A hybrid operating theater is a type of operating room that combines features of both a traditional operating room and a catheterization lab. This type of room is typically used for procedures that require both surgical and interventional radiology (IR) techniques. 

Some of the benefits of using a hybrid operating theater include: 

1. Increased efficiency – procedures that would normally require two separate rooms can be completed in one hybrid room, which can save time and money. 

2. Better patient outcomes – having all of the necessary equipment and personnel in one room can help to ensure that procedures are performed safely and effectively. 

3. Enhanced safety – having a dedicated hybrid operating room can help to reduce the risk of infection and other complications. 

4. Improved patient comfort – patients may feel more comfortable knowing that they will not have to be moved between two different rooms during their procedure. 

The Biplane Cath Lab Hybrid operation theater at our hospital is equipped with the latest 4K endoscopy and neuronavigation technology. This state-of-the-art equipment allows us to provide our patients with the best possible care. 

The Biplane Cath Lab Hybrid operation theater at our hospital is equipped with the latest 4K endoscopy and neuronavigation technology. This state-of-the-art equipment allows us to provide our patients with the best possible care. 4K endoscopy provides superior image quality, which helps our doctors to more accurately diagnose and treat conditions. 

This advanced equipment helps us to safely and effectively perform procedures such as brain surgery. Neuronavigation technology allows us to precisely target areas in the brain, while neuromonitoring helps us to monitor the patient’s neurological status during surgery. This information is essential in order to ensure that the procedure is being performed safely and effectively. 

Conclusion: The Biplane Cath Lab Hybrid operation theater at Dr. Rao’s hospital is equipped with the latest 4K endoscopy and neuronavigation technology. This state-of-the-art equipment allows us to provide our patients with the best possible care. Neuronavigation and neuromonitoring technology help us to safely and effectively perform procedures such as brain surgery.

Is Swimming Beneficial To Back Pain?

When you are dealing with back pain, it can be challenging to find workouts that do not make the condition worse. In many circumstances, low-impact activities are ideal, as they exert minimal pressure and strain on an already-sore portion of your body. 

Swimming is among the finest workouts you can undertake if you are looking for a low-impact exercise. 

Dr. Mohana Rao, the founder of Dr. Rao’s Hospital – a world-class neurology hospital in Andhra Pradesh, adds that the buoyancy of floating on water basically means there is less possibility of stressing your muscles. Water also provides terrific resistance that can strengthen your muscles without creating more pain. 

Read on to learn more about how swimming can benefit your back problem.

Does Swimming Help In Easing Back Pain?

Yes, swimming can help alleviate back pain.

The first thing you might think to do if you have neck or back pain is to lay low and get a lot of rest. However, if you do this, it can make the problem even worse and take you longer to get better. Resting too much can weaken your muscles and make it even more difficult for your body while it tries to stabilize your spine.

The best activity when dealing with your back pain is swimming. Following are some of the reasons:

Alleviates pressure and strain on your joints

Most exercises tend to put a lot of stress on your joints and usually concentrate on specific areas of your body. 

Swimming is a great way to get a full-body workout while not putting too much stress on your joints. The buoyancy in water eases the pressure on your joints and spine; this automatically relaxes the sore parts of your body.

Strengthens less-used muscles

When you swim, you engage a different set of muscles than required in your daily activities. Also due to the buoyancy, you are able to flex or move your body parts in a way that is difficult when on land. Thus the less exercised muscles in your body get strengthened, making your body stronger overall.

In fact, when you engage in swimming, almost all of your muscles are utilized, so it provides you with a complete body workout. And by making your less-used muscles stronger, swimming helps you balance and support yourself better when on land.

Improved physical stamina

If you can gradually up the period of time that you swim, you will most likely be able to use that same endurance in other parts of your life. The simple act of going for a swim can help you build up your stamina and strength over time, which in turn can help you when you play other sports or engage in other activities.

Improved physical stamina will improve your mobility and reduce the frequency of back pain.

