Dr Chandril Chugh

All You Need To Know About Parkinson’s Disease

All You Need To Know About Parkinsons Disease

Parkinsons disease falls under the gamut of neurological diseases and is a disorder of the nervous system which affects that part of the brain which controls movement. For best treatment of nerves you can refer to the neuro physician in Jaipur , neurologist  in Jaipur along with the neurosurgeon in Patna.. You can also consult the top neurosurgeon in Patna , they can provide you with the best food for strengthening nerves.  It is also known as Idiopathic or Primary Parkinsonism, which is a progressive movement disorder that causes problems like stiffness, tremors, difficulty in walking, maintaining balance and coordination problems among people suffering from the disease. In Idiopathic or Primary Parkinsonism, the progression of the disease tends to be slow and variable. Doctors often use the Hoehn and Yahr scale to gauge the progression of the disease over time. For any brain problems you can refer to the brain specialist doctor in Faridabad and even can consult about what causes brain haemorrhage. Even doctors can make you understand the brain attack symptoms in hindi.

The beginnings of Parkinson’s disease usually begin with a shaking in the hands, which is not noticeable in the beginning but gradually progresses over time. The onset of symptoms usually starts when a person reaches 60 years of age and may include a tremor in the hand, stiffness and slow movement. Sometimes, in some patients, it may start at an early age. Till now, there is no cure for this disease but one can seek treatment and support to help manage the symptoms. For further spondylosis problems, you can consult a doctor and ask about what mattress is good for spondylosis dural , what pillow can be used for ankylosing spondylitis and whether a neck massage causes a stroke. You can also consult about the aspartame side effects on the brain.

Parkinsons Disease Causes

While the causes of Parkinsons disease remain unknown, it is believed that many factors like genes and certain environmental triggers play a role. Many researchers have identified certain precise genetic mutations which can cause Parkinsons Disease . Moreover, it has also been stated that exposure to specific toxins or certain environmental factors may also increase the risk of development of Parkinson’s in an individual.

Parkinsons Disease Symptoms 

During the early stages of the disease, the patient’s face may stop showing any expression, their arms may not swing during a walk or the speech may turn soft and slurred. Gradually, with time the symptoms can get worse. And while there is no cure for this disease yet, certain medications, if started at the right time may aid in improving symptoms in a significant manner. On certain occasions, the doctor may suggest surgery to regulate certain regions of the brain to improve the symptoms. The other kinds of Parkinsons disease symptoms include:

• Tremor: A person suffering from
  

  Parkinsons Disease

  may notice that their hands, arms, legs, lips, jaws and other body parts start to tremble or are shaky. 

• Impaired posture: In some people, the arms do not swing freely when they walk. Or their posture may become curved and they may experience balance issues as a result of Parkinson’s disease.
• Stiff muscles: A patient may experience muscles in the body going rigid and this may cause pain and limit their movement. In some cases, doctors may misdiagnose signs of early Parkinson’s on the basis of muscle problems as arthritis. 
• Bradykinesia or slow movement: A patient with Parkinson’s disease may have slow movement, which makes even the simplest of tasks very time-consuming. They may have difficulty while buttoning their shirt or getting out of a chair, which are symptoms of this disease.
• Loss of involuntary movement: A person may experience a decreased ability to perform unconscious tasks and movements like blinking, smiling or even swinging the arms while walking.
• Changes in speech and handwriting: A person may start speaking more softly, quickly or have a slur in speech while talking. Their speech may also be more in the form of a monotone without the usual modulations in voice. A person may also have trouble having written anything and the handwriting may appear small, all of which when clubbed together with other symptoms are grounds for a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis.

Parkinsons Disease Diagnosis 

It is difficult to make an accurate description of Parkinsons disease in the early stages and there are no specific tests to determine this disease, but an experienced neurologist can reach a conclusion after conducting a detailed examination on the basis of a person’s medical history, along with a review of their symptoms, and a detailed physical examination. They may also recommend regular follow-up appointments in order to evaluate the patient’s condition and symptoms over time to be able to reach a conclusive diagnosis.

Parkinsons Disease Treatment

Till date, there is no one drug for Parkinsons disease treatment and the options to handle the disease mostly includes drugs prescribed to manage the symptoms for each patient separately, depending on their symptoms. The other forms of treatment may include medication and surgery, along with modifications in lifestyle and options like more rest and exercise. It is also quite common for people with Parkinsons Disease to take a mix of medicines to manage symptoms but there is no medicine to reverse the effects of this disease. 

A few complications arising from Parkinsons disease can be in the form of depression, anxiety, changes in blood pressure, the problem in the bowel movement, cognitive problems, trouble in sleeping, fatigue among other issues. However, most people suffering from this disease usually live a normal to a nearly-normal life but it can certainly be life-changing for both the patient and their family. However, while there is no proper medicine for a holistic Parkinsons disease treatment, it is still possible to have a good quality of life for a person suffering from this ailment. The most important thing to do is to continue working with your doctor and following the recommended treatment options in dealing with symptoms like tremors, stiff muscles and slow movement. 

Also Read

Sudden Neck Pain And Its Relation With Neurology

Can Covid 19 Cause Brain Damage?

