#Diagnostic Medical Imaging Program

[etherblog-surrealist-nexus]

Embark on a Whimsical Word Adventure with EtherQuipsQuest – The Mad Libs Game That Turns Your Day into a Laugh Riot

Something Good Came Out Of COVID I absolutely loved playing the game Mad Libs from the first time someone in my class a recess in the field played a game with me, I was hooked. It’s such a great icebreaker, and for an awkward kid who just moved to NorthEast from Houston, Texas there was nothing better that to share a carefree and hilarious moment with a game or two at recess. I aimed to craft a…

[jerzwriter]

Hey guys! It's been busy, and I have not been feeling good about writing much lately, but I have a few Smuttember requests I wanted to get done. This is the first one, based on this ask, jealousy for Ethan x Kaycee. Thanks for the ask, Nonny. I hope you enjoy it.

Book: Open Heart (Book 2 Timeline) Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x Kaycee MacClennan (F!MC), Tobias Carrick, Clarissa Stanton (F!OC) Rating: Mature Words: 2,500 ish Summary: Everyone is crazy about the new addition to the team. Dr. Clarissa Stanton is a rising star in the medical community, and Edenbrook is lucky to have her. She seems to warm up to everyone, well... almost everyone... and there is someone she's warming up to a little too much, and it's not sitting well with Kaycee. See how it all works out.

A/N: Participating in @choicesprompts Smuttember. #27 Jealousy, but also #17, Reclaiming, too. I didn't have much time to edit - so forgive errors. :)

“Dr. Stanton, please report to the Diagnostic Team office. Dr. Stanton, Diagnostic Team office.”

It was innocent enough. Just one of the dozens of announcements heard over the PA system at Edenbrook Hospital on any given day. It shouldn’t have caused any alarm, but these days, just the mention of Dr. Stanton’s name made Kaycee’s blood turn cold. She clenched the pencil in her hand so tightly that it snapped in half, taking her and a nurse standing nearby by surprise.

“Dr. MacClennan,” the nurse smiled. “What did that pencil ever do to you?”

Kaycee replied with a pleasant smile, attributing the pencil assault to a lack of sleep and voluminous quantities of caffeine, but she knew that wasn't the truth. The innocent pencil was collateral damage in the cold war taking place between her and Dr. Clarissa Stanton, a war Kaycee was growing tired of.  

Clarissa was a new fellow at Edenbrook. She had come to them from “the most distinguished residency program in the U.S.,” as Ethan reminded everyone. Daily. “It was quite the coup for us to land her,” he had told the diagnostic team triumphantly as Tobias made an off-color comment about 'landing.' Kaycee had heard of her; of course, her research had been the talk of the medical community for the past couple of years, and she was excited to have the opportunity to work together. Still, Tobias’s comment piqued her interest, so she quickly Googled her name.

Kaycee raised a brow when she saw the image load on her phone. Clarissa was striking – a face that looked like the girl next door if the girl next door had been a teenage model. Long, light brown hair and big, brown eyes that managed to be innocent and sultry at the same time. Her LinkedIn photo showed her propped up on a desk, her legs crossed and wholly swallowed up by her lab coat. There wasn’t a skirt in sight.

She would definitely have to warn her new colleague about Tobias, but none of this mattered. What mattered was Dr. Stanton’s research on off-label use of psychotropic medications, which had led to breakthroughs in more conditions than Kaycee could recall. What mattered was the impassioned testimony she had made before Congress recently, which landed her in the news cycle for weeks on end. She was a rising star... a once-in-a-generation talent. And because God clearly played favorites, of course, she was beautiful too.

Later that day, Kaycee had lunch with Tobias, and she warned her friend to keep things professional and don’t dare scare her away. Little did Kaycee know that the beautiful newcomer was one of the few women on the planet who were immune to the charms of one Dr. Carrick. No, Clarissa had made it clear from day one that she had her sights set on someone else.

She had a friendly, approachable demeanor, bordering on flirtatious, and she assimilated into both the team and the hospital with ease. Her well-earned air of confidence sometimes bordered on arrogance, but she was charming enough that no one seemed to care. Clarissa was impressive, and everyone was smitten. She seemed happy to be a friend to all, with one exception. Kaycee.

It wasn’t for Kaycee’s lack of trying. In fact, she had to stop herself from fangirling when the new doctor first arrived. But while Clarissa ate up attention from others, when it came to Kaycee, she seemed annoyed and did her best to distance herself.

When Kaycee pointed this out, even to her best friends, they insisted Kaycee was imagining things as they, too, were taken in. She resigned herself to being the sole outsider in the Dr. Stanton fan society, but she could still learn from her, and they could still work together. There was no way Kaycee wouldn’t be supportive of another up-and-coming woman in the medical field; they faced enough and needed to stick together. But there was one thing Kaycee couldn’t continue to ignore.

“There she is!” The normally curmudgeonly Dr. Ramsey beamed when Clarissa appeared for the team’s morning meeting. “And what brilliant theories are you going to grace us with today, Dr. Stanton?”

Kaycee snapped another pencil in half under the desk. Tobias, the only one who noticed, raised a brow. Leaning in close, he whispered, “Pencils are no longer safe in your presence, MacClennan. What gives?”

She ignored him, but she couldn’t ignore the way Clarissa hovered close to Ethan throughout their rounds- again - today. Or the way she asked questions and made comments that felt just a little too… familiar. She watched as Clarissa’s hand lingered on Ethan’s shoulder just a little longer than it should and bit her lip when she erupted in laughter every time Ethan cracked a joke... bad jokes.

Still, Kaycee kept it together. She was a professional, after all, and she had nothing to worry about. Her relationship with Ethan was solid, even if their relationship was a secret to ninety percent of the planet. Her residency was ending in just months, he reminded her constantly, and they’d be Instagram official very soon. But right now, a few months felt like decades away.

That day turned out to be particularly grueling. Kaycee had been assigned to work in oncology with a miserable attending who did everything they could to undermine her at every step of the way. If that weren't enough, she learned the case she had been working on for the past week, the one she knew she was close to breaking, was miraculously solved by none other than Ethan and Clarissa by way of two doctors discussing it in the third-floor lounge where she had gone for a moment of refuge.

“You should have seen them working together,” one doctor said. “It was seamless – like they could read each other’s minds.”

The second doctor concurred. “They have the makings of a medical power couple for sure. Edenbrook is already on the map, but they could make it the favored destination.”

Kaycee swallowed hard. That stung... a lot.

She decided to check in on one more patient before she left for the day. Mrs. Withers was just the ray of sunshine Kaycee needed right now, always bright and cheerful no matter what was taking place. Kaycee needed some of that magic to lift her spirits, and it worked... temporarily. She was about to step out of Mrs. Wither’s room when she heard their voices in the hall.

“I still can’t believe we solved the Dorrant case,” Ethan all but sang. “I was beginning to think that would be one of our rare dead ends.”

No matter that I told him I was close to solving it last night, Kaycee thought as her jaw tightened.

“There are no dead ends, Ethan,” Clarissa ensured. “Only angles that haven’t been examined. We're clever enough to find those angles; don't ever doubt it!"

“I’ve got to admit, I love your attitude.”

Kaycee shuddered; she could hear the smile in his voice, and she was about to break that case!

“Hey, we’re both leaving work,” Clarissa started. “What do you say we go grab a drink to discuss... future opportunities.”

Ethan didn't so much as hesitate before accepting the offer, and when Kaycee stepped out of the patient’s room she watched them step into the elevator together. It felt like a punch in the gut. She didn’t like when that little green monster clawed at her, but right he was drawing blood. She felt invisible, she felt lost, and the one person who could make her feel better was part of the reason why, and now, he was out with Clarissa.