It helps in losing weight

Backache can be worse if you are overweight, as excess weight puts additional strain on your already burdened and sore back. An excellent way to stay fit if you are overweight is swimming, which lets you move freely without feeling pain from standing, taking a walk, or running. In addition, if you want to lose weight, swimming burns more calories than most land-based exercises. 

Dr. Mohana Rao, among the best neurosurgeons in Guntur, says because you have to use your whole body to swim properly, it burns more calories as compared to working out specific parts of your body.

Improves flexibility

Swimming is an excellent way to move, and it may cause your flexibility to also get better over time. Swimming requires movements that help you work and stretch your muscles in a more effective way than most forms of exercise.

When your body gets flexible, the strain on your back is significantly reduced.

An excellent cardio-based exercise

Swimming is a great way to get a lot of cardio-based exercise in a short amount of time. Try to remember when you last went swimming. After you did that, you most likely felt hungry. The exact reason for this is not known, but there are a few theories, one of which is that swimmers usually swim in colder water, which burns more calories.

The acclaimed neurosurgeon in Guntur, Dr. Mohana Rao, adds that your heart pumps faster and your body works harder to keep you warm when swimming in cold water. This results in more calories being burnt than if you were to swim in warmer conditions.

It can boost your mental health

Studies have shown that when you are in the water, the blood flow to your brain gets a significant boost. This positively impacts your brain due to the increase in oxygen, nutrients, and glucose supplied to it. Regular swimming, even for just 20 minutes at a time, is thought to help people with anxiety and depression and improve their sleep habits. 

When you swim, your nervous system feels relaxed and releases endorphins, your “feel-good” chemicals. They make you feel happier and better about yourself. This, in turn, lightens up your overall mood and aids in relieving the tense muscles. 

Conclusion

Back pain can be very discomforting and frustrating, making it difficult to follow a healthy workout regime. But do not worry! Swimming is an excellent workout if you suffer from back pain. It will help build your stamina and strength, as well as increase blood flow to all parts of your body. 

Dr. Mohana Rao says that you should swim as part of your exercise plan if a pool is accessible. Swimming is not only relaxing and refreshing, but the aerobic aspects of swimming can improve the movement, flexibility, and strength of your joints. It is fun, healthy, and can help open up your body’s muscles, joints, and back.

If your back pain is bothering you and interfering with your activities, do not wait for it to get worse. Reach out to Dr. Mohana Rao at Dr. Rao’s Hospital, among the top neurology hospitals in Andhra Pradesh.

Dr. Mohana Rao is one of the preferred neurosurgeons in Guntur and has over 20 years of expertise in the medical field. He can assess your condition and ensure that you get the best treatment possible.

Earlier, spinal tumors were challenging and sometimes impossible to operate upon without damaging the spinal nerves. 

But with minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS), it is now possible to remove spinal tumors successfully. This revolutionary surgical modality has pioneered new procedures and devices that enable an

expert neurosurgeon to reach and remove previously inaccessible tumors.

The purpose of MISS is to efficiently eliminate tumors from the spinal cord while keeping the spine stable. Some of the advanced procedures are corpectomy, mini open decompression and percutaneous fixation.

Dr. Mohana Rao Patibandla, one of the leading neurosurgical oncologists in Guntur, is an expert in performing minimally invasive spine tumor surgery with exceptional precision and safety.

The spinal cord is one of the most delicate and intricate parts of the body and he is adept in removing spinal cord tumors without damaging the surrounding muscles, vertebrae, nerves, or ligaments.

You can undergo these advanced surgeries at Dr. Rao’s Hospital, a premier neurology hospital in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. 

Spinal cord tumors

Spinal cord tumors develop in the spinal cord itself or a region around the spinal cord. 

The tumors that start in the spinal cord are referred to as primary spinal cord tumors, which are mostly benign.

The secondary tumors begin elsewhere and spread to the spinal cord. They account for the majority of spinal cord tumors and are malignant.

The classification of a spinal cord tumor is determined by the location of cancer, which can be the vertebrae, protective membrane, or spinal cord itself.