All You Need To Know About Dementia

by Dr Chandril Chugh

All You Need To Know About Migraine

HydrocephalusAll You Need To Know About Migraine

After having spent nearly 7 months indoors, it appears that social distancing and hygiene are going to be an integral part of our lives for some time. During this period, as most of us stay inside, mobile phones and laptop screens have replaced outing with friends and this new normal has had a tremendous impact on all aspects of our life. Many people are also stressed and anxiety levels are at an all-time high, owing to the uncertainty surrounding the present and worries about what the future may hold. Moreover, the virus has forced many to go into isolation, which has taken a toll on their mental health. It has also impacted those who suffer from chronic migraine, who are now complaining of frequent and painful episodes. This brings us to the question: What is a migraine and how to manage it during the pandemic? 

A migraine pain is a type of headache that usually comprises more than 10 percent of all headaches. A person suffering from migraine experiences headaches and along with it, some of them may develop sensitivity to light and sound. For severe migraine you can contact the migraine doctor in Jaipur. Migrane can also be caused by aspartame slows metabolism. A few other migraine pain symptoms are headache, accompanied by pulsating and throbbing pain, along with nausea, vomiting and visual manifestations. In the present times, a migraine causes headache and it should not be confused with a Covid-19 headache, which is moderate in nature and a person experiencing it may have bilateral pain, which may increase when you bend down, cause a pulsing sensation, and may occur with a fever. 

Causes of Migraine

In many cases, a migraine headache may be genetic. Usually, a person with migraine experiences headaches which get triggered with changes in weather, upon experiencing a strong odour, sleep deprivation, stress, smoking, hunger, bright lights and loud noises. Migraines can also be caused by complex ptsd and sleep   . In some cases, certain medicines may also cause a migraine headache. It has been observed that migraines are three times more common in women as compared to men and these episodes of migraine pain usually start sometime between childhood and early adulthood. You can contact a neurologist who is the best doctor to treat migraine. You can also contact an online neurologist in this pandemic situation. Most migraine pain relief by  migraine treatment or migraine medicine can be managed without medicine by following a few simple lifestyle changes. Migraines can be a reason to see a neurologist. For this you can consult the best neurologist in Faridabad.

Migraine management tips

• Know your triggers 

If you know what activates your migraine, you can prevent the effects of migraine by controlling your triggers. The first step is to observe what causes your pain to trigger and by doing so, you will be able to monitor when your migraine is most likely to occur, what triggers it, how many times a day it occurs and when it may develop.You have to also analyse the nervous system facts of your body. A few common migraine triggers are stress, changes in the weather and environment, hormonal changes, change in sleep pattern or sleep deprivation and physical factors like exertion. You have to also keep the facts about the cns into consideration .It can also be a Reason of complex ptsd and sleep . For that you can consult an online neurologist and learn about the nervous system facts. You should always have food that heal nerve damage .Moreover, processed foods like aged cheese, food additives, preservatives like monosodium glutamate can also trigger your migraine.Therefore you must always have the best food for nerves repair.  As the best food for nerve repair will always make your nerves strong  . If your nerves are strong enough, there will not be any reason to see a neurologist.Also for any mind issue you can contact a mind doctor in Delhi or mind doctor in Agra. Many migraine cure patients complain that their headaches tend to get worse with a strong odor and may get some brain haemorrhage symptoms. Then there will be a reason to see a neurologist.You can consult an online neurologist too and he can systematically scan the nervous system facts of your body  . And thereby doctors always refer you to have the best food for nerve repairs .Many are allergic to even certain perfumes and smells. Also for better nerve treatment, you can contact the top neurologist in Jaipur.

• Migraine management at home

During this time, it is advised that one should avoid going to a hospital and therefore, the best thing you can do is to try treating your migraine at home. The nervous system facts are very essential. You should never ignore the brain hemorrhage symptoms if accidentally it happens.  Most of the time, migraine management can be carried out at home with lifestyle changes and without any medicines. You can start with a few simple breathing exercises, yoga and acupressure. Another remedy is dimming the lights and turning on soft music before going to sleep. Moreover, eating foods like almonds, cashews, sesame seeds, peanut butter, eggs, milk, which contain magnesium can also help in migraine management. Ginger is another food that you can try to prevent migraine. Apart from this, you should also focus on staying hydrated, getting adequate sleep, exercising regularly and limiting the intake of alcohol. 

However, if the home remedies do not work out, or in some cases where the patient is resistant to medication, the effects of migraine on your life can be managed by consulting a neurologist.

• Get enough sleep and eat healthily

Sleep deprivation is one of the major causes of migraines. And given the changes in our lifestyle during the pandemic, our sleep patterns have been affected. During this period, we have witnessed people spending long hours in front of electronic gadgets, which disturbs the circadian rhythm and causes sleep deprivation and can give rise to brain hemorrhage symptoms. Therefore, for proper migraine management, sleep is important and one should try sleeping early to avoid a migraine. You can also try meditation before going to bed to prevent the effects of migraine. 

• Manage stress levels 

The onset of the pandemic has been stressful for a lot of people who were coping with fear and anxiety of the disease along with home isolation can be quite overwhelming. This is another concern as situations like these can aggravate stress and cause migraine. Therefore, one needs to manage the stress levels and prevent things that cause you stress. 

Exercise, yoga and deep breathing are excellent ways that provide immediate relief and lower the stress levels. 

• Book a telemedicine appointment  

Telemedicine is an exchange of medical information and health services via technology. And you can try booking a telemedicine appointment and try getting a professional’s advice without actually having to step out of the house. At present, there are many doctors you can consult through telemedicine, who will be able to diagnose you and prescribe medicines on migraine management.  

