What is a Pituitary Tumor & How is it Treated?
- Written by Webmaster Webmaster
- Category: Blogs Blogs
- Published: 20 May 2020 20 May 2020
The possibility of a brain tumor can be a concerning development for anyone. However, much like any other health condition, the neurosurgeons here at Georgia Brain & Spine Center believe that education and communication can work wonders to help our patients understand the threat potential tumors pose and how they can be effectively treated. In this blog post, we wanted to zoom in even further and discuss a specific type of brain tumor known as a pituitary tumor.
The pituitary gland is a small gland found inside a person’s skull, just below the brain and above the nasal passages. It is considered the master gland of the body since it is responsible for secreting the hormones that control other glands. Pituitary tumors are irregular growths that develop in the pituitary gland. In some cases, a pituitary tumor can cause the pituitary gland to produce too much or too little of certain hormones. The large majority of pituitary tumors are benign (noncancerous) growths known as adenomas that do not spread to other parts of the body.
Despite being benign, pituitary tumors can still cause troubling symptoms and health effects in some people if left untreated. Common symptoms of pituitary tumors include headaches and changes in vision. Additionally, other effects associated with hormonal changes like nausea, weakness, unintended weight fluctuation, and menstrual irregularity in women may occur.
Determining the right treatment plan for your needs depends on what we find during our testing which includes a comprehensive neurological examination, ophthalmological evaluation, focused imaging studies (such as an MRI), and lab work. Once this is done and a diagnosis has been made, we can discuss potential treatment options. These may include close observation for tumors that do not affect hormone production. When a pituitary tumor does affect the hormones, we may recommend oral medication or surgical intervention. For some people, traditional surgery or a non-invasive approach with Cyberknife Radiosurgery may be appropriate.
We understand that every patient’s needs and preferences are different. That’s why we work hard to offer as many potential treatment options as possible for conditions like pituitary tumors. If you have any additional questions about this condition, or if you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our neurosurgeons, please contact Georgia Brain & Spine Center at 1 (800) GO-SPINE to schedule a consultation with Dr. Elias Dagnew or Dr. Michael Hartman. We are available for second opinions as well. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for additional blog posts, practice updates, and more.
Answering Common Questions About Spine Procedures We Perform
- Written by Webmaster Webmaster
- Category: Blogs Blogs
- Published: 28 April 2020 28 April 2020
Here at Georgia Brain & Spine Center, we pride ourselves on being able to diagnose and treat a wide variety of spinal issues and conditions. We understand that even the thought of back surgery can seem daunting and intimidating to many prospective patients. However, in our experience, firsthand knowledge and communication are critical when it comes to helping our patients feel better about their respective procedures and treatment options. That’s why our neurosurgeons wanted to answer some common questions about a few of the spinal procedures that we perform.
Question #1: I have been diagnosed with spinal stenosis. What would you recommend to treat it?
Spinal stenosis is a condition that occurs when the spinal canal begins to narrow. This puts pressure on the nerves in the spine, leading to potentially debilitating pain. Spinal stenosis is a progressive condition, meaning treatment will be required to prevent it from continually getting worse over time. We may begin with treating your symptoms with non-surgical options such as exercises and treatments designed to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles. However, we may ultimately recommend a minimally invasive surgical procedure known as decompression laminectomy to treat spinal stenosis. During surgery, our neurosurgeons are able to alleviate the areas of the back with affected vertebrae (as well as thickened parts of the facet joint and ligaments) to create more space and reduce pressure off the spinal nerves.
Question #2: How long will it take to feel the effects of an epidural injection for the spine?
We perform epidural injections to help patients who experience chronic pain in the back. The treatment works by decreasing inflammation and swelling that occurs in the soft tissues and joints of the spine. Although every patient is different, most people will notice significant pain reduction within 2-7 days of their treatment. Once achieved, the pain relief can often last for months or longer.
Question #3: How will I know which type of spinal fusion surgery is right for my needs?
Spinal fusion surgery is used to treat people who experience instability in their spine due to broken vertebrae, herniated discs, or degenerative disc disease. The procedure can be performed several different ways including lumbar interbody fusion which involves removing the disc between two vertebrae and inserting bone into the vacant space. In order to determine the best spinal fusion method for your specific needs, we will require an in-person evaluation.
