Advanced Technology

Our technology we utilize here at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants is some of the bets you’ll come across within your search for a neurosurgeon.We always focus on incorporating the most up-to-date and advanced technologies to better position ourselves as top-raniknignneurousrgeons within the state of Texas. From the moment you enter our care center here in San Antonio, you’ll be thoroughly impressed with every facet of our systems. We’ve taken great care to ensure our patients are welcomed not only with amazingly advanced technological prowess, yet also with our compassionate care geared towards each and every one of our valued patients.

Comprehensive Care

We’re your one-stop shop for all things neurosurgery, spine, back, and neck related. We have the teams, expertise, technology, and care to provide you all of the solutions you’ll require to be back on your feet and feeling better. Our focus is on total, comprehensive care to reduce the stress in what is already a stressful process for most individuals. We want you to know you’re in great hands here at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants and we’ll always go above and beyond to determine your diagnosis, provide the appropriate treatment plan, and include excellent post-recovery strategies to have you back to health as quickly as possible. 

Excellent Patient Care Ratings

Throughout 2019, we received a 99% patient satisfaction rating. This is in part due to our phenomenal patient care process and our commitment to you as a patient, and a part of our family, here at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants. We’re always focusing on bettering ourselves a swell and we know how important it is to feel welcomed and cared for, every step of the way. We’ll continue to do what we’ve been doing, yet we’re also always looking for ways to further i,prove upon our already amazing patient care.

Choosing Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants

If you’ve been searching for a medical center which provides nearly everything you need to succeed with a neurosurgery procedure, you’ll want to contact us to schedule an appointment using the form below. We’ll be sure to have you seen by one of our excellent medical specialists as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Neurologist vs. Neurosurgeon

Have you been searching for the differences between a neurologist and a neurosurgeon? Well, we’re glad you’re finally here to learn more about the subtle and not so subtle differences between each profession and where they overlap as well. You’ll discover the ins and outs of each profession and how we at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants are here to help you every step of the way on your journey towards better health and wellness through neurological testing and neurosurgery. Read on to discover more and why we’re one of the best in Texas when it comes to treating our patients with advanced technology and comprehensive care.

What is a Neurologist

A neurologist will diagnose, order tests, and perform certain types of surgeries; eyt they will not perform any type of brain or spinal cord surgery. However, a general neurologist will perform LP and NCS/EMG. Additionally, subspecialty neurologists may perform:

•intraoperative brain and spine monitoring

•autonomic testing

•endovascular procedures including angiograms and coiling of aneurysms, botulinum toxin injections, skin and muscle biopsies   

Which Conditions Do Neurologists Treat?

As mentioned above, neurologists will often go about treating the above-listed conditions through the above-listed procedures, yet their main goal is to provide a proper diagnosis through a series of tests which the neurosurgeon can then properly treat through a surgical procedure. A neurologist’s assessments and diagnosis are extremely important within the process as well, so it’s best to find a neurologist and neurosurgeon who have successfully worked together in the past to best determine the right steps of action to take to resolve the patient’s condition.

What is a Neurosurgeon?

A neurosurgeon is a neurosurgical specialist who specializes in treatment of the brain, spinal cord, neck/back, and a large number of other neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, trigeminal neuralgia, head injury, etc… A neurosurgeon is able to perform surgery on the brain and spinal cord, whereas a neurologist is typically not able to do so. In addition to performing surgical procedures, neurosurgeons are also able to help you navigate through your diagnosis, your treatment plan, the actual surgery, and post-recovery options. Neurosurgeons are extremely skilled with resolving issues within the brain and the body’s neurological components.

Which Conditions Do Neurosurgeons Treat?

As mentioned above, neurosurgeons treat conditions associated with the brain, perform surgery on the brain itself, perform surgery on the neck/back area, and perform surgery on the spinal cord. Nearly any condition associated with those areas of the body, a neurosurgeon will be able to treat in some way, shape, or form.

