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…
Historically, chemotherapy treatment has been driven by the type of tumor that it is directed towards. For example, small cell lung cancer would be treated with a specific chemotherapy regimen that would vary from that used to treat breast cancer. Similarly, the treatment for glioblastoma multiforme or aggressive brain cancer, would have a very different…
Obesity is a national epidemic. Luckily, we in Colorado have some of the lowest obesity rates in the country. When discussing obesity, we don’t just focus on just weight, but instead our weight in relation to our height. This is called the body mass index (BMI). Obesity is usually diagnosed with a BMI greater than…
The American golfer Tiger Woods has been a popular topic in neurosurgery over the last few years due to his back issues and multiple surgeries. In May 2010, he needed to withdraw in the final round of the Players Championship due to neck pain. In March 2014, he withdrew from another tournament for back pain.…
In the 1950s, researchers first discovered that deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the basic building block of our genes. Living structures are simply a bunch of A, T, C and G nucleotides configured in different combinations in a double helix structure. By April 2003, the Human Genome Project completed the sequencing of the first human genome.…
Now that the weather is getting cooler, it might not seem like an ideal time to get into a regular physical activity routine to ease your back pain. However, it’s never too late to start a workout. Just keep in mind that some exercises are not good to do when you have back pain. Keep…
Have you ever thought to yourself, “I could be so much more productive with an extra set of hands”?