Podcasts about Neurosurgery

In this episode, Xiaofei Zhou, MD - Associate Program Director, Neurosurgery, Section Chief of Neurosurgery, Southwest General Hospital, Director of Endoscopic Spine Surgery, discusses how surgical innovation should be guided by patient outcomes and real data, not just flashy trends. They also explore the early role of AI in spine surgery, plus the financial forces shaping care including insurance, spine coding, bundled models and the need for broader systems and medical training education. 

In this episode, Xiaofei Zhou, MD - Associate Program Director, Neurosurgery, Section Chief of Neurosurgery, Southwest General Hospital, Director of Endoscopic Spine Surgery, discusses how surgical innovation should be guided by patient outcomes and real data, not just flashy trends. They also explore the early role of AI in spine surgery, plus the financial forces shaping care including insurance, spine coding, bundled models and the need for broader systems and medical training education. 

In this episode, Xiaofei Zhou, MD - Associate Program Director, Neurosurgery, Section Chief of Neurosurgery, Southwest General Hospital, Director of Endoscopic Spine Surgery, discusses how surgical innovation should be guided by patient outcomes and real data, not just flashy trends. They also explore the early role of AI in spine surgery, plus the financial forces shaping care including insurance, spine coding, bundled models and the need for broader systems and medical training education. 

If you're enjoying the content, please like, subscribe, and comment! Dr. Schwartz's Links: Website: https://www.theodorehschwartzmd.com/ Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/734286/gray-matters-by-theodore-h-schwartz/ Theodore H. Schwartz, MD graduated Magna Cum Laude in Philosophy and English from Harvard University and Magna Cum Laude in Neuroscience from Harvard Medical School. After completing his residency and chief residency in Neurosurgery at The Neurological Institute of New York at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, Dr. Schwartz spent a year at Yale-New Haven Medical Center where he received advanced fellowship training in epilepsy and brain tumor surgery. He completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the Max Planck Institute in Munich, Germany funded by the Van Wagenen Fellowship and the Von Humboldt Society. Dr. Schwartz spent 25 years as a Professor of Neurosurgery, Otolaryngology, and Neuroscience at Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital. Samir's Links: https://samirvarma.com/ https://www.substack.com/@samirvarma Samir is an Author, Physicist, Entrepreneur, Inventor, and Hedge Fund Manager. He has a PhD in Theoretical Physics from The University of Texas. The incomparable E.C.G. Sudarshan was his advisor and Nobelist Steven Weinberg was on his dissertation committee. He is the author of The Physics of Free Will: How Determinism Affects Everything from The Future of AI to Traffic to God to Bees. He is working on a second book tentatively titled, I Wish I Had Known That about economics, finance and politics. ______________________ Follow us! @worldxppodcast Instagram - https://bit.ly/3eoBwyr @worldxppodcast Twitter - https://bit.ly/2Oa7Bzm YouTube - http://bit.ly/3rxDvUL Spotify - http://spoti.fi/3sZAUTG #god #religion #free #freewill #determination #christian #ai #physics #law #neuroscience #neurosurgery #subscribe #explore #explorepage #podcastshow #longformpodcast #longformpodcast #podcasts #podcaster #newpodcast #podcastshow #podcasting #newshow #worldxppodcast #viralvideo #youtube

Another conversation with Dr. Nick Boulis. Find the video of this conversation at https://youtu.be/cGP7l2fPKcY Find more about the Michael J. Fox foundation at https://www.michaeljfox.org/

A conversation with Dr. Arman Jahangiri. Find the video of this conversation at https://youtu.be/HygTVfo33OU

Today we are discussion advancements in treatment of vascular disease of the brain. Name some of these conditions and how they present themselves: Aneurysms: can be incidentally found or present with headache or subarachnoid hemorrhage; AVM's and AVF's usually present with seizures, hemorrhages, or focal deficits.

