The Scope

Multiple myeloma is a complex blood cancer that often presents with subtle yet serious symptoms. Understanding its early warning signs, the latest advancements in treatment, and strategies for managing remission and relapse can make a significant difference in patient outcomes. Cancer specialist Aman Godara, MBBS , explains key aspects of the disease and how to navigate multiple myeloma with knowl...

Lower back pain is the second most common reason Americans visit their doctor. Acute back pain can be caused by an injury or have an unexplained, sudden onset and can be quite debilitating. Andrew Joyce, MD , physical medicine specialist, has seen his fair share of patients with acute back pain. He shares strategies for getting some relief while at home and when you should see a specialist.

Essential tremor affects millions, making even simple tasks like eating or writing a challenge. While medications can help, they do not work for everyone. Neurosurgeon Shervin Rahimpour, MD , explains how focused ultrasound offers a non-invasive alternative to deep brain stimulation, reducing tremors without surgery. Learn how the procedure works, who qualifies, and what to expect in terms of reco...

Amyloidosis is a rare and possibly life-threatening disease affecting an estimated 4,000 people per year in the US. If left untreated, the disease can cause severe organ damage, so early detection is vital. Aman Godara, MBBS , is a doctor and amyloidosis specialist at Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, and he explains what causes the disease, how to detect it, and what treatments...

Phantom limb pain can be a debilitating and confusing experience for those who have lost a limb. Despite the absence of the limb itself, the brain still perceives pain as if it were there. In this conversation, Colby Hansen, MD , and Spencer Thompson, DPT , explain why this happens and how innovative, non-invasive treatments—like mirror therapy—can help retrain the brain and reduce discomfort. The...

If you have a bony bump at the base of the big toe joint, it could be a bunion—and it could be a symptom of a progressive bone disorder. Some bunions can be quite painful or interfere with daily activities, requiring professional treatment. Devon Nixon, MD , explains the treatment options—both surgical and non-surgical—that are available.

Substance use in children can start as early as middle school. While experimentation is common in teens, it's important as a parent to know how to have conversations that can prevent abuse and protect your kids' development. Child psychiatrist Mary Steinmann, MD , shares the strategies that can help parents speak with their teens about the consequences of substance use and identify the best time t...

"What formula should I give my new baby?" "When should I start introducing other food groups?" "What do I do if my child only wants to eat junk food?" Parents have a lot of questions about the basics of feeding their child. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , covers The Basics .

Nearly one in four strokes occurs in someone who has already had a stroke, making prevention a critical part of recovery. Steven Edgley, MD , Director of Stroke Rehabilitation at University of Utah Health , explains the three major “buckets” of stroke prevention. He discusses why stroke survivors often face unique challenges with exercise and mobility, how inactivity can lead to a downward spiral...

For infants with a misshapen skull—or craniosynostosis—treatment is critical to ensure proper brain development. Pediatric surgeons Dr. Faizi Siddiqi and Dr. John Kestle explains the procedure options that are available, the pros and cons of those options, and which might be the best for your infant.

In October 2021, the FDA released new safety guidelines regarding breast implants. For patients seeking breast reconstruction, revision, or augmentation surgery, these new rules will impact your experience with the procedure. Dr. Kirtly Jones explains the importance of the new rules and what they mean for breast augmentation patients.

If your child’s thighs, calves, or knees are aching or throbbing, growing pains could be the cause. While extremely common, growing pains can be extremely uncomfortable for kids. Pediatric orthopedic specialist Dr. Julia Rawlings explains what a growing pain is and shares some simple home remedies to help your kid get some relief.

Addiction is often more than strictly behavioral or psychological. It can be genetic, social, and in the case of Opioid Use Disorder, the regular use of the drugs can change the very physiology of the brain. Addiction Medicine specialist, Dr. Elizabeth Howell explains what addiction really is and how we can better understand, treat, and prevent the condition through this understanding.

Recovering from a traumatic brain injury is a long and often difficult process. Depending on the severity of the injury, recovery can take months to years. Dr. Jon Speed , medical director of the traumatic brain injury rehabilitation program at University of Utah Health, shares what patients and their loved ones can expect on the road to recovery from a TBI, along with the hope for a positive outc...

Most kids will experience pains in their legs at some point whether it be through overuse or the aching associated with growing pains. But if your child’s leg pain is severe or lasting longer than a day, it may be something more serious. Pediatric orthopedic specialist Dr. Julia Rawling shares what signs and symptoms parents should be on the lookout for that may indicate something more serious tha...

A condition that causes a newborn’s skull to be misshapen, craniosynostosis occurs in about 1 in 2,000 births—and it should be treated. Plastic surgeon Dr. Faizi Siddiqi and neurosurgeon Dr. John R. Kestle discuss how to identify the condition, how it’s treated, and why it’s so important for your infant to have the procedure sooner rather than later.

Recent studies have shown that people in the U.S. consume too much salt in their daily diet, in some cases over 30% of the recommended amount. A high sodium diet can lead to serious health conditions like hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. In response, the FDA has issued new guidelines for food manufacturers and individuals about how much salt to put in food. Dr. Kirtly Jones explains what t...

For women over 40 and experiencing difficulties getting pregnant, it's advisable to consult with a fertility specialist to explore viable options. The strategies and medical interventions for conception vary based on age, and understanding the tailored approaches for women in their 40s is essential. Women's health expert Kirtly Parker Jones, MD , speaks with fertility specialist Erica Johnstone, M...

If you're between 35 and 40 and facing challenges in conceiving, it's worth discussing your fertility journey with a fertility specialist. Understanding suitable conception approaches and medical interventions for your age group is crucial. Women's health expert Kirtly Parker Jones, MD , speaks with fertility expert Erica Johnstone, MD , about helping women in their late 30's to become pregnant. T...

If you and your partner have been struggling to get pregnant, it may be time to consider speaking with your doctor about fertility treatments. It is important to realize the conception strategies and medical options available to you rely on the age of the woman trying to have a child. Women's health expert Kirtly Parker Jones, MD , speaks with fertility expert Erica Johnstone, MD , about helping y...

Your child complains of constant dizzy spells or vertigo. Could it be a symptom of something serious? According to Pediatrician  Cindy Gellner, MD , dizziness is a pretty common condition—especially for adolescents. Learn more about the causes of dizziness in children and treatments that can help.

Memory lapses are common with aging, but how can you tell when it is something more serious? Geriatric physician Michelle Sorweid, MD , explains the early signs of cognitive decline, why stigma and fear often keep families from seeking help, and how conditions like sleep apnea, depression, or medication side effects can mimic dementia. She also shares how early screening and intervention can prote...

As a boy begins to mature, their body and mind go through a lot of changes. It can be tough not only for kids but for their parents too. From growth spurts - and the appetites to match - to strange smells to general moodiness, Dr. Cindy Gellner shares her expertise to prepare parents for raising a boy going through puberty.

During pregnancy, your top priority is to keep your child safe and healthy. We know the dangers of COVID-19, the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. But is the vaccine safe for you and your developing child? Dr. Kirtly Jones shares the latest research about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant women—and women trying to become pregnant—and takes a hard look at the most common misconceptions surrou...

Recent biomedical advancements now allow for certain spinal surgeries to be performed via a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure. For patients undergoing endoscopic spine surgery, Dr. Mark Mahan explains what to expect during your recovery—including recovery times of only a week or two.