Podcasts about Epilepsy

In part one of this two-part series, Dr. Jeff Ratliff and Dr. Brin E. Freund discuss the incidence of acute symptomatic seizures during CAR T-cell therapy.  Show reference:  https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000213535   

Dr. Jeff Ratliff talks with Dr. Brin E. Freund about the evaluated incidence and risk factors for acute symptomatic seizures during CAR T-cell therapy. Read the related article in Neurology®.  Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org. 

In this episode, editor-in-chief Joseph E. Safdieh, MD, FAAN, highlights articles studies showing persistent fatigue after TIA, the neurologic complications of measles, and the impact of the dismantling of a CDC surveillance program of epilepsy.

Clinical Pearls from Dr. Dominic D'Agostino: Therapeutic Strategies and Clinical Success with the Ketogenic Diet  For this week's episode of the Clinician's Corner, we're doing something differently. We have gone into the archives and pulled out clinical pearls from some of our favorite episodes, and we're starting today with one of our most popular interviews with Dr. Dominic D'Agostino - where we unpack the ketogenic diet in all its nuances.   This interview first aired back in 2023, and the full interview can be viewed here.    Clinical pearls we extracted from the original interview: When the ketogenic diet is best used clinically; when it's contraindicated; and how to structure it for best results What the latest research is telling us about therapeutic application of this protocol - from metabolic health to neurological considerations and cancer  Exogenous ketones: when and how to use them  The intricacies of macronutrient ratios and when/how to cycle in and out of ketosis Measurement: the best forms for tracking ketosis and other key biomarkers to monitor   The Clinician's Corner is brought to you by Restorative Wellness Solutions.  Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/restorativewellnesssolutions/    Connect with Dr. D'Agostino: Website: https://drdominicdagostino.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/dominic.dagostino.kt/    LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-d-agostino-156014b/ Twitter:  https://twitter.com/DominicDAgosti2      Learn more about the ketogenic diet here: https://ketonutrition.org/    Timestamps:  00:00 History and Uses of Ketogenic Diet 06:25 Liver's Role in Ketone Production 07:22 Preventing Kidney Stones on Keto 13:15 Ketogenic Diet Supplement Tips 14:58 Minimal Supplements for Ketogenic Diet 18:07 Misleading Marketing of 1,3-Butanediol 24:08 Advanced Hormone and Metabolomics Testing 27:20 Monitor Meds During Diet Changes Speaker bio:   Dr. D'Agostino is a tenured Associate Professor at the University of South Florida (USF) Morsani College of Medicine in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology. He teaches medical neuroscience, medical physiology, nutrition and neuropharmacology. He is also a Research Scientist at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) to assist with their efforts towards optimizing the safety, health and resilience of the warfighter and astronaut. His primary research focuses on developing and testing nutritional and metabolic-based therapies for a variety of disease states and advancing the use of metabolic-based therapies into human clinical applications.   Keywords:  ketogenic diet, therapeutic ketosis, blood ketone levels, exogenous ketones, metabolic therapies, epilepsy, neuroprotection, anti-seizure strategy, type 2 diabetes, weight loss, cancer, muscle wasting, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, migraines, polycystic ovary syndrome, psychiatric disorders, bipolar disorder, anxiety, autism, traumatic brain injury, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, stroke, GLUT1 deficiency, carnitine supplementation, kidney stones, electrolyte balance, MCT oil, creatine monohydrate, caffeine and ketone production, comprehensive blood work Disclaimer: The views expressed in the RWS Clinician's Corner series are those of the individual speakers and interviewees, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Restorative Wellness Solutions, LLC. Restorative Wellness Solutions, LLC does not specifically endorse or approve of any of the information or opinions expressed in the RWS Clinician's Corner series. The information and opinions expressed in the RWS Clinician's Corner series are for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. If you have any medical concerns, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional. Restorative Wellness Solutions, LLC is not liable for any damages or injuries that may result from the use of the information or opinions expressed in the RWS Clinician's Corner series. By viewing or listening to this information, you agree to hold Restorative Wellness Solutions, LLC harmless from any and all claims, demands, and causes of action arising out of or in connection with your participation. Thank you for your understanding.  

Dr. Halley Alexander talks with Dr. Serena Yin about the effectiveness of an electronic medical record best practice alert in preventing iatrogenic interventions for patients with a diagnosis of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. Read the related article in Neurology® Clinical Practice.  Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org. 

Host Bernadette Clarke is joined by Marte Roa Syvertsen, Head of Research at Drammen Hospital, Vestre Viken HF, to explore how digital tools are revolutionizing remote monitoring for epilepsy. Marte provides expert insight into the latest technologies enhancing real-time seizure tracking, data-driven care, and patient outcomes. This conversation is packed with value for anyone interested in neurology, healthcare innovation, and the future of chronic disease management through remote monitoring and digital health platforms.

What can cause a Seizure? What happens to someone during a Seizure? What should you do if you're with someone who is having a Seizure? Have you started your FREE TRIAL of Who Smarted?+ for AD FREE listening, an EXTRA episode every week & bonus content? Sign up right in the Apple app, or directly at WhoSmarted.com and find out why more than 1,000 families are LOVING their subscription! Get official Who Smarted? Merch: tee-shirts, mugs, hoodies and more, at Who Smarted?

Dr. Halley Alexander and Dr. Samuel W. Terman discuss patients' perceived seizure risk, seizure risk tolerance, and risk counseling techniques.  Show reference: https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/CPJ.0000000000200475 

In this deeply honest episode, I talk with Syed Abbas—global meditation teacher, disability advocate, and father—about how a life-altering diagnosis of muscular dystrophy pushed him into the world of breathwork, mindfulness, and inner transformation.   We talk about: His journey from depression and chronic medication use to mental clarity and peace What it's like to live with a progressive disability—and find pride and power in it The science and simplicity of breathwork Why caregivers, especially parents of children with disabilities, are stuck in constant fight-or-flight—and what they can actually do about it How just a few deep breaths can shift your nervous system, your energy, and your life  

Dr. Halley Alexander talks with Dr. Samuel W. Terman about patients' perceived seizure risk, seizure risk tolerance, and risk counseling techniques.  Read the related article in Neurology® Clinical Practice.  Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org. 

Dr. Katie Krulisky and Dr. Leah Blank discuss the impact of outpatient follow-up on readmission rates for older adults with epilepsy or seizures.  Show reference: https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000213638 

In this episode of Talk About It, actor/ comedian/ influencer and good friend of the show Stanzi Potenza returns to talk about something that can cause both celebration and disappointment alike... milestones. Everybody naturally loves to celebrate milestones. They can motivate us to keep pushing or show us that our progress is leading to positive outcomes, whether they are for an addiction that you have overcome, professional progress, even time between seizures. But are they designed by default to lead us to disappointment when we don't reach the next one? In the case of seizures, there is inevitability that a breakthrough seizure may - and will - occur, so is this really a healthy thing for patients or caregivers to do? Greg chats with Stanzi, because she recently posted that she had her first seizure in almost two years, which lead to some feelings of disappointment. The call she has to make to her mom, telling her followers about it, even coming out of a postictal state and realizing what has just happened. It can be discouraging when your pride and self-fulfillment is attached to not having seizures. So what is the right thing to do? Greg also has another friend of the show, Jonathan Shapiro, on to briefly give some hopeful perspective about reframing how we think about milestones. This is something we all deal with, so you do not want to miss this episode! Talk About It with Greg Grunberg is excited to be sponsored by Neurelis and by Jazz Pharmaceuticals.