We hope you found these answers informative and encouraging. Our providers are always happy to address any questions, concerns, or curiosities that our patients may have. If there is anything we can do to help with any spinal issues that you are experiencing, or if you would like a second opinion on a previous diagnosis, please contact Georgia Brain & Spine at 1 (800) GO-SPINE to schedule a consultation today. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news, practice updates, blog posts, and more.
How to Take Care of Your Body While Working From Home
- Written by Webmaster Webmaster
- Category: Blogs Blogs
- Published: 15 April 2020 15 April 2020
With the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the nation, more Americans than ever before find themselves working from home. And while some people may appreciate the comfort of their own home, the home work environment may not be the best suited for promoting long-term health and wellness. More specifically, days spent working hunched over or on the couch can eventually take a toll on your back, neck, and other areas of your body.
Not everyone has an ergonomic home office. With no one completely sure of when they will be returning to their offices, it’s important to be extra cognizant of your posture and routine during your extended time working from home. To help, we have provided some simple tips that should be able to help just about anyone:
How to Protect Your Back
Since being in the same position all day can lead to back, neck, and shoulder strain, try to vary your posture throughout the day. Alternating between sitting at a table, working while standing, and moving to an office or computer chair every hour can help.- Protect your lower back. Leaning or slouching for an extended period of time can wreak havoc on your lower back. Try using a lumbar support pillow that rests on the back of your pelvis while seated. If you don’t have one, rolling up a towel and placing it between your chair and lower back can have a similar effect.
- Try to avoid working from your couch, as this can negatively impact your posture.
How to Protect Your Hands & Wrists
- Try to keep your hands and wrists at a “neutral” position. This can help prevent additional strain on the tendons that go through a structure in your wrist (known as the carpal tunnel). If these tendons become inflamed, they can put pressure on the median nerve and lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Try to keep your wrists flat and straight while typing and avoid bending them left or right. Investing in an ergonomic keyboard that angles out from the center may be able to help.
General Health Tips
- Spend a little time putting your feet up. Supporting your feet on an elevated surface can stretch your legs and help increase circulation.
- Take a daily walk. Some exercise, fresh air, and sunshine can go a long way towards aiding your physical and mental wellbeing. Just be careful to keep a safe distance from other people during your walk and wash your hands with soap and hot water once you return home.
We understand that this has been an uncertain and frustrating time for everyone. We’re all in the same boat. However, following these steps can help make the best out of a bad situation and promote good health during your time spent working from the home office. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort in any of the areas we have discussed here, or if you would like a second opinion on a previous diagnosis with one of our neurosurgeons, please contact Georgia Brain & Spine at 1 (800) GO-SPINE to schedule a consultation today with Dr. Elias Dagnew or Dr. Michael Hartman. And follow along with us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news, practice updates, blog posts, and more.
5 Fascinating Facts about the Brain
- Written by Webmaster Webmaster
- Category: Blogs Blogs
- Published: 22 March 2020 22 March 2020
The human brain represents the pinnacle of a work-in-progress that’s been developing for as long as 850 million years. We have our brains to thank for virtually everything we enjoy, not only because there’s a sophisticated brain behind every work of art, smartphone, and air-conditioned room you’ve ever experienced, but also because it’s our brains that allow us to enjoy anything to begin with. Learning about the brain can itself be a great source of entertainment, so here are five amazing facts about the human brain from the experts at Georgia Brain & Spine Center:
Humans have the largest brains (about 3 pounds) of any vertebrates (animals with spines) relative to their body size. Our brains make up about 2% of our body weight on average. The largest animal on earth, the blue whale, has an enormous brain (about 15 pounds), but it only makes up roughly .007% of its total weight. - Speaking of brain size, an organism’s intelligence level is mainly determined by how many neurons it has, rather than being dependent on size (as the blue whale example illustrates). To further complicate the matter, amount of neurons don’t appear to be everything when it comes to determining intelligence. On average, men’s brains contain about 4 billion more neurons than women’s do, but there’s no measurable difference in average intelligence between men and women.
