eanCast: Weekly Neurology

Moderator: Georg Starke (Munich, Germany) Guest: Giulia Di Rauso (New York, USA) In this episode, Georg Starke speaks with Giulia Di Rauso about trustworthiness and the use of artificial intelligence in neurological research and clinical practice. They discuss explainability, data quality, interpretability, and human oversight in AI systems, highlighting key considerations for responsible integration of AI tools into neurology and the importance of maintaining clinical judgement.

Moderator: Maria Chiara Malaguti (Rovereto, Italy) Guest: Gary Leeming (Liverpool, UK) In this episode, Maria Chiara Malaguti and Gary Leeming discuss the evolving role of artificial intelligence in neurology. Aimed at clinical neurologists, the conversation explores how AI may support clinical practice, while also addressing its limitations, ethical implications, and the need for human oversight. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in healthcare, neurologists will need to develop a solid understanding of these tools in order to use them critically, guide their implementation, and remain in control of clinical decision-making.

Moderator: Raphael Bernard-Valnet (Lausanne, Switzerland) Guest: Roland Wiest (Bern, Switzerland) and Monica Moroni (Trento, Italy) In this episode, Raphael Bernard-Valnet speaks with Roland Wiest and Monica Moroni about the fundamentals of artificial intelligence in clinical neurology and its practical implications for neurologists. They discuss key applications such as imaging analysis, diagnostic and decision-support tools, and emerging use in wearables, while addressing interpretability, standardisation, and current barriers to routine clinical implementation.

Moderator: Kirsten R. Müller-Vahl (Hanover, Germany) Guest: Natalia Szejko (Warsaw, Poland) and Anna Dunalska (Warsaw, Poland) In this episode, Kirsten R. Müller-Vahl speaks with Natalia Szejko and Anna Dunalska about functional neurological disorders and the influence of social media. They discuss common clinical presentations, challenges in diagnosis based on positive signs, and the impact of online information on symptom expression, patient expectations, and clinical management, with implications for contemporary neurological practice.

Moderator: Selma Aybek (Fribourg, Switzerland) Guests: Gabriela Gilmour (Calgary, Canada) and Katarzyna Śmiłowska (Sosnowiec, Poland) In this episode, Selma Aybek speaks with Gabriela Gilmour and Katarzyna Śmiłowska about the overlap between functional neurological disorders and movement disorders. They discuss key diagnostic principles based on positive clinical signs, mechanisms underlying co-occurrence, and practical challenges in distinguishing functional symptoms from conditions such as Parkinson's disease, with implications for accurate diagnosis and management in neurological practice.

Moderator: Primavera Spagnolo (Boston, MA) Guest: Natalia Szejko (Warsaw, Poland) and Anna Dunalska (Warsaw, Poland) In this episode, Primavera Spagnolo speaks with Natalia Szejko and Anna Dunalska about functional neurological disorders, focusing on the influence of biological sex and gender on their development and clinical presentation. They discuss diagnostic features, epidemiology and female predominance, neurobiological and sociocultural factors, sex-related differences in presentation and comorbidities, and implications for sex- and gender-informed diagnosis and multidisciplinary care in neurological practice.

Moderator: Veronica Cabreira (Porto, Portugal) Guest: Mark Edwards (London, UK) and Jon Stone (Edinburgh, UK) Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) remains one of the most common yet least adequately taught conditions in neurology training across Europe. In this episode, moderator Veronica Cabreira and expert guests Jon Stone and Mark Edwards reflect on historical and contemporary factors that contribute to major gaps in education and training on FND across Europe. They argue that FND should be the “business” of Neurologists and provide their insights into advocating for better clinical pathways and specialist services, integrating evidence-based FND teaching, and aligning health policy for FND with modern clinical practice.

Moderator: Taras Voloshyn (Kyiv, Ukraine) Guests: Laavanya Damodaran (Birmingham, UK), Osman Malik (London, UK) In this episode, Taras Voloshyn speaks with Laavanya Damodaran and Osman Malik about autism spectrum disorder across the lifespan, with particular focus on the transition from childhood to adulthood. They discuss core diagnostic features, early clinical signs, evolving presentations in adult patients, and the challenges of recognition, comorbidities, and long-term multidisciplinary support in neurological and psychiatric practice.