Kaycee didn't go home. Instead, she took advantage of having the key to Ethan's penthouse, and that's where she waited. When Ethan returned to his apartment later that night, Kaycee was there – wearing a hole in his carpet as she paced back and forth. He walked in and glanced at the clock, then Kaycee. He knew something was amiss.

“Kaycee,” he droned, dropping his keys onto the marble counter with a clang. “I didn’t expect you to be here tonight.”

“Oh, I’m sure you didn’t,”  she spat, her firey eyes laced with a touch of pain. “I saw you leave the hospital with Clarissa. You two looked really... close.”

Ethan sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Kaycee, you know it isn't like that. We were just sharing a drink to discuss work. That’s all.”

But his answer did not suffice. She crossed her arms defensively before her chest, and her brows knitted together as she stood before him in the kitchen.

“Do you not see the way she looks at you? Or how she hangs on your every word? And she’s not like that with anyone else, Ethan, only with you!”

Ethan took a step closer. “Kaycee, Clarissa is a colleague. You have nothing to be worried about.”

“Don’t I?” she asked, disappointed with the level of desperation in her voice. “I was just a colleague once. Harper was once your colleague... don’t tell me she’s just your colleague and expect it to provide any comfort!”  Her anxiety was palpable as her eyes welled up with tears. “Ethan, I know it takes more than a pretty face to turn your head. But Clarissa isn’t just beautiful; she’s brilliant. She’s a rising star! Just the thing to make a sapiosexual like you take note!”

“Sapiosexual?” he chuckled.

“Don’t act like you’re unfamiliar with the term! You don’t get it, Ethan! She’s out there being all flirtatious with you, and I’m forced to keep our relationship hidden in the shadows like it's a dirty secret! Every time I see you two together, it feels like I’m the one who’s invisible. Like I'm the one who can be replaced!"

His eyes softened when he saw the extent of Kaycee’s pain, and he cupped her face in his hands, forcing her to look at him. “No one will ever replace you, Kaycee. No one. You’re it for me.” His voice was low, commanding, and sent shivers down her spine.

She bit her lip, too proud to allow the tears pooling in her eyes to fall. She took a cleansing breath and summoned her courage. “Then why do I feel like I’m fighting for you?”

His hand encircled her wrist, gripping it just tight enough to keep her from pulling away. “You feel that way because you’ve been bottling this up inside instead of coming to me. You haven’t given me a chance to remind you of what we are.” He leaned down, his lips brushing hers. “Let me remind you, Kaycee,” he whispered. “Let me remind you of who we are.”

Kaycee’s breath hitched; resistance was futile as he brought his lips back to hers, kissing her slowly, deliberately, as if she were the only other person alive. All the jealousy, frustration, and angst that had been consuming her melted away with that kiss, the heat between them igniting more with every passing second. He touched her with a wanton hunger that made her knees buckle. She leaned back against the kitchen counter so she wouldn’t fall.

This pleased Ethan, who was taking her in with a devilish grin; his hands began to roam over her body. Gripping her hips and pulling her against him, he lifted her onto the counter as she moaned softly, the frustration of the day unraveling as his hands claimed her and his lips traced down her neck to the sensitive skin of her chest. He unbuttoned her blouse.

“You think I want anyone else?” Ethan growled, his breath hot against her. “I’m yours, Kaycee. Every inch of me.”

Her hands fisted in his shirt, and she pulled him close, her body arching into his as she kissed him, biting his lip, relishing the control he offered her. He let out a low, primal groan as she worked her magic, taking back what was rightfully hers.

She hopped off the counter and led him to the living room, pushing him back on the couch. He didn’t fight her; this was just what he wanted. She shoved him into the cushions, straddling him in one swift movement, her blonde locks falling all around them. The air between them sizzled with a raw, palpable heat, and his heart nearly stopped when she lowered her hand and slipped her panties to the side. His hands gripped her thighs, grounding himself in the reality, the intensity of being inside the woman he loved. He swore all the air had escaped him. He was home.

“Do you think Clarissa could ever do this to you?” Kaycee whispered breathlessly in his ear, her hips grinding into him in a way that made him forget his own name.

“Not a fucking chance,” he rasped, pulling her closer, his lips devouring hers in a breathless kiss.

She kissed back harder, pouring proudly taking back all that belonged to her. She pressed her body against his as if to remind him she was the only one who could have him like this. His hands roamed up her back, their delicate touch sending chills down her spine. He pulled her closer to him as his hips lurched up to meet her. He needed her in every possible way; she was the only one who could set him on fire like this.

“Say it,” she demanded, her breath ragged, her lips swollen from his kisses. “Say it!”

“You’re mine, Kaycee,” he growled, his voice rough and heavy with desire. “You’re mine, and I’m yours... no one else matters.”

A satisfied smile spread on her lips, and his hands cupped her breasts as she threw her head back triumphantly. Heart, mind, and soul satiated; her body quivered around him, and sounds of pleasure filled the air as she found her release. Ethan’s movements became more erratic as he moved inside her; his eyes screwed closed to shut out the world, focusing solely on how they were joined, how he loved her, needed her, and wanted her more than anything he had ever known. He let out a cry as he reached his peak – his mind going blank as he emptied deep inside her. They collapsed together, silent, gasping softly as they tried to catch their breath, lost in the rapture they found themselves in.

There was no longer any doubt between them. He reached up and pushed a lock of hair behind her ear, his finger slowly caressing the curve of Kaycee’s precious face.

“Feeling any better,” he smiled.

“Much,” she grinned, nuzzling under his arm. “I love you, Ethan.”

“I love you, too.”