Image Source: https://epos.myesr.org/poster/esr/ecr2013/C-2112

Extradural tumor:

These tumors develop outside the spine in the membrane that protects the cord and the bones surrounding the spinal cord. The majority of the spinal tumors are extradural tumors.

Intradural tumor:

These tumors form within the spinal cord or the covering of the spinal cord called the dura.

Intramedullary tumors:

They grow within the spinal cord.

Whether benign or cancerous, spinal cord tumors must be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible before they press against the spinal cord, obstructing neurological function and causing spinal cord damage.

What are the symptoms of spinal cord tumors?

• Loss of sensation in the legs
• Numbness, cold sensation, and tingling in the legs
• Back pain that is not associated with physical activity, which usually gets worse while lying down
• Loss of control over bladder movement
• Muscle weakness in the legs leading to falls or difficulty in walking

If you or your loved ones are experiencing these symptoms, you should seek medical help. You can visit Dr. Mohana Rao, a well-known neurosurgeon in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, for a consultation. He will provide accurate diagnosis and help devise a comprehensive treatment plan to remove the tumor effectively.

Minimally invasive spinal cord tumor removal surgery 

Before minimally invasive spine surgery, removing a spinal tumor was a difficult treatment rarely performed as patients would experience

disability, pain, or scoliosis in years following the surgery. Instead, they were treated with radiation and chemotherapy.

Surgeons can now remove spinal tumors with far less intrusive approaches thanks to advances in technology. Patients endure less pain and trauma as a result of the smaller incision.

Dr. Mohana Rao, a proficient neurosurgical oncologist in Guntur, uses a minimally invasive method to thoroughly resect a lesion without damaging the spine by making small incisions and using specialized instruments and imaging techniques. 

Nowadays, surgeons skilled in minimally invasive spine surgery usually use bone-saving methods to maintain spine integrity. These methods are a less intrusive option to more invasive operations, and they can help patients avoid having their bones fused with rods and screws. The majority of patients can go home the day after surgery without the requirement for a post-operative brace.

Procedure for minimally invasive spine surgery

• The surgeon makes small incisions through which segmental tubular retractors and dilators are inserted to retract muscles and enable access to the spine by creating a working channel for the surgery.

• This approach decreases the risk of muscular and soft tissue damage as well as blood loss during surgery. To make the surgery safer, the surgeon uses a camera or a microscope to magnify and display images of the operation field on a screen in the operating room.

• The surgeon inserts special surgical instruments via the working channel to perform the surgery. Surgical microscopes are occasionally used to magnify the visual field. Once the surgeon removes the surgical devices, the muscles and tissues regain their position.

Advantages of minimally invasive spine surgery

Minimally invasive spine surgery provides the least amount of trauma to the muscles and surrounding areas. It offers several benefits such as:

• Less bleeding
• Minimal scarring
• Reduced infection risks
• Faster healing
• Less post-surgical pain
• Shorter hospital stay
• Quicker recovery
• Quicker return to normal activities

Suppose the tumor is cancerous and needs further treatment such as chemotherapy and radiation; minimally invasive spine surgery offers shorter recovery period and quicker healing, so that you can begin your post-operative treatment sooner.

If you have queries regarding minimally invasive spine tumor surgery, in that case, you can call Dr. Rao’s Hospital, one of the best neurology hospitals in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, to book an appointment with Dr. Mohana Rao Patibandla.

Dr Raos hospital is the best for MIS SI joint immobilization

Dr. Rao’s Hospital is a Neurology Hospital in Guntur that offers SI joint dysfunction treatment. Dr. Rao is a leading neurosurgeon in Guntur who focuses on providing comprehensive treatment of SI Joint. 

If you suffer from pain in the lower back accompanied by leg ache, you need to approach a neurosurgeon for a thorough check-up of your lower back, especially the sacroiliac joint, for dysfunction.

What is sacroiliac joint dysfunction?

The joints at the bottom of the spine that link the sacrum to the pelvis are called sacroiliac joint dysfunction. It can cause pain in the low back and legs, as well as sacroiliitis, or inflammation of the joints.