Moderator: Francesco Germano (Genoa, Italy) Guest: Matteo Cataldi (Genoa, Italy) In this episode, Francesco Germano speaks with Matteo Cataldi about Guillain-Barré syndrome and other inflammatory neuropathies across the lifespan. They discuss key age-related differences in epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and management strategies in pediatric and adult patients, highlighting practical considerations for early recognition, risk assessment, and treatment in neurological practice.

Moderator: Natalia Szejko (Warsaw, Poland) Guests: Tammy Hedderly (London, UK), Alexander Münchau (Lübeck, Germany) In this episode, Natalia Szejko speaks with Tammy Hedderly and Alexander Münchau about the similarities and differences in movement disorders across the lifespan. They discuss the clinical evolution of tics and stereotypies from childhood to adulthood, the distinct diagnostic implications of dystonia and parkinsonism in pediatric versus adult populations, and the importance of multidisciplinary care and acceptance-based strategies in neurological practice.

Moderator: Meagan Watson (Denver, USA) Guests: Pavlina Danhofer (Brno, Czech Republic), Natalia Szejko (Warsaw, Poland) In this episode, Meagan Watson speaks with Pavlína Danhofer and Natalia Szejko about whether functional neurological disorders (FNDs) present differently in children and adults. They discuss age-specific clinical features, comorbidities, developmental and family context, diagnostic challenges, and the role of early, tailored multidisciplinary management to improve outcomes in neurological practice.

In this episode, Yıldız Değirmenci speaks with Julie Hall and Marit Ruitenberg about non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease, focusing on anxiety and cognitive impairment. They examine their clinical profiles, early detection challenges including neuropsychological markers, interactions with motor manifestations, and implications for comprehensive assessment and individualized management in neurological practice.

Moderator: João Durães (Coimbra, Portugal) Guests: Paola Giunti (London, UK), Lidia Sarro (Milan, Italy) In this episode, João Durães, Paola Giunti and Lidia Sarro provide a rigorous examination of the diagnostic and therapeutic landscape of treatable ataxias, focusing on rare variants. The discussion first delineates autoimmune etiologies, such as anti-GAD, paraneoplastic, and gluten-related syndromes, before transitioning to a detailed review of acquired and genetic metabolic disorders, including vitamin deficiencies, NPC, Refsum disease, Glut1 deficiency, CTX, and Wilson's disease among others. By highlighting critical clinical and paraclinical "red flags," the contributors offer a framework for accelerating differential diagnosis. The session concludes with an analysis of contemporary pharmacological advancements, notably the recent EMA approval for Friedreich's Ataxia and the efficacy of repurposed drugs in treating genetic forms such as EA1/2 and SCA27B.

Moderator: Olimpia Musumeci (Messina, Italy) Guests: Antonio Toscano (Messina, Italy), Marianne De Visser (Amsterdam, Netherlands) In this episode, Olimpia Musumeci speaks with Antonio Toscano and Marianne de Visser about hereditary, particularly metabolic, and acquired myopathies, especially idiopathic inflammatory myopathies amenable to treatment. They review advances in pathophysiology, diagnostic approaches and novel therapies, highlighting clinical red flags and strategies that have a significant impact on timely diagnosis and management in daily neurological practice.

Moderator: Emanuele D'amico (Foggia, Italy) Guest: Anna Bersano (Milan, Italy) In this episode, Emanuele D'Amico speaks with Anna Bersano about red flags for rare and potentially treatable cerebral small vessel diseases. They discuss how early onset, family history, multisystem involvement, and characteristic MRI patterns can help distinguish monogenic and metabolic forms from sporadic disease, focusing on conditions such as CADASIL, Fabry disease, CARASIL, and COL4A1/2-related angiopathies, and emphasising the importance of structured diagnostic pathways and early recognition for appropriate management.

Moderator: Piervito Lopriore (Pisa, Italy) Guests: Chiara La Morgia (Bologna, Italy), Michelangelo Mancuso (Pisa, Italy) In this episode, Piervito Lopriore discusses red flags for treatable mitochondrial diseases with Michelangelo Mancuso and Chiara La Morgia. They highlight the clinical heterogeneity of these disorders, key diagnostic clues in neurological practice, and selected conditions such as Friedreich ataxia, TK2 deficiency, Barth syndrome, and Leber hereditary optic neuropathy, with a focus on early recognition and targeted therapies.

