As a neurosurgeon, one of the most frustrating and sad stories I encounter is patients who had symptoms of a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also called a mini-stroke, prior to having a real stroke. TIAs are stroke symptoms like weakness or numbness that resolve quickly; sometimes within minutes. Patients sometimes think "it got better, so it must be fine." I recall a patient who experienced brief weakness in her right arm that lasted only 20 minutes. She almost didn't come in but her daughter insisted and indeed by the time she arrived she was completely normal. We discovered a significant carotid stenosis and were able to stent the artery open before a major stroke occurred. That brief intervention likely saved her from permanent disability or worse.
Especially as people age, it's essential to be mindful of your cognitive health. Sure, people sometimes get a bit more forgetful as they get older, but if you find yourself forgetting things frequently, and especially if other people notice it and comment on it, it's a good idea to get it checked out. The sooner you catch degenerative neurological issues like dementia, the more you can do about them.
Hi, My name is Heather Gabaldon, and I co-own Paradise Hearing AZ. We provide hearing care services and support for patients experiencing hearing changes. One neurological symptom I see people ignore far too often is sudden or gradual hearing loss in one ear. Many assume it's just part of aging and can be treated by high-end hearing aids. But hearing loss, especially when it's one-sided, can sometimes point to underlying neurological conditions like acoustic neuromas (benign brain tumors) or auditory nerve issues. I remember working with a patient who initially brushed off her right-ear hearing decline, thinking a hearing device could solve her problems. Because she came in for an evaluation sooner rather than later, we were able to refer her for further testing. Imaging revealed a small acoustic neuroma. Early detection allowed her to pursue a minimally invasive treatment before the tumor caused balance problems or permanent hearing loss. Today, she has preserved her hearing and excellent quality of life. If you'd like more details or have any questions, I'd be happy to provide more information. Best regards, Heather Gabaldon
Frequent, unexplained headaches are often dismissed as stress-related when they can signal deeper neurological issues. One patient sought care after weeks of persistent headaches that over-the-counter medication never fully relieved. Early imaging revealed a small vascular abnormality that could have led to severe complications if left untreated. Because the symptom was addressed promptly, the condition was managed before escalation, and the patient avoided long-term damage. This case highlights how taking recurring headaches seriously can shift outcomes from crisis management to preventive care.