Think Neuro

Located in Los Angeles, we are here for patients from around the globe.

If you are living outside the greater Los Angeles area, out-of-state, or abroad, and want a consultation for a newly diagnosed or recurrent pituitary tumor, brain tumor, skull base tumor, or orbital tumor, our physicians can promptly review your imaging studies and other tests, and provide a recommendation on treatment options, including possible clinical trial participation. We also help patients with spine and neck problems.

These preliminary reviews and recommendations can be done through email or online consultation technology. Based on our...

More than 20% of adults over the age of 55 experience depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline as they age. Shannel Elhelou, PsyD and Ryan Glatt, MS, CPT, NBC-HWC, however, are firm believers in six core pillars for combating cognitive decline. They're called the Vital 6 and consist of stress management, sleep, nutrition, exercise, socialization, and cognitive training. By focusing on interventions that most people can do at home, Dr. Elhelou and Ryan are making cognitive wellness accessible. Ryan Glatt is even the Director of the FitBrain Program at PNI, which combines brain and body training with "exergaming." Tune in and discover how...

On New Year's Eve of 2017 Ashley had a seizure and passed out. She woke up in an ambulance, passed out again and woke up in an emergency room. An MRI revealed a glioma, a type of brain tumor. After surgery, recovery has been long, but in the hands of expert neuro-oncologist Dr. Naveed Wagle at Pacific Neuroscience Institute - South Bay, Ashley is hopeful, determined, and full of her original spirit. Watch this heartwarming and courageous story.

Tonsil stones are small, calcified formations that occur within the crevices of the tonsils. Composed of hardened minerals or food particles, these growths are generally harmless but can cause unpleasant symptoms such as bad breath or sore throat. Tonsil stones typically appear as small, white or yellowish pebbles on the tonsils. In most cases, they can be removed at home, although surgical intervention may be necessary if they persist or cause discomfort.

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL), or sudden deafness, is a rapid loss of hearing. SSHL can happen to a person all at once or over a period of up to 3 days. It should be considered a medical emergency. Hearing loss affects only one ear in 9 out of 10 people who experience SSHL. Many people notice it when they wake up in the morning. Others first notice it when they try to use the deafened ear, such as when they make a phone call. Still others notice a loud, alarming “pop” just before their hearing disappears. People with SSHL often experience dizz...

Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, is a virus that infects the skin and wet surfaces of the body. It's a disease that's commonly spread through sexual activity, and over 80% of people will get it at some point in their lifetime. HPV is an endemic disease, which, in epidemiology, means that it is constantly present in a particular population. While most people recover from HPV, there can be complications. It is responsible for more than 90% of anal and cervical cancers and can also cause oropharyngeal cancer. Dr. Wu, a board-certified otolaryngologist, specializes in head and neck surgical oncology. Diseases like HPV...

The eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx (back of the nose). It helps aerate the middle ear as well as equalizing pressure such as when flying in an airplane. Sometimes the eustachian tube does not function as it is supposed to and sometimes this may be related to concurrent nasal and sinus issues. Learn more about what can go wrong and how to remedy it.

Michael Yong, MD, MPH, MBA, is board certified in Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, and fellowship-trained in Neurorhinology – Advanced Sinus & Skull Base Surgery. At Pacific Neuroscience Institute®, Dr. Yong provides full...

Dr. Daniel Kelly, Neurosurgeon, Director and Founder, Pacific Neuroscience Institute, presents a case study of a 52 year old woman from New York who was experiencing progressive vision loss. After an MRI, she traveled to Los Angeles to receive minimally invasive keyhole surgery for a meningioma (brain tumor). Using a endoscopic, endonasal approach, the patient's tumor was removed via the nostril.

Hearing loss affects millions of people worldwide, particularly older adults who can suffer age-related hearing loss (ARHL). Beyond the obvious impact on communication and quality of life, recent research studies show that hearing loss leads to a higher risk of developing the diseases of cognitive decline such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Hearing loss demands comprehensive understanding and professional care. It is more than a mere audiological condition; hearing loss is profoundly connected with cognition, communication, and emotional well-being. If you find yourself confronting hearing loss, do not hesitate to seek assistance at Pacific Eye, Ear, and Sk...

Essential tremor is the most common movement disorder in humans, and its causes are among the most mysterious. It’s a neurological condition that causes involuntary shaking. It can begin in one’s 20s or 30s, or much later in life. Dr. Natalie Diaz treats essential tremors. Its origins may be unknown, but there are treatments. The first step is to talk to your doctor to rule out other forms of tremor because there are many.

