Pacific Neuroscience Institute (PNI)

Unlocking the Wonders of Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery ⚡️🧠⁠ ⁠ In this informative post, Dr. Jean-Philippe Langevin shares insights into deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery, a breakthrough option for people with movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and dystonia.⁠ DBS, sometimes called a “pacemaker for the brain,” involves placing thin electrodes in specific brain areas to adjust activity and support regular function. These electrodes send small electrical pulses to help regulate irregular signals, targeting the basal ganglia—the brain’s autopilot structure.⁠ The system is fully implanted beneath the skin, with a battery (pulse generator) positioned under the chest and leads (wires) carefully routed under the skin to connect deep within the brain through a quarter-sized opening in the skull. It operates wirelessly, allowing patients to manage the system using a handheld device.⁠ Similar to a conductor adjusting the tempo, the stimulator is completely programmable, allowing for fine-tuned adjustments to accommodate changes in the condition. Patients can turn DBS on or off and adjust other settings as needed, opening the door to improved mobility and quality of life.⁠ DBS represents more than just surgery—it’s a step towards new possibilities. 🌟⁠ Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform. 🎧⁠ ⁠ #DeepBrainStimulation #HopeRestored #MovementDisorders #BrainHealth #MedicalBreakthrough #Neuroscience

Are you an older adult struggling with anxiety? Dr. David Merrill provides compassionate and comprehensive clinical evaluations at Pacific Neuroscience Institute. These evaluations are designed not only to address anxiety symptoms but also to facilitate continued engagement in meaningful activities and relationships. Contact us at 310-582-7641 to schedule a consultation. 💙 #Anxiety #Anxious #MentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #GeriatricAnxiety #MentalWellness #PatientCare #Psychiatry #Stress #Depression #AnxietySymptoms #AnxietyDisorder

From the first sounds to every heartfelt moment, our Hearing Restoration Program at PNI is there for patients of all ages. Your donation can make hearing possible for those in need. 💙✨ Amplify the joy of sound – support PNI today! https://lnkd.in/gaFtmKhN

Did you know that a good night's sleep can boost cognitive function? To achieve restorative sleep, Dr. Karen Miller recommends three key strategies: ⏰ Set a sleep schedule: Older adults should target 7-8 hours of nightly sleep, maintaining a consistent schedule to reinforce this routine. 🏃 Prioritize daytime physical activity: As the weather cools down, fight the temptation to spend your days inside. Daylight helps regulate your circadian rhythm (sleep wake-cycle). 🍵 Wind down before bed: Create a calming bedtime routine with activities like yoga, a bath, or reading. Minimize screen exposure 30 minutes before bedtime and ensure the sleeping environment is cool, dark, and comfortable. Subscribe to PNI’s Brain Wellness & Lifestyle newsletter for essential tips from Dr. Miller & team! Click here: https://lnkd.in/gMPeYCkt #SleepHealth #CognitiveWellness #BrainFunction #AlzheimersAwareness #NeuroProtection #HealthyHabits #SleepScience #MindfulSleep

One of the most heartbreaking aspects of dementia and Alzheimer’s occurs when patients struggle to express themselves. However, experts concur that music therapy holds promise as a valuable solution for communication challenges. 🎶 Scott Kaiser, MD, Director of Geriatric Cognitive Health at Pacific Neuroscience Institute, explains: “It’s not uncommon for people living with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia to remember music and songs even when they may forget many other names or words and otherwise have significant cognitive deficits.” He adds, “There are many potential reasons for this—some of which have been clearly demonstrated in research and practice and others which we are only beginning to understand—including the fact that music may tap into many different regions, pathways, and processes in our brains." 💙 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gw4rqTyW #DementiaAwareness #AlzheimersSupport #MusicTherapy #CommunicationChallenges #CognitiveHealth #GeriatricCare #MemoryAndMusic #NeuroscienceInsights #MusicHeals

What is the Gut Microbiome? ⁠ Ever wondered how the trillions of tiny life forms living in and on us impact our health? The human microbiome, a vast community of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, plays a crucial role in our wellbeing, both good and bad.⁠ ⁠ Learn how the 'bad guys' in our gut might contribute to Parkinson's disease by producing toxins that affect the brain with Dr. Melita Petrossian, MD.⁠ ⁠ 🎧 Listen to the episode on your preferred podcast platform.⁠ ⁠ #HumanMicrobiome #GutBrainConnection #HealthInsights #ParkinsonsAwareness

