Latest news with #BarrowNeurologicalInstitute
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'I watched own death on operating table before I was pushed back into my body'
Pam Reynolds Lowery's case is one of the most accurate near-death experiences on record - and now a woman who researched her case explained how the out-of-body experience occured A woman who had a near-death experience claims she saw things she shouldn't have whilst undergoing major surgery - and recalled the scary ordeal, leaving experts baffled. Pam Reynolds Lowery had one of the most well-documented near-death experiences on record when she had a risky brain operation. Pam had a "standstill operation" where doctors put her vitals into a near-death state in order to operate on the location of her brain aneurysm. During the procedure, she claimed to have 'floated above a doctor's shoulder' and despite being clinically dead, Pam 'observed' the operation where surgeons were drilling into her head. Christina Randall, a podcaster who has extensively researched the bizarre case, has detailed exactly how Pam's body went through an out-of-body experience. She explained how Pam had been experiencing symptoms of dizziness, temporary loss of speech and bouts of paralysis before a scan revealed a large aneurysm close to her brain stem. Christina explained: "As a last resort, a neurosurgeon of the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, decided that a rarely performed procedure called a standstill operation could improve Pam's chance of surviving." She continued: "Pam's body temperature was lowered to 50° Fahrenheit – or 10° Centigrade – her breathing and her heartbeat completely stopped and the blood was completely drained from her head," as previously reported by The Mirror. During the operation, her eyes were taped shut, and she wore a headset playing a series of loud clicking sounds over her ears. These sounds, which would have been intensely annoying if Pam had been conscious, allowed the anaesthetist to confirm that there was no activity in the patient's brain. Christina said: "Pam said during this she felt more aware than normal and her vision was more focused and clearer than normal... her senses became so hyper-aware it was as if she had more than five senses." She was in such a heightened state that she watched as the surgeons drilled into her skull to access the aneurysm. "She was able to see the electric saw that was pulled out to use on her and she described it as looking like an electric toothbrush," Christina continued. Because of her specific details, it meant she had managed to watch the major surgery from outside her own body. In her own words, Pam recalled: "I was looking down at the body. I knew it was my body but I didn't care. My vantage point was sort of sitting on the doctor's shoulder. I remember the instrument in his hand, it looked like the handle of my electric toothbrush." She then explained: "I had assumed that they were going to open the skull with a saw. I had heard the term 'saw' but what I saw looked a lot more like a drill than a saw – he even had little bits that were kept in this case that looked like the case that my father stored his socket wrenches in when I was a child." She also remembered the conversations between the doctors and nurses - and while she experienced the whole thing, she wasn't alone. Christina stated: "When she tried making out the figures, she realised that it was her grandmother and uncle and other deceased people that she knew." Pam specifically mentioned her late uncle, who passed away at just 39, seemed to be acting as a guide. She continued: "My uncle was the one who brought me back down to the body but then I got to where the body was and I looked at the thing and I for sure did not want to get in it." She said her body appeared "lifeless" and was "hesitant" to return to it, but her uncle persuaded her to go back. She said he told her it's "like diving into a swimming pool, just jump in" and said he pushed her to give her a "little help". She compared the experience to "jumping into ice water" and, after her operation, amazed the doctors with her recollection while she was "dead". Despite many people being sceptical of Pam's story, Cardiologist Michael Sabom is convinced that Pam's experience is authentic. He has identified over a hundred instances of anaesthetised or seriously injured individuals having experiences that suggest some form of life after death.
