Seizures
HOW WE CAN HELP
If you have suffered from a seizure or set of seizures and the medical care you have received thus far has not provided any answers, it might be time to come in and make an appointment to see us at Dr. Jennifer McMonigle Medical PC of East Northport, NY. We’ll work with you to get to the bottom of what may have caused your seizure and work with you to develop a plan going forward so you can get on with your normal life and activities.
If you have suffered from a seizure or set of seizures and the medical care you have received thus far has not provided any answers, it might be time to come in and make an appointment to see us at Dr. Jennifer McMonigle Medical PC of East Northport, NY. We’ll work with you to get to the bottom of what may have caused your seizure and work with you to develop a plan going forward so you can get on with your normal life and activities.
ABOUT SEIZURES
Seizures can be alarming, especially if you haven’t previously experienced one. Some of the warning signs of an oncoming seizure can vary from a staring spell, twitching, fainting, headaches, loss of function of different parts of the body, and blackouts. From there the seizure can progress to a prolonged period of involuntary muscle movements and spasms. Undoubtedly, a seizure or the worry that another seizure will occur can greatly impact a person’s quality of life and their ability to confidently resume normal activities without the worry that they may suffer another episode. A seizure is the result of a malfunction of the electrical connection in the brain. This disturbance can cause an array of symptoms that affect a person’s level of consciousness, movements, and behavior. You might have heard of the term ‘electrical storm’ which refers to the surge of electrical activity in the brain that can cause such disturbance.
CAUSES
The causes of seizures can be difficult to pinpoint. Usually, they are caused by an injury to the brain. A single seizure after trauma can be easier to pinpoint but more than one seizure can sometimes point to epilepsy. In fact, epilepsy is the most common cause of the seizure and is something your doctor can help diagnose.
CAUSES
The causes of seizures can be difficult to pinpoint. Usually, they are caused by an injury to the brain. A single seizure after trauma can be easier to pinpoint but more than one seizure can sometimes point to epilepsy. In fact, epilepsy is the most common cause of the seizure and is something your doctor can help diagnose.
TREATMENT
Getting an accurate diagnosis of a seizure shortly after one occurs is important. Specifically, determining the likelihood of another occurrence is especially important for patient safety. Your doctor will review your symptoms with you and evaluate that in relation to your medical history. It may be appropriate to carry out several tests. These may include a neurological exam to test for mental function and motor abilities, a blood test that can check for infection or genetic conditions, and lumbar puncture to test for an infection in the cerebrospinal fluid. The types of symptoms and history you have will determine which test might be appropriate. Imaging tests like an EEG can provide information on the electrical activity of the brain and a plethora of other tests including CT scan, MRI, PET scan, and SPECT test can provide other useful information.
In terms of treatment, if the seizure was found to be caused by a specific trauma that has since passed, it may require no further treatment. However, if seizures are recurrent as in the case of epilepsy, medication has been found to be effective in controlling the onset of seizures. Your doctor can work with you to determine if medication or other lifestyle changes might be appropriate and in what combinations might work best for you.
Early signs of the condition can be pain on one side of the face that originates just behind the ear. This general ache then develops into a subsequent weakness where the mouth and eyes are then affected. Patients have also described accompanying symptoms including an effect on their ability to taste, blurred vision, inability to wrinkle the forehead or raise the eyebrows. Also increased hearing, a tingling sensation, and tearing on the side of the face where the nerve is affected are common, as are difficulty with swallowing and chewing. The onset of these symptoms will vary in severity from person to person and may occur over a period of hours or days. It can be quite frustrating for patients to discover that the condition may take weeks to self-heal and usually the duration of recovery is directly related to how extreme the case is.
In terms of treatment, if the seizure was found to be caused by a specific trauma that has since passed, it may require no further treatment. However, if seizures are recurrent as in the case of epilepsy, medication has been found to be effective in controlling the onset of seizures. Your doctor can work with you to determine if medication or other lifestyle changes might be appropriate and in what combinations might work best for you.