Moderator: Yildiz Degirmenci (Istanbul, Türkiye) Guest: Marit Ruitenberg (Leiden, Netherlands) In this episode, Yıldız Değirmenci speaks with Marit Ruitenberg about the relationship between cognition and movement in neurodegenerative disorders. They discuss evidence showing that conditions traditionally classified as motor or cognitive often involve impairments across both domains, with examples from Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. The conversation highlights subtle cognitive and motor features that may be overlooked and emphasises the clinical relevance of integrated assessment for diagnosis, patient counselling, and understanding disease burden.

Moderator: Gabriela Rusin (Kraków, Poland) Guest: Jakub Antczak (Kraków, Poland) In this episode, Gabriela Rusin speaks with Jakub Antczak about non-invasive neuromodulation in neurology. They outline the principles of transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial electrical stimulation, emphasizing their role in modulating brain plasticity in network-based neurological disorders. The discussion reviews current clinical evidence across conditions such as stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, neuropathic pain, and Parkinson's disease, highlighting variability in treatment response and key limitations. They also address practical considerations for clinical use, the importance of patient selection and combination with rehabilitation, and emerging techniques aimed at improving targeting and personalisation.

Moderator: Gabriela Rusin (Kraków, Poland) Guest: Jakub Antczak (Kraków, Poland) In this episode, Gabriela Rusin speaks with Jakub Antczak about the role of nerve ultrasound in neuromuscular diagnostics. The growing popularity of this method is rapidly transforming the field of neurology. In combination with nerve conduction studies and electromyography, it provides insight into both the function and the structure of peripheral nerves. They discuss the technical foundations of neuromuscular ultrasound as well as key clinical indications (neuropathies, trauma, plexopathies, root lesions, etc.) and real-world applications. Prof. Antczak shares his experience and practical tips for clinicians interested in incorporating peripheral nerve ultrasound into their practice.

Moderator: Caterina Leone (Rome, Italy) Guest: Andrea Truini (Rome, Italy) In this episode, Caterina Leone speaks with Andrea Truini about small fibre neuropathy, a frequently under-recognised condition with a significant impact on patients' quality of life. They discuss key clinical features, including neuropathic pain and autonomic symptoms, and explain why routine nerve conduction studies are often normal. The conversation highlights the role and limitations of skin biopsy and functional testing, the importance of identifying underlying causes, and practical approaches to diagnosis and management with realistic treatment expectations.

Moderator: Rob Hadden (London, United Kingdom) Guest: Claudia Sommer (Würzburg, Germany) In this episode, Rob Hadden and Claudia Sommer discuss ongoing challenges in treating CIDP. While most patients benefit from current therapies, some remain treatment-refractory, driving the need for innovation. They highlight emerging response definitions, promising FcRn and complement inhibitors, and the importance of individualized care and serum biomarkers for improving patient outcomes. This episode has been supported by an educational grant from Argenx. The programme has not been influenced in any way by its supporter.

Moderator: Yilidz Degirmenci (Istanbul, Türkiye) Guest: Hanneke Hulst (Auckland, New Zealand) In this episode, Yıldız Değirmenci speaks with Hanneke Hulst about cognitive problems in multiple sclerosis, an often invisible but highly disabling aspect of the disease. They discuss how common cognitive impairment is in MS, the domains most frequently affected, particularly information processing speed and memory, and the underlying white and gray matter pathology. The conversation highlights the real-world impact on work, relationships, and quality of life, as well as practical strategies for early detection, screening, and cognitive support in clinical practice.

Moderator: Alfonso Magliacano (Florence, Italy) Guest: Charlène Aubinet (Liege, Belgium) In this episode, Alfonso Magliacano is joined by Charlène Aubinet to examine how language and communication impairments shape the assessment and recovery of patients emerging from coma. They discuss the clinical distinctions between unresponsive wakefulness syndrome and the minimally conscious state, highlighting how aphasia and other comorbidities can obscure signs of awareness and lead to misdiagnosis. Dr. Aubinet outlines emerging tools, from eye-tracking assessments to EEG and fMRI markers, that help detect residual language processing even without behavioral responses. The conversation also explores how early linguistic abilities can serve as prognostic indicators, the practical challenges faced by speech therapists, and the evidence that some language processing may persist even in states of severely impaired consciousness, with important clinical and ethical implications.