Managing your migraine amidst a pandemic is a challenging task. However, don’t let this burden you. Try to keep calm and stay positive. Know your triggers and try to avoid them. You can always seek medical help from doctors online by booking an online appointment. 

For any queries or questions regarding migraines or other related health issues, one shouldn’t hesitate to consult a reputed neurologist or brain doctor.

Also Read: 

• Sleep Strategies For Complex PTSD

• 5 Tips To Cope With Tragic Flashbacks

• The Effects Of Depression In Your Body

by Dr Chandril Chugh

PTSD And Intimate Relationships - Problems and Solutions

PTSD And Intimate Relationships - Problems and Solutions

PTSD is one of the severe mental disorders that has a debilitating effect on you and the people around you. People don’t understand how to avoid PTSD after trauma hence the trauma from PTSD takes a toll on every aspect of your life. It becomes challenging to carry out the basic functions in life. Apart from this, PTSD comes with the added baggage of guilt, anger, frustration, and symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, negative thoughts, etc. Dealing with such symptoms can be overwhelming for the individual. 

It can be difficult to see someone you love struggle with PTSD, especially when you’re unable to help. When it comes to PTSD trauma response, the person is in a state of shock and his relationship with others is at stake. 

What impact does PTSD have on intimate relationships? 

PTSD is bound to cause strains in your relationship. Here’s how PTSD affects a relationship. Some of the common problems faced by people are – 

• Detached from other

It is quite natural for the person suffering from PTSD trauma symptoms to feel detached from others. Patient s the relationship should try PTSD trauma therapy, and they may withdraw themselves from engaging in a conversation or the normal things they did before the traumatic event. They may distance themselves from the activities at the house and isolate themselves in the room. Among couples, the person suffering from PTSD may experience a lack of interest in sexual activity and be in a state of shock or numbness. The family members, friends, or partners on the other hand may feel alienated and hurt by such behaviour. It may also result in them leaving you. 

• Moodiness 

Being hyper-aroused can interfere with your sleeping patterns and your mood. They may feel irritable, anxious, sad, frustrated and a dozen of other negative emotions. It is possible that people with PTSD feel neglected and cynic due to PTSD relationship trauma. Opening up or having a conversation can be a challenging task for them. They may feel annoyed if you try to help them. Consciously or unconsciously they may try to avoid companionship. Feelings of distrust, insecurity creep in and create a further strain in the relations. On the other hand, significant others may experience helplessness, guilt, tension and pressure. The inability to help your loved one can be very disturbing and inflict emotional and mental pain. 

• Inability to be vulnerable

One of the insidious effects of PTSD is the feeling of powerlessness and not being able to control your life. PTSD is accompanied by flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts which can be triggered anywhere, anytime. A simple reminder of the traumatic event and one of the above symptoms can easily be triggered. This leaves the person helpless and weak. Hence, being vulnerable puts them in a position of being weaker. Hence they avoid talking about the trauma, their experience, or what’s happening to them. Opening up can be menacing. 

• Lack of communication

Talking can be very consuming and difficult for trauma survivors. Especially in the start few days, where they’re in the impact stage and still in shock. Generally, the immediate reaction to trauma can be isolating oneself and suppressing all the feelings. However, communication is essential for enhancing the symptoms and getting back to normal. Through communication, many problems can be solved and misunderstandings can be avoided. 

PTSD trauma treatment

Some solutions to deal with PTSD and relationships. However difficult it may seem for the person to recover from PTSD it is important that they never lose hope or fall back to being demotivated. Through proper care and support, one can cope with PTSD. Here are a few tips that can be used to overcome problems in relationships. 

Tips To Help People Suffering From PTSD - For Self Care

• Establish proper communication

for a healthy relationship, communication is very important. Even if you feel that you’re not ready to open or need more space, clear it out with your family members. Misunderstanding can create a strain in your relationship and have an adverse effect on your mental health. In order to avoid misunderstandings, communication is the key. Conversing with your loved ones will also help you vent out your bottled feelings. 

• Self-care

Self-care is the key to a successful recovery. Only by loving yourself, you will be able to spread the love around you. Pamper yourself with everything you love. Self-care means prioritizing your needs before others and caring for your mental, physical and spiritual health. Meditation, exercise, yoga, healthy food, etc. help in enhancing your health. 

• Find the courage to cope up

In the end, what is important is recovering from the disorder. If you don’t want PTSD relationship issues, find the courage to recover. Proper treatment for PTSD, such as neurological care and therapy will help you find a way through your struggles. 

Tips To Help People Suffering From PTSD - For Family, Friends, and Partners

• Make them comfortable

Acknowledge the ordeal faced by the person with trauma and not making a hue and cry in front of them. At times, showing extra care makes them feel weak. The cue is to act normal and does normal things in front of them. 

• Give them space

Forcing your loved ones to talk or showering them with extra care, will only make them go away and isolate themselves. Give them their space, and don’t intrude much. Let them take as much time as they wish

• Love and support them

Always love and support them. Support their choices, however, if they seem to divert or resort to bad activities such as intake of stimulants, correct them. Be gentle and calm. With the love and support of loved ones, healing can be made easier.