Podcast Yes I Can with Dr Sumer SethiDr Sumer Sethi in conversation with the Guests and sharing their stories

Episode Summary    Join us for a compelling conversation with Dr. Alexander Villahermosa, a neurosurgery resident at UT Health San Antonio and former 18 Delta Special Forces Medical Sergeant. Motivated by the events of 9/11, he enlisted with an 18 X-ray contract, embarking on a remarkable journey that took him from the battlefield to the operating room. Dr. Villahermosa shares stories from his deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other austere environments, highlighting how mentorship from military physicians in Balad inspired him to pursue a medical degree.    Dr. Villahermosa provides a candid look at the Enlisted to Medical Degree Program (EMDP2), detailing his experience as part of its second class. He discusses the academic challenges of transitioning from an operational tempo to learning calculus and hard sciences, and how the program's cohort-based support system prepares active-duty soldiers for the rigors of medical school at the Uniformed Services University.   The discussion moves to the intense reality of surgical residency, where days often start at 4:00 AM and involve complex perioperative care. Dr. Villahermosa highlights the unique perspective military training brings to civilian medicine, specifically the ability to operate without advanced navigation technology—a skill emphasized by military mentors who understand downrange limitations. He also shares insights on "expectation management" regarding physical fitness while maintaining a grueling training schedule.   Finally, Dr. Villahermosa reflects on leadership lessons learned while rising from the rank of Master Sergeant to Captain, emphasizing that mentorship and staying humble are keys to success. He concludes with a crucial medical takeaway for combat medics: the best brain care starts with the basics of airway, respiration, and circulation as outlined in TCCC guidelines.     Chapters (00:00-06:00) From Enlistment to Special Forces Medic (06:00-19:30) The Path to Medical School and EMDP2 (19:30-28:30) Choosing Neurosurgery and Residency Reality (28:30-33:00) Military vs. Civilian Surgical Training (33:00-39:40) Leadership, Advice, and TBI Care   Chapter Summaries (00:00-06:00) From Enlistment to Special Forces Medic Dr. Villahermosa describes enlisting after 9/11 with the initial intent of joining the infantry, only to switch to an 18X contract to avoid a long wait for basic training. He recounts his deployments to Iraq and how mentorship from a group surgeon and an anesthesiologist in Balad first sparked his interest in becoming a physician. (06:00-19:30) The Path to Medical School and EMDP2 This section covers the process of completing undergraduate prerequisites through the Enlisted to Medical Degree Program (EMDP2), including the challenges of mastering mathematics and hard sciences. Dr. Villahermosa explains how the program's cohort system and partnership with the Uniformed Services University provided the structure and support necessary for success. (19:30-28:30) Choosing Neurosurgery and Residency Reality Initially uninterested in surgery, Dr. Villahermosa describes falling in love with the specialty during a third-year clerkship after being fascinated by spine and trauma cases. He details the daily grind of residency, which involves early mornings, long hours, and the need to seize small windows of time for physical fitness and self-care. (28:30-33:00) Military vs. Civilian Surgical Training The discussion focuses on the specific mindset instilled by military neurosurgeons, such as the ability to perform spine surgery using anatomic landmarks rather than relying solely on advanced navigation systems. This training ensures readiness for deployed environments where high-tech equipment may not be available or functional. (33:00-39:40) Leadership, Advice, and TBI Care Dr. Villahermosa reflects on the importance of humility and teamwork, noting that, regardless of rank or experience, there is always something to learn from others. He concludes by emphasizing that the best initial care for traumatic brain injury is adherence to TCCC protocols, specifically preventing hypotension and hypoxia.   Take Home Messages The Power of Mentorship: Career paths are often significantly altered by leaders who take the time to invest in their subordinates and encourage them to pursue higher goals. Dr. Villahermosa's journey to medical school began specifically because a group surgeon and an anesthesiologist took him under their wing during a combat deployment. Leaders should actively identify and encourage potential in those they lead, as this support can fundamentally change the trajectory of a service member's life. Back to Basics for Brain Injury: The most effective initial treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI) lies in the fundamental principles of Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC). Preventing secondary brain injury caused by hypotension and hypoxia is critical, meaning that controlling hemorrhage and managing the airway are the best ways to protect the brain in the pre-hospital setting. Providers should trust these protocols rather than feeling helpless without advanced neurosurgical capabilities, as stabilizing the patient's physiology is the first step in saving the brain. Operating in Austere Environments: While modern civilian neurosurgery often relies on advanced navigation technology and robotics, military surgeons must maintain the skill to operate using anatomic landmarks. Dr. Villahermosa highlights that downrange environments may lack functional high-tech equipment, making it essential to master manual techniques for spine and brain procedures. This training approach ensures that military surgeons remain adaptable and can deliver life-saving care regardless of the resources available in the field. Resilience Through Expectation Management: Surviving a demanding residency program or rigorous military training requires adjusting one's expectations regarding fitness and rest. Rather than waiting for large blocks of free time that may never come, trainees must learn to seize small, available moments for self-care, whether that is a short fifteen-minute run or catching up on sleep. Taking advantage of these brief breaks when they present themselves is crucial for maintaining long-term physical and mental performance when the schedule is unpredictable. Humility and Teamwork in Leadership: Success in high-stakes environments like the military and medicine demands humility and the recognition that no single person knows everything. Dr. Villahermosa emphasizes that rank and experience do not preclude the need to learn from others, including the newest members of the team who may bring fresh perspectives. Acknowledging one's role within the larger mission fosters a collaborative environment that improves patient outcomes and ensures the job gets done effectively.   Episode Keywords special forces medic, green beret, neurosurgery resident, military medicine, combat medic, trauma surgery, medical school, emdp2, enlisted to medical degree, uniformed services university, 18 delta, surgical training, traumatic brain injury, TCCC, tactical combat casualty care, military podcast, veteran stories, medical career, doctor journey, Brooke Army Medical Center, UT health San Antonio, neurosurgeon training, army special operations, combat veteran, medicine podcast, army doctor   Honoring the Legacy and Preserving the History of Military Medicine   The WarDocs Mission is to honor the legacy, preserve the oral history, and showcase career opportunities, unique expeditionary experiences, and achievements of Military Medicine. We foster patriotism and pride in Who we are, What we do, and, most importantly, How we serve Our Patients, the DoD, and Our Nation. Find out more and join Team WarDocs at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/ Check our list of previous guest episodes at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/our-guests Subscribe and Like our Videos on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wardocspodcast Listen to the “What We Are For” Episode 47. https://bit.ly/3r87Afm   WarDocs- The Military Medicine Podcast is a Non-Profit, Tax-exempt-501(c)(3) Veteran Run Organization run by volunteers. All donations are tax-deductible and go to honoring and preserving the history, experiences, successes, and lessons learned in Military Medicine. A tax receipt will be sent to you. WARDOCS documents the experiences, contributions, and innovations of all military medicine Services, ranks, and Corps who are affectionately called "Docs" as a sign of respect, trust, and confidence on and off the battlefield,demonstrating dedication to the medical care of fellow comrades in arms.     Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @wardocspodcast Facebook: WarDocs Podcast Instagram: @wardocspodcast LinkedIn: WarDocs-The Military Medicine Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wardocspodcast

