StemCell Therapy

Dr. Michael DiGiorno

By Dan Murphy

With most Westchester residents vaccinated, and with COVID-19 positivity rates at less than 1%, Dr. Michael DiGiorno, Medical Director of St. Johns Medical Group, is encouraging patients and our readers to return to their pre-COVID routine of getting tested, including getting their annual physicals, screening colonoscopies, bone density testing and mammograms.

Its important not to let your health lapse because of the pandemic any longer. At least come in and have an annual physical and ensure that your health screening tests are up to date. It is an extraordinarily safe time for patients to come in and catch up with their health care needs, and we are here to help them through the testing process.

Part of our challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic was to make sure that we stayed open, and that we continued to deliver care to Yonkers and the surrounding communities. We thought it was crucial to maintain a presence in the community during a very difficult time, and if you had an underlying medical condition, or had a medical question or needed a prescription refill, we were open for in person and telemedicine appointments. We concentrated on the safety of our physicians and staff and made sure we were all protected, and we did so quite successfully, said Dr. DiGiorno.

Now we are moving towards a return to normalcy. People are vaccinated and we can accommodate more patients in person. We are maintaining processes in place, including using masks and enhanced cleaning to ensure optimal safety. We provide a very safe, clean environment, so now is the time to pivot and focus on health care maintenance.

Our physicians and staff are available and understand that not everyone has the same level of comfort. If you have any specific concerns, let us know and we will work to ensure your return is a positive experience. In addition to primary care, our specialty physicians are on-site and available to address your gastroenterology, nephrology, physical medicine, vascular, podiatric and pain management needs.

Dr. DiGiorno stressed that, unfortunately, underlying health conditions dont wait for the pandemic to pass. We do see some patients, with diabetes who have strayed and have weight gain because of a lack of activity. As a result, their diabetes has become poorly controlled. Similarly, we are seeing patients with chronic hypertension, which was once well-controlled, now require additional therapy. We understand whygyms were closed, our diets and routines were interrupted, and we were told to stay home, and it all took a toll on our health.

Now is the time to get people back on track, with basic testing, and diabetes and blood pressure treatments and screenings. While we have seen some slippage with chronic conditions in some patients, we want that to be the exception and not the rule.

So go back for your basic labs, physicals, and colonoscopies. The environment is safe and clean and accessible. They will expedite your appointment and connect you to your primary care physician. If you do not have a physician, St. Johns has lots of options and it all starts with a phone call.

We understand what our community, and the world has been through. There is no judgement here. Our goal is to achieve wellness, so dont be afraid to see a physician. We just want everyone to get well again, and move forward as a community said Dr. DiGiorno.

Michael DiGiorno, DO, MHSA, FASN, is the Vice-President, Medical Operations, and the Chief of Nephrology at St. Johns Riverside Hospital, and the Medical Director of the St. Johns Medical Group practice.

To make an appointment or contact a member of St. Johns Riverside Hospital, or St. Johns Medical Group call 914.964.4DOC.

View original post here:
Dr. Michael DiGiorno, Director of St. John's Medical Group: Now is the Time to Catch up with Preventative Health Care, Testing - Yonkers Times

Just like other devices we rely on, medical devices can improve our quality of life so long as they are maintained to work properly. When they are not or not maintained or serviced in line with FDA approval there can be huge health care and cybersecurity risks.

In the brief on a just-released FDA discussion paper, William Maisel, notes,Many medical devices are reusable and need preventative maintenance and repair during their useful life; therefore, proper servicing is critical to their continued safe and effective use.Maisel, M.D., is the director of the Office of Product Evaluation and Quality in FDAs Center for Devices and Radiological Health.Who could possibly disagree with such a statement? Lawyers.

Thats right, the tort bar is prioritizing profit over patient safety. For shame. (No, Im not surprised either.)

Quality is the glue that holds together our health care technology ecosystem. Whether its a medicine for high blood pressure, a COVID-19 vaccine or a medical device such as an implantable stent or a room-size MRI machine, the FDAs mission rests upon a triad of trust safety, effectiveness and quality. And the bedrock upon which quality rests isGood Manufacturing Practices. Who could be against that? Lawyers.

