5 Types of Arthritis That Can Cause TMJ

The underlying causes of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) in Queens can vary considerably from person to person. One condition that can result in TMJ is arthritis, or inflammation of the joints, that affects the temporomandibular junction. There are several types of arthritis that can occur in Queens that cause TMJ pain. These include infectious arthritis, traumatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and secondary degenerative arthritis.

#1: Infectious Arthritis and TMJ

Infectious arthritis, sometimes called “septic arthritis,” is a joint inflammation caused by an infectious agent such as a virus or bacterium. When infectious arthritis causes TMJ, it is usually spread in the blood from an infection in an adjacent area. The jaw becomes inflamed, and movement becomes painful. TMJ due to infection is rare in Queens, but the condition is considered serious. Fortunately, it can usually be treated with antibiotics, antivirals, and other standard treatments for infections.

#2: Traumatic Arthritis and TMJ

Traumatic arthritis in Queens is caused by an acute injury. In cases of TMJ associated with traumatic arthritis, the problem usually occurs after an event such as a difficult tooth extraction or endotracheal intubation. Like TMJ due to infectious arthritis, traumatic arthritis causing TMJ is rare. It is usually treated with NSAIDs, hot compresses to reduce swelling, a diet of soft foods to minimize pain while chewing, and limitation of jaw movement.

#3: Osteoarthritis and TMJ

Osteoarthritis can affect the jaw joint and cause TMJ in Queens, usually in people over the age of 50. Osteoarthritis is a common condition among older Americans, in which mechanical stress causes damage to the bones and joints. Osteoarthritis causing TMJ usually involves stiffness, crepitus, and relatively mild to moderate jaw pain affecting the jaw bilaterally. The symptoms are usually treated as needed, although some osteoarthritic TMJ patients in Queens benefit from a mouth guard device.

#4: Rheumatoid Arthritis and TMJ

Unlike osteoarthritis, which is caused by mechanical stress to the joints with insufficient self-repair, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. In many people with rheumatoid arthritis in Queens, the temporomandibular junction is among the affected joints. TMJ caused by rheumatoid arthritis is often characterized by pain and swelling, along with limited jaw movement. NSAIDs are often used to reduce pain, and some patients also benefit from splints or mouth guards. In some cases, TMJ associated with rheumatoid arthritis can lead to ankylosis, a kind of joint stiffness that results from abnormal adhesion and rigidity in the joint bones.

#5: Secondary Degenerative Arthritis and TMJ

Secondary degenerative arthritis generally arises either after trauma to the joint, or as a result of a condition called myofascial pain syndrome. People in Queens who have TMJ due to secondary degenerative arthritis often experience pain on one side during jaw movement, along with joint tenderness and crepitus (grating or grinding sounds emitted from the joint). The ability to open the mouth is also sometimes limited. Diagnostically, TMJ with this type of arthritis can often be distinguished from osteoarthritis because in osteoarthritis, both sides of the jaw are usually affected. The symptoms can sometimes resolve when the TMJ is treated with a splint that is worn for a period of time. Sometimes, injection of corticosteroids directly into the joint can also be helpful in reducing the pain.

NEW YORK BrainCore: NEUROFEEDBACK FOR CHRONIC PAIN TMJ

Exploring ADD Natural Remedies

Distraction, irritability, impulsivity, and social difficulties are only a few of the frustrating signs and symptoms of attention deficit disorder, better known as ADD. The individual seeking assistance for these signs and symptoms may talk to their physician. Chances are, they will be recommended one, or a combination of, medicines like the amphetamine stimulant Adderall, the non-stimulant Strattera, or Ritalin. However, you will find numerous ADD natural remedies worth exploring.