. Dr Donald Heck (1) and Dr Peter Kan (2) join JNIS Editor-in-Chief Dr. Michael Chen to discuss the commentary “Middle meningeal artery embolization in the routine care of chronic subdural hematoma?” by D.V. Heck et al. They highlight key debates around efficacy, safety, and workflow integration as embolization moves closer to becoming a routine therapeutic option. (1) Triad Radiology Associates, Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA (2) Neurosurgery, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA   Please subscribe to the JNIS podcast on your favourite platform to get the latest podcast every month. If you enjoy our podcast, you can leave us a review or a comment on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/4aZmlpT) or Spotify (https://spoti.fi/3UKhGT5). We'd love to hear your feedback on social media - @JNIS_BMJ.

Surgeons Christina Jackson, César Briceño, and Jennifer Douglas of Penn Neurosurgery, Oculoplastics, and ENT discuss their combined roles in the transorbital approach (TOA) to tumors of the skull base. The TOA reaches meningiomas and other deep-seated tumors through the orbit of the eye to avoid craniotomy and its after-effects.

Another conversation with Dr. Greg Basil. Find the video of this conversation at https://youtu.be/yB6dRovePgc

In this episode, Dr. Erich G. Anderer, Chief of the Division of Neurosurgery and Surgical Director of Perioperative Services at NYU Langone Hospital–Brooklyn, joins the podcast to discuss the latest advancements shaping spine care. He shares his perspective on the rapid evolution of robotic technology, strategies clinicians can use to help patients avoid surgery when appropriate, and how to address today's growing “information culture” and misinformation challenges. Dr. Anderer also highlights where he expects to see the most meaningful growth in spine care over the next one to two years.

