World Epilepsy Awareness Day (Purple Day)

Posted on March 26, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

World Epilepsy Awareness Day, or Purple Day, is observed on March 26th, a global initiative to raise awareness of epilepsy and support the millions of people living with it worldwide.

Approximately 65 million people are living with epilepsy across the world, and one in 26 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with epilepsy during their lifetime.

Epilepsy is a brain condition that causes recurring seizures. Most people who suffer from epilepsy generally have the same type of seizure each time, and symptoms are usually similar from episode to episode. The symptoms of seizures can vary depending on the type of seizure, and because epilepsy is caused by certain activity in the brain, seizures can affect any brain process. Seizure symptoms may include:

Short-term confusion.

A staring spell.

Stiff muscles.

Jerking movements of the arms and legs.

Loss of consciousness.

Psychological symptoms such as fear, anxiety, or déjà vu.

Sometimes people with epilepsy may have changes in their behavior and may also experience psychosis.

Seizures can be categorized as either focal or generalized, based on where in the brain the brain activity that causes the seizure originates.

Focal seizures are the result of brain activity in just one area of the brain. Focal seizures can fall into two categories: focal seizures with preserved consciousness or focal seizures with impaired consciousness.

Types of focal seizures include:

Temporal lobe seizures

Frontal lobe seizures

Occipital lobe seizures

Focal seizures may have warning signs called auras in the moments before a seizure begins. Auras might include a feeling in the stomach, emotions such as fear, or the feeling of déjà vu. They can also be a taste, a smell, or a visual, such as a steady or flashing light, a color, or a shape. Some people may even experience dizziness and loss of balance, or hallucinations.

Generalized seizures are seizures that involve all areas of the brain. Types of generalized seizures include:

Absence seizures

Tonic seizures

Atonic seizures

Clonic seizures

Myoclonic seizures

Tonic-clonic seizures

There is no identifiable cause of epilepsy in about half of the people with the condition. In the other half, the condition may be traced to various factors, including:

Family history of epilepsy

Head trauma

Brain tumors

Infections, such as meningitis, HIV, viral encephalitis, and some parasitic infections

Abnormal blood vessel formation or bleeding in the brain

Alzheimer’s disease

Strokes, heart attacks, and other conditions that deprive the brain of oxygen

Brain inflammation or swelling

Alcoholism or alcohol withdrawal

Injury before birth

Developmental conditions

Seizures can be caused by environmental triggers. These seizure triggers don’t cause epilepsy, but they may trigger seizures in people who suffer from epilepsy. Most people with epilepsy don’t have reliable triggers that always cause seizures. However, there are often factors that make it easier to have a seizure, including:

Flashing lights

Alcohol

Illicit drug use

Lack of sleep

Stress

Dehydration

Skipping doses of anti-seizure medicines or taking more than prescribed

Skipped meals

Illness

Epilepsy is diagnosed when a healthcare provider reviews your symptoms and medical history. They may perform several tests to diagnose epilepsy and to detect the cause of seizures. These tests include:

A neurological exam

Blood tests

Genetic testing

A healthcare provider may also request brain-imaging tests and scans that detect brain changes, including:

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

High-density EEG

CT scan

Functional MRI (fMRI)

PET scan

Single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT)

Neuropsychological tests

Along with the test results of these brain-imaging tests, a combination of other techniques may be used to help pinpoint where the seizures start in the brain. They include:

Statistical parametric mapping (SPM)

Electrical source imaging (ESI)

Magnetoencephalography (MEG)

Treatment can help people who have been diagnosed with epilepsy have fewer seizures or even completely stop having seizures. These treatments include:

Medicines

Therapies that include devices that stimulate the brain

Surgery

A ketogenic diet

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.

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.