New York Post
17-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
‘Hollywood Medium' Tyler Henry, 29, reveals he had brain tumor — 4 symptoms to look out for
'Hollywood Medium' Tyler Henry is 'on the mend' after undergoing surgery to remove part of a rare tumor growing near the center of his brain. 'Great prognosis, incredible staff, and I feel so thankful to be surrounded by my family,' the 29-year-old clairvoyant — who's read for stars like the Kardashians, Megan Fox, and Chad Michael Murray — wrote in a May 14 Instagram post. The tumor, known as a colloid cyst, is noncancerous but potentially dangerous if left untreated. Here's what you need to know about the condition, including the signs that one might be quietly lurking in your brain. Advertisement 4 'Hollywood Medium' Tyler Henry plans to return to his famous readings once fully recovered. Getty Images for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards What are colloid cysts? Colloid cysts are rare, benign and slow-growing brain lesions, making up an estimated 0.5% to 1% of all primary brain tumors, according to Barrow Neurological Institute. While doctors don't know exactly what causes them, researchers believe these fluid-filled sacs begin forming during fetal development. Advertisement Colloid cysts are typically found deep in the brain's third ventricle — a narrow passage that helps circulate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the clear liquid that cushions and protects your brain and spinal cord. Most sit silently for years, causing no issues. But if a cyst grows large enough, it can block the flow of CSF, leading to a dangerous buildup in the brain known as hydrocephalus. 4 Colloid cysts can lead to a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid, increasing pressure on the brain. sudok1 – Advertisement That fluid pressure can damage brain tissues and trigger serious neurological problems. In severe cases, it can become life-threatening — and even lead to sudden death if left untreated. What are the symptoms of colloid cysts? Colloid cysts are often asymptomatic, and many people don't know they have one until it shows up unexpectedly on a brain scan for something else, according to RWJ Barnabas Health. When signs do appear, it's typically because the cyst has grown large enough to interfere with normal brain function, usually occurring after the age of 30. Symptoms can vary depending on where the lesion is located in the brain, but red flags often include headaches, memory problems, behavioral changes and brief losses of consciousness, which can escalate to coma in some cases. Advertisement 4 Symptoms depend on which part of the brain the cyst is growing in. Studio Romantic – If the cyst causes hydrocephalus, additional symptoms may surface, such as confusion, double vision, fatigue and difficulty walking. How do you treat colloid cysts? Doctors usually keep a close eye on small, symptom-free cysts with annual scans. But once they cause problems, surgery becomes the main option, according to Columbia Neurosurgery. The traditional method is a craniotomy, where surgeons open a section of the skull to access the cyst. However, in a growing number of cases, a less invasive endoscopic craniotomy is performed, in which doctors use a small tube with a camera and surgical tools to remove the cyst through a tiny incision. 4 This marked the second time the Hollywood medium had to receive brain surgery. Tyler Henry/Instagram Complete removal of a colloid cyst usually means a cure, but in some cases — like Henry's — only partial removal is possible due to factors such as the tumor's size and location. Advertisement 'For those curious,' the 'Life After Death' star explained to his 1.2 million followers, 'I had a colloid tumor near the center of my brain and thankfully most of it has been removed! (The tumor, not my brain… that is.)' Partial removal significantly raises the risk of the cyst returning. Patients in these cases are typically monitored closely with regular brain scans to catch any signs of regrowth early. If the cyst is too risky to remove surgically, doctors may opt to insert a shunt to drain excess CSF and reduce pressure on the brain. A shunt may also be used if hydrocephalus continues even after the cyst has been removed.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
What! Living near this type of playground can cause Parkinson's disease?
