Patient Testimonial- Wayne Singleton

“I am grateful to Dr. Atalay and the hospital staff for aiding in my recovery”, is what I said after Dr. Atalay and the staff at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center saved my life after I had a major stroke at work. 

On January 21st of this year, I was working at my job when suddenly, I began to experience the symptoms of a stroke. As the stroke advanced, I collapsed. My colleague came out of his office to help and called an ambulance.  

The ambulance brought me to the Emergency Department at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where I was immediately prepped for surgery. Dr. Yahya Atalay, a neuro-intervention specialist, treated me and successfully performed a thrombectomy, a procedure to remove the clot from my brain via my groin. 

Presently, I am enrolled in cardio-rehabilitation three days per week. I do light to moderate exercises, and I monitor my vitals daily. I am recovering from my stroke one day at a time. 

Thank you to Dr. Atalay and the Jamaica Hospital staff for everything they have done for me. 

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.

Dysautonomia

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. 

 

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.

Wellness Wednesday Tip

Our daily lives can be bombarded with constant bad news, tragedy, negativity, stress, worry, and anxiety. These factors can affect our mood and cause our nervous systems to overload, causing us to lose sleep, which can then lead to cardiovascular issues, weakened immune function, metabolic problems, and mental health conditions.  

Mindfulness and meditation are overlapping techniques proven to ease stress, improve sleep, and enhance concentration.  

Practicing mindfulness can be as simple as walking through a park, admiring nature, or using mental health apps to help anchor you in the present. Engaging in these activities can help calm anxiety, improve focus and concentration, and increase positive feelings.  

Meditation combines body and mind by focusing on sensations, such as breathing, images, or a repeated word or phrase. One exercise that works similarly well for adults and younger people is box breathing. Box breathing is a form of yogic deep breathing that uses the concept of a box with four sides, represented here by breathing while you slowly count to four, four times. Four counts of breathing in, four counts of holding your breath, four counts of exhaling, and four more counts of holding after your exhale. This rhythmic pattern of breathing helps regulate the nervous system, suppressing anxiety and stress, lowering the heart rate and blood pressure, and boosting focus. 

If you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed and need the assistance and support of 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.

Legionnaires’ Disease

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious, life-threatening type of pneumonia caused by breathing in mist or getting water that has been contaminated with Legionella bacteria in the lungs. 

You can also get Legionnaires’ disease from: 

  • Hot tubs 
  • Shower heads 
  • Faucets 
  • Humidifiers 
  • Decorative water features 
  • Heating and cooling systems, usually only in large buildings 
  • Intubation during surgery 
  • Dirt 

Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious. Most people don’t get Legionnaires’ disease, even if they have been around Legionella bacteria. But some people are more likely to get sick with Legionella infection than others. You can have an increased risk of getting Legionnaires’ disease if you: 

  • Are older than 50 years old 
  • Smoke or used to smoke cigarettes 
  • Have a weakened immune system caused by certain medical conditions, such as HIV, diabetes, cancer, and kidney or liver disease, and medications that can compromise your immune system 
  • Have a long-term respiratory illness, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema 
  • Live in a long-term care facility 
  • Have stayed in a hospital recently 
  • Have had surgery requiring anesthesia recently 
  • Have received an organ transplant recently 

Legionnaires’ disease causes pneumonia-like symptoms that start two to 14 days after exposure to Legionella. It can also cause neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms. 

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include: 

  • Fever (often over 104⁰F/40⁰C) 
  • A dry cough 
  • Shortness of breath 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Muscle aches 
  • Headache 
  • Nausea 
  • Confusion 
  • Coughing up blood 
  • Abdominal pain 

The most common way to diagnose Legionnaires’ disease is with urine and sputum tests. A healthcare provider may use imaging tests, such as an X-ray or CT scan, to get pictures of the inside of your chest. They will also take a physical exam and ask you about your health and travel history. 

Other tests used to diagnose Legionnaires’ disease can include: 

  • Blood tests 
  • Bronchoscopy 
  • Thoracentesis 

The treatment for Legionnaires’ disease is antibiotics, either intravenously or in pill form. If you are having trouble breathing, a healthcare provider may give you treatments to help you get enough oxygen. You will probably have to stay in the hospital while you are being treated. 

You can reduce your risk at home by making sure shower heads, faucets, hot tubs, and humidifiers are properly cleaned. 

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

 

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.

Common Vaccines That Can Prevent Chronic Diseases or Some Cancers

Vaccines don’t just protect you from specific infectious diseases or help reduce the severity of symptoms if you get sick. They also play a significant role in preventing you from developing common chronic diseases, including certain cancers. 

