Lumbar decompression for sciatica is a very common procedure, being performed over 480,000 times per year in the United States. Traditionally, decompression was performed as an “open” approach. During “open” decompression, often a multi-inch incision is made, the large back muscles are elevated off the spine, bone is removed, and the nerves are decompressed. However…
The Journal of the American Heart Association just published a study on modifiable lifestyle and risk factors for brain aneurysm rupture. In looking at the results of numerous other studies, thousands of patient data was included. As known for years, the greatest risk for aneurysm rupture is smoking and high blood pressure. Tobacco smoke contains…
Most brain aneurysms are thought to be congenital, meaning people are likely born with them. A weak point in the blood vessel wall allows an outpouching which can stay dormant or burst. About 5% of people have an aneurysm, however many are unaware since symptoms may not develop until rupture. Warning signs are often subtle…
On November 19, 2021, the current health summary of President Biden was released by Dr. Kevin O’Connor, DO, the physician of the President. Of note, the current White House physician (who is not the Surgeon General) was Dr. Biden’s personal physician prior to taking office. It is very unusual for the President’s previous PCP to…