Send us a textDenise Potter is a returning guest on our show! Be sure to check out her appearance on episode 573 of Boundless Body Radio!Denise Potter, RD has been a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for 30 years. For the past 15 years she has focused on Ketogenic Medical Nutrition Therapy. She strives to provide client-centered, personalized therapy, counseling, and education.Denise has a passion for helping under-served populations benefit from Ketogenic Diet Therapies. Throughout her career, Denise has worked with clients of all ages, guiding them through a diverse range of medical conditions, including epilepsy, cancer, Parkinson's, diabetes, autism, bipolar disorder, and many more.Her extensive knowledge and experience in ketogenic therapies have earned her recognition as a leading expert, and she has had the honor of training healthcare professionals all around the world.Denise is the author of the fantastic book The Migraine Diet: A Ketogenic Meal Plan for Headache Relief.On a personal level, Denise has been married to the love of her life, Terry, for 30 years, has 4 amazing children and loves to laugh, and a big bowl of guac is her love language!Find Denise at-https://www.aktketocommunity.com/https://www.ketomastery.pro/TW- @KetoPotterRDNIG- @ketopotterrdnFind Boundless Body at- myboundlessbody.com Book a session with us here!

Dr. Katie Krulisky talks with Dr. Leah Blank about the impact of outpatient follow-up on readmission rates for older adults with epilepsy or seizures. Read the related article in Neurology®.  Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org. 

In the concluding segment of this series, Dr. Halley Alexander and Dr. Coral M. Stredny delve into the essential components of seizure action plans and identify the individuals who should have one. Show reference:  https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/CPJ.0000000000200449  

In part one of this two-part series, Dr. Halley Alexander and Dr. Coral M. Stredny discuss the importance of seizure action plans and how this might translate into our clinical care.  Show reference:  https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/CPJ.0000000000200449   

Dr. Halley Alexander talks with Dr. Coral M. Stredny about the management of pediatric convulsive status epilepticus, focusing on the importance of seizure action plans and adherence to treatment protocols.  Read the related article in Neurology® Clinical Practice.  Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org. 

In this episode, editor-in-chief Joseph E. Safdieh, MD, FAAN, highlights articles studies showing persistent fatigue after TIA, the neurologic complications of measles, and the impact of the dismantling of a CDC surveillance program of epilepsy.

Neuroscientist Deborah Kurrasch talks about her cool research into the epilepsies using zebrafish! She explains the challenges faced in acceptance of using zebrafish as a model system for epilepsy research and shares how we need to explore new mechanisms of action if we are going to figure out how to help the remaining 30% of people who cannot (yet!) have their seizures controlled using anti-seizure medications! ------------------------------------------

This month on Seizing Life, Dr. Dan Lowenstein discusses the current efforts to push Congress to adopt a National Plan for Epilepsy, explaining who is behind it, what it is, and what it could mean to the epilepsy community.

Continuing our series on the Heroes of Epilepsy, Greg has his long-time friend Dr. Barry Gidal to talk about all things pharmaceutical on this episode! Dr. Gidal is a Professor of Pharmacy and past Chair of the Pharmacy Practice Division at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Gidal talks about taking mystery and anxiety out of your experience with medicine and about talking with your pharmacist. They discuss the importance of checking your medications and journaling, differences between generic drugs, developments that Dr. Gidal is excited about, and so much more! This episode is not a tough pill to swallow, so don't miss it! Talk About It with Greg Grunberg is excited to be sponsored by Neurelis and by Jazz Pharmaceuticals 

D&P Highlight: They don't have epilepsy, but the Sphere is giving them the same symptoms. full 561 Fri, 30 May 2025 18:55:00 +0000 wDbqTwZa0pYrLUFZgJmSob010k12dIDW news The Dana & Parks Podcast news D&P Highlight: They don't have epilepsy, but the Sphere is giving them the same symptoms. You wanted it... Now here it is! Listen to each hour of the Dana & Parks Show whenever and wherever you want! © 2025 Audacy, Inc. News False htt

Lauren Canaday has lived quite a life. Two lives, if you ask her. In her memoir, Independence Ave: How Individualism Killed Me and Community Brought Me Back, Lauren recounts her dating life and career from statician to hair stylist to hair industry executive. Then the moment that changed everything -- Lauren suffered sudden cardiac arrest and didn't have a heartbeat for 24 minutes. By her husband's quick action and one fierce EMT, she survived, and was miraculously declared cognitively intact. In our converation, Lauren talks about how her endless pursuit for independence was turned upside down by this near death experience. She shares about the long and brutal road to recovery and how she's yet again rebuilding life to meet her reality. You can find Lauren and learn more about her work at https://laurencanaday.substack.com/

Microglia can have protective and also potentially harmful effects in the brain. They seem to be involved in dampening the nervous system during acute seizures – but also appear to play a role in neuronal loss and cortical thinning. Dr. Cecilie Nome spoke with Dr. Amy Brewster about the many faces of microglia and the current understanding of their role in epilepsy and seizures. Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

On this episode of Talk About It, we break out the Gold Jacket to chat with Alan Faneca, retired NFL offensive lineman and NFL Hall of Fame Inductee! Alan and Greg have become friends through advocacy for epilepsy awareness over the years, because Alan was diagnosed with epilepsy when he was a teenager and played at the highest levels of football with the condition. He also has a daughter with a rare form of epilepsy, so this cause is really close to his heart. Ironically, Nick also has a connection to Alan through his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and hosting events together, so this is really a friend reunion show! They discuss his diagnosis, how his family helps him deal with the condition, going through the process again with his daughter, and - of course - his induction into the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, OH. This is an episode that you are seriously not going to want to miss! The Talk About It podcast is excited to be sponsored in part by Neurelis. The Talk About It podcast is excited to also be sponsored in part by Seizures Are Signs — dedicated to educating families on the importance of early and specific diagnosis by providing an assessment to help get the conversation started, educational information, stories from families who have found a diagnosis, links to advocacy groups, and more. For more information, go to SeizuresAreSigns.com. Seizures are Signs is made available by Jazz Pharmaceuticals.