One should definitely contact a neurologist or online neurologist consultation with them for treating further complications. You can also find him as a neurologist in Punjab, the best neurologist in Faridabad or brain specialist doctor in Faridabad , a top neurologist in Jaipur or neurologist doctor in Jaipur, the best neurologist in Saket, best neurologist in South delhi, neurologist in Agra, mind doctor in Delhi, top neuro physician in Patna and a top neurologist in Gwalior or neurologist doctor in Gwalior. He is also amongst the top 5 neurologist in Patna and top 10 neurologist in Delhi,ncr, and is also famous for his long distance senior care services.

Also Read: 

• Neurosarcoidosis: Symptoms, Treatments, And Causes

• The Effects Of Depression In Your Body

• Alzheimer’s Disease Effects On Brain

by Dr Chandril Chugh

Here's How You Can Manage PTSD Triggers

Here's How You Can Manage PTSD Triggers

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is caused after witnessing a tragic incident or being part of an extremely frightening or shocking event. It can not only affect day-to-day life but your productivity as well. Many a time, PTSD symptoms can go undiagnosed for a very long time. In some cases, symptoms never appear after something tragic but might trigger suddenly at night till later in life due to similar or related situations.

While in treatment for PTSD, it might also happen that even after making good progress and putting behind the memories of the incident, something or someplace might trigger it unexpectedly. For example, for an army veteran undergone a war, hearing a loud noise may remind them of the sound of a gunshot. Triggers can push you back to having a panic attack, feeling numb and anxious. This is called PTSD triggers.

Certain uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, and memories might also trigger these symptoms. Being aware of these triggers is one of the ways to deal with it. 

It is possible to lessen the impact of certain PTSD symptoms by understanding what triggers them. Specific feelings, thoughts, situations, places, and memories, you can take steps to limit the occurrence or impact of those triggers, and by being aware and dealing with it bravely later on.

Types of PTSD triggers

PTSD triggers can be characterized into two parts internal triggers and external triggers. Internal triggers are the cause of how your body reacts to certain memories and thoughts such as excessive sweating, racing of the heart, shivering etc. External triggers can be identified as things occurring outside your body such as situations, people, or places that you might encounter when the symptoms are triggered. 

Listed below are certain internal as well as external triggers that might help you identify.

Internal Triggers

• Being frustrated easily and frequently, or when exposed to a situation
• Feelings of anger, rage, and resentment
• Feeling anxious whenever a specific thought comes up
• Feeling abandoned
• Feeling lonely and helpless
• Feeling out of control
• Feeling vulnerable
• A reminder of past memories from a tragic incident
• Muscle tension in the body
• Pain in the body
• Racing heartbeat
• Feeling sad and depressed

External Triggers

• An argument can leave you feeling guilty, or when blamed for some reason in the argument may trigger you.
• The end of a relationship might cause you to feel abandoned
• Holidays or incidents occurred in the same time frame.
• Reading or watching the news could remind you of your traumatic experience.
• The sight of a few people can also trigger PTSD. For example- the victim of workplace harassment, after seeing the oppressor. 
• A specific or familiar place or a setting where the tragic event occurred.
• An anniversary from the experience.
• Watching a movie or television show may also remind you of your traumatic event.
• Being witness to a similar kind of accident.
• Loud noises.

Know what triggers you

Different people have different reactions when exposed to stressful situations, and their triggers differ significantly. Identifying your triggers (external as well as internal) can be a great way of coping up with PTSD. Start by listing them in your diary, this way you can keep a track of them, and avoid your exposure to them.  When you see your therapist for the next session, talk about these triggers. This will make you aware and help you be at ease the next time you are exposed or find yourself in a similar situation.

Now that you know what triggers you, it is time to look at activities you could do to deal with these triggers.

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Mindfulness-based relaxation and Meditation have been increasingly showing promising results in PTSD patients. There are different treatments such as stress reduction, cognitive therapy, relaxation, and exposure therapy, and various other methods that you could choose from as per your requirement and level of comfort. 

• Get physically Active: People living with PTSD often go through a phase of inactivity and get unproductive or feel depressed. Taking up physical activities such as running, dancing, or exercising can help you to take your mind off negative thoughts and fill you with a rush of positive juices.

• Deep Breathing: There are numerous benefits of breathing exercises that have been documented through several studies, including reversing the stress response once it has occurred, helping one to be less reactive and feeling calm in stressful situations, and aiding in physical processes such as sleeping better, controlling pain, and helping in the digestion process and many more. Diaphragmatic breathing has been proven effective in studies that healthcare providers often recommend it to PTSD patients to help them reduce stress and regulate their emotions. 

• Art therapy: As different types of therapy treatments have been picking up steam for the past few years, an increasing number of patients have shown a positive response to art therapy. This type of therapy aims to helps people to externalize their emotions and learn to cope with distressing memories and thoughts through art, such as painting or sculpting.

• Give yourself a break: Spending time in nature and going back to your happy place where you feel comfortable and peaceful can be an excellent method to help in PTSD triggers. Pursuing outdoor activities like hiking, camping, fishing, or boating can help you cope with PTSD triggers. Anyone with PTSD can benefit significantly from the relaxation, seclusion, after being in peaceful places. Being close to nature and breathing fresh air, easily wears off your stress.