American Diabetes Alert Day

Posted on March 23, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

American Diabetes Alert Day is observed each year on the fourth Tuesday in March. The observance was created by the American Diabetes Association to raise awareness of the seriousness of diabetes and highlight the importance of understanding your risk.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Furthermore, the CDC reports that, “More than 40 million Americans have diabetes, and more than 1 in 4 adults with diabetes don’t know they have it.”

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when blood glucose (or blood sugar) levels are too high. This happens because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to help regulate the amount of sugar that enters the body’s cells. As a result, excess sugar accumulates in the bloodstream.

If diabetes is not managed properly or is left untreated, it can lead to complications and increase the risk of serious health problems. Diabetes complications include:

Damage to the nerves in the body
Kidney problems
Skin problems
Bladder problems
Eye diseases that can lead to blindness
Gum disease
Foot complications that can lead to limb loss
Cardiovascular disease, potentially increasing the risk of hypertension, heart attack, or stroke

Some people are more at risk of developing diabetes than others. You may have an increased risk if you:

Are overweight or obese
Are physically inactive
Have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Have a parent or sibling with diabetes
Have ever had gestational diabetes
Are age 45 and older
Are a Hispanic or Latino, African American, American Indian, or Alaska Native person. (The CDC states that some Pacific Islander and Asian American people also have a higher risk.)

Diabetes Alert Day serves as a “wake up call” to pay attention to these risk factors and properly manage your health. If you are at risk of developing diabetes, you should speak with your doctor about ways to improve your health and lower the chances of complications occurring. To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

Prescription Glasses Vs. Readers

Posted on March 20, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

For some people, their eyesight gradually declines. For others, it can happen quickly. When it comes to wearing glasses, the choice can be between getting prescription glasses or non-prescription “readers” also known as “cheaters”.

With either choice, it is important to get an eye examination to determine if you need prescription glasses, if there’s an issue related to your vision, or if readers are okay to use.

Most people can use over-the-counter (OTC) readers if they match the power of their prescription. An example of this is if their eye doctor recommended +2.00 in each eye, and they purchased OTC readers that had the same power.

It is important to note that despite OTC readers being less expensive than prescription glasses, they are mass-produced, and the quality of their lenses and the materials they are made of are usually inferior to those of prescription glasses, which are privately manufactured.

Additionally, there are rare cases when the pupillary distance, which is the distance between the pupils of the eyes, is very small or very wide, and the lenses in the OTC readers can cause eye strain or double vision.

If you experience any of these symptoms with OTC readers, it is recommended to replace them with a pair of prescription glasses.

However, if you do purchase OTC readers, here are some tips to follow to make sure you get the most benefits from them:

Find a pair of readers with the right power. Reading glasses will have signs or stickers describing their power. In many cases, they will range from +1 to +4 diopters, increments of +.25. Diopters are the unit of measurement used to calculate the focusing strength of a pair of glasses or contact lenses. Look for the number that matches your prescription. If you don’t have a prescription, try +1 first, as it is the lowest power

Test the glasses by using them to read. If you have a book or magazine, try using the glasses to read at a comfortable distance. You can also use the eye chart at the eyeglass display to test the glasses. It is important to try different powers until you can read clearly at a distance that is most comfortable for you

Try glasses with larger lenses first, as they offer more of an optimal zone where the prescription is. This will make it easier to use smaller lenses once you get used to wearing glasses.

If you decide to wear prescription glasses instead of OTC readers, you may want to know how to read your prescription.

An eyeglass prescription is made up of an odd series of letters and numbers that are instructions for making your glasses. Here is what they mean:

In a typical prescription, there are two acronyms, one for each eye.

O.D.- is short for oculus dexter, which is your right eye

O.S.- is short for oculus sinister, which is your left eye

The sphere column is often abbreviated as SPH. This is the lens power needed to fix your vision. A minus sign (-) next to the number means nearsightedness. This means you see better up close and need distance correction. A plus sign (+) indicates that you are farsighted and can see better from far away and need your near vision corrected.

