How To Academy Podcast

Masud Husain - A Neurologist’s Guide to the Self and the Brain

May 9, 2025
Masud Husain, a neurologist and Oxford professor, dives into the mysteries of the brain and our evolving sense of self in this engaging discussion. He shares poignant cases, including a woman unable to recognize her own hand and a man whose stroke left him indifferent to his passions. Husain emphasizes the vital role of empathy in patient care, explores the 'apathy paradox,' and elaborates on how identity can shift in the face of neurological disorders. The conversation ultimately invites listeners to reflect on the profound effects of trauma and memory on self-perception.
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INSIGHT

Neurologist Meets Cognitive Science

  • Neurologists are medical doctors focused on brain disorders, distinct from neurosurgeons and cognitive neuroscientists.
  • Combining clinical practice with neuroscience allows deeper understanding of brain functions and disorders.
ADVICE

Empathy Builds Patient Trust

  • Effective clinicians must empathize by seeing things from the patient’s perspective.
  • Listening openly builds trust and encourages patients to share embarrassing or confusing symptoms.
INSIGHT

Reading Patients Beyond Words

  • First impressions reveal critical clues: posture, mood, gaze, and social reliance.
  • Nonverbal cues are as vital as spoken history in assessing neurological patients.
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