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's quality of life and may be managed with medication or other treatments to reduce the tremors.
Dec 10, 2023•9 min
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 medications like corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms.
Dec 03, 2023•8 min
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 therapies, with the choice depending on the tumor's characteristics. The prognosis varies widely, but earl...
Nov 19, 2023•9 min
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 to manage them properly can lead to long-term cognitive and neurological issues, emphasizing the imp...
Nov 12, 2023•8 min
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
Nov 05, 2023•11 min
Amongst all the things advertised on social media, what actually is important for brain health? More about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd
Sep 20, 2023•8 min
Aphasia is a disorder that affects communication- verbal, written, comprehension and repetition. What causes aphasia? More about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd
Sep 02, 2023•8 min
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
Aug 25, 2023•7 min
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...
Aug 05, 2023•39 min
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 this split brain theory. More about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd
Jul 17, 2023•10 min
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/Drbillakotamd
Jul 01, 2023•6 min
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 major type of stroke. Like ischemic strokes, blood clots often cause TIAs. More than a third of peop...
Jun 15, 2023•10 min
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
May 28, 2023•10 min
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
May 14, 2023•11 min
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
May 06, 2023•9 min
What exactly is electroencephalography (EEG)? https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd
Apr 29, 2023•6 min
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
Apr 15, 2023•6 min
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
Mar 28, 2023•5 min
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.
Feb 28, 2023•7 min
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
Feb 12, 2023•7 min
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
Jan 22, 2023•10 min
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
Jan 16, 2023•6 min
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/Drbillakotamd
Jan 01, 2023•10 min
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
Dec 25, 2022•8 min
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
Dec 18, 2022•10 min
Being on call+ holiday= unexpected delay. Sorry! Part 4 of 4. Pregnancy can often times be anxiety provoking, especially if you have epilepsy. Here is some basic information to help maneuver this time. Like what you hear? Spread the word!
Nov 25, 2022•6 min
Sorry for the delay. Part 3of 4. Pregnancy can often times be anxiety provoking, especially if you have epilepsy. Here is some basic information to help maneuver this time. Like what you hear? Spread the word! More information about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd
Nov 06, 2022•10 min
Part 2 of 4. Pregnancy can often times be anxiety provoking, especially if you have epilepsy. Here is some basic information to help maneuver this time. Like what you hear? Spread the word! More information about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd
Oct 16, 2022•7 min
Part 1 of 4. Pregnancy can often times be anxiety provoking, especially if you have epilepsy. Here is some basic information to help maneuver this time. Like what you hear? Spread the word! More information about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd
Oct 09, 2022•6 min
Diets like Ketogenic diet, modified Atkins diet and low glycemic index diet are useful for seizure control. With guidance from a nutritionist, these diets can be helpful! Have you tried any of these diets? Like what you hear? Spread the word! More information about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd
Sep 25, 2022•10 min
