Brian Hoeflinger, MD
Join 22,000+ readers of my free weekly newsletter, where I use my 25 years of experience as a board-certified neurosurgeon to simplify the complex world of medicine, health, and fitness. Plus, get unique insights into my life and work as a neurosurgeon and passionate advocate against drunk driving.
Understanding Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) - "Lou Gehrig's Disease"
Understanding Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD April 13, 2025 | #42 Forwarded this email? Sign up here. Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice. Medical Trivia of the Week Which part of the nervous system controls voluntary muscle movements? (the correct answer is at the end of this email) A) Autonomic Nervous System B) Central Nervous System C) Peripheral Nervous System D) Somatic Nervous System What is ALS? Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS),...
The Different Types of Neurosurgeons & Revisiting my Neurosurgery Training Program
The Different Types of Neurosurgeons & Revisiting my Neurosurgery Training Program By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD April 8, 2025 | #41 Forwarded this email? Sign up here. Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice. Medical Trivia of the Week Although the human brain makes up only about 2% of the body’s weight, it consumes a disproportionate amount of the body’s energy. What percentage of the body’s total energy does it typically use? (the correct answer is at the end of this email) A) 10%...
To My Younger Self
Note to My Younger Self By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD March 30, 2025 | #40 Forwarded this email? Sign up here. Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice. These are the most important things I've learned in life that I would share with my younger self if I could. Parents won’t always be there. Money and stature don’t buy happiness. Tomorrow is not promised. Make the most of today. Spend a good part of your life helping others and see how life rewards you in return. You can’t control what...
How to Build a Healthier Brain: Daily Habits That Make a Difference
How to Build a Healthier Brain: Daily Habits That Make a Difference By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD March 23, 2025 | #39 Forwarded this email? Sign up here. Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice. Medical Trivia of the Week What neurotransmitter, often referred to as the “learning chemical,” increases with mental stimulation and novelty? (the correct answer is at the end of this email) A) Serotonin B) Acetylcholine C) GABA D) Melatonin Building a Healthier Brain Brain health is no less...
How Coffee Affects Your Brain
Your Brain on Coffee By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD March 16, 2025 | #38 Forwarded this email? Sign up here. Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice. Medical Trivia of the Week Which organ is primarily responsible for metabolizing caffeine? (the correct answer is at the end of this email) A) Brain B) Kidneys C) Stomach D) Liver Coffee, Caffeine, & Your Brain What is it about coffee that leaves you dreaming about that first cup in the morning? Is it the tantalizing aroma, the bold taste,...
The Heartbreaking Reality of Losing a Child: My Perspective as a Neurosurgeon & Father
The Heartbreaking Reality of Losing a Child By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD March 9, 2025 | #37 Forwarded this email? Sign up here. Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice. Medical Trivia of the Week Which imaging modality is considered the gold standard for diagnosing acute intracranial hemorrhage following head trauma? (the correct answer is at the end of this email) A) Non-contrast CT scan B) Ultrasound C) MRI D) PET scan Bearing the Weight of Loss As a neurosurgeon, one of the most...
Making Difficult Decisions & The Art of Medicine
Making Difficult Decisions & The Art of Medicine By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD March 2, 2025 | #36 Forwarded this email? Sign up here. Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice. Medical Trivia of the Week Which vitamin is ascorbic acid? (the correct answer is at the end of this email) A) Vitamin A B) Vitamin E C) Vitamin C D) Vitamin D The Art of Medicine I have spent many sleepless nights wondering if my capabilities as a brain and spine surgeon outweigh a patient’s right to choose...
The Reality of Breast Cancer Today & Understanding Your Risk
The Reality of Breast Cancer Today & Understanding Your Risk By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD February 23, 2025 | #35 Forwarded this email? Sign up here. Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice. Medical Trivia of the Week At what age do most health organizations typically recommend that women begin routine mammogram screenings? (the correct answer is at the end of this email) A) 30 B) 35 C) 40 D) 45 The Reality of Breast Cancer Today Breast cancer isn't just another health statistic, it's...
What 60 Years of Life Has Taught Me
What Has 60 Years of Life Taught Me By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD February 16, 2025 | #34 Forwarded this email? Sign up here. Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice. Medical Trivia of the Week Which of the following parameters is NOT evaluated by the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) used to assess a patient’s level of consciousness? (the correct answer is at the end of this email) A) Pupil reaction B) Eye opening response C) Verbal response D) Motor response Reflections on My Life I'm 60...
Does Happiness Make You Healthier?
Does Happiness Make You Healthier? By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD February 9, 2025 | #33 Forwarded this email? Sign up here. Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice. Medical Trivia of the Week Which neurotransmitter is most associated with feelings of motivation and reward? (the correct answer is at the end of this email) A) Serotonin B) Dopamine C) Oxytocin D) Endorphins Happiness & Health Today, I wanted to talk about the topic of happiness. I feel that being happy is to feel...
Join 22,000+ readers of my free weekly newsletter, where I use my 25 years of experience as a board-certified neurosurgeon to simplify the complex world of medicine, health, and fitness. Plus, get unique insights into my life and work as a neurosurgeon and passionate advocate against drunk driving.