Moderator: Justyna Paprocka (Katowice, Poland) Guests: Stephan Rüegg (Basel, Switzerland), Markus Leitinger (Salzburg, Austria) In this episode, Justyna Paprocka welcomes Stefan Rüegg and Markus Leitinger to examine how clinicians can approach emergency EEG in suspected non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE). They discuss NCSE epidemiology, the importance of continuous EEG, and the use of structured diagnostic frameworks including the Salzburg criteria and the 2HELPS2B score. The conversation highlights practical strategies such as IV anti-seizure medication trials, pitfalls in benzodiazepine use, and the complexities of distinguishing NCSE from encephalopathy. The experts also address EEG interpretation in post-anoxic patients and recommend foundational literature for early-career neurologists.

Moderator: Messud Ashina (Copenhagen, Denmark) Guests: Theodoros Mavridis (Dublin, Ireland), Oxana Grosu (Chișinău, Moldova) In this episode, Messud Ashina is joined by Theodoros Mavridis and Oxana Grosu to discuss the latest advances in pain and headache medicine, as highlighted in the EAN Pain and Headache Panels' Yearbook chapters. The conversation dives into recent breakthroughs in the pathophysiology of pain and headaches, as well as cutting-edge approaches to prevention and treatment. The experts explore how new research is influencing clinical practice, with a focus on the synergies between pain and headache management. They also examine emerging trends, potential future directions, and the impact of these developments on patient care.

Moderator: Theodoros Mavridis (Dublin, Ireland) Guests: Diana Aguiar de Sousa (Lisbon, Portugal), Mira Katan (Basel, Switzerland) Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) continues to challenge clinicians as its definition and diagnostic approach evolve. In this episode, Theodoros Mavridis is joined by Diana Aguiar de Sousa and Mira Katan. They explore the epidemiological, clinical and mechanistic nuances of ESUS, discuss insights gained from major clinical trials, and examine current therapeutic strategies. The conversation also highlights advances in detecting covert embolic sources, the emerging relevance of atrial myopathy, the role of PFO closure, and the promise of biomarkers in shaping future patient care.

Theodoros Mavridis (Dublin, Ireland) Ana Catarina Fonseca (Lisbon, Portugal) In this episode, Theodoros Mavridis speaks with Ana Catarina Fonseca about the updated European guidelines for acute ischemic stroke. They discuss advances in reperfusion therapy, including extended time windows for thrombolysis using advanced imaging, broader eligibility criteria, and evidence supporting thrombectomy in patients with low ASPECTS scores, mild deficits, and posterior circulation strokes. The conversation also highlights the continued importance of stroke unit care and emerging pre-hospital technologies aimed at speeding diagnosis and improving outcomes.

Moderator: Theodoros Mavridis (Dublin, Ireland) Guest: David Seiffge (Bern, Switzerland) In this episode, Theodoros Mavridis speaks with guest David Seiffge about breakthrough strokes, a challenging condition where ischemic strokes occur despite the use of antithrombotic therapies. They explore the diagnostic process, investigating compliance, and identifying competing etiologies. Prof. Seiffge also discusses potential treatment options, including emerging therapies like Factor 11 inhibitors and left atrial appendage closure, offering insights into ongoing trials aimed at improving patient outcomes.

Moderator: Benedetta Storti (San Donà di Piave, Italy) Guest: Charlotte Cordonnier (Lille, France) Join Benedetta Storti and Charlotte Cordonnier for a discussion on the acute management of intracerebral hemorrhage. Discover the latest European Stroke Organization guidelines, the importance of timely intervention, and the evolving role of reversal agents and surgical approaches in stroke care.