Considerthe recent spate of suggested state and federal legislationon what is called Right-to-Repair. At first glance, it seems like a good idea. Why not make it easier for consumers to fix their broken electronics, without having to pay a costly sum to the original manufacturer? But, as HL Mencken reminds us, for every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong. The reality is that Right-to-Repair presents many dangerous unintended consequences. The No.1 problem is that it compromises patient safety.

The core of Right-to-Repair laws is to require innovative technology companies to make product repair information, replacement parts and tools readily available to consumers and third-party repair shops. Should that be the case for devices such as Automated External Defibrillators and hospital ventilators? What about electrocardiograph (ECG) machines? Can physicians and patients be confident in non-FDA compliant vendors without the advanced training and technical ability to properly repair and recalibrate life-saving machines? Who could argue that anyone can do it? Lawyers.

Why? Because when things go wrong, when medical devices fail, when patients and their families suffer the consequences, when associated health care costs skyrocket it seems lawyers see opportunity. And they aim their lightening lances of litigation at the deepest pockets the original manufacturers.

It seems the tort bar is creating a problem they can exploit for profit.

But wait, it gets worse. By allowing third parties without any FDA competence to repair regulated, complicated medical devices, Right-to-Repair also opens the door to breaches in cybersecurity.

According to the FDA, cybersecurity is a widespread issue affecting medical devices connected to the Internet, networks, and other devices. Cybersecurity is the process of preventing unauthorized access, modification, misuse or denial of use, or the unauthorized use of information that is stored, accessed, or transferred from a medical device to an external recipient.

In the just-released FDA discussion paper that I referenced above, Strengthening Cybersecurity Practices Associated with Servicing Medical Devices: Challenges and Opportunities, the agency asks, How can entities that service medical devices contribute to strengthening the cybersecurity of medical devices?

According to the discussion paper, FDA defines service to be the repair and/or preventive or routine maintenance of one or more parts in a finished device, after distribution, for purposes of returning it to the safety and performance specifications established by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and to meet its original intended use.

In other words, the first step in advancing medical device cybersecurity is to limit and ensure that those who control repairs and maintenance of these highly sophisticated pieces of health care technology are regulated FDA manufacturers.

On July 27, the FDA is holding a public meeting on this topic. It couldnt be timelier. The proper servicing and security of medical devices and other health care technologies mustnt be subsumed for profit.

Peter J.Pitts, a former FDA Associate Commissioner, is president of the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest and a visiting professor at the University of Paris School of Medicine.

Visit link:
The major health care and cybersecurity risk of 'Right-to-Repair' laws | TheHill - The Hill

Researchers from the University of Leeds and the University of Sheffield have discovered a key mechanism in preventing the escalation of blockages caused by blood clots.

A blood clot forms a pulmonary embolism or blockage, cutting off blood flow to major blood vessels in the lungs. In many cases, the blockage is caused by fragments that have broken away from a blood clot elsewhere in the body, such as a deep vein thrombosis in one of the legs. The fragments are transported to the lungs via the blood stream. Now, researchers have discovered that the protein fibrin plays a key role in stabilising the original clot to prevent bits of clot from breaking loose.

The findings from the research, which was funded by the British Heart Foundation, have been published in the scientific journal PNAS.

The research team used animal studies involving mice to investigate a key chemical building block of the clotting protein fibrin, known as -chain cross links. The scientists found that the -chain cross links give the fibrin its stability through enhanced resistance to rupture and clot fragmentation.

The study examined clot behaviour in mice that were genetically modified so they could not produce the stabilising -chain cross links in the fibrin, and compared them with mice that could.

The results revealed that the clots without the -chain cross links were more unstable and more likely to fragment and produced more associated embolisms.

Dr Cdric Duval, the studys lead author and lecturer in the School of Medicine at Leeds, said: What we believe is happening is that, without the -chain cross links, the fibrin is not strong enough to hold the clot in place against the forces generated in the body from muscle movement and from blood flow.

Professor Robert Arins, also from the School of Medicine at Leeds, who supervised the research, said: The findings reveal the importance of the -chain cross links. These are the structural supports in the fibrin that keep the clot in place.

