Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor announced last week that she is in the early stages of dementia. What is dementia, and how does it differ from Alzheimer’s disease? Dementia describes symptoms that include memory loss, difficulty performing daily tasks and trouble communicating. It does not have a definitive diagnosis, though it can…
Hollywood fad or potential game-changer for people with epilepsy? The ketogenic (keto) diet could very well be both. In recent years, celebrities and fitness bloggers have touted the keto diet as a quick way to lose weight. But as far back as the 1930s, the keto diet has been used as an epilepsy treatment. Maureen…
One field that lets you see the dramatic improvements in medical technology is radiation therapy for cancer. With improvements in visualizing cancer and other diseases without surgery, health care providers can target the disease while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue, according to Daniel J. Lococo, director of radiation oncology for Norton Cancer Institute. “For example,…
Nearly 6 million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, including more than 90,000 in Greater Louisville. Chances are you know someone with one of these diseases. “Alzheimer’s and other dementias slowly take away a person’s ability to communicate,” said Bradley S. Folley, Ph.D., neuropsychologist with Norton Neuroscience Institute. “These changes in…
Tad D. Seifert, M.D., neurologist and director of Norton Healthcare’s Sports Concussion Program, stands at a podium in front of about 40 athletic trainers representing different high schools and colleges across Louisville and Southern Indiana. The athletic trainers join a discussion about a National Football League (NFL) concussion case study, talking through the case and…
Stuffy noses and allergies aren’t the only ailments that come with fall. It’s also a prime time for headaches. “The change in barometric pressure may act as a triggering event for people who suffer from headaches and migraine,” said Brian M. Plato, D.O., neurologist with Norton Neuroscience Institute. “In addition to barometric pressure changes, bright…
As a neurosurgeon, Abigail Rao, M.D., has performed many lifesaving surgeries to remove brain tumors and blood clots. As one of Norton Neuroscience Institute’s newest neurosurgeons, her practice now focuses on brain surgeries meant to be life-changing, rather than lifesaving. Using a method called deep brain stimulation (DBS), Dr. Rao places tiny electrodes inside the…
For the first time ever, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released guidelines on treating children with concussions and other mild traumatic brain injuries. The timing is fitting, with contact sports such as soccer and football now in full swing. “This is the time of year when concussion numbers hit a peak,”…
Alan Alda recently revealed that he has been living with Parkinson’s disease. The “M.A.S.H.” star appeared on “CBS This Morning” and shared that he was diagnosed three years ago. Parkinson’s disease is an incurable movement disorder that worsens over time. Symptoms include tremors of the hands, arms, legs and face; stiffness in the limbs; slowed movement; and…
If you’ve ever fired up an Xbox or PlayStation, you’ve likely seen the warning that certain video games can cause seizures. Recently, some theaters have posted health-related warning signs about animated film “Incredibles 2” after several fans tweeted about a scene that could be concerning for people with photosensitive epilepsy. The movie also includes a…
A study published in the British Medical Journal earlier this year supports findings that previous studies have shown: Migraine may increase a person’s risk for heart attack, stroke and other forms of heart disease. Previous studies have shown that women, in particular, who get migraine headaches have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke….
Jay Miller gripped his golf club and looked down at his ball resting on the green earth below. He paused and took his swing. Smack! The ball sailed across the driving range, landing about 150 yards away. On this evening at Nevel Meade Golf Course, Jay, and the dozen men around him, looked like a…
Select an appointment date and time from available spots listed below.