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What You Should Know About Epilepsy – Epilepsy Awareness Month

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

November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month. Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes seizures, but not everyone with epilepsy experiences seizures. There are other symptoms that they may experience instead. Because there are a lot of misconceptions and misunderstandings regarding epilepsy, November is the perfect time to talk about it and clear the air. One in 10 people will experience a seizure within their life time, and one in 26 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy. It is a very common condition that affects over 3 million people in the United States.

 

Basics of Epilepsy

When a person has epilepsy, certain chemical and electrical activity in the brain is disturbed which can cause seizures. It affects people at every age and every ethnic background. While seizures are a common symptom of epilepsy, other behaviors can also occur such as shaking, wandering about, chewing quickly, staring blankly into space, walking in circles, confusion, and more. This is because epilepsy affects different parts of the brain. What makes epilepsy a tricky disorder is the fact that the cause varies and is sometimes unknown. It can be inherited, it can be caused by brain damage, or it is caused by a multitude of other reasons. A Las Vegas neurologist may be able to help you find the cause of your condition.

 

Learn the Specifics

If you know someone with epilepsy, here are several details you may want to learn about their condition specifically:

  • Do they take anti-epileptic medication? If so, when do they take them and how often?
  • Do they have a medical bracelet, identification card, or jewelry with information on how to help them?
  • What type of seizures do they experience and how often do they usually occur?
  • How long do their seizures last and are they triggered by something such as stress, sunlight, smoke or scents?
  • Do they recover from their seizure quickly and is there anyone they would like for you to notify?

 

It’s a good idea to learn about epilepsy, especially if you know someone with the condition. Epilepsy is a chronic condition that can be challenging at times. Help the individual by informing yourself about the condition. Put their mind at ease, expand your knowledge, and study some of these useful tips.

 

Types of Seizures

There are two types of seizures that affect the brain: generalized seizures and focal seizures. Generalized seizures affect both sides of the brain and come in two forms:

  • Absence seizures – causes rapid blinking or staring into space
  • Tonic-clonic seizures: can cause a person to lose consciousness, fall, cry, jerk or experience muscle spasms

Focal seizures occur in just one area of the brain and include three types:

  • Simple focal seizures – causes twitching or a change in taste or smell
  • Complex focal seizures – causes confusion and prevents the individual from responding
  • Secondary generalized seizures – begins in one part of the brain but spreads to both sides

Seizures can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. They may look different than how one would expect, so it is good to learn how to recognize difference types of seizures.

 

What to Do When Someone Has a Seizure

  • Make sure the person is safe and do not leave them until after they have recovered
  • If they are experiencing convulsions, turn them on their side
  • Cushion their head and help loosen any tight clothing that may get in the way
  • Avoid putting anything in their mouth or holding them down
  • Look for any identification card or medical jewelry they may be wearing
  • Begin timing their seizure; if it lasts longer than five minutes, call 911

After a seizure, it is important to stay with the person and reassure them of their safety. They may be disoriented and frightened. Explain what happened and offer your assistance.

 

Life with Epilepsy

Although epilepsy is a life-changing condition, most people with epilepsy can still live completely normal lives. Most people with epilepsy can participate in activities that people without the condition participate in. While they may face more challenges, they can still go to school, work, and travel. It may take some time to adjust to specific necessities, but for the most part, people with epilepsy lead regular lives.

 

Treatment for Epilepsy

Epileptic seizures can be controlled with medication but it would have to depend on a few factors. Medication will vary depending on age, health, how often seizures occur, and how severe they are. 70% of people control their seizures through medication. If you are considering medication for your epileptic seizures, it may be a good idea to see a Las Vegas neurologist. Dr. Christopher Milford at Silver State Neurology can assist with treating symptoms of epilepsy. Other treatment options can include surgery, vagus nerve stimulation, or even through a ketogenic diet. Consult a neurologist in Las Vegas for treatment options today.

