The Scope

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases in the world, with as many as 1 in 26 people developing it during their lifetime. Despite its frequency, many patients may not know much about the condition until they or a loved one receive a diagnosis. Amir Arain, MD, MPH , is a professor and chief of the Division of Epilepsy at University of Utah Health. He explains the most common sympto...

If you or someone you know is affected by age-related macular degeneration (AMD), you understand how much it can impact the quality of day-to-day life. While the condition is mostly connected to aging, there are ways to prevent, treat, and slow the condition. Ophthalmologist Monika Fleckenstein, MD , is a specialist in degenerative retinal diseases with the Moran Eye Center. She explains the basic...

Bell's palsy can be a sudden and surprising condition, rapidly causing facial weakness and muscle twitching. But understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options is key to diagnosing and managing this condition. Sarah Akkina, MD , director of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Utah, shares what you need...

Bell's palsy is a rare disorder that impacts the functioning of the nerve that controls the movement of the face. For a majority of patients, facial paralysis and other side effects will improve within a few weeks to a couple of months. But for a small number of patients, it can last even longer, requiring a surgical procedure to help their quality of life. Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeo...

Just like mothers, fathers can also experience depression before or after the birth of their children. This type of depression is called postpartum depression, or perinatal mood and anxiety disorder. If a man is experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression that persist or interfere with his daily life, he should seek treatment from a mental health professional. Jamie Hales, LCSW, an expert at Hu...

You or someone you love suffers from depression or bipolar disorder, and standard treatments have not worked. While it might feel hopeless, there is still hope for getting your life back. Psychiatrist Brian Mickey, MD , is an expert at Huntsman Mental Health Institute's Treatment Resistant Mood Disorders Clinic . He talks about the next level of treatments a specialist can offer when depression or...

Is your young daughter complaining about painful urination when using the bathroom? It could be more than a urinary tract infection. Girl parts can be very sensitive, especially between the ages of potty training and puberty. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , explains the most common causes of pain or irritation in the vagina or vulva, how to prevent them, and what treatments can provide relief to...

You suffered a brain injury from a bump, blow, or jolt to the head earlier in your life. Years later, you experience one or many symptoms: foggy thinking, memory loss, trouble sleeping, anxiety, depression, or personality changes. Are those symptoms related to your brain injury earlier in your life? Derrick Allred, MD , director of the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation residency program at Cr...

A majority of children will not develop 20/20 vision until they are four to six years old. During those first few years, what should parents do to make sure their kids maintain healthy vision? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , explains vision screening expectations during the first years of your child’s life, how to navigate school vision screening requirements, and when your child may need to see...

The rate of eating disorders among children under 12 has increased by 119% since 2020. Anorexia is the third most common chronic disorder among kids, behind asthma and obesity. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, explains what could be causing this increase and how to identify the most common red flags of potential eating disorders. She also talks about what steps can be taken to help your child get t...

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are chronic and disabling conditions that can adversely impact your ability to function. When standard treatments fail, many suffering from OCD and MDD explore surgical treatment options. Neurosurgeon Ben Shofty, MD , discusses how advancements can potentially change the lives of people who suffer from these treatment-resistan...

No one likes to be poked with a needle, whether for a vaccine or a blood draw. But for children, getting a shot at the doctor's office can be frightening and lead to some emotional outbursts. Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD , explains what she does in her practice to ensure kids are not overly afraid of needles, and shares some tips for parents to get their child the medical treatment they need whi...

In adults and young children, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can look a lot like the common cold. But for little ones under two years old—especially preemie babies —RSV can be severe due to their still-developing respiratory systems. Cindy Gellner, MD , talks about the increase in RSV during the 2022 respiratory season, what parents need to know to keep their child safe, and what to expect if t...

When the news reports about a new COVID-19 variant, what does that mean for you? Many people have questions such as what are the latest variant's symptoms, is it going to be more contagious or severe than previous variants, and will home tests detect it? Stephen Goldstein, Ph. D. in Coronavirus research, explains what information is important and what isn't when a new variant is announced and how...

Postpartum mood and anxiety disorders are the most common complication of pregnancy and impact 1 in 4 women. Whether it's Baby #1 or Baby #3, feeling overwhelmed is common and a normal adjustment to having a new baby. But when does the feeling of being overwhelmed become something not normal and more serious than the baby blues? Women's health expert Kirtly Jones, MD , talks with Jamie Hales, LCSW...

If you are experiencing pain or swelling on the outside of your knee, the problem may not be with the joint itself, but rather the iliotibial, or IT band, tendon. IT band syndrome is a common overuse injury seen in athletes and people with an active lifestyle. Sports medicine specialist Chris Gee, MD , explains the IT band, how to prevent injuring the tendon, and how to treat the knee pain it caus...

We rely on all of our senses to have an awareness of the world, and the loss or change of any of them can seriously impact our lives. Whether from COVID-19, an injury, or a neurological condition, could parosmia be dangerous? Kristine Smith, MD , a rhinologist at University of Utah Health, explains how losing your sense of smell can lead to potential physical harm—and impact your emotional health....

Deciding where to have a lung transplant procedure for lung disease is can have a big impact on the transplant outcome. Matthew Morrell, MD , medical director of the lung transplant program at University of Utah Health, discusses what to look for in a lung transplant center to improve the chance of a match, minimize the possibility of rejection, and maximize your life expectancy and quality.

Parosmia is a condition where a person’s sense of smell no longer works correctly. Caused by infections like COVID-19, head injuries, or other neurological conditions, this loss of smell can be an inconvenience for some— and a significant problem for the quality of life of others. Rhinologist Kristine Smith, MD, explains what parosmia is, what treatments are most effective, and lifestyle changes t...

Eating a diet with good nutrition can be challenging. Luckily, experts can help us to eat healthier. The Wellness Bus travels around Utah offering free health screenings and education to members of the community. Clinical dietitian Alex Marie Hernandez works on the bus, and she shares her tips on eating healthier, avoiding common nutrition misconceptions, and improving your health with free nutrit...

Monkeypox is a contagious viral infection that can lead to severe, scar-causing rashes. While the virus is not particularly life-threatening to most people, the painful symptoms can last for weeks. Virologists Sankar Swaminathan, MD , and Adam Spivak, MD , discuss how monkeypox spreads and what you can do to prevent an infection, along with dispelling some of the myths about the virus floating aro...

Many advertisements and online sources claim a certain vitamin or supplement is safe and will improve your life. The reality of these products is much more complicated than the marketing would have you believe. Nutritionist Thunder Jalili, PhD , shares his rules for assessing which supplements are actually effective and which are a waste of money—and how to make sure the supplement you're taking i...

If your teen has run away from home, the first priority is finding them and ensuring they’re safe. But what should you do after they safely return home? Amanda McNab, MSW, LCSW, suggests the steps parents should take to understand why your teenager ran away in the first place—and start to rebuild the relationship in a healthy way to prevent future runaways.

Mental health crises can be life-threatening, yet many people struggle to recognize when they need immediate help. Natalie McClintock, LCSW, from Huntsman Mental Health Institute discusses the warning signs of a crisis, when to seek hospitalization, and how loved ones can support someone in distress. If you suspect that you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts o...

For new parents, it can be hard to keep your child’s vaccines straight. When do they get DTAP? What is MMR? Does my child really need all of these shots? Pediatrician Cindy Gellner, MD, has the answers about vaccines for kids—from birth to college. On this episode of The Basics, learn more about recommended vaccines, when they should be received, and how to ensure your kid grows up with the maximu...