News & Announcements

May 8

As of May 8, 2023, we are proud members of Privia Medical Group!

Apr 6

Recognize the warning signs of a concussion.

A blow or hit to the head could result in a traumatic brain injury known as a concussion. When we think of concussions, we often think of football players or other professional athletes; however, concussions can happen to anyone. It’s essential to recognize the signs of a concussion so you can seek immediate medical attention from our Franklin, TN, board-certified physician Dr. Sravani Mehta at BrainCare ( Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab).

What Are the Most Common Causes of a Concussion?

We often see concussions resulting from a bad fall, car accident, assault, or sports injuries. Children, teens, and seniors are typically at the highest risk for concussions and may be more likely to deal with a longer recovery process. If you’ve had a concussion in the past, you may be more likely to experience one again.

What Are the Warning Signs of a Concussion?

If you’ve had an injury, accident, or fall and hit your head, you may be worried about whether you might have a concussion. You could have a concussion if you develop these symptoms after a head injury,

• Sudden or intense fatigue
• Loss of memory
• Loss of consciousness
• Headache
• Confusion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Trouble thinking
• Memory issues
• Dizziness
• Vision issues
• Mood changes
• Altered mental state
• Sleepiness

If you develop these symptoms after a head injury, it’s essential that you turn to our Franklin, TN, physician right away to find out if you have a concussion.

When Will Symptoms First Start?

Symptoms often appear within minutes of the injury; however, symptoms don’t always show up immediately. It may take hours for them to appear and worsen over the coming days or weeks.

How Long Will My Recovery Process Be?

This will vary from person to person depending on several factors, including the severity of your concussion. It is common for symptoms to persist for days, weeks, or even months.

How Are Concussions Treated?

Rest is key to healing, so it’s vital that you rest as much as possible throughout the day, taking naps when needed. Depending on the symptoms you’re experiencing, you may find that computer screens exacerbate your symptoms. In this case, you may wish to take time off work until your symptoms have improved. You should avoid any sports or activities that could result in a head injury.

You may take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to ease headaches or other aches and pains related to your concussion. Self-care is typically the best course of action for managing symptoms until your brain has healed. Dr. Mehta and her team can discuss different treatment options with you to help support your recovery.

Dr. Mehta is on a mission to provide patients with the comprehensive care and treatment they need for post-concussion recovery. BrainCare ( Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab) serves both Franklin, TN. If you are dealing with a concussion or traumatic brain injury, our team can help. Call (615) 450-6758 today.

Mar 22

Dealing with frequent or severe headaches or migraines can interfere with your normal routine, especially if you experience nausea in conjunction with the headache or migraine. Dr. Sravani Mehta, the board certified doctor at BrainCare ( Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab) in Franklin, TN, treats headaches/migraines by developing individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs.

Types of Headaches

There are several different types of headaches, such as sinus headaches and cervicogenic headaches. The most commonly experienced types of headaches are tension, cluster, and migraines. Of these three types, tension headaches are the most common. Tension headaches are often brought on by stress and feel like a band is begin tightened around the head.

Cluster headaches can be severe and are associated with a constant throbbing pain in the head and a piercing pain behind one eye. This type of headache usually occurs in groups or clusters. Migraines are severe headaches that can persist for several days. Migraine headaches are often characterized by a constant throbbing or pounding. They can also cause nausea and vomiting, as well as sensitivity to light and sound.

Causes of Headaches & Migraines

Many different factors can cause a headache or migraine to develop. When the root cause of chronic headaches is identified, steps can be taken to prevent additional headaches or at least lessen their severity. The experienced doctor at our practice in Franklin, TN, understands headaches/migraines and can help you achieve relief.

Some common causes of different types of headaches include:

• Stress
• Fatigue
• Hunger
• Concussion
• Dehydration
• Poor posture
• Nasal congestion
• Certain health conditions
• Certain medications
• Depression or anxiety

Some typical causes of migraines include:

• Excessive stress
• Weather changes
• Changes in normal sleep patterns
• Exposure to strong smells, bright lights, or loud sounds
• Certain foods or medications
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Alcohol consumption

Headaches and Migraine Treatments

Several effective methods and options are available for treating headaches and migraines. The right treatment approach depends on the type, frequency, and severity of headaches, as well as other factors. Dr. Mehta develops customized treatment plans based on all these factors and individual needs.

