MedBlog

Brain; COVID; Mental Health

Why we touch our faces so much – and how to break the habit

Why is it so hard not to touch our own faces? Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic? UT Southwestern's neuropsychologist Dr. Nyaz Didehbani explains this instinctual, soothing behavior and how to resist it now more than ever.

Nyaz Didehbani, Ph.D.

March 26, 2020

Brain; Orthopaedics and Rehab

What's possible in spinal cord rehab today and stem cell therapy in the future

Great strides are being made in stem cell therapy for spinal cord injuries. Merrine Klakeel, D.O., says that while UT Southwestern is at the center of this research, her team is currently implementing advanced strategies to help patients achieve higher levels of function and independence. Learn more.

Merrine Klakeel, D.O.

February 12, 2020

Aging; Brain

Postoperative delirium in seniors: Recognizing the symptoms, reducing the risks

Post-operative delirium affects up to 50% of older adults, causing agitation and confusion after surgery. Left untreated, it poses long-term health risks. In this MedBlog, we discuss risk factors, symptoms, and two new programs that can help prevent and manage delirium. Learn more.

Sarah Wingfield, M.D.

January 23, 2020

Brain

Stroke rehab should begin in the ICU

Dr. Nneka Ifejika is using a grant through the Texas Health Resources Clinical Scholars Program to analyze existing acute stroke and rehabilitation data sets to create “optimal rehabilitation” prediction models.

Nneka Ifejika, M.D., M.P.H.

January 19, 2020

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.

August 15, 2019