What and where is the sacroiliac joint located?

The sacroiliac joint is located on either side of the lower spine vertebrae. These joints connect the large bone or the sacrum, just above the tailbone and at the base of the spine to the pelvic bone. The main function of the sacroiliac joint is to bear the load of the upper body and shift it to the legs when the individual stands or moves. 

Dysfunction in the sacroiliac joint refers to improper movement resulting in pain in the lower back and legs. 

The patient is likely to suffer from inflammation of the joints, known as sacroiliitis. 

A patient affected with sacroiliitis cannot move as required and complains of low back pain with pain in the legs. The reason is that the sacroiliac joints are either overworked or underworked. In addition, there is loosening of the supporting ligament in case of excess movement of SI joint, while arthritis is the reason that causes issues in movement. 

Diagnosis of the sacroiliac joint function

Accurate identification of sacroiliac joint function or other musculoskeletal conditions is essential. Therefore, the treating neurosurgeon conducts a physical examination and observes the patient’s standing and walking pattern, followed by lying on the examination table for further diagnosis.

Dr. Mohana Rao Patibandla is an internationally trained neurosurgeon with training in all subspecialties in the Neurosciences. He is an accomplished neurosurgeon who conducts extensive diagnosis and testing to ascertain the extent of inflammation in the sacroiliac joint function. Patients suffering from SI dysfunction can seek his consultation at Dr. Rao’s Hospital in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. 

The neurosurgeon performs two reliable tests to detect SI dysfunction viz. 

Distraction Test –

The patient lies on the table while the doctor applies pressure to both sides of the pelvis. 

Thigh Thrust –

In the test, the doctor bends one knee towards the chest while the other leg is moved sideways from the table. 

If the patient complains of pain during these tests, the SI joint dysfunction condition is confirmed. A couple of tests along with these help in ascertaining the dysfunction of the SI, so on average positive result is considered adequate in its diagnosis. 

Treatments for sacroiliac joint dysfunction

Initially, the doctor will recommend conservative treatments such as rest, heat, and ice to bring relief from SI joint pain. If required, the doctor recommends 

Medication

The doctor can recommend ibuprofen or naproxen or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain. It is advisable to seek proper medication to reduce the inflammation and the swelling in the joint while focusing on reducing the pain.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is suggested after the pain and inflammation of the SI joint have been considerably reduced. The main focus of physical therapy is to build the strength and flexibility of the SI joint. A healthy and strong SI joint enables more mobility in the patient. Also, the physical therapist will suggest correct walking gait and posture movement for better management of the SI joint.

The physical therapist can recommend wearing a special belt that supports the back and the SI joint for a temporary period. In case of discrepancy in leg length, insertion of special inserts or lifts is recommended. 

Nerve Block 

The doctor recommends a pain-relieving injection within the joint to relieve the pain and reduce the inflammation. It is an outpatient treatment, but an x-ray or an ultrasound is referred to select the right place to inject the steroid injection for relief. It takes at least 3 – 7 days for the steroids to start working and relieve the patient from pain. The doctor recommends a repeat dose after 2 – 4 months in case of recurring pain. Surgery is advisable for persistent pain experienced over a couple of years. 

Radiofrequency ablation in the SI joint

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an injection procedure used to relieve pain in the sacroiliac joints of the hip. This treatment aims to improve the range of motion and functionality, reduce the intake of pain killers, and avoid or delay the surgery, which has its share of risks and complications. This treatment is recommended after steroids, and other injection treatments have been administered to relieve the pain in the SI joint. 

Ina radiofrequency ablation procedure, a heat lesion is created via a radiofrequency needle in the painful nerve. The heat lesion prevents the nerve from transmitting pain signals to the brain. A normal radiofrequency ablation procedure will relieve the patient from pain from six to eight months. 

SI joint fusion 

The goal of sacroiliac joint fusion surgery is to reduce pain and instability caused due to inflammation and dysfunction of the joint. The surgery will use a bone graft or instruments that encourage bone growth over the inflamed joint and provide stability in movement.

