About a year ago we published a blog on marijuana, “This Is Your Brain on Drugs” (borrowed from the 1980’s campaign). We discussed our society’s 180 degree shift from once condemning the drug, to not just now accepting it, but in some ways encouraging its use. Cannabis is now being presented as a reasonable alternative…
While I rarely follow the Oscars, I was made aware of the 2019 Best Documentary Feature winner, “Free Solo”. Intrigued by the story, I watched this movie with my family. When observing this young man plan and climb El Capitan in Yosemite, by himself and without any ropes or protective equipment, I found all of…
With the advancement of medicine and more common knowledge of how to remain healthy, more of our population is living longer. At Rocky Mountain Brain & Spine Institute, I am commonly asked by older patients, “Am I too old for surgery?” King Tut became pharaoh around the age of 10, and died when he…
A new study published this month reviews a portrait of da Vinci, painted by Giovan Ambrogio Figino. Previously overlooked is da Vinci’s arm and hand in a sling, with the right hand in a position not typical of a stroke. Following a stroke, a patient’s hand often is fully clenched. In this rendering, only the ring and pinky fingers are flexed and da Vinci’s right hand is in the typical “ulnar claw” position.
“You can look at a picture for a week and never think of it again. You can also look at a picture for a second and think of it all your life.” Joan Miro While not everyone enjoys much or all types of art, most people at some point in their lives see a painting…
Well known is the theory that smoking marijuana is associated with the urge to eat junk food…. also known as the “munchies”. However, researchers have actually scientifically explored the relationship between cannabinoids and eating. A synthetic cannaboid, dronabinol (Marinol), is now a commonly used medication to increase appetite in certain medical conditions where the…
Each time I meet a new patient, I inquire whether they are right-handed, left-handed, or ambidextrous. Most patient’s answer without hesitation, however some patients are inquisitive why this would matter to me. Whether dealing with a brain or spine problem, handedness is crucial in evaluation, and then in determining a treatment plan. If the patient…
Matthew Stafford’s wife, Kelly, announced that she is pursuing surgery to remove a benign brain tumor. While she did not specify the type of tumor she has (and the public has no business knowing), she has mentioned she has experienced “vertigo” (the sensation of the room spinning) prompting her MRI imaging. The “tumor (is) sitting…
The New Yorker recently published a segment by Emilia Clarke, better known as Daenerys Targaryen from The Game of Thrones. She detailed her experience with two aneurysms and two separate subarachnoid hemorrhages. It is well worth reading. Read below for Dr. Adam. P. Smith’s perspective on cerebral aneurysms. Dr. Smith is a board certified neurosurgeon…
Brain biopsies are performed in one of the following cases: when a tumor is deep in the brain or when an MRI does not confirm if the abnormality is a tumor. A stereotactic brain biopsy involves making a small incision and inserting a needle through a small hole in the skull. A syringe is used…