Center of Therapies

Sleep Disorders in Children

Many children experience sleep disorders. These range from night terrors and sleep walking to serious breathing disorders during sleep. A few of the breathing disorders known to affect children and their sleep are discussed here.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

One of the most common abnormalities of breathing during sleep with children is obstructive sleep apnea. OSA occurs in approximately 2 percent of all children, and is most common in preschool-age children.

Symptoms of OSA in children include:

Factors that increase the risk of OSA include:

The diagnosis of OSA cannot be made by asking questions about the child’s sleeping pattern alone, but must be made by evaluating the child during sleep in a sleep laboratory (polysomnography). In addition, the sleep study is useful for identifying children of high risk of complications from anesthesia and surgery. Untreated OSA can lead to heart failure, poor school performance, and high blood count.

Treatment of OSA depends on its severity and includes:

Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CHS)

CHS is a problem of the central nervous system’s signals to breathe. This disorder is frequently worse during sleep and is characterized by slow and/or shallow breathing inadequate for removing carbon dioxide from the lungs. CHS may occur at birth (congenital) or as a result of pressure on the brainstem (trauma, tumor, brain damage). Diagnosis can be made by overnight sleep study. Treatment may require relief of brainstem pressure depending on the cause, or chronic support with a ventilator.

Central Apnea of Prematurity

Central apnea of prematurity is common in newborns and is more likely the more premature the newborn. It may be associated with color changes (blue around the lips or face) and low heart rate (bradycardia) and is due to an immaturity of the central respiratory drive. Apnea of prematurity can be diagnosed by daytime sleep study or by cardiorespiratory monitoring. Treatment consists of caffeine and or oxygen and typically resolves over the first few months of life.

Chronic Lung Disease

Chronic lung disease is frequently a result of premature birth, but may be secondary to lung injury after the neonatal period as in aspiration syndromes, sickle cell disease, and neuromuscular diseases such as certain types of muscular dystrophy.

Chronic lung disease is characterized by low blood oxygen and high blood carbon dioxide levels. Evaluation is possible by day (age < 6 months) or overnight (age > 6 months) sleep study and can determine when the lung disease is resolving or progressing. Therapy consists of oxygen, non-invasive ventilatory support (nasal BiPap), or when severe may require tracheostomy with ventilator support.

Anxiety is classified as an unpleasant emotional condition wherein a person is in constant worry or fear of what is supposedly normal everyday events. There are different causes of anxiety which may be due to excessive stress, abnormal brain activities or genetics. The person experiencing anxiety immediately turn to anti-anxiety medications to relieve themselves of the symptoms of anxiety such as headaches, irritability, or nervousness. But these medications often come with side effects that could possibly worsen an already complicated condition which may include drowsiness, nausea, stuttering and disorientation or de-realization. Most popular type of this medication is benzodiazepines. But even the best anti anxiety remedies still have some limitations. The person suffering from anxiety is recommended to undergo psychotherapy to help him find a more permanent solution to his ailment. Some suggested methods are cognitive-behavior therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive-Behavior Therapy is meant to teach the person to recognize his condition and know the real causes of his anxiety,as well as to control and manage the stress-factors in his life.

Persons suffering from anxiety should try to look for alternative and complementary anti anxiety remedies. There are other anti anxiety remedies that are not drug-based which could help them in their quest for cure. When other causes of anxiety have been diagnosed, it may need a more serious medical attention.

Taking the best medication for anxiety is not ruled out especially if it aids in the relief of debilitating symptoms and if anxiety renders the person unproductive. However, it has to be under strict guidance to avoid dependency. Still, alternative treatments have so far prove to minimize the occurrence, if not totally eliminate, the causes of anxiety. These includes exercise, meditation and yoga. They may not automatically resolve the problem. Patience is the key. But these treatments will be the safest, and the best, solution to finding anti anxiety remedies.