- The human brain has about 86 billion neurons (nerve cells), which is not far off from how many stars are estimated to be in the Milky Way (250 billion +/- 150 billion). When we start counting neural connections in the human brain, however, estimates go up to about 100 trillion. This means that your brain has at least 1,000 times as many neural connections as there are stars in our galaxy.
- The brain has a selective forcefield called the blood-brain barrier. This semi-permeable collection of cells keeps harmful substances from entering the brain and spinal cord through the bloodstream while simultaneously allowing crucial nutrients and oxygen through. It was discovered in the 1800s and is considered one of the brain’s most vital protective features.
- Despite making up 2% of our body mass, our brains consume 20% of our energy to maintain resting function. It turns out that the most sophisticated, complex computer in the known universe requires a lot of power to run itself.
These five facts only begin to illuminate how complex and fascinating the brain is. For treating issues with something so incredibly intricate and consequential, you need the very best surgeons in your corner. Come see the experts at Georgia Brain & Spine Center if you have a brain, spine, or neurological issue. If you’d like a second opinion on an initial diagnosis or have any questions we might be able to answer, contact Georgia Brain & Spine at 1 (800) GO-SPINE to schedule a consultation today. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates, and come back to the website soon for a new blog.
What are the Symptoms of a Brain Tumor?
- Written by Webmaster Webmaster
- Category: Blogs Blogs
- Published: 04 February 2020 04 February 2020
“Brain tumor” is a scary phrase, and although they’re quite rare, any suspicion you might have one can be a distressing feeling. However, it’s important to understand that many symptoms associated with brain tumors could also indicate far less serious issues. At the same time, you don’t want to ignore potential brain-tumor symptoms. It can be difficult to achieve the proper balance between concern and skepticism, so we designed this general guide can help ease your mind—both by informing you of what to look out for and letting you know what is and isn’t normal.
There are several types of brain tumors, some benign (noncancerous) and others malignant (cancerous). Brain tumors at different locations may have varying symptoms, but there tend to be some general commonalities. The brain is incredibly complex, and a tumor applying pressure to any part of it can have various unpredictable results. Thus, if your neurosurgeon has concluded that it’s necessary, it’s imperative to perform brain-tumor surgery as early as possible. Here are some of the main ways that a tumor on the brain might affect a person:
- Headaches – If you’re experiencing frequent headaches, the chances that they’re caused by a brain tumor are quite small. However, while this extremely common issue is rarely a sign of anything life-threatening, it’s important to see a doctor if you have any suspicion that you may be experiencing headaches more often or intensely than normal.
- Seizures – Seizures can have any number of causes, but a brain tumor is one potential culprit. No matter what the cause may be, its crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible if you experience seizures of any magnitude or type.
- Changes in speech, hearing, vision, balance, or other sensory functions – A brain tumor can press against or otherwise affect areas of the brain that facilitate certain senses. The result can be impairment of or drastic change in these senses, as well as neurological issues such as numbness or tingling in the arms or legs. Like many symptoms of a brain tumor, these indicators can also be triggered by traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- Cognition problems – Depending on its location, a brain tumor can impede parts of the brain associated with motor functions, memory, ability to focus and understand, etc. If you think you may be experiencing cognitive impairment or decline, see a doctor as soon as possible.
- Personality changes – This one is a surprise to many. Sometimes, a brain tumor can cause a person’s temperament or seemingly entire personality to undergo shifts. These changes can be subtle, drastic, bizarre, mundane—the important thing to remember is that unexplained personality changes needed to be inspected as soon as possible.
These are just a few of the general effects a brain tumor might have. If you think any of the above symptoms might apply to you or a loved one, we urge you or them to see us or your primary care doctor for a thorough examination as soon as possible. At the very least, doing so may give you peace of mind. Once again, we’d like to stress three things: none of these symptoms is anywhere close to 100% indicative of a brain tumor, brain tumors don’t necessarily have these symptoms, and these symptoms can be triggered by other issues (such as TBI). But when in doubt, it’s best to verify the potential causes with a medical professional who has experience diagnosing brain disorders.
If you’ve received a diagnosis for a spinal or brain issue and would like a second opinion, or if you have any questions about the many procedures we perform, contact Georgia Brain & Spine at 1 (800) GO-SPINE today to schedule a free consultation. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates, and come back to the website soon for a new blog.