Self-treatment options include over-the-counter pain relievers, applying a cold or hot compress to the head or neck, and resting in a quiet and dark room. Other treatment methods include prescription medications, biofeedback, and stress reduction therapies, such as acupuncture and massage.

If you are dealing with chronic or severe headaches or migraines, we can help. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Mehta to learn about the treatments for different types of headaches/migraines by calling BrainCare ( Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab) in Franklin, TN, at (615) 450-6758.

Mar 10

At BrainCare ( Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab) in Franklin, TN, Dr. Sravani Mehta provides care for patients who suffer from various symptoms related to brain injuries, strokes, and neurological conditions. Spasticity is a common symptom that people want to understand better.

What is Spasticity?

Spasticity relates to stiffness in the muscles, and it is typically caused by damage to the brain or nerves. The injury disrupts messages between the brain and muscles, and the person loses some degree of movement or speech. Spasticity may also cause pain and other issues.

What Causes Spasticity?

There are many reasons why people experience spasticity.  The most common are strokes, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis. Trauma to the head or brain, as well as spinal cord injuries, may produce muscle stiffness that prevents a person from moving or speaking properly.

How is Spasticity Treated?

Dr. Mehta recommends several treatment options for her patients who suffer from spasticity and related medical conditions. Physical therapy may help increase the range of motion, muscle strength, and coordination. Prescription medications and braces may also help. Dr. Mehta is a physiatrist who specializes in Brain Injury Medicine and provides a wide range of brain injury and stroke rehabilitation services, particularly in rehabilitative interventions such as physical medicine, and injections.

How Can You Manage Spasticity Naturally?

Stretching, exercising, and yoga may help to reduce the severity and frequency of spasticity. These should be integrated with your treatment plan at BrainCare ( Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab). Dr. Mehta will recommend what you can do at home to help with muscle stiffness and discomfort.

Do Supplements Help with Spasticity?

Some studies have shown that certain supplements help with spasticity, such as magnesium. The benefits depend on the underlying cause of your muscle stiffness and limited range of motion. You can discuss these options during your appointment with Dr. Mehta.

What Should Someone with Spasticity Avoid?

Extreme temperatures may trigger an episode of spasticity. Try to stay at a comfortable temperature. When you go outdoors, dress for the weather. Another trigger is being in the same position for a prolonged period. Move your body every hour. If you are sitting for a long time, stand up, stretch, and walk around. Other triggers for spasticity include constipation, stress, illnesses, and fatigue.

Learn more about managing spasticity by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Mehta. Call BrainCare ( Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab) in Franklin, TN, today at (615) 450-6758.

Feb 21

Some of the ways that people suffer brain injuries are automobile accidents, falls, strokes, aneurysms, sports injuries, and seizures. At BrainCare ( Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab ) in Franklin, TN, Dr. Sravani Mehta offers advanced rehabilitation therapies for brain injuries.

Types of Brain Injuries

Brain injuries are categorized according to the underlying cause of the damage. Some brain injuries occur prior to birth, such as degenerative, birth trauma, hereditary, and congenital. Acquired and traumatic brain injuries occur after birth. Acquired brain injuries are caused by a change in how well the brain works. This may include metabolic and nerve functions and changes to the brain’s physical structure. Traumatic brain injuries occur when a person suffers an impact to the head, and these types of injuries are categorized as penetrating or non-penetrating.

Signs and Symptoms of Brain Injuries

Brain injuries not only cause damage to the soft tissues. Chemicals that are normally stored within the brain may be released, which causes secondary damage to the brain cells. Some of the cells may die off, and the person may lose function within that part of the brain. A person may experience a range of symptoms, such as:

• Rapid mood changes
• Confusion and disorientation
• Poor motor control
• Memory loss
• Trouble speaking and eating

Treatment for Brain Injuries

When you suffer an injury, your body heals by growing new nerve and muscle cells, connective tissues, and even skin. Brain injuries heal in a different way. The nerves inside the brain don’t always repair themselves, or the nerves may not completely restore neurological pathways. As a result, a person needs to retrain the brain to operate in a different way. This is why brain injury treatments take time and patience.