Melissa Vera, content creator and host of Chats from the Blog Cabin and blogger at Adventures of a Frugal Mom. Her light shines bright through her story! Melissa gives us hope, encouragement, and thoughtful advice on how to turn pain into purpose. It was a delight hosting her in the Bunker! Join us today as we talk about motherhood, mama trauma, epilepsy, car wrecks, God winks, narcissistic moms and so much more!  Find Melissa here ---> https://adventuresfrugalmom.com/ You can find Keri here —> www.momsdayprepper.com Thank you to all the friends and foes that follow us on the Momsday Bunker. Please like, share, and follow social media.  Facebook —> https://www.facebook.com/hensonk/ Instagram —> https://www.instagram.com/keri_henson_aka_momsdayprepper/ LinkedIn ---> https://www.linkedin.com/in/keri-henson-584566293/   Need Production work? A Huge thank you to Chris Wichmann at www.chriswichmann.com    If you have a story to share please reach out to Keri at momsdayprepper.com

Her seizures started when she was just a baby. An implant only brought partial relief. Now a new treatment greatly reducing this patient's seizures.

She's in her 30's and reaching a new milestone thanks to an implant that controls her seizures. Patient Mallory Contreras and her doctor talk about how her life has changed.

How do you turn massive clinical imaging data into insights that change lives? What does it take to move from a psychology undergrad to a pioneering role in pediatric brain research? And how can coding, connectomics, and curiosity shape a meaningful clinical career in neuroscience? In this inspiring episode of Neurocareers: Doing the Impossible!, we sit down with Dr. Puck Reeders, Senior Neuroscience Research Scientist at the Brain Institute at Nicklaus Children's Hospital. From her early days in Curacao to building novel neuroimaging pipelines in one of the nation's oldest pediatric epilepsy programs, Dr. Reeders shares her unique career path—and how she helps decode complex brain networks to improve surgical outcomes for children with intractable epilepsy. We explore: How connectomics and diffusion imaging guide surgical planning Her innovative research on white matter networks and neuromodulation responses The steep but rewarding path from zero coding skills to advanced tractography Tips for transitioning from psychology to clinical neuroscience Career advice for anyone eager to enter research-focused medical settings Whether you're a student exploring future careers, a neuroscientist curious about clinical impact, or just fascinated by how science meets medicine—you'll walk away informed and inspired. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Insights from a Neuroscience Research Scientist 00:03:00 - Functional Mapping Techniques for Epilepsy 00:08:43 - Transitioning from Medical School to Psychology 00:13:10 - Research Gaps in Epilepsy 00:17:10 - Understanding Connectomics in Epilepsy Treatment 00:21:53 - Combining Imaging Techniques in Research 00:24:50 - Coding Challenges in Research 00:27:12 - Coding Journey in Neuroscience 00:28:51 - Learning to Code: A Personal Journey 00:32:39 - The Importance of Networking 00:34:30 - Art's Role in Science Communication 00:37:38 - Landing a Job Through Networking 00:41:22 - Research Opportunities in Connectomics 00:46:49 - Exploring Diverse Career Opportunities 00:51:38 - Job Search Tips and Strategies 00:54:39 - Tips for Job Applications and Interviews 00:59:46 - From Medicine to Neuroscience Research 01:02:06 - Clinical Research and Pediatric Epilepsy About the Podcast Guest: Dr. Puck Reeders is a Senior Neuroscience Research Scientist at the Brain Institute at Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami, Florida https://www.nicklauschildrens.org/home Her work focuses on investigating aberrant brain networks in children with intractable epilepsy, applying advanced neuroimaging techniques to improve clinical outcomes in pediatric neurology. Originally from the Netherlands and raised on the island of Curaçao, Dr. Reeders brings a global perspective to her research. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Chemistry from the University of Miami, and a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience from Florida International University, where she also completed her postdoctoral training in the Allen Neurocircuitry and Cognition Lab. Dr. Reeders has over nine years of experience working with functional MRI (fMRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in both adults and children. Her current research explores the structural connectomics of pediatric epilepsy, the development of clinical imaging pipelines to detect white matter abnormalities, cortical dysplasias, and automated SPECT subtractions—bringing together cutting-edge science with translational clinical impact. Her expertise spans: Neuroimaging and clinical pipeline development Data analysis and scientific coding Translational neuroscience and surgical planning support Research project design and academic mentoring Outside of the lab, Dr. Reeders shares insights into neuroscience careers and research life on her educational Instagram: @Drpucky You can also connect with her professionally on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/puckreeders/  About the Podcast Host: The Neurocareers podcast is brought to you by The Institute of Neuroapproaches (https://www.neuroapproaches.org/) and its founder, Milena Korostenskaja, Ph.D. (Dr. K), a career coach for people in neuroscience and neurotechnologies. As a professional coach with a background in neurotech and Brain-Computer Interfaces, Dr. K understands the unique challenges and opportunities job applicants face in this field and can provide personalized coaching and support to help you succeed. Here's what you'll get with one-on-one coaching sessions from Dr. K: Identification and pursuit of career goals Guidance on job search strategies, resume, and cover letter development Neurotech / neuroscience job interview preparation and practice Networking strategies to connect with professionals in the field of neuroscience and neurotechnologies Ongoing support and guidance to help you stay on track and achieve your goals You can always schedule a free neurocareer consultation/coaching session with Dr. K at https://neuroapproaches.as.me/free-neurocareer-consultation Subscribe to our Nerocareers Newsletter to stay on top of all our cool neurocareers news at updates https://www.neuroapproaches.org/neurocareers-news

I met Kelsey Dollar on a cruise ship I was working. After my show Don Dollar (her dad) thanked me. He told me it was the first time he had seen Kelsey laugh. She has lived with epilepsy her entire life.   Since that day, I have kept in-touch with the Kelsey and Dollar family for 11 years. Kelsey joins the YJHTL podcast to openly and honestly talk about her life challenges and how humor, laughter, faith and helping others makes her life a smooth sailing.

Northampton and England winger Tommy Freeman joins the pod for a laugh-out-loud, raw and at times deeply personal chat. Fresh off a Lions call-up and in red-hot form - with 15 tries in his last 10 games - Tommy reflects on the moments that shaped him, from the heartbreak of missing out on the 2023 Rugby World Cup to living with epilepsy. With Saints heading into the Investec Champions Cup Final, we look ahead to his blockbuster showdown with Louis Bielle-Biarrey as Northampton prepare to face Bordeaux. Season 5 is sponsored by Continental Tyres.  WOB Group & GB&R Competition Entry Form

Many of the most common concerns of people with epilepsy are topics they don't usually talk about with physicians. This is one of many findings of a study using AI to analyze more than 55,000 posts about epilepsy on Reddit. Sharp Waves spoke with the study's first author and two epilepsy advocates about the results and how they could help initiate important patient-provider conversations. PLEASE NOTE: This episode includes discussion of suicidal ideation. If you are in crisis, call your local emergency number or crisis hotline.The Reddit study is freely available online; no journal subscription is required:Bridging the conversational gap in epilepsy: Using large language models to reveal insights into patient behavior and concerns from online discussions - Fennig - 2025 - Epilepsia  Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

