Neurology® Podcast

In this talk, Nicolás Lundahl Ciano-Petersen, a researcher with expertise in paraneoplastic neurological syndromes, shares fascinating insights on the rare connection between these syndromes and Merkel cell carcinoma. He discusses the intriguing clinical profiles of patients, including symptoms like Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. Lundahl also highlights the potential for spontaneous tumor regression and emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary approaches in diagnosis and treatment, given the complexities surrounding these disorders.

Dr. Ashish D. Patel, a senior resident at Geisinger Medical Center and lead author on headache referrals, joins the discussion about enhancing headache care. He explains how design thinking can revolutionize referral processes in neurology. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration among healthcare providers to break down barriers. Additionally, they delve into clinical decision support tools that improve diagnosis, showing how these tools can reduce unnecessary referrals and streamline patient management.

Dr. Andy Southerland talks with Dr. Scott Friedenberg about the challenges faced by neurologists in balancing financial productivity with optimal patient care Read the related article in Neurology: Clinical Practice. Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org.

Ring in the new year with the January 2025 replay of previously released episodes discussing the rise of science sleuths. In this three-part series Dr. Stacey Clardy talks with Dr. Elisabeth Bik and Dr. Matthew Schrag about critical issues surrounding research integrity and misconduct. Podcast Links: The Rise of the Science Sleuths - Part 1 The Rise of the Science Sleuths - Part 2 The Rise of the Science Sleuths - Part 3 Article Link: The Rise of the Science Sleuths Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org.

Dr. Brian Edlow, a neurocritical care expert at Massachusetts General Hospital, and Dr. Yelena Bodine, an assistant professor at Vanderbilt University, dive into cognitive motor dissociation (CMD) within neurocritical care. They discuss how some patients presumed to be in a coma may actually process thoughts with advanced imaging techniques like fMRI and EEG. The guests address ethical challenges in using these technologies and advocate for improved access for underserved populations, emphasizing the need for 'prognostic humility' in patient assessments.

Dr. Shuvro Roy talks with Dr. Marisa Patryce McGinley about outpatient telemedicine utilization for neurologic conditions and identify potential disparities. Read the related article in Neurology: Clinical Practice. Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org.

Dr. Cheryl Bushnell, a leading expert in neurology and chair of the new AHA-ASA guidelines on stroke prevention, shares vital insights on reducing stroke risks. She emphasizes the importance of lifestyle factors and social determinants of health. Cheryl discusses unique considerations for women, highlighting how pregnancy complications can heighten stroke risks. The conversation also tackles knowledge gaps in primary prevention and the critical link between stroke prevention and overall brain health, which is essential for healthcare professionals.

Dr. Ron Postuma, a Neurologist at the Montreal Neurological Institute specializing in sleep and movement disorders, discusses the intriguing links between IGLON5 antibodies and idiopathic REM Sleep Behavior Disorder. He elaborates on how these findings could revolutionize diagnosis and treatment for such conditions. The conversation dives into the connection between REM behavior disorder and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's, as well as the intricate challenges faced in identifying and managing IGLON5-related symptoms.

Dr. Catherine Zixies, a neurologist from the University of Virginia, discusses the transformative role of artificial intelligence in residency recruitment. She explores how AI could create a more equitable process amidst rising applicant numbers. The conversation delves into the types of AI being utilized, such as predictive and generative models, and highlights its potential to streamline evaluations. However, Zixies also warns of the risks of bias and the necessity for ongoing human oversight to ensure diversity in neurology programs.

Rhys Haas, a neurology fellow at the Mayo Clinic, dives into the fascinating world of cough from a neurological perspective. He discusses the neuroanatomy of the cough reflex and its unexpected ties to pain mechanisms. Haas sheds light on chronic neurogenic cough, particularly in conditions like CANVAS and long COVID. He also explores innovative treatment strategies, including new medications and the effects of vagus nerve stimulation. This engaging conversation uncovers the intricate connections between coughing and neurology that could reshape clinical approaches.