Listed here are brief explanations of three common types of ADD natural remedies:

• Specialized Diet for ADD – There is some debate regarding special diets as ADD natural remedies, since little scientific research has been carried out to evaluate the actual impact of specific meals on ADD signs and symptoms. It might be useful to eliminate foods that could be exacerbating the problem, and to look for any improvement of ADD signs and symptoms. Anecdotally, many people do report improvements in ADD symptoms when foods like sugar, refined carbohydrates, gluten, and artificial food chemicals are avoided. The general goal, not just for individuals with ADD but anybody interested in improving their health, is to find a diet that works best for optimal brain and body functions.

• Biofeedback Therapy - Another from the ADD natural remedies that can be used in lieu of medications is biofeedback therapy. Biofeedback therapy involves training the individual with ADD signs and symptoms to self-regulate brainwave activity. Using innovative game-like software systems, the individual is trained to alter their brain waves to restore “normal” rhythms. This can often bring significant relief of ADD signs and symptoms.

• Supplement Therapy - Another section of ADD natural remedies worth exploring, alone or in combination with other natural treatments, are specific vitamin supplements. Supplement therapy for ADD signs and symptoms is yet another area that needs more solid research, but parents of kids with ADD have anecdotally reported positive final results when adding certain dietary vitamin supplements. Some of the supplements that have been reported effective as ADD natural remedies include zinc, gingko biloba, and Omega-3 seafood oil. As with other treatments, they must be looked into with the help of the person’s healthcare provider.

The signs and symptoms of attention deficit disorder might have serious negative effects on the wellbeing and success of the individual struggling with them. Many ADD sufferers would prefer a more “natural” approach over a lifetime of medication. The abundance of ADD natural remedies to ease signs and symptoms may help to offer ADD patients the safe, medication-free relief they're seeking.

New York: Neurofeedback Therapy for ADD 

3 Behavioral Disorders of Impulse Control

Impulse Control Disorders are a class of behavioral disorders that can occur in children, teenagers, and adults in Farmingdale. These behavioral disorders are primarily characterized by an inability to control certain impulses. Abnormally heightened impulsivity is a common feature in many psychological and behavioral disorders, including ADHD, substances abuse disorders, and borderline personality disorders. Impulsivity in Farmingdale is often associated with five “stages”: an impulse, growing tension related to the impulse, a sense of pleasure when acting on the impulse, relief from the urge after the action, and (sometimes) a feeling of guilt afterward. Three behavioral disorders that are characterized as Impulse Control Disorders include: Pyromania, Intermittent Explosive Disorder, and Kleptomania. These conditions, which often occur comorbidly with personality or mood disorders, can cause significant distress and have deleterious effects on a person’s finances, relationships, and overall well-being.

#1: Pyromania

Many people in Farmingdale with a fondness for fire or pyrotechnics might jocularly call themselves a “pyromaniac”, but clinical Pyromania is a different entity, and is classified among the behavioral disorders related to impulse control. Pyromania involves compulsive and repetitive urges to start fires. It is most often recognized in children and adolescents, and is more common in boys than in girls. The overall prevalence rate of Pyromania as an Impulse Control Disorder is unknown, but studies that have been done suggest that it occurs in around 2.5-3.5% of the population. It is important to note that not all children who start a fire have behavioral disorders. Sometimes children are simply interested in fire and curious to learn about it; this is part of why teaching children in Farmingdale about fire safety is so important. Children and adults with behavioral disorders who fit clinical criteria for Pyromania set fires to relieve internal tension. In most cases, Pyromania occurs along with other antisocial behaviors. The clinical criteria for Pyromania as an Impulse Control Disorder in children include:

·         The child has set more than one fire deliberately.

·         The child felt tension or arousal prior to setting the fires.

·         The child shows that they are attracted to fire.

·         The child obtains a sense of relief or satisfaction from setting and witnessing the fire.

·         The child’s motives for setting the fire do not include delusions, revenge, or other reasons that suggest a different underlying psychological disorder.

·         The child’s fire-setting behavior is not better classified as a symptom of other behavioral disorders, such as Conduct Disorder or Oppositional Defiant Disorder.