What is a mammogram? A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. There are two types of mammograms. A screening mammogram is used to detect breast changes in women who have no signs or symptoms of breast cancer. It usually involves two x-rays of each breast. Mammograms make it possible to detect tumors.A diagnostic mammogram is an x-ray of the breast used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other sign or symptom of breast cancer has been found. Signs of breast cancer may include pain, skin thickening, nipple discahrge or a change in breast size or shape. A diagnostic mammogram may also be used to evaluate changes found during a screening mammogram, or to view breast tissue when it is difficult to obtain a screening  mammogram because of special circumstances, such as the presence of breast implants.When should women begin to have mammograms?The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recommends that women age 40 and older have mammograms every 1 to 2 years. Women at higher than average risk of breast cancer should talk with their physicians about whether to have mammograms before age 40 and how often to have them.What are the risk factors?As a woman gets older, her risk of having breast cancer becomes greater.The following factors increase a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer:Personal History. Women who have had breast cancer are more likely to develop a second breast cancer.Family History.A woman’s chance of developing breast cancer is increased if her mother,  sister and/or daughter have a history of breast cancer, particularly if diagnosed before age 50.Changes seen with breast biopsy.Women who have had two or more breast biopsies for other benign conditions also have an increased chance of developing breast cancer. This increased risk is due to the condition that led to the biopsy itself. Genetic Alterations/ChangesSpecific alterations in certain genes increase the risk of breast cancer. These alterations are rare; they are estimated to account for no more than 10% of all breast cancers.Reproductive and Menstrual HistoryWomen who began having periods before age 12 or who went through menopause after age 55 are at an increased risk. Women who have their first child after age 30 or who never have a child are at an increased risk. Long-term Use of Menopausal Hormone Therapy Women who use combination estrogen-progestin menopausal hormone therapy fr more than 5 years have an increased risk of developing breast cancer.Breast DensityBreasts appear dense on a mammogram if they contain many glands and ligaments and do not have a lot of fatty tissue. Because breast cancers tend to develop in the dense breast tissue of the breast, older women whose mammograms show more dense tissue are at an increased risk. Radiation Therapy Women who had radiation therapy to the chest (including the breasts) before age 30 are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer throughout their lives.DES (Diethylstilbesterol)The drug DES was given to some pregnant women in the US between 1941 and 1971. Those who took DES during pregnancy may have a slightly higher risk. Body WeightStudies have found that the chances of getting breast cancer after menopause is higher in women who are overweight.Physical Activity LevelsWomen who are physically inactive throughout life may have an increased risk of breast cancer. AlcoholStudies suggest that the more alcohol a woman drinks, the greater her chances of developing breast cancer.What are the chances that a woman in the United States might get breast cancer? Age is the most important risk factor for breast cancer. The older a woman is, the greater her chance of developing breast cancer. Current rates suggest that 13.2 percent of women (or one in eight) born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time in their lives. This statistic is based on population averages.How Much Does A Mammogram Cost? Screening mammograms usually cost between $50 and $150. Most insurance companies now have laws requiring health insurance companies to reimburse all or part of the cost of screening.Remember to check your breasts every month!

Anorexia nervosa is an extreme condition of mind under which the concerning individuals are internally compelled to feel that they are getting overweight; consequently, they consume nominal food or at times skip meals. Initially, the individuals begin with normal dieting but with the passage of time as weight reduces, the desire to lose more pounds arises.

There are many factors that influence the human mind to switch from healthy dieting to full-fledge anorexia nervosa. For most of the individuals, self-starvation is the best way to control body weight. Hence, persons suffering from anorexia feel weak and are unable to control their abnormal dieting behaviors.

Unfortunately, anorexic people believe that their lives and health will be better, if they lose more weight. Hence, they feel good about themselves. But they are totally unaware of the fact that no dieting or weight loss can mend the negative self-image that has been created in their mind. Finally, anorexia leads to physical damage, emotional pain, and isolation.

But thanks to treatment centers that ensure successful treatment of anorexia nervosa. Primarily, the objective of anorexia treatment is to re-establish the individuals’ body weight by giving them medicines along with balanced and nutritious diet. Since, many people refuse to accept the problem, therefore, along with medical treatment, they also need psychiatric treatment.

For the better treatment, there are a few treatment centers that provide 24×7 patient care services such as:

Hence, people suffering from anorexia can directly contact anorexia treatment centers and get treated on time. The sooner you identify your problem, the easier it is for you to recover.

