Category: Neurosciences

It is often said that “the eyes are the windows to the soul,” meaning a person’s emotions, and perhaps even their thoughts at times, can be understood by looking into their eyes. For neuro-ophthalmologists, the eyes often act as windows to the brain and nervous system. Find out how UT Health Austin neuro-ophthalmologists treat vision issues linked to neurological conditions.

Studies were published in January 2022 providing the strongest evidence yet for the causes of Multiple Sclerosis and the mechanisms by which it attacks the body. We spoke with Ethan Meltzer, MD, a neurologist at UT Health Austin’s Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Center within the Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences to get his opinion about these studies and what they mean for patients and future hope of a cure for MS.

UT Health Austin clinicians and researchers across The University of Texas at Austin work together to conduct a three-year study using video games and virtual reality to rewire the brains of adolescents and young adults with epilepsy who require surgery to end their seizures.

UT Health Austin licensed professional counselor Marcella Maxwell, MA, LMFT, LCP, educates parents on how to become adequate advocates for their students navigating medical and mental health concerns within the academic setting.

UT Health Austin pediatric trauma expert Kelly Gettig, APRN, MSN, CBIS, CIC, CPNP-PC/AC, helps parents recognize the symptoms of concussion and traumatic brain injury, provides tips on early concussion care, and shares advice on when to seek additional help.

UT Health Austin clinicians and researchers across The University of Texas at Austin are working with patients in the Dell Children's Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Center within UT Health Austin Pediatric Neurosciences at Dell Children's to better understand how the brain responds to speech and language. This research can help improve outcomes for children who undergo surgery that may affect areas of the brain that play a vital role in processing speech and language.

Learn about multiple sclerosis and how UT Health Austin experts are helping patients manage symptoms to ensure the best quality of life.

When caring for a loved one with dementia, navigating changes in their behavior can be challenging. UT Health Austin’s Comprehensive Memory Center shares tips on how to respond to symptoms of dementia-related behaviors.

UT Health Austin physicians are making it possible for patients and families to receive the care they need by eliminating barriers in healthcare access. Find out how cross clinic collaboration and care coordination helped a caregiver and her family better care for their mother during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Caregiving can be both rewarding and stressful at the same time. Recognizing that caregivers also need support is critical to maintaining optimal health so that caregivers can continue to adequately care for loved ones. UT Health Austin experts share tips on managing caregiver stress.

UT Health Austin geriatric psychiatrist Gayle Ayers, DO, shares tips on navigating visitation with residents in long-term care facilities during COVID-19.

UT Health Austin clinical psychologist, Greg Fonzo, PhD, receives a $300,000 grant to investigate the potential for focused ultrasound to influence the circuitry of the brain in effort to develop new treatment tools for bipolar and other mood disorders.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive neuromodulation treatment used to combat Major Depressive Disorder. UT Health Austin’s Director of Treatment-Resistant Depression, Samuel Collier, MD, shares his insights into the treatment process, side effects, and advantages of TMS.

Find out how Kaitlin Lunt, a 22-year-old Austin resident who has suffered from chronic migraines for ten years, finds relief without experiencing setbacks.

Get to know UT Health Austin epileptologist David Clarke, MD, who serves as the Director of the Dell Children's Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Center within UT Health Austin Pediatric Neurosciences at Dell Children’s. Find out how Dr. Clarke's origin and background influence his approach to caring for children with epilepsy around the world.

UT Health Austin partners with Dell Children’s Medical Center to establish the Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Program. This level 4 epilepsy center consists of a team of over 20 specialists, each bringing a unique perspective and skillset to ensure the most well-rounded pediatric care.

UT Health Austin partners with Dell Children’s Medical Center to establish the Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Program, the only dedicated epilepsy center in Central Texas. The Dell Children’s Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Center has been recognized as a Level 4 Epilepsy Center by the National Association of Epilepsy for meeting the highest standards for providing the most complex forms of intensive neurodiagnostic monitoring as well as more extensive medical, neuropsychological, and psychosocial treatment.

UT Health Austin neuropsychologist Robin Hilsabeck, PhD, shares advice on helping loved ones with Alzheimer's and their caregivers cope with guests and celebrations during the holidays.

Approximately 20% of adults in the United States experience chronic pain, and of those experiencing pain, between 67-88% also have sleep issues. Let’s break down the relationship between pain and sleep and how you can successfully manage both.

Balford was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 33 after the sight in his left eye started to suddenly fade along with his sense of taste. It came as a complete shock. But with the help of his care team at UT Health Austin and his community of friends and family, he's been able to stay confident and control his symptoms.

Leorah Freeman, MD, with UT Health Austin’s Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Center spoke with KXAN about Multiple Sclerosis and a new movement program she developed for MS patients.

UT Health Austin neurologist, Léorah Freeman, MD, PhD, is passionate about community outreach and extending healthcare into the community. In 2017 she created a neuro-inclusive exercise program for multiple sclerosis patients that she has now expanded to the Austin Townlake location.

Contrary to what most people may think, Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging, but it is the 6th leading cause of death in this country. Experts say getting diagnosed early is key to manage this disease. That's why the Cognitive Disorders Center was recently recognized by the Texas Health and Human Services commission for their work with Alzheimer's patients.

For MS patients specifically, a diagnosis has the potential to greatly impact the lives of those around you. Consider the following tips when determining how to share your diagnosis with your kids, romantic partners, and place of employment.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) announced on May 16, 2019 that UT Health Austin’s Cognitive Disorder’s Center in the Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences was one of five recipients of the 2019 Innovators in Aging Award.

It’s estimated that up to 80% of the population will experience back or neck pain at some point in their lives. Pain can be a complex experience, so it’s important to understand the type of pain you may be experiencing, and the cause in order to determine the best way to alleviate it.

Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 50 million people are living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias worldwide. Recognizing the signs and symptoms can help diagnose and begin treatment early.

Back Pain Clinical Director Mark Queralt, M.D. observes there is no imaging system that can take a picture of pain, which is why images are just one of the three important tools he and his team use when caring for patients.

The UT Health Austin Comprehensive Memory Center provides evaluation and treatment to patients and families who are living with conditions that impact memory, behavior and other cognitive functions. We asked the experts a few questions about the clinic and the care patients can expect.

Once known as the food of the gods, chocolate is more than just a rich flavorful treat, it has long been renowned for its purported medicinal benefits as well. Recent studies have explored the connection between chocolate (more specifically cocoa flavanols, which act as antioxidants) and heart disease, mood, behavior and cognition.