#2: Intermittent Explosive Disorder

Intermittent Explosive Disorder is another one of the behavioral disorders in Farmingdale that is classified as an Impulse Control Disorder. People with Intermittent Explosive Disorder experience extreme anger, and have corresponding outbursts, that are far out of proportion to the trigger or stressor that precipitated the episode. The outbursts tend to be brief, and some people experience accompanying physical symptoms such as trembling, sweating, or chest tightness. The outbursts are not premeditated, but happen spontaneously due to uncontrollable impulse.

#3: Kleptomania

Kleptomania is an Impulse Control Disorder in which the person has an uncontrollable urge to steal, and feels the need to do so in order to relieve built-up tension created by recurring, intrusive thoughts. The person does not steal objects for their economic value, and the objects stolen may be trivial things such as packs of gum or small makeup items. As in other impulse control disorders, the act of theft brings relief from tension and feelings of gratification. Some researchers have suggested that Kleptomania may be better classified as an obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is most commonly found comorbidly with mood disorders, personality disorders, or other conditions such as bulimia that involve an impulse-control component.

FARMINGDALE, NY: NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY FOR BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS

Nutritional Approaches to ADD and ADHD Treatment in Smithtown

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are strikingly prevalent disorders, affecting an estimated 7% to 11% of the total population. Because ADD and ADHD cause difficulties in attention that affect learning, memory, and concentration, they are often diagnosed during childhood when it interferes with academic performance. Treatment for these disorders usually takes the form of prescription stimulant medications, such as methylphenidates like Ritalin or amphetamines like Adderall. Unfortunately, these types of medications can have undesirable side effects, including sleeplessness and reduced appetite. This can make them undesirable for some people, including the millions of children who have been diagnosed with ADD and ADHD.

The risks of these medications cause many concerned parents to take a keen interest in other possible approaches to treatment. In addition to cognitive behavioral therapy, a non-pharmaceutical approach based on behavioral changes, and neurofeedback therapy, a sophisticated form of biofeedback that targets electrical activity in the brain, numerous studies have shown nutritional and dietary changes to be effective for helping to manage ADD and ADHD. A balanced diet, rich in key vitamins and minerals known to affect cognition, attention, and other mental processes, may be highly beneficial for keeping ADD and ADHD symptoms in check.

Dietary Changes for ADD and ADHD Treatment

A healthy, balanced diet is important for mental and physical health. Some studies have suggested that certain dietary changes can help with these disorders, including:

• A diet rich in protein. Protein has many uses in the body, including the production of chemicals called neurotransmitters. These chemicals function in communication between neurons and areas of the brain. ADD and ADHD treatment often involves increasing the availability of two of these chemicals, norepinephrine and dopamine, which are often deficient in certain areas of the brain in people with attention deficit disorders—this is what prescription stimulants affect. An adequate supply of dietary protein is necessary for proper manufacture and function of neurotransmitters. Eating protein also helps prevent surges in blood sugar, which can exacerbate hyperactivity.
• Avoid refined sugar. Many Americans ingest too much refined sugar, often in the form of cookies, candy, sodas, and other foods that are decidedly lacking in overall nutritional value. Too much sugar can cause increased hyperactivity in children with ADHD.
• Taking a good multivitamin can help ensure that all micronutrients are accounted for. This can be especially helpful for children with ADD who are “picky eaters” and may refuse to eat foods containing nutrients they need.
• B vitamins, especially B-6, are integral to a variety of brain processes and functions on a cellular level. An adequate supply of B-complex vitamins can help with ADD treatment by increasing focus and concentration.
• Zinc, a key micronutrient, is necessary for the synthesis of dopamine, a neurotransmitter implicated in ADD and ADHD. Some studies have indicated that many ADD and ADHD individuals may also be mildly zinc deficient.
• Iron, like zinc, is needed for dopamine synthesis. Studies have shown that people with ADD and ADHD often have relatively low levels of iron.