To say that the medical world’s view of psychedelics has changed would be a vast understatement. Until about two decades ago, drugs like LSD and psilocybin—the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms—were considered dangerous party drugs. Then, a small group of scientists began reconsidering the therapeutic value of the compounds, known for centuries in many non-industrial cultures. In 2000, doctors at Johns Hopkins got regulatory approval to study the drugs. Since then, doctors there and elsewhere have shown that psychedelics can help people quit smoking, quit drinking, ease anxiety, and lift depression. PNI started its Treatment & Research In Psyche...

After a childhood disease that affected her hearing, Ayslyn has undergone multiple preventative surgeries for hearing loss each year of her life. At 27 years old, she was treated by Dr. Courtney Voelker and Dr. Rebecca Lewis at Pacific Neuroscience Institute to get a new hearing device. Through a Bone Bridge Surgery she is now able to hear through this innovative technology.

Did you know that some swallowing problems can be caused by a medical condition? Dr. Omid Mehdizadeh treats both voice and swallowing dysfunction. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) can become a chronic issue that affects anyone, but is often experienced by older adults. A voice and swallow expert, Dr. Mehdizadeh’s background in Otolaryngology and Gastroenterology is a perfect blend of knowledge and experience. He treats patients with voice, airway, esophageal, and swallowing dysfunctions at PNI’s Pacific, Eye, Ear & Skull Base Center in Santa Monica, and Pacific Head & Neck Center in West Los Angeles, California.

A PNI Minute: Exercise is very important for brain health. A multimodal approach including aerobic exercise, resistance (strength) training, and neuro-motor (skill or motor) training is ideal. To help stave off cognitive decline, Ryan and his team work with clients in the FitBrain gym using dual tasking and clinical exergaming also called serious gaming that engages both body and brain simultaneously. Some people call this a clinical arcade. Whether individuals have mobility impairments, physical impairments, or cognitive impairments, there is always something that can be done to customize an exercise program for them.

Ryan Glatt is a...

In this podcast, Dr. Kelly talks about how he was drawn to neurosurgery, his fascination with the pituitary gland, the nuances of minimally invasive pituitary and brain tumor surgery, as well as a brief history of PNI, its focus on innovation and clinical trials and its 8 centers of excellence.

For more information:
pacificneuro.org | pacificbraintumor.org | (310) 829-8265

As one of the most comprehensive pituitary disorder programs in the United States, the Pacific Pituitary Disorders Center at Pacific Neuroscience Institute (PNI) offers world-class expert care. Among the top ranked neurology and neurosurgery programs in the nation, our center’s compassionate multidisciplinary specialists provide advanced, personalized treatment while focusing on our patients’ quality of life.

Affiliated with award-winning Providence hospitals Saint John’s Health Center and Little Company of Mary, PNI neurosurgeons lead the way in advancing safer, more effective keyhole and minimally invasive endoscopic pituitary tumor removal approaches.

If you, a family member, or fri...

Precision Brain Health at Pacific Neuroscience Institute is a program that utilizes a formalized system to comprehensively address neurodegenerative disease. It addresses at both clinical and lifestyle components impacting brain heath. Dr. David Merrill, director of the brain health center at PNI details the ReCODE Protocol (pioneered by Dr. Dale Bredesen) which has emerged as a viable attempt to prevent, arrest, and reverse symptoms of cognitive decline associated with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, other dementias, and mild cognitive impairment. More than six million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease—the most common type of dementia—suffering progressing symptoms of memor...

This week on the Think Neuro podcast, we welcome Dr. Tessa Hadlock, a leading facial nerve surgeon, educator, and innovator. A Professor of Otolaryngology at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Hadlock shares her inspiring journey into facial nerve surgery and her commitment to helping patients regain facial control. Joining her is Dr. Amit Kochhar, Director of the Facial Nerve Disorders Program at Pacific Neuroscience Institute. Together, they explore groundbreaking advancements in facial reanimation surgery for patients with facial paralysis. Dr. Hadlock is a strong advocate for "open-source" surgical techniques, emphasizing knowledge-sharing among surgeons to accelerate progress in the field—an et...

Do you suffer from nose bleeds? Dr. Wong helps patients who have recurrent nose bleeds whether they are a few spots on a tissue to ones that may last for 20-30 minutes on most days. Learn about the causes of nose bleeds and effective methods for dealing with them.