Long-Term Outcomes for Brain Injuries

Even with the incredible challenges ahead for people who suffer brain injuries, it is possible for the brain to heal. It is one of the most resilient organs in the human body. Dr. Mehta specializes in advanced treatments for brain injuries. Through a process known as neuroplasticity, the brain learns to control day-to-day activities by using different neural pathways.

Learn more about brain injury treatment. Call Dr. Mehta of BrainCare ( Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab) in Franklin, TN, today. You can reach our office at (615) 450-6758 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mehta.

Feb 16

A concussion is a serious brain injury. If you have suffered from a concussion, or if you think you may have, Dr. Sravani Mehta and her team at Brain Care (Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab) in Franklin, TN offer evaluation, treatment for brain injury, and stroke rehab.

You may think you have a hard head, so when your head hits something you may consider it no big deal. It is a big deal, the results of a concussion can be serious, even fatal. More and more athletes are admitting to the lifelong consequences of concussions. But you don’t need to take a direct hit to your head to suffer a concussion, it can result from whiplash or other activities. Knowing the signs to look for after an injury is important.

Headache

Headaches related to a conclusion usually begin within a week or two of the event. Migraine headaches are common after a concussion and can linger for months afterward. Talk to Dr. Mehta if they are disrupting your life and not responding to OTC medication. Be sure to let your doctor know what you are taking.

Loss of Memory

It is common to have trouble remembering the events that took place immediately before and after the injury occurred. Depending on how serious the injury is to the brain, memory loss can be permanent. You may also forget the names of people you have met before, find yourself losing your keys, and not remember conversations you had only minutes ago.

Nausea or Vomiting

If you have nausea or are vomiting after a head injury, it is a clear sign that you have a concussion, and you should get medical help as soon as possible.

Disturbances to Vision

Most visual disturbances happen within a week or two of a head injury. It is not uncommon to have a concussion with blurry or double vision symptoms. If it has not cleared within the first couple of weeks, you need to get additional help.

Dizziness or Loss of Balance

Dizziness or loss of balance after a concussion is often the result of damage to the vestibular system caused by the head injury. The vestibular system is highly sensitive to movement and head injury is usually a violent movement.

Contact Dr. Mehta at Brain Care (Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab) for concussion care in Franklin, TN if you have any of these signs after a head injury.  We can be reached on the phone at (615) 450-6758 or through our website.

Jan 10

Due to its severity, a stroke is a severe medical condition that requires emergency care. Call 911 right away if you or someone you are with shows any signs of a stroke. To learn about strokes in Franklin, TN, reach out to Dr. Sravani Mehta of BrainCare ( Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab).

What Is A Stroke?

A stroke occurs when something blocks the blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. It happens when plaque from cholesterol and lipids builds up in the blood vessels causing them to narrow. This causes damage to the brain or even destroys part of it. A stroke can cause lasting brain damage, disability, or even death.

What Are the Symptoms of a Stroke?

Signs and Symptoms of stroke include trouble speaking and understanding what others are saying. You may experience confusion, slur words, or difficulty understanding speech. You may stumble or lose your balance. You may also have sudden dizziness or a loss of coordination. Another symptom is a severe headache, which may be accompanied by vomiting, dizziness, or altered consciousness. You may suddenly have blurred or blackened vision. Finally, you may develop sudden numbness, weakness, or paralysis in the face, arm, or leg.

Stroke Risk Factors in Franklin, TN

If you have some of the stroke risk factors, be sure to discuss them with your doctor.

• High blood pressure is the biggest cause of strokes
• Smoking or chewing tobacco raises your odds of a stroke. Nicotine makes your blood pressure go up. Even secondhand smoke can affect you
• Heart disease causes a quarter of all strokes among the elderly. You can also have clogged arteries from fatty deposits
• People who have diabetes often have high blood pressure and are more likely to be overweight. Both raise the chance of a stroke
• Your chances of a stroke may go up if you’re overweight
• Some medicines, like blood-thinning drugs, can raise your chances of stroke
• Your chances of getting a stroke double every decade after age 55
• Strokes can run in families due to genetics
• Strokes affect African-Americans and nonwhite Hispanic Americans much more often than any other group in the US

If you are seeking treatment after suffering a stroke in Franklin, TN, call Dr. Mehta of BrainCare ( Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab) at (615) 450-6758 to schedule an appointment today.

