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Prevention is Key

By silverstate neurology · Comments (0)
Friday, April 20th, 2018

Maintaining and improving your health is important in preventing your body and especially brain to encounter issues as you age. With preventive tips and care, maintaining a healthy brain is possible. The first step in giving your health the attention it needs is never avoiding symptoms. While not all symptoms should be taken too seriously, it is important to be aware of all types of symptoms. Making a consistent trip to the doctor for a check up is one way of confirming your health is where it needs to be.

Prevention refers to the maintenance and care you are putting towards your wellness and overall health. Many people don’t pay attention to their health nor do they take preventive measures to ensure the healthiest life possible. Preventive care does not always refer to just physical activity. Physical activity is only one of the many ways to regularly maintain health. Working to be proactive towards your body and brain will help you as you age.

Preventive Care Tips:

Take precaution when the flu is in season & take care of yourself when you catch it. It is inevitable that we will get sick a few times a year. Most of the time, we get sick due to lack of vitamin c or other nutrients needed to keep our body strong against infectious bacteria. An easy way to prevent yourself from catching a cold is simply by making sure you are giving your body the nutrients it needs including: vegetables, fruits, and other healthy food options. When we are sick, sometimes we don’t give our bodies the opportunity to recover. Take a day off from work, cancel your weekend plans, whatever it takes to ensure your body is going to receive the rest it needs to recover and heal. Overworking your body while it is weak during a cold make your sickness worse and could lead to your body weakening as the time passes instead of strengthening.

Change your Lifestyle Habits. When you’re young, you have more energy and think your body can withstand many things. While that is mostly true, it doesn’t happen without the help you. As you grow older, preventive measures matter more. Eating anything and sleeping however little hours and not caring about your body does not work anymore. Start making time to take care of yourself. Exercise is a naturally preventive care that helps both your physical body and your brain. Make it a priority to sleep at a reasonable time and a minimum of 7 to 8 hours. Not getting enough sleep can cause a lot of mental stress and can often lead to sleep disorders. Choose a few meals low in sugar, fats and cholesterol. This can help with preventing Alzheimer’s.

Build social networks. Having strong ties with friends and family will help in lower blood pressure and keep you happier in your life. Most people de-stress by being around people. When you keep things bottled in, it can affect your mental health and cause you to trigger migraines and even sleep disorders.

What risks can Preventive Care reduce?

Preventive care can reduce chances of stroke, heart disease, memory loss and other neurological problems. Many people fear visiting a doctor, but visiting your Las Vegas Neurologist to ensure you are healthy will give you peace of mind and if there is something wrong, you will find out and take measures to treating it. Here at Silver State Neurology, we care about all your concerns, questions and overall well-being. Contact us today to address any of your concerns!

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

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

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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    Multiple Sclerosis Awareness

    By silverstate neurology · Comments (0)
    Monday, March 5th, 2018

    March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month! More than 400,000 Americans of almost all ages are affected by Multiple Sclerosis. Everyday, people with this condition are not letting it affect their lives. By sharing their stories, many can better understand a life with it. Our Las Vegas neurologist is working to push awareness throughout this month.

    What is MS?

    Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. The cause of multiple sclerosis is unknown but our Las Vegas neurologist best practice is to diagnose it as soon as possible and treat it.

    Symptoms:

    • Pain areas: in the back or eyes
    • Pain circumstances: can occur in the back due to head nod or with eye movement
    • Tremor: can occur during precise movements, in the hands, or limbs
    • Muscular: cramping, difficulty walking, inability to rapidly change motions, involuntary movements, muscle paralysis, muscle rigidity, muscle weakness, problems with coordination, stiff muscles, clumsiness, muscle spasms, or overactive reflexes
    • Whole body: fatigue, dizziness, heat intolerance, poor balance, vertigo, or weakness
    • Sensory: pins and needles, abnormality of taste, reduced sensation of touch, or uncomfortable tingling and burning
    • Urinary: excessive urination at night, leaking of urine, persistent urge to urinate, or urinary retention
    • Visual: blurred vision, double vision, or vision loss
    • Sexual: erectile dysfunction or sexual dysfunction
    • Mood: anxiety or mood swings
    • Speech: slurred speech or impaired voice
    • Also common: constipation, depression, difficulty swallowing, difficulty thinking and understanding, flare, headache, heavy legs, numbness of face, rapid involuntary eye movement, sleep deprivation, tongue numbness, or difficulty raising the foot

     

    Diagnosis and Treatment:

    There is no specific test for MS, usually after certain symptoms reveal, our Las Vegas neurologist will likely tests such as:

    • Blood Tests- to help rule out other disease with symptoms similar to MS.
    • Lumbar puncture- small sample of fluid is removed from your spinal cord for laboratory analysis which can show abnormalities in antibodies that are associated with MS.
    • MRI- this can reveal areas of MS on your brain and spinal cord. You may receive an intravenous injection of a contrast material to highlight lesions that indicate your disease is in an active phase.
    • Evoked potential tests- in other words record the electrical signals produced by your nervous system in response to stimuli. This may use visual stimuli or electrical stimuli, in which you watch a moving visual pattern, or short electrical impulses are applied to nerves in your legs or arms. Electrodes measure how quickly the information travels down your nerve pathways.

     

    There is a great number of people in the US who are not as aware of Multiple Sclerosis and many other diseases altogether. Spreading awareness in big or small ways makes a big difference in the community. How are you spreading awareness?

    Tips in Spreading Awareness for MS:

    • Follow your Las Vegas neurologist to find out more information on various conditions!
    • Wear orange to represent the disease and share with others what the color symbolizes!
    • Join a MS support group, our Las Vegas neurologist actively does this.
    • Volunteer in many MS events throughout the month for support, fundraisers, and helping others with this condition.
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    Categories : Blog, las vegas neurologist, Las Vegas neurology clinic, multiple sclerosis, Silver State Neurology
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