This week on the podcast, I sit down with Sinead Earls, a devoted mum who shares the story of her beautiful son Cialin. Cialin was a unique and special little boy full of light, curiosity and love. He had autism and faced a number of health challenges in his short life, including scoliosis and epilepsy. In December 2021, Cialin tragically passed away after a sudden epileptic seizure, known as SUDEP Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy. Sinead speaks so openly and lovingly about his life, their bond, and the grief that follows a loss like this. It's a conversation about deep love, resilience, and honouring the memory of a very special boy.You can find Sinead on Instagram @cialins_everglowFor more information on Grief Retreats visit www.griefireland.com

Sometimes the only place big enough for the weight you're carrying is the side of a mountain. That's where Colleen—and dozens of other moms—learned how to let it out.In this episode, Colleen tells the story of her son Owen's explosive onset epilepsy, her family's long search for answers, and the brain surgery that changed everything. She opens up about the loneliness of being undiagnosed, the emotional whiplash of unexpected good news, and the identity shift that comes with raising a child with complex needs.We also talk about how Electric Love retreats came to be and why sometimes the most healing thing you can do is a tough hike with people who get it.Also, a big thanks to Kate Farms for sponsoring this important episode! Links:Learn more about the many products Kate Farms offers forour formula and tube-fed kids!Learn more about Electric Love Retreats!Listen to Ep 183on Epilepsy with Hailey Adkisson.Follow Electric Love on Instagram @electric_love_retreats!  Follow Colleen on Instagram @raising_owen!Follow us on Instagram @the_rare_life!Join The Rare Life newsletter and never miss an update!Fill out our contact form to joinupcoming discussion groups!Donate to the podcast or Contact me about sponsoring an episode.Follow the Facebook page.Access the transcript on the website here. And if you love this podcast, pleaseleave us a rating or review in your favorite podcast app! 

This month on Seizing Life® Mike Simmel shares his epilepsy journey, explains how his passion for basketball helped him navigate the impacts of epilepsy, and recounts how a personal experience with epilepsy stigma inspired him to help kids with epilepsy and other challenges.

In V.E. Shwab's bestselling novel, A Conjuring of Light, she wrote, "Kings need not raise their voices to be heard." But on this episode of Talk About It, Greg talks to a King who is being heard not by raising his voice, but by writing a book of his own! That book is called Be There When I Return, and it is out NOW everywhere books are sold. Michael King seemed to have everything going his way as a young bartender in 1980's Los Angeles until his friends began to notice a bizarre quirk in his behavior, but he is not aware of it happening. After the closest people in his life convince him to see a doctor, he is hit with the reality of an epilepsy diagnosis and drags through years of not being able to control his seizures. He ends up becoming a candidate for an experimental surgery, but his family doesn't know if he will remember them when he wakes up. We'll let Michael fill in the rest of this story, but you don't want to miss this episode!  The Talk About It podcast is excited to be sponsored in part by Neurelis. The Talk About It podcast is excited to also be sponsored in part by Seizures Are Signs — dedicated to educating families on the importance of early and specific diagnosis by providing an assessment to help get the conversation started, educational information, stories from families who have found a diagnosis, links to advocacy groups, and more. For more information, go to SeizuresAreSigns.com. Seizures are Signs is made available by Jazz Pharmaceuticals.

Music can affect emotions, spark memories, and influence mood. In cases of musicogenic epilepsy, music can trigger seizures. In other cases, music may reduce seizure frequency. Dr. Cecilie Nome talks with Dr. Phillip Pearl and Prof. Nigel Osborne about the power of music and its effects on the brain.Links:Nigel Osborne - WikipediaPersonalised music as a treatment for epilepsy - Epilepsy & BehaviorNeuroscience and “real world” practice: music as a therapeutic resource for children in zones of conflict - Osborne - 2012 - Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences - Wiley Online LibraryX-System Overview  Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

In this episode, we journey through the remarkable career of Dr. Rees Cosgrove—a trailblazer in functional neurosurgery, Director of Epilepsy and Functional Neurosurgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Professor of Neurosurgery at Harvard Medical School.Dr. Cosgrove reflects on his formative years training in the very halls that were roamed by legends such as Wilder Penfield at the Montreal Neurological Institute, and takes us through pivotal chapters of his career leading programs at Massachusetts General Hospital, Brown University, and now the Brigham. With a repertoire that spans from the golden era of ablative neurosurgery to modern deep brain stimulation and MR-guided focused ultrasound—where he has performed over 600 sonications—Dr. Cosgrove provides a unique perspective on how the field has transformed over the past several decades.Throughout the conversation, we delve into the history and resurgence of surgical lesions for psychiatric and neurological conditions, the nuances of neuromodulation technologies, and the evolution of imaging that now defines precision in brain surgery. Dr. Cosgrove also shares his views on mentorship, the transmission of surgical wisdom, and how we can preserve the disappearing art of lesioning in an age increasingly dominated by stimulation.Whether you're a neurosurgeon, neuroscientist, or simply curious about how we interface with the brain to treat disease, this episode is a rare and insightful look into the mind of one of the field's most experienced and thoughtful pioneers.

In honor of Epilepsy Awareness Day.What happens when you combine the expertise of a trailblazing dentist with an unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy? Dr. Amee shares her powerful story of living with epilepsy since age eight and how it catalyzed her mission to challenge societal stigma and embrace vulnerability. Her journey from patient to advocate is a beacon of hope for those newly diagnosed, offering insights into balancing a thriving career and personal life while managing an invisible illness. Join us as we uncover the transformative power of sharing one's story and the strength found in authenticity.Navigating the complexities of parenting with a chronic illness presents its own unique challenges. In our heartfelt discussion, Dr. Amee reveals the emotional rollercoaster she experiences, from isolation and depression to building resilience and understanding within her family. She emphasizes the importance of community support and open communication with children, allowing them to be active participants in the journey without feeling like a burden. Through personal anecdotes, we explore the significance of age-appropriate transparency, ensuring that the next generation understands and embraces the intricacies of living with chronic conditions.Embracing vulnerability and fostering a sense of shared humanity are at the heart of our conversation. We celebrate the courage it takes to show up authentically, even in the face of adversity. Through gratitude and support, we delve into the beauty of creating a network that encourages openness and empathy. By highlighting personal stories and the transformative journey from patient to educator, we hope to inspire listeners to find strength in their vulnerabilities and build supportive communities that celebrate genuine connections.Send us a text Are you living with a chronic illness and want to make your voice heard? Rare Patient Voice connects patients and caregivers with research opportunities—so you can share your experiences and get paid for your time! Your insights help drive real change in healthcare.Let's Get Started - Rare Patient Voice Support the showSupport:https://rarepatientvoice.com/Myspooniesisters/https://www.etsy.com/shop/MySpoonieSistershttps://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen10)Website:https://myspooniesisters.com/ Discount Codes: GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% off