 

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Tips for Training Your Brain

By silverstate neurology · Comments (0)
Wednesday, October 10th, 2018

The brain is the most powerful component of the body because it allows it to function. The brain is responsible for how you think, feel, and act within your surroundings. It controls everything that you do even when you’re asleep. Damage to any particular part of the brain could cause a neurological condition and change the way you think and act. If you have a neurological condition or experience symptoms of one, it is best to see a Las Vegas neurologist. On October 13th, it is National Train Your Brain Day. It is a day to help acknowledge brain function and celebrate your brain power.

Celebrating National Train Your Brain Day

Dedicate the day to establish goals and start building your brain power. Improve your cognitive function and avoid the feeling of brain fog. Train your brain to exceed its potential. While the brain is not a muscle, you can still contribute to its efficiency by putting in a little bit of work every single day. Your brain continues to evolve even as you age and doing the right activities can help you get your brain into better shape. Here are some tips for training your brain:

Tip #1: Exercise

Exercise helps boost your brain power and clear up your thinking. Research shows that regular physical exercise helps improve memory recall, concentration, attention t detail, and even problem solving. A great way to get in your exercise is to take a walk around your neighborhood or go for a swim. Taking a workout class at your local recreational center or gym might also be a fun way to meet new people and learn some names while you get some cardio. The right activity will help you think, process, and learn while you exercise.

Tip #2: Learn A New Instrument

Music has a great impact on sensory processes, but science also shows that musical training can change brain function and structure. It improves long-term memory and better brain development. People who know how to play music are more tactile and have better reaction times. Learning a new instrument integrates visual, auditory, and physical senses. It requires the use of fine motor skills and strengthens reading skills. Pick up that old guitar and start learning some chords. It will make you happy, reduce your anxiety and strengthen your brain’s ability to process and retain information.

Tip #3: Eat Brain Food

The right diet will fuel your brain to function at its best. Rich fatty acids help neurons in your brain. It is also important to hydrate because your brain is nearly 80% water. When your brain isn’t properly hydrated, it will take significantly more time to complete a task than when you have had enough water.

Tip #4: Try Photography

Photography is not just a creative activity, it also has a technical aspect that can be mentally-challenging. Evidence shows that mentally-challenging hobbies or activities can actually help change brain function and restore youth-like levels of brain activity. It’s time to tinker with a digital camera and try processing images on a photo-editing software. These activities require logical reasoning and abstract thinking. It will challenge you to tackle the unfamiliar. Research shows that difficult activities help improve memory more than passive activities.

Tip #5: Practice Memorization

Whether it’s a song, a quote, or a new vocabulary word, it’s important to acknowledge the part of your brain that controls your memory. Remember that your brain requires maintenance and part of that is processing and retaining new information. With recent technological advancements, we come across a lot of information in our day-to-day lives. It is important to sit down and try to memorize useful tidbits that help us maintain our brain function. Start with a new line from a song every morning, and quiz yourself at the end of the day to see how well you remember it.

Consistency is Key

Practice doesn’t just make perfect; practice makes it permanent. Being consistent with these activities is how you boost your brain power. Doing it for one day will not help train your brain. It is important to use this day to set new goals for yourself to keep your mind and brain as active as possible. Keep to your commitment and make it a priority to continue learning even as you grow older. Give your brain the chance to develop and change to help it function at its optimal performance. If you still feel like your brain health is not at it’s best, it may be best to consult a Las Vegas neurologist. Seeing a neurologist in Las Vegas will help you treat symptoms you may be experiencing due to poor brain health.

Receive a blend of neurology, psychology, pain management, orthopedics and physical therapy at Silver State Neurology in Las Vegas. Dr. Christopher Milford and the staff at Silver State Neurology are focused on being the best medical support team for every patient. They offer state of the art neurological care in Las Vegas. Celebrate National Train Your Brain Day and increase your brain power.

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Meditation Improves Brain Health

By silverstate neurology · Comments (0)
Monday, April 30th, 2018

Meditation is a technique that improves brain health and your overall quality of life. The practice of meditation is not as popular as it should be! Meditation induces relaxation in the body and redirects your mind to focus and create better thoughts. Some use this technique to reduce stress and improve concentration. Many people who mediate benefit greatly from it from a mental and cardiovascular stand point.