Early signs of the condition can be pain on one side of the face that originates just behind the ear. This general ache then develops into a subsequent weakness where the mouth and eyes are then affected. Patients have also described accompanying symptoms including an effect on their ability to taste, blurred vision, inability to wrinkle the forehead or raise the eyebrows. Also increased hearing, a tingling sensation, and tearing on the side of the face where the nerve is affected are common, as are difficulty with swallowing and chewing. The onset of these symptoms will vary in severity from person to person and may occur over a period of hours or days. It can be quite frustrating for patients to discover that the condition may take weeks to self-heal and usually the duration of recovery is directly related to how extreme the case is.
Epilepsy
HOW WE CAN HELP
If you have experienced more than one seizure and/or have been diagnosed with epilepsy you may like to know what further options you might have to treat this condition. In this case, it might be time for you to come in and make an appointment to see us at Dr. Jennifer McMonigle Medical PC of East Northport, NY. We’ll help you find the best course of treatment to manage your epilepsy and work with you to develop a plan going forward so you can get on with your normal life and activities.
If you have experienced more than one seizure and/or have been diagnosed with epilepsy you may like to know what further options you might have to treat this condition. In this case, it might be time for you to come in and make an appointment to see us at Dr. Jennifer McMonigle Medical PC of East Northport, NY. We’ll help you find the best course of treatment to manage your epilepsy and work with you to develop a plan going forward so you can get on with your normal life and activities.
ABOUT EPILEPSY
Having experienced more than one seizure can point to a person having epilepsy. The characteristic involuntary movements, spasms, and behavioral changes that occur can be highly disruptive for a person who is trying to do normal activities. When these occur over and over again and without warning this is especially alarming to have to deal with. This is why tending to the condition and finding ways to alleviate the symptoms is so important to improving quality of life.
WHAT IS EPILEPSY?
Epilepsy is a disorder characterized by the presence of recurrent (two or more) unprovoked seizures. These seizures are the result of a disturbance or disruption in the electrical activity in the brain. While it is understood that it seizures, and in turn epilepsy, are the caused by electrical misfiring in the brain, the reason for this is trickier to pinpoint. Usually, it is difficult to determine the exact source of the problem, but some culprits are thought to be genetic conditions, brain trauma, tuberous sclerosis, or infections such as encephalitis or meningitis. Epilepsy may also be the result of brain damage or injury that occurred before birth.
TREATMENT
Understanding the root cause of a person’s epilepsy is the most helpful step that can be taken before treatment occurs. But as stated before, this is not always possible and so then the mission becomes how to best treat the patient and keep seizures under control. Most people with epilepsy respond very well to Anti Epilepsy Drugs (AEDs) and can live normal lives when treated in this manner. There are a multitude of different drugs that fall under this umbrella and one of a combination of these medications may work differently from one patient to another. What they have in common is that AEDs are effective at altering the chemical levels in the brain. The diagnosis and the patient’s medical history will determine which medications may be most effective for them. If medication does not appear to be effective, other lifestyle and dietary changes may provide some relief.
Vertigo
HOW WE CAN HELP
If you have unexplained dizziness or unsteadiness or have suffered from vertigo in the past, seeing a medical professional about your symptoms is important to find out how serious these symptoms might be. When you make an appointment with Dr. Jennifer McMonigle Medical PC of East Northport, NY you can rest assured that you are working with someone who helped many patients manage their bouts of vertigo. When you come in for an appointment she will be able to assess the severity and help shed a light on why you might be experiencing vertigo and what you can do to counter it.
ABOUT VERTIGO?
ABOUT VERTIGO?
Vertigo is the name of the symptoms and sensations that mimic the feeling of movement. This sensation of movement which feels physically real to the person suffering from vertigo may include the feeling of spinning, a constant rocking or tilting. Some may even feel as though their body is in a state of being dropped. These sensory miscues are caused by problems with the systems in the inner ear that regulate balance.