Since lens power is measured in diopters, if the sphere field is written as -9.00 D, which means there are 9 diopters of nearsightedness. The measuring system is an integer line, with zero in the middle, needing no correction. The further you get away from zero on either the minus or plus side, the stronger your prescription is.

The cylinder number is how much astigmatism you have, if any. This is when part of the cornea has a different curve. Normally, an eye is shaped like a basketball, rotated in any direction, with the curve staying the same. An eye with astigmatism is oval, or egg-shaped, or more like a football, with one curve being longer than the other. Their CYL number corrects the different second curves.

The axis number tells you where astigmatism is on the cornea. The axis is written in degrees between 1 and 180, indicating which way the astigmatism lines up.

The add column is where any additional lens power is written. For example, some people over the age of 40 may not want an extra pair of glasses for reading and may choose to wear bifocals instead. The lower half of the lens will give them their reading vision.

Additionally, there may be a field for prism on the right side. This is a special type of correction built into the lens for some people with double vision. This means they see two separate images of the same object. The prism fuses the two images together, so they will only see one image.

If you need an eye exam, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ophthalmology Center by calling (718) 206-5900.

Patient Testimonial: Kiana Jennings

Posted on March 19, 2026 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

“Thank you to the Department of Neurosurgery, the Stroke Care Team, the OTs, PTs, PCAs, and day-to-day nurses for their care. They were very good and very nice,” is what I said after having a blockage removed at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

My name is Kiana Jennings, and I am a 36-year-old flight attendant who has lived in Jamaica, Queens, for the past 13 years, but I am originally from the Bronx. In July of 2025, I had just returned from Sweden and went to take a shower. While I was showering, I suddenly passed out. After regaining consciousness, I was able to crawl to my bedroom, where I attempted to get my phone to call a friend who lived in my apartment building. Unfortunately, I passed out again. Thankfully, my friend hadn’t heard from me in a while, so she did a wellness check. When my friend arrived at my apartment, she found me on the floor of my bedroom and immediately called 911.

When I woke up, I was in the emergency room at Jamaica Hospital and was told by my neurosurgeon that I had a stroke. He then discussed the surgical procedure required to remove a blockage that caused the stroke. I also had partial paralysis on my left side.

The procedure was successful, and the blockage was removed. After the procedure, I was in the hospital’s ICU for two weeks before I was taken to the rehabilitation unit to start my recovery. When I got to rehab, I was weak and couldn’t walk on my own. Thankfully, the occupational therapists took the time to talk to and socialize with me as I was on my recovery journey. In physical therapy, the physical therapist made me work and pushed me to keep going. It was difficult, but I thank them all for helping me build back my strength and get back on my feet. My rehabilitation was tough, but everyone made me feel human and showed sympathy and empathy, as they let me be emotional.

I value all the relationships I made during my time at the hospital. I am thankful to be mobile again and am looking forward to being a flight attendant and traveling the world.

Employee Spotlight Shines on Lisette Drummond, RN, BSN, CEFM

Posted on March 19, 2026 by Andrew Rubin

This month, we are proud to shine our Employee Spotlight on Lisette Drummond, RN, BSN, C-EFM, an employee at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for over 21 years. During her years at the hospital she has worked on several different units including: med/surg, pediatrics, ICU, emergency department, labor and delivery, and radiology. Through all of these opportunities, she has gained a great deal of experience. In addition to her role as a nurse, Lisette currently serves as the chairperson for the Labor Management Committee meetings.

Lisette is originally from the Caribbean. After she moved to the United States, she received her BSN from Lehman College. In her free time, she enjoys participating in medical missions, and community health fairs. She considers herself an avid traveler and has visited many foreign countries. One of her most memorable trips was to Kruger National Park in South Africa where she was able to view the “Big Five” lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo.

Lisette is a devoted mother and wife. She enjoys creating meaningful memories with her family and friends. She enjoys a wide variety of foods from many different cultures. Lisette likes gospel and afro beats music.

