Primary care physicians are frequently the first health care providers to encounter patients with cognitive concerns. While Alzheimer’s disease typically dominates discussions regarding dementia, vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia, collectively referred to as vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), represent a critical but underrecognized cause of cognitive decline. Modern neuroimaging techniques readily allow for early…
Dementia care presents challenges that extend far beyond memory loss. Nearly 7 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease, supported by more than 11 million unpaid caregivers, 70% of whom report feeling stressed and unprepared. A multidisciplinary team approach is widely recognized as best practice, ensuring patients and families receive comprehensive and coordinated support. Dementia clinical…
Research shows that new pediatric epilepsy patients often lack access to pediatric neuropsychology services due to the limited availability of specialized providers. Leena Mohapatra, Ph.D., pediatric neuropsychologist at Norton Children’s Neuroscience Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, is dedicated to addressing this critical need, working primarily with children diagnosed with epilepsy or suspected…
The patient A 79-year-old man with essential tremor in the bilateral hands for at least 10 years Over the years, the severity of the tremor worsened, along with its negative impact on his life. First-line medications, propranolol and primidone, both were tried, without significant impact on the severity of tremor and the patient’s disability. Feeding…
Menstrual migraine affects approximately 60% of women with migraine yet remains significantly underdiagnosed in clinical practice. This hormonal-triggered condition requires coordinated care to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. “In a primary care setting, especially OB/GYN offices, it’s important to expect migraine,” said Ricardo A. Herrera, M.D., neurologist and headache medicine specialist with Norton…
Norton Healthcare has received American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines achievement awards for demonstrating commitment to following up-to-date, research-based guidelines for the treatment of heart disease and stroke, ultimately leading to more lives saved, shorter recovery times and fewer readmissions to the hospital. Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of…
Migraine affects 37 million men, women and children in the United States and ranks among the top 10 most disabling medical conditions, according to the World Health Organization. More than 90% of patients report that migraine interferes with education, career and social activities – making early recognition and treatment in pediatric populations particularly crucial. Paul…
Early recognition of Parkinson’s disease requires health care providers to look beyond the classic tremor. Parkinson’s disease affects approximately 1 million people in the United States, with 90,000 new diagnoses each year. Despite its prevalence, early recognition remains challenging for health care providers. Parkinson’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder, characterized by abnormal…
Provider Team The patient The patient is a now 13-year-old girl with a history of anxiety and headaches dating back to approximately age 7, although she did not present to neurology until age 9. At that time, she was reporting approximately 15 out of 30 headache days per month and was meeting criteria for chronic…
Pediatric migraine management requires a nuanced approach that differs significantly from adult protocols. While migraine affects up to 10% of children and adolescents, treatment decisions must account for developmental considerations, family dynamics and the substantial placebo effect observed in younger patients. This evidence-based guide synthesizes current best practices for clinicians managing pediatric migraine, from initial…
Although most pediatric syncope cases are benign, general providers should be able to distinguish red-flag symptoms and refer patients as necessary. “Providers should differentiate syncope from cardiac conditions, seizures, metabolic disturbances or psychogenic causes,” said Delwyn E. McOmber, M.D., pediatric cardiologist with Norton Children’s Heart Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine. By taking…
Hydrocephalus in newborns represents one of the most challenging conditions faced in neonatal care. Early recognition and appropriate intervention are crucial for optimal outcomes. The key to managing newborn hydrocephalus lies in recognizing changes over time. “It’s not what the brain looks like at any moment. It’s what it looks like today versus previously,”…