What’s more, there is an increasing amount of research that has shown that vaccines can reduce the risk of developing dementia and heart conditions. 

Here are some common vaccines that can prevent chronic diseases and some cancers: 

HPV Vaccine 

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common infection spread by skin-to-skin contact, often through sex, and is responsible for most cervical cancers. It can also cause a large number of lower genital cancers and certain head and neck cancers. 

Studies have shown that rates of HPV infection, early signs of precancer, and cervical cancer have fallen since the HPV vaccine was introduced. A 2024 study of an estimated 3.5 million participants found fewer cases of HPV-related cancers in people who were vaccinated. Another study found that cervical cancer deaths among women younger than 25 years old dropped more than 60 percent in recent years, with researchers suggesting that the significant decline was most likely the result of vaccinations.  

The HPV vaccine should be administered to all young people between the ages of nine and 26. It can be given to people up to the age of 45; however, the vaccine is less effective the older you are. Two doses of the vaccine are recommended for most people younger than 15 years old, and three shots for people between 15 and 26 years old and those who are immunocompromised. 

Shingles Vaccine 

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. Unfortunately, the virus doesn’t leave your body after you have recovered from chicken pox and stays dormant in your nervous system, and for some people, it can reactivate and cause a painful rash. In the U.S., an estimated one million people get shingles each year, and for certain people, it can sometimes also cause lifelong chronic pain conditions or other serious complications, such as vision loss. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the shingles vaccine is 97 percent effective in preventing shingles in adults between 50 and 69 years old.  

Additionally, many large-scale studies have reported a connection between the shingles vaccine and reduced risk of dementia. There is also research that suggests the vaccine could reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as stroke, heart failure, and coronary artery disease. The CDC recommends two doses of a shingles vaccine for adults 50 and older, or people 19 years or older with weakened immune symptoms. The chicken pox vaccine for children can help prevent shingles when they’re older. 

Hepatitis B Vaccine 

The hepatitis B virus is a leading risk factor for liver disease and cancer later in life. It can be contracted through sexual contact, needles, and childbirth, and can be passed from person to person through blood, semen, or other bodily fluids.  

Acute hepatitis B can be a short-term illness that happens within the first six months of exposure to the virus. It can cause people to have no symptoms or only mild sickness. However, the illness, which is a liver infection that can become a lifelong chronic condition if left untreated, could lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. It is recommended that all infants receive the vaccine at birth, with the series of shots to be completed in the first 15 months of their life. 

Flu, Coronavirus, and RSV Vaccine 

Vaccines that help prevent infections from respiratory viruses are important because they protect us against serious disease, as well as flare-ups or worsening of existing chronic health conditions.  

A study done in 2020 found higher rates of severe flu infections among adults with certain chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma. Additionally, a study of 46 million adults observed that the incidence of heart attacks and strokes decreased after people received coronavirus vaccinations.  

The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older should get an annual flu shot.  

It is also important for those who have chronic conditions to get the coronavirus and RSV vaccines.  

RSV can be devastating for children and elderly people. Getting the RSV vaccine is recommended for babies, pregnant women to protect their babies, adults ages 50 to 74 with chronic health conditions, and all adults 75 and older. 

Bacterial Vaccines 

Bacterial infections such as meningitis and pneumonia can also lead to chronic disabilities or even death.  

The longer a person has a meningitis infection, the greater the risk of the infection causing serious complications such as hearing loss, vision troubles, memory issues, learning disabilities, brain damage, seizures, and kidney failure. 

Pneumonia can have long-term effects, such as depression, heart disease, and blood vessel diseases that worsen. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, pneumonia could cause kidney, liver, and heart damage due to the organs not getting enough oxygen to function properly, or because of the immune system responding negatively to the infection.  

Both bacterial meningitis and pneumonia can lead to sepsis. If treated early, a person suffering from sepsis can recover completely; however, others might experience long-term effects, including insomnia, nightmares or hallucinations, panic attacks, joint and muscle pain, decreased cognitive function, and organ failure.  

The CDC recommends all preteens and teens, as well as children and adults who are at an increased risk, receive the meningococcal vaccine, as it protects against the disease that causes meningitis. Children five years and younger and adults 50 or older should receive the pneumococcal vaccine, which helps prevent pneumonia and other infections, including meningitis and sepsis.  

It is important to remember that getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against worsening or serious symptoms of illness and developing chronic diseases and cancers. 

To learn more about our infectious disease services or to make an appointment with our infectious disease physicians, please contact Jamaica Hospital Medical Center at 718-206-6000. 

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.

Patient Testimony- Neil Moir

“You saved my life” is what I said after Dr. Yahya Atalay and the staff at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center saved my life after I had a major stroke at JFK Airport. 

