SAVE THE DATE. Knowledge is empowering. May is brain tumor awareness month. This year, we advocate knowledge as an empowering force. Join Pacific Neuroscience Institute for a celebratory walk on Wednesday, May 29th at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. Plus, check out the myriad resources we have gathered for those living with brain tumor. Donate to Support Us Raising Awareness for Brain Tumors Our patients with brain tumors, and their families, frequently express feeling unnoticed, eclipsed, and isolated. A diagnosis labeled as “rare” or “uncommon” can pose difficultie ..read more

Dr. Jean-Philippe Langevin performed the first robotic + navigation-assisted spine surgery at Providence Little Company of Mary on Friday, March 22, 2024. On a crisp, early morning in Torrance, California, anticipation and quiet excitement buzzed in the air as everything was meticulously prepared in the operating room. With all clinical personnel standing by, Pacific Neuroscience Institute® neurosurgeon, Jean-Philippe Langevin, MD, took a moment to meet with and reassure both the patient and their family. Then, as the stage was set, it was time for the procedure to begin. A Breakthrough Moment ..read more

The Think Neuro podcast from Pacific Neuroscience Institute takes you into the clinic, operating room and laboratory with doctors and surgeons who are tackling the most challenging brain diseases and disorders. Host: Anthony Effinger Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Simplecast Watch on YouTube: Click Here Episode 54: Show Notes Use the term “vocal cords” and most people think of the structure that lets us talk, sing and yell. But these folds of throat tissue do much more. Among their most important functions is sealing off the tra ..read more

Dr. Amit Kochhar performs an advanced type of facial nerve surgery that restores movement and function in patients with facial paralysis.  Imagine you can no longer smile. What would that do to your ability to communicate or even experience emotions? This is the reality for those with facial paralysis.  There are a wide variety of reasons people find themselves with the condition, including Bell’s palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, trauma or tumors such as vestibular schwannoma or parotid cancer. Known as facial palsy, the paralysis usually affects only one side of the face.  Amit Koc ..read more

Dr. Bredesen Believes That Alzheimer’s Disease is Becoming Optional SANTA MONICA, CA, April 16, 2024 – Pacific Neuroscience Institute® (PNI) is thrilled to announce that Dale Bredesen, MD, has joined the Pacific Brain Health Center. Over the past four months, as the senior director of the nascent Precision Brain Health program, he and his colleagues have been intensely focused on developing what promises to be the world’s first formalized system to comprehensively address neurodegenerative disease. While not quite ready for primetime, the excitement around the clinical implications for patient ..read more

Preparation for ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) involves several key components aimed at ensuring the safety and efficacy of the treatment, as well as preparing the patient mentally and emotionally for the experience. At the Treatment & Research In Psychedelics (TRIP) Center at Pacific Neuroscience Institute® our expert team takes a holistic approach to treating patients with a wide array of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. Here are some common elements involved in a preparation session for ketamine-assisted psychotherapy: Initial Assessment ..read more

Cushing’s disease, a complex endocrine disorder, is characterized by excessive cortisol production. Often misunderstood and underdiagnosed, Cushing’s disease presents a myriad of symptoms that can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. At the Pituitary Disorders Center at Pacific Neuroscience Institute® our expert team provides a holistic approach to treating Cushing’s disease and other pituitary adenomas. In this article we provide a concise overview of the optimal management of Cushing’s disease and highlight both surgical and medical advances. What is Cushing’s Disease? Cushi ..read more

In recent years, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) has emerged as a promising treatment for various mental health conditions, offering new hope to individuals who have not found relief through conventional therapies. This innovative approach combines the therapeutic effects of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, with psychotherapy to address a range of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. For those considering this treatment option, understanding what ketamine-assisted psychotherapy entails and what to expect is an important step. At the Treatment &am ..read more

March is Essential Tremor Awareness Month, shedding light on a neurological condition that affects millions worldwide. Essential tremor, often misunderstood or misdiagnosed, can significantly impact daily life. Here are seven frequently asked questions about this condition: What is essential tremor?Essential tremor (ET) is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary shaking movements, typically affecting the hands, arms, head, and sometimes the voice. These tremors can range from mild to severe, causing difficulties with tasks such as eating, writing, or even holding objects. The ter ..read more

A guide to informed healthcare decision-making for people living with acoustic neuroma (aka vestibular schwannoma) Introduction Receiving a diagnosis of acoustic neuroma (AN) can be overwhelming and frightening. However, taking an active role in your healthcare journey is crucial to ensuring the best possible outcome. As an AN patient, becoming educated and prepared for your appointments is essential for making informed decisions about your treatment. In this article, we will discuss the importance of being well-informed and provide valuable tips on how to prepare for your physician consultati ..read more