Archive for November, 2011

0
29
Nov

New Study Attributes PTSD In Soldiers To Inner Feelings Of Guilt

November 29, 2011

A study by the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and the United States Marine Corps (USMC) has collected data that shows the main reason returning soldiers suffer from mental health disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is because of internal conflicts and feelings of shame and guilt.

KSDK News reported last week that the study pulled its data from nearly 2, 600 returning Marines and Sailors. Researchers found that the soldiers were more scarred by their own inner moral dilemmas than by the actual sights of combat. Most servicemen reported what is referred to as “survivor’s guilt.” This is a feeling of guilt and shame for living through an attack in which others died, or for witnessing/participating in the accidental killings of innocent civilians.

The idea of “moral injuries” is fairly new to the world of psychiatry, but is under close examination by the VA due to the fact that half of all men and women who served in Iraq and Afghanistan that are being treated have been diagnosed with PTSD. Symptoms can include nightmares, numbness to the world, mood swings, violence, and suicide.

The only way to overcome the disorders, says psychiatrist, researcher, and retired Navy Captain, Bill Nash, is for the soldiers to forgive themselves.

The Missouri Veterans Benefits Attorneys with Cofman Townsley are here to help any veteran get the benefits they deserve for serving their country. We are available to answer any question you may have about your case by filling out a free initial consultation form.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Bookmark and Share
0
22
Nov

FDA Revokes Approval Of Avastin For Treatment Of Breast Cancer

November 22, 2011

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner, Margaret Hamburg, announced last Friday that the agency has revoked its approval of the drug Avastin for treatment of breast cancer patients. KSDK 5 News reported last week that Hamburg confirmed the decision was made based on a lack of evidence that the drug improves patient survival rates on top of the serious side effects the drug may have.

Avastin received “accelerated approval” in 2008 for the treatment of breast cancer after the drug’s manufacturer, Genentech, Inc., cited promising results found in a 2005 early clinical study of the drug. The FDA required that Genentech to provide a double blind study with results showing improved survival rates of patients. Unfortunately, the results of the study found patients taking the drug had lower survival rates. Patients treated with placebo and Taxotere, another cancer drug, lived for 31.9 months on average; whereas patients treated with Avastin and Taxotere lived for 30.8 months at a low Avastin dose and 30.2 months at a high Avastin dose.

The drug is also known to have a serious side effect known as Gastrointestinal (GI) perforation, a condition in which a hole develops in the stomach, small intestine, or large intestine. Symptoms include pain, nausea, vomiting, and could result in death.

The Missouri Drug Injury Lawyers with Cofman Townsley encourage patients to research any drugs their doctor recommends them to take before starting a regimen of medication. If you have suffered from a drug injury, contact a lawyer immediately to evaluate your case.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Bookmark and Share
0
15
Nov

Missouri Hospital Begins Study On New Sleep Apnea Treatment

November 15, 2011

A Chesterfield, Missouri, hospital has announced its intentions to conduct clinical trials on a new medical device used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). KSDK News reported that St. Luke’s Sleep Medicine and Research Center announced yesterday that it has begun enrolling participants for the trials.

The study will look at the safety and effectiveness of the Apnex Hypoglossal Stimulation System, an implanted device that activates the muscles in the upper airway by electrical impulse to ensure that the airway stays open during sleep. Researchers hope that the new treatment will be beneficial for patients who have trouble sleeping while using common treatment methods like Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), which requires the patient to wear a mask strapped around their head, like a fighter pilot, that will continually pump oxygen into the airway.

Those who are interested in learning if they qualify for the Apnex Clinical Study may call 888-975-3370 or visit the website. Qualified participants will receive the medical device and care free of charge.

While this treatment may be a dream come true for some patients, caution should be heeded. Trial research like this is conducted in order to pinpoint problems and isn’t guaranteed to be safe.

This is why the Missouri Defective Medical Device Attorneys with Cofman Townsley would urge anyone considering participation in a medical device study to consult an attorney to learn your rights as a patient before giving your consent to take part.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Bookmark and Share
0
8
Nov

Missouri Prepares For Emergency Alert System Test

November 8, 2011

With the nation preparing for the testing of the National Emergency Alert System (EAS) tomorrow, officials in the state of Missouri are hoping residents will take the opportunity to update their emergency preparation kits. According to ABC 8 News, the system test will commence in Missouri at 1:00 PM Wednesday.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced in a June press release that it had partnered with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) in an effort to assess the reliability and effectiveness of the EAS. Although the system is tested weekly and monthly at local and state levels respectively, an assessment of the entire system has never been done. The agencies hope the testing will show areas for improvement.

In an effort to operate a faster and smoother chain of communication, President Barack Obama has delegated what is normally his task of activating the system to the director of FEMA.

Missouri officials have asked their residents to use the warning as a reminder to check for expired items, such as food, batteries, and medical supplies, in your home’s emergency preparation kit. They say you should stock pile enough supplies to survive without food or power for three days.

The Missouri Personal Injury Lawyers with Cofman Townsley would like to hear from you. What goes into your emergency preparation kit? Will the testing of the EAS be beneficial? Tell us what you think by posting to our Facebook page.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Bookmark and Share
0
1
Nov

Missouri Teen Injured By Noose In Haunted House Attraction

November 1, 2011

A Halloween attraction in Fenton, Missouri, almost turned deadly last week for an employee who got tangled in a prop noose. According to Channel 4 News, the girl is recovering after being found unconscious inside the attraction Thursday night.

Investigators say the 17-year-old girl somehow became entangled in the noose inside one of the seven Creepyworld attractions. An employee who checks on the safety of all the actors in the facility found the girl and immediately called 911 after freeing her. Paramedics were able to stabilize the girl long enough to get her to a hospital where she was listed in “critical but guarded” condition in the intensive care unit over the weekend. Today, authorities say the girl is still recovering.

Whether you are a factory worker or an actor in a haunted house, by law, employers are required to ensure they safety of all employees while on the job. If you are injured, law, again requires employers to cover the cost of your medical expenses, but that doesn’t mean they always are willing to pay it. This is when you need to talk to a lawyer.

The Missouri Workers’ Compensation Attorneys with Cofman Townsley Injury Lawyers often handle cases where victims were injured while on the job. Contact us immediately by filling out a free online consultation form to discuss any questions you may have regarding your case.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Bookmark and Share