Dr. Rao’s hospital is one of the leading neurology hospitals in Guntur that offers consultation and treatment of sacroiliac joint dysfunction and a rehabilitation plan to ensure mobility of the joint. 

In the brain, there are 12 pairs of cranial nerves. These include the trigeminal nerves, which allow an individual to feel facial sensations. 

Trigeminal neuralgia is a kind of facial pain caused by an issue with one of the three nerve branches: ophthalmic, mandibular, or maxillary. It is a chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve, which transmits sensations from the face to the brain. 

Even simple face stimulation, such as brushing the teeth or applying makeups, can produce excruciating pain if you have trigeminal neuralgia.

Initially, you may experience brief and moderate episodes. However, trigeminal neuralgia might worsen over time, resulting in prolonged and more frequent shooting pain episodes. Trigeminal neuralgia affects more women than men. It is more common in people over the age of 50. Any physical touch with the face might trigger an episode. It is one of the most distressing conditions, leading to depression. The exact cause is unknown.

To get the best outcomes, the patient must first identify the trigger and then get treatment from an experienced neurosurgeon in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. 

At Dr. Rao’s Hospital, a renowned neurology hospital in Guntur, Dr. Mohana Rao offers medicinal and surgical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. 

He is a highly qualified, internationally trained, and experienced neurosurgeon in Guntur. Moreover, he provides advanced and minimally-invasive neurosurgical treatments for a wide range of neurological conditions.

In this article, we will discuss more trigeminal neuralgia and its treatment.

First, let’s know, 

What Exactly is Trigeminal Neuralgia?

It is a type of facial pain resulting from trigeminal nerve inflammation. Excruciating pain occurs in single bouts or every few hours, minutes, or seconds. Between episodes, it can take months or even years. 

Uncontrolled pain in some patients can progress to chronic pain syndrome, interfering with routine activities and may cause depression.

As mentioned above, it is more common in people over 50, but it can strike anyone at any age. On the right side of the face, it occurs five times more frequently than on the left.

Now, let’s know,

What Causes Trigeminal Neuralgia?

• Idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia is the most prevalent type of trigeminal neuralgia, implying the cause is unknown.
• The nerve may get pinched because of nearby blood vessels, aneurysms, or tumors.
• Inflammatory causes of trigeminal neuralgia can be induced by systemic diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

What are the Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia?

• Occasionally, severe stinging or pricking pain like electrical shocks.
• Pain attacks might strike suddenly or be triggered by touching the face, chewing, speaking, or brushing.
• Pain outbursts can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes.
• Multiple episodes lasting days, weeks, months, or even years. Some people have periods of pain-free living.
• Before trigeminal neuralgia advances to spasm-like pain, there may be a persistent throbbing, burning feeling.
• The trigeminal nerve causes pain in the teeth, cheeks, jaw, gums, lips, less commonly, the eye, and forehead. 
• The pain typically affects only one side of the face at a time; however, it can affect both.
• Pain can be localized or spread out across a broader area.
• Attacks become more frequent and intense as time passes.

Diagnosis of Trigeminal Neuralgia

• There are various reasons for facial pain. Often, migraine, cluster headache, post-herpetic neuralgia, and temporomandibular joint disease are misinterpreted as trigeminal neuralgia.
• A neurologist or neurosurgeon diagnoses the pain based on the nature, location, and sources of facial discomfort to confirm trigeminal neuralgia. 
• Reflex tests and a neuro examination with an MRI scan are required to determine whether trigeminal neuralgia is caused by neurovascular conflict, multiple sclerosis, or a tumor.

Treatments for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Non-surgical treatment: 

• Usually, doctors prescribe Carbamazepine for this condition. The treatment approach uses the smallest single dose possible to control pain. The doctor adjusts the frequency until the pain is alleviated completely. 
• The regimen is kept for 6 to 8 weeks without modifying the dose once prolonged remission has been achieved. 
• After then, the medicine can be gradually lowered and eventually stopped. In the event of a recurrence, this can be restarted. With time, recurrences become less responsive, necessitating several drugs.