Sleep came quickly after, as they were lost in a world of their own creation.

~~~~

The following morning, Tobias was in the Diagnostic Team office when Clarissa came barreling in, two steaming hot cups of coffee in her hands.

“For me,” he smiled playfully. “You shouldn’t have.”

“Good," she grinned. "Because I didn’t." She placed one cup in front of Ethan's seat.

"Just for him?" Tobias questioned.

Clarissa shrugged nonchalantly. "It's to celebrate our win yesterday."

“With Starbucks?” he chuckled, raising his own cup of coffee to his lips. “If you’re trying to impress Ethan, that ain’t gonna do it.”

“What do you mean?” She asked, just as Kaycee stepped into the room, beaming as she placed a cup from Derry Roasters right next to Clarissa's offering.

“Tobias is right,” Kaycee smiled. “You have much to learn.”

Ethan entered the office and took in the scene. “I’m glad to see you’re already pouring over the documents for our next case,” he said sarcastically. “The initiative is heartwarming."

His face softened a bit when he saw Kaycee, who offered a clandestine wink. “Sorry, boss,” she grinned. “We were just discussing something far more important,” she motioned to his place at the table. “Like, what’s your favorite coffee.”

Ethan looked at the two cups, trying to stay diplomatic. "Let's just say I prefer local goodness over corporate greed."

"Damn!" Clarissa mock frowned. "I guess I owe you a cup from Derry's."

"Another time," Ethan smiled, taking a long sip from the cup as Tobias slid the Starbucks his way.

"I'm not as particular," Tobias winked.

They reviewed today's cases, and with marching orders given, Ethan was the first on his feet. He walked with purposeful steps toward Kaycee, placing a kiss atop her head before she had a chance to stand. "Have a good day, sweetheart. I'll meet you for lunch."

Clarissa's eyes went wide, choking on her iced latte. Tobias wore a wicked grin. "I thought you two were under wraps until her residency was over," he smirked. "Jesus! You only have two-and-a-half months left!"

Ethan looked back over his shoulder, a smug smile on his lips. "As if we're not the worst kept secret in Edenbrook anyway." With a wink in Kaycee's direction, he was out the door. Kaycee sat back in her chair. The warmth inside her had nothing to do with her beverage of choice. The stupid grin on her face made that perfectly clear.

"You all right there, MacClennan?" Tobias asked.

"Yes," she replied. "I'm perfect." After all, today was going to be a much better day.

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Tagging others separately.

[reasonsforhope]

When Swiss cardiologist Thomas F. Lüscher attended an international symposium in Turin, Italy, last summer, he encountered an unusual “attendee:” Suzanne, Chat GPT’s medical “assistant.” Suzanne’s developers were eager to demonstrate to the specialists how well their medical chatbot worked, and they asked the cardiologists to test her. 

An Italian cardiology professor told the chatbot about the case of a 27-year-old patient who was taken to his clinic in unstable condition. The patient had a massive fever and drastically increased inflammation markers. Without hesitation, Suzanne diagnosed adult-onset Still’s disease. “I almost fell off my chair because she was right,” Lüscher remembers. “This is a very rare autoinflammatory disease that even seasoned cardiologists don’t always consider.”

Lüscher — director of research, education and development and consultant cardiologist at the Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospital Trust and Imperial College London and director of the Center for Molecular Cardiology at the University of Zürich, Switzerland — is convinced that artificial intelligence is making cardiovascular medicine more accurate and effective. “AI is not only the future, but it is already here,” he says. “AI and machine learning are particularly accurate in image analysis, and imaging plays an outsize role in cardiology. AI is able to see what we don’t see. That’s impressive.” 

At the Royal Brompton Hospital in London, for instance, his team relies on AI to calculate the volume of heart chambers in MRIs, an indication of heart health. “If you calculate this manually, you need about half an hour,” Lüscher says. “AI does it in a second.” 

AI-Assisted Medicine

Few patients are aware of how significantly AI is already determining their health care. The Washington Post tracks the start of the boom of artificial intelligence in health care to 2018. That’s when the Food and Drug Administration approved the IDx-DR, the first independent AI-based diagnostic tool, which is used to screen for diabetic retinopathy. Today, according to the Post, the FDA has approved nearly 700 artificial intelligence and machine learning-enabled medical devices.

The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is considered the worldwide leader in implementing AI for cardiovascular care, not least because it can train its algorithms with the (anonymized) data of more than seven million electrocardiograms (ECG). “Every time a patient undergoes an ECG, various algorithms that are based on AI show us on the screen which diagnoses to consider and which further tests are recommended,” says Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, director of the Mayo Clinic’s Cardiovascular Health Clinic. “The AI takes into account all the factors known about the patient, whether his potassium is high, etc. For example, we have an AI-based program that calculates the biological age of a person. If the person in front of me is [calculated to have a biological age] 10 years older than his birth age, I can probe further. Are there stressors that burden him?”

Examples where AI makes a sizable difference at the Mayo Clinic include screening ECGs to detect specific heart diseases, such as ventricular dysfunction or atrial fibrillation, earlier and more reliably than the human eye. These conditions are best treated early, but without AI, the symptoms are largely invisible in ECGs until later, when they have already progressed further...

Antioniades’ team at the University of Oxford’s Radcliffe Department of Medicine analyzed data from over 250,000 patients who underwent cardiac CT scans in eight British hospitals. “Eighty-two percent of the patients who presented with chest pain had CT scans that came back as completely normal and were sent home because doctors saw no indication for a heart disease,” Antioniades says. “Yet two-thirds of them had an increased risk to suffer a heart attack within the next 10 years.” In a world-first pilot, his team developed an AI tool that detects inflammatory changes in the fatty tissues surrounding the arteries. These changes are not visible to the human eye. But after training on thousands of CT scans, AI learned to detect them and predict the risk of heart attacks. “We had a phase where specialists read the scans and we compared their diagnosis with the AI’s,” Antioniades explains. “AI was always right.” These results led to doctors changing the treatment plans for hundreds of patients. “The key is that we can treat the inflammatory changes early and prevent heart attacks,” according to Antioniades. 

The British National Health Service (NHS) has approved the AI tool, and it is now used in five public hospitals. “We hope that it will soon be used everywhere because it can help prevent thousands of heart attacks every year,” Antioniades says. A startup at Oxford University offers a service that enables other clinics to send their CT scans in for analysis with Oxford’s AI tool.

Similarly, physician-scientists at the Smidt Heart Institute and the Division of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles use AI to analyze echograms. They created an algorithm that can effectively identify and distinguish between two life-threatening heart conditions that are easy to overlook: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and cardiac amyloidosis. “These two heart conditions are challenging for even expert cardiologists to accurately identify, and so patients often go on for years to decades before receiving a correct diagnosis,” David Ouyang, cardiologist at the Smidt Heart Institute, said in a press release. “This is a machine-beats-man situation. AI makes the sonographer work faster and more efficiently, and it doesn’t change the patient experience. It’s a triple win.”

Current Issues with AI Medicine

However, using artificial intelligence in clinical settings has disadvantages, too. “Suzanne has no empathy,” Lüscher says about his experience with Chat GPT. “Her responses have to be verified by a doctor. She even says that after every diagnosis, and has to, for legal reasons.”

Also, an algorithm is only as accurate as the information with which it was trained. Lüscher and his team cured an AI tool of a massive deficit: Women’s risk for heart attacks wasn’t reliably evaluated because the AI had mainly been fed with data from male patients. “For women, heart attacks are more often fatal than for men,” Lüscher says. “Women also usually come to the clinic later. All these factors have implications.” Therefore, his team developed a more realistic AI prognosis that improves the treatment of female patients. “We adapted it with machine learning and it now works for women and men,” Lüscher explains. “You have to make sure the cohorts are large enough and have been evaluated independently so that the algorithms work for different groups of patients and in different countries.” His team made the improved algorithm available online so other hospitals can use it too...

[Lopez-Jimenez at the Mayo Clinic] tells his colleagues and patients that the reliability of AI tools currently lies at 75 to 93 percent, depending on the specific diagnosis. “Compare that with a mammogram that detects breast tumors with an accuracy of 85 percent,” Lopez-Jimenez says. “But because it’s AI, people expect 100 percent. That simply does not exist in medicine.”

And of course, another challenge is that few people have the resources and good fortune to become patients at the world’s most renowned clinics with state-of-the-art technology.

What Comes Next

“One of my main goals is to make this technology available to millions,” Lopez-Jimenez says. He mentions that Mayo is trying out high-tech stethoscopes to interpret heart signals with AI. “The idea is that a doctor in the Global South can use it to diagnose cardiac insufficiency,” Lopez-Jimenez explains. “It is already being tested in Nigeria, the country with the highest rate of genetic cardiac insufficiency in Africa. The results are impressively accurate.” 

