Department

Signs of mental illness often manifest as depression associated with a feeling of sadness, sleep disorders, irritability, restlessness, and loss of energy or appetite. People with mental disorders need to seek psychiatric help before things escalate into bigger problems. Often, the first thing is to talk to someone close to you and open up about how you feel. The next step is to speak to your doctor, who may refer you to a professional to help deal with your situation. The team at Americas TMS Center handles Irvine psychiatry cases by helping individuals overcome conditions associated with mental illness. Here are the cases that may necessitate a visit to a psychiatrist.

Depression

Many people suffer from depression which is caused by environmental factors or lifestyle choices. Most often, it is accompanied by a feeling of sadness and hopefulness. It is not easy to find a way out all by yourself, hence seeking professional help.

Trauma

Trauma can happen to anyone and is typically caused by shocking and frightening events that can change your life or how you handle situations. Typically it can be due to losing a loved one and being unable to overcome the grief. The consequences can be devastating, leading to depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and other mental disorders. However, you can seek help from a professional who will help you control your inner feelings and go back to your everyday life.

Drug abuse

Most people suffering from drug addiction end up experiencing a relapse due to withdrawal symptoms they experience when they attempt to quit substance abuse. If you have a drug problem and are struggling to overcome it, you can get help from a psychiatrist who applies different treatment options. They may prescribe antidepressants or even therapy for people involved with substance abuse. Because it is a serious problem, it can affect your mental health and lead to anxiety or depression. It can also affect your relationships at home, work, or school, leading to underperformance and a decline in productivity.

Consultation and treatment

During a consultation, the specialist makes the initial diagnosis to ascertain the root cause of the problem. If the problems are serious, they will treat the symptoms and recommend long-term therapy to prevent a relapse. Before the treatment starts, there are preparatory meetings where you will have a one-on-one with the specialist and express your expectations. The treatment program can be prolonged depending on your recovery. It is essential to note that recovery differs amongst individuals, and for some, it can take many months. However, the sessions do not require hospitalization; even so, you will need the participation of your loved ones for the treatment to be effective.

If you experience any of these signs, it is essential to visit a psychiatrist for diagnosis and treatment. Psychiatrists have the right training and tools to evaluate mental illnesses and prescribe medication. The objective of the treatment is to enable you to overcome the symptoms and improve your overall health. Schedule an appointment with … Read More...

Chiari malformation (CM) happens when the lower part of the skull and cerebellum get defects, preventing you from enjoying your balance. Ideally, the cerebellum and other parts of the brain stem at the top of your skull permit the spinal cord to pass through it. So if a doctor realizes that some parts of your head are unusually smaller, it may be possible that you are a victim of  Roswell chiari malformation. Here are facts about the condition that the Apex Spine and Neurosurgery team wants you to know.

How to know you have Chiari malformation

Realizing that you could be having CM can be daunting because the symptoms might not show in the early stages. But you can go for CM evaluation if you have a frequent headache, neck pain, drowsiness, insomnia, ringing noises in the ears, vomiting, or muscle numbness. Remember, these symptoms can point to any disease, but it would be best to see a doctor to confirm if you have CM.

How does CM form?

Some people have structural deficiencies in their brain and spinal cord right before they were born. This can result from genetic mutations or maternal diet that may include insufficient intake of vitamins and nutrients. At first, CM might be challenging to detect since it presents little to zero symptoms. However, as individuals continue to grow, they may experience excessive draining of fluids from the lumbar or thoracic regions of the spine thanks to traumatic injury or disease.

How CM is diagnosed

At the moment, there are no tests to determine if an unborn baby will develop CM since congenital disabilities like spina bifida might aggravate it. The truth is Chiari malformations may be hard to detect if there are no symptoms. However, a doctor may perform physical exams to see if the patient’s memory, cognitive, and balance functions work. So if you are showing signs of CM, your doctor may order imaging tests to rule out other conditions like bone abnormalities or hydrocephalus.

The life expectancy of a person battling Chiari malformation

If you have been diagnosed with CM, your life expectancy depends on its type. For example, if you have Chiari type 1, you may live an everyday adult life as long as you adhere to your doctor’s instructions. The best treatment option for this type of Chiari may involve surgery. However, if you have Chiari type 2 or 3, your life expectancy might depend on specific malformations present in your body. Belonging to Chiari type 3 malformation needs advanced neurosurgical attention. Whatever the case, always ensure you see a doctor to determine the type of Chiari affecting your quality of life.

See a neurosurgeon for accurate Chiari malformation diagnosis and treatment

Now that you have Chiari malformation facts at your fingertips, finding the right specialist to spearhead your diagnosis and treatment is crucial. CM and hydrocephalus have the same symptoms, so it may be challenging to establish which of the two conditions you are battling, and detailed physical … Read More...