Understanding Postpartum Depression

For mother’s in the Foxboro area experiencing post-partum depression, here is some information that may help you determine if you should seek professional attention. Hormonal changes, as well as stress and lifestyle changes that follow childbirth, can cause mood disturbances. Sometimes, however, this is more severe than just the “baby blues.” Postpartum depression occurs in some women after having a baby, although studies vary widely in the reported prevalence of postpartum depression—anywhere from 5% to 25% of women may experience postpartum depression, which is primarily characterized by the onset of depressive symptoms within the first year after giving birth. Telltale signs include:

·         Sadness

·         Hopelessness

·         Low self-esteem

·         Sleep disturbances

·         Appetite disturbances

·         Feelings of emptiness

·         Inability to be consoled or comforted

·         Social withdrawal

·         Low energy

In postpartum depression, these feelings are often tied to ideas of inability to take care of the baby or feelings of inadequacy as a mother. This often facilitates inappropriate feelings of guilt and self-blame, furthering the depression. Postpartum depression persists for weeks or months, and is not simply a routine mood swing. It generally does not resolve on its own without medical attention.

Causes of Postpartum Depression

Doctors and researchers of the Boston area are still unclear as to what causes postpartum depression, although there are several viable hypotheses. Some scientists have suggested that postpartum depression may arise from depleted vitamins or hormonal changes; however, trials of hormone treatment have not been successful in alleviating the depression, and some of the studies failed to find a demonstrable correlation between hormones and depression. Although hormones may play a role in the etiology of postpartum depression in Boston, they are not likely to be the sole cause. Another complicating factor is that sometimes fathers can also develop postpartum depression, despite not undergoing the same hormonal changes. Another possible cause would be the profound and often stressful lifestyle changes that come with a newborn baby; however, some women experience postpartum depression in their most recent pregnancy without having had it in previous pregnancies.

Although the exact causes of postpartum depression still remain unclear, research has identified some risk factors that may predispose a woman toward being more susceptible to postpartum depression. These risk factors include:

·         Psychological or physiological trauma associated with the birth itself

·         Elevated levels of prolactin, a hormone that plays a role in milk production

·         Depletion of oxytocin, an important hormone implicated in social bonding

·         A prior history of depression

·         Low self-esteem

·         Prenatal depression or anxiety

·         Life stress, including stress related to childcare

·         Unwanted or unplanned pregnancy

·         Low socioeconomic status

It should be noted that although these factors are correlated with postpartum depression, a definite causal relation has yet to be established. Etiologically, postpartum depression is still somewhat a mystery.

Preventing and Treating Postpartum Depression in Boston

For most women in Boston and across the nation who struggle with postpartum depression, early intervention is a key factor in ensuring a good prognosis. Many physicians feel that women who may be at risk should be screened so that psychosocial interventions, namely psychotherapy, can be provided. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is a 10-item questionnaire often used by clinicians. Physicians also recommend optimal nutrition during pregnancy and after giving birth, although no causal link has been demonstrated between nutritional problems and postpartum depression.

Treatment for postpartum depression occasionally includes medications but is often more focused on psychotherapeutic modalities. Cognitive behavioral therapy, CBT, is a common method for managing the condition, and has been shown to be equally as effective as the antidepressant fluoxetine (Prozac), without the side effects. Although research into electroencephalographic correlates of postpartum depression has not yet been undertaken, it remains hypothetically possible that someday neurofeedback therapy could be proven to have efficacy for treating postpartum depression. If you reside in the Foxboro area and would like to schedule a consultation with your local BrainCore clinic to discuss your options call 1-844-BRAIN-ON (272-4666) or visit our website today!

Neurological Disorders Arising from Cortical Lesions

A brain lesion is an abnormality in part of the brain tissue, often resulting from a stroke, from a traumatic brain injury, or from a tumor or other disease process. Cortical lesions are lesions occurring in the brain’s cortex--- the part of the human brain responsible for higher functions like cognition, as well as for sensory and motor functions. Depending on the location of the lesion, neurological disorders can arise after a stroke or injury in Boston, with the type of problems dependent on the location of the lesion. Different types of neurological disorders arise from lesions in different areas of the brain, with injuries to the frontal lobes, parietal lobes, temporal lobes, or occipital lobes producing different effects that correspond to the functions of the damaged area.