Neurologist vs. Neurosurgeon: In Summary

The biggest difference between a neurologist and a neurosurgeon is a neurologist typically does not perform surgery, they’ll nearly always diagnose a condition through a series of tests which the associated neurosurgeon will then utilize to best treat the condition through a surgical procedure. As for neurosurgeons, the main difference is they’re able to perform  surgery on the brain, neck/back, and spinal cord due to possessing many, many years of studying, researching, and performing surgeries on the brain, neck/back, and spinal cord.

Choosing Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants

If you’ve been searching for a neurologist or neurosurgeon, or both; we can help! Feel free to contact us using the form below and we’ll be sure to have you seen by one of our amazing medical specialists as soon as possible to have you on the right path to health and wellness once again. We look forward to hearing from you soon and we’re eager to begin providing solutions for your condition!

DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

We Only Have One Spine

Just as you treat your eyes with great care, just as you treat your teeth with great care, just as you treat your brain with great care; you just treat your spine with great care as well. We only have one spine, and while great advancements have been made within the field of medical care for spinal conditions, it’s still very important to treat your spine right. Throughout this post we’ll be discussing how our spines have strength and fragility, how spinal conditions can be prevented, the importance of seeing medical professionals regularly, and why if you’re currently experiencing back pain you’ll want to schedule an appointment with our excellent team here at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants.

Our Spines are Strong in Some Ways, Yet Sensitive in Other Ways

Your spine is designed to be able to take some impact and force, yet with anything else, there’s a limit to which it can handle. Healthy spines have unique cushioning mechanisms between each individual disc to allow us to absorb impact when we jump up and down for example. However, when we jump or land awkwardly for example, it can cause a disc to pop out of place if we’re not careful. This is just one example of the many injuries we could encounter with our spines which is why it’s so important to be aware of your limits within an activity you’re participating within.

Spinal Conditions Can Be Prevented in Many Cases Through Proactive Method

Spinal conditions may be prevented through proper stretching, strength training exercises, nutrition, etc… If you treat your spine well, along with her rest of your body, you’ll most likely see a much lesser chance of long-term deterioration or injury over time. It all comes down to taking care if your body through the aforementioned methods and seeing your doctor regularly.

Seeing Medical Professionals Regularly

One of the best ways to treat your spine, and your entire body with care, is to see your doctor regularly for everything from an annual physical exam, to bloodwork level checks, to pre-screening exams for any abnormalities. As we become older each and every year, we can’t let things slide as we used to perhaps in our twenties. Your body is a sacred temple and should be treated as such.

Choosing Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants if You’re Experiencing Back Pain

If you’ve been experiencing any type of back pain or discomfort, it could be time to be seen by one of our excellent medical professionals here at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants of San Antonio. Feel free to reach out to us using the form below and we’ll be sure to have you scheduled in as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

The Importance of Medication Management

Medication management is one of the most important steps in post-surgery recovery. The key takeaway with medication management is to successfully provide pain relief while also encouraging steps for post-surgery healing as well. We want you to utilize the benefits of post-surgery medication, yet we also want there to be a balance between medication and true recovery. Read on to learn more about how we go about doing just that here at a Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants.

How We Go About Ensuring You’re On the Right Path

Everyone is unique and everyone’s post-surgery medication needs will be unique as well. For this reason, we always provide a truly customized approach to medication management when you’re a patient here at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants. This customization allows us to successfully ensure you’re on the right path to a full recovery as quickly as possible.

