Think Neuro

Dr. Daniel Kelly joins Dr. Stephen Sideroff this week on the Quantum Leadership Podcast. In this powerful episode of the Quantum Leadership Podcast, Dr. Stephen Sideroff sits down with Dr. Dan Kelly, one of the nation’s leading neurosurgeons and co-founder and director of the Pacific Neuroscience Institute, for an illuminating look at the inner work, vision, and steady courage behind his remarkabl...

A meningioma is a type of tumor that arises from the meninges, which are the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It is typically a slow-growing, usually benign tumor, derived from the cells of the arachnoid cap cells or the meningeal cells themselves. Meningiomas are the most common primary brain tumor. Fortunately, most are benign and slow-growing although up to 10% can...

The Indomitable Dr. Howard Krauss Guest podcast: Out of the Blindspot with Dr. Ore-ofe Adesina Originally aired in 2 parts March 10 & April 21, 2025 Dr. Howard Krauss is a pioneering surgical Neuro-ophthalmologist specializing in minimally invasive orbital and oculoplastic surgery and adult strabismus. A leader in ophthalmology and medicine, he has blazed the trail for many who followed his footst...

Thyroid nodules are growths on your thyroid. They are usually benign (not cancer). They may become overactive and make too much of the thyroid hormone. All types of hyperthyroidism are due to an overproduction of thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) causes your thyroid to make more thyroid hormone than your body needs. Hyperthyroidism can accelerate your body functions such as...

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. In multiple sclerosis, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers, called myelin, in the central nervous system. This immune-mediated damage disrupts the normal flow of electrical impulses along the nerves, l...

Hemifacial Spasm is a potentially debilitating condition where the facial muscles of expression spasm uncontrollably. Botulinum toxin can control the spasm, but in severe cases, minimally invasive surgery for microvascular decompression of the facial nerve is more efficacious. Listen to Chris B's story as he dealt with this issue and sought definitive care at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute wit...

The Pacific Brain Tumor Center and Pacific Pituitary Disorders Center offers a 1-year neurosurgery fellowship in minimally invasive surgery for brain, pituitary and skull base tumors. Our clinical training program is focused on endoscopic endonasal and keyhole surgical approaches, neuro-endoscopy, pituitary tumor management and multimodality neuro-oncology treatments. The fellowship emphasizes ope...

Our memory isn't just a passive function. Just like our muscles, it's something that can be trained, optimized, and protected. Subtle changes in our memory can signal the earliest stages of cognitive decline, but preventative interventions can make a huge difference. That's exactly what Dr. Karen Miller, Senior Director of the Brain Wellness and Lifestyle Program at PNI, helps her patients achieve...

Spinal disorders may be caused by spine trauma, genetic components or disease including cancer. As the backbone is made of bone, a misconception is that all spine issues are taken care of by orthopedic surgeons. In reality, neurosurgeons are integrally involved in spinal surgery due to the delicate nature and proximity of major nerves in these regions. To meet the need for a specialty spine center...

A cochlear implant for hearing loss is an electronic device that is implanted into the inner ear (the cochlea) and is used to restore hearing in patients who no longer benefit from traditional hearing aids or have hearing loss in just one ear. While a cochlear implant does not re-create normal hearing, it allows individuals to understand speech and perceive sounds in a way that improves communicat...

While traveling with her family, 17-year-old Malia experienced a grand mal seizure while she was sleeping. Her parents immediately brought her back to Los Angeles to the care of Dr. Walavan Sivakumar at Pacific Neuroscience Institute South Bay, in Torrance, Ca. An MRI showed that Malia had an Arteriovenous Malformation which likely had been growing for a few years. Learn more about the life-saving...

Cochlear implants are leading a revolution in the treatment of hearing loss. According to a 2022 study, only about 10% of those who qualify for cochlear implants have received them. Cost, accessibility, and lack of awareness are only some roadblocks for potential patients. At Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Dr. Courtney Voelker and Dr. Chester Griffiths are working to change that. Dr. Voelker is r...