In most cases, none of these nutrients alone are entirely sufficient for comprehensive ADD treatment; however, adequate nutrition is crucial for ensuring optimal cognitive function, and people with attention deficit disorders may tend to be lacking in certain nutrients such as iron and zinc. A healthy, balanced diet rich in protein, along with vitamin supplementation, can be helpful in keeping ADD symptoms at bay, especially in children for whom stimulant medications may not be an ideal approach.

SMITHTOWN, NEW YORK: NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADHD

5 Common Symptoms of Bruxism

Many people in Queens who exhibit bruxism--- abnormal tooth grinding or jaw clenching--- may not realize that they have this problem. Bruxism can occur either during sleep, or during wakefulness. When bruxism occurs while the person is asleep, they are not aware of the behavior at all. Even when the person clenches their jaw while awake, it isn’t usually something the person is always fully aware of. Although especially in sleep bruxism, it may be difficult or impossible for a person in Queens to catch themselves in the act in order to realize that they have bruxism, these five common symptoms of bruxism can indicate that it is a problem. 

#1: Excessive Tooth Wear

Problems with wear and tear on a person’s teeth can be symptoms of bruxism in Queens. A common tooth problem attributable to bruxism is attrition of the teeth. This means that the structure of the teeth becomes compromised due to the force of the opposing teeth due to the person grinding their teeth together. The enamel is affected first, but in later stages the softer dentin material can also be damaged. In some cases, tooth fractures or damage to crowns or fillings can also be symptoms of Bruxism. 

#2: Hypersensitive Teeth

Hypersensitivity of the teeth is also among the dental symptoms of bruxism that can occur in Queens. The dental pain tends to be sharp and of short duration, and occurs when dentin surfaces become exposed because enamel has been worn away. The most common trigger of tooth pains that are symptoms is coldness, such as pain when drinking a cold beverage. 

#3: Increase in Jaw Muscle Size

Hypertrophy, or increased size, of the masseter muscle of the jaw is also among the symptoms of bruxism that can sometimes be found in Queens. Jaw clenching strengthens the muscles over time, sometimes leading to increased muscle size that can sometimes visibly alter the shape of the person’s face by making the jaw more “square” in shape. 

#4: Pain or Tenderness of the Jaw Joints and Jaw Muscles

Tooth grinding and jaw clenching can cause fatigue in the muscles, as well as temporomandibular joint tenderness. Jaw pain is among the common symptoms of bruxism, and unexplained soreness and joint pain in the jaw and chewing muscles can be a sign that bruxism is occurring. Pain can also sometimes be referred to the ear, which is close to the structures of the jaw. 

#5: Headaches

Headaches can often be symptoms of bruxism in Queens, especially if the pain is in the area of the temples. These headaches are generally caused by pain and tension in the temporalis muscle, one of the facial muscles used in chewing.

NEUROFEEDBACK IN NEW YORK: BRUXISM

Risk Factors for Bruxism in Queens

Many people in Queens struggle with bruxism--- repetitive grinding of the teeth or clenching of the jaw. Bruxism often occurs during sleep, and even in awake bruxism the person may not be fully aware that they are doing it. The exact causes of bruxism are still largely unclear, although sleep bruxism is widely recognized as probably having different underlying causes than awake bruxism. Sleep bruxism in Queens may be caused by neurotransmitter abnormalities in the central nervous system, whereas awake bruxism is more strongly associated with stress, anxiety, and other psychosocial factors. Although no one is entirely sure what causes bruxism, there is some evidence that certain factors might predispose someone toward being more likely to develop bruxism.

Bruxism Risk Factors

There are a number of risk factors that have been correlated with an increased risk of bruxism in Queens, based on research and statistical studies.

