expert type icon EXPERT

Austin Robert Oblack

Neurologist | Neurology

<p>Dr. Austin Robert Oblack practices Neurology in Greensburg, PA. As a Movement Disorders specialist, Dr. Oblack has particular expertise in evaluating, diagnosing and treating disorders of the nervous system such as Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's, Tremors, Dystonia, and Gait and Coordination disorders in addition to general neurologic disorders such as seizures, strokes, Multiples Sclerosis, Headaches/migraines among others.</p>
7 years Experience
Austin Robert Oblack
  • Greensburg, PA
  • LECOM
  • Accepting new patients

Blood thinners and migraine

Aspirin is actually an anti platelet, not an anti coagulant. It can be considered a blood thinner but much less so than anti coagulants. Also, aspirin is not one of the medications READ MORE
Aspirin is actually an anti platelet, not an anti coagulant. It can be considered a blood thinner but much less so than anti coagulants. Also, aspirin is not one of the medications used or recommended by the American headache association nor are anticoagulants. Medications that are commonly used for headache prevention are: propranolol, verapamil, topamax, depakote, pamelor, elavil, or gabapentin these being among higher level medications such as injection medications or another pill called qulipta. Your neurologist can speak to you more about which medication would be the right choice for you. Austin Oblack austin.oblack@gmail.com

I was diagnosed with JME on 2012

In the condition of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, I typically will use a medication called depakote as a first choice. Not sure if this has been tried but I would discuss this with READ MORE
In the condition of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, I typically will use a medication called depakote as a first choice. Not sure if this has been tried but I would discuss this with your provider. Austin Oblack austin.oblack@gmail.com

Likelihood of Fatal Familial Insomnia

I have not personally seen it mutate to be anything other than a familial form of CJD (which is still very rare). Also, it would be unlikely for you to be affected if your mother READ MORE
I have not personally seen it mutate to be anything other than a familial form of CJD (which is still very rare). Also, it would be unlikely for you to be affected if your mother did not inherit the gene. This should all be confirmed with a genetic specialist however if you are concerned further.

What causes severe pain in the right side of neck

It sounds as though they ruled out a blood vessel abnormality. It could be a pinched nerve in the neck that causes spasms of muscles among several other causes. A Neurologist or READ MORE
It sounds as though they ruled out a blood vessel abnormality. It could be a pinched nerve in the neck that causes spasms of muscles among several other causes. A Neurologist or a Pain Management Clinic/Specialist may be needed if your PCP needs further help with any tests to order.

CT brain scan

I would avoid this as well but you can reach out to your doctor regarding that depending on the specifics of what they are looking for.

Memory

When nearing the end of year, it is quite common for this issue to occur. There a simple memory screening tests that your family doctor can perform that could then lead to additional READ MORE
When nearing the end of year, it is quite common for this issue to occur. There a simple memory screening tests that your family doctor can perform that could then lead to additional tests if needed, but this would be a common place to start if you are concerned.

Should I contact the surgeon to have the metal plate checked?

when a metal plate is used in surgical correction or for growths on the skull, this is not in an area to impact vision. It would be unlikely that this would be the cause, so I READ MORE
when a metal plate is used in surgical correction or for growths on the skull, this is not in an area to impact vision. It would be unlikely that this would be the cause, so I would see the eye doctor first. If they say that they cannot identify a reason for her worsening vision, it would likely be best to ask your pediatrician about this and they may order a CT scan to evaluate before determining further need for a specialist visit like the surgeon.

Is it normal for a 15 year old to forget a lot of things?

Some forgetfulness can be common and even normal in even young people. However, if it gets to the point that yourself or others are concerned about it, then it warrants an evaluation. READ MORE
Some forgetfulness can be common and even normal in even young people. However, if it gets to the point that yourself or others are concerned about it, then it warrants an evaluation. It is important to keep in mind that testing, if negative, usually means that lifestyle factors can be at least partially at fault. Lack of sleep, stress, anxiety, depression, among others are among the most common reasons for memory issues in an otherwise healthy individual.

fear of brain aneurysm or brain tumor

This is not the way that an aneurysm or brain tumor presents even when presenting with headaches. This could be a variation in your traditional headaches or a presentation of your READ MORE
This is not the way that an aneurysm or brain tumor presents even when presenting with headaches. This could be a variation in your traditional headaches or a presentation of your anxiety if it is not under good control or could be due to blood pressure fluctuations after exercise among other things. All scenarios are pretty common but could talk to your physician to ensure other details don't change the line of thinking.

Loss of Memory

There is no medication specifically for this. The most likely course would be to discuss with a physician who would need to gather more information about your issue and maybe get READ MORE
There is no medication specifically for this. The most likely course would be to discuss with a physician who would need to gather more information about your issue and maybe get some workup tests if needed to then determine the source or next best course of action.

Is nerve surgery risky?

without knowing more information it is difficult to answer. However, the surgeon for your case will be able to discuss all possible risks of the procedure/surgery

Hit head

headaches after head injuries are quite common. if it persists, you should consider discussing with your family doctor if certain medications or other tests would be warranted. READ MORE
headaches after head injuries are quite common. if it persists, you should consider discussing with your family doctor if certain medications or other tests would be warranted.