Jamaica Hospital was instrumental in Lisette’s decision to become a nurse. She had a near death medical emergency in 2000 and she credits the staff of Jamaica Hospital for the life saving treatment that she received. This inspired Lisette to leave modelling and pursue a career in nursing. She has found a great deal of job satisfaction with caring for, and engaging with the multicultural patients and staff at the hospital. We are very proud to have Lisette as a member of our team and look forward to her continuing for many more years.

Treatments to Reduce Alzheimer’s Disease

Posted on March 18, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease and the most common type of dementia. It causes a slow decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. Age is the biggest risk factor for the disease, followed by sex and family history.

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, there is progress in Alzheimer’s and dementia research that is creating promising new treatments for those living with the disease.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved medications for Alzheimer’s disease, which fall into two categories:

· Drugs that change disease progression in people living with early Alzheimer’s

· Drugs that temporarily ease some symptoms of Alzheimer’s

Drugs that change disease progression target the underlying biology of the disease process by aiming to slow the decline of memory and thinking, as well as function.

Anti-amyloid treatments work by removing a protein that accumulates into plaques in the brain, called beta-amyloid. Each treatment works differently and targets beta-amyloid at a different stage of plaque formation.

These treatments change the course of the disease significantly for those who are in the early stages by giving them more time to be able to participate in daily activities and live independently.

The two treatment therapies that change disease progression are Donanemab and Lecanemab.

Donanemab is an anti-amyloid antibody intravenous (IV) infusion therapy that is delivered every four weeks to treat early Alzheimer’s disease, which includes people who are living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s who have been diagnosed with elevated beta-amyloid in the brain.

Donanemab was the third therapy that demonstrated that removing beta-amyloid from the brain decreases cognitive and functional decline in people living with early Alzheimer’s disease.

Lecanemab was the second therapy to demonstrate that removing beta-amyloid from the brain decreases cognitive and functional decline in people living with early Alzheimer’s disease.

It is important to note that anti-amyloid treatments do have side effects, such as allergic reactions, amyloid-related abnormalities (ARIA), infusion-related reactions, headaches, and falls.

As Alzheimer’s progresses, brain cells die, and the connections among those cells are lost. When this occurs, it causes cognitive and noncognitive symptoms to worsen.

Although these medications don’t stop the damage that Alzheimer’s disease causes to brain cells, they may lessen or stabilize symptoms for a limited time by affecting specific chemicals involved in delivering messages among and between the brain’s nerve cells.

The medications that are prescribed to treat symptoms related to memory and thinking include:

Cholinesterase inhibitors are prescribed to treat symptoms related to memory, thinking, language, judgment, and other thought processes. These medications prevent the breakdown of a chemical messenger important for memory and learning, called acetylcholine. Cholinesterase inhibitors support communication between nerve cells. The most prescribed cholinesterase inhibitors include:

· Benzgalantamine treats mild-to-moderate dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease

· Donepezil treats mild-to-severe dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease

· Galantamine treats mild-to-moderate dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease

· Rivastigmine treats mild-to-moderate dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease as well as mild-to-moderate dementia due to Parkinson’s disease

Possible side effects for these medications include:

· Headache

· Dizziness

· Diarrhea

· Increased frequency of bowel movements

· Nausea

· Vomiting

· Loss of appetite

Glutamate regulators are medications prescribed to improve memory, attention, reasoning, language, and the ability to perform simple tasks. This medication regulates the activity of glutamate, a different chemical messenger that helps the brain process information.

Memantine is a glutamate regulator that treats moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease. It can cause side effects that include headaches, constipation, confusion, and dizziness.

A cholinesterase inhibitor combined with a glutamate regulator, such as donepezil and memantine, treats moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease. Possible side effects can include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, confusion, dizziness, increased frequency of bowel movements, and constipation.

Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t just impact memory and thinking. It also impacts a person’s quality of life by affecting a variety of behavioral and psychological symptoms that come with dementia, such as agitation, hallucinations and delusions, and sleep disturbances. Some medications focus on treating these non-cognitive symptoms for a time; however, it is important to try non-drug strategies to manage behaviors before adding medications.

The FDA has approved only one drug to manage symptoms of insomnia that has been tested in people who are living with dementia, and one that treats agitation.

Orexin receptor antagonists are prescribed to address symptoms of insomnia and inhibit the activity of a type of neurotransmitter involved in the sleep-wake cycle called orexin.

Suvorexant treats insomnia and has been shown in clinical trials to be effective for people who are living with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Possible side effects can include a risk of impaired alertness and motor function, worsening depression or suicidal thinking, complex sleep behaviors, sleep paralysis, and compromised respiratory function.

Atypical antipsychotics are a group of antipsychotic drugs that target the serotonin and dopamine chemical pathways in the brain. These drugs are mainly used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, as well as add-on therapies for major depressive disorder. The FDA requires that all atypical antipsychotics carry a safety warning that the medication has been associated with an increased risk of death in older patients who are experiencing dementia related psychosis.

Many atypical antipsychotic medications are used “off-label” to treat dementia-related behaviors, and there is only one FDA-approved atypical antipsychotic to treat agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. It is important to try non-drug strategies to help manage non-cognitive symptoms such as agitation before adding any medications.

Brexpiprazole treats agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. Possible side effects may include weight gain, sleepiness, common cold symptoms, dizziness, and restlessness.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or would like to learn more about treatment options, you can consult with a neurologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7246.

Botox for Migraines

Posted on March 14, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Chronic migraines are a severe, recurring type of headache that is often debilitating. Migraines have four phases, which are prodrome, aura, migraine headache, and postdrome.

Although the exact cause of migraines is unknown, researchers believe genetics is a factor.

There are a few conditions and lifestyle factors that can trigger a migraine, including:

Anxiety

Bipolar disorder

Depression

Epilepsy

Sleep disorders

Caffeine or withdrawal from caffeine

Taking certain medications or taking them too often

Migraines are more likely to occur in the morning, making it common to wake up with a migraine. Some people have a predictable pattern of migraines, such as just before a menstrual period. Other people may have trouble recognizing what triggers their migraines.

There is no cure for migraines, but they can be managed and prevented with over-the-counter triptans and pain relievers.

Another treatment that can be used for chronic migraines is Botox. Botox for migraines is a type of botulinum toxin that may prevent chronic migraines and is only recommended by a healthcare provider if a person has 15 or more headaches per month.

Although Botox is mostly known for its cosmetic use, it has medical benefits, such as blocking pain signals before they reach the brain, as certain nerves are highly active during a migraine.

To prevent this from happening, a healthcare provider injects Botox into specific muscles in the head, neck, and shoulders using a tiny needle. These areas connect to the nerves that send pain signals during a migraine. Botox travels along these connected nerves towards the brainstem and blocks the release of chemicals that trigger pain. This may reduce how often a person gets a migraine or make their symptoms less severe when they experience one.

Before receiving Botox for migraine treatment, you will meet with your healthcare provider, who will explain the risks and benefits of it and make sure that it is a safe option for you. If you agree to move forward, you will sign a consent form.

It is important to let your healthcare provider know about any medications and supplements that you are currently taking, as Botox may interact with different types, such as muscle relaxants.

Botox has many side effects, including:

Mild pain and bruising at the injection site

Neck pain and stiffness

Headache

Flu-like symptoms

Temporary changes in appearance

These side effects are usually minimal and will clear up. Let your healthcare provider know if you are experiencing any severe pain or discomfort.

