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Essential tremor is a common neurological disorder characterized by involuntary rhythmic shaking, typically in the hands, although it can affect other parts of the body as well. This condition is often hereditary and may worsen with stress or intentional movements. While essential tremor is generally not associated with serious underlying health issues, it can significantly impact an individual&#3...

Bell's palsy is a sudden, often temporary, facial nerve disorder that causes muscle weakness or paralysis on one side of the face, resulting in facial drooping and difficulty with facial expressions, such as smiling or closing the eye. The exact cause is usually unknown, but it is often linked to viral infections. While most individuals recover fully over time, treatment may involve medication...

Brain tumors are abnormal cell growths within the brain, which can be either benign or malignant. These tumors can lead to a range of neurological symptoms, including headaches, seizures, cognitive changes, and motor deficits. Diagnosis involves imaging and often requires a biopsy for accurate classification. Treatment options encompass surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therap...

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury typically caused by a blow to the head or a violent shaking of the head and body. It results in a temporary disruption of normal brain function, leading to various symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, and sometimes loss of consciousness. While most concussions resolve on their own with rest, repeated concussions or failing...

Migraines are very common. Migraine headaches can cause throbbing in one particular area that can vary in intensity. Nausea and sensitivity to light and sound are also common symptoms. More about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

Amongst all the things advertised on social media, what actually is important for brain health? More about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

Aphasia is a disorder that affects communication- verbal, written, comprehension and repetition. What causes aphasia? More about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

The cerebellum is primarily responsible for muscle control, including balance and movement. It also plays a role in other cognitive functions such as language processing and memory. More about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

What is epilepsy? What differentiates having seizures from having epilepsy? What are the different types of seizures that someone might have and how are they classified? Those questions answered and more- audio from a webinar I gave last month. Please follow my socials for updates on future webinars! Like what you hear? Spread the word!  More information about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

WHAT IS THE LEFT-BRAIN/RIGHT-BRAIN MYTH? The myth is that everyone has a dominant hemisphere (or side) of the brain. Left-brained people are thought to be logical and good with math and language, while right-brained people are thought to be more creative and artistic. However, now we know that although there is some dominance to the side of the brain between individuals, there is no such thing as...

Hemorrhagic strokes are more likely to result in seizures. Seizures can also be more likely if you had a severe stroke. Some people will have repeated seizures, and be diagnosed with epilepsy. The chances of developing epilepsy is greater if it is a larger stroke, involving higher cortical regions and if the first seizure is at least 2 weeks after the stroke. More about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbil...

Per CDC: TIAs are sometimes known as “warning strokes.” It is important to know that A TIA is a warning sign of a future stroke. A TIA is a medical emergency, just like a major stroke. Strokes and TIAs require emergency care. Call 9-1-1 right away if you feel signs of a stroke or see symptoms in someone around you. There is no way to know in the beginning whether symptoms are from a TIA or from a...

Hemorrhagic stroke happens when an artery in the brain leaks blood or ruptures (breaks open). This can put pressure on the brain, leading to brain cell death. More about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

Stroke is a leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of serious disability for adults. Ischemic strokes result from lack of blood flow to the brain, leading to death of the brain cells in that area. Strokes are preventable and treatable. More about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

Infantile spasms, sometimes called West syndrome, are a type of seizure that occurs in babies. The spasms look like a sudden stiffening of muscles, and the baby’s arms, legs, or head may bend forward. Infantile spasms most often begin between 4 and 7 months, but can start any time in the first few years of life. Later onset spasms may also occur but are rare. https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

What exactly is electroencephalography (EEG)? https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

Sorry for the delay- I have had a few life changes which required I take a small break...but I'm back. Neuroimaging focuses on imaging of the brain and nervous system. There are some specific imaging modalities we use in neurology and epilepsy care. This episode discusses a few of them. https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

The main function of Sensory Neurons is to send sensory signals from sensory organs to the central nervous system. Motor Nerves are responsible for sending motor commands from the central nervous system to the sensory organs to initiate actions. https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

Focal Cortical Dysplasia (FCD) is a term used to describe a focal area of abnormal brain cell (“neuron”) organization and development. It is a common cause of focal epilepsy.

Structural epilepsy is a common cause of epilepsy and is defined by abnormalities which can be seen on brain imaging. It can be either congenital or acquired. https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

Can anti-seizure medications be properly managed and safely utilized in pregnancy? The answer is 'yes', but make sure you're following with a adult epileptologist who is well equipped to manage and answer any questions that may come up. Not all medications are equal however, and ultimately, everyone's path during pregnancy will vary.  https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

Due to hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, stress and other triggers, the postpartum period can be difficult when predicting seizure frequency.  More about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

Rescue medications are given on an 'as needed' basis for prolonged seizures or clusters of seizures. Everyone's rescue medication and action plan are different as everyone's epilepsy can be variable.  The ideal rescue medicine  is easy to use and works quickly/effectively without much notable side effects.  Like what you hear? Spread the word! More information about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillako...

About 3-5% of people may have a seizure during their lifetime. That means seizures are common, and one day you might need to help someone during or after a seizure.  Like what you hear? Spread the word! More information about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

A seizure is an emergency if it lasts longer than usual or clusters in a way that is not typical for the person. Everyone's epilepsy is different and so is what is considered an emergency for them. Here are a few things to keep in mind.  Like what you hear? Spread the word! More information about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd