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Soothe the brain with music

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

Stress and exhaustion can play havoc on the body as well as the mind. Unfortunately, people, today deal with this on a daily basis in their personal and professional lives. Most have demanding jobs that require intense focus for long hours of the day; others have to deal with family issues, raising children, or taking care of dependents, all of which can take their toll on their health and wellbeing.

It is important to focus on your health by finding productive outlets to all this buildup. If you don’t find something to soothe your mind, the stress will eventually lead to physical health consequences. Silver State Neurology agrees that music can have a big impact on the mind and can soothe the brain.

Does Music Really Help?

People have been making and listing to music for thousands of years. Even the earliest humans made small, crude musical instruments from wood, stones, and other available materials. There’s something about music that attracts our attention and influences our mood. Lively dance music can send energy rushing through a person’s veins, a love song can make people cry, and hard and angry rock music can help people vent anger. So it’s not surprising that soothing, mellow music can calm the mind.

Various studies have been conducted on the influence of sounds, rhythm, and melody on the mind and most of them show positive results. A research study involving 60 healthy female subjects with a mean age of 25 showcased that soothing music had a marked impact on an individual response to stress and recovery. This means that not only do you deal with stress better when listening to music, but you also recover from it quicker.

There’s a branch of medicine dedicated specifically to music and its ability to influence the nervous system psychologically and physiologically. Music therapy is used by neurologists to treat and soothe people with disabilities, disorders, chronic diseases, and similar health concerns. While music is great for everyday stress, it is important to consult with a professional neurologist if you’re looking for treatment for anything beyond that.

How Do You Hear Music?

When you understand how a human being hears sounds, it’s easy to understand why they have such a big impact on the mind. When sound enters the ear, the eardrums vibrate in response. Small piston-like bones in the middle of the ear amplify these vibrations, which is carried to the inner ear. The inner ear has a small chamber full of water and around 30,000 microscopic hair cells. These hair cells respond to the vibration frequencies; the shorter ones responding to higher wavelengths and longer ones responding to lower wavelengths.

These movements are then transmitted as nerve impulses to the brain, which then translates into sound. The ear is just an instrument and the brain actually does the hearing. According to recent research, the first brain cells to respond to sound influence early functional organization, which is why there’ s a link between sound and cognitive function.This shows sounds and music directly influence the brain and thought processes. It’s one of the reasons why neurologists believe in the power of music and sometimes will even recommend it to patients.

Influencing the Default Mode

Most people don’t know that the brain goes into a default thought process when it is not actively working on something. This is a predictable and consistent neurological activity that doesn’t have any direction; however, it does have an impact on your mood. It is very common to ruminate during this neurological state, to think painful thoughts, focus on worrying subjects, dwell on the past, etc.

The mind goes over these thoughts repeatedly with no resolution or productive outcome. People prone to this default are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, moodiness, or even anger. Soothing music can help draw focus away from these thoughts and even direct it outward. Natural sounds are most effective in drawing attention outward; so things like wind blowing, crickets chirping, birds singing, rain, waves, etc., will soothe the mind.

Mellow, soft, and repetitive music that doesn’t have many sharp pitches has a similar effect and will elevate your mood. Playing music or nature sounds when your thoughts drift can help you maintain a positive mindset and help you de-focus from stress. Even a short break for 15 to 20 minutes can make a harrowing day less stressful.

How to Choose Relaxing Music

Individual responses to musical stimulus vary, so find music that soothes you can be challenging. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

•Choose a Genre You Prefer – You prefer certain genres over others because they stimulate the brain in a specific way and have a better effect. Many people find classical music relaxing but if you don’t really prefer it, such songs won’t do much to relieve stress. Start with genres you love, even if it is lively EDM.

•Keep Pace in Mind – High-paced music will stimulate the brain and encourage it to be more active, which isn’t what you need. Choose slow songs or songs that slow down in pace gradually. Music that has a consistent pace of 70 BPM will get both your body and mind to a relaxed state. Music that starts at a high BPM but gradually slows down to 60 or 50 BPM will slow your body and mind down gradually, which is more effective.

•Skip Complex Music – Complex music with abrupt changes in rhythm, pacing, or tone force your brain to focus. Such music is jarring and will add to your stress instead of soothing the brain. Choose music with a steady beat, consistent tone, and very little change in pace.

It’s a good idea to skip songs with words, especially words in a language you speak. For example, people who speak English and Spanish should skip songs in these languages and choose instrumental or music in different languages. All of these factors will help you choose the best music option for relaxation.

Music is for therapeutic purposes only and can’t be considered a cure. People experiencing problems like substantial anxiety, health concerns caused by excessive stress or strain on the brain, and neurological disorders must consult with your Las Vegas Neurologist.

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Categories : Blog, Brain Health, brain stress, las vegas neurologist, Las Vegas neurology clinic, Silver State Neurology, stress, stress relief
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How to Care For Someone with Alzheimer’s

By silverstate neurology · Comments (0)
Tuesday, June 12th, 2018

When someone starts to develop Alzheimer’s, it can cause strain on their loved ones. Sometimes it becomes difficult because we often don’t know what to do when their behavior changes. It’s important to keep in mind: their actions often cannot be controlled. Still, how can we care for someone afflicted by Alzheimer’s?

Short and simple

Those with Alzheimer’s will often forget that they’ve just asked a question multiple times. You will probably be tempted to give them an answer you would give someone else. But this might involve a lengthier and more complicated response. If you keep your response short and concise, you won’t be as frustrated when you have to repeat it as many times as they ask. It will also be easier for them to understand what you are saying.