The main benefits of Botox for migraines are that it reduces:

The severity of migraines

The frequency of migraines

The duration of migraines

Botox for migraines has other benefits, including:

It’s effective with long-term use and has minimal complications

It can be combined with other migraine medications

The side effects may be better tolerated than other medications available

Chronic migraines can be painful and debilitating, and trying to find the right treatment to provide relief can be difficult and frustrating. If you are suffering from chronic migraines and haven’t found the right treatment options to relieve your symptoms, discuss Botox treatment for migraines with your healthcare provider.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of chronic migraines and are interested in Botox for migraines, you can consult with a neurologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7246.

Biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer

Posted on March 11, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. It is the second most common type of cancer among men and women, and the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths.

Colorectal cancer most commonly occurs in men and women 55-85 years of age, which is 80% of colorectal cancer cases. Common risk factors of the disease include:

Obesity

Having type 2 diabetes

Family history

Racial and ethnic background

Diet

Level of physical activity

Long term tobacco smoking

Moderate to heavy alcohol use

If a person is suspected of having colorectal cancer or has already been diagnosed with it, they will be tested for colorectal cancer biomarkers.

Biomarkers or biological biomarkers are traits that healthcare providers measure in a person’s blood, body fluids, and tissues. They can be signs of conditions, diseases, normal body functions, or when something goes wrong. Biomarkers can also be used by healthcare providers to see how well a person’s body reacts to treatments for the disease they have.

Biomarkers for colorectal cancer are used for diagnosis, progression, prognosis, and treatment planning. Diagnostic biomarkers can detect the presence of diseases. Prognostic biomarkers are associated with a clinical outcome regardless of the treatment that has been received, and predictive biomarkers can predict the benefit or lack of benefit of a certain treatment.

Colorectal cancer biomarker testing is done by taking a sample of a person’s tumor for a biopsy, or a sample of their blood and sending it to a pathology lab to determine if there are any abnormalities in the DNA, RNA, hormones, or proteins made by their cancer. Many tests are used in biomarker testing, including:

DNA or RNA sequencing

Next-generation sequencing

Molecular testing

CtDNA

Immunohistochemistry

FISH

Biomarker testing can reveal very detailed information about a person’s tumor. A healthcare provider will review the test results to determine which of the specific biomarkers are present, and they may also see how much is present. The type of biomarker tests a person receives depends on what their healthcare provider determines is right for the type and stage of cancer they have.

Biomarkers can also determine if the person’s colorectal cancer has a hereditary genetic mutation or an acquired one. Only 5% of colorectal cancer cases are caused by germline mutations, also known as hereditary mutations, which are genetic abnormalities that are passed down from parent to child. This means that 95% of colorectal cancers happen randomly due to changes in the body cells that weren’t inherited.

Once colorectal cancer biomarker testing is complete, a healthcare provider will be able to create a personalized treatment plan based on the person’s unique biomarker traits.

Biomarker testing is useful in both early and advanced colorectal cancer. For those with advanced cancer, biomarker testing is used to learn whether their cancer has any targetable characteristics. If it does, target therapy or immunotherapy may be treatment options as they target specific characteristics of a tumor.

If you would like to learn more about colorectal cancer biomarker testing, or to learn more about our cancer care program, you can schedule an appointment with an oncologist at our MediSys Health Network Cancer Center by calling (718) 206-6742.

How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Xavia Malcolm

Sleep apnea is a common and potentially serious breathing disorder that causes breathing to stop and restart several times during sleep. These involuntary breathing pauses are called apneic events.

Sleep apnea happens when there is a blockage of the airway or when the brain fails to regulate breathing. This can prevent your body from getting adequate oxygen and lead to various health problems, including:

High blood pressure
Increased risk of heart attack, arrhythmia, and other cardiovascular problems
Increased risk of diabetes
Sleep deprivation

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring
Gasping or choking for air during sleep
Restless sleep
Breathing pauses
Daytime fatigue
Trouble staying asleep
Hypersomnia (excessive daytime sleepiness)
Dry mouth

Sleep apnea is diagnosed by a healthcare professional who may ask you about your symptoms, medical history, and sleep history. They may refer you to a sleep specialist or a sleep center to undergo testing. The most common tests for sleep apnea are:

Polysomnogram, an overnight sleep study conducted in a sleep lab. Here you will be hooked up to equipment that monitors your heart rate, breathing, arm and leg movements, and other functions
Home sleep apnea test, which is the at-home version of the sleep study. Key metrics and functions are measured with a portable device. Home sleep apnea tests may sometimes miss certain metrics. Therefore, your healthcare provider may still recommend a polysomnogram.

