Health Topics /

Brain Health

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Think you’re having a stroke? It could be something else

Health Topics

Dec 1, 2023

Strokes are a serious health condition that requires immediate medical attention. Time is of the essence when it comes to treating a stroke, so it's important to recognize the signs and symptoms as soon as possible. But there are other...

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6 of the best ways to improve your memory and brain health

Health Topics

May 8, 2023

Despite any age differences, we all have something in common—who wouldn’t want a better memory and a sharper mind? That desire grows stronger in many of us as we grow older and our bodies age. These biological changes include loss...

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Is intermittent fasting the secret to better brain health?

Health Topics

Apr 12, 2023

Intermittent fasting—a popular eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating—has been claimed to boost weight loss, improve insulin sensitivity, lower inflammation, increase longevity and more. But did you know that studies show it can also play a...

Does Parkinson’s disease run in families? The role of genetics and more

Health Topics

Jan 18, 2023

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, you probably have many questions and concerns. Among the questions my patients often ask is whether Parkinson’s disease is inherited, and if they got it from a family...

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How to get rid of a headache fast

Health Topics

Dec 29, 2022

Headaches happen to us all. Sometimes it’s a dull ache behind the eyes, sometimes it’s a sudden throbbing pain. Sometimes the pain lingers and sometimes it’s only there for a few hours. The good news is, there are steps you...

TCAR: A minimally invasive approach to reduce your chance of stroke

Health Topics

May 24, 2022

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), someone in the US has a stroke every 40 seconds. As a vascular surgeon, I see a large percentage of people who are either on the verge of experiencing a stroke or have...

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4 ways food and drinks can trigger migraines

Health Topics

Apr 3, 2022

There is nothing worse than a headache—unless it’s the dull ache and throbbing pain of a migraine. At least 45 million Americans live with migraines, estimates the American Migraine Foundation. A migraine headache, which can last for hours or sometimes days,...

Do you know the warning signs of a stroke? Act F.A.S.T.

Health Topics

Jan 30, 2022

If you or someone around you was experiencing a stroke, could you spot the signs?A stroke happens when a clot or rupture interrupts blood flow to the brain. Without oxygen-rich blood, brain cells die.Knowing the early warning signs of this...

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Stroke prevention: Why medications and lifestyle both matter

Health Topics

Jan 25, 2022

The most common conditions that contribute to stroke risk are high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes—the same culprits that can raise your risk of heart disease. So, it makes sense that managing these chronic conditions is key...

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Family history of stroke? Here’s how to lower your risk

Health Topics

Jan 13, 2022

Your brown eyes, your curly hair, your love of a good story. You get a lot from your family. But unfortunately, many people also get a higher risk of stroke. Family history of stroke—meaning that you have a first-degree relative...

What it means to be a Comprehensive Stroke Center (and why it matters)

Health Topics

Jan 5, 2022

Most people know that if they’re experiencing stroke symptoms, time matters. But not everyone knows that where you go matters, too. There are four levels of care for stroke centers. Let’s talk about the kind of care provided at each...

Role reversal: Chief Nursing Officer thankful for second chance at life after sudden stroke

Health Topics

Dec 22, 2021

As Chief Nursing Officer for Baylor Scott & White – College Station Region, Amber Reed, MBA, BSN, RN, OCN, NEA-BC, isn’t used to being the one whose life is on the line. She shares her story now as both a...

How to reduce your risk of having a second stroke

Health Topics

Dec 21, 2021

In addition to potentially leaving you with long-term neurological deficits, having a stroke also increases the risk of having another one—significantly. One in four people who have a stroke experience a second stroke, according to the American Stroke Association.To avoid...

3 subtle stroke symptoms you should never ignore

Health Topics

Dec 10, 2021

BE FAST is more than just an acronym to help you identify symptoms of stroke—it’s also a major clue to the type of symptoms you should never ignore. The mnemonic BE FAST stands for Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time.Although...

Migraines? It could be a sign of increased stroke risk

Health Topics

Dec 7, 2021

Throbbing pain. Sensitivity to light. Nausea. Auras. For the 30 million people in the United States who experience migraines on a regular basis, they aren’t just a nuisance. They can interfere with your life and keep you from doing the...

What to expect when you go to the ED with stroke symptoms

Health Topics

Nov 30, 2021

If you or a loved one is experiencing stroke symptoms, it’s time to get to the emergency department—ASAP. That’s because if there’s a blood clot in the brain, the longer the blood flow and oxygenation to the brain are affected,...

Are you at risk for stroke? And what you can do to lower your odds

Health Topics

Nov 12, 2021

Although stroke is known as the “silent killer,” there are some things you can do to reduce your risk and even prevent strokes before they happen. Thomas Madaelil, MD, a neurointerventional surgeon on the medical staff at Baylor Scott &...

Dancing as therapy: After stroke, husband and wife rediscover love for dance

Health Topics

Dec 18, 2020

For Hsujeng and Amy Liu, dancing has always been their love language. They met while dancing at a birthday party in 1976 and have been dancing through life together ever since.“He was a gentleman, which was extremely rare on the...

Epilepsy 101: Seizure symptoms and how to help someone having a seizure

Health Topics

Oct 30, 2020

Despite being a very common condition, epilepsy is often stigmatized and misunderstood. Epilepsy is the generic term for a medical condition that affects approximately 3.4 million people in the US—that’s more than 1 percent of the population—and 50 million people...

After major stroke, cyclist grateful to be back on the bike

Health Topics

Oct 29, 2020

As an avid cyclist of more than 50 years, Jim Crawford enjoys several long bike rides every week, totaling about 150 miles. But after a near-fatal stroke, he is grateful to be alive, much less back on the bicycle.One day...