Childhood Apraxia of Speech (often abbreviated as CAS) is a somewhat rare speech disorder. It is estimated that 1 in 1,000 children will be diagnosed with apraxia. In comparison, 1 in 150 will be diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Many parents, and indeed doctors, are not aware of what apraxia is, and thus the early warning signs may go unnoticed. Like many other neurological disorders, early treatment is the key to helping your child overcome the difficulties this speech disorder can present.

Brain damage can be attributed as the main interfering condition associated with speech delay and it is usually associated with an intellectual disability or cerebral palsy. Hearing problems or cleft palate are physical disabilities that may hinder the ability to articulate. Speech delay is also an indication of undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder.

Children who have dyslexia are unable to attain the literacy skills expected based on their normal intellectual ability. In actual fact most people who are dyslexic are of average to above average intelligence. Some people with dyslexia are highly intelligent and can be gifted in other academic areas. Children with dyslexia may demonstrate problems in any of the areas of reading, writing, spelling or mathematical calculations.

Blocks, as you would imagine, are fluency obstacles you encounter when you try to speak. A typical block would be to repeat a particularly troublesome word. This is where the c-c-c-cat comes into your speech. You repeat “Cah” over and over because it is a block in your fluency. You with me?

However, the overwhelming conclusion as to why a person stutters is that there are psychological triggers that cause stuttering. This is actually very good news to those who struggle with a stutter. Why good news?

If the majority of stuttering is caused by psychological triggers, or events that precipitate stuttering, then by treating the triggers one can effectively treat their stutter.

Physical and Environmental Triggers

Stuttering is caused by physical or environmental triggers which cause you to stutter. Stress, embarrassment, or anxiety are all examples of triggers.

These triggers lead to speech patterns which in turn lead you to stuttering. And the more you stutter, the more the triggers are activated, which leads to a never ending spiral of stuttering or stammering.

Before going any further, take note that many child stuttering problems simply resolve themselves with age. Should these symptoms however persist after the age of five, it is highly advisable to visit a speech therapist in order to get a more accurate assessment of the situation. If indeed diagnosed with a more severe and/or permanent form of stuttering, it is strongly advised to start treatment early. This might prevent the problem from worsening and will help the child to understand and possibly control his or her condition. Treatment will sually consist of a series of speech lessons, in some cases combined with psychological therapy to boost the child’s self-image.

Asperger’s Syndrome is a milder kind of autistic ailment. But both belong to the Personal Development Disorders (PDD) type, a scientific aggrupation of psychological ailments. The 2 most usual indications are deviant actions and deliberate societal seclusion. There might be damage also in speech and reactive actions. The kid could as well be very centered in a single interest such as his playthings or the heavens. The social seclusion starts from the kid wanting to understand the whole lot regarding his or her item of focus and almost nothing else. Discussions are usually focused solely on that subject as well.

Specialists believe that Asperger’s and autism have underlying organic origins, except that they are not clear yet on what the origins are. They do know that there are particular brain make-up abnormalities, but do not recognize why they occur.

No tests have as yet been formulated to ascertain Asperger’s but the symptoms may include: – Substantial faults in social relations, as indicated by: faulty reaction to peer influences, sluggish or failure to create of like-age friendships, non- participation in company deeds, unable to give back collectively and/or emotionally – Recurrent plans of actions or pursuits, similar to: undue attention on just one or two things, rigid practices that serve no practical reason, repetitive actuations, such as hand or finger flapping, excessive attention in parts of things such as toys, no apparent setback in understanding the language, no significant hindrance in learning evolution or training of age-appropriate toilette skills

If your kid fulfills one or more of the above conditions, then your health professional may suppose Asperger’s. It’s crucial to center on certain lacks to address insufficient verbal interaction capacities, obsessive.

The way to full wellness has not yet been made. Yet, by using a combination of processes that address the three main indicators of the illness (poor communication skills, compulsive or repetitive actions and body clumsiness); you can support your kid live a relatively normal livingStill, in dealing with the greatest manifestations of the disorder, the Asperger’s young person may lead a almost – normal living