Vertigo can occur for a variety of reasons but usually, there is a faulty connection within the inner ear. Acute vertigo can be very debilitating and can affect one’s ability to go about their daily tasks. Chronic issues of imbalance might point to a more complex underlying medical issue. In either case, your doctor may suggest seeking out the help of a specialist to assess your condition and work toward finding an effective treatment to deal with these symptoms
TREATMENT
Vertigo can occur for a variety of reasons but usually, there is a faulty connection within the inner ear. Acute vertigo can be very debilitating and can affect one’s ability to go about their daily tasks. Chronic issues of imbalance might point to a more complex underlying medical issue. In either case, your doctor may suggest seeking out the help of a specialist to assess your condition and work toward finding an effective treatment to deal with these symptoms
TREATMENT
Being able to determine whether someone is experiencing vertigo rather than some other form of lightheadedness or disorientation is an important first step to treatment. Your neurologist will likely do a physical examination to observe the severity to which your balance issues are affecting you. Vestibular testing may also be called for part of which may include an eye exam. Testing your function during an episode of vertigo is especially helpful so the doctor can observe how you are being affected.
In many cases, vertigo symptoms tend to go away on their own when the body learns to compensate for the inner ear imbalance. Home treatment in the form of specific exercises like the Epley Maneuver can help treat the type of vertigo known as BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.) Other treatments may include the use of oral steroids to reduce inflammation in the inner ear or even use of water pills to correct fluid imbalances. Again, the type of treatment depends on what underlying condition might be causing these symptoms in the first place. Your neurologist can work with you to find an effective treatment plan that will help you resume your normal activities as quickly as possible.
In many cases, vertigo symptoms tend to go away on their own when the body learns to compensate for the inner ear imbalance. Home treatment in the form of specific exercises like the Epley Maneuver can help treat the type of vertigo known as BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.) Other treatments may include the use of oral steroids to reduce inflammation in the inner ear or even use of water pills to correct fluid imbalances. Again, the type of treatment depends on what underlying condition might be causing these symptoms in the first place. Your neurologist can work with you to find an effective treatment plan that will help you resume your normal activities as quickly as possible.
Nerve Pain
HOW WE CAN HELP
If sciatica and sciatic nerve pain are stopping you from engaging in normal activities throughout the day it might be time to come in and see a specialist who can help you get on a treatment plan to address these issues. Dr. Jennifer McMonigle Medical PC of East Northport, NY has helped many patients with their sciatica and can talk you through your options going forward. Make an appointment today and take the first steps toward a pain-free future.
ABOUT NERVE PAIN
The lower back pain associated with sciatica can be unbearable. Sufferers will often cite additional pain in the back of the leg or the buttock area. The discomfort can range from a mild achiness in the generalized area to sharp pains that shoot down the leg and occur abruptly on one side of the body. Sharp movements like a cough or sneeze can make the pain worse. Patients with sciatica may also have numbness in the leg muscles and limited range of motion in the lower back. It is a condition that impacts on everyday activities. On rare occasions, bowel or bladder dysfunction may accompany sciatica and can become quite serious, requiring immediate medical attention.
WHAT IS SCIATICA?
Sciatica is named after the sciatic nerve- a long nerve that stretches from the lower back, buttock, back of the leg and down to the foot. Sciatica occurs when this nerve is damaged in some way or has pressure placed on it. There might be a variety of different causes for sciatica including vertebral compression fractures, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spondylosis, or even degenerative disc disease. Lifestyle and personal habits may also contribute to the likelihood that someone would experience sciatica. For example, lack of exercise, sitting for extended periods of time, poor postures, and even smoking or diabetes can be contributing factors to sciatic nerve pain.
TREATMENT
Diagnosing the sciatic pain and uncovering the cause of it is important to keep the problem from getting worse. When you speak with your doctor, she will likely ask about your general medical history, if you’ve had any recent or past injuries that might be related, and what type of pain you are experiencing. There will likely be a neurological examination in the clinical setting. This might include testing for muscle strength, reflexes, and other physical measures that might give an indication of whether there might be a further injury. Imaging tests such as a CT scan, MRI, or x-rays may be appropriate depending on whether your doctor believes there are any further considerations to investigate.
In general, most cases of sciatica will subside on their own. The type of treatment required to alleviate the pain will depend largely on what is causing it. The sciatica sufferer can easily self-treat at home using conservative options such as alternating cold and hot packs, taking anti-inflammatory medication, bed rest, and altering their activities. Treatments that can be done in a clinical setting include spinal injections and physical therapy among others. In more severe cases spine surgery may be an option if other methods have not been successful in alleviating the pain.
