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Archive for Health Tips – Page 5

Migraines: When is it time to see a doctor?

By silverstate neurology · Comments (0)
Friday, April 13th, 2018

Migraines are large throbbing pains in the head and neck that is often very severe. Migraines can affect a specific side of the head and can be so bothersome that it causes nausea or vision impairments. The feeling is an intense pain pulsating that can cause vomiting and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. It is a neurological disorder that can involve the chemical activity in your brain, nerves or blood.

It’s hard to tell how long migraines will last.  Some migraines can last a few hours and much more severe ones can last for days. The pain of a migraine can be disabling and prevent you from your daily activities and functions. Aura is a warning symptom that some people experience before a migraine. These can occur during the migraine as well.

Migraines can be treated to prevent migraines and make them less painful. Talk to your Las Vegas Neurologist about your options to treat your migraines if you are having trouble finding relief.

Symptoms of Migraines

Migraines can often run in the family and it affects people of all ages. Migraines begin in childhood or in early adulthood for some people. If you have a family history of migraines, you are in risk of having it. Symptoms for migraines can be caught before you experience it. This is known as the prodrome stage. Symptoms to look out for during prodrome:

  • Food cravings
  • Mood changes such as depression
  • Fatigue and frequent yawning
  • Hyperactivity
  • Irritability
  • Neck stiffness
  • Constipation

Aura

Aura is a warning symptom that you can get after the prodrome stage and right before a migraine. Aura can cause problems in your vision, movement and even your speech. There are a lot of people who experience migraines with aura but if you experience these examples, it is likely you have migraine aura:

  • Difficulty speaking
  • Tingling sensations in body
  • Visualizing light flashes and/or bright spots
  • Vision loss
  • Body weakness or numbness

Migraines vs. Headaches

Headaches are pains in your head that involve pressure and aching. The pain of headache is mild, and you feel it on more sides of your head than one specific spot. Common areas that people feel headaches are forehead, temples and the back of the neck. They typically don’t last as long as migraines. Migraines last longer and are much more severe. There are instances where migraines can be so severe that you can find yourself going to the emergency room. They have far more effects than a headache including: vomiting, nausea, vision loss and disturbing long-lasting pain.

When to see your Neurologist

Sometimes it can be difficult to decide when it’s time to see a doctor. Migraines are painful and severe but they are not dangerous which can add to the difficulty in deciding when to see a doctor. It’s important to pay attention to the symptoms you are experiencing. Sometimes migraine symptoms can also be symptoms of other conditions that would lead to much more serious issues.

Seek consultation from a doctor if:

  • Your migraines are severe or begin suddenly
  • You experience migraines much more frequently and they worsen
  • If your speech, health and vision are impaired
  • Coughing or sneezing causes or triggers a migraine

Contact your Las Vegas Neurologist if you are experiencing migraines that are severe and prevent you from functioning normally throughout your day!

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Categories : Blog, Brain Health, Health Tips, las vegas neurologist, Las Vegas neurology clinic, Migraines, stress, stress relief
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Understanding Parkinson’s Disease

By silverstate neurology · Comments (0)
Monday, April 9th, 2018

Parkinson’s disease is a disorder that affects mostly neurons in a specific area of the brain and causes problems with certain nerve cells within the brain. Parkinson’s disease affects the way you move. Symptoms usually develop more and move over time but some may develop sooner than others. The type of symptoms and how fast they progress differ for each person. The disease is very diverse and can be experienced differently by some.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease:

  • Tremor, mainly at rest and described as shaking in the hands, legs, face and jaw
  • Slowness of movements (bradykinesia)
  • Muscle/Limb rigidity
  • Difficulty walking/balance problems

The nerve cells make an important chemical called dopamine which sends signals to the part of the brain that controls your movement. This chemical allows you to move freely and allows your muscles to do what you want them to do. Parkinson’s disease affects these nerve cells by breaking them down. The less dopamine you have, the less you can control your movements. While this is something that can affect the way you live your life, there are treatments that can control it and still allow you to live a full life. If you know a family member or friend that is experiencing symptoms, contact your Las Vegas Neurologist for further steps on treating it.

The cause for Parkinson’s is still unknown and a cure has yet to be discovered. There are a variety of treatment options for Parkinson’s that can relieve some of the symptom. Medications and surgery are usually the two most common treatments. The disease can affect your life in a serious matter and can worsen and lead to other complications, however it is not a fatal disease.

Parkinson’s Disease and its Progression

Parkinson’s disease does not mean the best quality of life is not possible for you. By first understanding the disease, the options you have and how it can progress over time, you can prevent the disease from affecting and controlling your life.

Parkinson’s Disease can affect your walking and talking. It is usually affects people over the age of 60 but can affect people under the age of 50. Some people may experience the disease progressing much quicker than others. Everyone experiences it differently. While tremor is one of the first and most commonly experienced symptom, it is best to be aware of it when it happens. The most important step is not to overlook the symptoms. Some symptoms don’t always directly point to Parkinson’s. It is beneficial to observe and be aware of how often these symptoms occur, the severity of it and understanding when it’s time to visit your Las Vegas Neurologist.