Dec 22

If you are concerned that you might have a concussion and live in Franklin, TN, then Dr. Sravani Mehta and her team at Brain Care (Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab) are available to help identify, diagnose and treat you. Dr. Mehta is a physiatrist who specializes in Brain Injury Medicine, particularly in rehabilitative interventions such as physical medicine, and injections.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that is not usually life-threatening but should be taken seriously. A concussion usually results from a blow or bump to the head that causes the head and brain to snap back and forth very quickly.

Repeated concussions like those athletes who play contact sports sometimes get should be taken seriously as they can have negative long-term consequences.

Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion

Dr. Mehta at Brain Care (Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab), serving Franklin, TN residents suffering from concussions and other brain injuries, wants you to take note of the following if you or a family member has recently received a blow to the head.

• Is the injured person dizzy or “seeing stars”? Are they unsteady on their feet?
• Are they experiencing nausea or vomiting?
• Do they have a headache or feel pressure in the head?
• Are they confused or struggling to cope with light or noise?
• Was there a loss of consciousness at the time of the trauma? Do they now feel groggy, hazy, or sluggish?

Symptoms of a concussion might occur soon after the injury or several hours or even days later, which is why the patient should be carefully observed if there was a blow to the head. A patient suffering from a concussion may be experiencing one or more of these symptoms. Sometimes, the patient may undergo minor personality and behavioral changes.

Treating a Concussion

Your healthcare provider will first examine you to assess whether you have a concussion. In some instances, they may require further scans and tests to establish a definitive diagnosis or to determine whether there have been more severe long-term consequences from having a concussion.

The baseline treatment protocol for concussions is mental and physical rest and analgesic medications to relieve any headaches or other pain-related symptoms you may be experiencing. Newer medical trends suggest utilizing targeted therapies for the brain to help you on the road to recovery. You should recover from a concussion a few days afterward; if not, you should seek further medical attention.

Contact Us

The sooner you are assessed and receive treatment for a concussion, the better. Franklin, TN residents, do not hesitate to reach out to Dr. Mehta at Brain Care (Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab) to book an appointment today. Our contact number is (615) 450-6758.

Dec 14

Spasticity is a condition in which a person’s muscles are constantly contracted or contracting, which affects their ability to perform normal movements. The condition can severely affect their ability to everyday activities and can cause muscle pain and fatigue among other symptoms. Below are covered some of the most asked questions about spasticity, but you can learn more by reaching out directly to Dr. Sravani Mehta of BrainCare ( Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab) in Franklin, TN.

What Causes Spasticity?

For your muscles to move properly and in response to your brain’s directions there are a number of signals that must be transmitted from one to the other. These signals travel from the brain through nerves in the spinal cord and to muscles, so any injury or disease that causes damage to these points in the signal path could lead to spasticity or similar disorders.

Besides trauma to the brain or spinal cord, spasticity can also be brought on as a result of conditions like cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, or a stroke.

What Are the Symptoms?

Because spasticity affects the muscles, forcing them to contract and unable to relax, the symptoms include muscle stiffness, muscle spasms, and muscle fatigue. Discomfort and pain are also common with spasticity, it can also affect muscle growth and lead to joint and muscle deformities.

When to Seek Treatment?

It’s very important to seek treatment for spasticity for anyone first experiencing symptoms, or if episodes are worsening or becoming more painful or more frequent.

Spasticity Treatment in Franklin, TN

When treating spasticity, the goals of the treatment are to increase comfort, mobility, and independence in the patient which is often accomplished with physical and occupational therapy. Medication and casts and braces are also usually part of treatment plans, and surgery is recommended only when non-invasive options have not helped manage the symptoms. Dr. Mehta is a physiatrist who specializes in Brain Injury Medicine and provides a wide range of brain injury and stroke rehabilitation services, particularly in rehabilitative interventions such as physical medicine, and injections.

If you are searching for spasticity treatment in or near the Franklin, TN, area, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Mehta of BrainCare ( Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab) by dialing (615) 450-6758.