Benefits of Meditation

  • Reduces Stress
  • Improves Concentration
  • Creates balance
  • Encourages healthy living
  • Increase overall happiness
  • Induces relaxation throughout body

    • Meditation and the Brain

    As mentioned above, meditation can be very beneficial towards the health of your brain. Your brain needs behaviors that help it stay balanced. Just like your body, it needs exercise, nutrition and care to keep it healthy. If you have never tried meditation, it is generally a harmless activity. Whether you spend 15 minutes to 1 hour, it makes a huge difference in your quality of life.

    Meditation trains your mind similarly in the way that fitness workouts train your body to be stronger. At first, it can seem a little strange and difficult since you are sitting down and thinking. But in time, you will be able to train your mind, create balance and improve your concentration, starting with focusing on your breathing! Many people forget that brain health depends on your daily habits.

    While mediation isn’t the only way to give your brain a routine that will keep it healthy, it is a way that is often overlooked. The brain can undergo a lot of different emotions of stress, feelings of anxiety or depression, which can be decreased with a way of a more balanced atmosphere. Sometimes, we forget to breathe in the midst of all the stress and emotions. A simple meditation session can calm your body and mind.

    Meditation for Beginners

    Meditation is a physical activity in which you concentrate by sitting or lying down comfortably, closing your eyes and simply breathing. Below are simple tips for meditating if it’s your first time.

  • Start with a position you will be comfortable in, either sitting or laying down. You may want to consider a comfortable cushion!
  • Close your eyes and focus.
  • Deep breaths, naturally and do not control it.
  • Focus on nothing else except your breathing and your body movements along with it.
  • Should your mind wander, redirect and focus on your breathing again, continue for as long as you can.

    • There are many types of meditation but the most important thing to remember when giving it a try is to focus, embrace the silence, be comfortable in posture and to focus as much as you can. With these simple steps, you will feel a sense of relief and your brain will become much more relaxed. This technique is a great preventative care measure to promote and maintain a healthy brain and lifestyle.

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    American Heart Month – Heart Health Awareness

    By silverstate neurology · Comments (0)
    Thursday, February 8th, 2018

    February is American Heart Month, a time for our Las Vegas neurologist to remind people to focus on their hearts and raise awareness about cardiovascular disease. It is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. About 2,300 Americans die of cardiovascular disease every day, which averages to 1 death every 38 seconds. Globally, it remains the leading cause of death at more than 17.9 million deaths every year. With your help, our Las Vegas neurology clinic needs to change that!

    Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease

    A new study from Denmark has found that people who experience migraines may be more likely to develop heart problems. This is not the first study to suggest a link between migraines and the risk of stroke and heart attack. Although migraines are considered primarily a headache disorder, there are several reasons why migraines may be tied to cardiovascular problems. The sudden constriction of blood vessels in the brain that leads to migraines may make a person more vulnerable to stroke. If you suffer from migraines, it could be more serious than a headache. Contact our neurologist in Las Vegas during American Heart Month to see how we can help.

    Sleep disorders are common among stroke survivors. Those associated with stroke include sleep apnea, parasomnia, and restless leg syndrome. Conversely, people with sleep apnea are more likely to suffer strokes to die in their sleep. Sleep disorders should not be ignored. At our neurology clinic in Las Vegas, we can diagnose and treat your sleep disorders to improve your health even after American Heart Month.

    Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

    The good news? Heart disease is one of the most preventable causes of death. Our Las Vegas neurology practice encourages you to take charge of your health! Starting this American Heart Month, commit to a healthy lifestyle, and make these small changes for a lifetime of good heart health.

    • Make an appointment with your Las Vegas doctor to discuss your heart health. Even if you’re not sick, schedule regular check-ups. Set goals for improving your health, ask questions, and trust their advice.
    • Prepare heart-healthy meals from scratch at home at least 3 times each week. Watch your sodium! To make your favorite recipe lower sodium, replace the salt with fresh or dried herbs and spices.
    • If you are a smoker, quitting can reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease. Take steps to quit smoking. You can learn more at CDC’s Smoking and Tobacco Use website.
    • Get active! Add exercise to your daily routine little by little. Even walking will help to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Start slow and increase your frequency and intensity over time.
    • Take your prescriptions as directed. Do not discount blood pressure and cholesterol medicines. Ask your doctor in Las Vegas for help if you’re having trouble taking your medication.