The Mayo Clinic is also working with doctors in Brazil to diagnose Chagas disease with the help of AI reliably and early. “New technology is always more expensive at the beginning,” Lopez-Jimenez cautions, “but in a few years, AI will be everywhere and it will make diagnostics cheaper and more accurate.”

And the Children’s National Hospital in Washington developed a portable AI device that is currently being tested to screen children in Uganda for rheumatic heart disease, which kills about 400,000 people a year worldwide. The new tool reportedly has an accuracy of 90 percent. 

Both Lopez-Jimenez and Lüscher are confident that AI tools will continue to improve. “One advantage is that a computer can analyze images at 6 a.m. just as systematically as after midnight,” Lüscher points out. “A computer doesn’t get tired or have a bad day, whereas sometimes radiologists overlook significant symptoms. AI learns something and never forgets it.”

-via Reasons to Be Cheerful, March 1, 2024. Headers added by me.

--

Note:

Okay, so I'm definitely not saying that everything with AI medicine will go right, and there won't be any major issues. That's definitely not the case (the article talks about some of those issues). But regulation around medicines is generally pretty tight, and

And if it goes right, this could be HUGE for disabled people, chronically ill people, and people with any of the unfortunately many marginalizations that make doctors less likely to listen.

This could shave years off of the time it takes people to get the right diagnosis. It could get answers for so many people struggling with unknown diseases and chronic illness. If we compensate correctly, it could significantly reduce the role of bias in medicine. It could also make testing so much faster.

(There's a bunch of other articles about all of the ways that AI diagnoses are proving more sensitive and more accurate than doctors. This really is the sort of thing that AI is actually good at - data evaluation and science, not art and writing.)

This decade really is, for many different reasons, the beginning of the next revolution in medicine. Luckily, medicine is mostly pretty well-regulated - and of course that means very long testing phases. I think we'll begin to really see the fruits of this revolution in the next 10 to 15 years.

[coyotecoining]

Hatsune Miku Personality Disorder (HMIPD)

Hatsune Miku Personality Disorder (HMIPD) is a medically unrecognized disorder characterized by an individual's extreme identification with the popular virtual singer, Hatsune Miku, in response to RAMCOA trauma. This disorder is marked by a pervasive pattern of behavior, cognition, and emotional experience that mirrors the characteristics of Hatsune Miku.

Diagnostic Features:

A. The individual exhibits a persistent and pervasive preoccupation with Hatsune Miku, manifesting in at least five of the following symptoms:

Vocal Style: The individual adopts a singing style identical to Hatsune Miku's, including tone, pitch, and cadence, even in everyday conversations.

Fashion Sense: The individual dresses in outfits inspired by Hatsune Miku's iconic turquoise twintails and Gothic-inspired attire, often incorporating similar accessories and hairstyles.

Vocal Range: The individual believes they possess a vocal range identical to Hatsune Miku's, often attempting to sing complex melodies and harmonies with ease.

Personality Traits: The individual displays an exaggerated sense of optimism, cheerfulness, and playfulness, mirroring Hatsune Miku's persona.

Lyrical Knowledge: The individual has an encyclopedic knowledge of Hatsune Miku's song lyrics, often reciting them verbatim and incorporating them into daily conversations.

Digital Obsession: The individual spends an inordinate amount of time engaging with digital media, including video games, anime, and virtual reality platforms, often to the detriment of social relationships and daily responsibilities.

Creative Expression: The individual expresses themselves through music, art, or writing, often creating content inspired by Hatsune Miku's style and themes.

B. The individual's behavior, cognition, and emotional experience are significantly influenced by their identification with Hatsune Miku, leading to significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning.

Associated Features:

Individuals with HMIPD may exhibit a strong desire for attention and admiration, often seeking to be the center of attention.

They may experience feelings of anxiety or inadequacy when unable to meet their own expectations or when others fail to recognize their "talent."

HMIPD individuals may engage in excessive online activities, such as streaming, gaming, or social media usage, to compensate for feelings of isolation or loneliness.

They may demonstrate a lack of emotional regulation, rapidly shifting between euphoria and despair in response to perceived criticisms or setbacks.

Treatment:

CBT Therapy

medication

subliminal messaging

hypnotherapy

image reassociation therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy

DBT therapy

Humanistic therapy

online therapy

MUD evaluation therapy (you can find one if you know where to look)

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

art therapy

music therapy

12 step programs

dance therapy

trauma centers

cognitive processing therapy

RAMCOA survivor networks

Gestalt Therapy

past life regression therapy

Neurofeedback

Exposure therapy

hiking

isolation

relationship therapy

-------

uhh hi

idk what to put here

[pgmedblogs]

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[ar-vr-transforming-healthcare]

How AR/VR Development Companies are Transforming Healthcare with Innovative Solutions

The healthcare industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by advances in technology that are improving patient care and medical practices. Among these advancements, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have emerged as powerful tools, revolutionizing how healthcare is delivered. Leading AR VR development company are at the forefront of this transformation, creating innovative solutions that address various challenges in diagnostics, treatment, and patient engagement.

These technologies are not merely enhancing existing processes but are also introducing entirely new ways to interact with medical data and provide care. By integrating AR and VR into healthcare, development companies are paving the way for more accurate diagnostics, safer treatments, and a more engaging patient experience.

1. Enhancing Diagnostics with AR/VR Solutions

Advanced Imaging and Visualization: AR/VR development companies are creating tools that allow medical professionals to overlay complex imaging data, such as MRIs and CT scans, onto real-world views. This advanced visualization helps doctors better understand the spatial relationships of internal structures, leading to more accurate diagnoses.

Interactive Diagnostic Training: VR platforms offer immersive training environments where medical students and professionals can practice diagnostic procedures and explore anatomical models in 3D. This hands-on approach enhances learning and skill development, preparing practitioners for real-world scenarios.

Real-Time Data Integration: AR applications provide real-time data overlays during diagnostic procedures, offering immediate access to relevant patient information and helping in making more informed decisions. This integration supports more precise and timely diagnostics.

2. Revolutionizing Treatment Procedures

Surgical Precision and Planning: AR/VR development companies are improving surgical outcomes by providing surgeons with augmented visualizations of the operating field. AR overlays critical information such as patient anatomy and procedural steps, which aids in performing complex surgeries with greater precision.

Pre-Surgical Simulations: VR technology enables surgeons to rehearse and plan complex procedures in a virtual environment before performing them. This simulation allows for meticulous planning, reducing the risk of complications and improving surgical efficiency.

Remote Surgical Assistance: AR/VR solutions facilitate remote assistance by enabling specialists to provide real-time guidance and support to surgeons in different locations. This collaboration enhances the quality of care and expands access to expert advice.

3. Enhancing Patient Engagement and Education

Immersive Patient Education: AR and VR applications are transforming patient education by offering interactive and immersive experiences. Patients can explore 3D models of their conditions and treatments, gaining a clearer understanding of their medical situations and options.

Interactive Rehabilitation Programs: AR/VR development companies are creating engaging rehabilitation programs that use virtual environments to motivate and guide patients through their recovery processes. These programs provide real-time feedback and make rehabilitation exercises more enjoyable and effective.

Emotional and Psychological Support: VR applications offer therapeutic environments to help patients manage anxiety, stress, and pain. Virtual reality can create calming experiences and provide emotional support, improving overall patient well-being.

4. Streamlining Administrative and Clinical Workflows

Enhanced Medical Training: AR/VR development companies are developing solutions that streamline medical training processes, reducing the need for physical models and cadavers. These digital tools make training more flexible and accessible, allowing for scalable and repeatable learning.

Improved Patient Monitoring: AR applications are aiding in real-time patient monitoring by overlaying data on patient dashboards and alerts. This feature helps healthcare providers track patient metrics more efficiently and respond promptly to any changes.

Efficient Data Management: AR/VR tools facilitate better data management by integrating medical records and visualizations into a unified interface. This integration improves data accessibility and reduces the time spent on administrative tasks.

Conclusion