Nov 1

How your doctor in Franklin, TN, can help you when you have MS

When you have multiple sclerosis, also known as MS, you already know how difficult it can be to manage. You deserve to live a full, active life, even with MS. Dr. Mehta at BrainCare ( Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab) in Franklin, TN, is a physiatrist who specializes in Brain Injury Medicine and provides a wide range of brain injury and stroke rehabilitation services, particularly in rehabilitative interventions such as physical medicine, and injections.

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition. When you have multiple sclerosis, it means the myelin sheath, which covers your nerves, is damaged. This damage causes impairment in the signals from the brain to the nerves.

The signs and symptoms of MS are significant, and they include:

• Numbness or weakness usually on one side of your body
• Feelings of electric shock when you bend your neck
• Dizziness, tremors, and fatigue
• Difficulty walking
• Problems with coordination
• Eye pain, double vision, blurred vision, or loss of vision
• Difficulty with speech, including slurred speech
• Loss of bladder or bowel control

Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis can be made with a spinal tap and MRI. A blood test is included to rule out other conditions.

Multiple sclerosis can be managed effectively to lessen the frequency and severity of signs and symptoms. Dr. Mehta specialist may recommend:

• Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation of your nerves
• Beta interferon to reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms
• Copaxone, to suppress your immune system and help prevent damage to the myelin sheath
• Plasmapheresis, to replace plasma with a protein solution
• Physical therapy to increase your muscle strength and flexibility
• Mobility aids and other devices to help you in your daily life
• Dietary and lifestyle modifications to help you stay healthy

To find out more about management and treatment of multiple sclerosis, call Dr. Mehta at BrainCare ( Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab) in Franklin, TN. You can reach her in the office by calling (615) 450-6758, so call today.

Oct 27

Instead of rehab, turn to pre-hab. 

The National Stroke Association reports that stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the US and the leading cause of disability in US adults. You may be more at risk for this neurological injury due to age, ethnicity, family history, or genetics; however, there are things you can do right now to improve your lifestyle and reduce your risk for stroke. One way to protect your body and promote recovery after a stroke is to turn to our Franklin, TN, Physiatrist Dr. Sravani Mehta, for pre-hab.

What Is Pre-hab?

We typically refer to pre-hab when talking about treating or preventing certain injuries. Pre-hab is a great way to improve the body’s healing processes after surgery or injury while protecting and preventing problems from occurring in those at risk for developing specific injuries or conditions. If you are at risk for stroke, then our Franklin, TN, team can evaluate your unique case and determine your pre-hab treatment plan.

Who Is at Risk for Stroke?

While anyone can develop a stroke during their lifetime, certain risk factors can increase their chances. These risk factors include,

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Birth control pills
• Atrial fibrillation
• Binge drinking
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle

What Does Prehab Entail?

Prehab is designed to improve someone’s recovery outcome after suffering a stroke. Prehab is recommended for all individuals who have experienced a stroke, as we see that many stroke patients’ recovery is better after prehab than those who don’t undergo prehab.

A rehabilitation program will involve various treatment options to improve daily and bodily functions, including mobility and range-of-motion training, and motor skill exercises. Electrical stimulation, noninvasive brain stimulation, speech therapy, and biological therapies may also be recommended as part of your prehab recovery. Prehab or stroke rehabilitation may be used for months or even years to provide a more effective and efficient recovery process.

If you or a loved one has just suffered a stroke and want to learn more about the pre-hab program Dr. Mehta and the BrainCare ( Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab) team offer in Franklin, TN, call (615) 450-6758 today to learn more.

Oct 20

Acupuncture is a very beneficial treatment option for a wide range of conditions. If you want to learn more about this amazing treatment in Franklin, TN, Physiatrist Dr. Sravani Mehta provides it and more at BrainCare ( Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab).

What Is Acupuncture and How Does It Work?

Acupuncture is an ancient medical practice that is built on the belief that the body has meridians through which life forces flow. If these become blocked, sickness, disease, and injury can occur.

Many modern medicine practitioners have the same basic belief, though the specifics are a bit different. They view the meridians as trigger points that – when stimulated – promote natural healing.

Regardless of the specific belief you subscribe to, there have been many reports of acupuncture being effective in treating pain, sickness, and chronic conditions.