Surgical treatment: 

Microvascular decompression (MVD) and radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFTC) are the most common surgical approaches for treating trigeminal neuralgia. 

Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation 

Radiofrequency rhizotomy is based on the temperature-dependent selective elimination of the pain-transmitting C fibers while maintaining the A-delta fibers. This treatment involves percutaneous retrogasserian needle implantation. 

Radiofrequency ablation is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment for drug-resistant trigeminal neuralgia. The outcomes are comparable to those of microvascular decompression.

Rf ablation has become the procedure of choice in recent years, especially for older patients and those at high risk of anesthetic problems. Using radiofrequency electrical stimulation, this treatment destroys explicitly pain-related nerve fibers.

The surgeon administers anesthesia before inserting a hollow needle into the trigeminal nerve. Then, the anesthesia wears off gradually. 

The neurosurgeon applies a modest signal after placing an electrode through the needle to confirm the pain spot. Once the surgeon identifies the target nerve fiber, they anesthetize the patient for radiofrequency thermal lesioning. 

The neurosurgeon selectively heats the electrode and destroys the nerve fiber until it forms a lesion. For a short time after surgery, the patient may have facial numbness.

Microvascular decompression

It involves isolating blood vessels compressing the trigeminal nerve. The surgeon relocates or removes the affected trigeminal nerve from its blood vessel contact during the procedure. 

The neurosurgeon makes an incision behind the ear on the side of the pain site. Next, the surgeon makes a small incision in the skull and shifts the arteries down the trigeminal nerve. A cushioned space exists between the nerve and the arteries.

Microvascular decompression is successful in the majority of cases. However, in rare cases, the pain may return. Patients do not have facial numbness, unlike radiofrequency ablation. However, there is a rare risk of hearing loss, stroke, facial paralysis, or other problems.

Stereotactic radiosurgery

The neurosurgeon uses a highly concentrated radiation beam to destroy the affected trigeminal nerve fiber in this procedure. 

• It is a non-invasive radiation treatment that has a higher success rate. Pain relief is seen after a few weeks following radiosurgery. 
• If the pain recurs, the surgeon may repeat the procedure.

The final decision on whether or not to seek treatment rests with the patient. However, the sufferer should not be uninformed about the effective treatments available for this condition. Please be aware of your illness. 

Dr. Mohana Rao, a seasoned neurosurgeon in Andhra Pradesh, always appeals to the general population to help patients diagnose and treat this ailment.

What Is The Importance Of Brain Health?

The brain is, without a doubt, one of the most important organs in the human body. It directs and coordinates your actions and feelings, enables you to think and judge, to have emotions, and to cherish memories—all qualities that make you human.

However, certain disorders can impact your emotions, thinking, and behavior. You may suffer mood swings that range from extreme highs to extreme lows.

If you have noticed specific changes affecting the quality of your life, please contact Dr. Mohana Rao. He founded Dr. Rao’s Hospital, a world-class neurology hospital in Guntur. 

A highly experienced neurosurgeon in Guntur, he has easily and successfully performed hundreds of intricate and complicated procedures.

Let us read on to understand brain health and why it is important.

What is brain health?

Brain health is a new notion that incorporates neuronal development, flexibility, functioning, and healing during a person’s life. 

Your cognitive performance is entirely dependent on the general functioning of your body. Brain health affects the ability to think, interpret, perceive, react, communicate, make decisions, and solve problems.

Dr. Mohana Rao, a proficient neurosurgeon in Guntur, says that various linked social and biological elements (including genetics) influence brain growth and health right from conception through death. These variables impact how our brains develop, adapt, and react to stressful events, resulting in measures for both prevention and promotion throughout life.

Can genetics affect my brain’s health?

A mutant gene or combination of genes can be carried down from generation to generation in a family. 

The following are some examples of hereditary brain disorders:

Leukodystrophies are a group of rare congenital conditions affecting your central nervous system (CNS), which comprises the brain and spinal cord.