In this episode, Dr. Erich G. Anderer, Chief of the Division of Neurosurgery and Surgical Director of Perioperative Services at NYU Langone Hospital–Brooklyn, joins the podcast to discuss the latest advancements shaping spine care. He shares his perspective on the rapid evolution of robotic technology, strategies clinicians can use to help patients avoid surgery when appropriate, and how to address today's growing “information culture” and misinformation challenges. Dr. Anderer also highlights where he expects to see the most meaningful growth in spine care over the next one to two years.

In this episode, Dr. Erich G. Anderer, Chief of the Division of Neurosurgery and Surgical Director of Perioperative Services at NYU Langone Hospital–Brooklyn, joins the podcast to discuss the latest advancements shaping spine care. He shares his perspective on the rapid evolution of robotic technology, strategies clinicians can use to help patients avoid surgery when appropriate, and how to address today's growing “information culture” and misinformation challenges. Dr. Anderer also highlights where he expects to see the most meaningful growth in spine care over the next one to two years.

In this episode, Frank D. Vrionis, M.D., M.P.H., PhD, Chief of Neurosurgery at the Marcus Neuroscience Institute, discusses the evolving role of AI in research, the growing impact of motion preservation technologies, and the challenges insurance barriers pose to innovation. He shares how his team is planning for growth, advancing spine care, and educating patients on the expanding range of treatment options.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Kevin J. Tracey, president and CEO at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and author of "The Great Nerve: The New Science of the Vagus Nerve and How to Harness Its Healing Reflexes.”

The Revolutionary Role of the Vagus Nerve in Bioelectronic Medicine: Dr. Kevin J. Tracey, president and CEO at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and author of "The Great Nerve: The New Science of the Vagus Nerve and How to Harness Its Healing Reflexes,” details the historical context and recent advancements in harnessing the power of the vagus nerve to control inflammation without causing immunosuppression. The conversation explores the journey from early experimental stages to the recent FDA approval for treating rheumatoid arthritis through vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) devices. He also delves into the potential applications of VNS in treating other inflammatory conditions, mood disorders, and the science behind non-invasive lifestyle techniques and commercially available devices. The episode provides valuable insights into the future of bioelectronic medicine and its potential to revolutionize medical treatments.

In this episode, Frank D. Vrionis, M.D., M.P.H., PhD, Chief of Neurosurgery at the Marcus Neuroscience Institute, discusses the evolving role of AI in research, the growing impact of motion preservation technologies, and the challenges insurance barriers pose to innovation. He shares how his team is planning for growth, advancing spine care, and educating patients on the expanding range of treatment options.

In this episode, Frank D. Vrionis, M.D., M.P.H., PhD, Chief of Neurosurgery at the Marcus Neuroscience Institute, discusses the evolving role of AI in research, the growing impact of motion preservation technologies, and the challenges insurance barriers pose to innovation. He shares how his team is planning for growth, advancing spine care, and educating patients on the expanding range of treatment options.

The blood-brain barrier (BBB), while essential for protecting the brain from toxins, has long been one of the greatest obstacles in treating brain diseases, particularly aggressive cancers like glioblastoma. Most chemotherapy drugs simply cannot reach the brain in effective concentrations, leaving patients with limited treatment options and poor outcomes.  In this episode of Curing with Sound, we speak with Graeme Woodworth, MD, Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, whose work is transforming the landscape of brain tumor treatment through the use of focused ultrasound–mediated BBB opening. Dr. Woodworth discusses the role of microbubbles, his efforts to develop a real-time monitoring and dosing strategy for BBB opening, and the exciting results from his multicenter glioblastoma clinical trial. Discussion highlights: Glioblastoma Clinical Trial: Results published in Lancet Oncology report, for the first time, a possible survival benefit among newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) patients treated with focused ultrasound + temozolomide (or TMZ, a chemotherapy drug). Researchers used focused ultrasound to noninvasively open the BBB in GBM patients before administering TMZ. When compared with a matched control group, a 40% increase in overall survival was observed. Published Findings for Measuring and Predicting BBB Opening: Researchers established a real-time, ultrasound-based “dose” measurement—using acoustic emissions from microbubble oscillations—to accurately predict when focused ultrasound will open the blood-brain barrier in glioblastoma patients. They discovered a non-linear dose–response range where blood-brain barrier opening is maximized, enabling safer, more precise, and more effective treatment monitoring. EPISODE TRANSCRIPT ---------------------------- QUESTIONS? Email podcast@fusfoundation.org if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances.  Email info@fusfoundation.org if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation.  FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA LinkedIn X Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube FUSF WEBSITE https://www.fusfoundation.org SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/newsletter-signup/ READ THE LATEST NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-foundation/news-media/newsletter/ DOWNLOAD "THE TUMOR" BY JOHN GRISHAM (FREE E-BOOK) https://www.fusfoundation.org/read-the-tumor-by-john-grisham/