By identifying the structural dynamics of this mechanism, we have identified new targets for drugs that could be developed to stop fragments of a thrombosis breaking away to cause an embolism in the lungs.

This is a disease that is a major cause of disability and death around the world.

The research findings confirm the long-held suspicion by Professor Arins that the structure of fibrin plays a role in the fragmentation of clots but, until now, there was no scientific evidence.

He said: I have always thought that the remarkable elasticity of fibrin, which has been described as like rubber or spider silk, would be important to prevent clot fragmentation and thus thromboembolic disease.

I was astounded to see the level of differences in pulmonary embolism that resulted from a genetic mutation that resulted in reduced elastic recovery of the fibres. So, when I saw the results, it definitely was a wow moment and I also had the I told you so feeling.

Recommended Related Articles

Here is the original post:
Discovery could inform new preventive treatment for blood clots - Health Europa

Pancreatic cancer accounts for 3% of all new cancer diagnoses, but is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States.5 Therefore, it is imperative that we, as a community, focus our efforts on learning more about precancerous conditions within the pancreas and the early identification of cancers; pancreatic cysts are an ideal target. There are 2 key components to remember with regard to pancreatic cysts: accurate identification and evidence-based longitudinal surveillance. Unfortunately, an ongoing issue for this patient population is that many are never appropriately identified or followed. However, even when identified, many patients are not referred to a pancreatic center of excellence, a gastroenterologist who focuses on the pancreas, or a surgeon with experience in pancreatic cysts. As a result, these patients can re-present years later with a pancreatic cancer.

Our institution, Saint Barnabas Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health Facility, in conjunction with the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, has made efforts to focus on preventative care. Specifically, we have recently focused our attention on pancreatic cysts and partnered

with Eon to develop and implement a platform called Essential Patient Management (EPM) Pancreas to identify patients with a pancreatic abnormality, and then, longitudinally follow them using an innovative and modern cloud-based platform that includes automatic patient and physician reminders.

Through the adoption of Eon EPM Pancreas, patients who now undergo either ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging in our Emergency Department, inpatient setting, or outpatient imaging facility, will be automatically identified if they are found to have an abnormality within their pancreas. The patient will then be contacted by one of our preventative medicine nurse navigators with a phone call and a letter; they will also be offered consultation with our pancreatic care team. Additionally, the patients ordering physician will also be contacted with a letter and a call. This algorithm links all parties together and lets them know about the pancreatic abnormality that may harbor precancerous potential. This automatic identification and population of cyst factors into the cloud-based platform accomplishes the first key component to remember with these cysts.

The second component is accomplished through individual risk stratification. The pancreatic cyst size, tempo of growth, pancreatic duct caliber, mural nodularity, evidence of pancreatitis, tumor markers, pancreatic cyst fluid aspirate for carcinoembryonic and amylase levels, and, at times, genetic mutations are added to the Eon EPM dashboard. Putting these factors together, along with national and international guidelines, we determine how to best manage and follow a particular patient. Previously, this has been done by using an Excel spreadsheet. However, now, with the EPM platform, we can advance healthcare and manage patients electronically; the cloud-based system embeds into our institutions electronic medical record (EMR) system, and with that, all the aforementioned factors can be seen immediately at the time of consultation. Moreover, we have extrapolated the method of a tumor board into our pancreatic cyst clinic and we now have a weekly pancreatic multidisciplinary conference where we discuss our patients with pancreatic cysts, thus providing them with a multidisciplinary/team approach.

Eon EPM offers the most powerful Pancreas solution that uses best-in-class technology to identify incidental pancreatic abnormalities, and longitudinally track patients who require serial surveillance. Eon EPM uses sophisticated proprietary models, referred to as Computational Linguistics data science models, to positively identify incidentally found pancreatic abnormalities with 93.9% accuracy; this high accuracy rate means fewer missed patients and less coordinator effort. Moreover, EPM can integrate with any facilitys EMR and IT system, and through Robotic Process Automation, it automates many mundane and repetitive tasks.

