Lupus

 

What is Lupus?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its tissues and organs. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, or SLE, is the most common form of lupus. This condition affects various body parts, such as the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, and blood cells.

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The exact cause of lupus is unknown but is considered a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. Lupus is more common in women, particularly those of childbearing age, and tends to be more prevalent in certain racial and ethnic groups, such as people of African, Asian, Hispanic, and Native American descent.

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Symptoms of lupus can vary and be reoccurring. Because the symptoms of lupus mimic those of other diseases, diagnosing the condition is challenging. It is essential to seek medical care to develop a specific treatment plan and for regular monitoring.

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What causes Lupus?

Lupus is a complex and multifactorial condition with unknown direct causes. Potential sources of the disorder are genetic, environmental, hormonal, and epigenetic factors.

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Certain genes are associated with an increased risk of lupus. However, not every person with these genes will develop the condition, suggesting other elements influence its development. Environmental factors, such as UV radiation, infections, stress, and exposure to certain chemicals and medications, may also contribute to its advancement.

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Lupus is more common in women and often appears during reproductive years, suggesting specific hormones, such as estrogen, may be a determining component of the disease. Epigenetic changes, which affect gene expression without altering the DNA sequence, have also been implicated in its progression.

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What are the symptoms of Lupus?

Symptoms of lumps can vary in frequency and severity. Common disease symptoms include fatigue, skin rashes, fever, photosensitivity, chest pain, kidney problems, joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.

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Other symptoms experienced from the disorder are hair loss, mouth sores, swollen lymph nodes, and neurological problems, such as headaches, dizziness, memory issues, seizures, and vision trouble.

 

Another potential complication is Raynaud's phenomenon. This condition is where fingers and toes turn white or blue and feel cold, numb, or painful when exposed to low temperatures or stress.

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How is Lupus treated?

Treatment for lupus depends on the organs involved, symptoms experienced, and severity of the condition. The main goals are to reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, and prevent flares.

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Common treatments for lupus are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, antimalarial medicines, immunosuppressive agents, biological therapies, lifestyle changes, and symptom management.

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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, can help relieve pain and inflammation associated with lupus. NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. Corticosteroids like prednisone also help to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. The severity of the condition determines their use and dosage amount.

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Antimalarial drugs, including hydroxychloroquine, are used to manage lupus symptoms, particularly skin rashes and joint pain, and may help reduce flares. Immunosuppressive agents help suppress the immune system, preventing it from attacking healthy tissue. Examples of these medicines are azathioprine, methotrexate, and mycophenolate mofetil. They are often used for more severe cases or when other treatments are ineffective.

Biological therapies, such as belimumab, target specific areas of the immune system to help control inflammation. Lifestyle changes involving stress management, regular exercise, nutritious eating, and healthy sleep habits can improve overall well-being and reduce lupus symptoms.

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How does Lupus affect brain wellness?

Lupus can impact brain wellness in many forms, collectively called neuropsychiatric lupus, or NPSLE. Common ways lupus can affect brain wellness include cognitive dysfunction, mood disorders, headaches, migraines, seizures, stroke, inflammation, neuropathy, and psychosis. Cognitive dysfunction affecting memory, attention, and concentration can develop from the disease. This condition is often called "lupus fog" and may differ in severity. People with lupus may also experience mood disorders like depression and anxiety. These may be related to the physical and emotional impact of living with a chronic disease or a direct result of lupus affecting the brain.

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Lupus can also cause headaches, migraines, inflammation, and seizures resulting from abnormal electrical activity in the brain. There is an increased risk of stroke due to various factors, including inflammation, blood clotting disorders, and vasculitis, which is blood vessel inflammation. Strokes can lead to long-lasting neurological deficits and cognitive issues.

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Additionally, lupus can cause peripheral neuropathy, affecting the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, leading to pain, weakness, and sensory changes. In rare cases, it may cause psychosis, characterized by hallucinations and delusions.

 

How can Brain Frequency™ help?

The Brain Frequency™ AI system is an innovative therapeutic approach to improving brain health and wellness. We use proprietary science-based technology to promote optimal brain functioning across mental, emotional, physical, and social domains. Our diagnostic technology and individualized treatment protocols help decrease or eliminate trauma-related symptoms and various mental health disorders.

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The Brain Frequency™ 3 Step Treatment Process consists of; first, performing a Baseline EEG and completing Psychometric Assessments; second, conducting a Brain Frequency Consultation; and third, Initiating Treatment.

An Electroencephalogram (EEG) analyzes brain waves and produces a brain map identifying current and optimal frequencies in 19 areas of the brain. Based on the individualized brain map, Brain Frequency™ will determine possible diagnoses of various mental health disorders or brain trauma for the provider to consider during treatment. Brain Frequency™ AI software provides clinicians with an "Approval Ready" treatment plan using personalized protocols based on each patient's needs.

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Those suffering from symptoms of lupus can efficiently and effectively improve their brain health and wellness by using the Brain Frequency™ AI system. Our innovative system drastically reduces the time needed to properly diagnose and construct treatment plans leading to a faster recovery and greater quality of life.

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RESOURCES

 

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/

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Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA): https://www.hrsa.gov/

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National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov/

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Center For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/

American Psychological Association (APA): https://www.apa.org/

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National Institutes of Health (NIH): https://www.nih.gov/

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National Suicide Prevention Line: https://988lifeline.org/

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National Library of Medicine: https://medlineplus.gov/

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Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/

 

WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/ 

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