Title: ICH Evacuation Guest Faculty: J Mocco, MD, MS Hosts: Chris Newman, MD and Seth Oliveria, MD In this episode we welcome Dr. J Mocco to discuss the nuances of evacuation of intracerebral hematoma. We review the indications, timing and techniques used for this procedure including the evidence that us available to guide clinical practice.

Dr. Steven Falowski shares an exciting new development in spine surgery that combines the two therapy modalities of spinal fusion and neuromodulation into a single solution implanted simultaneously at the point of a spinal fusion procedure. Steven M. Falowski MD Board Certified Functional Neurosurgeon Director Functional Neurosurgery Neurosurgical Associates of Lancaster PA  President -Executive Pain Committee, Congress Neurological Surgeons/American Association Neurological Surgeons President- Pennsylvania Pain Society President- Elect- American Society Pain and Neuroscience Strategic Advisor - SynerFuse® ... a Minnesota-based medical device company innovating the spine industry with its integrated approach to spinal fusion and chronic pain Senior Advisor- Pacific Spine and Pain Society Past Board of Directors, International Neuromodulation Society Past Senior Advisor, Past Secretary-North American Neuromodulation Society Dr. Falowski underwent his neurosurgical residency training at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia with a focus on Spinal Cord Stimulation and Pain management, complex spinal procedures, and treatment for movement disorders such as deep brain stimulation. He completed a functional neurosurgical fellowship at Rush University in Chicago. His practice specializes in neuromodulation and spinal procedures. He is board certified in Neurosurgery. His major focus in society and industry revolves around education, integration of specialties, research, and practice management. He is the course director for cadaver workshops and educational offerings across multiple societies. He collaborates with numerous companies and industry partners on product development, education, research, and strategy. Dr. Falowski is involved in numerous clinical research studies and novel developments for spinal cord stimulation, pain management, and spinal procedures. The patented SynerFuse® procedure, Electric Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion™ (e-TLIF™), combines fusion with direct nerve stimulation to address chronic low back and leg pain that is unaddressed in traditional spinal fusion surgery that provide Ultra Low Energy™ (ULE™) Therapy. Resources: Neurological Associates of Lancaster synerfuse.com Sponsor: The Cox Table by Haven Medical  

Conversations with Dr. Adam Arthur, and Courtney Shupryt. Learn more and make your contribution at https://nref.org/

Another conversation with Dr. Carl Heilman. Find the video of this conversation at https://youtu.be/Q9u4p7XgqyM

Brought to you by TogetherLetters & Edgewise!In this episode: AI PowerPoint-killer Gamma hits $2.1B valuation, $100M ARR, founder says | TechCrunchWaymo robotaxis are now giving rides on freeways in LA, San Francisco, and Phoenix | TechCrunchInside Netflix House: A Big Bet On Experiential EntertainmentMatthew McConaughey, Michael Caine Team With ElevenLabs for AI-Generated Versions of Their VoicesWorld's first transatlantic thrombectomy heralds new era of stroke treatmentOn November 13, 2026, Voyager Will Reach One Full Light-Day Away From EarthWeird and Wacky: Oreo Just Launched Thanksgiving Dinner-Flavored Cookies—But There's a CatchOpenAI CEO Sam Altman served with subpoena on stage in San Francisco event, watch what happened nextTech Rec:Sanjay - Anker Nano Travel AdapterAdam - Granola.aiFind us here:sanjayparekh.com & adamjwalker.comTech Talk Y'all is a proud production of Edgewise.Media.

Event Objectives:Identify options for Chiari malformation surgery, craniofacial surgery and epilepsy surgery in children that optimize outcomes while providing less invasive alternatives.Claim CME Credit Here!