Once diagnosed with sleep apnea, your healthcare provider will recommend treatment based on the severity of your symptoms, general health, and age. Treatment may include lifestyle modifications, oxygen, devices such as a CPAP machine, dental appliances, orofacial therapy, or surgery.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Sleep Medicine utilizes state-of-the-art technology to diagnose sleep disorders. Several testing options are available at our sleep lab in Queens. We also offer home sleep studies to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea and several treatment devices and therapies, including Inspire Therapy. To schedule an appointment with a sleep specialist, please call 718-206-5916.

Muscle Spasms

Posted on March 6, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Muscle spasms or muscle cramps are painful contractions and tightening of the muscles. Muscle spasms occur when the muscles involuntarily and forcibly contract and cannot relax.

Muscle spasms are normal and very common, and can involve part of, or all of, a muscle or several muscles in a group. These spasms can occur anywhere in the body. The most common types of muscle spasms include:

Back spasms

Leg cramps and charley horses

Neck spasms

Arm spasms

Abdomen spasms

Ribcage spasms

Chest spasms

Muscle spasms can occur in anyone at any time, including while walking, sitting, exercising, or sleeping. Some individuals are more susceptible to muscle spasms than others and experience them regularly with any type of exertion. People most likely to get muscle spasms include:

Athletes

Pregnant women

Infants

People who are obese

People over the age of 65

Most of the time, muscle spasms aren’t something to worry about. However, muscle cramps can indicate an underlying neurological condition that affects the brain. Involuntary muscle movements resulting from a neurological condition are called dystonia.

Muscle spasms range from mild to severe. Mild muscle spasms feel like the muscle is jumping around on its own and can be seen twitching. Severe muscle spasms feel like the entire muscle stiffens into a tight ball. If the cramping is painful, it may cause lingering discomfort in that area for a couple of days.

If muscle spasms result from a neurological condition, they may cause symptoms such as:

Paralysis

Muscle pain

Muscle weakness

Coordination issues

Numbness

Difficulty sleeping

Vision issues

Experts aren’t sure why some people get muscle spasms more than others. However, possible causes can include:

Dehydration

Muscle fatigue

Exercising in extreme heat, which causes heat cramps

Not enough stretching

Electrolyte imbalance

Stress

Too much high-intensity exercise

A healthcare provider can diagnose muscle spasm by reviewing a person’s health history and medications, as well as asking questions that include:

How bad is the pain?

How long do the cramps last?

When do muscle spasms usually happen?

What do the muscle spasms feel like?

When did the muscle spasms start?

There is no pill or injection used to treat and relieve muscle spasms. However, some things can be done to try and stop muscle cramps, including:

Massage the affected areas with your hands or a massage roller

Stretch the affected area

Stand up and walk around

Apply heat or ice

Take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen

Muscle spasms can happen at any time, and because they are so predictable, they can be difficult to prevent. Unfortunately, there are risk factors that can’t be avoided, such as your age. However, there are things you can do to reduce your risk, including:

Stretching your muscles regularly

Performing flexibility exercises

Drinking a lot of water

Wearing shoes that fit properly

Avoiding exercising in extreme heat

Working toward better overall fitness

Staying at a weight that is healthy for you

Avoiding medications that may cause muscle spasms as a side effect

Stretching your muscles before going to sleep

Using pillows to keep your toes pointed upward if you sleep on your back or letting your feet hang over the end of the bed if you sleep on your chest, to prevent leg cramps

If you are experiencing muscle spasms, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.