Continuum Audio

Join Dr. Michael Okun, esteemed director at the Norman Fixel Institute and a distinguished professor at the University of Florida, as he dives into the complexities of movement disorders. He discusses groundbreaking advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions like Parkinson's disease, highlighting emerging biomarkers and innovative neuromodulation therapies, including deep brain stimulation. The conversation also emphasizes the role of patient-centered approaches and the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing care and research.

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Daniel Correa, an associate professor of neurology and community engagement advocate, shares his expertise alongside Dr. Rana Said, a professor specializing in pediatric neurology. They dive into the challenges neurologists face in applying brain health guidelines and stress the necessity of a holistic approach that includes mental and social wellness. Key topics include the importance of multidisciplinary care in pediatric epilepsy and engaging families in brain health strategies. Their visionary ideas for enhancing brain well-being are both inspiring and practical.

Dr. Shenandoah Robinson, a pediatric neurosurgeon at Johns Hopkins, dives into the complexities of childhood-onset hydrocephalus. He discusses its varied causes and the lifelong management implications for children. The conversation highlights the challenges of early diagnosis, the use of shunts and technological tools for care management, and the potential complications of shunt taps. Emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach, Robinson explores innovative treatment options and the future of fetal interventions in managing this condition.

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Kaisorn Chaichana, a neurosurgeon at Mayo Clinic specializing in hydrocephalus care, shares insights on normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). He explains the effectiveness of programmable shunt valves, revealing that approximately 75% of NPH patients see improvement post-surgery. The conversation also covers the complexities of shunt management, potential complications, and the challenges of conducting MRI scans on shunt patients. Chaichana dispels common myths about shunt efficacy, emphasizing the need for tailored patient assessments.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Aaron Switzer, a clinical assistant professor at the University of Calgary specializing in normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), shares his insights on diagnosing this complex syndrome. He elaborates on the critical role of advanced imaging techniques like phase contrast MRI in assessing cerebrospinal fluid dynamics. Common diagnostic pitfalls are addressed, emphasizing the need for careful evaluation of historical imaging. Dr. Switzer also explores how meticulous analysis can greatly enhance treatment outcomes for NPH patients.

Dr. Abhay Moghekar, an associate professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins University specializing in CSF disorders, dives into the complexities of diagnosing normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). He highlights the challenge posed by overlapping symptoms and the importance of symptom order for accurate diagnosis. The conversation also covers practical assessment tools to monitor patient improvement, and evolving perspectives on NPH, including its relationship with cervical spinal stenosis. Insights into cerebrospinal fluid diversion outcomes round out the discussion, promising a brighter future for NPH management.

John Chen, a Mayo Clinic professor specializing in neuro-ophthalmology, and Susan Mollan, an honorary professor at University Hospitals Birmingham, dive deep into idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). They discuss the increasing prevalence of IIH related to obesity and the critical importance of monitoring visual function. The conversation explores innovative treatment strategies, including venous sinus stenting and the use of optical coherence tomography for monitoring papilledema. They emphasize the need for strong patient-physician relationships in managing this complex condition.

Dr. Aileen Antonio, a neuro-ophthalmologist and associate program director at Trinity Health Grand Rapids, delves into idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), a condition with serious implications for vision and mental health. She discusses the alarming rise of IIH, especially among young obese women. Key symptoms like transient visual obscurations are highlighted, along with the importance of accurate diagnosis using imaging. Dr. Antonio also emphasizes the necessity for timely management to prevent complications and underscoring the need for thorough clinical evaluations.

Ajay Madhavan, a neuroradiologist at the Mayo Clinic with expertise in spinal CSF leaks, joins the conversation to shed light on groundbreaking myelographic techniques for detecting spontaneous intracranial hypotension. He explains the various types of CSF leaks and their imaging findings, emphasizing the challenges in diagnosis. The discussion also covers the evolution of myelography, advancements like photon counting detector CT, and the integration of AI tools to improve diagnosis, encouraging clinicians to communicate effectively with patients.

Dr. Jill Rau, an assistant professor of clinical neurology and headache medicine expert, discusses the complexities of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. She highlights the disruption of cerebrospinal fluid dynamics that can lead to debilitating issues, including chronic headaches and cognitive impairment. The conversation delves into diagnostic challenges, the importance of recognizing this condition, and innovative treatment approaches like blood patches. Rau sheds light on brain sagging dementia's link to this disorder, underscoring its profound impact on patients' lives.