Category Archives: Medical Second Opinions

Anxiety

10/25/2023

Anxiety is a normal and often necessary emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. It is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe. Anxiety can be triggered by a variety of factors, including stress, life changes, trauma, or genetic predisposition.

When anxiety becomes persistent, excessive, or overwhelming, it can interfere with daily activities and negatively impact a person’s quality of life. This may manifest as physical symptoms such as restlessness, muscle tension, rapid heart rate, sweating, or shortness of breath.

Treatment for anxiety may include therapy, medication, self-care techniques, or a combination of these approaches. Some effective self-care strategies for managing anxiety include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness meditation, regular exercise, and getting adequate sleep. It’s important to seek professional help if anxiety is causing significant distress or impairment in functioning.

Ovarian cysts

10/20/2023

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on the ovaries. They are a common condition and are usually not harmful or cancerous. In fact, many women will develop ovarian cysts at some point during their reproductive years without ever experiencing any symptoms.

However, in some cases, ovarian cysts can cause discomfort or pain, particularly if they become large or burst. Symptoms of ovarian cysts can include pelvic pain, bloating, swelling, painful bowel movements, and pain during sex.

Most ovarian cysts will resolve on their own without any treatment. However, in some cases, the cysts may need to be monitored or treated. Treatment options may include medications to help shrink the cyst, surgery to remove the cyst or the entire ovary, or a combination of these approaches. The treatment plan will depend on the size and type of the cyst, whether it is causing symptoms, and the woman’s age and overall health.

It is important for women to receive regular gynecological exams, as ovarian cysts can sometimes be detected during a routine exam. If a woman experiences any symptoms of ovarian cysts, she should speak to her healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.

Varicose Veins

10/6/2023

Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen veins that often appear swollen, twisted, and bulging, usually in the legs or feet. They occur when the veins in the body are not functioning properly, causing blood to pool in the veins.

Varicose veins can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, age, obesity, pregnancy, and prolonged standing or sitting. They may also be related to underlying medical conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Symptoms of varicose veins may include swelling, pain, fatigue, itching, and aching in the legs. In some cases, varicose veins can lead to more serious complications such as skin ulcers or blood clots.

Treatment for varicose veins may include lifestyle changes such as exercise and weight loss, compression stockings, and medical procedures such as sclerotherapy, laser therapy, or vein stripping surgery. It is important to seek medical advice if you are experiencing symptoms of varicose veins, as early treatment can prevent further complications and improve quality of life.

Sleep Apnea

10/2/2023

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. These interruptions can last for several seconds or longer and can occur dozens or even hundreds of times per night, leading to fragmented and poor-quality sleep.

The two most common types of sleep apnea are obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). OSA occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, usually due to relaxed throat muscles. CSA occurs when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.

Symptoms of sleep apnea may include loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating. Sleep apnea has also been linked to other health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Treatment for sleep apnea typically involves lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, and sleeping on your side. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most common medical treatment for sleep apnea. CPAP involves wearing a mask over the nose and/or mouth during sleep, which delivers a continuous stream of air to keep the airway open.

Other treatment options may include oral appliances, which reposition the jaw and tongue to help keep the airway open, or surgery to remove excess tissue from the throat or nose. In some cases, a combination of treatments may be used to effectively manage sleep apnea.

If you suspect that you may have sleep apnea, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider for an evaluation and proper diagnosis. Untreated sleep apnea can have serious health consequences, so it is important to seek treatment if you are experiencing symptoms.

Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa)

10/1/2023

Swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa, is a condition that occurs when the ear canal becomes inflamed or infected. It is often caused by water that gets trapped in the ear canal, which creates a moist environment that is ideal for bacterial or fungal growth.

Symptoms of swimmer’s ear may include pain or discomfort in the ear, itching or redness in the ear canal, discharge from the ear, and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear. In some cases, hearing may be affected.

Treatment for swimmer’s ear typically involves ear drops that contain antibiotics or antifungal medication to treat the infection. Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may also be recommended to relieve pain and discomfort.

Prevention of swimmer’s ear can be achieved by keeping the ears dry, especially after swimming or showering. Using earplugs or a swim cap may also help to prevent water from entering the ear canal. It is important to avoid inserting objects into the ear, as this can cause damage to the ear canal and increase the risk of infection. If you experience symptoms of swimmer’s ear, it is important to seek medical attention to confirm the diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment.

Migraines

9/27/2023

Migraines are a type of headache that are characterized by recurrent episodes of moderate to severe throbbing pain, often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can last anywhere from a few hours to several days and can be disabling for some people.

The exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve changes in the brain and nervous system. Certain triggers such as stress, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, certain foods and drinks, and environmental factors can also contribute to the onset of migraines.

Treatment for migraines can include medication, lifestyle changes, and alternative therapies. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help relieve mild to moderate migraines, while prescription medications such as triptans and ergotamines can help alleviate more severe symptoms.

Preventive medications may also be prescribed for people who experience frequent or severe migraines. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, stress management, and avoiding triggers can also help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.

In addition to traditional treatments, alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and cognitive-behavioral therapy may also be helpful for some people with migraines.

It is important for people with migraines to work closely with their healthcare provider to develop an individualized treatment plan that works best for them.

Osteoporosis

9/18/2023

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. As a result, bones become weak and brittle, and are more likely to fracture or break.

Osteoporosis typically develops slowly over time and may not cause any symptoms until a bone fracture occurs. Common sites of bone fractures in people with osteoporosis include the hip, spine, and wrist.