On November 3rd of last year, I ended up in the emergency room at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center after having a major stroke while I was in the departure lounge at JFK Airport while travelling back to the UK. 

While in Jamaica Hospital’s emergency department, it was discovered that I had a blood clot in my brain. Dr. Yahya Atalay, a neuro-intervention specialist, treated me and successfully performed a thrombectomy, a procedure to remove the clot from my brain via my groin. 

After the operation, I was completely unable to move the right-hand side of my body and could not talk. Over the next three days, I regained full use of my right-hand side, and my speech was almost back to normal with only a slight impediment, which only my wife had noticed. 

The care I received was second to none. All the staff at the hospital were professional, dedicated, and caring. I was discharged after three days, which everyone seemed quite impressed with.  

My family and I cannot thank all the hospital staff enough for what they did over my three-day stay with them.  

I would also like to thank my wife, Serena, who has been a rock over the last few months during my recovery after my episode.  

Kindest Regards, 

Neil Moir 

 

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 to Improve Your Gut Health and Balance Your Gut Microbiome

There are trillions of beneficial bacteria living in your gut, or gut microbiome, that are essential to your health and well-being. The gut microbiome plays an important role in strengthening your immune system and regulating daily bodily functions, including hunger signals and mood fluctuations.  

The gut contains 95 percent of the feel-good hormone, serotonin, which means what you eat can impact your ability to respond to stress, reduce anxiety, and help the body fight off germs, viruses, and bacteria that could make you sick. 

When you have an unhealthy gut, it can cause several diseases and conditions, including: 

  • Inflammatory bowel disease 
  • Obesity 
  • Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth 
  • Insulin resistance and other endocrine disorders 
  • Mental health conditions and neurological disorders 
  • Asthma 
  • Various cancers 

There can be several signs of an unhealthy and imbalanced gut, including: 

  • Intolerance to certain foods 
  • A frequent upset stomach 
  • Intense cravings 
  • Skin irritations  
  • Autoimmune disorders 
  • Intense cravings 
  • Migraines and frequent headaches 
  • Difficulty sleeping or excessive fatigue 
  • Irritability or other mood changes 
  • Changes in bathroom habits 

The most direct and effective way to improve your gut health is through your diet by getting enough dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is the key nutrient for maintaining the diversity of gut microbiota. Having low gut microbiota diversity is associated with many chronic inflammatory diseases, such as: 

  • Obesity 
  • Diabetes 
  • Irritable bowel disease (IBD) 

Several foods are high in fiber, including: 

  • Fruits 
  • Vegetables 
  • Nuts 
  • Whole grains, such as: 
  • Barley 
  • Bran 
  • Quinoa 
  • Oatmeal  
  • Brown rice 
  • Seeds 
  • Legumes, including peas, beans, and lentils 

Other recommendations for improved gut health include: 

  • Increasing consumption of whole foods by adopting the Mediterranean diet 
  • Limiting processed foods 
  • Eating smaller meals 
  • Eating more slowly and chewing food thoroughly 
  • Managing stress 
  • Exercising more 
  • Setting a gut bedtime 

Gut health can also be improved by taking probiotics and prebiotics. 

Probiotics are “good” bacteria and other microorganisms that reside in the gut and are believed to support a healthy immune system and good digestion. Probiotics can be found in fermented foods, including: 

  • Yogurt 
  • Kefir 
  • Sauerkraut 
  • Kombucha 
  • Pickles that are salt-based 
  • Tempeh 
  • Kimchi  
  • Miso 

Prebiotics are dietary fibers that probiotics feed on. They can be found in several high-fiber foods, including: 

  • Leeks 
  • Asparagus 
  • Garlic 
  • Onions 
  • Bananas 
  • Chicory root 

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that women aim for 25 grams of fiber per day and men for 38 grams per day.  

If you would like to improve your gut health and balance your gut microbiome, you can consult a physician by visiting Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

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.

The Dangers of Misusing the Allergy Medication Diphenhydramine

When people are experiencing allergy symptoms such as coughs, sneezes, a runny nose, congestion, and itchy eyes, nose, or throat, they turn to allergy medications like diphenhydramine to help quell them. Diphenhydramine is an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine that, when used as directed, is usually safe for occasional allergy or sleep symptoms. However, when diphenhydramine is misused and more than the recommended dosage is taken, it can cause serious health risks.  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated one million people are seen in U.S. hospital emergency departments for adverse drug events each year, and more than one-fourth are hospitalized.  

Unfortunately, teenagers have been reportedly taking dangerously high doses of diphenhydramine intentionally to provoke hallucinations. In 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that taking higher doses of diphenhydramine could lead to life-threatening complications, including heart problems, such as irregular heart rhythms, seizures, coma, or even death, after news reports of teenagers being admitted to emergency rooms or dying after a TikTok challenge encouraged them to misuse the allergy medication.  