·         Anxiety and stress. Bruxism in Queens, especially awake bruxism, is often tied to stress. An underlying anxiety disorder or a stressful lifestyle can increase the risk of bruxism developing. Bruxism can also be intensified by sudden stressful life events, such as bereavement or unemployment. Although the role of stress in sleep bruxism is not as well understood, it remains a possible contributing factor.

·         Personality type. People with certain types of personality are more likely to develop bruxism. Specifically, a particularly aggressive, competitive, or hyperactive personality has been linked to increased bruxism risk. Some studies suggest that suppressing anger and frustration can also lead to bruxism.

·         Tobacco use. Nicotine, a stimulant that is the active ingredient in cigarettes and other tobacco products, has been linked to bruxism. This is likely to be because nicotine stimulates dopamine release.

·         Use of prescription or recreational stimulants. Prescription stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin, as well as recreational stimulant drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine, can cause bruxism as a side effect, especially in higher doses.

·         Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. Bruxism can occur as a relatively rare side effect of SSRIs, and generally subsides when the drug is discontinued.

·         Caffeine consumption. Like nicotine, caffeine stimulates dopamine release, and can exacerbate or cause bruxism.

·         Age and sex. Bruxism in Queens is most likely to occur in people under 40, and is more likely to occur in women than in men. A prime demographic for bruxism is women aged 27-40.

·         Facial or oral trauma may be a factor that can spur the onset of bruxism.

·         Abnormal alignment of teeth or jaws. Abnormalities in the relative size and positioning of the teeth or jaws can affect occlusion, or the way in which teeth fit together. Dental problems like an over-erupted wisdom tooth can interfere with occlusion. This does not always lead to bruxism, but in some cases malocclusion may be a precipitating factor in the development of bruxism, as opposed to being a symptom caused by bruxism.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR BRUXISM IN NEW YORK

5 Common Physical Anxiety Symptoms

Anxiety symptoms in Melville often involve physical, or “somatic,” symptoms that occur along with emotional feelings of worry and fear. People with anxiety disorders, such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder, can experience somatic anxiety symptoms of varying types and severity, ranging from stomach upset to full-scale panic attacks that sometimes feel like a heart attack. Physical anxiety symptoms in Melville can generally be reduced by treating the anxiety disorder with medication, psychotherapy, or neurofeedback therapy. Five of the most common physical anxiety symptoms are muscle tension, gastrointestional problems, difficulty sleeping, shaking or trembling, and full-scale panic attacks.

#1: Muscle Tension

Muscle tension is a common symptom of anxiety in Melville, often affecting the shoulders, back, jaw, and neck muscles. This can cause strain and soreness that can lead to discomfort. Bruxism, or tooth grinding and jaw clenching, is another of the anxiety symptoms resulting from tension, and can cause damage to the teeth and gums over time. The best way to eliminate muscle tension anxiety symptoms is to address the emotional component of the anxiety disorders, although for the muscle tension specifically, relaxation therapy and biofeedback therapy are often helpful.

#2: Digestive Problems and Gastrointestinal Discomfort

Gastrointestinal problems are common anxiety symptoms in Melville. Many people with anxiety disorders become nauseous, experience stomach cramping, or have other GI symptoms when they are worried or afraid. The stomach is sensitive to emotion, as is reflected in colloquialisms like “having a gut feeling” or a “gut-wrenching experience”. Research indicates that gastrointestinal anxiety symptoms may be due to activity involving the vagus nerve, a major cranial nerve that connects the stomach and brain.

#3: Difficulty Sleeping

Anxiety symptoms in Melville are very likely to cause sleeping problems, usually in the form of insomnia. People with anxiety disorders often find themselves tossing and turning at night, thinking about things that worry them. The emotional state of anxiety is a state of arousal that is not compatible with restfulness, and makes it difficult to “wind down” in order to get to sleep. Relaxation techniques and breathing exercises are often helpful for sleep-related anxiety symptoms, which can also be treated with neurofeedback therapy in many cases.