AR/VR development companies are significantly transforming healthcare by introducing innovative solutions that enhance diagnostics, treatment, and patient engagement. From advanced imaging and surgical precision to immersive patient education and streamlined workflows, these technologies are reshaping how medical care is delivered and experienced. As AR and VR technologies continue to evolve, their potential to further revolutionize healthcare practices and improve patient outcomes remains vast, promising a future of more effective and personalized medical care.

[bvcirca]

BV Circa Medical Centre, Norwest: Comprehensive Healthcare Solutions 

BV Circa Medical Centre, situated in Norwest, is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the community. This article explores the diverse range of Medical Centre Norwest, the experienced healthcare team, and the center's commitment to patient well-being. 

Comprehensive Medical Services 

BV Circa Medical Centre offers a comprehensive range of medical services designed to address various health needs: 

General Practice: Routine health check-ups, preventive care, and management of chronic conditions. 

Specialist Care: Access to specialists in areas such as cardiology, dermatology, and orthopedics. 

Women’s Health: Services include gynecological exams, family planning, and menopause management. 

Men’s Health: Prostate health, sexual health, and general men’s wellness. 

Children’s Health: Pediatric care, vaccinations, and developmental assessments. 

Mental Health: Counseling services, mental health assessments, and referrals to psychiatrists. 

Geriatric Care: Elderly health assessments, mobility aids, and management of age-related conditions. 

Chronic Disease Management: Comprehensive care plans for diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic illnesses. 

Experienced Healthcare Team 

The centre boasts a team of dedicated healthcare professionals committed to providing compassionate and effective care: 

General Practitioners (GPs): Primary healthcare providers offering ongoing management and treatment. 

Specialists: Experts in various medical fields, ensuring specialized care for complex health issues. 

Nurses and Allied Health Professionals: Supporting patient care through education, rehabilitation, and health promotion. 

Patient-Centered Care 

BV Circa Medical Centre adopts a patient-centered approach to healthcare delivery: 

Personalized Treatment Plans: Tailored to meet individual health needs and preferences. 

Holistic Care: Addressing physical, emotional, and social aspects of health. 

Health Education: Empowering patients with knowledge to make informed health decisions. 

Continuity of Care: Ensuring seamless coordination and follow-up for ongoing health management. 

State-of-the-Art Facilities 

The centre is equipped with advanced facilities to support comprehensive healthcare services: 

Diagnostic Services: On-site pathology and imaging services for accurate diagnosis. 

Treatment Rooms: Well-equipped for minor procedures and treatments. 

Telehealth Services: Virtual consultations for convenient access to healthcare. 

Community Engagement 

BV Circa Medical Centre actively engages with the community through health promotion initiatives and educational programs: 

Health Workshops: Providing information on wellness and disease prevention. 

Community Health Events: Promoting health awareness and early detection of medical conditions. 

Conclusion 

BV Circa Medical Centre in Norwest is committed to providing exceptional healthcare services tailored to the needs of the community. With a focus on patient-centered care, an experienced healthcare team, and advanced facilities, the center ensures comprehensive health solutions for all patients. 

To learn more about the services offered or to schedule an appointment, visit the BV Circa Medical Centre website or contact their friendly staff directly. 

[flicknova]

Lungs Healing 5.35Hz Isochronic Tones - Regulate Oxygen & Heat - 171Hz, 220Hz & 342Hz

To Purchase Image Morphic Fields (Energetically Programmed Image): -https://flicknova.creator-spring.com/ (Apply Discount Code "FMM30" for 30% Discount on every purchase - Limited Time Offer)

Note:- All Morphic Fields have been upgraded, and now they will work even when muted.

This Deep Meditation Music consists of 5.35Hz Isochronic Tones which associated Lungs for Oxygen and Heat Regulation and 171Hz, 220Hz and 342Hz as Carrier Frequencies which are Higher Octaves of 5.35Hz.

Feel free to listen it on loop you can sleep with it playing on loop.

Do not listen to it while you are Driving or Operating Machinery, Only listen while you are ready for it.

This Brainwave Entrainment Music and all other Music on this Channel is not the Replacement for any Medicine or Treatment, in any case. If you have Medical Issues, consult your Physician first.

LEGAL DISCAIMER Please be aware that the information provided to you is not evaluated or endorsed by the FDA, and it should not be used as a means of diagnosis or medical advice. The statements shared contain information that listeners can choose to use or disregard according to their own judgment. It is strongly recommended that you consult your primary care physician or a reputable hospital for any urgent medical treatment or advice. This program aims to offer general health benefits and falls under the category of class I. It is not intended to govern any medical or biological information as outlined by FDA guidelines. This channel solely serves as a source of information and does not provide diagnostic or treatment solutions for medical conditions.

[ammg-old2]

Chronic illness is well hidden from society.

Before I had a name for what ailed my body, I thought of myself as dehydrated and out of shape. I believed that the physical discomfort I’d experienced for years — numbness, pain, tingling and pins-and-needles sensations throughout my body — must be traceable to a cause of my own making. At that time, I looked at chronic illness as an outsider. It was a thing that happened to others, not to me.

That changed on Christmas Eve 2014, when a neurologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital read my M.R.I. and confirmed that I had relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. This form of the disease, as the name implies, is characterized by unexpected flare-ups and periods of remission.

I was 26. I realized right then that my dream of being an artist, and the unconventional lifestyle I expected along with it, was over before it began. Four months after my diagnosis, I received my first infusion of high-dose intravenous steroids. In the fall of 2015, under the care of a neurologist, I began a monthly intravenous treatment of medication that blocks immune cells from entering the brain and spinal cord. I travel 65 miles to a site in the Hudson Valley for the infusion therapy.

Treatment has been successful, and I have remained in a state of remission while taking it as recommended — every 28 days, indefinitely. But even today, nine years into managing the illness, I struggle with the chronic nature of my condition. I am always aware that if lose my access to regular treatment, I’ll be at risk of severe disability.

Though I don’t like to admit it, every choice I make is determined by my need to maintain uninterrupted access to medical care. This has made my illness the truest navigational force of my life. Rather than orient myself to the cycle of the moon, I orient myself to the cycle of infusion. And it has become a system in my creative work. My body is a clock.

Every 28 days, I point the camera toward myself to document my illness and care. I have used my time as a patient in the infusion suite, a place where I sometimes feel powerless, to reclaim my autonomy as an artist and photographer.

In the infusion suite, both my body and my mind become containers for information. My body holds the new intelligence of the medical drip. As the fluid flows through my body and into my bloodstream, my mind is usually inundated with information from the staff.

Since my diagnosis I’ve thought often of my aunt, who has lived with progressive multiple sclerosis for years. Without health insurance, she did not have access to advanced imaging, diagnostic testing, medication or lifestyle guidance until her disease was very advanced. Instead, she found ways to self-medicate. Now in her early 60s, she is immobile, hardly able to speak and unable to navigate the social programs for which she is eligible.

Whether or not we’re aware of it, we all live in fragile bodies that require tremendous care and attention to function. Each and every one of us exists on a spectrum of illness, often dipping in and out of it. And yet, we also exist in a culture where it is taboo to talk about being sick, and the taboo can allow shame to fester among those who are chronically ill.

Still, I choose not to dwell on the scarier moments of managing the disease — the psychological burden and angst caused by my symptoms as well as the precarity and inhumanity of health care access and costs in the United States. The sophisticated treatments that exist today make this the best time in history to live with multiple sclerosis — if you can get access to care. The politics of this cannot be avoided. To be sick is political.

Maintaining all the pieces to continue to receive care in the current system is exhausting and stressful to navigate. Patient education and advocacy have been critical to my health care experience.

I came of age and of illness after the Obama-era Affordable Care Act established protections for people with pre-existing and chronic conditions. Yet even with this framework and my participation in private insurance, now supplemented by my employer, the recurring thought of losing my coverage and being denied my medication causes me much distress.

We are not prepared for problems that cannot be solved, and living with that reality is part of being chronically ill. There is no practical end. How do we break the silence to begin to discuss pain, loss, a broken health insurance economy, overworked nurses and the precarity of care?

With the coming 2024 presidential election, there will surely be renewed calls to repeal and replace Obamacare. The threat and fear of losing access to care will loom for millions. Even with the recent and ongoing events of the Covid pandemic, an adequate and sustainable system remains out of reach. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have already lost and are still losing access to care as Medicaid pandemic protections expire.