A new study has raised serious concerns about a hidden health risk lurking in some of the country's most scenic neighborhoods, golf courses. According to research published in JAMA Network Open, living within a mile of a golf course could increase a person's risk of developing Parkinson's disease by a staggering 126%. The culprit behind this troubling connection? Pesticides. The 24-year study, conducted by researchers at the Barrow Neurological Institute, analyzed Parkinson's disease cases in Olmsted County, Minnesota. By mapping patient addresses alongside 139 golf courses in the area, the researchers discovered a clear trend: the closer someone lived to a golf course, the higher their chances of being diagnosed with the disease. But the danger isn't limited to airborne pesticide exposure. The study also found that people who rely on groundwater near golf courses for their tap water are at significantly greater risk. Residents in 'vulnerable groundwater regions' where porous bedrock allows rainwater to carry chemicals into water sources face nearly double the risk of developing Parkinson's. 'This isn't about golf,' said Dr. Michael Okun, national medical adviser for the Parkinson's Foundation . by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 90s Icon: A Look at Her Today I Am Famous Undo 'It's about pesticides, environmental exposures, and preventable risks hiding in plain sight.' Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, speech, and cognition. It currently impacts over one million Americans and nearly 12 million people worldwide, and the numbers are rising fast. As Dr. Okun pointed out, 'Parkinson's cases are exploding. Despite this, only 2 to 3 cents of every Parkinson's dollar is spent on prevention. That has to change.' Environmental exposure to pesticides like paraquat and rotenone, commonly used to maintain the pristine lawns of golf courses is becoming an increasingly recognized risk factor for Parkinson's. These chemicals have already been shown in animal studies to induce symptoms similar to the disease. Compared to European countries, golf courses in the U.S. are estimated to use up to 15 times more pesticides. The study's findings are especially concerning given how many people live near golf courses, often drawn by the tranquil atmosphere and green surroundings. But these 'green' spaces may be masking toxic hazards. While genetics plays a role in Parkinson's, growing evidence points to environmental triggers like pesticide exposure as significant contributors to the disease's spread. Although the study doesn't suggest people move away from golf courses, it underscores the urgent need for policy changes. Experts recommend that cities and states implement stricter regulations on chemical usage near residential zones and invest in better water treatment systems in vulnerable areas. Residents living near golf courses are encouraged to contact local environmental health agencies to learn more about pesticide use transparency and groundwater safety measures. As Dr. Okun emphasized, this research should serve as a serious wake-up call: 'Prevention has to be part of the plan.' Future-Proof Your Child with AI Skills | Limited Early Bird Seats – 33% OFF! | WhatsApp: 9560500838
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Controversial New Study Links Parkinson's With Living Near a Golf Course
A contentious new study has found that people who live near golf courses may face a higher risk of Parkinson's disease. That does not mean that golf courses are directly causing Parkinson's, but the authors of the study, led by Brittany Krzyzanowski of the Barrow Neurological Institute in the US, have a hypothesis. They think that rampant pesticides on fairways and greens may be exposing nearby residents to toxic chemicals via the air and water. That's a scary prospect, to be sure, but independent experts at the non-profit Parkinson's UK, who were not involved in the current research, have called these suspicions "reductive". Parkinson's disease is a complex neurological condition without known cause, and in recent years, intense debate has raged over whether certain pesticides may increase the risk of neurodegeneration. Farmers, for instance, tend to face higher risks of Parkinson's, as do those who live in historically industrial regions. Studies in the lab suggest some pesticides and air pollutants can be toxic to brain cells. But while human-made chemicals may be a factor in Parkinson's disease, so could genetics. The evidence at this point is not clear-cut. "Many studies have investigated whether pesticides increase the risk of developing Parkinson's in different populations around the world," says Katherine Fletcher, lead researcher at Parkinson's UK. "The results have been varied, but overall suggest that exposure to pesticides may increase the risk of the condition. However, the evidence is not strong enough to show that pesticide exposure directly causes Parkinson's." The newest research from Krzyzanowski and colleagues at the Mayo Clinic, the University of Rochester, and the University of Kansas adds to the debate. Their population-based study compared 419 Parkinson's cases with 5,113 healthy individuals, matched for sex, age, and demographics. After adjusting for various neighborhood characteristics, the team found that living within a mile (1.6 kilometers) of a golf course was associated with a 126 percent increased risk of developing Parkinson's, compared to those living more than 6 miles (nearly 10 kilometers) away. What's more, people living within water service areas containing a golf course were found to have nearly double the odds of developing Parkinson's compared to those living in golf-free areas. These correlations have led Krzyzanowski and colleagues to argue that golf courses are a possible risk factor for Parkinson's disease, and that pesticides in the air and in the groundwater may contribute to that risk. "Public health policies to reduce the risk of groundwater contamination and airborne exposure from pesticides on golf courses may help reduce risk of Parkinson's disease in nearby neighborhoods," argue Krzyzanowski and her team. But Fletcher and her colleague, David Dexter, at Parkinson's UK are unconvinced. The new study never tested for groundwater contamination near golf courses, or pollutants in the air, nor did the researchers properly control for other sources of urban air pollution, like that kicked up by road traffic. What's more, groundwater data on pesticides around golf courses is limited, and a 2024 study found that airborne pesticides are of "limited concern" to golfers, even after playing an 18-hole course purposefully sprayed with chemicals. "Parkinson's starts in the brain 10 to 15 years before diagnosis, and the study didn't only use subjects who permanently lived in the area," adds Dexter in an independent comment. "This would not only affect participants' exposure, but also suggests their Parkinson's could have started before they moved around a golf course." The current research elevates recent concerns around pesticides, but it is hardly a hole-in-one. Researchers will need to take quite a few more swings to prove that pesticides from golf courses are leaching into groundwater and raising the risk of Parkinson's for those living nearby. The study was published in JAMA Network Open. We Emit a Visible Light That Vanishes When We Die, Says Surprising New Study This Drug Reduces Symptoms Before a Migraine Strikes, Study Shows Shingles Vaccine Can Reduce Risk of Stroke And Heart Attack, Study Finds
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Study makes concerning connection between risk for Parkinson's disease and living near golf courses: 'Cases are exploding'
A startling new study is drawing attention to a hidden hazard lurking in some of the nation's greenest neighborhoods: golf courses. According to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Network Open, people who live within a mile of a golf course may face a 126% higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease — a condition affecting over a million Americans. The culprit? Pesticides. What's happening? Researchers from the Barrow Neurological Institute tracked Parkinson's diagnoses in Olmsted County, Minnesota, over a 24-year span, cross-referencing patient addresses with the locations of 139 nearby golf courses. The analysis revealed a clear pattern: the closer someone lived to a golf course, the higher their odds of developing Parkinson's. And it's not just air exposure. Residents whose tap water came from groundwater sources near a golf course had nearly double the risk of developing the disease. Those living in "vulnerable groundwater regions" — where rainwater can carry chemicals through porous bedrock more easily — faced even greater odds. "This isn't about golf," said Dr. Michael Okun, national medical adviser for the Parkinson's Foundation. "It's about pesticides, environmental exposures, and preventable risks hiding in plain sight." Why is this concerning? Parkinson's disease is a serious progressive condition that impacts movement, speech, and cognitive function. There's no cure — and cases are on the rise. As Newsweek covered, Dr. Okun recently posted to X, formerly Twitter, saying, "Parkinson's cases are exploding. We now face 11.8 million cases globally, and the numbers are climbing fast. Despite this reality, we still spend just 2 to 3 cents of every Parkinson's dollar on prevention. That has to change." While genetics do play a role, environmental factors like pesticide exposure are increasingly being linked to the disease. Chemicals such as paraquat and rotenone — often used to maintain lush greens — have been shown to trigger Parkinson-like symptoms in animal studies. And the U.S. has pesticide risks up to 15 times higher on golf courses than European countries do, according to Beyond Pesticides. Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home? Majorly Sometimes Not really I don't know enough about them Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. This research adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting our outdoor environments, especially in urban and suburban areas, may not be as safe as they seem — especially when aesthetics are prioritized over health. What's being done about it? While the study doesn't explicitly call for people to move away from golf courses, experts say there's a clear need to reevaluate how pesticides are used in public spaces. Cities and states can take action by tightening regulations on chemical applications near residential areas and upgrading municipal water treatment in high-risk zones. For those living near golf courses, consider reaching out to local environmental health agencies to learn about pesticide transparency laws and groundwater safety initiatives. As Dr. Okun noted, "This is a warning we can't ignore. Prevention has to be part of the plan." Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