In general, most cases of sciatica will subside on their own. The type of treatment required to alleviate the pain will depend largely on what is causing it. The sciatica sufferer can easily self-treat at home using conservative options such as alternating cold and hot packs, taking anti-inflammatory medication, bed rest, and altering their activities. Treatments that can be done in a clinical setting include spinal injections and physical therapy among others. In more severe cases spine surgery may be an option if other methods have not been successful in alleviating the pain.
Bell's Palsy
HOW WE CAN HELP
If you are currently experiencing the effects of Bell’s Palsy and would like to talk to a medical professional about further treatment options, it may be time to make an appointment with a specialist. Dr. Jennifer McMonigle Medical PC of East Northport, NY is a board-certified neurologist with extensive experience in working with patients to manage their Bell’s Palsy. Dr. McMonigle helps to develop a treatment plan that will ease the effects associated with the condition. She will listen to you, understand your circumstances, and work with you to figure out the best path forward so that you may be able to resume your normal life and activities.
ABOUT BELL'S PALSY
Bell’s Palsy is a condition that affects the function of the facial nerve. The term ‘palsy’ refers to a weakening and in this case, it is often the result of inflammation of the nerve. The characteristic symptom of Bell’s Palsy is a visible drooping of one side of the patient’s face. This can affect a person’s ability to close their mouth and eye. Although the precise cause of this condition is unknown, the general understanding is that Bell’s Palsy is likely caused by a viral infection in most cases. It has also been associated with Lyme disease and Sarcoidosis in other patients.
Early signs of the condition can be pain on one side of the face that originates just behind the ear. This general ache then develops into a subsequent weakness where the mouth and eyes are then affected. Patients have also described accompanying symptoms including an effect on their ability to taste, blurred vision, inability to wrinkle the forehead or raise the eyebrows. Also increased hearing, a tingling sensation, and tearing on the side of the face where the nerve is affected are common, as is difficulty with swallowing and chewing. The onset of these symptoms will vary in severity from person to person and may occur over a period of hours or days. It can be quite frustrating for patients to discover that the condition may take weeks to self-heal and usually the duration of recovery is directly related to how extreme the case is.
Early signs of the condition can be pain on one side of the face that originates just behind the ear. This general ache then develops into a subsequent weakness where the mouth and eyes are then affected. Patients have also described accompanying symptoms including an effect on their ability to taste, blurred vision, inability to wrinkle the forehead or raise the eyebrows. Also increased hearing, a tingling sensation, and tearing on the side of the face where the nerve is affected are common, as is difficulty with swallowing and chewing. The onset of these symptoms will vary in severity from person to person and may occur over a period of hours or days. It can be quite frustrating for patients to discover that the condition may take weeks to self-heal and usually the duration of recovery is directly related to how extreme the case is.
TREATMENT
The diagnosis of Bell’s Palsy is the first step to proper treatment. There currently isn’t a single test that will diagnose the condition but rather a range of tests to rule out other serious conditions such as a tumor or damage from outside injury. Imagining tests such as a CAT scan or MRI may be helpful in addition to bloodwork to determine if there is an accompanying vitamin deficiency. Your neurologist will look at a wide range of possibilities to determine the next course of action. Once Bell’s Palsy has been determined to be the cause of facial muscle weakness treatment can occur. Sometimes patients will be prescribed a short course of prednisone, a steroid intended to reduce nerve inflammation. Antiviral medications may also be prescribed. To deal with the actual muscle weakness physical therapy or massage therapy may help move things along more quickly and aid recovery.
Lyme Disease
HOW WE CAN HELP
If you are dealing with the effects of Lyme Disease and want to discuss your treatment options with a specialist, it may be time to seek out the services of a board-certified neurologist. Dr. Jennifer McMonigle Medical PC of East Northport, NY has a wealth of experience with patients who have been diagnosed with Lyme Disease. She works with them to treat symptoms and work out a treatment plan that will improve their overall quality of life during their recovery. Quickly diagnosing the condition and learning to manage Lyme Disease symptoms early on is an important part of being able to resume normal life and activities.