Moderator: Mathilde Leonardi (Milan, Italy) Guests: Sanja Gluscevic (Podgorica, Montenegro), Simone Salemme (Modena, Italy) This episode explores how early-career neurologists can bridge science, policy, and society through advocacy—highlighting real examples of how EAN Brain Health Ambassadors are translating brain health into action both within and beyond clinical practice. Becoming a certified Brain Health Ambassador through the EAN's Advocacy Training programme offers neurologists the chance to advance brain health by gaining the knowledge and practical skills needed to advocate effectively at local, national, and European levels. As part of the training, participants will explore the principles of effective advocacy, develop communication strategies, and learn how to engage with key stakeholders such as policymakers and patient organizations in order to drive positive change.

Moderator: Alice Accorroni (Geneva, Switzerland) Guests: James Teo (London, UK), Giuseppe Jurman (Trento, Italy) In this special episode, Dr Alice Accorroni is joined by Professor James Teo and Professor Giuseppe Jurman to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence in neurology: They analyse the actual improvements provided by its adoption, the factors that are hindering this same adoption, especially in a clinical setting, the potential future landscape clinicians and data scientists will be facing and how neurologists' attitude can be oriented more favourably towards new AI solutions.

Moderator: Raphael Wurm (Vienna, Austria) Guest: Francisco Cardoso (Belo Horizonte, Brasil) Artificial intelligence - hype or revolution? For this week's special episode, Dr Raphael Wurm welcomes Prof. Cardoso, a movement disorder expert and busy clinician, to explain why he believes that human interaction and connection will remain the most important part of our profession.

Moderator: Roberta Balestrino (Milan, Italy) Guest: Nathalie Nasr (Poitiers, France) Join us as Dr Roberta Balestrino and Professor Nathalie Nasr takes us on a journey into the brain in space—uncovering the vascular challenges of microgravity, their impact on astronauts, and surprising lessons for our health here on Earth.

Moderator: Oxana Grosu (Chisinau, Moldova) Guest: Rolf-Detlef Treede (Mannheim, Germany) Prof. Treede and Dr. Grosu discuss the new ICD-11 classification of chronic pain, highlighting its significance in recognizing chronic pain as a disease in its own right. The need for this classification, its impact on clinical practice, health policy, and research, as well as the complexities surrounding nociplastic pain are highlighted. The dialogue emphasises the importance of precise coding and documentation in improving patient care and treatment outcomes.

Moderator: Simone Vigneri (Bologna, Italy) Guest: Marshall Devor (Jerusalem, Israel) This episode explores the complex clinical features and neurobiology of phantom limb pain, highlighting key mechanisms such as maladaptive plasticity, ectopic discharges, and cortical reorganization. Prof. Marshall Devor shares expert insights into current challenges and future directions in the management of this uniquely human neuropathic pain condition.

Moderator: Katarina Rukavina (Berlin, Germany) Guest: Keela Herr (Iowa City, USA) How do we recognize and manage pain in people with dementia? In this episode of EAN Cast: Weekly Neurology, Katarina Rukavina hosts Keela Herr and they talk about the impact of pain on people living with dementia, strategies for its assessment and management, and how healthcare professionals can work together with family members and carers to ensure holistic care.

EAN moderator: Anna K. Szewczyk (Lublin, Poland) Guest:Grazia Devigili (Milan, Italy) Anna K. Szewczyk and Grazia Devigili discuss Small fiber neuropathy (SFN), a broad group of conditions affecting small nerve fibers (Aδ or C). SFN is characterized by impaired pain and temperature sensation, as well as autonomic dysfunction. Its diagnosis and treatment are challenging, though recent findings on specific autoantibodies and ion channel polymorphisms offer new perspectives for understanding these forms and developing more targeted therapies.

Moderators and guests: Barbara Tettenborn (Bern, Switzerland) and Roberta Balestrino (Milan, Italy) Barbara Tettenborn and Roberta Balestrino discuss the journey of the EAN e-learning platform, eanCampus. Launched in 2022, the platform has transformed neurology education by aligning with European Training Requirements for Neurology and offering comprehensive content for all levels of experience. Discover how interactive modules, gamification, and a commitment to high-quality, peer-reviewed material have made the eanCampus a vital resource for neurologists worldwide.

Moderator: Tobias Cronberg (Lund, Sweden) Guest: Andrea Rossetti (Lausanne, Switzerland) In this episode, Cronberg speaks with Rossetti about the role of EEG in the neuro ICU, with a focus on prognostication and monitoring in critically ill patients. They explore clinical applications, organizational differences across countries, and the value—and limitations—of continuous EEG, spot EEG, and emerging AI tools.