#4: Shaking and Trembling

People with anxiety disorders in Melville sometimes experience shaking or trembling as anxiety symptoms during times of acute worry or fear. Although these effects are most likely to occur in the context of a panic attack, they can also occur on their own.

#5: Full-Scale Panic Attacks

A panic attack is a set of physiological responses that occur in response to acute terror, often in the context of anxiety disorders. Not everyone with anxiety symptoms experiences panic attacks, although they can occur sometimes in Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, and other anxiety conditions. Panic attacks are the defining feature of a subtype of anxiety disorder called Panic Disorder. Panic attacks sometimes cause the person to feel like they are having a heart attack or another medically serious episode, although they are not physically dangerous. Anxiety symptoms typical of panic attacks in Melville include:

·         Overwhelming feelings of fear and terror

·         A feeling that one might be dying or that death is near

·         Rapid heart rate

·         Nausea

·         Dizziness or faintness

·         Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

·         Hot or cold flashes

·         Feeling of shortness of breath

·         Chest discomfort

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ANXIETY IN MELVILLE

Three Eye and Vision Conditions Treatable by Neurology Doctors

Although some disorders of vision in Melville and across the nation are caused by diseases, injuries, or other problems with the eye itself, there are some that actually have their basis in the brain. The brain is where the processing of vision occurs, and problems with the optic nerve or visual cortices can create visual disturbances including reduced visual field, reduced visual acuity, or even total loss of vision in one or both eyes. Neurology doctors treat disorders of vision that are caused in the brain or nerves. In Melville and elsewhere this may include neurologists, physicians specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of nervous system disorders; neurosurgeons, who perform surgical procedures on the central and peripheral nervous system; or neuro-ophthalmologists, neurologists who specialize in brain-based visual disorders. These three vision disorders are all caused by underlying pathologies in the brain or optic nerves, and are generally diagnosed and treated by neurology doctors in Melville, as well as across the country.

#1: Optic Nerve Glioma

Optic Nerve Glioma is a type of tumor. A glioma is a term referring to a tumor that begins in the brain or spine, thus called because it arises from a type of nerve cell called glial cells. Although the exact cause of gliomas is not yet known, they are often associated with certain hereditary genetic disorders. Neurofibromatoses, which are autosomally dominant genetically inherited disorders, are a common precipitating factor in cases of optic nerve glioma. These gliomas affect the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the retina of the eye to the brain. They generally cause visual loss, as well as hormonal problems due to their location and consequent effect on areas of the brain responsible for hormonal control. Optic nerve gliomas in Melville are most commonly diagnosed and treated by neurology doctors. Treatment may involve surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy.

#2: Optic Neuritis

Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve, often resulting in partial or total loss of vision. Optic neuritis can result from a number of causes, including multiple schlerosis, lupus, diabetes, vasculitis, to name a few. This condition often presents in Melville with symptoms including a sudden partial or total loss of vision, blurring of vision, and pain when moving the eye. Sometimes it can result in partial loss of color vision, especially perception of red colors, in the affected eye. Optic neuritis is usually handled by neurology doctors; optic neuritis often remits when the underlying cause is treated.

#3: Homonymous Hemianopia

Homonymous hemianopia is a loss of visual field on the left or the right side of the midline of the field. It can affect one or both eyes, and results in an inability to perceive visual information on the affected side. This condition occurs when there is damage to the pathways in the brain that feed into either the left or right hemifield of the visual field. Usually, homonymous hemianopia results from a lesion in the brain created by a stroke, trauma, tumor, or infection. A person with homonymous hemianopia will often find themselves bumping into obstacles and otherwise experiencing decreased mobility as a result of their inability to see what is going on in half of their visual field. Although this condition sometimes remits, the prognosis is considered far poorer if it has not let up after six to twelve months. Although neurology doctors often diagnose and manage this condition, it is difficult to treat. There are a few therapies, such as visual restitution therapy, that have shown some promise, but treatments for homonymous hemianopsia are in their infancy at this point.