LYME DISEASE DIAGNOSIS
Lyme Disease can be an incredibly frustrating condition to live with. If caught in the early stages it can be effectively treated and cured with simple antibiotics. However, if left longer the condition can begin to affect a wide range of bodily systems including the heart, joints, and nervous system. Even with swift treatment, the symptoms of tiredness and achiness can last for months afterward and significantly impact a person’s ability to go about their lives.
ABOUT LYME DISEASE
Lyme Disease is a condition caused by a bacterial infection. People are infected when they come into contact and are bitten by a tick carrying this specific bacteria. For this reason, people who work in and live near heavily wooded areas or frequently hike may increase their exposure to infected ticks and can be more susceptible to contracting Lyme Disease.
The very first, and most distinctive, visible sign that someone has contracted Lyme Disease is the presence of a bullseye pattern rash around the tick bite area. This can be accompanied by a headache in the early days and later joint and muscle pain may be present. Fever, fatigue and general malaise are also symptomatic of the condition. Flu-like symptoms such as chills, sore throat, abdominal pain, and nausea have also been reported by sufferers. If left untreated the symptoms will likely worsen over time, so it is essential that treatment occurs as quickly as possible before complications can set in.
The very first, and most distinctive, visible sign that someone has contracted Lyme Disease is the presence of a bullseye pattern rash around the tick bite area. This can be accompanied by a headache in the early days and later joint and muscle pain may be present. Fever, fatigue and general malaise are also symptomatic of the condition. Flu-like symptoms such as chills, sore throat, abdominal pain, and nausea have also been reported by sufferers. If left untreated the symptoms will likely worsen over time, so it is essential that treatment occurs as quickly as possible before complications can set in.
TREATMENT
Before treatment can happen your doctor will need to perform tests to confirm your condition. If signs and symptoms point to Lyme Disease, you will be given a blood test to confirm that you have indeed been exposed to the offending bacteria. It is also possible to test the fluid in the joints for this bacteria. A number of different treatments are available to manage Lyme Disease including antibiotics to counter bacterial infection and pain medication. If the bacteria have spread further throughout the body and other systems are being affected it may be necessary to deal with those individual conditions that arise as well. Most cases of Lyme Disease, if treated early can be cured within two to 4 weeks with the correct course of antibiotics. In other patients, the symptoms may be present for a duration of 6 months after the original treatment.
Depression
HOW WE CAN HELP
If you or your loved one is experiencing depression, know that it is possible to obtain medical treatment for this condition. If you have tried other avenues of therapy it might be time to make an appointment with a neurologist and learn about what your options may be. Dr. Jennifer McMonigle Medical PC of East Northport, NY has worked with many people suffering from the effects of clinical depression. She takes the time to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the depression and discusses possible courses of treatment. Her aim is to get to the bottom of what is happening so that you or your loved one may have some relief.
CLINICAL DEPRESSION
Already having a neurological condition such as epilepsy, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease can increase your chances of also suffering from depression. There is still uncertainty about whether this relationship occurs as a reaction to the existing neurological illness or if it is a product of similar neurological damage. It is difficult to pinpoint the direct cause of clinical depression and for this reason, it requires a lot of patience to treat and manage. Biochemical changes, environmental conditions, and social isolation may all feed into the severity of a person’s depression.
ABOUT CLINICAL DEPRESSION?
Clinical depression, also called major depression, is a disorder that affects a person’s mental health. Feeling ups and downs during the day is not uncommon but when the depressive state is more persistent and is coupled with a lack of interest in activities that used to bring joy, this may be something more serious and point to clinical depression. When this continued depressive state begins to impact daily life is usually the time that people seek out treatment.
CAUSES
CAUSES
It is difficult to pinpoint any single cause for clinical depression. Usually, it is a combination of biochemistry, social stimuli, psychological considerations, and other events that may induce distress. While we may not be able to determine the exact origin of a person’s depression, we do know that different variables can contribute to the condition so it is important to the patient’s circumstances as a whole.
