The initial evaluation for trigeminal neuralgia is typically in primary care, but patients frequently also present to dental and ear, nose and throat settings, according to Brian M. Plato, D.O., a neurologist and headache specialist with Norton Neuroscience Institute. The uncommon condition is characterized by facial pain within the distribution of the trigeminal nerve. The…
After completing a pair of spinal fellowships in the latest surgical techniques and technologies, Shawn W. Adams, M.D., has joined Norton Leatherman Spine and Norton Neuroscience Institute. Dr. Adams’ fellowships covered complex adult spine, deformity and minimally invasive techniques. “I try to develop a relationship with my patients and partner with them to get the…
Butyrate-producing gut bacteria are a promising target for preventing and treating memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease, according to research presented recently at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The research in 3XTg mouse model demonstrated that oral administration of tributyrin mitigates age-associated loss of butyrate-producing bacteria and prevents the decline in…
Early treatment for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) reduces the number and severity of flare-ups, delays disease progression and is associated with decreased long-term disability from neurological deficits compared with MS patients who did not begin treatment early. “Getting and staying on disease-modifying therapy is important, even when no symptoms are present, because the disease…
The patient A 67-year-old woman presented to clinic with a four-year history of right-sided facial pain. After the onset of her trouble, the pain went into remission for six months. It then recurred, and she was prescribed carbamazepine. This led to significant pain relief but caused adverse changes to her mood and balance. She was…
Physicians may be able to confirm suspected Parkinson’s disease or other neurological conditions with a skin test. According to the National Institutes of Health, as many as 1 million Americans have Parkinson’s disease, and many people go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed. This is because the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease mimic other conditions such as essential…
The patient A 61-year-old male, who is a practicing physician, presented with concerns over his mobility raised by fellow physicians and golf partners. The patient reported that he has always been “stiff” but that perhaps he has a more shuffling gait and notices one arm is not swinging like the other when he walks. His…
Kenneth Gregory Pugh, M.D., did not choose to become a memory specialist because it was easy. He was attracted by the intellectual challenge posed by patients with complex issues. Taking the time to properly care for patients with dementia and memory issues requires evaluation, care coordination and education. Identifying and addressing issues early can make…
Monitoring multiple sclerosis (MS) for treatment options through regular visits to an MS specialist can postpone relapses and improve quality of life. “MS is a complicated disease that affects each patient differently. By seeing patients regularly, we are able to reduce MS attacks or relapse and speed recovery,” said Geeta A. Ganesh, M.D., MPH, a…
The patient A 63-year-old woman was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease eight years earlier, after developing stiffness of the right arm and leg while undergoing treatment for breast cancer. She then developed tremor of the right thumb, and ultimately was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. After physical therapy did not provide adequate relief, the patient started medical…
As mental health disorders can be one of the “invisible” symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), mental health care can be a part of routine MS care through the regular use of screening tools and an integrated approach to treatment, according to a recently published paper. Mood and mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, adjustment…
Distinguishing normal aging from early dementia can be difficult, but there are clues that can help. Neurologist Gregory E. Cooper, M.D., Ph.D., chief of adult neurology and director of the Norton Neuroscience Institute Memory Center, answers the most commonly asked questions. What are the differences between normal cognitive aging, mild cognitive impairment and dementia?According to…