In 2011, Demi Lovato disclosed her struggles with bipolar disorder. Lovato revealed feeling "relieved" upon learning her diagnosis, a sentiment experts suggest could reshape societal perceptions of mental health. David Merrill, MD, PhD, Director of the Brain Health Center at Pacific Neuroscience Institute, reminds us that “no one chooses to suffer from bipolar disorder — we now know that mental health disorders are medical illnesses that include genetic predispositions, environmental life stressors, and need comprehensive treatments.” Keep reading: https://lnkd.in/gkRUcfsk #BipolarAwareness #MentalHealthJourney #DemiLovato #BrainHealth #MentalWellness #PacificNeuroscienceInstitute #BipolarDisorder #MentalHealthMatters #Treatment

“Our perceptions of aging and how we talk about it can directly impact our health and others’ health,” says Scott Kaiser, MD, Director of Geriatric Cognitive Health at Pacific Neuroscience Institute. Join Dr. Kaiser as he discusses the “polite” respectful language and attitudes towards aging, combatting ageism and stereotypes, and promoting inclusive and respectful communication for aging experiences. 💙 Read more: https://lnkd.in/gt2YQaxt #HealthyAging #GeriatricHealth #CognitiveHealth #AgeWell #Ageism #PositiveAging

🌟 Join the PNI Brain Tumor Fighters at the BT5K! 🌟 We’re teaming up with the American Brain Tumor Association to support patients and families and advance brain tumor research. 💪🧠 📅 Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024 🕗 Time: 8:00 am 📍 Location: Tongva Park, Santa Monica, CA Whether you can walk with us or support from afar, your involvement makes a huge difference. 👟 Join Our Team: Walk with us and be part of the fight against brain tumors. 💵 Donate: Can’t make it? Your donation is quick, easy, and helps drive research and support. Let’s come together to support those impacted by brain tumors. Sign up or donate today and be a part of something meaningful! 🔗 Link to sign up: https://lnkd.in/gmf8URNC⁠ #BT5K #BrainTumorAwareness #PNIBrainTumorFighters #JoinUs #DonateNow

It started with haunting whispers that invaded her thoughts. Auditory hallucinations plagued her waking hours as a mysterious illness took over 22-year-old Jill's mind. She recalls, "I heard voices, broke down, and went to my mother...then darkness." Tragically, Jill fell into a coma-like state. A year passed before she regained consciousness. Puzzled by the nature of Jill’s condition, medical experts admitted her to a psychiatric facility. Eventually, she began experiencing seizures and was admitted to a hospital. Faced with this nightmarish scenario, Jill’s father sought to find the best possible care for his daughter. This led him to Santosh Kesari, MD, PhD, board-certified neurologist and Co-founder of Pacific Neuroscience Institute (PNI). When Jill’s father contacted him, Dr. Kesari promptly agreed to help. After conducting a multitude of tests, Dr. Kesari discovered an antibody in Jill’s blood and spinal fluid attacking her brain and causing rampant inflammation. Dr. Kesari revealed that “this typically occurs with a variety of cancers as well as with some benign tumors.” The search was on to locate Jill's tumor. After conducting further imaging, Dr. Kesari and his team found a tumor in one of Jill’s ovaries. The tumor incited an adverse autoimmune response, leading to inflammation in her brain. To save Jill's life, the medical team removed the affected ovary. Alarmingly, Jill remained unconscious after surgery. Repeat testing indicated the presence of antibodies still attacking her brain. Dr. Kesari surmised that there must still be a tumor in the remaining ovary, despite no evidence on imaging. The medical team promptly performed a second operation. Dr. Kesari’s prediction was correct. And the results were nothing short of miraculous. Immediately after surgery, there was a clear change in Jill’s neurological condition. Day by day, she improved, transitioning from a coma-like state to a gradual return to consciousness. In a matter of weeks, Jill made a stunning recovery. Watch Jill's journey here: https://shorturl.at/gkrne