During the later stages of Parkinson’s Disease, people feel more muscle changes in the body. People with PD will experience problems  swallowing food and drinks or constipation. Most people will begin to have a fixed or blanked expression, trouble speaking and sometimes this disease can lead to dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

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Categories : Blog, Brain Health, Health Tips, las vegas neurologist, Las Vegas neurology clinic, Parkinson's Disease, Silver State Neurology

Maintaining your Brain Health

By silverstate neurology · Comments (0)
Wednesday, March 28th, 2018

Maintaining brain health is often taken for granted. Many assume that there isn’t much maintenance you have to do, but it is just as important as any part of your body; it is actually one of the most important parts of your body. Your brain plays a special role in everything you do from your personality, memory, education or work. Since your brain controls many aspects of your life, it’s important to know that it should be taken care of.

As you get older, your brain needs more maintenance. You feel stress much more intensely, have a harder time connecting things, and your brain simply gets tired. Prevention is key in making sure your brain doesn’t slow down earlier on! Everything from exercise, nutrition, social interactions and more can affect your brain on a daily basis. Being aware of it is the next biggest thing to remember when  maintaining your brain health.

Exercise Mentally and Physically

Exercise is known to maintain health in all aspects. Not only does exercise in a routinely basis reduce risk of physical health disease, but it improves your overall quality of life. You will notice your energy levels increase and your entire well-being improving along with your brain. It improves your quality of sleep and provides better balance in your life. Exercise not only affects your body positively but it is likely you will avoid depression and anxiety. Reading and playing games that challenge your mind can also improve your brain’s memory to avoid getting diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Our ability to interact with other socially is also a way to reduce the amount of stress that can affect the brain. Being secluded or isolated can sometimes promote depression or anxiety which eventually strains the brain. Social networks is another way to decrease the chances of dementia.

Healthy Eating Habits

It is often said that paying attention to the food your body consumes is essential in health, however, understanding why we eat and what we eat can influence our health and longevity in your life. You are what you eat after all! It’s not a matter of giving up the unhealthy foods, but making sure you are properly getting the nutrients your body needs to maintain its health. That is especially true for your brain health. Certain foods can reduce the risks of disorders or diseases your brain can develop over time. Fruits and vegetables are an easy addition to your diet that can make a huge difference. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be a chore, nor does it have to be difficult. You can get creative with your meals and practice making dishes that are rich in nutrients. You don’t have to sacrifice the flavor of your meal just to be healthy. Healthy foods are just as tasty!

Getting Enough Sleep

When you’re young, you think sleep isn’t as valuable and you could do without much of it. Getting at least 6 hours of sleep a nigh can help you manage the stress better, gives you more energy and even boosts your immune system. Anything less than 6 hours of sleep can affect your mood, make you feel tired throughout the day and can make your brain undergo a lot of stress. Sleep is an essential part in making sure your brain is healthy from risks of memory diseases, and other mental disorders.

Stay Aware of Health Risks

Always be aware of the things that can be harmful to your brain. Stress is part of your everyday life and will likely always be part of your life. Managing stress by understanding what your brain needs can help reduce the effects of it. Don’t put your brain under any mental strain if it doesn’t have to be. Drastic lifestyle changes don’t need to happen as long as you are being cautious of what you do to your body whether it be consuming large amounts of unhealthy foods constantly, not exercising and not having healthy sleepy habits. While the rest of your body is very important, don’t be too focused on the other areas that you forget about what your brain needs. Your Las Vegas Neurologist will be able to provide you more information on keeping your brain healthy.

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Categories : Blog, Brain Food, Brain Health, brain stress, Health Tips, stress relief
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Seasonal Allergies: How to Control it

By silverstate neurology · Comments (0)
Tuesday, March 27th, 2018

It’s that time of the year where the flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, the weather is cool and calm, and the seasonal allergies are in the air. Spring is an exciting time for everyone! You can finally dress warmer and go outside and enjoy the beauty of Spring. The downfall is, you begin to sneeze, your eyes get irritated and your nose is runny every day. Spring is great and all, until you become one of the people affected by the allergies that come with it!

As beautiful as Spring may be, it is difficult for some to transition into a new season. Some suffer terrible allergies which ultimately makes it difficult to enjoy the season at all. Depending where you live, the pollen in the air, the weather conditions and more can really affect your allergies. Your allergies can even turn into a cold. When you know allergy season is strong for you, it’s important to take precaution and prevent or treat your allergies correctly since they can affect your brain health.

Allergies can affect your brain health

Brain health can be affected by nearly anything. While some may take allergies lightly, it can cause “brain fog” which is a hazy and tired feeling that makes it difficult for people to concentrate. Allergies essentially affect your nose and sinuses which makes it difficult to think, function and perform properly. If you take the right steps to control your seasonal allergies, you will likely not have to experience brain fog. Should you experience more symptoms in your brain health this Spring, contact your Las Vegas Neurologist for more information.