Therapy can be difficult at times, especially when you’re so vulnerable. It's not intended to be precise and straightforward, it can get messy at times, and you might feel this is not working. However, you should not lose hope and not be afraid of the tough times. Sometimes, PTSD really does get worse before it gets better. It's natural to face ups and downs while healing from trauma. If you're going through a rough patch when in therapy, hold on to that hope that there is healing at the other end and you will continue to get better each day.

by Dr Chandril Chugh

10 Reasons To See A Neurologist Regularly

10 Reasons To See A Neurologist Regularly

As the famous saying goes, ‘Health is wealth’, so health issues must be taken seriously. Amongst all the organ systems, damage to the nervous system can have severe effects.  It is often better to consult a primary doctor when experiencing health issues. They may recommend you to specialists if required. Neurology was once a field where neurologists considered diseases of the brain and spinal cord that control the central nervous system.

Common infirmities such as headaches, dizziness, insomnia, anxiety, stress, and poor eyesight are sometimes symptoms of severe health complications.

We often miss specific neurological symptoms that have an underlying effect on our overall well-being; that is when neurologists come into action to diagnose and treat the ailment in time before it leads to further damage. Regularly seeing a neurologist will reduce the risk of the unknown as well as help in providing fitting care and speedy recovery.

1. Headaches

Headaches are something we all experience from time and again. They can be caused due to sinuses, migraines, trauma, etc. There can be many reasons for it to occur, ranging from a throbbing toothache that is detected by the trigeminal nerve, causing headaches, to even mental health problems such as stress, anxiety, or depression. They might also lead to vomiting, temporary loss of vision, and difficulties in motor functions. In this case, the symptoms become chronic, and neurologists need to devise quick plans for treatment.

2. Chronic pain

Chronic pain can persist for days, months, or even years, often resulting from serious illnesses or severe injuries. The recovery process for such pain is typically longer and more delicate than usual. Chronic pain may also manifest as symptoms of other conditions. Therefore, if someone experiences symptoms like weakness, numbness, or issues with bladder or bowel control, it is crucial to consult a neurologist promptly. Dr. Chandril Chugh, one of the top neurologists in Delhi NCR, is available for appointments and teleconsultations. For more information, visit CRPS Treatment Physical Therapy Solutions.

3. Dizziness

Dizziness can come in different varieties. When someone gets dizzy quite often, it might be as if they experience a problem of vertigo. Neurologists treat dizziness as a sign of vertigo or disequilibrium disorder. Vertigo makes you feel like your head or the things around you are spinning. Disequilibrium is the difficulty in being able to balance yourself. If you often face dizziness regularly, you should consult a neurologist. 

4. Numbness or tingling

 Numbness or tingling sensations are shared experiences that can occur from sitting in a position restricting blood flow or skipping meals for an extended period. However, you must consult a neurologist if you suddenly experience numbness or if it affects only one side of your body. These symptoms can also indicate a severe condition, such as an impending stroke. In such cases, acting quickly and seeking medical assistance is crucial. For more information, visit Risk Factors Of Stroke.

5. Weakness

Long hours of work or robust physical activity can lead to weakness. However, suppose you feel muscle weakness that disturbs your daily activities, weakening the strength in your legs and arms, particularly causing you to feel exhausted quickly. You should consult a neurologist to help you with the issue in such a case. It could be caused by a more severe condition or disease of your nervous system, such as stroke.

6. Movement problems

Problems in moving, like difficulty in walking, clumsiness, unintentional jerks or movements, tremors, or others, can be symptoms of a problem in your nervous system. You may want to see a neurologist if these movement problems interrupt your daily life, though something like a tremor can be a side effect of medication or anxiety. However, if your tremors also affect your daily activities, you may want to see a neurologist.

7. Seizures

Seizures can be almost unnoticeable or very extreme. Symptoms of seizures can range from loss of consciousness, jerking movements of the arms and legs, breathing problems, confusion, etc. While some seizures can be caused by low blood sugar or withdrawals from addictive substances, it is better if you consult your provider for seizures that seem sudden or without any apparent cause. Your primary care doctor can help you determine how severe your seizure is and if you should see a neurologist.

8. Vision problems

Poor eyesight can be caused by ageing or excessive strain on the eyes. If you experience vision problems in both eyes, it is advisable to undergo an eye check-up to determine the underlying cause. Should the results indicate other potential issues, consulting a neurologist for a professional opinion is recommended. For more information, visit Benign Blepharospasm Symptoms.

9. Memory problems or confusion

Problems with speaking, severe memory difficulties, changes in personality, or confusion can all be symptoms of disorders affecting the brain, spine, and nerves. These symptoms may be related to learning disabilities or diseases like Alzheimer's. Your primary care doctor can help evaluate these symptoms and determine if a neurologist's consultation is necessary. For more information, visit Signs And Symptoms Of Dementia.

10. Sleep problems

While many common causes of sleep problems are well-known, such as going to bed too late, sleep apnea, anxiety, or nightmares, some sleep issues are neurological disorders. For instance, narcolepsy is a chronic genetic disorder with no known cause that impacts the body's central nervous system. For more insights, visit Sleep Strategies For Complex PTSD.

Many of these symptoms could be part of a disorder that is not neurological. Your primary care doctor is your greatest resource in helping you decide if you should see a neurologist. However, if your symptoms are severe enough or you are still not confident in your primary care doctor’s recommendations, you should consider consulting a neurologist. 

by Dr Chandril Chugh

Sleep Strategies For Complex PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental condition that occurs after witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. Such incidents are difficult to deal with, especially since they affect your physical health and mental health. While many are aware of PTSD, living with complex PTSD is a closely related condition that results from trauma repeated over months and years. The trauma from complex PTSD stress can be very debilitating, and thus it becomes difficult to cope with it.