Eon EPM Pancreas detects incidental pancreatic abnormalities noted in radiology reports, extracts pertinent information from these reports such as pancreatic cyst characteristics, enters all information into one dashboard for serial surveillance, ensures patients are tracked and followed according to evidence-based guidelines, segments and prioritizes patients based on risk stratification, and triggers follow-up.

In summary, there are 2 overarching goals of this program. The first is to improve the quality in identifying patients with pancreatic cysts and longitudinally following them to ensure that they do not fall through the cracks within the community in which they are being served. The second goal is to offer patients surgery only when it is indicated because the great majority of pancreatic cysts only require lifetime surveillancenot an operation. If we can identify high-risk pancreatic cysts and surgically remove them prior to the development of pancreas cancer and prevent other patients from having an unnecessary operation, we believe that to be a massive improvement in how patients are being cared for. I have no doubt that Eon EPM Pancreas Solution will change the landscape for patients with pancreatic cysts and tumors, and have a true impact on survival from pancreatic-related diseases.

Russell Langan, M.D., is chief of Surgical Oncology and Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery at Saint Barnabas Medical Center (SBMC), an RWJBarnabas Health facility, and surgical oncologist at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey.

Link:
RWJBarnabas Health Pioneers Innovative Pancreatic Cyst Surveillance Program - OncLive

(Okoboji)-Pet Owners are urged to take precautions during the holiday weekend, KUOO's Becky Thoreson has details:

Pet Owners encouraged to take Precautions during 4th of July Weekend

Pet Experts are urging owners to take extra care with pets during the 4th of July holiday weekend.

Kristi Henning, Director of the Emmet County Animal Shelter says it's best to take preventative measures. "You can prevent some fear anxiety in pets from something as turning up the radio or the TV really, really loud to try to drown out the sound of the fireworks. You can do a thunder shirt, if you have one. A lot of times that snug feeling of that thunder shirt gives them comfort. If you don't have one , you can pop on Pinterest, and they'll actually show you how to make one out of an old tee shirt or a wide ace bandage. It's pretty simple, it's basically just making something snug on them so they feel safe. Another alternative is to contact your vet, and ask them what sort of medicine you could give them as a preventative to an anxiety reaction."

She notes that it's important to secure your pet, and have identification. "Definitely make sure they're secured, that's important. Also, some kind of ID. If you don't have a tag on your pet and you don't have time to get one, even just taking a piece of duct tape and write your name and phone number on it, and then wrap that around their collar so taht they have something on them. Long term though, getting appropriate tags helps all the times of the year and microchips can never get lost."

Read this article:
Pet Owners encouraged to take Precautions during 4th of July Weekend - exploreokoboji.com

Seven states will lift their eviction bans next month, and the cases to follow will offer a glimpse of the onslaught to come. (iStock)

In Connecticut, real estate attorney Ori Spiegel hadnt heard much from landlords as the end of his states eviction ban approached. He expects that to change, starting today.

There are many who Ive asked to call me back on June 30, Spiegel said. The governor has often waited until the last minute to extend the moratorium, so I dont really have information for them until that point.

Barring any 11th-hour interventions, Connecticut, Kentucky, North Carolina and Oregon are set to drop their state eviction protections at midnight. Four more states plus the District of Columbia are slated to do the same in July.

The expiring bans will leave the overwhelming majority of U.S. tenants whove fallen behind on rent with only the federal moratorium imposed by the Centers for Disease Control, which offers less protection and gives landlords more ways to circumnavigate.

In states without protections, eviction cases filed this month will offer a glimpse of whats to come when the federal moratorium sunsets July 31. Tenant advocates and landlord attorneys expect an onslaught of cases for arrears each in the tens of thousands of dollars that could carry astronomical costs for communities left with the job of housing the newly homeless.

Landlords in the 15 states that maintained their own bans before June 30 have largely had their hands tied when it comes to filing eviction cases. In Connecticut, the state moratorium affords a few exceptions, such as for tenants who owe back rent from before the pandemic. But Spiegel has advised landlords not to take anything to court until the state ban lifts.

Thats because the CDC moratorium offers a workaround for landlords.

The federal ban only protects tenants if they fill out a hardship declaration. In Connecticut, a judge may determine a tenants form isnt credible, paving the way for eviction.

