Monday, December 2, 2013

What Can A Private Ultrasound Scan Show You?

The utilization of ultrasound as a diagnostic tool continues to become more popular as the technology improves to produce incredibly detailed images. Ultrasound is commonly used in imaging during pregnancy as it poses no side effect or danger to the mother and the foetus. Ultrasound is also vital in the diagnosis of certain irregularities, diseases, and other pathologies.Diagnostic ultrasound works by using a probe placed directly on the skin that is covered with a gel to permit close contact. This allows the sonographer the ability to easily glide the probe over the parts of the body being examined. The probe then transmits high frequency sound waves into the areas of interest. These sound waves then bounce off the structures being examined, and reflect back to sensors within the probe where it is then analysed in 'real time' by the ultrasound machine. Millions of echoes and pulses are being sent each second so the entire exam can be viewed as a type of movie. Highlights are recorded and still shots of the area being scrutinized are precisely measured for comparison to what is considered normal, and what may represent a concern.Most women have their first ultrasound during pregnancy around the fourth month. This is to insure that the foetus is healthy and to ease anxiety in the new mother-to-be. Private scans in a more intimate setting, such as a doctor's office or free standing clinic provide a more comfortable and less stressful environment for expectant women. The newer 3D and 4D ultrasound machines deliver excellent surface rendering imaging of the foetus, and have a greater capacity to detect possible birth defects such as spina bifida, cleft palate, or other more subtle abnormalities.Ultrasound is also used to accurately visualize, diagnose and address other physical issues that are pathologically related. Uterine fibroids (benign tumours in the uterus), ovarian cysts and pelvic masses can all be visualized, and then analysed to determine if further steps such as surgery, need to be taken. The renal tract can be accurately scanned for kidney stones, and the thyroid gland for growths and cysts. Ultrasonic waves can detect the differences in suspicious growths by determining whether they are cystic (most probably benign), or dense and solid in composition.Doppler ultrasound imaging is invaluable in determining arterial blockage, extent of the blockage and in measuring blood flow. Areas that are most susceptible to plaque build up and blockage, and are routinely examined using Doppler ultrasound are the common carotid artery, the internal carotid artery and the vertebral artery. With private scans using Doppler ultrasound, a critical diagnosis will most likely be made on the spot, and actions taken immediately instead of precariously waiting days or possibly weeks for the test results.



For further information on pregnancy, well being and private scans, visit Ultrasound Direct who provide pregnancy scans across a number of clinics throughout the UK.

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Thursday, November 28, 2013

Raising a Child With Autism

What are some things parents of autistic children should know and do to make their jobs easier?Receiving a DiagnosisFor many parents, once a child is diagnosed with autism, there is a corresponding sense of relief. When you know what you're facing, you can make a plan for dealing with it, and can face your emotions honestly. Robert A. Naseef, PhD, is a clinical psychologist in Philadelphia who is the father of a grown son with autism, and is the author of Special Children, Challenged Parents. Naseef encourages parents to be honest about their own emotions: "You don't have to kid yourself about how hard it is." He says that the "good thing about getting the diagnosis is that then you get a direction in what will help your child. Usually, when kids get the right help and start making progress, their parent's mood brightens and you have some hope again."Early InterventionExperts advise that early intervention is very important, since time is of the essence when facing a diagnosis and treatment. Parents need to be educated about autism so that they can focus on what they can do for their child.

Every parent has dreams and aspirations for his or her child, and an autism diagnosis changes those dreams dramatically. Once a diagnosis is made, parents should formulate a plan for their child that includes treatment and a reassessment of goals.Build a Treatment TeamEvery child will have different needs, so parents must work with their child's pediatrician to assemble a care team of specialists that might include developmental pediatricians, psychiatrists, speech-language pathologists, physical and occupational therapists, and others. There may be a wait to see these professionals, however, so parents should be proactive about getting recommendations for specialists who can see their child right away.Early Intervention and Public School ProgramsParents should check with their pediatrician for referral to publicly funded programs designed to help children at risk for developmental delays. States provide early intervention programs for children under age 3; for children over age 3, public school districts should provide education through an individualized education program. Because these programs vary from state to state and district to district, parents should research what is available in their state and obtain assistance as soon as possible.Financial ConsiderationsOften, the work of coordinating care falls on one parent, who is then unable to remain in the workforce and contribute financially to the family. Care for autistic children can be very costly and insurance coverage thin. Parents should work with their insurance carriers to get as many services paid for as possible, and look into training themselves to provide some of the services autistic children need, such as development of communication skills or play therapy. Meeting with a financial planner may assist parents in mapping out a plan to finance treatment.Deal with the StressNetworking with other families and taking a break from talking about autism can help families deal with the inevitable stress of raising an autistic child. Take some time to devote to your marriage and to other children in the family, who are no doubt feeling the stress of the diagnosis as well. Keep in mind the goals you have for your child and celebrate milestones. Parents are only human, after all, and need a break, so allow yourself that down time when you need it.



For more information on Autism behavior characteristics of autism or Signs of Autism please visit us at http://www.childdevelopmentmedia.com

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