However, there are sleep strategies for complex PTSD that actually work, based on science, therapy, and a deep understanding of trauma.

In this blog, we’ll break down what makes sleep so hard for those with trauma and how you can finally get some rest using sleep strategies for complex PTSD that are practical, calming, and proven.

Why Does Trauma Disrupt Sleep So Badly?

Sleep isn’t just rest; it’s repair time for your brain. But if your brain thinks you’re in danger, it won’t let you shut down.

What is Complex PTSD?

C-PTSD is caused by long-term, repeated trauma, often from childhood. It’s different from regular PTSD.

Common causes include:

• Childhood abuse or neglect
• Domestic violence
• Captivity or human trafficking
• War or long-term medical trauma

Fast Facts:

• 70% to 90% of people with PTSD report sleep problems (NIH).
• People with trauma are 2 times more likely to have insomnia.

5 Sleep Strategies For Complex PTSD

1. Build a Night Routine That Feels Safe

Your brain needs to feel safe before it can fall asleep. A safety-based night routine is the first step.

Why it matters: Safety calms the amygdala and helps the body shift into sleep mode.

What to do:

• Use a weighted blanket to feel grounded.
• Keep lighting soft and warm.
• Follow the same wind-down steps every night (e.g., warm shower, calming tea, gentle music).

Checklist: Trauma-Informed Sleep Hygiene

2. Try Grounding Methods Before Bed

When your mind won’t stop, grounding pulls you back to the here and now. These are the sleep strategies for complex PTSD that work especially well during nighttime hyperarousal.

Easy grounding techniques:

• 5-4-3-2-1 Method: Name 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, and 1 you taste.
• Body scan: Focus on each body part and breathe into it.
• Bilateral tapping: Gently tap the sides of your body to calm brain waves.
• Deep breathing: Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, and exhale for 6.

These reduce nighttime anxiety trauma triggers.

3. Make Your Room a Safe Space

The space you sleep in matters. It should feel calming, not triggering.

Steps to try:

• Rearrange furniture if it feels "unsafe."
• Use scent diffusers with lavender or chamomile
• White noise or soft ambient sounds to block out jarring noises

Quick design tips:

4. Handle Flashbacks & Nightmares Gently

C-PTSD and insomnia are often linked with vivid dreams and flashbacks. These can jolt you awake and leave you scared to go back to sleep.

What helps:

• EMDR or IFS-inspired rituals: Touch a textured object while repeating a calming mantra.
• Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT): Rewrite the nightmare while awake, then rehearse the new version before bed.
• Use white noise or grounding audio when waking up startled.

5. Don’t Do It Alone: Get Professional Help

Some of the most effective sleep strategies for Complex PTSD include therapy.

Who can help:

• Trauma-informed therapists
• CBT-I experts (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia)
• Somatic therapists who teach body-based healing

Even one session can make a difference.

Other Tools That Can Improve Sleep After Trauma

Beyond bedtime habits, your daily routine impacts your sleep.

Smart Supplements & Nutrition Support

Nutrition plays a bigger role than you think.

Try with doctor approval:

• Melatonin (start with low doses)
• Magnesium glycinate (relaxes muscles)
• L-theanine (reduces mental noise)

Food tips:

• Eat complex carbs like oats and sweet potatoes for serotonin.
• Add protein to each meal to balance blood sugar (stable sugar = stable sleep).

Always check with a healthcare provider before starting supplements.

Gentle Exercise That Calms, Not Exhausts

You don’t need intense workouts. In fact, too much can spike cortisol.

What helps sleep best:

• Walk for 30 minutes (lowers stress hormones)
• Try Yoga Nidra before bed
• Use TRE (Trauma Release Exercises) for deep body shaking to release stored tension

Digital Detox That Actually Works

Screens aren’t just distracting; they delay sleep.

Facts:

• Blue light delays melatonin for up to 90 minutes.
• Doomscrolling increases nighttime anxiety trauma by 40%.

Fix it:

• Turn off screens 1 hour before sleep
• Use apps like Insight Timer, Calm, or CBT-i Coach
• Put your phone in another room

Dr. Chugh’s Final Words: You Deserve To Sleep Well

Most people with complex PTSD think poor sleep is their “new normal.” But it’s not. You can reset your sleep with sleep strategies for complex PTSD, right tools, support, and changes.

I’ve helped hundreds of patients with trauma-related sleep issues, and I want you to know: Your brain can learn how to rest again.

If you're struggling, don’t wait. Book a consultation with me today.

FAQs

What are the best sleep strategies for Complex PTSD?

Melatonin, magnesium glycinate, and L-theanine are commonly recommended for improving sleep in trauma survivors. These supplements help relax the nervous system and reduce nighttime anxiety. However, they can interact with medications or worsen symptoms if not used properly. Always consult a professional like Dr. Chandril Chugh before beginning any supplement plan.

Why do I feel more anxious at night with C-PTSD?

Anxiety tends to spike at night due to the quiet and stillness, which can make trauma memories feel louder. With fewer distractions, the brain is more likely to enter hypervigilant states. This is common in complex PTSD, where the nervous system struggles to downshift. Trauma-informed therapy and grounding techniques can gradually retrain the brain to feel safe in the dark.