Effectively Treating You with Compassionate Care

When we combine our medication management strategies with our compassionate care, you’ll begin to see why so many patients have chosen us as their medical professional team. Without the right care from everyone on our team, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Between our excellent staff, physician’s assistants, and surgeons; you’ll find everyone at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants has your back, every step of the way.
Focusing On Your Comfort & WellbeingWe know during times like these, surgery can be intimidating. You can rest assured you’re in one of the best medical centers around and you’ll have everything you need to have a successful surgery with your comfort and wellbeing as a focal point of our overall strategy

Choose Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants for Efficient & Effective Care with You in Mind

If you’ve been searching for advanced technology and comprehensive care when it comes to neurosurgery and spinal surgery; you’ve come to the right place. Feel free to contact us using the button below and we’ll be sure to reach out to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Typing is Important to Most of Our Jobs

Typing is a skill which has been around for many decades and has allowed us to communicate across many different mediums. While this has certainly been a fantastic advancement fir human society, it’s also caused a number of people to experience pain, discomfort, and carpal tunnel syndrome over time. Typing quickly is a skill many attempt to attain over time, yet with this valuable skill, you may be placing yourself in harm’s way through the repetitive nature of typing in itself. Read on to learn more about the importance of using the right keyboard to best fit your typing style and how an ergonomic keyboard may drastically improve your pain and discomfort.

Lots of Typing May Lead to Carpel Tunnel Syndrome Later On

As noted above, consistent typing for hours and hours, each and every day may lead to stiffness, pain, discomfort, and eventually carpal tunnel syndrome within certain individuals. If you’re younger and just starting your career within a field which requires typing on a keyboard throughout the day, you still have time to correct the possible damage done. If you happen to be older and you e typed on a keyboard for many, many years; you may end up requiring a more involved approach to produce the results you’re hoping for. This may consist of physical therapy and mildly-invasive surgery. Either way, the fact you’re reading this post indicates to us you’re interested in handling the issue at hand proactively instead of reactively.

Ergonomic Keyboards May Help Reduce Pain, Discomfort, & Instances of Carpal Tunnel

Ergonomic keyboards are quite simply what they’re named: “ergonomic”-“keyboards”. The term ergonomic is defined as: “relating to or designed for efficiency and comfort in the working environment.” Ergonomic keyboards are designed with you, the user, in mind. They’ve certainly improved year-over-year as well. The advancements being made within the ergonomic design field have been spectacular and we’re very much looking forward to seeing what the future holds for keyboards, chairs, beds, etc… All in all, the keyboard you choose should support your daily workflow and allow you to perform at peak efficiency and effectiveness.

Choose Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants if You’re Experiencing Chronic Carpal Tunnel Pain

If you’ve chosen an ergonomic keyboard to help assist with your carpal tunnel pain and it doesn’t seem to be helping, you’ll want to contact us using the button below. We’ll be sure to have you seen by one of our amazing specialists as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you soon and helping you in your journey towards health and wellness once again.

DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

“Sitting May Be the New Smoking”

As the phrase above says, sitting May in fact be the new smoking. Sitting for extended periods of time (think about our modern work day…) may cause one to feel lots of pain and discomfort over time. Think about the last time you flew on a commercial airline or drove a few hours to visit family and friends. You most likely stood up feeling quite stiff and uncomfortable. The ironic thing is we’re experiencing that same type of wear and tear on our body when we work a 40-hour workweek within our offices while sitting in our office chairs. Over the long run, it’s not ideal to subject our bodies to this week after week, month after month, and year after year. Read on to learn more about the potential pitfalls of sitting too much and why you should try to stay as active as possible when you’re not sitting to help prevent pain, discomfort, and injury.

Sitting Just Doesn’t Feel Right After a While…

We all know this. When you’re sitting for way too long, your body has a way of letting you know you need to stand up and move around. Whether it’s you legs going slightly tingly due to falling asleep or your lower back pain increasing; it’s your body asking you to kindly stand up, walk around, stretch, and give the sitting a break for a little bit. Sitting is best in moderation, just like everything else.

Sitting May Cause Lack of Blood Flow

Sitting over an extended period of time does not allow adequate blood flow over said duration. Due to the stance often associated with a sitting position, your legs are somewhat compressed and your back and neck may be slightly hunched due to cranking over a keyboard and computer screen. Sitting creates hotspots of inactivity throughout the body and this can lead to a lack of circulation and blood flow over time.

