Neurosurgery and Brain Health

Gain insight into the conditions, both rare and common, that affect your brain and neurological health. Our brain health articles, videos, and infographics provide sound information about conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, migraines, and more. Learn about brain health warning signs, treatment options, and breakthroughs.

UPMC HealthBeat en español

Article - 1 Minute Read

Phobias: When Being Scared Isn’t Fun

October 27, 2014

We love to be scared on Halloween, but phobias take being afraid to the next level. These lasting and intense fears can disrupt your life. Read More

Medically Reviewed by UPMC Western Behavioral Health
Categorized as: Family Health, Neurosurgery and Brain Health
Tagged with: acrophobia, ailurophobia, American Psychiatric Association, anxiety disorders, aquaphobia, arachnophobia, astraphobia, aviophobia, behavioral therapy, claustrophobia, cognitive behavioral therapy, Halloween, hemophobia, msyophobia, National Institute of Mental Health, ochlophobia, phobias
Article - 2 Minute Read

How Concussions Affect Academics — Part One

October 9, 2014

With fall sports in full swing, sports-related concussions, and the impact on school, continue to be a concern for student athletes, coaches, and parents. Read More

Medically Reviewed by Sports Medicine
Categorized as: Neurosurgery and Brain Health, Pediatrics, Sports Medicine
Tagged with: concussion, concussion myths, Jonathan French PsyD, school, sports medicine, student
Article - 2 Minute Read

How Exercise Can Benefit Parkinson’s Disease Patients

September 28, 2014

Learn more about how exercise can help benefit Parkinson's disease patients, and find out which types of exercises will have the best impact. Read More

Medically Reviewed by Neurosurgery
Categorized as: Neurosurgery and Brain Health
Tagged with: activities, cycling, exercise, Mark Richardson MD PhD, Michael J. Fox Foundation, Parkinson's disease, Pilates, rowing, swimming, yoga
Never Miss a Beat

Subscribe to our HealthBeat newsletter!

(Tap to Join!)

Enter your email to subscribe

I understand that by providing my email address, I agree to receive emails from UPMC. I understand that I may opt out of receiving such communications at any time.

Thank you for subscribing!

You can now select the specific newsletters you'd like to receive.

You are already subscribed.

Subscribe to more newsletters in our email preference center.

Sorry, an error occurred. Please try again later.

Or try our email preference center instead.

Get Healthy Tips Sent to Your Phone!

Enter your mobile phone number

Message and data rates may apply. Text the word STOP to opt out and HELP for help. Click here to view the privacy and terms.
Article - 2 Minute Read

How Stress Affects Your Brain

September 19, 2014

Stress can take a toll on your brain, affecting your daily life. Learn about the effects chronic stress can have on your brain and ways to prevent them. Read More

Medically Reviewed by Neurosurgery
Categorized as: Living and Wellness, Neurosurgery and Brain Health
Tagged with: brain, brain cells, chronic stress, de-stress, depression, diet, hippocampus, sleep, sleep apnea, sleep disorders, stress
Article - 3 Minute Read

Counting Sheep? How Sleep Deprivation Affects your Brain

September 12, 2014

Learn more about how sleep deprivation can affect your brain and discover a few tips to help regulate your sleeping patterns. Read More

Medically Reviewed by Neurosurgery
Categorized as: Living and Wellness, Neurosurgery and Brain Health
Tagged with: insomnia, lack of sleep, sleep, sleep deprivation
Article - 2 Minute Read

Infographic: Recognizing Traumatic Brain Injury

August 20, 2014

Check out this infographic to learn more about traumatic brain injury, including symptoms, treatments, and outcomes. Read More

Medically Reviewed by Neurosurgery
Categorized as: Neurosurgery and Brain Health, Safety, Sports Medicine
Tagged with: baseball, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cognitive function, cooling suit treatment, cycling, emotion, football, headache, infographic, Joshua Roe, memory loss, mood swings, motor function, patient story, ringing in the ears, sensation, softball, TBI, traumatic brain injury, unconsciousness, UPMC Center for Brain Injury
Article - 3 Minute Read

Fighting Traumatic Brain Injury with Extreme Cold: A Survival Story

August 7, 2014

UPMC trauma neurosurgeons helped a patient recover from a severe traumatic brain injury. Learn more about how a cooling suit was used to save his life. Read More

Medically Reviewed by Neurosurgery
Categorized as: Neurosurgery and Brain Health
Tagged with: brain swelling, clinical trials, hypothermia, Joshua Roe, patient story, TBI, trauma center, traumatic brain injury, UPMC Presbyterian, UPMC Rehabilitation Institute, video
Gallery

Tip Sheet: Concussion Signs and Symptoms Evaluation

August 3, 2014

Each year, nearly 3 million sports and recreation-related concussions occur. Review this on-field evaluation sheet and learn about the signs and symptoms. Learn More

Categorized as: Neurosurgery and Brain Health, Sports Medicine
Tagged with: coach, concussion, concussion myths, head injury, injury, Jonathan French PsyD, orientation, sports
Videos

3D Brain Imaging Makes a Colorful Road Map for Surgeons

July 29, 2014

Learn how high definition fiber tracking, a powerful new brain imaging technique, maps nerve fibers in the brain to see how millions of them communicate. Watch Now

Medically Reviewed by Neurosurgery
Categorized as: Neurosurgery and Brain Health
Tagged with: brain imaging, brain mapping, brain tumors, cerebral cavernous malformation, Heather Abramovic, hemorrhages, high definition fiber tracking, MRI, neurosurgery, Robert Friedlander, traumatic brain injuries, University of Pittsburgh