Moderator: Marian Galovic (Zurich, Switzerland) Guest: Federico Semeraro (Bologna, Italy) In this episode, Galovic speaks with Semeraro about how artificial intelligence is transforming cardiac arrest care and neuroprognostication. From retrospective studies to future clinical applications, they explore the potential and ethical challenges of integrating AI as a supportive team member in neurocritical care.

Moderator: Irina Vlad (Cluj Napoca, Romania) Guests: Nils Erik Gilhus (Bergen, Norway), Henriette Szabó Mathe (Brussels, Belgium)

EAN Moderator: Thomas Berger (Vienna, Austria) Guest: Tobias Cronberg (Lund, Sweden) In this episode, Cronberg joins Berger to discuss the evolving role of hypothermia in neurointensive care, particularly after cardiac arrest. Drawing from large clinical trials and real-world cases, they explore why hypothermia is falling out of favour and what this means for neurologists and emergency care.

Moderator: Roberta Balestrino (Milan, Italy) Guest: Richard Dodel (Essen, Germany) A video version of this episode is available on the eanCampus. In this episode, Dodel joins Balestrino to explore the social and economic burden of neurological disorders, highlighting findings from the EAN-led COIN (Cost of Illness in Neurology) project. They discuss why diseases like headaches and multiple sclerosis carry some of the highest costs and what this means for healthcare systems across Europe.

Moderator: Marian Galovic (Zurich, Switzerland) Guest: Max Hilz (Erlangen, Germany) A video version of this episode is available on the eanCampus. In this episode, Galovic welcomes Hilz to discuss the science behind autogenic training, a self-guided relaxation technique rooted in neurophysiology. Hilz explains how it helps regulate autonomic function, reduce stress, and support patients with neurological and functional disorders.

Moderator: Barbara Tettenborn (St. Gallen, Switzerland) Guest: Aviv Weinstein (Ariel, Israel) A video version of this episode is available on the eanCampus. In this second July episode of eanCast, Tettenborn and Weinstein explore the cognitive and emotional impact of excessive smartphone and social media use—especially in children and adolescents. From memory and attention deficits to structural brain changes, the conversation offers insights into healthy digital habits and how to protect brain health across the lifespan.

Moderator: Yıldız Değirmenci (Istanbul, Türkiye) Guest: Amelia Hursey (Kent, United Kingdom) A video version of this episode is available on the eanCampus. https://eancampus.ean.org/course/view.php?id=2548 In this episode, Değirmenci speaks with Amelia Hursey, Strategic Director of Parkinson's Europe, about why patient voices matter in research, advocacy, and care. Together, they explore how clinicians and communities can better support people living with Parkinson's.

In this episode Tessitore and Morgante discuss the diagnosis, causes, and management of tardive dyskinesia, highlighting its clinical features, treatment strategies, and the importance of awareness among neurologists. The conversation emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and the need for early recognition to improve patient outcomes. This podcast episode is supported by an independent educational grant from Teva.

In this episode, Accorroni is joined by Midelfart-Hoff and Fiorillo, who share their personal experiences with burnout as senior neurologists and discuss long-term strategies for resilience. Together, they reflect on how attitudes toward mental health in medicine have changed over the past 20 years, emphasizing why both individual contributions and systemic support are essential for transforming the culture around clinicians' well-being and building sustainable careers in neurology.

In this episode of eanCast Vashchenko, Boon and Accorroni discuss evidence-based strategies to prevent physician burnout — both individually and institutionally. Accoroni and Boon, share insights from both early-career and leadership perspectives on promoting wellbeing in neurology.

In this episode González Martinez together with Toscano and Toparlak explores how collaboration between neurology and psychiatry helps combat clinician burnout, highlighting insights from the EAN Task Force on Wellbeing and the EPA, with discussions on mental health challenges, interdisciplinary solutions, and the role of technology.

In this episode, Accorroni, Grneva, and de Visser explore burnout in neurology through real-life stories and insights. They discuss its impact across career stages, key causes like workload and gender inequality, and share strategies for individual and systemic change—highlighting the need for a cultural shift in the profession.