If you find yourself having to repeat yourself often, keep these tips in mind:

•Consider (why they are asking); think about how they feel and give a response that can resolve frustrating emotions.
•Distract; the best way to get their mind somewhere else is to ask for help. Ask them to perform a simple task to occupy their mind for a few minutes. This can be as simple as setting the table or folding the laundry.
•Break; don’t be afraid to take a second for yourself if you are becoming angry. Losing your temper on someone with Alzheimer’s will just be frustrating for everybody. Take a moment to gather yourself to keep your cool.

Keep it consistent

As someone with Alzheimer’s declines the memory more, it can be difficult to keep new things organized. New experiences are jarring and can be frustrating without having patience. When a family member is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, consider making a weekly schedule. Include things like laundry, grocery shopping, meals, and anything else you can keep consistent.

Give them independence

Early on, those with Alzheimer’s simply need a small reminder to accomplish their daily tasks. Guide them softly at first, letting them keep their control. The longer they stay active and aware, the longer their memory will stay in better shape.

For more complex tasks, like managing money or keeping track of medications, make sure they don’t make mistakes. If they do, gently correct it for them and assure them you are there to help.

Take care of yourself

Sometimes the best thing you can do for someone with Alzheimer’s is to take care of yourself. Seeing a loved one’s memory decline is can be frustrating. Consider a few of these tips to keep yourself ready for whatever comes your way:
•Keep yourself connected; having people around you as you care for someone with Alzheimer’s will make it easier to decompress. Try to find others that are going through the same thing for encouragement and comfort.
•Ask for help; know that the people around you want to help. We never want to take a break from helping our loved ones with Alzheimer’s, but sometimes we need a moment to recollect. Don’t be afraid to ask someone to step in for an afternoon, so you can get the time you need to recharge.
•Don’t take it personally; Alzheimer’s is a disease that someone can’t control in their head. Sometimes they forget important things, and you must be forgiving. They don’t mean to hurt you, so care for them even when it’s difficult.
•Laugh and be happy; your loved ones with Alzheimer’s are still your loved ones. Laugh with them and let yourself fall into the moments that make you happy. It’ll remind you of why they mean so much to you.

Taking care of someone with Alzheimer’s is difficult but manageable. Know the tips to care for them and yourself, and you’ll be an incredible caretaker and loved one. And don’t forget, Silver State Neurology can help.

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Categories : Alzheimer's disease, Blog, Brain Health, brain stress, Health Tips, las vegas neurologist, Las Vegas neurology clinic
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Declutter your Brain

By silverstate neurology · Comments (0)
Thursday, May 24th, 2018

Our lives are constantly dictated by tight schedules and lengthy to-do lists. The stress of the workplace or the home can quickly compound, making even simple tasks seem like a hassle. The best way to stay calm and collected even in those frustrating situations is to keep an organized mind. The goal isn’t to compartmentalize every aspect of your life into an even stricter schedule and to-do list. The goal is to declutter your brain of unnecessary thoughts so that you can focus on one thing at a time (and do it successfully, too).

But how can we go about getting our mind in the right state? With all these stressors surrounding us, it’s a lot tougher than said. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Keep a journal

Yes, I’m sure we have all heard “keep a journal” a thousand times. But, what makes it so useful? Journals are essential for word blurts. When we feel overwhelmed by the thoughts, sometimes the best option is to get it all out at once. Open a document on your computer, and start typing away. Don’t stop until you have nothing left to say. Once you’re done, you’ll be able to focus on specifics without worrying about all those other “things” bouncing around.

Learn a few strategies to make decisions

One of the most stressful aspects of our lives is making decisions. Even choosing what to eat for breakfast can be stressful when you only have 5 minutes to make yourself something that stays true to your diet. Deciding if you want to go out with your friends on a Thursday night, knowing you have work early the next day is another. Or maybe you’re torn between staying with your current job and moving to a new city to pursue something better but making less.

All these decisions that we must make every day of our lives pile up quickly and cause the mind to get cluttered. A useful strategy is Heath’s WRAP method: widen your choices, reality-test your assumptions, attain distance before deciding, and prepare to be wrong.

If you’re short on time, use the tried-and-true method of a pro/con list. Listing your options and their potential benefits and downsides might give you an obvious answer that you weren’t able to see with a cluttered mind.

Know when it is time to see your local Las Vegas Neurologist to help guide you to better brain health management. Sometimes our bodies are trying to tell us something and we don’t listen. If your body and brain is overwhelmed, listen to it. Stress can impact the brain’s health.

Rearrange your priorities

What’s more important to you: family or your career? What about loyalty or honesty? What are your core values? And what do you want to be kept at the forefront of your mind when making decisions? Oftentimes, in the heat of complicated situations, we sacrifice what’s important to us to complete a task. If we constantly remind ourselves of what is important to us, we can make better decisions and make them faster. Keeping a set of principles ahead of us at all times also helps to declutter the things that aren’t as important.

Get out of the past

The biggest clutter in our mind is what we’ve done in the past. We miss one deadline, and it becomes the only thing we can think about for the next week. The best way we can help ourselves is to acknowledge when our mind returns to a negative memory of the past and calmly bring it back to focus. Slowly training our minds to see the positives and stay in the present keeps us free from the clutter of the past.

Clean your physical space

A big contributor to the mess in your mind is the mess that is all around you in your physical space. The unnecessary visual stimuli kick your mind into hyperdrive, making you think you constantly have to accomplish tasks. Taking a few minutes to keep your space clean each day will help you relax.

Conclusion

The stressors that we experience each day of our lives sometimes make it difficult to keep a clear mind. But taking the time to do some clean-up following the tips outlined above can help you live a less stressful life. If you are experiencing brain health issues, visit your local Las Vegas Neurologist and seek help.

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