Acupuncture uses tiny needles that are inserted at these meridians or trigger points. When this occurs, it stimulates the nerves and improves the flow of blood, providing the body with the nutrients it needs to heal itself.

Can Acupuncture in Franklin, TN Help Me? 

Acupuncture is used to treat a variety of conditions, which include but are not limited to:

• Headaches and migraines
• Fatigue
• Muscle tension
• Sprains and strains
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Nerve issues

It has also been proven to help with things like speech, motor skills, and other neurological issues that are related to strokes. These are just a few conditions that acupuncture addresses, so it is almost certain that it can provide benefits to you.

If you are living with any type of condition and wonder just how acupuncture might impact you, Dr. Mehta will be happy to walk you through it.

Want to experience the benefits that acupuncture can provide you in Franklin, TN? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Mehta at BrainCare ( Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab) by calling (615) 450-6758.

Aug 23

How your brain and stroke specialists in Franklin, TN, can help with spasticity

If you or someone you know has multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, or has suffered a brain or spinal cord injury, spasticity can be a common problem. During an episode of spasticity, muscles will contract, which restricts their ability to help with movement. Spasticity management requires the skills and expertise of a brain specialist.

Dr. Mehta at BrainCare (Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab), in Franklin, TN, provides a wide range of brain injury and stroke services, including treatment and management of spasticity.

During an episode of spasticity:

• The muscles are unable to relax
• Fatigue and muscle pain can occur
• There is great difficulty performing tasks

Your brain specialist may recommend several treatment options to manage spasticity. These include:

Exercises, including stretching and positioning; these are typically developed by a physical and/or occupational therapist to help maintain range of motion and prevent shortening or contraction of muscles.

Medications, which are designed to reduce muscle spasticity and relax muscles.

Intrathecal therapy, which is liquid medication delivered directly into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. An implantable pump and catheter are used.

Injections, which may include Botox, injected into muscles to decrease muscle signals which cause the spasticity. Injections may be administered every three months.

Neurosurgical or orthopedic surgical treatment, to release tendons or treat the motor nerve root of sensory spinal nerves to stop spasticity symptoms.

You should see a brain and stroke specialist if your spasticity is:

• Being experienced for the first time
• Getting worse and more frequent
• Becoming painful during an episode
• Causing limited or halted ability to move
• Affecting your quality of life

To find out more about spasticity and spasticity treatment, call Dr. Mehta at BrainCare (Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab), in Franklin, TN, serving residents of Franklin and the Nashville area. You can reach her in the office by calling (615) 450-6758, so call now.

Aug 23

How your holistic in Franklin, TN, can help you feel better when you have multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis, commonly known as MS, is an autoimmune disease which affects the central nervous system, causing a complex combination of signs and symptoms. Dr. Mehta at BrainCare ( Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab) in Franklin, TN, offers comprehensive brain injury and stroke services, including treatment of multiple sclerosis. Dr. Mehta is a physiatrist who specializes in Brain Injury Medicine, particularly in rehabilitative interventions such as physical medicine, injections.

Your nerves are covered with what is known as a myelin sheath. When this outer covering weakens, the signals from the brain to the body are affected, causing signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis, including:

• Fatigue and dizziness
• Numbness or weakness on one side of your body
• Electric shock sensations when you bend your neck forward
• Tremors, instability walking, and a lack of coordination
• Vision issues, including eye pain, double vision, blurred vision, or vision loss
• Speech issues, including slurred speech
• Loss of bowel or bladder control

Your neurologist may use several methods to diagnose multiple sclerosis, including:

• Blood tests, which are used to rule out other conditions with similar signs and symptoms
• Spinal tap, to identify whether antibodies for MS are present in spinal fluid
• MRI, to detect whether lesions are present indicating active MS

There are several ways MS can be managed and treated to reduce signs and symptoms, including:

• Corticosteroid injections to decrease nerve inflammation
• Beta interferon to reduce the severity and frequency of MS attacks
• Copaxone to prevent your immune system from attacking myelin
• Plasmapheresis, to replace plasma with a protein solution
• Physical therapy to help you maintain strength and flexibility
• Mobility aids and other devices to improve performance of daily tasks
• Dietary and lifestyle modifications to help you maintain optimal health

To discover more about multiple sclerosis and how your brain injury and stroke specialist can help, call Dr. Mehta at BrainCare ( Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab) in Franklin, TN. You can reach her in the office by calling (615) 450-6758, so call now.