The CDCs moratorium also includes five exemptions, the last of which has allowed eviction cases to proceed. If a tenant violated a lease for a reason other than non-payment, the landlord can bring them to court. Attorneys in states with expiring bans expect more of these cases in the next month.

States with weaker protections like North Carolina, or those without a state ban, like Florida, have already seen tenants evicted for reasons other than non-payment.

James Surane, a North Carolina attorney, said hes taken on a steady stream of cases in which the tenant had owed money, and had an expired lease, allowing the landlord to move forward with a case. And Florida attorney David Winker said the recent mass eviction of 200 tenants from a Miami building owned by apartment giant Aimco and spinoff Air was also a non-monetary action.

And for cases that are brought over arrears, the CDCs ban doesnt stop a filing in its tracks or a court from issuing a judgment. It just prevents tenants from being kicked out of their homes.

Portland, Oregon, tenant attorney Troy Pickard expects that in situations where a judge has ruled against a tenant in an eviction case, the parties wont need to go to court once the federal ban expires. The judge will be able to issue a notice that makes the eviction effective.

The sheriff will be able to go to that home and rip the people out of the house, Pickard said.

In most states, even those like New York and California that have extended eviction proceedings through the summer and beyond, the end of the federal ban will also bring an influx of filings.

About 11 million renters about 1 in every 33 Americans are estimated to be behind on their payments, according to estimates by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. In cases that have already been brought, the arrears owed are record-breaking.

Ive been doing this for about 30 years; probably did a half a million evictions and Ive never seen ledgers like these, Surane said. They are now topping $20,000 in arrears

Theres no comprehensive data on U.S. eviction filings. The Eviction Lab at Princeton University, which tracks five states and 29 cities, has found nearly 385,000 evictions filed since the start of the pandemic. Still, anecdotes from attorneys point to a much bigger backlog of cases.

For the landlords doing the filing, an eviction is often an act of desperation a last resort to regain financial control after as many as 15 months of non-payment.

Of the 10 million to 11 million small landlords HUD estimates are in the U.S., one-third are at risk of bankruptcy or foreclosure because of unpaid rents, the Washington Post reported.

In California, where the governor just extended rental protections until Sept. 30 one of the longest state bans nationally landlord advocates fear that smaller landlords owning four to eight units could be facing foreclosure.

Its hard enough for landlords to miss a couple of months of rent payments, but to have this go on for over a year, it has put property owners in financial peril, said Daniel Yukelson, executive director of the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, which represents landlords.

Bidens decision last week to extend the federal moratorium until July 31 probably wont raise the risks for landlords by much. But the extension will add to the growing ire of property owners, particularly landlords who kept up with mortgage and bill payments by going into debt or tapping into retirement accounts because their tenants couldnt or wouldnt pay the rent.

Winker said one of his clients, a model and single mother who emigrated from Russia, was incredulous at the extended ban.

She didnt know it was coming, he said. And when she heard about it, she said this is like socialism, but its not the government that pays for it, its the landowner.

Older people just over one-third of landlords owning two- to four-unit buildings are also suffering. Many are retired and unlikely to have another source of income apart from rent, according to The Urban Institute.

A subset of owners is itching to sell. Some are scarred from the stress of the last year and want to get out entirely. Others are hoping to take advantage of the hot market, but cant unload property while their tenant is in possession. Connecticut attorney Mark Sank said he gets calls daily from owners looking to sell and tells each to wait until the state moratorium lifts.

In states where tenant occupancy isnt an issue, landlords have sold to institutional investors who will then have to take tenants who owe back rent to court.

To describe what may happen when the federal ban finally lifts, tenant advocates have relied on a grab bag of flood metaphors a wave, a deluge, a tsunami to predict the number of evictions that will ensue.

For landlord attorneys, the rental housing market itself is sick, an economic manifestation of Covid-19, and evictions are just triage. And waiting only makes it worse.

Winker compared it to preventative medicine. Take your 10-cent-per day blood pressure medication because if you dont, youll face much worse consequences.

I will end up in the hospital in the emergency room in full cardiac arrest and that is the least efficient way for me to receive my health care, Winker said. I often talk about courts being that way.