Neurological Disorders from Frontal Lobe Lesions

The brain’s frontal lobes are most strongly associated with what is called “executive function”. This refers to the ability to plan future actions, to contemplate the consequences of possible alternate courses of action, to modulate one’s responses based on what is socially acceptable, and to recognize patterns in systems or events. When a lesion in Boston occurs in the frontal lobes, executive function can become compromised as a result. Various behavioral changes can arise as a result. Sometimes a frontal lobe lesion will decrease a person’s volition and motivation, functions which are largely handled in the frontal lobes. The person can also become less socially inhibited and display inappropriate behaviors, or otherwise become more impulsive than they were before the injury occurred.

Neurological Disorders from Parietal Lobe Lesions

The parietal lobes play an important role in integrating sensory information, as well as in mathematical and spatial reasoning processes. The neurological disorders that result from parietal lobe lesions in Boston often correspond to which hemisphere is affected. Right parietal lesions often compromise mental imagery and the ability to visualize spatial relationships. Sometimes a right parietal lesion can also lead to a neurological condition called “left hemispheric neglect”, in which the person is no longer aware of, or in control of, the left side of their body. Left parietal lobe lesions often cause neurological disorders involving a loss of mathematical, reading, and symbolic reasoning abilities. Other neurological disorders associated with parietal lobe lesions in Boston involve ataxia, a loss of motor coordination ability; amorphosynthesis, a loss of perception of one side of the body, generally the side opposite the side on which the lesion occurred; and Gerstmann syndrome. Gerstmann syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by loss of the ability to write, loss of the ability to perform mathematical calculations, left-right disorientation, and finger agnosia.

Neurological Disorders from Temporal Lobe Lesions

Among the primary functions of the temporal lobes, which contain a brain structure called the “hippocampus”, is the formation of long-term memories. The temporal lobes are also involved in processing auditory sensory information; establishing object recognition and interpreting the meaning and importance of visual input; and recognizing and processing language. These functions can become impaired in Boston when lesions result from injury or stroke. One common result of temporal lobe lesions is the loss of the ability to remember visual stimuli, called visual agnosia. Another of the neurological disorders associated with temporal lobe lesions in Boston is prosopagnosia, a disorder in which a person loses the ability to recognize faces.

Neurological Disorders from Occipital Lobe Lesions

The occipital lobes, located at the back of the brain, are best known for containing the areas that process various aspects of visual information. Occipital lobe lesions in Boston most often lead to some form of vision loss. Often this take the form of homonymous hemianopsia, in which one side of the visual field is “cut off” in both eyes. Damage to the primary visual cortex in the occipital lobes can cause total cortical blindness. When areas of the occipital lobes adjacent to the temporal or parietal lobes are damaged, phenomena like color agnosia--- a loss of the ability to recognize color--- and movement agnosia--- a loss of the ability to recognize motion--- can occur.

BOSTON: NEUROFEEDBACK FOR NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS

Dietary Factors in ADHD

Many parents of children with ADHD wonder if there is anything they can do, in terms of their child’s diet and nutrition, to allay symptoms of ADHD. Although changes in diet are generally not, in themselves, sufficient for treating ADHD, researchers have identified several valid dietary changes that may be helpful for reducing hyperactivity and lack of concentration in Boston children who have ADHD. This includes avoiding artificial food dyes; supplementing zinc and magnesium intake; and adding Omega-3 supplementation, which may help boost attention and focus.

Artificial Dyes and ADHD

As early as the 1970s, a link between artificial dyes and preservatives and ADHD had been proposed. In later research in the late 2000s, research found evidence that in children with ADHD, certain food additives can exacerbate inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Although the evidence is inconclusive, it is perhaps wise to avoid artificial dyes in food for ADHD children in Boston. Although foregoing artificial dyes and preservatives will not cure ADHD, it may be a helpful adjunct in reducing symptoms.

Zinc and Magnesium for ADHD

In some studies, the populations studied were found to be mildly deficient in zinc or magnesium. Zinc is a micronutrient that plays a variety of roles in the human body, notably in the formation of many important enzymes, and in DNA and RNA processes. In the human brain, zinc can modulate brain excitability, playing a role in learning and associated neuron processes. Magnesium is another essential micronutrient; in the brain, it is a key component of some neurotransmitters. As with zinc, a few isolated studies have found mildly low magnesium levels in people with ADHD.