Aug 22

If you or a loved one has recently suffered from a stroke, you may be worried about the future and unsure of what your next steps should be. It’s important to work with your doctor to make sure that you’re doing all the correct moves to make sure that your life is easy and comfortable, while minimizing the risk of further issues. Dr. Sravani Mehta at BrainCare (Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab) in Franklin, TN, can educate you on what you should be doing after a stroke so that you can live your best life.

What to do After a Stroke

Once your condition is stabilized, you can work with your doctors to start the rehabilitation process. This is a crucial time where you can ask questions and make sure that you are fully educated on your condition and that you know what to expect. You may want to ask what part of your brain was impacted and find out what lifestyle changes you should be making.

After dealing with a stroke, it’s important to work directly with your doctor in Franklin, TN, so that you can avoid dealing with a second stroke or any further complications. It’s important that you’re keeping a healthy diet and making choices to lower your risk of a second stroke. You should also be consistently participating in physical therapy, so that you increase your chance of recovery and continue to improve.

You should also take steps to make sure that your home is adequate and that you’ve installed safety precaution, such as handrails and non-slip mats in the shower. It’s important that you also understand that recovery takes time and hard work, and your journey may not look identical to someone else’s.

Contact Your Doctor Today

Make sure you’re taking the best care of yourself after a stroke and that you have a team that can help you through the rehabilitation process. Contact Dr. Sravani Mehta at BrainCare (Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab) in Franklin, TN, to find out what should be done after a stroke. Call for more information today at (615) 450-6758.

Aug 22

How your holistic doctor in Franklin, TN, can help you manage the signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis or MS is a complex autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. The outer covering of the nerves, known as myelin, becomes weak, affecting how the brain controls the body. MS can be treated and managed, with the help of a brain specialist.

Dr. Mehta at BrainCare (Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab) in Franklin, TN, provides a wide range of holistic rehabilitation and brain injury services, including the management of MS.

Multiple sclerosis has several signs and symptoms, including:

• Numbness or weakness occurring on one side of your body at a time
• Feelings of electric shock when the neck is bent forward
• Tremors, loss of coordination, or walking unsteadily
• Vision problems, including loss of vision, eye pain, double vision, or blurred vision
• Fatigue and dizziness
• Speech problems or slurred speech
• Loss of bowel or bladder control

Several methods are used to diagnose multiple sclerosis, including:

• Blood tests, to rule out similar conditions
• Spinal tap, to determine the presence of antibodies for MS
• MRI, to detect the presence of lesions associated with the active phase of MS

MS symptoms can be managed effectively. Professional treatments include:

• Corticosteroid injections to reduce nerve inflammation
• Beta interferon reduces the frequency and severity of attacks
• Copaxone to block your immune system from attacking myelin
• Plasmapheresis, to replace plasma with a protein solution
• Physical therapy to keep you healthy and strong
• Mobility aids and other devices to improve performance of daily tasks
• Dietary and lifestyle modifications to enhance your health
• Vitamin, herbal, and nutritional supplements to maintain your health

MS management involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes:

• Getting enough rest, so your body can recover
• Exercising regularly, to keep up your strength
• Avoiding heat exposure, to minimize symptoms
• Eating healthy to maintain your overall health
• Practicing stress reduction to minimize symptoms

To read more detailed information about multiple sclerosis, please visit the multiple sclerosis section on the website by clicking here.

To learn more about the management and treatment of MS, talk with an expert. Call Dr. Mehta at BrainCare (Brain Injury and Stroke Rehab) in Franklin, TN. You can reach her in the office by calling (615) 450-6758, so call today.

Feb 27

The human body is made up of a multitude of complex systems. These complex systems must be able to interact adequately to work and maintain the body’s homeostasis. Physiatrists and neurologists are both medical doctors that work on these complex systems and they share some similarities in their functions but also differ in their areas of expertise. So, how is a physiatrist different from a neurologist? I am frequently asked this question and thought this would be a great question to address in this post.