TREATMENT
Diagnosing clinical depression and separating it from a number of other different conditions is often quite complex. There is still so much to learn about the relationship between mental health and physical health. It is clear there is a biochemical component in certain cases, but how this mechanism works is vague. This is still a field of study that is being explored extensively, however, there is a wide range of treatments that can be used to improve a person’s mental health. Psychotherapy that helps someone regulate their emotional state may work for some. For others, medications may be the best option. A complete assessment of your overall health may hold some clues as to the best way to plan your treatment. Your neurologist will put you through a thorough evaluation to ensure that all options are on the table.
ADD/ADHD
HOW WE CAN HELP
If your child has been exhibiting some of the telltale signs of ADD/ADHD, it might be time to see a specialist and talk about what your options are going forward. Dr. Jennifer McMonigle Medical PC of East Northport, NY has helped many patients with their ADD/ADHD diagnoses. She takes the time to fully understand the unique circumstances of each case and works with you to create effective treatment plans. Her aim is that you and your family discover ways to navigate this condition and be able to enjoy and resume normal activities.
ABOUT ADD/ADHD?
Attention Deficient Disorder or Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as ADD or ADHD, is largely associated with children who have trouble paying attention, focusing, or they exhibit hyperactive behavior. The terms ADD and ADHD are often used interchangeably but ADHD is the more modern term as it includes the hyperactivity component and is an all-encompassing term.
Many parents may not have any indication of a problem until they receive cautious feedback from teachers concerning their child’s progress at school. Any parent who has had a child with this condition has felt the frustration of uncertainty first from not being sure what was causing the behavior, and second from trialing different types of treatments in hopes that one or more will prove to be effective. The information regarding ADD/ADHD continues to evolve, but an important thing to remember is that behavioral issues associated with ADD/ADHD are not necessarily the result of ‘bad’ behavior but the result of the child’s neurological wiring. Although mostly associated with children, the effects of ADD/ADHD can crossover into adulthood. It is likely that many cases of adult ADD/ADHD have never been diagnosed and the adult appeared to ‘outgrow’ their ADD/ADHD. In reality, the dissipation of symptoms may occur as a result of developed routines that help counter the inattention and lack of focus they had as a child.
Many parents may not have any indication of a problem until they receive cautious feedback from teachers concerning their child’s progress at school. Any parent who has had a child with this condition has felt the frustration of uncertainty first from not being sure what was causing the behavior, and second from trialing different types of treatments in hopes that one or more will prove to be effective. The information regarding ADD/ADHD continues to evolve, but an important thing to remember is that behavioral issues associated with ADD/ADHD are not necessarily the result of ‘bad’ behavior but the result of the child’s neurological wiring. Although mostly associated with children, the effects of ADD/ADHD can crossover into adulthood. It is likely that many cases of adult ADD/ADHD have never been diagnosed and the adult appeared to ‘outgrow’ their ADD/ADHD. In reality, the dissipation of symptoms may occur as a result of developed routines that help counter the inattention and lack of focus they had as a child.
SYMPTOMS
The tricky part about ADD/ADHD is that it can manifest itself in different ways depending on the person, so there is no one set of signs and symptoms that are the same for everyone. The most common characteristics are lack of focus and attention as well as hyperactivity. A person with ADD/ADHD might appear careless and their personal spaces and bedrooms may be wildly disorganized. Another sign present in people who have ADD/ADHD is appearing distracted, even when directly spoken to. Restlessness and agitation, continuous fidgeting of hands or feet, the compulsive need to be constantly in motion physically or even verbally all might be signs that point to ADD/ADHD.
TREATMENT
There are a lot of questions about what the best way is to treat ADD/ADHD. The use of medication as the main form of treatment has been met with criticism and controversy. The reality is that the answer is not so simple and generally will come down to trying several different treatments. Lifestyle modifications including diet, exercise, and in some cases behavioral therapy might be appropriate. Administering medication is an option for the right candidates. Your doctor can discuss the pros and cons of this course of treatment with you. Ultimately, each person is different, and it might take a combination of several of these treatments to see improvement.