    Visit the Heart Health Foundation to learn more ways you can help this American Heart Month!

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    Categories : American Heart Month, Blog, Brain Health, Diet, Headaches, Health Tips, Las Vegas neurology clinic, Migraines, Silver State Neurology, Sleep Apnea, Sleep Disorders, Uncategorized
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    Flu Season Safety Tips: 2018 Flu Season

    By silverstate neurology · Comments (0)
    Tuesday, February 6th, 2018

    Flu season safety is of utmost importance right now. This year’s flu season is quite a deadly one. Influenza is all over the continental United States. Roughly 9.1 percent of all deaths in the US are due to flu and pneumonia, which is a common complication of the flu. Those most at risk during the 2018 flu season are children and the elderly.

    Our Las Vegas neurologist knows that all parts of patient care are important. Every person at this neurology clinic in Las Vegas is dedicated to maintaining the highest quality of care. You can learn more about our Las Vegas neurology practice here! We want to help prevent the spread of flu. So, here are Silver State Neurology’s top flu season safety tips!

    Practice basic personal hygiene

    We wash our hands often at our Las Vegas neurology clinic. One of the most effective flu season safety methods is washing your hands frequently. Use soap and water to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizing liquid. You should be using enough liquid to cover all surfaces of your hands. It is especially important to clean your hands after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. This will help protect you and others during flu season.

    Get the flu shot

    Is it too late to get the flu shot? No, it isn’t too late to do anything for flu season safety. Though the best time to get the flu shot is in October, the flu season can last all the way through May. If you haven’t already been vaccinated, getting the flu shot can still protect you from getting sick or passing the virus to someone else. Take note that it takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to create antibodies that can protect against the flu.

    Vaccination of people at high risk of serious flu complications is especially important to decrease severe flu illness. That includes young children 6 months or older, pregnant women, people with certain chronic health conditions, and anyone 65 years or older. If you have any questions, contact us! Our neurologist in Las Vegas is more than happy to help.

    Stay home if you’re sick

    If you’ve been diagnosed with the flu by a Las Vegas doctor, staying at home will keep other people healthy. Sick adults shouldn’t go to work, and sick children shouldn’t go to school. Taking time off to rest will also help speed recovery. In the meantime, anyone who is ill needs to stay hydrated and well-rested. The CDC recommends that those who are ill stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have any flu symptoms.

    Keep surfaces clean

    Common surfaces that are frequently touched must be kept clean. Regularly wipe down shared work spaces and equipment like copy machines, computers, and phones. Don’t forget to stop the spread of flu at home! Focus on cleaning surfaces like doorknobs, television remotes, and faucets. Bacteria can survive on these surfaces the longest. At our Las Vegas neurology office, we emphasize vigilance in keeping our environment clean. We employ this flu season safety tip every day.

    Avoid touching your nose and eyes

    There’s a common misunderstanding that the flu is spread by sharing food and drinks with sick people. However, the virus is actually spread by touching contaminated surfaces then touching the nose, mouth, or eyes. That’s because saliva doesn’t carry that much of the flu virus, and our stomachs have defenses to kill any viruses present. We’re much more susceptible to viruses that enter through the nose and eyes. For best flu season safety, our neurology office in Las Vegas recommends keeping your hands away from your face altogether.

    Practice good health habits

    An immune system that is already compromised will have a harder time fighting the flu. So, keep up a healthy lifestyle as much as possible for flu season safety. A healthy immune system is better equipped to withstand infection. Get adequate rest, eat healthy, and exercise. Bonus: moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, is a proven immunity booster. If you have any other health concerns, consult our Las Vegas neurology doctor.

    Flu symptoms to watch out for:

    • Fever, feeling feverish/chills
    • Cough
    • Sore throat
    • Runny or stuffy nose
    • Muscle or body aches
    • Headaches
    • Fatigue
    • Vomiting or diarrhea (more common among children than adults)
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