Can C-PTSD cause vivid nightmares every night?

Yes, vivid and recurring nightmares are a hallmark symptom of trauma-related sleep issues. The brain replays unresolved trauma during REM sleep, causing emotionally and sensory-heavy dreams. Therapies like Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT) and EMDR have been shown to significantly reduce their intensity and frequency. For best results, consult a trauma specialist like Dr. Chandril Chugh.

Is melatonin safe to use long-term for trauma-related insomnia?

Melatonin is generally safe when used occasionally or in small doses, but long-term use without supervision isn’t ideal. Some people develop tolerance or dependency, and it may not address the root causes of trauma-related insomnia. That’s why it’s best to make melatonin part of a broader, personalized sleep plan, ideally developed with a professional like Dr. Chandril Chugh.

How long does it take to fix sleep with complex PTSD?

Recovery timelines vary depending on the severity of symptoms and the support system in place. Some individuals experience better sleep within a few weeks of using trauma-informed techniques, while others need months to see consistent change. Working with a therapist or sleep specialist trained in trauma can help fast-track healing and reduce setbacks.

Also Read:

• Alzheimer’s Disease Effect On Brain
• 5 Tips To Cope With Tragic Flashbacks
• The Effects Of Depression In Your Body

by Dr Chandril Chugh

Tips To Cope Up With PTSD At Workplace

Tips To Cope Up With PTSD At Workplace

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental disorder that hinders the daily functioning of oneself. PTSD is caused by exposure to serious, traumatic events, such as near-death experience, serious injury or sexual harassment, disastrous events like fires, wars, accidents, robberies, accidents, etc. Nightmares and flashbacks are your common companions. Every day is a task since you’ve to deal with stress, trauma, anxiety, combined with several emotions of fear, anger, frustration, etc. While facing such severe mental health problems, staying in one place and focusing on work can be very difficult. You are only physically in the office, but mentally your mind keeps you busy with swirling negative thoughts. 

PTSD can be triggered any time, anywhere. Working for long hours, completing projects, interacting with people, etc.  may lead to emotional outbursts, problems in concentration, difficulty in processing information or talking to co-workers, being startled easily, panic attacks, having flashbacks, etc. Hence, it is important that you have a mental health treatment. 

• Know your triggers

It is possible that when you’re at the workplace there might be few objects or things that may trigger the flashes of the traumatic event. Prevention is better than cure- The first step in coping up with PTSD is to know your triggers. Knowing your triggers will help you avoid them, and null the possibility of you having flashbacks during the workplace. Flashbacks can be triggered by simple reminders of the tragic event such as sound, object, image, smell, or a place and person, etc. If the tragic event has happened at the workplace, it becomes very difficult for the person to concentrate and the person can be in a constant state of hyperarousal. Identifying these triggers can help you nip them in the bud. Flashbacks are uncertain and can occur at any time of the day. By maintaining a diary you can keep track of when, where, how, and why the flashbacks occur. Once you know that cause of trigger, you can consciously avoid them and try to keep yourself engaged with other things. This way your focus will be shifted from the tragic memories and you can concentrate at work. 

• Decorate your office desk 

Decorating the environment around you will make you comfortable and happy. Place pictures you like, mini plants, or other decorative things that will remind you of happy memories or give you a sense of security. Since flashbacks can be triggered at any time of the day, keeping things that give you happy vibes will shift your attention to something else when a flashback occurs. You can also decorate your office desk with fresh flowers so that you can smell. Hang quotes that motivate you and help you concentrate on work. 

• A few tricks that help 

There a few tricks that you can try to calm down yourselves and quickly move you out of fight, flight, or freeze mode. Chewing gum can help you relieve stress, reduce salivary groups cortisol levels. You can also try chanting or humming, When you repeatedly chant “OM” you can feel a sound vibration through your vocal cords that helps clear all the sinuses, bring down your blood pressure and relieve stress. Keep a stress ball handy. It will boost blood circulation and also relieve stress. You can also use an app to track your symptoms of trauma. Keep a soft pillow or a blanket that makes you feel safe. 

• Grounding techniques 

Grounding is an effective way to treat PTSD flashbacks or nightmares is to learn grounding techniques. When you have flashbacks or nightmares, you lose touch with reality and everything around you feels surreal. Grounding techniques use the 5 senses - Sight, smell, sound, taste, and touch. a and brings you back to reality. Here are a of grounding techniques you can use- 

• Sight- Make a list of steps you can do to cope up with flashbacks, this can be things you write to yourself to remind you of the present. You can also start counting the furniture or counting numbers in your head, thus you can effectively distract yourself. 

• Smell- take a whiff of coffee or perfume of your choice. These scents will help you relax and soothe you. 

• Sound- Listen to loud music while working. You can also talk to a co-worker who can talk you out of it. 

• Taste- Grab a lemon and bite into it. You can also use chocolates, or warm soup, hot beverages, etc.

• Touch - take a piece of ice and run it down your skin. Try popping bubble wrap. Massage your temples. Hug someone near you, your close friend at work, or even pillows and blankets. This will give you a sense of security. 