Phenylketonuria (PKU): is a hereditary condition that causes elevated levels of the amino acid phenylalanine in the blood. It can lead to seizures, intellectual disability, and behavioral problems.

Tay-Sachs disease: A hereditary condition in which nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain are destroyed.

Wilson’s disease: A hereditary condition that causes an excess copper buildup in your body. The liver and brain are usually involved in the symptoms.

How can one maintain a healthy brain?

As you age, your brain gradually ages, leading to fragmented memory and decreased brain mass. 

Following are a few key factors that affect how healthy your brain remains throughout your life:

Brain health of a growing child: The interaction of your child’s brain and environment impacts how he or she acts, thinks, and feels. For example, your child’s favorite pastimes and talents may become ‘hard-wired’ in the brain.

You play a crucial role in your child’s life. How you lead and inspire your child will also help him or her develop a healthy brain.

You can accomplish this by:

• Encouraging constructive and positive behavior
• Developing good reasoning skills 
• Ensuring your child gets adequate sleep

Cardiovascular health: There is significant evidence that cardiovascular and brain health is intertwined and that damage to your vascular system and heart can harm the brain.

Risk factors for cardiovascular health include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension) 
• High blood sugar
• High cholesterol
• High body mass index (BMI)
• Poor diet
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking 

Substance abuse and addiction: Due to neurotoxicity, nutritional deficiencies, neuroinflammation, and changes in neurotransmitter systems, excessive and persistent use of toxic substances like drugs and alcohol can hurt brain health.

Neurotransmitter systems ensure that brain cells communicate with one another and that the brain communicates with cells in your entire body.

Get adequate sleep: Sleep’s importance in brain health cannot be overstated. It plays a significant role in the optimum functioning of your brain, immune system, and other body systems.

Good sleep habits keep your mind focused and sharp and enhance your general brain process, allowing you to make more intelligent decisions. 

Depending on your age, doctors recommend a minimum of 6–8 hours of sleep per night. Regular, undisturbed, peaceful sleep allows your brain to clear metabolic waste and improves memory.

Dr. Mohana Rao, an eminent neurosurgeon in Guntur, says that the state of the brain is influenced by how well it functions, how much blood, nutrients, and oxygen it receives, and how well it cleans and filters toxic proteins.

A diet that boosts your brain: Certain nutrients are also required for brain health. For example, omega-3 fatty acids aid in developing and repairing brain cells, while antioxidants lower cell damage and inflammation, both of which have been associated with brain aging and neurodegenerative illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease.

A healthy,, balanced diet includes a range of fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Whole grains like brown rice, oatmeal, etc., are suitable for the body and the mind. Green leafy vegetables, berries, fatty fish, eggs, avocados, peanuts, walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, tea, coffee, and dark chocolate are excellent brain foods.

Keep your brain active: Puzzles strengthen communication between brain cells, boost mental speed, and are particularly helpful at improving short-term memory.

It does not matter if your choice of puzzle is a 500-piece jigsaw, a crossword puzzle, a brain teaser, or Sudoku; they all have one thing in common: they stimulate your brain.

Why is brain health important?

Dr. Mohana Rao, one of the best neurosurgeons in Guntur, states that though brain health is one of the most crucial aspects of our overall health, it is frequently overlooked and undervalued. 

Brain health is critical since it controls the daily functioning of the entire body. Good brain health helps you recognize your strengths and enhance your cognitive, emotional, psychological, and behavioral functioning to deal with life’s challenges. 

Brain disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, etc., do not have a cure yet. However, studies suggest that there are ways to reduce risk and halt growth. Do not think of these diseases as affecting the elderly; take preventative measures now and protect your brain health, regardless of age.

Conclusion

Depression, withdrawal from your favorite activities and friends, inability to concentrate are some of the signs that your brain health is being harmed. Talk about your issues with loved ones. It is one of the most beneficial methods of treatment. It will aid in the recovery and well-being of your brain health, resulting in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Regardless of our age, what we were born with, or any health issues we may have developed, we need to start caring for our brains. It is never too late to adjust our living habits to promote brain health.

