September 2015
Newswise — Following is a tip sheet of story ideas from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. To arrange interviews, please contact the individual listed. Computer Algorithm Better Than Doctors at Documenting ‘Red Flag’ Symptoms in PatientsA computer algorithm did a better job than doctors at documenting "red flag" symptoms among patients with gastrointestinal disorders, a Cedars-Sinai study has found, underscoring the potential of the technology to improve patient care. The algorithm, developed by investigators at Cedars-Sinai's Center for Outcomes Research and Education, identified more "alarm features" than did doctors who treated patients in GI clinics. The computer program also provided useful details about the onset, frequency and amount of symptoms such as blood in the stool or unintended weight loss.Investigators said their findings, published online by the International Journal of Medical Informatics, demonstrate how computers can complement – rather than replace – physicians in the exam room. The researchers explained that a red flag "checklist" of symptoms could serve as a useful tool to inform doctor-patient consultations.CONTACT: Duke Helfand, 310-248-6608; Email [email protected].
Implanted Device Puts Horsewoman With Parkinson’s Disease Back in the Saddle AgainNearly every week you’ll find Becky Anderson where she loves to be – with her quarter horse mares, Daisy and Princess. They’re an important part of her life that she doesn’t take for granted. In 2002, at 43, she learned she had young onset Parkinson’s disease and feared her riding days were over. However, her neurologist suggested she consider deep brain stimulation surgery, an option for some patients when drugs help but do not provide adequate control. She underwent the procedure at Cedars-Sinai and is now back in the saddle.CONTACT: Sally Stewart, 310-248-6566; Email [email protected].
“Wristwatch” Type Device Tracks Movements Every 2 Minutes to Help Doctors Monitor Parkinson’s DiseaseA simple motion sensor can open a door or alert a homeowner of an approaching intruder. Now, a much more sophisticated motion-detecting device the size, weight and shape of a wristwatch may help doctors at Cedars-Sinai evaluate the symptoms of their patients with Parkinson’s disease. Every two minutes, an unobtrusive device on Robert Yelin’s arm recorded the way his body was moving, and doctors at Cedars-Sinai used that data to evaluate and adjust his Parkinson’s disease medications.
Yelin, a technology researcher and chemist from West Hills, California, tapped the device every time he took the medications that keep his symptoms in check. He also noted in a diary the times throughout the day when he felt his symptoms improving or worsening. After six days of monitoring, Yelin returned the device to his doctors at Cedars-Sinai, Michele Tagliati, MD, director of the Movement Disorders Program in the Neurology Department, and neurologist Echo Tan, MD. Data from the device was uploaded to the manufacturer in Australia, and within minutes the doctors viewed a report and analysis.CONTACT: Sally Stewart, 310-248-6566; Email [email protected].
Emergency Room Physician Becomes a Patient After Developing the Rare Type of Blood Clot He Has Researched for 15 YearsDavid Williams, MD, has studied cerebral venous thrombosis, a very rare type of brain blood clot, for 15 years. He’s lectured nationally and internationally on the subject, published articles in Neurology and the Journal of Emergency Medicine, and treated dozens of patients in emergency rooms. The disease affects only five people in a million – and Williams recently became one of them. In fact, his was a very aggressive and deadly variant.
When Williams, who practices in Hawaii and works and teaches in Southern California, developed an excruciating headache, began to lose vision and barely remained conscious, he asked his fiancée to drive past hospitals closer to home and hurry him to Cedars-Sinai. “It’s incredibly ironic that I would develop this very rare disease that I’ve been researching, teaching about and publishing on for 15 years,” he said following intervention with a state-of-the-art device that grabbed and removed the clot. CONTACT: Sally Stewart, 310-248-6566; Email [email protected].
Cedars-Sinai Presents Educational Program on Pituitary Disorders for Patients and FamiliesCedars-Sinai experts in the diagnosis, treatment and research of pituitary disorders will present a one-day conference for patients and families on Sept. 20 in Marina del Rey. The free conference will cover the latest advances in the management of pituitary and other neuroendocrine disorders, including an update on clinical trials at the medical center. Participants will have opportunities to speak one-to-one with presenters, take part in a Q&A session and share experiences with others in a support group setting.CONTACT: Sally Stewart, 310-248-6566; Email [email protected].
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Effective Sept. 1, 2015, the neurosciences media contact for Cedars-Sinai will be Sally Stewart. [email protected].
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