Dr. Gary Steinberg: How to Improve Brain Health & Offset Neurodegeneration

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Gary Steinberg, MD, PhD, a neurosurgeon and a professor of neurosciences, neurosurgery, and neurology at Stanford University School of Medicine. We discuss brain health and brain injuries, including concussion, traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, aneurysm, and transient ischemic attacks (TIA). We discuss key and lesser-known risk factors for brain health and explain how certain treatments and medications can improve brain health and cognitive function.

We also cover novel mechanisms to improve recovery after concussions and brain injury, including the use of stem cells, temperature (mild hypothermia), and vagus nerve stimulation. Dr. Steinberg also describes new advances in neurosurgery and minimally invasive brain augmentation.

This episode ought to be of interest to anyone seeking actionable tools to improve their brain health and for those seeking to improve recovery after a brain injury such as concussion, stroke, aneurysm, or TBI.

Thank you to our sponsors

Dr. Gary Steinberg

Articles

Huberman Lab Episodes Mentioned

People Mentioned
Timothy Schallert: professor of psychology, University of Texas at Austin
Theresa Jones: professor of psychology, University of Texas at Austin
Norma Shumway: father of heart transplantation, Stanford University
Henry Kaplan: discovered radiation exposure to treat leukemia, Stanford University

Timestamps
00:00:00 Dr. Gary Steinberg
00:01:44 Sponsors: Eight Sleep, ROKA & AeroPress; Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify & Apple
00:06:16 Stroke, Hemorrhage & Blood Clot
00:10:25 Blood Clots & Risk Factors, Medications, Smoking, Cholesterol
00:16:19 Heart & Brain Health; Neurosurgery & Brain Function
00:23:27 Current Technology & Neurosurgery, Minimally Invasive Techniques
00:28:13 Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA); Spinal Cord Strokes
00:33:23 Stroke Risk: Alcohol, Cocaine & Other Drugs
00:38:24 Sponsor: AG1
00:39:55 Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Concussion: Sports, Testing & Recovery
00:46:45 Statins; TBI & Aspirin; Caffeine & Stroke Risk
00:48:31 Exploratory MRI: Benefits & Risks
00:51:53 Blood Pressure, Lifestyle Factors; Tool: Feeling Faint, Hydration; Sleep
00:59:52 Sponsor: LMNT
01:01:27 Chiropractic Neck Adjustment & Arterial Obstruction; Inversion Tables
01:05:16 Kids, Tackle Football, Soccer, Boxing; Mild Concussion
01:10:49 Nerve Regeneration, Stem Cells, Stroke Recovery
01:17:36 Stem Cells, Immune System, Activity
01:21:27 Injury & Recovery, Restraint Therapy
01:23:46 Neuroprotection After Injury; Mild Hypothermia
01:34:59 Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), Stem Cell Therapy
01:42:27 Scientific Advancements & Clinical Translation, FDA & Industry
01:47:40 Vagal Stimulation
01:53:17 Zero-Cost Support, Spotify & Apple Reviews, YouTube Feedback, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter

#HubermanLab #BrainHealth

[hubermanlab]

Thank you for watching. If you enjoyed this topic and episode, please click the "like" button and subscribe to our channel here on YouTube. Thank you for your interest in science!

[davidpurpura]

In 2002 at the age of 17 I had a grand mal seizure. My mom called Dr. Steinberg’s office crying after getting 2 different opinions. Even though his schedule was full, he found a way to get me in his schedule. He diagnosed me with an arterial venous malformation that caused a vein to leak blood in my brain. He performed surgery on me in October of 2002 and today I’m fully healthy .

Dr. Steinberg,

I wanted to let you know that I’m now 38, I have had a life filled of love, great relationships and memories because of your work.

I was lifting weights before work when I saw your podcast with Dr. Huberman on my YouTube feed, it gave me chills.

With love, admiration, and respect, I thank you with all my heart and brain for saving my quality of life. Christ be with you my friend.

Dave Purpura

[alexandramarlacastro]

I’m so happy to see that you have Dr Steinberg he is my neurosurgeon that looks over me. I have Moyamoya. He saved my life! He is the best.😊

[sreehari.p]

Andrew, can you make a video about skin health

[BioInformaTony-cnzv]

I read Dr. Steinberg is 71 years old, he looks incredibly good. Good for him!