Back & Neck Pain
HOW WE CAN HELP
If you are experiencing back pain and neck pain and have been unable to get relief with any other treatments, it might be time to see a specialist to help you with your condition. Dr. Jennifer McMonigle Medical PC of East Northport, NY has worked with many patients to pinpoint the cause of their problems and develop an effective pain relief plan. You shouldn’t need to suffer with back and neck pain if there are treatment options that could improve your condition.
SEVERITY
Back pain and neck pain are incredibly common complaints and most people will have an episode of one or the other at some point in their lives. Minor pains could occur from sleeping in a strange position or being on your feet too long one day. With some rest, these types of issues will likely heal themselves and no further treatment will be required. The more concerning scenario is when pain becomes a chronic issue that you repeatedly experience, or if the onset of pain occurred just after a traumatic injury. This type of pain may point to something more serious and it is important to investigate to rule out anything else contributing to the pain. Doing so will help you and your doctor determine if your pain may be the result of another medical issue that needs immediate attention. Determining the correct diagnosis for your back pain or neck pain is critical to getting you the proper treatment and providing necessary relief.
CAUSES
CAUSES
Back pain and neck pain can be the result of many different conditions or lifestyle habits, so each case tends to be very unique. For example, pain in the upper back may be the result of poor posture, athletic injury, or perhaps a work injury due to heavy lifting. Other types of pain may be caused by soft tissue damage, ruptured disks, arthritis, osteoporosis, and muscle or ligament strain among many others. Communicating effectively with a medical professional about your history and the symptoms you are experiencing is crucial to getting to the bottom the issue.
TREATMENT
The degree of severity and how long a person has been living with the pain may give your doctor some indication of the cause. A neurologist may look at the support structures of the bone or discs in the back to see if there are any abnormalities that might be putting undue pressure on the nearby nerves. EMG testing can be used to check reaction times of nerves and muscles to determine that these systems are functioning well or if there might be an underlying problem.
There is a range of treatments available including rest, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, use of pain medication and anti-inflammatories. In more severe cases surgery may be the best and most effective option. You’ll be able to discuss the best course of action with your neurologist after a thorough evaluation.
There is a range of treatments available including rest, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, use of pain medication and anti-inflammatories. In more severe cases surgery may be the best and most effective option. You’ll be able to discuss the best course of action with your neurologist after a thorough evaluation.
Carpal Tunnel
HOW WE CAN HELP
If you are currently suffering from pain associated with Carpal Tunnel and would like to know what your options are come in and make an appointment to see us at Dr. Jennifer McMonigle Medical PC of East Northport, NY. We’ll get to the bottom of what may have caused the problem and work with you to develop a pain relief plan going forward so you can get on with your normal life and activities.
RISK FACTORS
You may associate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with tasks like typing but the reality is that many repetitive motions or other medical conditions can contribute to this painful condition. If you’re suffering from Carpal Tunnel you may have experienced the feeling of pins and needles in different parts of your hand, fingers, and wrist. You may be surprised to find out there are various risk factors for Carpal Tunnel that can include genetic predisposition, wrist injury, overuse and repetitive motions associated with work, and rheumatoid arthritis among others. Given how often we use our hands for everyday activities, finding relief from this condition is critical to improving quality of life.
ABOUT CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a fairly common disorder that occurs when the median nerve in the wrist is pinched or compressed. The name itself comes from the ‘tunnel’ or passageway, called the Carpal Tunnel, created by bones and ligaments that surround the nerves in this wrist area. Being quite a small space, when inflammation, swelling or injury occur, everything within this tunnel can become compressed and this is when someone might begin to experience symptomatic pain in their hands and wrist.
While the symptoms can begin as an uncomfortable numbness, overtime it may progress to more serious issues that result in loss of movement or range of motion in the thumb and first to third digits of the hand. If left untreated, the compressed nerve can affect the quality of the muscles in the hand.
TREATMENT
While the symptoms can begin as an uncomfortable numbness, overtime it may progress to more serious issues that result in loss of movement or range of motion in the thumb and first to third digits of the hand. If left untreated, the compressed nerve can affect the quality of the muscles in the hand.