• Communication 

It is a tendency to avoid social interaction when you’ve gone through a traumatic event. You may feel embarrassed to talk about what you’ve gone through or even have a shock from the debilitating experience. Hence, avoiding people may feel like an easy option. However, being alone will only give you more time to stress over the past. Even at work, you may overindulge yourself in work, however you should go easy on yourself. Confined in someone close at your workplace. Talking to people around you will help you vent out your feelings and give you a sense of support. 

• Consider counseling 

If you have serious symptoms of PTSD for a long duration, it is better to seek neurocritical help. Many offices have in-house counseling, whom you can approach to find some basic help. Sharing with a professional will help you cope up with PTSD. A therapist will look after you and direct you to take the right steps. Apart from this, you’ll be talking to someone who can attend to your mental needs and give solutions to all your questions. They will help you regain your composure and draw you out from the tragic shock. 

• Maintain a Journal

Writing in a journal will help you cope up with PTSD. Start by writing your deepest feelings, thoughts, experiences of the traumatic experience. Later while you;re at work, make observations on things that upset you, things that did not go as you had planned. Also, note down things that were good in the day. At the end of the day, you can read them out aloud and find the silver lining amid everything. 

by Dr Chandril Chugh

What It Feels Like To Learn To Have PTSD

What It Feels Like To Learn To Have PTSD

Mental health issues be it any, are a cause of concern and should not be ignored. People very often ignore their mental health, either because of embarrassment or the stigma attached to it. Trauma is one such disorder that can have an adverse effect on your brain and wreck you mentally and emotionally. Recovering can be much worse when you are suffering from Post-traumatic stress disorder, as daily functioning becomes a task and your state of mind is disturbed. 

“PTSD is a whole-body tragedy, an integral human event of enormous proportions with massive repercussions.”- Susan Pease Banitt 

Here, Susan Banitt rightly acknowledges and highlights the fact that not only physical health but mental health and emotions are affected in PTSD. PTSD is a disorder that is characterized by the failure to recover after experiencing or witnessing a tragic event. The tragic event can be anything, varying from terrifying events of war, natural disasters, serious injury, events of murder or suicide, sexual harassment, devastating events like fires, accidents, robberies, accidents, etc.  

PTSD can last for months or at times even for years.  When you’re exposed to life-threatening events, chemical and neuronal changes take place in your brain, thus causing PTSD. A person suffering from PTSD can have single or multiple symptoms at times. A person can have flashbacks repeatedly. These flashbacks are randomly triggered, by sound, taste, object, image, smell, or a place and person, etc. and can hinder their ability to differentiate the real from the unreal. Along with flashbacks, one could also have nightmares, that can lead to sleep depreciation and fatigues. A person is always in an alert mode, also known as hyperarousal. If you are suffering from PTSD, you may also find the individual may struggle with adversities but is ready to seek help and support and get back to normalcy. Immediate solutions are provided to problems. This stage may go two ways where the person may feel overwhelmed by the love and support they receive, whereas it is also possible that the individual may feel completely disillusioned and cynic. The individual may feel that they’re better all by themselves and need not depend on others. d yourself overwhelmed by emotions of fear, anxiety, stress. It is crucial that you have a treatment for PTSD as soon as possible. 

Usually, a person goes through four phases, however, they’re not fixed and can vary.

The four stages of PTSD are

• Impact 

This phase, also referred to as the ‘first outcry’ or ‘emergency stage’ occurs soon after a person has experienced a traumatic event. The person is in a state of shock where it becomes difficult to process the whole situation and come to terms with it. This stage may last for a few hours or even days, depending upon the severity of the event. In this stage, the instinctual ‘fight’ or ‘flight’ mode kicks in as a response to the situation.  A person becomes hypervigilant and is seen struggling with emotions, fear, anxiety, and stress.

• Denial 

This is the second stage of PTSD where an individual struggles with accepting the reality and come to terms with it. Not everyone who has PTSD goes through denial however, it is important to acknowledge, address denial during treatment. An individual is still dealing with the initial shock and will try to avoid difficult emotions such as pain, grief, sadness, anger, etc. Avoiding emotions is a classic way of the mind to reduce the high levels of stress and anxiety, however, bottling up emotions will only cause further harm to you in the end. Consult doctors for stress and anxiety to overcome these feelings. Post denial, despite your efforts to avoid the emotions, the person might face flashbacks or nightmares which reminds them of the trauma. Dealing with such intrusive nightmares or flashbacks can be difficult and many people become vulnerable to using stimulants like alcohol, drugs, cigarettes etc.  

• Intermediate recovery 

The denial stage is followed by the intermediate recovery phase where the individual finally confronts his/her emotions and beings the first step to recovering. Here the person puts in the efforts to return to the normal life again. 

• Long term Reconstruction 

While the person still might be dealing with the post-trauma effects, this is the stage that focuses on rebuilding oneself while dealing with personal problems. The negative symptoms of trauma such as nightmares, flashbacks, hyperarousal, anxiety, etc. are reduced through therapy and self-care. One learns the various coping mechanisms and moves on in life. While the traumatic event itself might not be forgotten but the grief and shock attached to it is reduced. Getting to this stage may take some time, but it is not impossible. With the care and love of your loved ones and constant support of doctors for PTSD, this condition can be treated. 

Learning that you have PTSD doesn’t make you weak. All you need is a proper neurocritical care and support of loved ones. Your focus should be on not losing hope or being weak, but instead coming out as a stronger individual.

by Dr Chandril Chugh