Sitting May Disturb Your Sciatic Nerve

Your sciatic nerve is particularly prone to being disrupted by chronic sitting. The way the sciatic nerve is positioned along the thighs and lower back allows it to be easily affected by extended periods of sitting. It’s important to listen to your body and if you’re noticing sciatic nerve pain when sitting for a certain amount of time, you’ll want to contact us or your doctor as soon as possible to be seen and have the issue addressed.

Choose Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants for Your Back Pain

If you’re experiencing new pain or consistent, chronic pain from sitting for extended periods of time; you’ll want to contact us here at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants to learn more about how we can help. We’ll be sure to have our excellent specialists treat your condition with our amazing expertise and knowledge. We look forward to hearing from you soon and we’re eager to begin addressing your pain and help you on the path to healing and wellness.

DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Brain Diseases: What Are They & How Can We Help?

Brain diseases can prove to be an extremely difficult time, even for the strongest of us. For this reason, and many more, we at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants have the experience, expertise, and knowledge to help you. Our approach is always from a scientific and compassionate stance. We know you must be feeling many emotions if you’re seeking treatment for these brain diseases and we want to let you know we’re here for you every step of the way. Feel free to read on to learn more about the common types of brain disease and how we can best go about assisting you with treatment procedures.

Brain Infections

Brain infections can potentially be a life-altering condition which may lead to permanent disability and/or death if not treated promptly. The most common brain infections consist of the following conditions:

Meningitis: a condition which consists of an inflammatory response around the lining of the brain and/or spinal cord. The symptoms present themselves in the form of unusual neck stiffness, headache, fever, and mental confusion. Antibiotics, steroids, and/or oxygen therapy may be required to recover from this condition.

Encephalitis: a condition where there’s inflammation of the brain tissue, usually due to an infection of some sort. Encephalitis and meningitis often coincide with one another; resulting in a condition known as meningoencephalitis. Antiviral drug therapy is usually prescribed along with fluid replacement to ensure the patient is adequately hydrated.

Brain abscesses: a condition in which a localized area of the brain becomes infected with bacteria. Antibiotics and surgery are usually required to treat this condition.

Brain Seizures

Seizures are an extremely frustrating and debilitating condition which affect a wide range of people. Epilepsy is the technical name of the condition and it’s often characterized by recurring seizures caused in part by abnormal, excessive electrical activity in the brain. Some common causes of epilepsy include head injuries, brain infections, and strokes. The treatment methods for epilepsy range from surgical procedures, to medication, and even necessary dietary changes in some cases.

Brain Trauma

Brain trauma can be caused by many incidents; yet one thing remains common amongst nearly all brain trauma cases; it involves a type of impact in some way, shape, or form. Below is a list of common brain trauma cases:

Concussion: This instance of brain trauma results in a temporary disturbance of brain function where one will sometimes “black out” and become unconscious. They’ll then come to consciousness with little to no memory of the events which occurred. Traumatic head injuries typically cause concussions and will often result in headache, and possible temporary to permanent concentration and memory loss issues. Therapeutic treatment approaches include self-care, rest, and rehabilitation. In rare cases, there may be the need for surgical intervention to treat swelling and prevent further complications.

Traumatic Brain Injury: this type of brain injury may result in permanent brain damage, memory loss, mental impairment, and personality/mood alterations. The treatment for this specific brain injury includes rehabilitation, sometimes a diuretic to remove excess fluid from the body, and/or surgery in the form of a decompressive craniectomy.

Intracerebral Hemorrhage: this condition causes bleeding inside the brain which typically occurs after a traumatic brain injury or a possible stroke from a case of high blood pressure. The treatment options for this condition consist of self-care (raising head while in bed), supportive care (IV treatment, reversal of anticoagulants, monitoring in ICU, etc…), medications (antihypertensive drug and/or diuretic), possible surgery in the form of “clipping” (a procedure where a surgeon places a clip of sorts to seal off a bulge in the artery wall and stop bleeding), and rehabilitation therapy to regain motor skills/functions and cognitive abilities.

