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…
When a patient develops a vague symptom like a headache, the thought of having a brain tumor is distant… but surely is a worst fear. Most patients watch the symptom for a while, but when it doesn’t resolve they may discuss with a physician. Headaches are reported in about 4.5% of all primary care visits.…
Our nation’s independence came at a high human cost on all sides. We celebrate the 4th of July, which was the date in 1776 when the Second Continental Congress edited and approved the Declaration of Independence. Of course, signing did not begin until August 2nd and lasted through November. On the night of April 18,…
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…
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…
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…
Smoking is just about the worst thing you can do to your body, and we have previously written blogs about tobacco/ nicotine’s direct detriment to the spine. Again, it is not just tobacco or smoking per se… nicotine in any form may be directly responsible for cell damage to the disc’s annulus and nucleus. Bone…
The human brain rapidly dissolves after death due to the break down of proteins and putrefaction. Decomposition often occurs within minutes after death, which is quicker than other body tissues, likely because the brain is about 80% water. Rotting starts in normal ambient temperature at about 3 days, and the brain is essentially vaporized within…
“College is as much about learning to live as it is about learning from books…” Gregory Farrington President of Lehigh University Last week’s Senate hearing discussed something none of us would have predicted just a few weeks ago… schools may not open in the fall. “The idea of having treatments available or a vaccine to…
We celebrated our Mother’s this past weekend. From giving us the joy of life to making it worthwhile, they are the true bearers of kindness and affection. Mother’s Day was conceptualized in 1905 by Anna Jarvis, who wanted to honor her mother. By 1911, all US states agreed to observe the holiday. As a neurosurgeon,…