With states struggling to dole out assistance payments, many arrears cases wont be remedied until they hit housing court the last and most expensive course.

The Cost of Eviction Calculator developed by the University of Arizona estimates that the 11 million renters at risk for eviction could cost the U.S. as much as $101 billion to care for through shelter, health care and foster care.

Eventually there has to be a reckoning of some kind. The question is how does this thing ultimately end? Pickard said. Hopefully it wont end in a mass of evictions, because if it does thats just going to be one more huge cost to society that might have been avoided through some kind of intervention.

Contact Suzannah Cavanaugh

Contact the author

See more here:
Landlords in peril, tenants in distress: Expiring eviction bans foreshadow national reckoning - The Real Deal

Australias medicines regulator has fined Melbourne biotech Starpharma $93,000 for advertising breaches related to its COVID-fighting nasal spray, just weeks after the UK regulator raised questions about promotions of the product.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration confirmed on Friday evening it had issued the company with seven infringement notices worth $93,200 for promoting its nasal spray Viraleze via its website and YouTube channel even though the product is not yet authorised for use in Australia.

Starpharma has been clear with investors that its product is not yet available for sale in Australia. However, its online retail site with explanations of Viraleze was available to view from Australia until recently.

The regulator said the companys advertising included a restricted representation claiming that Viraleze is an antiviral nasal spray that stops SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Any claims or references to preventing or treating a serious form of a disease, condition, ailment or defect are restricted representations.

In a statement to the ASX on Monday morning, Starpharma said upon receiving the infringement notices it acted quickly to block Australians from being able to view the materials that the regulator had concerns about, including preventing them from accessing the products marketing website and its YouTube channel.

The company will work closely with the TGA to resolve the current matter and how to balance the need to provide information to its shareholders about key company milestones...with requirements of the [Therapeutic Goods] Act in relation to advertising in Australia, Starpharma said.

Loading

Starpharma is an ASX-listed pharmaceuticals developer which currently sells a range of sexual health products including antiviral condoms.

The company pivoted its research towards coronavirus in the middle of 2020 and developed Viraleze, an antiviral nasal spray, using the same active ingredient that is in its other products.

Viraleze, which has undergone laboratory testing, is designed as a preventative measure against the virus to be used as an additional layer of protection on top of mask wearing, social distancing and vaccines.

View post:
Starpharma whacked with $93,000 TGA fine over COVID spray ads - Sydney Morning Herald

Baby seizures happen when an abnormal extra burst of electrical activity occurs between neurons, or brain cells, in a babys brain. These can happen for many reasons.

Causes may include brain injury, infection, and underlying health conditions, such as cerebral palsy. A babys risk of fever-related seizure is highest when they are younger than 18 months.

Sometimes, it is difficult for parents or caregivers to notice seizures in babies and young children, as they can be subtle. However, common signs include loss of consciousness and jerking of the arms and legs.

Read on to learn more about the signs and symptoms of a baby seizure and treatment.

The symptoms a baby experiences depend on the type of seizure they have.

These types of seizures are most common in the newborn period. However, these signs may resemble usual, everyday movements and may be difficult to spot. Symptoms of subtle seizures can include:

Tonic means muscle stiffness. When a baby experiences a tonic seizure, they may:

Clonic means twitching or jerking, so when a baby has a clonic seizure, they may display repeated, uncontrolled jerking muscle movements.

During this seizure, a parent or caregiver may notice the baby is clenching or twitching parts of its body, including:

This refers to a type of seizure that starts with stiffening (tonic phase) followed by jerking (clonic phase). Therefore, a person may observe symptoms of a tonic seizure followed by signs of a clonic seizure.

Learn more about seizures here.

According to The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, when a baby is having a seizure, it is crucial to keep them away from any hard objects to reduce the risk of injury. When the area is safe, roll them onto their side to prevent choking.

Do not put anything in the babys mouth or try to stop any mouth movements, such as tongue biting, as this can injure the baby.

Call 911, or take the baby to an emergency room if they are:

Learn what a seizure looks like here.