Brain Tumors, Masses, & Increased Pressure

Tumors, masses, and increased pressure can sometimes be a great cause for a concern. Read on below to learn more about some of the most common conditions associated with this area of brain diseases.

Brain Tumor: this type of tumor is any abnormal tissue found within the brain. Whether the brain tumor is malignant or benign, it will most likely cause some issue to arise over time. Brain tumors commonly cause issues from the pressure they exert upon certain areas of the brain as they continue to grow larger and larger. The preferred treatment method for general brain tumors is to perform a craniotomy if deemed safe and feasible. If that’s not an option, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy is typically the next recommended treatment option available.

Glioblastoma: this condition presents one of the greatest challenges to medical professionals as it’s one of the most aggressive forms of brain tumors and can be very difficult to treat effectively. Treatment options consist of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment. Unfortunately, even with aggressive treatment options, glioblastoma proves to be one of the most fatal forms of brain cancer.

Hydrocephalus: is a condition where the fluid which is supposed to be properly circulating throughout the brain and spine is accumulating within the skull. Surgery, in the form of a ventriculostomy, and diuretics are the most common forms of treatment for this condition.

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: this form of hydrocephalus causes a variety of symptoms to appear ranging from dementia to urinary incontinence. The pressure inside the brain will remain normal, even with an increase in fluid. Treatment options for this condition will often consist of diuretics and a surgical intervention where a shunt is placed within the brain ventricle, allowing fluid to drain properly.

Pseudotumor cerebri (false brain tumor): this condition is truly perplexing for many members of the neurology community as it presents the same symptoms as an actual brain tumor, yet there isn’t a brain tumor present. Symptoms are identical to those of an actual brain tumor. Treatment options consist of diuretics, weight loss, and possible surgery to relieve cranial pressure.

Brain Vascular Conditions

Vascular conditions of the brain can be complicated to say the least. Here, we’ll address the most common forms of vascular-focused brain conditions.

Stroke: this vascular condition is one of the most commonly known. The basic premise of a stroke occurs when there is a lack of oxygen and blood flow to an area of the brain, resulting in dead tissue to form. This dead tissue may be responsible for a specific functional area of the brain which controls your arm movement for example. After a stroke, this functionality may never be fully restored to its original form again. However, there are a number of resources to prevent further brain damage and promote a greater chance of at least a partial recovery. A medication known as tPA (clot buster)  is commonly used when a stroke is first reported. This may minimize the potential damage caused by said stroke. Surgery, in the form of a carotid endarterectomy, can be helpful in removing plaque buildup within the carotid arteries; located in the neck area. Physical therapy and speech therapy can be helpful as well in certain cases of stroke.

Hemorrhagic stroke: is a condition which creates pressure and congestion as a result of excessive bleeding, impairing blood flow and ultimately causing a stroke to occur. Emergency treatment is usually required for this type of stroke as the effects can potentially become severe if not treated promptly. Treatment options consist of emergency surgery to repair blood vessels which have been damaged, “clipping” (a technique where a clamp is placed at the base of an aneurysm), coiling, and/or surgical AVM removal.

Cerebrovascular accident (CVA): simply another name for a stroke.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): this condition is very similar to a stroke, yet it typically resolves on its own within 24 hours.

Aneurysm: an artery in the brain will develop a weak spot and begin to swell in a ballooned fashion, resulting in a burst rupture which causes a stroke. Treatment options include endovascular repair and vascular grafting in some cases, while other cases may require anticoagulants as a medicinal approach.

Subdural Hematoma: occurs when blood gathers between the inner layer of the dura mater and the arachnoid mater of the meninges surrounding the brain. This in turn can cause headache, confusion, vomiting, slurred speech, mental confusion, and possibly death in severe cases. In said severe cases, surgery will most likely be required. Surgery for this condition consists of a surgical drainage procedure and/or a craniotomy and decompressive craniectomy.

