Category: Neurology

A intern’s journey in delivering tough diagnoses

I was an intern who had recently graduated from medical school with little hands-on experience when the patient signaled me to his bedside. Initially, I did a double-take, wondering if the man would be asking for me. I glanced anxiously at the morning …

Treating inflammation provides hope in the fight against Parkinson’s

The acceleration of new Parkinson’s disease cases outpaces other age-related conditions, and as a result, the patient population is growing quickly. In 2022 there were about 90,000 new diagnoses in the U.S., versus the previous prevailing estimat…

A dementia patient’s poignant return to childhood

I recently watched an Indian movie called The Three of Us, which revolves around a woman named Shelujah. She is in her late 30s, very charming, traditional, and intelligent. She works as a marriage counselor, leading a happy married life with one son s…

Ketones may be the key to unlocking a healthier brain

You’ve undoubtedly heard the buzzwords: ketogenic diet, intermittent fasting. I don’t have much of an opinion about what that all does for your waistline, but I venture to say that ketones may benefit your brain. Some doctors have recommend…

Lifelong learning: a game-changer in diagnosing dizziness

The eyes can’t see what the mind doesn’t yet know – an axiom to remind us not just of the value of lifelong learning, but that the answers are often in the exam room with us. Though bright and committed clinical people we may be, we’r…

The harsh reality of dementia

Dementia is a general term for diseases affecting memory, thinking, or decision-making, impacting daily activities. Someone in the world develops dementia, on average, every 3 seconds. That’s 10 million new cases of dementia each year worldwide. …

Protect your brain with a good night’s sleep

No one knows exactly why we need to sleep, but we certainly do. Although the brain can’t thrive on sleep alone, good sleep is an essential ingredient necessary to keep your brain functioning at its best. New research is shedding light on how a go…

Embracing the Huntington’s disease community

I had chosen a seat towards the back of the conference room because I noticed the legendary Jimmy Pollard sitting there. I didn’t want to miss the chance to sit next to this Huntington’s disease (HD) advocate and all-around amazing person. …

A mother’s healing love song

An excerpt from A Petit Mal. In ER, we are seen by French doctor, which is unusual and relevant because doctor asks boy if he likes any French soccer teams. Boy is wearing Italian soccer jersey. Yes, Paris Saint-Germain, boy says. Ah, doctor says, you …

Navigating the evidence-practice gap in concussion care

Despite a growing body of research and clinical guidelines, a significant evidence-practice gap persists in the management of concussions. This gap represents a challenge that health care professionals and researchers are working diligently to bridge. …