Seizures are the most common neurological emergency in the first 4 weeks of a babys life. As many as 15 babies per 1,000 experience a seizure. Some seizures only last a few minutes and occur once, leaving no lasting damage.

When a baby experiences frequent seizures, they must receive treatment to prevent brain damage. Brain damage occurs due to the frequent disruption of brain oxygen levels and excessive brain cell activity.

Learn more about seizures in babies here.

Sometimes, when babies show signs of a seizure, they are demonstrating healthy reflexes.

The Moro reflex, or startle, reflex is a healthy part of a babys development. If a baby hears a loud sound or senses a sudden movement, they may throw their head back and suddenly stiffen and extend their arms. Parents or caregivers should not worry when they notice this behavior. Babies tend to outgrow this reflex at 36 months.

The tonic neck reflex is a movement where a baby looks to the side with one arm extended and the other bent; it may look like they are imitating holding a sword or firing an arrow. This primitive reflex first develops in the womb and helps the baby coordinate their eyes and control fine movement. Babies may demonstrate this reflex up to 9 months old.

However, while this reflex presents with signs such as eye-rolling, lip-smacking, and leg pedaling movements, these are normal movements, particularly in newborns. It is worth noting that this reflex does not present with characteristic features of a seizure, such as jerking or stiffening.

There are many causes of seizures in babies. Some may occur due to an event such as a head injury, while others could be symptoms of an infection or an underlying health condition.

Some causes of baby seizures include:

Viral encephalitis causes brain inflammation and seizures. Common viruses, such as the flu, can cause a babys temperature to rise, increasing their risk of a febrile seizure. Bacterial infections, in particular, Group B strep bacteria can cause meningitis in babies, which can present with seizures.

Learn about the differences between viral and bacterial infections here.

Sometimes babies that have a fever or high body temperature may develop a febrile seizure. They typically only last a few minutes and occur most often in young children, roughly between 6 months and 5 years.

Signs of a febrile seizure include:

Learn more about febrile seizures here.

When a baby has hydrocephalus, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) applies pressure on the brain. It is a common condition and can also occur on its own in the womb. If a doctor uses forceps or vacuum extractors to help deliver the baby, this may injure the head and cause CSF to accumulate on the brain.

Learn more about CSF here.

Seizures are a common symptom of cerebral palsy. If a baby has cerebral palsy, they will find it difficult to control muscle. Researchers are unsure of the exact cause of cerebral palsy. However, they do know it occurs in some babies that do not receive enough oxygen.

Learn more about cerebral palsy here.

Other causes of baby seizures include:

Learn more about epilepsy in children here.

To find out what is causing the seizure, a doctor may run an electroencephalogram (EEG). This is a test that measures electrical activity in the brain. They may do this in the emergency room or as a separate appointment.

To prepare for the EEG, a doctor places metal discs on the babys head that detect and record their brains electrical impulses.

A baby may need several EEGs, so a doctor can see what their brain activity is like between seizures.

Some conditions that induce seizures may produce healthy EEG readings, so imaging tests, such as an MRI and CT scan, may be necessary to see if any structural changes or obstructions are causing seizures.

Learn about head and brain MRIs here.

If necessary, doctors may control seizures in babies with anticonvulsant medication, including:

If the seizures are due to a lack of oxygen, doctors may administer hypothermic treatment. This procedure cools the babys brain and body to prevent brain damage. They may do this if a baby experiences difficulties during birth and is not able to breathe.

Some babies may need long-term treatment to prevent seizures from recurring. A doctor needs to know the exact cause of the seizures before prescribing an effective treatment plan. For example, treatment will differ if a baby has epilepsy or is recovering from meningitis.

Learn more about meningitis in babies here.

Several types of seizures affect babies, including subtle, tonic, clonic, and febrile seizures. Some seizures are not serious and do not leave any lasting brain damage. Infection and injury are common causes of brain seizures.

Sometimes, underlying health conditions, such as cerebral palsy, can cause seizures that require long-term treatment. If a baby has a seizure and struggles to breathe or their symptoms last longer than 5 minutes, call 911 or take them to an emergency room.

See original here:
Baby seizures: Signs, what to do, causes, and treatment - Medical News Today