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Our guest this week is Eli Pierce of Aurora, CO who is a customer service representative at Silk Trade, a UK based software company.  Eli is the father of four children, including one who is a spastic quadriplegic with cerebral palsy and epilepsy.  Eli, and his wife, Cassidy, have been married for 5 years and he is the proud father of four children: Evelyn (14), Elias (11), adopted daughter Annabelle (6) and Ettison (13) who is spastic quadriplegic with Cerebral Palsy and epilepsy. For many years, Eli was a single dad with full custody of his three children from his first marriage.  Eli's an overcomer dad.  He's overcome a challenging upbringing, a challenging first marriage and the ongoing challenges of fathering four children, including one with profound disability.  Eli's commitment to his family is second to none and he serves as a great role model to those within and outside the disability community.  More recently Eli has joined the Denver SFN Mastermind Group and is thriving. Learn this and more on the current episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show LinksPhone – (719) 639-1782Email – elishapierce88@gmail.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/elishapierce/Developmental Pathways in Denver https://www.dpcolo.orgColorado Springs Resource Exchange  https://www.tre.orgChildren's of Hospital Colorado https://www.childrenscolorado.orgRegister for the 6th Annual SFN Dads Virthual Conference on May 10, 2025: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/TLkN_ViJTTqnaK-M8pHPNA After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.Special Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  

Think your challenges are holding you back from triathlon? Meet Aditya Mehta from Mumbai, India, a 35 year old endurance athlete who was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 4. Despite being told that swimming was too dangerous a risk for him with seizures, he learned how to swim freestyle at 32 years old. He has since gone on to complete triathlons worldwide. His story isn't just inspiring – it's a masterclass in turning limitations into stepping stones for success. And it all started with watching a half marathon in Mumbai. From Spectator to Game-Changer In 2015, Aditya stood on the sidelines of the Standard Chartered half marathon, not knowing that moment would transform his life. With zero running experience and epilepsy as his constant companion, Aditya has since completed multiple 10Ks, marathons, and even a 50k ultra. But he wasn't done yet. Breaking Through the "Impossible" In 2019, Aditya added cycling to his repertoire and, despite being told that swimming was too dangerous a risk for him with seizures, he quite literally took the plunge and learned to swim freestyle in 2022 at 32 years old, adding the final piece to his triathlon puzzle. For Aditya, this wasn't just about completing a race – it was about seeing how far he could challenge his body and shattering preconceptions about what is possible with epilepsy. The Nutrition Game-Changer With the support of his family, swimming coach and doctors, Aditya continued to train but knew he needed a nutrition strategy as unique as his situation. Joining the Triathlon Nutrition Academy has given him the personalised approach to help him fuel his ambitious goals. No more guesswork, no more generic plans – just precise, targeted fuelling strategies that support both his epilepsy and his performance goals. The result? He's now preparing for a Half Ironman in Estonia with a sub-six-hour target in his sights. Beyond Personal Victory Aditya isn't just changing the game for himself – he's reshaping how the world views athletes with epilepsy. Through citywide events and advocacy, he's building a community that turns "you can't" into "watch me." His message is clear: with the right support and strategy, your supposed limitations can become your greatest strengths. If you have challenges that you think are too big, Aditya reminds us that limitations are only set in our minds. Once you let them go, anything is possible. LINKS: Aditya Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhythmic.runner/ Download the FREE 5-part audio series The 5 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Costing You Time on Race Day https://www.dietitianapproved.com/mistakes Join the Triathlon Nutrition Academy: www.dietitianapproved.com/academy Support the TNA Podcast: https://www.dietitianapproved.com/legend Check how well you’re doing when it comes to your nutrition with our 50 step checklist to Triathlon Nutrition Mastery: dietitianapproved.com/checklist Start working on your nutrition now with my Triathlon Nutrition Kickstart course: dietitianapproved.com/kickstart It’s for you if you’re a triathlete and you feel like you’ve got your training under control and you’re ready to layer in your nutrition. It's your warmup on the path to becoming a SUPERCHARGED triathlete – woohoo! Website: www.dietitianapproved.com Instagram: @Dietitian.Approved @triathlonnutritionacademy Facebook: www.facebook.com/DietitianApproved The Triathlon Nutrition Academy is a podcast by Dietitian Approved. All rights reserved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In lower- and middle-income countries, raising awareness of genetic etiologies in epilepsy and genetic testing options may ultimately shift national priorities toward making genetic testing part of the standard of care. Dr. Parthvi Ravat spoke with Dr. Jo Wilmshurst and Dr. Alina Esterhuizen about initiatives to increase awareness of genetics and genetic testing in epilepsy, including a decision tree model for epilepsy care in resource-restricted settings that has been implemented in Africa.Publication mentioned in the episode:Precision medicine for developmental and epileptic encephalopathies in Africa—strategies for a resource-limited setting  Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.Let us know how we're doing: podcast@ilae.org.The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Pediatric epilepsy is a complex condition that affects countless children, but advancements in treatment are paving the way for brighter futures. Join us as Dr. Juliet Knowles, Assistant Professor of Neurology at Stanford University, sheds light on the multifaceted nature of epilepsy in children. In this enlightening discussion, we'll explore the critical differences between seizures and epilepsy, the profound impact of early intervention on neonatal brain development, and the exciting advancements in genetics that promise to transform treatment options. Read Transcript CME Information: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/medcastepisode102 Claim CE: https://stanford.cloud-cme.com/Form.aspx?FormID=3286

