Artificial Intelligence in Neurosurgery

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a broad term that describes any task performed by a computer than normally requires human intelligence. Machine learning is a type of AI in which computers learn from existing data, without explicit programming, to predict new data points. Deep learning is a subfield of this, which deals with especially messy data…

The True Power of 3 AAA Batteries…

AAA batteries have been around since the 1950s and are most often used in low-drain portable electronic devices… TV remote controls, digital cameras, etc… In fact, they may have been invented solely to allow Kodak and Polaroid cameras to be smaller sized. They are such low power that an AA battery has three times their…

I’m on Aspirin but Have a Spine Problem…

Anti-platelet medications (Plavix, Aspirin) and anticoagulants (Coumadin, Xarelto, Eliquis, Pradaxa, etc…) are blood thinners used to treat patients with blood clots, heart stents, and strokes. However, they make it very difficult to pursue surgery, since bleeding can be difficult to control and may continue to ooze after surgery. Usually in spine surgery, we stop antiplatelets…

Creating Symbolism

June 14th is recognized as Flag Day. In 1775, the American Revolution was raging against the British for our independence, however, at the time numerous flags represented the different factions of colonists amongst the 13 colonies. On December 03, 1775, the Second Continental Congress chose the first official flag of the United States, the “Grand…

He’s Got a Cranio… What?

A 21-year-old British man was recently featured in the news having a brain mass causing blurry vision. According to reports, Harry Mockett of Northampton noticed he was having trouble watching television and tried multiple pairs of glasses without resolution. Eventually, an eye doctor noticed changes in the back of his eye, potentially indicating increased pressure…