Smell loss after viral infections can be difficult to manage. Dr. Yong uses various techniques to target smell recovery which is a complex process involving neurons in the nose and brain. Smell is intricately linked in both emotional and functional terms with quality of life. Learn more about smell dysfunction and treatment.

Having a healthy voice is important for everyone, whether you are a professional singer, teacher, salesperson or simply like to read aloud to your grandchildren. Similarly, our ability to swallow is an essential part of everyday life and when comprised can feel frustrating and even embarrassing in public settings. If you suffer from hoarseness or trouble with your voice or throat, our team of expe...

Approximately every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. About 87% of all strokes are ischemic strokes, which blocks blood flow to the brain. When it comes to treating strokes, knowing the signs and symptoms is important so you can act fast. Dr. José Morales is a vascular neurologist and neurointerventional surgeon at Pacific Neuroscience Institute. Dedicated to serving his patie...

Focused Ultrasound is an incisionless treatment for patients with Essential Tremor (ET) and Tremor Dominant Parkinson’s Disease (TDPD) who have not responded to medication. It uses high intensity ultrasound waves guided by MRI to treat deep areas in the brain associated with tremor, with no permanent implants or general anesthesia. There is little to no risk of infection and patients usually retur...

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and involves abnormal growths of skin cells that can form anywhere on the body, but most frequently appear on skin that is exposed to the sun, such as the face. Vivian F. Wu, MD, MPH, is a surgeon-scientist specializing in all cancers of the head and neck, including those of the tongue, throat, voice box, thyroid, skin, and salivar...

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is revolutionizing perioperative care by shifting away from conventional methods toward a patient-centered, evidence-based approach. ERAS protocols focus on optimizing recovery across all surgical stages—before, during, and after the procedure—through personalized therapies. Key elements include nutritional support, patient education, minimally invasive techn...

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a small DNA virus that infects skin and wet surfaces of the body. The virus is typically spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. There are over 100 different types of HPV. The most common types of HPV are found on the skin and appear as warts. It is one of the most common types of sexually transmitted infections worldwide. HPV is responsible for more than 90% of an...

Tucked deep within the brain and no larger than a pea, the pituitary gland is often called the body’s “master gland.” It oversees the endocrine system—a network of glands and organs that produce hormones regulating everything from growth and metabolism to reproduction and mood. At Pacific Neuroscience Institute’s Pituitary Disorders Center, endocrinologist Dr. Noa Tal specializes in identifying an...

Five days after the birth of her second son, Nicky developed Bell's palsy, a facial paralysis affecting one side of the face. In a majority of people symptoms resolve with steroids and anti-viral treatments. The symptoms lingered for a year despite treatment at which point she was diagnosed with synkinesis, or abnormal facial nerve movement, which occurs about 10% of patients. Nicky was relieved a...

Most people living with MS don't see their neurologist often. For many, it might be only once or twice a year. A lot of important things take place during that appointment. Symptoms are assessed. Decisions about disease-modifying therapies are made or, sometimes, changed. Questions get asked and, hopefully, answered. Dr. Barbara Giesser returns to the podcast, this time, to review the things that...

Lumbar discectomy is a surgical procedure designed to relieve pressure on spinal nerves caused by a herniated disk. Unlike traditional open surgery, this technique uses small incisions and specialized tools to remove damaged disk material with minimal impact on surrounding tissue. Patients typically experience less pain and quicker recovery, making it a preferred option when conservative treatment...

Cochlear implants are neat little devices that drastically improve one's quality of life. However, only about 10% of those that qualify for cochlear implants have actually received one. When one thinks of cochlear implants, the first thing that might come to mind is surgery--invasive, lengthy, with a long time of recovery. However, at PNI, patients can expect a much faster, minimally invasive trea...

Charles was living a full life when Parkinson's disease hit. Although a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting movement, there are many medical treatments available to help with symptom management. While Levadopa, the standard of care treatment helped Charles with his symptoms of tremor, he was unable to tolerate it due to the extreme Restless Legs Syndrome he developed. Deep Brain Stimul...