In this episode, Lyell K. Jones Jr, MD, FAAN, speaks with Valérie Biousse, MD, who served as the guest editor of the Continuum® April 2025 Epilepsy issue. They provide a preview of the issue, which publishes on April 3, 2025.   Dr. Jones is the editor-in-chief of Continuum: Lifelong Learning in Neurology® and is a professor of neurology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.  Dr. Biousse is a professor in the departments of neurology and ophthalmology, as well as the Reunette Harris Chair of Ophthalmic Research, at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.  Additional Resources Read the issue: Neuro-ophthalmology Subscribe to Continuum®: shop.lww.com/Continuum More about the American Academy of Neurology: aan.com  Social Media  facebook.com/continuumcme  @ContinuumAAN  Host: @LyellJ  Guest: @vbiouss  Full episode transcript available here Dr Jones: This is Dr Lyell Jones, Editor-in-Chief of Continuum. Thank you for listening to Continuum Audio. Be sure to visit the links in the episode notes for information about subscribing to the journal, listening to verbatim recordings of the articles, and exclusive access to interviews not featured on the podcast. Dr Jones: This is Dr Lyell Jones, Editor-in-Chief of Continuum: Lifelong Learning in Neurology. Today, I'm interviewing Dr Valerie Biousse, who recently served as Continuum's guest editor for our latest issue on neuro-ophthalmology. Dr Biousse is a professor in the departments of neurology and ophthalmology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia where she's also the Renette Harris Chair of Ophthalmic Research. Dr Biousse, welcome and thank you for joining us today. Why don't you introduce yourself to our listeners? Dr Biousse: In addition to what you just mentioned, I would like to highlight that I have a French accent because I was born and raised and went to medical school in France in Saint Pete Pierre, where I trained as a neurologist. And I even practiced as a stroke neurologist and a headache specialist in the big university in Paris before I decided to move to the US to pursue my passion, which was really neuro-ophthalmology. And at the time, it was impossible to get a license in the US, so I had to repeat a residency and became an ophthalmologist. And this is what led me where I am today. Dr Jones: We're fortunate that you did that. I'm glad you did all that extra work because your contributions to the field have obviously been magnificent, especially this issue, which I think is an incredibly important topic for neurologists. This is why we include it in the rotation of Continuum topics. We all know the saying that the eyes are the windows to the soul, but for neurologists they are also the windows to the brain. The only part of the CNS that's visible to us is the optic disc. I think in spite of that, I think neurologists, our readers and our listeners would acknowledge the importance of the ophthalmic exam and respect the importance of that aspect of the neurologic exam. It's an area that feels challenging to us, and many of us, even with lots of years of experience, don't always feel very comfortable with this. So, it's a really important topic and I'm glad you have edited this. And let's start off with, you know, as you've reviewed all these articles from, really, the pinnacle experts in their specific topics in neuro-ophthalmology, as you were editing this issue, Dr Biousse, what would you say is the one biggest, most important practice-changing message about neuro-ophthalmology you would want to convey to our listeners? Dr Biousse: I think its technology, advances in technology. Without any doubt. The ophthalmology world cannot evaluate a patient anymore without access to fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the back of the eye, not just the optic nerve, but the retina. These advantages in technology have completely changed the way we practice ophthalmology. The same applies to neuro-ophthalmology. And these techniques can really help neurologists do a basic eye exam. Dr Jones: So, let's get right into that. And I'm glad you started with that because I still feel, even though I've done it thousands of times, I still feel a little fumbly and awkward when I'm trying to examine and fundus through an undilated pupil, right? And so, this is I think where technology has helped us quantitate with, as you mentioned, OCT, but I think from an accessibility perspective, I think nonmydriatic fundus photography is a very interesting tool for neurologists and non-neurologists.  Tell us how, how does that work and how could neurologists implement that in their practice? Dr Biousse: It's a very important tool that of course neurology should be able to use every day. You can take fundus photographs of the back of the eye without dilating the pupil. The quality of the photographs is usually very good. You only have access to what we call the posterior pole of the eye, so the optic nerves and the macula and the vascular arcade. You don't see the periphery of the retina, but in neuro-ophthalmology or neurology you don't need access to the periphery of the retina, so it doesn't matter. What is remarkable nowadays is that we have access to very highly performing fundus cameras which can take pictures through very, very small pupils or in patients of all ages. You can use it on a two-year-old in a pediatric clinic. You can use it on a much older person who may have a cataract or other eye problems. And what's really new and what this issue highlights is that it's not just that we can take pictures of the back of the eye, we can also perform OCT at the same time using the same camera. So, that's really a complete game changer for neurologists. Dr Jones: And that's extremely helpful. If I'm in a neurology clinic and I would like to use this technology, how would I access that? Do I need special equipment? Can I use my smartphone and an app? How would that work in terms of getting the image but also getting an interpretation of it? Dr Biousse: It all depends on what your ultimate goal is. The fundus cameras, they are like regular cameras or like any technology that would allow you to get brain imaging. The more sophisticated, the better the quality of the image, the more expensive they are. You know, that's the difference between a three-tesla MRI and a head CT. You buy a camera that's more expensive, you're going to have access to much easier cameras and to much higher resolution of images, and therefore you're going to be much happier with the results. So, I always tell people be very careful not to get a tool that is not going to give you the quality of images you need or you may make mistakes. You basically have two big sorts of cameras. You have what we call the tabletop cameras, which is a little more bulky camera, a little more expensive camera that's sitting on the table. The table can be on wheels, so you can move the table to the patient or you can move the patient to the table. That's very convenient in a neurology clinic where most patients are outpatient. It works in the emergency department. It's more difficult at bedside in the hospital. Or you can have a handheld camera, which can be sophisticated, a device that just uses a handheld camera or, as you mentioned, a small camera that you place on your smartphone, or even better, a camera that you can attach to some of the marketed direct ophthalmoscopes. In all situations, you need to be able to transfer those images to your electronic medical records so that you can use them. You can do that with all tabletop cameras, most handheld cameras; you cannot do it with your smartphone. So that gives you an idea of what you can use. So yes, you can have a direct ophthalmoscope with a little camera mounted. This is very inexpensive. It is very useful at bedside for the neurologists who do- who see patients every day, or the resident on call. But if you really want to have a reliable tool in clinic, I always recommend that people buy a tabletop camera that's connected to the electronic medical record. Dr Jones: You know, the photos always make it so much more approachable and accessible than the keyhole view that I get with my direct ophthalmoscope in clinic. And obviously the technology and the tools are part of the story, but also, it's access to the expertise. Right? There are not many neuro-ophthalmologists in the world, and getting access to the experts is a challenge, I think, everywhere, everywhere in the world really. When you think about how technology can expand that---and here I'm getting at AI, which I hesitate to bring up because it feels like we talk about AI a lot---are there tools that you think are here now or will be coming soon that will help clinicians, including neurologists, interpret fundus photography or other neuro-ophthalmologic findings, maybe eye movements, to make that interpretation piece a little more accessible? Dr Biousse: Absolutely. It's going to happen. It's not there yet. OK? I always tell people, AI is very important and it's a big part of our future without any doubt. But to use AI you need pictures. To get pictures, you need a camera. And so I tell people, first you start with the camera, you implement the camera, you incorporate the camera in your electronic medical record. Because if you do that, then the pictures become accessible to everyone, including the ophthalmologist who's maybe offsite and can review the pictures and provide an official interpretation of the pictures to help you. You can also transfer those pictures using secure mode of transfers and not your smartphone text application, which you really don't want to use to transfer medical information. And that's why I insist on the fact that those pictures should definitely appear in the patient's medical record. Otherwise you're going to break HIPAA laws, and that's an issue that comes up quite often. Once you have the pictures in the electronic medical record and once you have the pictures in the camera, you can do three things. You can look at them yourself. And many of my neurology colleagues are very competent at declaring that an optic nerve is normal or an optic nerve is swollen or an optic nerve is pale. And very often that's all we need. You can say, oh, I don't know about that one, and page the ophthalmologist on call, give the patient 's medical record number, have them look at the pictures, provide an interpretation, and that's where you have your answer. And this can be done in real time, live, when you're at bedside, no problem. Or you can use AI as what I call “Diagnostic A.” I always compare it as, imagine if you had a little robot neuro-ophthalmologist in your pocket that you could use at any time by just taking a picture, clicking submit on the AI app. The app will tell you never, it's normal or it's papilledema or it's pale. The app will tell you, the probability of this optic disk of being normal is 99% or the probability that this is papilledema. And when I say papilledema, I mean papilledema from rest intracranial pressure that's incredible as opposed to optic disc edema from an optic neuritis or from an ischemic optic neuropathy. And the app will tell you, the probability that this is papilledema is eighty six percent. The probability that it's normal is zero. The probability that it's another cause of disc edema is whatever. And so, depending on your probability and your brain and your own eyes, because you know how to interpret most fundus photographs, you really can make an immediate diagnosis. So that is not available for clinical use yet because the difficulty with the eye, as you know, is to have it have a deep learning algorithm cleared by the FDA. And that's a real challenge. But many research projects have shown that it can be done. It is very reliable, it works. And we know that such tools can either be either incorporated inside the camera that you use---in which case it's the camera that gives you the answer, which I don't think is the ideal situation because you have one algorithm per camera---or you have the algorithm on the Cloud and your camera immediately transfers in a secure fashion the images to the Cloud and you get your answer that way directly in your electronic medical record. We know it can be done because it happens every day for diabetic retinopathy. Dr Jones: Got it. And so, it'll expand, and obviously there has to be a period of developing trust in it, right? Once it's been validated and it becomes something that people use. And I get the sense that this isn't going to replace the expertise of the people that use these tools or people in neuro-ophthalmology clinics. It really will just augment. Is that a fair statement? Dr Biousse: Absolutely. Similar to what you get when you do an EKG. The EKG machine gives you a tentative interpretation, correct? And when the report is “it's normal,” you really can trust it, it's normal. But when it says it's not normal, this is when you look at it and you ask for a cardiology consultation. That's usually what happens. And so, I really envision such AI tools as, “it's normal,” in which case you don't need a consultation. You don't need to get an ophthalmology consultation to be sure that there is no papilledema in a patient with headache, in a patient with possible cerebrospinal fluid shunt malfunction. You don't need it because if the AI tool tells you it's normal, it's normal. When it's not normal, you still need the expertise of the ophthalmologist or the neuro-ophthalmology. The same applies to the diagnosis of eye movement. So that's a little more difficult to implement because, as you know, to have an AI algorithm, you need to have trained the algorithm with many examples. We have many examples of pathology of the back of the eyes, because that's what we do. We take pictures every day and there are databases of pictures, there are banks of pictures. But how many examples do we have of abnormal line movement in myasthenia, of videos or downbeat nystagmus? You know, even if we pulled all our collections together, we would come up with what, two hundred examples of downbeat nystagmus around the world? That's not enough to train an AI system, and that's why most of the research on eye movement right now is devoted to creating algorithm that mimic abnormal eye movements so that we can make them and then train algorithm which job will be to diagnose the abnormal eye movement. There's an extra difficult step, it's actually quite interesting. But it's going to happen. You would be able to have the patient look at the camera on the computer and get a report about “it's normal” or “the saccades, whatever, are not normal. It's most likely an internucleosomal neuralgia” or “it is downbeat nystagmus.” And that's not, again, science fiction. There are very good groups right now working on this. Dr Jones: That's really fascinating, and that- you anticipated my next question, which is, I think neurologists understand the importance of the ocular motor exam from a localizing perspective, but it's also complex and challenging. And I think that's certainly an area of potential growth. And you make a good point that we need some data to train the models. And until we have these tools, Dr Biousse, that will sort of democratize and provide access through technology to diagnosis and, you know, ultimately management of neuro-ophthalmology disorders, we know that there are gaps in the care of these patients right now in the modern day. In your own practice, in your own work at Emory, what do you see as the biggest gap in practice in caring for these patients?  Dr Biousse: I think there is a lack of confidence amongst many neurologists regarding their ability to perform a basic eye exam and provide a reliable report of their finding. And the same applies to most ophthalmologists. And that's very interesting because we have, often, a large cohort of patients who are in between the two specialties and are getting a little bit lost. The ophthalmologist doesn't know what to do. The neurologist usually knows what to do, but he's not completely sure that it's the right thing to do. And that's where the neuro-ophthalmologist comes in. And when you have a neuro-ophthalmologist right there, it's fantastic, okay? We bridge the two specialties, and we often just translate what the ophthalmologist said to the neurologist or what the neurologist said to the ophthalmologist and suddenly everything becomes clear. But unfortunately, there are not enough neuro-ophthalmologists. There is a definite patient access issue even when there is a neuro-ophthalmologist because not only is there a coverage heterogeneity in the country and in the world, but then everybody is too busy to be able to see a patient right away. And so, this gap impairs the quality of patient care. And this is why despite all this technology, despite the future, despite AI, we teach ophthalmologists and neurologists how to do a neuro-op examination, how to use it for localization, how to use it to increase the value and the power of a good neurologic examination so that nothing is missed. And I'm taking a very simple example. Neurologists see patients with headaches all the time. The vast majority of those headaches are benign headaches. 90% of headache patients are either migraine or tension headache or analgesic abuse headaches, but they are not secondary headache that are life threatening or neurologically threatening. If the patient has papilledema, it's a huge retina that really should prompt immediate workup, immediate prevention of vision loss with the help of the ophthalmologist. And unfortunately, that's often delayed because the patients with headaches do not see eye doctors. They see their primary care providers who does not examine the back of the eye, and then they reach neurology sometimes too late. And when the neurologist is comfortable with the ophthalmoscope, then the papilledema is identified. But when the neurologist is not comfortable with the ophthalmoscope, then the patient is either misdiagnosed or sent to an eye care provider who makes the diagnosis. But there is always a delay in care. You know, most patients end up with a correct diagnosis because people know what to do. But the problem is the delay in appropriate care in those patients. And that's where technology is a complete life-changing experience. And, you know, I want to highlight that I am not blaming neurologists for not looking at the back of the eye with a direct ophthalmoscope without pharmacologic dilation of the pupil. It is not possible to do that reliably. The first thing I learned when I transitioned from a neurologist to an ophthalmologist is that no eye care provider ever attempts to look at the back of the eyes without dilating the pupils because it's too hard. Why do we ask neurologists to do it? It's really unfair, correct? And then the ophthalmoscope is such an archaic tool that gives only a very small portion of the back of the eye and is extraordinarily difficult to use. It's really not fair. And so, until we give the appropriate tools to neurologists, I don't think we should complain about neurologists not being reliable when they look at the back of the eye. It's a major issue.  Dr Jones: I appreciate you giving us some absolution there. I don't think we would ask neurologists to check reflexes but then not give them a reflex hammer, right? So maybe that's the analogy to not dilating the pupil. So, for you and your practice, in our closing minutes here, Dr Biousse, what's the most rewarding thing for you in neuro-ophthalmology? What do you find most rewarding in the care of these patients?  Dr Biousse: Well, I think the most rewarding is the specialty itself. I'm a neurologist at heart. This is where my heart belongs. What's great about those neuro-ophthalmology patients is that it is completely unpredictable. They are unpredictable. They can have anything. I am super specialized because I'm a neuro-ophthalmologist, but I am a general neurologist and I see everything in neurology. So my clinic days are fascinating. I never know what's going to happen. So that's, I think, the most rewarding part of my job as an neuro-ophthalmologist. I'm having fun every day because it's never the same, I never know what's going to happen. But at the same time, we are so useful to those patients. When you use the neuro-ophthalmologic examination, you really can provide exquisite localization of the disease. You're better than the best of the MRIs. And when you know the localization, your differential diagnosis is always right, always correct, and you can really help patients. And then I want to highlight one point that we made sure was covered in this issue of Continuum, which is the symptomatic treatment of patients who have visual disturbances from neurologic disorders. You know, a patient with chronic diplopia is really disabled. A patient with decreased vision cannot function. And being able to treat the diplopia and provide the low vision resources to those patients who do not see well is extremely important for the quality of life of our patients with neurologic disorders. When you don't walk well, if you don't see well, you fall. When you're cognitively impaired, if you don't see well, you are very cognitively impaired. It makes everything worse. When you see double, you cannot function. When you have a homonymous anopia, you should not drive. And so, there is a lot of work in the field of rehabilitation that can greatly enhance the quality of life of those patients. And that really covers the entire field of neurology and is very, very important. Dr Jones: Clearly important work, and very exciting. And your enthusiasm is contagious, Dr Biousse. I can see how much you enjoy this work. And it comes through, I think, in this interview, but I think it also comes through in the articles and the experts that you have. And I'd like to thank you again for joining us today for a great discussion of neuro-ophthalmology. I learned a lot, and hopefully our listeners did too.  Dr Biousse: Thank you very much. I really hope you enjoyed this issue. Dr Jones: Again, we've been speaking with Dr Valerie Biousse, guest editor of Continuum's most recent issue on neuro-ophthalmology. Please check it out, and thank you to our listeners for joining today. Dr Monteith: This is Dr Teshamae Monteith, Associate Editor of Continuum Audio. If you've enjoyed this episode, you'll love the journal, which is full of in depth and clinically relevant information important for neurology practitioners. Use this link in the episode notes to learn more and subscribe. AAN members, you can get CME for listening to this interview by completing the evaluation at continpub.com/audioCME. Thank you for listening to Continuum Audio.