[hayleyfoster]

Three weeks ago my 14 yr old daughter had an aneurysm burst inside of an AVMin her left frontal lobe. Over the course of 4 days, she had 4 brain surgeries to save her life. One week after the first surgery, she was sent home to recover. Her recovery has been miraculous - in the words of her own doctor. She's still got a ways to go to get her speech and language back but she's doing great and her attitude is that of a warrior (with a smile). She had half a head of hair when she left the hospital and decided to go full buzz cut. We donated 14 inches of her gorgeous hair to a local charity that makes FREE wigs for patients with medical hair loss. When all of this began, you were the first person I wanted to call to see if you knew anything about this... and then you release this (thank you). Reading the comments below of people who have survived similar situations is helping me to get through this. She hardly remembers any of the past few weeks while every second of it is a vivid memory for me. I'll be going back to your PTSD episodes to figure out the help I need to get through this as her mom. Thank you, and Dr. Steinberg, for this episode and for all of the comments below. I'm beyond thankful to the medical team here on Long Island at Cohen's Children's Medical Center and LIJ (Dr. Mark Mittler and Dr. Henry Woo and Dr. Thomas Link) who saved my child.

[Dr.AustinBlanchon]

I’m a chiropractor and agree with what the professors are saying be careful with getting your neck aggressively adjusted just ask your chiropractor to not do any twisting cracking adjustments and stick to soft tissue work please and thankyou!

[JenniferMyers]

The episodes on brain health are my favorite! So much has yet to be revealed about the brain; its study provides endless fascination. On a related note, I had a neuron working for me once. I fired him.

[klakola]

Wow Andrew, you literally saved a loved ones Dad from being taken off life support with knowledge from your science community. I love the epic work you are doing.

[virginiacraig]

What an honor to listen to you and Dr. Steinberg talking about brain science. In 2014, Dr Steinberg saved me by removing a difficult brain tumor on my optical nerve. His expertise allowed me to have a productive life. It was a wonderful surprise to see him interviewed by you.

[connorwilliamson]

Would love to see more on TBI, particularly longer term issues, from brain fog/nausea/exercise intolerance up to CTE

[mirah]

I’m a speech therapist in the medical setting. This episode is very relevant to most of my patients. Thank you

[Patricia_CSR]

Please have Bessel Van Der Kolk, the author of “The Body Keeps The Score” on your podcast. I would greatly appreciate it.

[Hjonny_jonny]

I bet there’s someone who sits down after a long day of work and just stares at huberman’s videos at normal speed. No food, no other entertainment.

[caseyvance]

Thank you so much for providing this public service, it's literally changed my life and I recommend it to everyone I know. Would you ever consider making an episode on weening off SSRI's/SNRI's/other psych meds? It's rough.

[sherrymaple]

Please can you do a podcast on cholesterol and risk of heart disease. Levels and several other Dr say research show LDL alone is not enough to assess risk. It’s density that really matters. Research also shows while statins will reduce LDL it does t reduce risk of death in women. Given the increased risks of diabetes and cognitive decline associated with statin the pro’s con’s should better better understood. Thank you.

[marie_dlf]

I had a brain bleed so heavy that it nearly took me out. I was only 24 when it happened - was born with an AVM malformation that burst due to stress.

I went thru surgery like explained in this podcast. with that catheter up from the knee (rather than groin) into the brain- the neurosurgeons saved my life! they did have to drill into my skull to leak the excessive bleeding, but the scar on my scalp is minor.

Unfortunately I was left with chronic pain from nerve damage but hey, am eternally grateful to still be around.

Team SCIENCE 😍

[lyndaconrad]

I was part of the SB623 clinical trial and had some recovery.

[MrFn]

I like the information so far. I have a longtime neurological finger issues with both hands called slow channel disorder which only affects my fingers and there is no known treatment or advancement since I’ve had this brain issue since the 80’s. I am a pianist which is ironic that I can’t move my fingers. I can’t perform live because of it. This led me to understand neuroscience and brain health and the communication between our brain, muscles, nerves. Thank you Andrew for the vast wealth of useful information and helping us understand more about all areas of health and introduce us to these fine professionals in health!

[natusha_andrade]

Thank goodness for the new technology on the 21st Century. And thanks to all these wonderful surgeons, scientists, and pioneer doctors to lead the way for a better understanding of the human brain and biology.