MedBlog

Aging; Brain

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia: Sorting myths from reality

There are many misconceptions about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, but learning about the conditions can empower families to make confident health care decisions. Tara Duval, M.D., discusses common misconceptions and offers tips for brain health. Read more.

Tara Duval, M.D. / Vivyenne Roche, M.D.

January 8, 2020

Brain

MEG technology: Improving epilepsy surgery outcomes, one weird helmet at a time

A futuristic helmet. Gnarly ‘80s eyewear. And the most advanced imaging technology available for epilepsy brain surgery. Discover how Elizabeth Davenport, Ph.D., is helping brain surgeons improve epilepsy outcomes, a million data points at a time. Learn more.

December 4, 2019

Brain; Cancer

Glowing tumors: How fluorescence helps neurosurgeons fight brain cancer

UT Southwestern's neurosurgery team recently performed the first two fluorescence-guided brain tumor removals in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, using an advanced technology that makes the cancer cells glow so it is easier to see and remove them. Kalil Abdullah, M.D., led the surgery team and discusses the effect of this advanced treatment for glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive form of brain tumor.

Kalil Abdullah, M.D.

October 4, 2019

Brain

4 major advancements in brain surgery since 2000

Since 2000, brain surgery technology and techniques have evolved to improve patient outcomes. In this week’s MedBlog, Sam Barnett, M.D., discusses what he considers to be the top four advancements in brain tumor care over the last two decades.

Sam Barnett, M.D.

August 29, 2019

Brain

Invisible acoustic neuroma surgery removes tumors with no visible scarring

Invisible acoustic neuroma surgery is an advanced technique for tumor removal that results in no visible scarring. UT Southwestern is one of just two centers in the U.S. to offer this procedure.

Brandon Isaacson, M.D. / Sam Barnett, M.D.

August 22, 2019

Brain; Mental Health

Mindful meditation can reduce stress, risk of cardiovascular disease

An integrative approach to health includes not only good nutrition, adequate exercise and sleep, but also engaging in positive relationships and stress management. The last six decades have brought forth extensive evidence that meditation and the mind-body connection can have tangible effects on your health.

Arlene Betancourt, M.D.

August 15, 2019

Brain; Mental Health; Prevention

6 tech tips to get a better night's sleep

We know that smartphone use before bed disrupts our sleeping habits. But it’s impractical today to say mobile devices should be banned from the bedroom. Natalia S. David, PsyD., discusses how technology can promote better sleep – rather than hinder it.

Natalia David, Psy.D.

August 7, 2019

Brain; Mental Health

Debunked! 4 myths about electroconvulsive therapy for depression

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the most effective treatments for treatment-resistant depression, though misinformation abounds online. In this MedBlog, Kala Bailey, M.D., debunks ECT myths and describes an exciting new research study. Learn more.

Kala Bailey, M.D.

July 25, 2019

Brain

Disney star’s death shows it’s time to end the epilepsy stigma

While tragic, the death of Disney star Cameron Boyce has given voice to SUDEP (sudden unexpected death in epilepsy). Epilepsy is common, but it still carries a stigma for many patients and their families. Sasha Alick, M.D., discusses why patients should talk about epilepsy, plus tips to reduce health risks.

Sasha Alick, M.D.

July 18, 2019

Aging; Brain

Deaths of John Singleton, Luke Perry show that stroke can strike early. Know the signs.

At age 52 in 2019, actor Luke Perry died after having a stroke. His death highlights a need for people of all ages to know the risk factors and signs of stroke, says Mark Goldberg, M.D. Learn more.

Mark Goldberg, M.D.

May 1, 2019