Epidural Hematoma: this condition occurs when there is bleeding between the skull and dura lining of the brain. The source of bleeding is typically from an artery, occurring shortly after a head injury. Surgery is one of the recommendations to treat epidural hematomas and it takes place through a craniotomy. If left untreated, symptoms can progress rapidly and could potentially lead to death.

Intracerebral hemorrhage: Any bleeding occurring inside the brain.

Cerebral Edema: is the swelling of the brain tissue either due to injury or an electrolyte imbalance. Treatment options range from oxygen therapy, to IV fluids, to decompressive craniectomy surgery.

Autoimmune Conditions of the Brain

Autoimmune conditions of the brain consist of conditions which are occurring due to an overreaction from the body’s immune system upon the brain. These conditions can cause complications to arise in many different ways. 

Vasculitis: is a condition of the blood vessels of the brain which may cause confusion, seizures, and/or unconsciousness. The treatment options for vasculitis often consist of steroids, immunosuppressive drugs, and blood transfusions.

MS (Multiple Sclerosis): is a condition where the body’s immune system attacks and subsequently damages its own nerves, ultimately resulting in a series of symptoms to arise. These symptoms consist of muscle spasms, general weakness, and general fatigue. The condition itself can have flare ups from time to time, or be steady in its progression. There are currently no treatment options which fully resolve the condition itself. Some alternative treatment options include talk therapy, self-care (exercise, diet, etc…), and anti-inflammatory medications.

Neurodegenerative Conditions of the Brain

Neurodegenerative conditions of the brain tend to lead to a degradation of brain function and cognitive abilities over time. This can lead to truly debilitating scenarios where a caretaker is often required for the remaining years of one’s life when they’re affected by these conditions. Read on to learn more about some of the most common neurodegenerative conditions of the brain.

Parkinson’s Disease: this disease mainly affects coordination through degradation of nerves within the central brain area. Tremors of the hands, stiffness of limbs, unintentional slow movements, and unstable posture are typical signs of Parkinson’s Disease. There’s currently no cure for Parkinson’s Disease, yet there are some therapeutic options which may relieve symptoms. These include self-care options (exercise), anti-tremor medications, and dopamine promoter medications.

Huntington’s Disease: is an inherited nerve disease which eventually leads to a degeneration of nerve cells within the brain. This in turn causes symptoms consisting of mood swings, depression, irritability, and overall physical/mental disabilities. There is now cure, yet physical therapy and talk therapy has been shown to possibly assist patients in certain cases.

Pick’s Disease: abnormal proteins build up over time in the front and side of the brain, resulting in nerves within the area being destroyed. Symptoms of this disease include personality changes, inappropriate behavior, difficulty with speech, and loss of memory and intellectual ability. While there are no cures or certified solutions for Pick’s Disease, some of the symptoms can possibly be managed with antidepressant and antipsychotic medications.

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis): is a condition also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. ALS causes nerves which control muscle movements and coordination to be steadily and rapidly destroyed, yet cognitive function is generally not affected in most cases. Eventually, patients will experience paralysis and the inability to breathe as a result of their loss of muscle control; leading to death, unless mechanical breathing assistance is implemented. There’s no known cure for ALS, yet there are some medications and therapies which can help prolong life and slightly improve quality of life.

Dementia: is the loss or malfunction of nerve cells as a result of strokes and alcohol abuse in many cases. Some solutions may consist of abstaining from alcohol consumption, cognitive therapy, and mental exercises to regain mental strength through therapy.

Alzheimer’s Disease: is a condition in which the patient’s nerves in certain brain areas degenerate, causing progressive loss of memory and mental function, and changes in behavior and personality. The buildup of abnormal tissue (tangles & plaques) within the brain is believed by some to contribute to Alzheimer’s Disease. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s Disease, yet there are certain cognition-enhancing medications and self-care treatment options which may improve the condition in certain instances.

Choosing Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with one of the brain diseases above and you’re seeking guidance, treatment, or even a second opinion; don’t hesitate to contact us using the form on this page. We’ll be sure to reach out with the next steps as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you soon and we’re eager to begin diagnosing and treating your condition.

DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.