Neurology® Podcast

Dr. Daniel Blockmans, an internist from the University Hospital Gassisbury and an expert on giant cell arteritis, discusses groundbreaking findings on upadacitinib as a treatment alternative. He addresses the limitations of traditional glucocorticoid therapies and shares results from a Phase 3 trial showing upadacitinib's potential for sustained remission. The conversation also touches upon the safety profile, comparing it with tocilizumab and noting the importance of monitoring for opportunistic infections. Insights into differing treatment guidelines across regions add depth to the discourse.

Dr. Daniel Weintraub, a geriatric psychiatrist from the University of Pennsylvania, shares invaluable insights on cognitive concerns in Parkinson's disease. He highlights crucial predictors of dementia risk and reassures that many patients maintain good cognition for years. The discussion includes the importance of early screening for non-motor symptoms and the advancements in neuropsychological assessments. Treatment strategies are also explored, featuring cholinesterase inhibitors and the benefits of a comprehensive care approach.

Dr. James Ernest Siegler, a stroke and vascular neurologist, discusses the intricate challenges in treating embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). He emphasizes the value of personalized treatment strategies, advocating for thorough evaluations to uncover hidden stroke mechanisms. The conversation highlights a critical study comparing antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants, suggesting that traditional approaches may need reevaluation. Comprehensive diagnostics and tailored management plans are essential to address the risks and benefits for diverse patient populations.

Dr. Trey Bateman talks with Dr. Gregg Day about the study design, findings, and clinical implications of using plasma biomarkers in real-world patient care.  Read the related article in Alzheimer's & Dementia.  Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org. 

Dr. Justin Abbatemarco talks with Dr. Eric L. Voorn about the efficacy of combined personalized home-based aerobic exercise and coaching on physical fitness in people with neuromuscular diseases, compared with usual care.  Read the related article in Neurology®. Read the additional article that was referenced.  Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org. 

In this discussion, Dr. Claire Henchcliffe, a leading researcher from the University of California, Irvine, shares insights from her groundbreaking study on stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons for Parkinson's disease. She highlights a pioneering clinical trial demonstrating promising safety and efficacy outcomes. The conversation delves into advancements in surgical techniques for transplantation and the transformative potential of dopamine progenitor cells. Henchcliffe also stresses the importance of patient education on stem cell therapies, while cautioning against fraudulent clinics.

Dr. Jason Crowell talks with Dr. Brian E. Emmert about the results from the 2022 AAN Resident Survey and explore areas for future improvement.  Read the related article in Neurology® Education.  Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org. 

The July 2025 recall features four episodes on systems and innovation in delivering neurologic care. The episode begins with Dr. Scott Friedenberg discussing challenges faced by neurologists in balancing financial productivity with optimal patient care. The episode leads into a conversation with Dr. Marisa Patryce McGinley discussing the utilization of telemedicine in neurology, particularly focusing on disparities in access among different demographic groups. The conversation transitions to Dr. Lidia Moura talking about the implications of large language models for neurologic care.  The episode concludes with Dr. Ashish D. Patel discussing headache referrals and the implementation of a design thinking approach to improve access to headache care.  Podcast links:  Empowering Health Care Providers Disparities in Utilization of Outpatient Telemedicine for Neurologic Care Large Language Models for Quality and Efficiency of Neurologic Care Using Design Thinking to Understand the Reason for Headache Referrals Article links: Empowering Health Care Providers: A Collaborative Approach to Enhance Financial Performance and Productivity in Clinical Practice Disparities in Utilization of Outpatient Telemedicine for Neurologic Care Implications of Large Language Models for Quality and Efficiency of Neurologic Care: Emerging Issues in Neurology Using Design Thinking to Understand the Reason for Headache Referrals and Reduce Referral Rates Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org. 

Dr. Luuk Dekker, a neurologist from Leiden University Medical Center and Haga Hospital, discusses critical advancements in prehospital stroke detection. He dives into the effectiveness of multiple large-vessel occlusion detection scales, spotlighting the rapid arterial occlusion evaluation scale. The conversation highlights the role of well-trained paramedics and the impact of regional differences in stroke care. Dekker emphasizes the need for customized detection strategies and the integration of new technologies to improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Andy Southerland talks with Dr. Seemant Chaturvedi about several studies presented at the 2025 European Stroke Organization Conference (ESOC).  Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org.