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis, including age, gender (women are at higher risk), family history, low calcium and vitamin D intake, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain medical conditions and medications.

Diagnosis of osteoporosis is usually done with a bone density test, which measures the amount of bone mineral density (BMD) in specific bones such as the hip and spine.

Treatment for osteoporosis typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medications. Lifestyle changes may include weight-bearing exercises, a balanced diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake. Medications may include bisphosphonates, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and other medications that slow the breakdown of bone.

Prevention is also important in managing osteoporosis, and it involves building strong bones during childhood and adolescence, and maintaining good bone health throughout adulthood with exercise and a healthy diet.

Gliomas

6/2/2023

Gliomas are a type of brain tumor that arise from the glial cells in the brain and spinal cord. Glial cells provide support and insulation to the neurons in the brain and help maintain the structure and function of the nervous system. Gliomas can be classified as either low-grade or high-grade, depending on their aggressiveness and how fast they grow.

Low-grade gliomas are typically slow-growing and are less likely to spread to other parts of the brain or spinal cord. However, they can still cause significant damage if they grow in critical areas of the brain.

High-grade gliomas, also known as malignant gliomas, are more aggressive and can quickly spread to other parts of the brain or spinal cord. These tumors are more difficult to treat and have a poorer prognosis compared to low-grade gliomas.

Symptoms of gliomas can include headaches, seizures, memory loss, and changes in personality or behavior. Treatment for gliomas may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these approaches. The specific treatment plan will depend on the type, size, location, and grade of the tumor, as well as the overall health of the patient.

Common Surgical Procedures May Often Be Unnecessary

5/26/2023

Entering a hospital for surgery always carries risks. Patients can suffer from preventable errors such as medication mistakes, contract a secondary infection or develop surgical complications that result in a new chronic condition. A study conducted by surgeons advised that the best way to avoid complications is simply recommend surgery less often to patients. If physicans explore all possible treatment avenues, they can cut down on surgical procedures that might not be necessary or beneficial – and therefore reduce opportunities for medical harm.

The study suggests several primary reasons potentially unneccessary surgeries continue to be performed, including surgeons’ training and background (i.e., “this is how it’s always been done”) as well as monetary and career growth incentives to perform more procedures.

Some of the most commonly overused surgeries include:

  • Vertebroplasty and spinal fusion
  • Hysterecomy
  • Coronary bypass and stents
  • Caesarean section

For back pain, research indicates spinal fusions don’t lead to improved long-term outcomes when compared to non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy and core strengthening exercises. Hysterectomy can cause bleeding and hematona, while coronary bypass can cause strokes, and all surgical procedures performed under general anesthesia include anesthesia risks. The risks of surgery may not always be worth it when weighed against the benefits.

Additionally, complications can arise simply from hospitalization: medication-related conditions, urinary tract and blood stream infections due to catheters, hospital-acquired pneumonia, blood clots, falls and bedsores.

Dr. Ashish Jha, who has served at Brown and Harvard Universities, sums up, “When patients are sick, we find that they are too often injured from the care that is meant to heal them. This should not be seen as a price of providing health care—we can and should do so much better.”

The authors of the surgery study ask surgeons to foster a transparent culture and to partner with patients to include them in decision making. Surgeons should provide scientific evidence and guidance, while patients share their priorities, fears and expectations for the outcome. Physicians should focus not on simply fixing the immediate problem but on advocating for overall patient safety.

SecondOpinions.com expert physicians want you to feel confident in your diagnosis and path to treatment. If you or a family member is facing a surgery and are unsure that it is medically necessary, contact SecondOpinions.com for a medical record review.

CNN Anchor’s Daughter Fights for Life after Missed Appendicitis Diagnosis

5/25/2023

CNN anchor Jake Tapper’s daughter wrote an article detailing how a missed appendicitis diagnosis almost cost her her life. Alice Tapper, who was 14 at the time of her hospitalization, went to the ER with abdominal cramps, a low fever, chills and vomiting. She was given IV fluids and transferred to another hospital as her pain worsened. Her parents checked with Alice’s pediatrician who suggested doctors consider appendicitis – but since the pain wasn’t only on the typical right side, doctors chalked it up to a viral infection. As days went on, Alice got even more sick yet was only given a heating pad and over-the-counter medication for pain. The Tappers requested both an ultrasound and an assessment by a gastroenterologist, but neither were granted.

Finally, because of his journalistic connections, Mr. Tapper was able to get the hospital administrator’s phone number and begged for help. Only then did Alice receive an x-ray which revealed a perforated appendix causing a stream of harmful bacteria throughout Alice’s body. She had emergency surgery to drain the toxic leakage and had to stay in the hospital for over a week recovering from sepsis and hypovolemic shock. Months after her initial ordeal, having recovered and regained her strength, Alice had her appendix removed at a third hospital.

Research from Dr. Prashant Mahajan, a leader in emergency pediatric medicine at the University of Michigan, indicates that appendicitis can be missed in up to 15% of children at initial presentation. This is despite appendicitis being the most common surgical emergency in children. It’s most commonly misdiagnosed in children under 5 and in girls. A 5-year-old girl in England died from appendicitis in 2018, two days after a doctor sent her home with an incorrect diagnosis of a stomach bug. Appendicitis also is sometimes missed on a CT scan.

A missed diagnosis can sometimes be the difference between life and death. Alice wrote her article to inspire families who may not have the same connections as her dad to advocate for children’s health regardless of age or gender. Contact SecondOpinions.com to be a health advocate for your family.