B Vitamins and ADHD

B vitamins are another supplement that may be somewhat helpful for people in Boston who have ADHD. B-complex vitamins are important in nervous system processes. Vitamin B6 is important for synthesizing neurotransmitters; in ADHD, as in many other psychological disorders, abnormalities in neurotransmission and neurotransmitter availability are an important physiological correlate. Although the evidence is largely anecdotal, B vitamins may be somewhat helpful for concentration and energy level regulation in people with ADHD in Boston.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and ADHD

Omega-3 fatty acids are widely available in capsules of fish oil, which is a substance rich in this class of lipids. Some research has indicated lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in people with ADHD, as well as some improvement of symptoms when omega-3 supplements are added to the diet. One omega-3 fatty acid, DHA, is a major component of neuronal plasma membranes, and serious DHA deficiency is associated with cognitive decline.

Sugar and ADHD in Boston: Popular Misconceptions

It would seem that limiting sugar for ADHD children in Boston would make sense. However, scientific research has found that much of the supposed relationship between sugar and hyperactivity is largely imagined. In one study, parents who were told (falsely) that their children had consumed a large amount of refined sugar, reported increased hyperactivity, inattention, and resistance to parental demands; those who were told their children had not ingested sucrose did not report these effects. This strongly suggests that the idea that sugar (sucrose) makes children “hyper” is largely unfounded. Although excessive amounts of refined sucrose are not particularly healthy, and should be kept within reasonable limits, sugar does not actually exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD.

What is Neurofeedback Training? BrainCore Boston Explains

Neurofeedback training is quickly becoming one of the most popular drug-free therapy options in all of North America. Using it, patients are able to naturally address the symptoms of numerous conditions including ADHD, ADD, Anxiety, Insomnia, Depression, and even Migraines.
In this video, Dianne Kosto of BrainCore Therapy of Greater Boston gives an in depth explanation of what makes neurofeedback training so effective. She also answers the more basic question of: what is neurofeedback?

If ever the online video in this article is not functioning, you should visit here.
Also, make sure to visit our website at:  http://braincoreofgreaterboston.com/boston-adhd-therapy/

Focal Signs in Neurology

There are a range of injuries and symptoms that can arise from concussions and other forms of brain damage in Boston. Concussion treatment often depends on what injuries or deficits have arisen as a result of the injury. Brain damage in Boston can be either diffuse or focal in nature. Focal signs indicate damage in a particular part of the brain, such as a lesion left in the wake of a stroke. Focal signs are of particular interest in neurology; much of what is now known about the function of the lobes of the cerebral cortex was learned by observing what goes wrong when certain areas are damaged. The effects of a focal brain lesion can vary substantially depending on what area of the brain is affected. 

Frontal Lobe Signs in Neurology

The frontal lobes of the brain are associated with executive function, which includes planning, reasoning, motivation, and impulse control. They are also associated with some motor functions. Frontal lobe signs associated with brain damage or injury often include either executive function deficits or motor deficits. Some well-known frontal lobe signs include:

·         Unsteady gait

·         Hypertonia, or abnormal muscular rigidity

·         The paralysis of a limb on one side of the body, opposite to the side of the brain that was injured

·         Paralysis of head and eye movements

·         Expressive aphasia, also called Broca’s aphasia, which is an inability to express oneself with language despite retaining language comprehension abilities

·         Seizures

·         Personality changes, such as abnormal impulsivity

·         Loss of smell

·         Frontal release signs, or the reappearance of primitive reflexes 

Parietal Lobe Signs in Neurology

The parietal lobes integrate sensory information, including navigation and sense of space. Parietal lobe signs in neurology may include:

·         Impaired sense of touch

·         Impaired proprioception, awareness of the body’s location and movement in space

·         Sensory or visual neglect syndromes, in which part of the body’s visual field, proprioception, or other sense is impaired

·         Loss of ability to read, write, or perform mathematical operations

·         Astereognosia, loss of the ability to recognize objects by touch 

Temporal Lobe Signs in Neurology

Temporal lobe signs in neurology often involve deficits in memory or auditory processing. Such deficits often include:

·         Cortical deafness, loss of ability to hear despite the ears themselves being intact

·         Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears

·         Auditory hallucinations

·         Loss of ability to comprehend language (Wernicke’s aphasia) or music (amusia)