Tips to control and treat your allergies

Staying indoors can help you when the amount of pollen in the air is high. Some don’t think pollen can influence you getting allergies, but it sure does. If you live in a place high in plants and blooming flowers everywhere, it might be best to spend a few days at home. Windy days can be common during Spring, it is particularly important to stay indoors if the pollen levels are high and the days is windier than usual. You will find your nose and eyes will get irritated the most, should you be outdoors during an extremely windy day. If you wear contacts, it is also best to keep your eyes protected and prevent irritation especially since your eyes can get dry with contacts in.

Take medicine even if you think that your allergy is minor. If you know that you easily get allergies, take medicine before you experience any symptoms. It is way better to prevent yourself from getting allergies than preventing it from getting worse. At that point, it is harder to treat it and it will be more difficult to get rid of. Take medicine and train your body to fight off the allergies as much as possible.

Dress warm even if you think Spring means warmer weather. Winter is over, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe to wear less. If you keep yourself warm during windy and overcast days, you are still making sure your health is being taken care of. Don’t assume that winter is completely over. There are still going to be days where it will be cold, and you should watch out for it!

Visit your Las Vegas Neurologist when your allergies worsen and affect your overall mental and physical health. Some don’t think that it’s worth it to see a doctor with allergies. But there are some medications that can help alleviate the symptoms you are experiencing. Don’t let allergies stop you from enjoying a brand new and fun season to be outside.

If you are cooped up inside in the Spring, are you really enjoying the season if you’re indoors? Allergies can be a nuisance but doesn’t have to be something you spend your entire season battling. Get your allergies under control and spend the rest of the season enjoying it outside!

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Categories : Blog, Brain Health, Health Tips, Silver State Neurology
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Stress- How it can affect the Brain

By silverstate neurology · Comments (0)
Thursday, March 15th, 2018

Stress is one of the major health issues many Americans experience. Stress can largely affect a person’s brain in more ways than you would think. In short, stress is not entirely bad, but if it is not managed or controlled, one can have negative and harmful effects on the body and brain. Everyone feels stressed at times, but sometimes there are moments in our lives that take a huge toll and overwhelm us. This causes a lot of tension in our bodies.

Stress takes on many forms:

  • Pressure in demanding work
  • Arguments with a family member or loved one
  • Rocky home environments
  • Lack of time
  • Money issues

    • Stress is good in a way that helps you perform under intense circumstances and motivates you to learn to manage your time and work better altogether. It can improve your skills in the long run. If a high level of stress and feeling overwhelmed is ongoing every minute of each day, your body is not balanced and you could begin to have stronger signs of having chronic stress. Ultimately, it can have harmful effects altogether.

    Anyone struggling with coping and managing stress, or experiencing high levels of chronic stress, visit your Las Vegas neurologist for more information, diagnosis or treatments for what you are feeling.

    What happens to the brain when it’s stressed?


    Stress can cause the release of adrenaline which increases the amount of sugar in your blood. This leads to an increase in your heart rate and blood pressure. The brain’s hypothalamus sends signals to the pituitary gland telling it to release a stress hormone called cortisol. When your cortisol levels are too high and have been prolonged, it can affect the immune system overall resulting in decreasing the amount of brain cells.

    Overall changes to the body from prolonged stress:

  • Blood pressure rises
  • Can cause stroke
  • Memory impairment
  • Immune activity decrease
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Digestive system slows down

    • Things that can influence your stress levels:

    Your group of friends and family: Shaving a strong support system is important when feelings of stress rise. When you have people that can easily lift your spirits and lighten your mood after feeling overwhelmed, it is easier to wind down and balance your levels. A person that is alone and isolated can easily trigger the brain to feel emotional and physical stress.

    Your motto in life: The way you see your challenges can influence your manner in taking control over it. Being optimistic and positive can help you get through tougher obstacles. If you are vulnerable and sensitive, it is likely stress will control you. Living a life embracing challenges and making light of situations will make it easier for you when stressful situations arise.

    Learn how to deal with your own emotions: Sometimes all it takes to feel less stressed is for you to take a deep breath, recollect and calm yourself back down. You can increase your stress tolerance by being able to identify with your emotions and being able to control that part of yourself. Many people struggle with their emotions and can at times, let their emotions bring more stress.

    Getting enough rest: Sleep is important to keep the brain functioning properly and healthy. Chronic stress can affect your sleep, so it is important to normalize your sleeping patterns.

    Eating healthy: For your brain to stay healthy, it needs nutrients to keep it balanced, nourished and overall in control of your emotions and stresses. If your brain does not get the nutrients it needs, it is likely that your mood and ability to deal with stress mentally can be affected.

    Visit your Las Vegas neurologist to address concerns you may have regarding any negative affects on your brain that could be triggered from your stress.

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    Categories : Blog, Brain Health, brain stress, Headaches, Health Tips, las vegas neurologist, Las Vegas neurology clinic, Migraines, Silver State Neurology, Sleep Disorders, stress
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