Both neurologists and physiatrists treat movement, swallowing, speaking, or breathing issues. Further, individuals with neurological disorders may also have issues with mood, memory, sensory problems, or learning which are addressed with both specialties. Both specialists work with patients of all ages and backgrounds. They both often offer treatment on an inpatient (i.e., inside hospital 24/7 care) and outpatient (i.e., outside hospital care) basis. While the neurologists are more concerned with the primary disease process in the nervous system, physiatrists are more concerned with the effects of the disease process on other body systems such as muscle and bone, and improving overall everyday functioning such as dexterity and mobility.

Neurologic Issues – Treatment, Recovery & Rehabilitation

Neurologists work to treat conditions and diseases that are linked to the nervous system. The nervous system includes the central nervous system, the brain, and nerves in the feet, hands, and other various areas of the body. Neurological disorders typically involve diseases or injuries that occur within the central nervous system. The central nervous system contains all of the nerves that work to control the mechanisms within the body. Neurologists provide acute and longterm medical treatments including the following: Brain tumors, Lou Gehrig’s disease (i.e., ALS), Meningitis, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Parkinson’s disease, Spina Bifida, Peripheral Neuropathy, Neuromusclar Diseases, Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and Stroke.

Physiatrists

Physiatrists, also known as physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, are physicians that focus on physical mobility and agility. Physiatrists treat a vast variety of medical conditions that affect the bones, joints, nerves, brain, spinal cord, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Physiatrists use more of a whole body approach and focus on the connections in between nerves and muscles and tendons and bones. Compared with neurologists, physiatrists’ focus is on the disability caused by an impairment due to the medical condition. They have a wide area of expertise that aids them in the treatment of conditions that are disabling and may affect a person across the lifespan. Physiatrists work to diagnose and provide treatment to individuals who have conditions due to disabling illnesses, diseases, or traumatic injuries. Physiatrists typically work with patients whose physical abilities have been affected by injury, disease, or chronic medical conditions. Physiatrists are able to aid these patients in restoring and maintaining their mobility and range of motion.

Physiatrists primary goal is to treat the patient as a whole and not focus on treating just the problem area. Physiatrists typically create plans for patients to regain their dexterity or mobility and other areas of function then refer the patient to an occupational, physical or speech therapist to administer and manage the daily program of therapy they prescribe. Physiatrists generally work collaboratively with other providers such as physical, occupational, speech therapists and rehabilitation psychologists as a part of a treatment team. The teams that physiatrists generally work with can include other medical providers. They collaborate with a team of medical professionals in order to optimize patient care. Further, physiatrists often collaborate with other primary care physicians such as orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, and general practitioners. These treatment teams work to help patients recover from the after effects and injuries incurred from their illnesses or trauma. Physiatrists are able to conduct the following procedures: Procedures guided by ultrasound, Nerve/EMG conduction studies, Injections to joints, Blocks and abalation, Nerve stimulation, Prolotherapy, Muscle and nerve biopsy, Prosthetic and orthotic services, Consultation regarding medicolegal issues, Alternative medicine such as acupuncture, Treatment for spasticiy (e.g., botulinum and phenol injections, and intrathecal baclofen pump trial implants), Assessment for impairment or disability

Education and Training

Neurologists and physiatrists educational and training backgrounds are somewhat similar. Both physiatrists and neurologists must obtain a medical degree. During this time, students decide on a specialty and begin taking the appropriate courses for their specialty area. After successfully completing medical school, both physiatrists and neurologists complete a one year internship in a general clinical setting. After completing their general internship, physiatrists and neurologists must complete a three year residency specific to their field of specialty. Both specialists complete a total of 4 years spent in training after medical school. Further, if either physiatrists or neurologists would like to further specialize in their expertise, they may choose to attend additional training through fellowships.

Differences and Similarities of Neurologists and Physiatrists

Physiatrists and Neurologists both focus on different parts of the body, with one focusing on the brain and nervous system and the other focusing on connections between them and the connections between muscles and bones. It may seem as though these physicians have nothing in common, but they do have some similarities. Physiatrists often work together with neurologists to create a treatment plan for individuals with neurological disorders in order to help them regain and maintain their mobility.

Sravani Mehta, MD practices medicine in Nashville, TN at Brain & Stroke Care. focuses on Brain Health in Aging, Brain Injury & Stroke.