·         Memory disturbances

·         Amnesia

·         Complex hallucinations

·         Complex partial seizures 

Occipital Lobe Signs in Neurology

Occipital lobe signs in Boston generally produce deficits in visual capabilities. The occipital lobe is functionally divided into several areas that process different aspects of vision. Signs of occipital injury often include:

·         Cortical blindness, a total loss of vision even though the eyes themselves are functioning normally

·         Anton’s syndrome, a total loss of vision of which the person is not aware

·         Loss of vision on one side of the visual field in both eyes (hemianopsia)

·         Inability to recognize faces, objects, or other visual information (visual agnosias)

·         Visual illusions

·         Visual hallucinations 

Limbic Signs in Neurology

The limbic system is a complex set of brain structures located in the midbrain, below the cortex. This includes the hypothalamus, hippocampus, amygdala, and other structures. This region of the brain is associated with memory and with emotional regulation. Limbic signs in Boston may manifest as:

·         Retrograde amnesia, a loss or confusion of long-term memory prior to the injurious event

·         Anterograde amnesia, an inability to form new memories

·         Loss of emotion

·         Loss of olfactory function

·         Loss of decision-making ability 

Cerebellar Signs in Neurology

Signs of cerebellar injury or dysfunction in Boston generally affect the sense of balance and coordination. This may include:

·         Ataxia, impaired movement of the limbs or torso

·         Inability to coordinate fine motor activities

·         Involuntary left-eye movements

NEUROFEEDBACK IN BOSTON FOR BRAIN INJURY

Herbs in Functional Medicine: Four Ayurvedic Herbs for Mind and Memory

The term functional medicine in Boston and elsewhere refers to a holistic approach to health and disease that emphases whole-body health, focusing on the complex interactions between the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, and organ-system levels that together comprise the human body. Functional medicine approaches to health care often incorporates principles and practices from traditional medicine systems. One such traditional medicine that overlaps with functional medicine is Ayurveda, an Indian system of theory and treatment about health and disease that has a very long history. Along with modern functional medicine, Ayurvedic medicine emphases the unity and complex interplay between mind, body, and personality; all of which influence one another. As seen in cultures in other regions of the world, ancient Indian Ayurvedic medicine has long incorporated a wide variety of herbal remedies. Some of these are still used in functional medicine in Boston, as well as throughout the nation. Some herbal remedies with a history of Ayurvedic use have applications for mind and memory functions. Four of these are guduchi, brahmi, vacha, and cinnamon.

#1: Guduchi

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) is a vine native to areas of India, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. This plant has long been considered a divine herb in Ayurvedic practice and is still used today in functional medicine. Guduchi contains immune-enhancing properties, which make it a useful herbal remedy for conditions like allergic rhinitis (cold-like symptoms due to seasonal allergies). Although research has yet to confirm it, guduchi’s traditional uses also include enhancement of mental clarity. 

#2: Brahmi

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for epilepsy and asthma. It is still sometimes used in modern functional medicine. Brahmi contains naturally occurring chemical compounds that inhibit a chemical called acetylcholinesterase and activate another chemical called choline acetyltransferase, and these ingredients help to increase cerebral blood flow. Animal studies have corroborated that Brahmi extracts may protect against neurodegeneration. 

#3: Vacha

Vacha (Acorus calamus) has been used historically in Old World cultures in Britain, Egypt, and India. In Ayurvedic medicine, as well as in modern functional medicine, it is often used for its sedative effects, as well as for its laxative properties. It was also traditionally used to counteract side effects of entheogenic ritual hallucinogens, which can often cause nausea or dizziness as side effects. Studies of vacha’s effects in rats have demonstrated that it has a neuroprotective effect, protecting against stroke, neurodegeneration, and neurotoxicity. 

#4: Cinnamon

Cinnamon is usually used for culinary purposes, but in Ayurvedic medicine and in modern functional medicine it is also used for its medicinal properties. In addition to antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, compounds contained in cinnamon have been shown to inhibit Alzheimer’s disease in mice, which lends credence to its traditional use for mind and memory problems.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE: NEUROFEEDBACK IN BOSTON

BrainCore of Greater Boston: ADHD Medication Side Effects and Alternatives

Dianne Kosto, BCN-T of BrainCore Greater Boston discusses common ADHD medications and their side effects. She also shares information about neurofeedback for ADHD - an exciting alternative option for residents in and around the Boston area.

ADHD Medications Boston

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