Michael Yong, MD, MPH, MBA, is board certified in Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, and fellowship-trained in Neurorhinology – Advanced Sinus & Skull Base Surgery. At Pacific Neuroscience Institute®, Dr. Yong provides full-service general Otolaryngology care, with an expertise in sinonasal and skull base disorders. He specializes in using minimally invasive endos...

We ask a lot of our spines. They keep us upright, they bend into myriad positions, and they protect our spinal cord, a huge job by itself. And they go the distance, doing all of those things, if we’re lucky, well into our 90s. But the longer we live, the more we wear out our spines. That’s where Dr. Jian Guan comes in. He handles complicated spinal issues that don’t get better with rest, exercise or physical therapy. After medical school and residency, he did a fellowship in complex spinal neurosurgery at the Lahey Clinic in Massac...

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 expert ENT providers can help. We provide comprehensive care for voice and swallowing disorders. Omid Mehdizadeh, MD is our fellowship trained laryngologist who specializes in voice and swallowing treatment and care.

Fellowship trained, Noa Tal, MD, is a devoted endocrinologist committed to delivering exceptional care and striving for excellence in her field. With a diverse background encompassing medicine, research, teaching, and wellness, she endeavors to make significant contributions to healthcare. At the Pituitary Disorders Center at Pacific Neuroscience Institute®, Dr. Tal cares for patients with endocrine issues as a result of pituitary tumors.

Dr. Tal earned her medical degree from Tel Aviv University School of Medicine and completed her internal medicine residency at Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, NY. Subsequently, she pursued further specialization through an endocrinology fellowship a...

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the brain’s function and causes a gradual decline in cognitive function, including memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for approximately 70% of all cases of dementia.

The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. The disease is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal proteins in the brain, which interfere with the communication between brain cells and cause their death over time.

There...

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL), or sudden deafness, is a rapid loss of hearing. SSHL can happen to a person all at once or over a period of up to 3 days. It should be considered a medical emergency. Hearing loss affects only one ear in 9 out of 10 people who experience SSHL. Many people notice it when they wake up in the morning. Others first notice it when they try to use the deafened ear, such as when they make a phone call. Still others notice a loud, alarming “pop” just before their hearing disappears. People with SSHL often experience dizz...

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea, characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete blockage of the airway during sleep. These blockages occur when the muscles at the back of the throat relax excessively, causing the airway to narrow or close, and momentarily stopping breathing. This condition contrasts with central sleep apnea, where the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. When the brain is deprived of oxygen during sleep, OSA can lead to...

Sandra Narayanan, MD, Vascular Neurologist and Neurointerventional Surgeon at the Pacific Stroke and Neurovascular Center at Pacific Neuroscience Institute, explains the difference between hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke.

The main difference between the two types of stroke is the underlying cause of the brain damage. In ischemic stroke, the damage is caused by a lack of blood supply, while in hemorrhagic stroke, it is caused by bleeding into the brain tissue. Both types of stroke are medical emergencies and require immediate medical attention to prevent further damage and improve outcomes.

For decades, people thought physical exercise benefited only the body. But every year we learn how incorrect that was, and Dr. David Merrill, director of PNI’s brain health center, is one of the people pushing our knowledge forward. It turns out that exercise builds the brain by prompting the production of brain derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF. “Trophic” compounds cause things to grow, and BDNF helps create new connections among neurons, which is how we learn. In short, BDNF is fertilizer for the brain, Dr. Merrill says. In a perfect world, we would be able to take BDNF in a p...

There are no specific diets that have been shown to reduce the progression of PD. However, there is good reason to believe that a well-balanced, nutritious diet would be best. In those without other medical conditions, the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurogenerative Delay (MIND) diet may be of benefit in Parkinson’s as well since both are neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

In movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and dystonia, normal function can be restored to the circuitry of the brain, resulting in significant improvement in function and quality of life. The goal of deep brain stimulation surgery is to modulate the activity of a specific brain region.

In DBS, thin electrodes are placed in the disruptive areas of the brain and small electrical pulses normalize or eliminate the irregular signals. DBS is the non-permanent suppression of overactivity in the autopilot structure of the brain called the basal ganglia.

Like a pacemaker for th...

You're probably hearing a lot more about the "human microbiome" these days. It's the collection of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that lives alongside us, inside and out. Some of these organisms are beneficial, and some are harmful. There is growing evidence that bad actors in our digestive tract may produce toxins that travel along the vagus nerve to the brain, where they clump and cause Parkinson's disease. Listen to this PNI Minute to understand this unexpected connection between gut health and the brain.

