Blog

Use the term “vocal cords” and most people think of the structure that lets us talk, sing and yell. But these folds of throat tissue do much more. Among their most important functions is sealing off the trachea, or windpipe, when we eat or drink, to keep foods and liquids from getting into our lungs. Romina Huerta, a speech-language pathologist at PNI, knows all about the vocal cords. Long before her medical career began, she learned the violin and became a singer. These days, she’s a member of the Grammy-nominated band Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles. That experience helps her understand what ails other professional singers who come to her for help with overworked vocal cords. She’s been there and done that. She also treats people who have swallowing disorders, which are often caused by dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Strokes and brain injuries also bring patients into PNI, where Romina works with our otolaryngologists—surgeons and doctors who treat the ear, nose and throat. Listen to this episode to learn how Romina helps singers and others care for their vocal cords.

Brain fog can disrupt memory, focus, and overall well-being. Discover its diverse origins and how it affects neurological mechanisms. Plus, learn effective coping strategies to regain mental clarity and improve cognitive health.

Dr. Melita Petrossian is a neurologist who specializes in movement disorders. When most people hear that term, they think of Parkinson’s disease. But Dr. Petrossian sees a number of patients with what’s known as essential tremor, a condition that’s often mistaken for Parkinson’s.

Charles was living a full life when Parkinson's disease hit. Although a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting movement, there are medical and surgical treatments available to help with symptom management. Read this moving and heartwarming account of the impact of DBS surgery on Charles' life.

Pacific Neuroscience Institute teams in Neurology and Neurosurgery contribute to High Performing Hospitals in US News & World Report rankings.

Pacific Neuroscience Institute's experts explain the benefits of group exercise for people with neurologic disorders.

Virtual reality games that combine physical activity and brain-training may help slow cognitive decline in older adults, research at Pacific Neuroscience Institute suggests.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disease of the nervous system marked by tremor, muscular rigidity, and slow, imprecise movement.

The MIND diet aims to reduce dementia and the decline in brain health that often occurs as people age. It combines aspects of two well-researched diets, the Mediterranean Diet and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH).

If you are registered on Doximity, and board-certified in one or more of the ranked medical specialties, you are eligible to vote for next year’s U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals. Providence Southern California hospitals and affiliates are honored to have received more than...