If you have any concerns or questions regarding brain health and its care, do not hesitate to consult with Dr. Mohana Rao. He is one of the most trusted neurosurgeons in Guntur, and he is known for his professionalism, integrity, and expertise.

How to Tell if a Fall is Serious?

 Tumbling off a ladder, stumbling over a rock or fallen tree while hiking, and a slew of other activities send thousands of individuals to the emergency room each year.

Bruises and soreness can occur anywhere after a fall. However, the back and the head are two of the most troublesome injury sites, says Dr. Mohana Rao, a highly qualified and experienced neurosurgeon in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. He has immense expertise and is renowned for performing advanced brain surgeries and minimally invasive spine surgery in Andhra Pradesh. 

Now, let’s discuss the initial steps one should take after suffering from back and head injuries.

Injury to the back:

 Take ibuprofen and apply ice to a lower back strain in general. If the discomfort persists after a few days, see your doctor. If you have pain in the centre of your back, or if pain or tingling travels down your arms or legs, you should visit a doctor right away. Even if you have discomfort in your arms and legs, it will most likely go away on its own. Dr. Rao advises that you see your doctor the next day or go to urgent care to be safe. 

Most discomfort goes away in a few days, except for a fractured bone. Back and neck bones can fracture in various ways, some of which are harmful and others not. 

Dr. Rao adds that most fracture pain is severe and lasts for several days, whereas muscle injury heals typically with time. So, if your neck or back pain worsens rather than improves in the days following a fall, contact your physician.

Head injury: 

When a fall causes a head injury, keep a watchful eye on the symptoms for several hours. Seek immediate medical care if a fall results in: 

• loss of consciousness
• weakness
• numbness
• confusion or vision disturbances

Concussion treatment usually consists of physical and mental rest, although specialist rehabilitation may be required to avoid long-term difficulties, particularly cognitive skills. At Dr. Rao’s Hospital, a well-known neurology hospital in Guntur, a team of competent neurosurgeons can diagnose and treat any head trauma or suspected injuries.

With Rehabilitation, You Can Rebuild

According to Dr. Mohana Rao, a seasoned neurosurgeon in Andhra Pradesh, brain-injured individuals often require rehabilitation to return to normal activities following medical treatment.

Dr. Rao believes that rehabilitation is critical for people with Huntington’s disease. It might be tough to do activities we take for granted when someone suffers brain damage.

Rehab is divided into three categories:

• Physical — maintaining balance and walking safely.
• Speech — enhancing cognition and ensuring patients are swallowing appropriately.
• Occupational — performing daily routines, such as dressing and grooming, and proceeding to more complicated tasks. 
• At Dr. Rao’s neurology hospital in Andhra Pradesh, a team of proficient neurosurgeons may design specialized rehabilitation programs as part of its individualized treatment strategies.

Now, let’s learn,

How you can avoid falling?

Falls may frequently be avoided by fall-proofing your home and taking extra precautions when climbing up and down. Consider the following recommendations:

Six fall-prevention tips

• Install a railing on your home’s stairs if you don’t already have one. Instead of using a thick fence that you can’t grip securely, make sure you can easily grab the rail. Even on small stairwells, use a handrail wherever practical.
• Make sure your steps are carpeted or have a non-slippery surface. 
• Non-skid treads can be installed on both wooden and metal stairs.
• Make sure your steps are well-lit at night and visible during the day. Clear the stairwell of any shoes or other items that could cause a hazard.
• Take your time ascending and descending the stairwell. If you wear bifocals, be especially cautious because they can alter your depth perception.
• Carry items up and down the stairs with one hand only.

A stairwell fall can be terrifying and unpleasant. A doctor should evaluate most falls to see a higher risk of future falls in older people.

If you are unsure whether you should call a doctor after a fall, whether you are a child or an older adult, seek an evaluation.

It’s best to see a doctor if new symptoms appear hours or days after a fall to rule out an injury. Severe injuries aren’t always apparent right away.