My guest is Dr. Chris Palmer, M.D., a board-certified psychiatrist and professor at Harvard Medical School. He explains how specific nutrition, exercise, supplement-based, and other factors can improve mitochondrial health and thereby provide relief from adult and childhood ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and symptoms of autism. We discuss mitochondrial biology, whether vaccines can impact inflammation and mitochondrial health, and the potential ramifications. We also review creatine, methylene blue, and urolithin A, as well as the role of B vitamins and iron in treating depression. By the end of this episode, you will understand the powerful link between metabolic health and mental health, and the lifestyle, dietary, and other factors you can leverage to help overcome common mental health challenges and disorders. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman Our Place: https://fromourplace.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman Timestamps 00:00:00 Dr. Chris Palmer 00:02:15 Integrating Metabolic, Mental & Physical Health; Childhood Trauma & Risk 00:10:46 Sponsors: Our Place & LMNT 00:13:44 Depression Causes, Molecule Model?, Neuroplasticity?; Metabolism 00:22:20 Mitochondrial Functions, Stress Response, Mental Health 00:31:09 Sponsors: AG1 & Eight Sleep 00:33:59 Mitochondrial Health & 6 Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine 00:39:38 Stimulants, Mitochondria, Dopamine; Alcohol 00:45:47 Nicotine; Substance Use, Metabolic Health & Disease 00:52:23 Children, Energy & Metabolic Function; Diseases of Aging & Mental Disorders 00:59:18 Sponsor: Function 01:01:06 Diet & Metabolism; Ultra-Processed Foods, Additives, GRAS 01:09:30 Rebellious Spirit, Ultra-Processed Foods & Food Industry Funding 01:19:14 Ketogenic Diet, Epilepsy, Schizophrenia, Bipolar 01:22:52 Ketogenic Diet, Fasting & Mitochondria; Gut Microbiome, Brain Metabolism 01:30:06 Low-Fat Diets; Tool: Occasional Fasts; Ketogenic Diet; Intermittent Fasting 01:38:40 Nutrition Research, Food Industry Lobbyists; Ultra-Processed Foods, Addiction 01:46:55 Creatine & Mitochondrial Health 01:52:34 Methylene Blue & Mitochondria; Serotonin Syndrome 02:02:58 Urolithin A, Mitochondria Function; Supplements & Appropriate Use 02:11:14 Vitamin Deficiencies, Iron Deficiency 02:16:06 Vitamin B12 & Folate Deficiency, Autoimmune Disorders 02:24:48 Mental Illness & Root Causes 02:29:02 Vaccines, Inflammation, Mitochondria, Autism 02:39:17 Neurodevelopmental Disorder Onset & Follow-Up 02:45:31 Vaccines, Autism, Future Research; Mother Obesity & Diabetes 02:51:23 Father Obesity & Autism; Poor Metabolic Health, Blood Biomarkers 02:56:44 Assessing Metabolic Health & Biomarkers; National Institutes of Health (NIH) 03:02:59 Future Directions, Bridging Mental & Physical Health 03:09:27 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures

After more than two years of work, construction on improvements to the street and sidewalks in City Heights is now completed. Seven vote centers are now open in the South Bay for people to cast their ballot in the District 1 special primary election. Soon, the county's first specialty hospital dedicated to patients with Epilepsy and other conditions will open at Sharp Grossmont in La Mesa.   What You Need To Know To Start Your Sunday. 

This major social media influencer is talking about it in a HUGE WAY! Jamie Simpson is not afraid of showing it all when it comes to her epilepsy -- and she is encouraging all of us to be bold when sharing our story. From dating, to having seizures in public places and showing us, to her incredible service dog Echo, Jamie lays it all on the line to help others understand the world of epilepsy, from the point of view of someone who has the condition. All in this episode of TALK ABOUT IT with Greg Grunberg. The Talk About It podcast is excited to be sponsored in part by Neurelis. The Talk About It podcast is excited to also be sponsored in part by Seizures Are Signs — dedicated to educating families on the importance of early and specific diagnosis by providing an assessment to help get the conversation started, educational information, stories from families who have found a diagnosis, links to advocacy groups, and more. For more information, go to SeizuresAreSigns.com. Seizures are Signs is made available by Jazz Pharmaceuticals.

Diana Fannon will share her story about her epilepsy journey and how that shaped who she is and what she is doing today. At the age of 17, she was diagnosed with epilepsy—a life-changing moment that shaped her journey in profound ways. She went on to attend Yale University, navigating challenges and embracing resilience. Over the years, she has transformed these experiences into a mission to inspire and empower others. Website: https://www.disabilityedpros.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/disability.ed/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disabilityedpros/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-fannon-ed-d/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@disabilityedpros You may also contact him through email, Jamesperduespeaks@comcast.net

In this episode of The Mind Change Podcast emotional drivers series, Heather McKean unpacks the subconscious patterns that may be driving epilepsy, offering a new perspective on healing. From childhood trauma to internalized pressure, discover the hidden emotional connections behind seizures and how understanding them could be the key to transformation. Don't miss this eye-opening discussion on mind-body healing!