Understanding Neurosurgery: Test and Learn About Skull Base Procedures

Cervical disc replacement is designed to preserve motion, but newer technology also means fewer long-term data points and more thoughtful planning — not just for this surgery, but for the future. The surgical approach matters too. Procedures done from the front of the neck are common and effective, but they can temporarily affect swallowing and voice. Most patients do well — but for a vocalist, that conversation is different. In some cases, approaching the spine from the back can relieve nerve p

The brain is deeply responsive to hormonal change. A January 2026 review summarizes growing evidence that estrogen decline — particularly in cases of early menopause or oophorectomy — is associated with long-term changes in brain health, including higher risk of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. This matters because estrogen is involved in more than reproductive function. It plays a role in: • synaptic communication • mitochondrial energy metabolism • neuroinflammatory re