TREATMENT
The first step in treating Carpal Tunnel is to make sure the correct diagnosis is made. Your doctor will ask about the type of pain you are experiencing and also take a look at the afflicted area in a clinical setting. While the symptoms might definitively point to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome it might also be appropriate to do blood tests to determine if there is another underlying condition contributing to your Carpal Tunnel (for example diabetes, thyroid disease, or arthritis). Sometimes an x-ray or ultrasound may be used to determine if there is further evidence of injury that must be addressed.
In terms of the treatment options for Carpal Tunnel, once a diagnosis is made, you’ll be able to confer with your doctor about the best way to go forward. The management of this disorder is very much dependent on the cause. Possible treatments may include rest, physical therapy, behavior modification to avoid repetitive injury, wrist splints, anti-inflammatory medications, Vitamin B6, steroid injection, or surgery. Thankfully, the treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is generally very effective.
In terms of the treatment options for Carpal Tunnel, once a diagnosis is made, you’ll be able to confer with your doctor about the best way to go forward. The management of this disorder is very much dependent on the cause. Possible treatments may include rest, physical therapy, behavior modification to avoid repetitive injury, wrist splints, anti-inflammatory medications, Vitamin B6, steroid injection, or surgery. Thankfully, the treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is generally very effective.
Botox Treatments
HOW WE CAN HELP
Looking for cosmetic or medical Botox treatments?
Botox was approved for use with chronic migrane treatments and the reduction of wrinkles for the aging population. We also use it to treat: Hemifacial spasms and Bell's Palsy. Speak to us about your treatment options.
Botox was approved for use with chronic migrane treatments and the reduction of wrinkles for the aging population. We also use it to treat: Hemifacial spasms and Bell's Palsy. Speak to us about your treatment options.
Dementia / Alzheimer's
HOW WE CAN HELP
If you are currently suffering from Dementia or Alzheimer's and would like to know what your options are come in and make an appointment to see us at Dr. Jennifer McMonigle Medical PC of East Northport, NY. We’ll get to the bottom of what may have caused the problem and work with you to develop a relief plan going forward so you can get on with your normal life and activities.
If you are currently suffering from Dementia or Alzheimer's and would like to know what your options are come in and make an appointment to see us at Dr. Jennifer McMonigle Medical PC of East Northport, NY. We’ll get to the bottom of what may have caused the problem and work with you to develop a relief plan going forward so you can get on with your normal life and activities.
Tremors
HOW WE CAN HELP
If you are currently suffering from Tremos and would like to know what your options are come in and make an appointment to see us at Dr. Jennifer McMonigle Medical PC of East Northport, NY. We’ll get to the bottom of what may have caused the problem and work with you to develop a relief plan going forward so you can get on with your normal life and activities.
Neuromuscular Disorders
HOW WE CAN HELP
If you are currently suffering from Neuromuscular Disorders and would like to know what your options are come in and make an appointment to see us at Dr. Jennifer McMonigle Medical PC of East Northport, NY. We’ll get to the bottom of what may have caused the problem and work with you to develop a relief plan going forward so you can get on with your normal life and activities.
If you are currently suffering from Neuromuscular Disorders and would like to know what your options are come in and make an appointment to see us at Dr. Jennifer McMonigle Medical PC of East Northport, NY. We’ll get to the bottom of what may have caused the problem and work with you to develop a relief plan going forward so you can get on with your normal life and activities.
Headaches
HOW WE CAN HELP
If you are currently suffering from Headaches and would like to know what your options are come in and make an appointment to see us at Dr. Jennifer McMonigle Medical PC of East Northport, NY. We’ll get to the bottom of what may have caused the problem and work with you to develop a relief plan going forward so you can get on with your normal life and activities.
Anxiety
HOW WE CAN HELP
If you are currently suffering from Anxiety and would like to know what your options are come in and make an appointment to see us at Dr. Jennifer McMonigle Medical PC of East Northport, NY. We’ll get to the bottom of what may have caused the problem and work with you to develop a relief plan going forward so you can get on with your normal life and activities.
If you are currently suffering from Anxiety and would like to know what your options are come in and make an appointment to see us at Dr. Jennifer McMonigle Medical PC of East Northport, NY. We’ll get to the bottom of what may have caused the problem and work with you to develop a relief plan going forward so you can get on with your normal life and activities.
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