Neurosciences

Dr Robert Louis, Empower360 Endowed Chair is Skull Base and Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery Newport Beach, CA – The news that beloved “Piano Man” Billy Joel is stepping back from his tour dates to undergo surgery for Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) has undoubtedly brought a wave of concern and curiosity. As a neurosurgeon, I want to … Read More

While stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and the leading cause of long-term disability, 80 percent of strokes are preventable, said the program director of Hoag’s Stroke Program. Hoag is a national leader in treating stroke, which occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted or blocked, either by a blocked artery or … Read More

Parkinson’s disease creates limits. This progressive neurodegenerative disorder leads to tremors, rigidity, and slow movements, which can impact a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks—such as walking up and down stairs, holding utensils, or tying their shoes. Hoag’s Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute is dedicated to removing those limits by creating innovative paths to care. The … Read More

When Sonia revealed to her father over dinner that she was seven weeks pregnant with her second child, he was so overwhelmed with joy that he bought wine for the entire restaurant.   The following morning, his excitement quickly turned to terror.   “The next call he gets from me was from the ambulance telling him I’m … Read More

Hoag is excited to welcome Dr. Neal Hermanowicz, the newest Neurologist on our Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Program team at Hoag’s Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute. Dr. Neal Hermanowicz’s journey to becoming a neurologist was shaped by a clear, early decision to pursue medicine. With extensive training and a focus on movement disorders, he has dedicated … Read More

Sleep is an essential requirement for health, but sometimes falling asleep is easier said than done. Here, Dr. Jose Puangco, a neurologist who treats sleep disorders at the Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute at Hoag, offers advice to help you fall asleep fast. That way, you can stop tossing and turning and instead head straight to … Read More

In 2019, Brittany Quiroz found herself among the nearly one million people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in the United States. She recalled experiencing early warning signs of the disease while building her music career ten years prior.  “Because I was so incredibly busy touring and performing, I assumed my body was just really tired,” … Read More

The goals of the bicoastal institutions’ collaboration include: Reduce brain surgery incision size to less than 3 millimeters Minimize bleeding and risk of infection Improve patient outcomes and quality of life Effectively target deadly aggressive brain cancers like Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (Feb. 27, 2025) – Leading Hoag neurosciences innovator Robert G. Louis, … Read More

By Lauren Bennett, Ph.D. Like a flower growing in a garden, the human brain benefits from the great outdoors. Nature walks. A jog around the neighborhood. Tai Chi at the park. Studies have found that the aging brain shrinks less when a person spends time outdoors. The same protection against brain shrinkage occurs when a … Read More

Over dinner, Sonia Jamin’s dad cried tears of joy. When Sonia revealed she was pregnant with her second child, her father was so moved that he wept, laughed and bought wine for the entire restaurant. The following morning found her dad crying again. This time, though, he was terrified. “The next call he gets from … Read More