BMJ Best Practice Podcast

Axial spondyloarthritis is a chronic progressive inflammatory arthropathy, which ultimately may lead to radiographical changes in the spine and sacroiliac joints. This radiographical stage is known as ankylosing spondylitis. Inflammatory back pain is the hallmark clinical feature. This is defined as back pain that is of insidious onset, is worse in the morning, and improves with exercise. In this podcast, Markku Kauppi, Professor of Rheumatology, Helsinki University, gives a clinical overview of the condition. For more on ankylosing spondylitis, visit BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/366 - The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

David Wang, a Professor of Neurology at the Barrow Neurological Institute, delves into the complexities of ischaemic stroke. He discusses the differences between thrombotic and embolic strokes and highlights the critical role of imaging, advocating for CT scans in acute phases. Wang covers diagnostic pitfalls and the importance of timely thrombolysis, as well as emerging treatments like tenecteplase. Additionally, he shares insights on antiplatelet therapies for secondary prevention and emphasizes the need for high-intensity statin therapy shortly after a stroke.

Essential tremor is characterised by a progressive tremor of the upper extremities, present in posture and action, without other neurological signs or symptoms. The prevalence and incidence increases with age, but the condition can appear in early adulthood in those who have a family history. Sheng-Han Kuo, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, gives us an overview of the condition. For more on essential tremor, visit BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/1089 - The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Patients with asthma present with recurrent episodes of shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, or coughing. Examination typically demonstrates an expiratory wheeze; however, in severe asthma there is poor air entry and the chest is silent. Lauren Eggert, Clinical Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, gives us a clinical overview of the condition. For more on asthma, visit BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/44 - The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Bacterial meningitis represents a life-threatening inflammation of the meninges. Elisabeth Adderson, Associate Member, St. Jude Faculty, Director, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, gives an overview of the condition. For more on bacterial meningitis, visit BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000104 - The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterised by hyperglycaemia due to absolute insulin deficiency. The condition develops due to destruction of pancreatic beta cells, mostly by immune-mediated mechanisms. In this podcast, Rajesh Garg, Professor of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, gives us an overview of the condition. For more on type 1 diabetes, visit BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/25 - The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common condition defined as chronic, excessive worry for at least six months that causes distress or impairment. Christopher Gale, Research Director and Consultant Psychiatrist, Southern District Health Board, New Zealand gives a clinical overview of the condition. For more on GAD, visit BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/120 - The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Lyme disease is an infectious disease transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks. Erythema migrans develops at the site of tick bite usually within 1 to 2 weeks and is a pathognomic feature. Constitutional symptoms such as fever, headache, myalgias, fatigue, and arthralgias may occur. In this podcast, Janak Koirala, Professor of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Division of Infectious Diseases, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, gives us an overview of the condition. For more on lyme disease, visit BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/224 - The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Jet lag and sleep phase disorders affect millions of travellers worldwide. Rapid change in time zone produces a constellation of symptoms called jet lag disorder. Symptoms include difficulty initiating and maintaining sleep, reduced daytime alertness, general malaise, and gastrointestinal symptoms. In this podcast, Ashish Adlakha, Assistant Clinical Professor, Neurology and Sleep Medicine, Connecticut Healthcare, gives us a clinical overview. For more on jet lag, visit BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/1017 - The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Post-traumatic stress disorder may develop (either immediately or delayed) following exposure to a stressful event or situation of an exceptionally threatening or catastrophic nature. According to DSM-5, it is characterised by 4 groups of symptoms: intrusion symptoms, avoidance, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and alterations in arousal and reactivity. These symptoms must impair function for a diagnosis to be made. In this podcast, Mathew Hoskins, Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Teaching Fellow, Cardiff University, gives us a clinical overview of the disorder. For more on PTSD, visit BMJ Best Practice: https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/430 - The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.