Political responses to this crisis of care matter. But so do personal and artistic ones. What if chronic illness, long concealed and misrepresented by popular culture, was made more visible? What if it was more often a subject for art?

[jcmarchi]

Open-Source Platform Cuts Costs for Running AI - Technology Org

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/open-source-platform-cuts-costs-for-running-ai-technology-org/

Open-Source Platform Cuts Costs for Running AI - Technology Org

Cornell researchers have released a new, open-source platform called Cascade that can run artificial intelligence (AI) models in a way that slashes expenses and energy costs while dramatically improving performance.

Artificial intelligence hardware – artistic interpretation. Image credit: Alius Noreika, created with AI Image Creator

Cascade is designed for settings like smart traffic intersections, medical diagnostics, equipment servicing using augmented reality, digital agriculture, smart power grids and automatic product inspection during manufacturing – situations where AI models must react within a fraction of a second. It is already in use by College of Veterinary Medicine researchers monitoring cows for risk of mastitis.

With the rise of AI, many companies are eager to leverage new capabilities but worried about the associated computing costs and the risks of sharing private data with AI companies or sending sensitive information into the cloud – far-off servers accessed through the internet.

Also, today’s AI models are slow, limiting their use in settings where data must be transferred back and forth or the model is controlling an automated system. 

A team led by Ken Birman, professor of computer science in the Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science, combined several innovations to address these concerns.

Birman partnered with Weijia Song, a senior research associate, to develop an edge computing system they named Cascade. Edge computing is an approach that places the computation and data storage closer to the sources of data, protecting sensitive information. Song’s “zero copy” edge computing design minimizes data movement.

The AI models don’t have to wait to fetch data when reacting to an event, which enables faster responses, the researchers said.

“Cascade enables users to put machine learning and data fusion really close to the edge of the internet, so artificially intelligent actions can occur instantly,” Birman said. “This contrasts with standard cloud computing approaches, where the frequent movement of data from machine to machine forces those same AIs to wait, resulting in long delays perceptible to the user.” 

Cascade is giving impressive results, with most programs running two to 10 times faster than cloud-based applications, and some computer vision tasks speeding up by factors of 20 or more. Larger AI models see the most benefit.

Moreover, the approach is easy to use: “Cascade often requires no changes at all to the AI software,” Birman said.

Alicia Yang, a doctoral student in the field of computer science, was one of several student researchers in the effort. She developed Navigator, a memory manager and task scheduler for AI workflows that further boosts performance.

“Navigator really pays off when a number of applications need to share expensive hardware,” Yang said. “Compared to cloud-based approaches, Navigator accomplishes the same work in less time and uses the hardware far more efficiently.”

In CVM, Parminder Basran, associate research professor of medical oncology in the Department of Clinical Sciences, and Matthias Wieland, Ph.D. ’21, assistant professor in the Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, are using Cascade to monitor dairy cows for signs of increased mastitis – a common infection in the mammary gland that reduces milk production.

By imaging the udders of thousands of cows during each milking session and comparing the new photos to those from past milkings, an AI model running on Cascade identifies dry skin, open lesions, rough teat ends and other changes that may signal disease. If early symptoms are detected, cows could be subjected to a medicinal rinse at the milking station to potentially head off a full-blown infection.

Thiago Garrett, a visiting researcher from the University of Oslo, used Cascade to build a prototype “smart traffic intersection.”

His solution tracks crowded settings packed with people, cars, bicycles and other objects, anticipates possible collisions and warns of risks – within milliseconds after images are captured. When he ran the same AI model on a cloud computing infrastructure, it took seconds to sense possible accidents, far too late to sound a warning.

With the new open-source release, Birman’s group hopes other researchers will explore possible uses for Cascade, making AI applications more widely accessible.

“Our goal is to see it used,” Birman said. “Our Cornell effort is supported by the government and many companies. This open-source release will allow the public to benefit from what we created.”

Source: Cornell University

You can offer your link to a page which is relevant to the topic of this post.

[macbeth-n-cheese]

Undetectable...?

Warning: potential spoilers for the "Human Error" questline in the town of Covenant!

"Third generation synthetics represent the pinnacle of synth technology, being virtually indistinguishable from natural-born humans right down to the cellular level. [...] Though entirely biological, each Gen 3 synth contains a neurological implant inside their brain allowing them to be 'programmed' and manipulated via voice commands. This implant cannot be detected or removed without killing the synth. Synths can also have additional components installed, such as neuro-servos and other implants." (Fallout Wiki)

The statement that synths are indistinguishable from humans up until they die —and you can dissect them for components— has always made me a bit suspicious. Raised some eyebrows, from a medical perspective.

Fallout has, even after the bombs, a vast collection of solid medical technology. Focusing on diagnostics, there are x-rays (as proven by the light boxes we see around the wasteland), microscopes, and biometric scanners (judging by the name, those would tell temperature, blood pressure, heart beat, the basics), and I'm pretty sure EEG/ECG and MRI also exist, considering the implants and other enhancements people can buy, that would require some level of care and complex surgical tinkering.

And they mean to tell me none of those are able to detect components and implants. Preposterous, but alas, let's hypothesize on how this would be possible!

Regarding x-rays, there are two important terms we must keep in mind: radiotransparent and radiopaque. A radiotransparent material is that which allows the rays to completely travel through it, while radiopaque materials do the opposite, they stop the rays and "cast a shadow" on the plate below, and that's what creates images on the film. For something to not show up on an x-ray, it would have to be entirely radiotransparent, or hidden behind something entirely radiopaque.

Because of the brain and the fluids inside it, a skull is not perfectly radiopaque, allowing for foreign objects (especially those made of metal) and even some tumors to show up on the results. For this reason, a synth's components would have to be made of some specific plastic or other radiotransparent material such as epoxy resin or carbon fibers.

While we do obtain plastic from scrapping them in Fallout 4, that would most likely be its outer shell and support structures, because it would need to have internal circuits to work as intended, and those are usually not radiotransparent. Unless, of course, the institute invented/perfected a type of conductor for this exact purpose, something I wouldn't put past them.

MRI is a bit more complicated. It's a very thorough exam, and not easy to explain on a casual setting, but you can basically see everything through it. Splinters, tumors, abscesses, hernias, hardly anything escapes an MRI, especially not a foreign object, even if it is radiotransparent and non-metallic (metal and MRIs do not mix), this exam will most likely show it's contour in the tissue that surrounds it. And even if there was some built-in function on the component to muddle the results, a doctor would still be able to notice something was wrong based on that alone.

Those exams aren't commonplace, however, especially in post-apoc., and that may be why synths escape detection by it. Another thing is that the components are located in the brain, and would only show up if this area was scanned (groundbreaking information!). I imagine the rates of brain tumours, aneurysms and strokes in androids aren't that high.

Things get a bit more interesting on the EEG. An electroencephalogram, if you want to be posh, detects the electrical activity of the brain, which happens with every synapse your neurons make; and synapses can be defined as electric impulses that stimulate different parts of the brain to fulfill different functions. Those constantly moving currents create an electromagnetic field that is picked up by sensors glued to the patient's head.

It's important to consider that, according to the electrodynamics area of physics, the movement of electrons in any circumstance creates an electromagnetic field. Electrons move around constantly in every functioning electronic device (yet more groundbreaking information), and because of this, the circuits of the implants would be emitting an EM field at all times, seeing as they doesn't shut down. Logically, the EEG machine would end up registering this activity, the results of which would be most probably abnormal when compared to a normal EEG.

Again, this is not a very frequent exam to be made, and there is a chance that its results for a synth could be mistaken with those of an epileptic patient, so the possibility of synths going under the radar is still present.

What I conclude is that, under normal circumstances it would be extremely difficult to detect a synth, but if you were actively screening for them, taking what happens in Covenant as an example, you would certainly know what to look for and most definitely wouldn't waste your time with silly psychological evaluations. I know those folks were not that well in the head, but that much paranoia is bad for efficiency. Not that I want them to capture any synths, mind you, screw that entire creepy ass town!

