other neurological conditions share similar symptoms to Guillain-Barre syndrome, so a healthcare provider will need to perform other tests to rule out other conditions. These tests can include:

Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction tests
A spinal tap
An imaging test

There is no cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome. However, two types of treatment can speed recovery and reduce symptoms. They include:

Plasma exchange
Immunoglobulin therapy

These treatments are equally effective. Mixing them or using one after the other is no more effective than using either method alone. You are also likely to be given medicine to:

Relieve severe pain
Prevent blood clots

People with Guillain-Barre syndrome need physical help and therapy before and during recovery. Care may include:

Movement of your arms and legs by caregivers before recovery helps keep muscles flexible and strong
Physical therapy during recovery helps you cope with fatigue and regain strength and proper movement
Training with adaptive devices, such as a wheelchair or braces, to give you mobility and self-care skills

You can receive pain management treatments, such as nerve blocks, at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment with a pain specialist, please call (718) 206-7246.

Sleep Paralysis

Posted on April 11, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Sleep paralysis is a type of parasomnia that occurs when the body is between stages of sleep and wakefulness lasting for a few seconds to a couple of minutes.

During an episode of sleep paralysis, you are aware of your surroundings but can’t speak or move. You can still move your eyes and breathe. You may also feel:

Fear
Panic
Helplessness
Anxious

When it ends, you may feel confused because you will regain movement of your body as if nothing happened. You can feel nervous about going to sleep after an episode of sleep paralysis, and it can affect how you feel and function during the day.

Sleep paralysis isn’t dangerous, however, it can cause emotional distress during an episode. Some cases of sleep paralysis are linked to other disorders.

You can experience several symptoms during an episode of sleep paralysis either right before falling asleep or as you’re waking up, including:

You can’t move your arms and legs
You can’t speak
Sensations of pressure against your chest or moving out of your own body
Hallucinations, such as a dangerous person in your room
Daytime sleepiness

Symptoms may first appear in childhood or adolescence. Episodes are more frequent in your 20s and 30s.

The exact cause of sleep paralysis is unknown. However, healthcare providers believe it could happen due to the following:

Narcolepsy
Sleep deprivation
An irregular sleep schedule
Obstructive sleep apnea
Mental health conditions such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or panic disorder
Certain medications
Substance use disorder

To diagnose sleep paralysis, healthcare providers can confirm or rule it out after a physical exam and a sleep evaluation. A provider may ask you about the following:

Your symptoms, such as how often you experience sleep paralysis, what it feels like, and when it started
The quantity and quality of sleep you get, such as how many hours you sleep at night and whether you feel tired during the day
Your medical history, including what medications you currently take and whether you smoke, use alcohol, or non-prescribed drugs
Your family history and if you’re aware of any biological family members who experience sleep paralysis

To further diagnose sleep paralysis, a healthcare provider may recommend testing if they suspect certain sleep disorders like narcolepsy. Tests can include:

An overnight sleep study
Multiple sleep latency test (MSLT)

Treatment for sleep paralysis will depend on the reason why you have it. A healthcare provider may recommend the following:

Taking medications that prevent you from reaching the REM stage of sleep
Taking medications to treat an underlying mental health condition or sleep disorder, such as antidepressants
Improving your sleep hygiene
Talking to a mental health provider if you experience frequent stress

There isn’t much you can do to prevent sleep paralysis from happening. However, there are steps you can take to lower your risk.

One of the best ways to avoid sleep paralysis is to improve your quality of sleep. You can do this by:

Having a set sleep schedule with specific times for going to bed and waking up
Creating a comfortable sleep environment that is dark and quiet
Putting phones, tablets, e-readers, and computers away before bedtime
Relaxing before bed by taking a bath, reading, or listening to soothing music

If you are suffering from sleep paralysis, Jamaica Hospital’s state-of-the-art sleep center can help diagnose and treat various sleep disorders. For more information, or to make an appointment, please call 718-206-5916.