In addition to life-threatening complications, misusing diphenhydramine can lead to cognitive decline, psychiatric harm, and neurological injury.  

The FDA recommends always reading the drug facts label on all over-the-counter medicines to find out if they contain diphenhydramine, how much and how often you should take them, and important safety information to avoid taking more than the dose listed and prevent serious health risks.  

Here are some safety tips to reduce the risk of the potentially harmful effects of misusing diphenhydramine: 

  • Lock medicine away safely to prevent accidental poisoning 
  • Choose medicines that only treat the symptoms you have 
  • Be mindful that many medicines contain multiple ingredients that may interact with alcohol dangerously 
  • Look out for the same active ingredients in medicines taken at the same time, as it may result in an overdose 
  • Do not take medicines longer than needed or in higher doses 
  • Do not take medicines with side effects that impact your ability to drive safely or use heavy machinery until you are in an appropriate and safe environment 
  • Read the dosing directions carefully, especially when it comes to infants and children 
  • Be cautious when taking more than one medicine at a time, as drug-to-drug interactions can cause serious health effects and can even be fatal 

If you or a loved one is experiencing a bad reaction or serious side effects to an allergy medication, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001. Please call 911 if there is an emergency. 

 

 

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.

Aphasia Awareness Month

June is National Aphasia Awareness Month, a month dedicated to increasing understanding of aphasia. This acquired communication disorder impairs a person’s ability to process language but does not affect their intelligence.  

Aphasia affects the ability to speak and understand others, causing most people with the disorder to have trouble reading and writing. 

The most common cause of aphasia is stroke. About 25 to 40 percent of stroke survivors are afflicted with aphasia. It can also be a result of a head injury, a brain tumor, or other neurological causes. 

There are six types of aphasia, including: 

  • Global aphasia is the most severe form of aphasia and is applied to patients who can produce few recognizable words and understand little or no spoken language. People with global aphasia can’t read or write. It is often seen immediately after the patient has suffered a stroke and may rapidly improve if the damage to the brain has not been too extensive. However, with greater brain damage, there may be severe and lasting disability. 
  • Broca’s aphasia, or non-fluent aphasia, is a form of aphasia in which the speech output is severely reduced and is limited mainly to short utterances of less than four words. A person’s vocabulary access is limited, and so is their ability to form sounds. 
  • Mixed non-fluent aphasia is a form of aphasia that applies to people with sparse and effortful speech, which can resemble severe Broca’s aphasia. However, they remain limited in their speech comprehension and do not read or write beyond an elementary level. 
  • Wernicke’s aphasia, or fluent aphasia, is a form of aphasia in which the ability to grasp the meaning of spoken words is impaired. However, the ease of producing connected speech is not much affected. Reading and writing are often severely impaired. 
  • Anomic aphasia is a form of aphasia that is applied to people left with a persistent inability to supply the words for the things they want to say, particularly significant nouns and verbs. 
  • Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a neurological syndrome in which language capabilities become slowly and progressively impaired. Unlike the other forms of aphasia that result from stroke or brain injury, PPA is caused by Alzheimer’s or frontotemporal lobar degeneration. 

A healthcare provider can diagnose aphasia by performing physical and neurological exams. They can also use imaging tests, such as an MRI and a CT scan, to identify what is causing aphasia. 

Aphasia can also be diagnosed with the help of a speech-language pathologist who can complete a comprehensive language assessment to confirm the presence of aphasia and determine the appropriate course of language treatment. 

The assessment helps find out whether the person can: 

  • Name common objects 
  • Engage in a conversation 
  • Understand and use words correctly 
  • Answer questions about something read or heard 
  • Repeat words and sentences 
  • Follow instructions 
  • Answer yes and no questions and respond to open-ended questions about common subjects 
  • Read and write 

There are several treatments for aphasia, including: 

Speech and language rehabilitation therapy aims to improve the ability to communicate and help restore as much language as possible. This is done by teaching the person with aphasia how to make up for lost language skills and find other communication methods. This therapy: 

  • Starts early 
  • Often works in groups 
  • May include the use of computers 

Medications are being studied to treat aphasia that may improve blood flow to the brain and enhance its ability to recover or help replace the depleted chemicals in the brain. 

Brain stimulations, such as transcranial magnetic and direct current stimulation, are being studied to help improve the ability to name things. 

Because aphasia is often a sign of a serious problem, such as a stroke, seek emergency medical care if you suddenly develop any symptoms. 

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

 

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.

Men’s Health Month- Health Screenings for Men

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. 

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.