Dr. Akanksha Sharma is a neuro-oncologist and palliative medicine specialist at the Pacific Brain Tumor Center at Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica, CA. To provide extra resources to brain cancer patients suffering from brain tumors such as glioblastoma and their care partners. Dr. Akanksha Sharma is a neuro-oncologist and palliative medicine specialist at the Pacific Brain Tumor Center at Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica, CA. To provide extra resources to brain cancer patients suffering from brain tumors such as glioblastoma and their care partners, Dr. Sharma opened a Supportive Care Clinic in 2020. The clinic offers services to...

Listen in as Dr. Santosh Kesari joins the Your Healthy Dose podcast with Kym Douglas.

We’re at the dawn of a new era in medical care, where the ability to predict, detect, and treat disease will be based on each individual’s genetics and the interaction of the genome with many lifestyle, environmental, and other factors. Join us for “Personalized Medicine” and hear podcast host Kym Douglas explore the possibilities with Dr. Santosh Kesari.

Stress can significantly impact the brain and body. Cortisol production in the brain increases. It is a stress hormone regulated by the hypothalamus which is responsible for our fight or flight response. This is your brain's response to danger. Chronic stress can lead to structural changes in the hippocampus, which is also our memory center. So those that experience chronic stress are more likely to experience changes in their memory abilities.

Learn how to manage stress using techniques like meditation, deep breathing and forest bathing, so that when you're stressed, you'll be more able to engage in...

Bell’s palsy is a paralysis or weakness of the muscles on one side of the face. The facial nerves control muscle activity so when damaged it can cause the face to droop.

Fortunately, for the majority of patients, normal to near-normal facial nerve function can be restored within 1-2 months with medications alone, especially in those who can still partly move their facial muscles.

Bell’s palsy-related facial paralysis is sudden, often occurring overnight. The diagnosis of Bell’s palsy is typically made after a thorough evaluation of the entire body that may include a labo...

Michelle Holmes, OD, is a full-scope optometrist at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute®. She sees patients at both the Eye, Ear and Skull Base Center as well as at the Brain Health Center. She is board certified and TLG licensed to treat and manage ocular disease. She prides herself in practicing evidence-based medicine with a genuine enthusiasm for human connection.

Strange though it may seem, our vocal cords are among our most vital organs. Not only do they allow us to communicate, but they make it possible to swallow without letting food or fluids into our lungs, a dangerous phenomenon that can cause pneumonia. It’s a complex action, requiring the work of 48 different muscles. Dr. Omid Mehdizadeh is an otolaryngologist—a surgeon who specializes in the head and neck. His specialty is laryngology—complex voice and swallowing disorders. Many patients come to him when they age, or after they have a stroke, both of which can impair the vocal...

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus is one of a few reversible causes of dementia. Dr. Garni Barkhoudarian, director of the Pacific Adult Hydrocephalus Center, briefly describes the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

Cervical dystonia (sometimes called neck dystonia) is the abnormal position of the muscles of the neck, causing a twisted, turned, flexed or extended neck position. Abnormal signals coming from the deep parts of the brain cause this condition and therefore it is not muscular in nature and will not resolve with muscle massage or stretching.

The mainstay of treatment of cervical dystonia is with injection of botulinum toxin, such as Botox or Xeomin. Botulinum toxin injections work by causing a disruption between the nerve and the muscle, thereby weakening the muscle that it is injected into. For...

The Pacific Treatment & Research In Psychedelics (TRIP) program is dedicated to the development of psychedelic-assisted therapies and the scientific exploration of how altered states of consciousness can be harnessed to change behavior and improve brain health and quality of life.

Behavioral health issues are a leading cause of disability and they remain inadequately treated worldwide. The modest effectiveness of existing treatments such as antidepressants and traditional psychotherapy approaches show us that there is an urgent need for more effective treatments for conditions such as depression, alcoholism, smoking cessation, and end of life suffering.

Early studies...

One thing that makes Pacific Neuroscience Institute an institute is research, and Jennifer Bramen spends all of her time doing just that. Dr. Bramen earned her PhD in neuroscience from UCLA. These days, she is particularly interested in the “gut biome”: all the organisms that live in our digestive system. Strange though it may seem, those bacteria have a lot to do with our brains. That’s because the gut has its own nervous system, and it produces many of the neurotransmitters that regulate our stress levels and mood. But we can’t produce those compounds alone. We need a popula...