To wrap it up, a competent doctor would be able to detect a synth if he was focused on it, and it's a bit of a wasted story/quest potential for Drs. Amari and Carrington if you ask me. Like many other lore details from Fallout 4, this one suffers from what I think is just plain old rushed production lol.

And that's it for today! Have a Deckerd for free serotonin :)

[reasonsforhope]

"In the oldest and most prestigious young adult science competition in the nation, 17-year-old Ellen Xu used a kind of AI to design the first diagnosis test for a rare disease that struck her sister years ago.

With a personal story driving her on, she managed an 85% rate of positive diagnoses with only a smartphone image, winning her $150,000 grand for a third-place finish.

Kawasaki disease has no existing test method, and relies on a physician’s years of training, ability to do research, and a bit of luck.

Symptoms tend to be fever-like and therefore generalized across many different conditions. Eventually if undiagnosed, children can develop long-term heart complications, such as the kind that Ellen’s sister was thankfully spared from due to quick diagnosis.

Xu decided to see if there were a way to design a diagnostic test using deep learning for her Regeneron Science Talent Search medicine and health project. Organized since 1942, every year 1,900 kids contribute adventures.

She designed what is known as a convolutional neural network, which is a form of deep-learning algorithm that mimics how our eyes work, and programmed it to analyze smartphone images for potential Kawasaki disease.

However, like our own eyes, a convolutional neural network needs a massive amount of data to be able to effectively and quickly process images against references.

For this reason, Xu turned to crowdsourcing images of Kawasaki’s disease and its lookalike conditions from medical databases around the world, hoping to gather enough to give the neural network a high success rate.

Xu has demonstrated an 85% specificity in identifying between Kawasaki and non-Kawasaki symptoms in children with just a smartphone image, a demonstration that saw her test method take third place and a $150,000 reward at the Science Talent Search."

-Good News Network, 3/24/23

[healthcare-23]

Intrathecal Pump Implant: Advancements in India

The intrathecal pump implant is a specialized medical device that delivers medication directly into the spinal fluid to provide targeted pain relief for individuals with chronic conditions. This surgical procedure involves implanting a small pump under the skin, which delivers medication through a catheter to the spinal cord. Intrathecal pump implantation has proven to be an effective treatment option for managing chronic pain, particularly in cases where oral medications or other conservative treatments have failed to provide sufficient relief. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the details of the intrathecal pump implant procedure, including its benefits, the conditions it addresses, the surgical process, post-implantation care, and potential risks.

I. Understanding Chronic Pain :

Chronic pain is a complex condition that persists for an extended period, typically more than three months. It can be caused by various factors, including nerve damage, musculoskeletal disorders, or inflammatory conditions. Chronic pain significantly impacts a person's quality of life, often leading to physical limitations, emotional distress, and decreased overall functionality.

II. The Need for Intrathecal Pump Implant :

The intrathecal pump implant is recommended for individuals who experience chronic pain that is unresponsive to conservative treatments such as oral medications, physical therapy, or nerve blocks. The goals of the intrathecal pump implant procedure are:

1. Targeted Pain Relief: The intrathecal pump delivers pain medication directly to the spinal fluid, allowing for precise and localized pain relief.

2. Reduced Systemic Side Effects: By delivering medication directly to the spinal cord, the intrathecal pump can provide pain relief with lower medication doses, minimizing potential systemic side effects.

3. Improved Quality of Life: By effectively managing chronic pain, the intrathecal pump implant can improve overall functionality, enhance mood, and enhance the quality of life for individuals suffering from chronic pain.

III. The Intrathecal Pump Implant Procedure:

The intrathecal pump implant procedure involves several key steps:

1. Patient Evaluation: Before the surgery, a comprehensive evaluation is conducted, including a review of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as imaging studies or psychological assessments. This evaluation helps determine the appropriateness of the intrathecal pump implant for the individual's specific condition.

2. Trial Period: In some cases, a trial period is conducted before the permanent implantation. During this trial, a temporary catheter is placed near the spinal cord, and the patient receives medication directly into the spinal fluid. The trial helps assess the effectiveness of the intrathecal pump and determine the optimal medication dosage.

3. Implantation Surgery: Once the trial period is successfully completed, the patient undergoes the implantation surgery. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia. A small incision is made, usually in the abdomen or buttock region, and a pocket is created to accommodate the intrathecal pump. A catheter is then threaded from the pump to the spinal cord, where it is placed in the intrathecal space.

4. Medication Selection and Programming: After the pump is implanted, the specific medication is selected based on the individual's needs. The pump is programmed to deliver the medication at a controlled rate and dosage, which can be adjusted as necessary.

5. Post-Implantation Care: Following the surgery, the patient is monitored closely to ensure proper healing and optimal pain management. The healthcare team provides instructions for incision care, medication management, and follow-up appointments.

IV. Recovery and Long-Term Management :

Recovery and long-term management after intrathecal pump implantation involve:

1. Hospital Stay: Typically, patients require a short hospital stay after the surgery for monitoring and pain management. The length of the stay may vary depending on individual circumstances.

2. Medication Adjustments: In the initial period following the surgery, the medication dosage and programming settings of the pump may require adjustments to achieve optimal pain relief with minimal side effects. Regular follow-up appointments with the healthcare team are crucial for medication management and adjustments.

3. Lifestyle Considerations: Individuals with an intrathecal pump implant need to consider lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding activities that may disrupt the pump or catheter placement. The healthcare team will provide specific guidelines on physical activity, lifting restrictions, and potential complications to watch for.

4. Regular Follow-Up Care: Regular follow-up appointments with the healthcare team are essential to monitor the pump's functionality, assess pain management effectiveness, and make any necessary adjustments.

V. Benefits and Potential Risks:

The intrathecal pump implant offers several potential benefits, including:

1. Targeted Pain Relief: By delivering medication directly to the spinal fluid, the intrathecal pump provides precise pain relief, particularly for chronic conditions that are resistant to other treatment options.

2. Reduced Medication Side Effects: The intrathecal pump allows for lower medication doses, reducing the risk of systemic side effects that may be associated with oral medications.

3. Improved Functionality and Quality of Life: Effective pain management with the intrathecal pump can enhance overall functionality, mobility, and psychological well-being, thereby improving the patient's quality of life.

While the intrathecal pump implant is generally considered safe, there are potential risks and complications that may include infection, bleeding, catheter dislodgment, device malfunction, or adverse reactions to medication. However, serious complications are relatively rare, and the benefits of pain relief often outweigh the risks.

Conclusion:

The intrathecal pump implant is a valuable treatment option for individuals suffering from chronic pain that is unresponsive to other treatments. By delivering medication directly to the spinal fluid, the intrathecal pump provides targeted pain relief, reduces systemic side effects, and improves overall functionality and quality of life. However, the decision to undergo the intrathecal pump implant procedure should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional who can evaluate the individual's specific condition and recommend the most suitable treatment approach. With careful consideration of the benefits and potential risks, individuals can make informed decisions and pursue effective pain management strategies through the intrathecal pump implantation.

Cost in India:

The cost of intrathecal pump implant surgery in India can vary depending on several factors such as the hospital, location, surgeon's fees, type of implant, and additional medical expenses. It is advisable to consult with a specific hospital or healthcare provider for accurate and up-to-date pricing information.

[ppttherapyppt]

Physical Therapy Clinic in New York City

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome - Joint instability

Joint instability is a common symptom in various subtypes of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). It occurs due to the inherent weakness and laxity of the connective tissues, including ligaments and tendons, which are responsible for providing stability to the joints. Here are some strategies to manage joint instability in EDS:

Physical Therapy: Working with a physical therapist experienced in managing EDS can be highly beneficial. They can design an exercise program to strengthen the muscles surrounding the affected joints, which helps provide additional support and stability. The focus is often on low-impact exercises, such as swimming or cycling, to improve muscle tone without excessive joint stress.

