Think Neuro

Dystonia is a mysterious condition that causes muscles to contract involuntarily. It can strike many parts of the body, making the head turn, the eyelids close, or the hand twist. We don’t know what causes dystonia. It can arise after head trauma or a stroke, and it often appears in conjunction with Parkinson’s disease. There is no cure, but experts like Dr. Natalie Diaz, a neurologist at PNI, can ease the symptoms with medication. A treatment you may not expect: Botox. A natural toxin, Botox prevents the release of a neurotransmitter that causes the muscles to contract. After an injection, dystonia sufferers very often find that their symptoms dissipate, and that is a welcome relief from this strange, discomforting disease.

In a study published on August 31, 2023, in the Journal of the American Medical Association, psilocybin showed promise as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD).

JAMA Associate Editor Dr. Donald C. Goff, speaks with publication author Dr. Charles L. Raison, from the Usona Institute, about the study, as well as Dr. Rachel Yehuda from Mount Sinai School of Medicine, who wrote an accompanying editorial about the potential benefits of psychedelic therapies.

Pacific Neuroscience Institute's director of Treatment & Research In Psychedelics Center, Dr. Keith Heinzerling and PNI director Dr. Daniel Kelly were a co-investigators in this study.

At PNI’s Treatment & Research In Psychedelics (TRIP) Program, we conduct clinical trails at the forefront of innovative and transformative medicine. TRIP, spearheaded by Daniel Kelly, MD and Keith Heinzerling, MD, explores the effect of psychedelic-assisted therapy in treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, and addiction. Our wraparound program includes preparation and integration talk therapy along with one or a few doses of medicine in a safe, nurturing, clinical setting. We are finding that people experience epiphanies and long-lasting breakthroughs, which could otherwise have taken years to achieve through conventional talk therapy and daily medicine. Our larger medical community still does not understand the mechanisms of why this methodology is so sustainable.

Our aim is to bring these powerful treatments into mainstream medicine by achieving FDA approval.

Clinical neuropsychologist, Dr. Barreto explains how attention is essential to our understanding. Learn about the difference between attentional issues can manifest as memory problems.

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When people notice their vision blurring, they will frequently dash off to the eye doctor. Not so with hearing loss. It often goes ignored and undiagnosed until it becomes unbearable. Dr. Courtney Voelker is trying to change that. She’s a neurotologist, a head and neck surgeon who specializes in diseases of the ear and related structures. She spends much of her time giving the gift of hearing to her patients using cochlear implants. These near-magical devices restore hearing after an intricate two-hour, outpatient surgery. They help newborns get on the path to mainstream development and cognition. Dr. Voelker has watched many toddlers light up when they hear the world for the first time. Cochlear implants help older adults avoid the isolation and cognitive decline that comes with hearing loss. With Bluetooth technology, cochlear implants are becoming almost bionic in their capabilities. They can connect to sound systems in music venues or classrooms. Listen to this episode to find out how Dr. Voelker is opening up access to the world of sound for all.

Neuro-ophthalmology merges the fields of neurology and ophthalmology together. It often deals with diseases of the nervous system that affect the eye and vision. Howard R. Krauss, MD, is one of the four founders of Pacific Neuroscience Institute, and a Director of the Pacific Eye, Ear and Skull Base Center. He is a surgical neuro-ophthalmologist and his philosophy is to deliver the best eye care and vision solutions while considering the needs and preferences of his patients.

Dr. Natalie Diaz is a movement disorders specialist. In this PNI Minute, she reviews the importance of sleep in a two part series.

Dr. Natalie Diaz is a movement disorders specialist. In this PNI Minute, she reviews the importance of sleep in a two part series.

Cavernomas are a vascular mass made up of abnormal dilated blood vessels characterized by distended blood-filled “caverns.” Vessels of a cavernoma mass have a tendency to leak and bleed because they lack the proper junctions between neighboring cells as well as the necessary structural support from smooth muscle and the stretchable material (elastin) that normally supports regular blood vessels. While a new diagnosis of brain cavernoma can produce natural anxious responses in many patients, the most important thing to remember is that you are not alone — cavernomas can occur in as many as 1 out of every 200 people – and our team of experts is here to help you understand your condition and determine an optimal, personalized treatment plan for your needs.

Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. That adds up to about 800,000 Americans a year. Yet, not everyone knows what a stroke is, or what the symptoms are. Very simply, a stroke is either a blockage or a rupture in a blood vessel that deprives the brain of blood. Blockages are most common, and the symptoms include difficulty with speaking or walking, paralysis in the face, arms of legs, and headache. Dr. Sandra Narayan is a surgeon who treats strokes. The good news, she says, is that a healthy lifestyle can help most people avoid stroke. Listen to this podcast to find out about those healthy habits, and to learn why it’s best to call 911 when symptoms appear instead of having a friend or family member drive you to the hospital. Hint: Artificial intelligence is getting involved, in a very helpful way.