Joint Protection: Learning proper body mechanics and techniques to protect the joints is important. This may involve avoiding or modifying activities that put excessive stress on the joints, using assistive devices like braces or splints for added stability, and learning techniques for joint relocation in case of dislocations or subluxations.

Strength Training: Strengthening the muscles around the affected joints can help compensate for the inherent joint laxity. Resistance exercises targeted at specific muscle groups can enhance joint stability and reduce the risk of dislocations or subluxations. However, it is crucial to work with a knowledgeable physical therapist or exercise specialist to ensure exercises are appropriate and safe for your specific condition.

Joint Bracing or Taping: External support, such as bracing or taping, can provide additional stability to the affected joints. These devices can help limit excessive joint movement, reduce the risk of dislocations or subluxations, and provide proprioceptive feedback to improve joint position sense.

Lifestyle Modifications: Making certain modifications to daily activities can help reduce joint stress and minimize the risk of injury. This includes using ergonomic tools and adaptive equipment to decrease joint strain during tasks, pacing activities to avoid overexertion, and practicing good posture and body alignment.

Orthopedic Consultation: In some cases, orthopedic consultations may be necessary to assess joint stability and explore potential surgical interventions for severe joint instability or recurrent dislocations. Surgical options may include ligament reconstructions, joint stabilizations, or other procedures aimed at improving joint function and reducing instability.

Remember to consult with a healthcare professional experienced in managing Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome to determine the most appropriate strategies for your specific situation. Each person with EDS is unique, and a personalized approach is essential for effectively managing joint instability and minimizing associated risks.

EDS stands for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which is a group of rare genetic disorders affecting the connective tissue in the body. To diagnose EDS, a doctor will typically begin with a physical exam and review of the patient's medical history. They may also order genetic testing to look for mutations in genes associated with EDS.

The physical exam may involve testing the flexibility of the patient's skin, checking for joint hypermobility, and looking for other physical signs of EDS, such as scarring or easy bruising. The doctor may also perform imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans, to evaluate joint and tissue damage.

There are currently 13 subtypes of EDS, each with its own specific diagnostic criteria. A doctor may use a combination of clinical and genetic testing to determine the subtype of EDS that a patient has.

It is important to note that EDS is a complex condition and can be difficult to diagnose. If you suspect that you or a loved one may have EDS, it is important to consult with a doctor who is knowledgeable about the condition and can provide appropriate testing and treatment.

[supremhospitalll]

Multi Super Speciality Hospital

Multi Super Speciality Hospital: Comprehensive Care Under One Roof

A Multi Super Speciality Hospital offers a wide range of medical services and specialized treatments under one roof, making it a one-stop destination for comprehensive healthcare. These hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and facilities, providing advanced diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical services across various medical disciplines. From cardiology and neurology to oncology, orthopedics, and more, patients can receive expert care in multiple specialties at the same facility.

One of the key advantages of a Multi Super Speciality Hospital is the presence of highly trained and experienced doctors, surgeons, and medical staff across different fields. This collaborative environment enables patients to receive coordinated care for complex medical conditions that require input from various specialists. For example, a patient with heart disease and diabetes may need consultations with both a cardiologist and an endocrinologist, which is easily facilitated within a multi super speciality setting.

In addition to specialized care, these hospitals often provide emergency and trauma services, critical care units, and advanced surgical facilities. This ensures that patients can receive timely and efficient treatment, even in life-threatening situations. Moreover, the availability of cutting-edge technology, such as robotic surgery, advanced imaging systems, and minimally invasive procedures, allows for more precise diagnoses and improved outcomes.

Another important feature of a Multi Super Speciality Hospital is its focus on preventive healthcare. With a wide range of health check-up packages, wellness programs, and patient education initiatives, these hospitals promote a proactive approach to health management. This holistic focus on prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery ensures that patients receive all-encompassing care throughout their medical journey.

In conclusion, a Multi Super Speciality Hospital combines medical expertise, advanced technology, and comprehensive services to provide patients with the highest standard of healthcare, ensuring they can access all the care they need in one place.

[shubham-verma-21]

Stay Healthy, Stay Happy: Comprehensive Health Solutions from Quantum CorpHealth

In today's fast-paced world, maintaining good health can be a challenge. Between work, family responsibilities, and the demands of everyday life, it's easy to neglect our well-being.

However, prioritizing our health is crucial for living a fulfilling and happy life. That's where Quantum comes in, offering a comprehensive range of health care services designed to help individuals stay healthy and happy.

Personalized Health Check Ups

One of the cornerstones of Quantum CorpHealth's approach is the importance of regular health checkups. Our team of experienced medical professionals understands that every individual has unique health needs and concerns. That's why we offer personalized health checkup packages tailored to each client's age, gender, and lifestyle.

Our health checkup packages include a wide range of tests and screenings, from routine blood work to advanced imaging scans. By identifying potential health issues early on, we can help our clients take proactive steps to maintain their well-being and prevent the onset of more serious conditions.

Preventive Health Care Services

In addition to health checkups, Quantum places a strong emphasis on preventive health care services. We believe that the key to long-term health is not just treating illness, but actively working to prevent it in the first place.

Our preventive health care services include:

- Nutrition counselling: Our team of registered dietitians work with clients to develop personalized nutrition plans that support overall health and well-being.

- Exercise prescription: We create customized exercise programs that consider each client's fitness level, goals, and preferences.

- Stress management: Our mental health professionals offer evidence-based techniques for managing stress and promoting emotional well-being.

- Smoking cessation: For those looking to quit smoking, we provide support and resources to help them achieve their goals.

By addressing the root causes of health issues and empowering clients to make positive lifestyle changes, Quantumhelps individuals take control of their health and reduce their risk of developing chronic conditions.

Comprehensive Health Services for Individuals

At Quantum, we understand that good health is not just about physical well-being, but also mental and emotional health. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of health services for individuals that address the whole person.

Our health services for individuals include:

- Primary care: Our team of board-certified physicians provide high-quality primary care services, including routine check-ups, sick visits, and chronic disease management.

- Specialty care: We offer a wide range of specialty services, from cardiology and orthopaedics to dermatology and gastroenterology.

- Mental health: Our mental health professionals, including psychiatrists and therapists, provide evidence-based treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma.

- Rehabilitation: For those recovering from injury or illness, our rehabilitation services, including physical therapy and occupational therapy, help clients regain their strength, mobility, and independence.

By offering a comprehensive range of health services for individuals under one roof, Quantum makes it easier for clients to access the care they need and achieve their health goals.

Cutting-Edge Technology and Innovation

At Quantum, we believe that the future of healthcare lies in cutting-edge technology and innovation. That's why we are constantly investing in the latest medical equipment and technologies to provide our clients with the highest quality of care.

Our state-of-the-art facilities feature advanced imaging equipment, such as MRI and CT scanners, as well as cutting-edge diagnostic tools that allow our medical professionals to detect health issues early and with greater accuracy.

We also utilize innovative digital health technologies, such as telemedicine and remote patient monitoring, to provide our clients with convenient access to care and support their ongoing health management.

Conclusion

Quantum is a leader in the field of health care services, offering a comprehensive range of health services for individuals that are designed to help them stay healthy and happy. From personalized health checkups to cutting-edge preventive health care services, we are committed to empowering our clients to take control of their health and achieve their wellness goals.

Whether you are looking to maintain your current level of health or address a specific health concern, Quantum CorpHealth has the expertise and resources to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you stay healthy and happy for years to come