Another conversation with Dr. Mike Lawton. Find the video of this conversation at: https://youtu.be/ftWNdmum7RA Find Dr. Lawton's previous interviews here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-44-more-than-hands-technical-excellence-in/id1474617803?i=1000474159960 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-case-i-cant-forget-climbing-the-mountain/id1474617803?i=1000546156987 Find the Barrow Neurosurgery Base Camp here: https://www.barrowneuro.org/for-physicians-researchers/education/grand-rounds-publications-media/barrow-neurosurgery-base-camp/

This episode recorded live at the 10th Annual Health IT + Digital Health + RCM Annual Meeting features George Cybulski, MD MBA, AI clinical leader and Chief of Neurosurgery at Humboldt Park Health. He discusses the growth of outpatient spine surgery, the role of AI in connecting care teams and streamlining workflows, and the importance of collaboration between providers and vendors to enhance patient care and ASC efficiency.

This episode recorded live at the 10th Annual Health IT + Digital Health + RCM Annual Meeting features George Cybulski, MD MBA, AI clinical leader and Chief of Neurosurgery at Humboldt Park Health. He discusses the growth of outpatient spine surgery, the role of AI in connecting care teams and streamlining workflows, and the importance of collaboration between providers and vendors to enhance patient care and ASC efficiency.

This episode recorded live at the 10th Annual Health IT + Digital Health + RCM Annual Meeting features George Cybulski, MD MBA, AI clinical leader and Chief of Neurosurgery at Humboldt Park Health. He discusses the growth of outpatient spine surgery, the role of AI in connecting care teams and streamlining workflows, and the importance of collaboration between providers and vendors to enhance patient care and ASC efficiency.

When we think about brain health, most of us jump straight to memory, dementia, or even Alzheimer's. But what if the real starting point is our metabolism?In this episode, I'm joined by Dr Shahrukh Mallik, Consultant Neurologist, to explore how conditions like insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and chronic inflammation don't just affect the body, they directly impact the brain.We dive into: ⚡ Why people with type 2 diabetes have up to a 50% higher risk of developing Alzheimer's

Focused ultrasound (FUS), also called high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), is a noninvasive treatment using sound waves to address essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease. Drs. Doris Wang and Leo Sugrue of UCSF explain how FUS and deep brain stimulation work to reduce tremor, outline which patients may benefit, and describe how the UCSF team individualizes treatment. Series: "UC San Francisco News" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41035]

Focused ultrasound (FUS), also called high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), is a noninvasive treatment using sound waves to address essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease. Drs. Doris Wang and Leo Sugrue of UCSF explain how FUS and deep brain stimulation work to reduce tremor, outline which patients may benefit, and describe how the UCSF team individualizes treatment. Series: "UC San Francisco News" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41035]

Focused ultrasound (FUS), also called high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), is a noninvasive treatment using sound waves to address essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease. Drs. Doris Wang and Leo Sugrue of UCSF explain how FUS and deep brain stimulation work to reduce tremor, outline which patients may benefit, and describe how the UCSF team individualizes treatment. Series: "UC San Francisco News" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 41035]

In this conversation, Dr. Michael Fehlings discusses his journey into neurosurgery, focusing on spinal cord injury and the challenges of balancing clinical practice with research. He emphasizes the importance of community collaboration and innovative approaches in clinical trials, particularly in the context of regenerative medicine. Dr. Fehlings also highlights the significance of understanding secondary injuries and the impact of Riluzole in spinal cord injury treatment. He advocates for a global statistical framework to... More info: https://u2fp.org/get-educated/curecast/episode-134.html

What if one side of your body suddenly stopped moving — and your doctor said, “It's a migraine”?Hemiplegic migraines are rare, disorienting, and often confused with strokes. They challenge everything you think you know about how your brain, body, and energy connect.In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, hosted by Diane Ducarme, we explore the science and the story behind this rare form of migraine — one that blurs the line between neurology and mystery. Together, we look at how the body can temporarily lose its flow, and how to gently help it find its rhythm again.In this episode, you'll learn:

We know science can only explain certain facts, so how important is faith when it comes to healing? These concepts can exist together. Lisa continues the interview today with our guest, Dr. Gary Simonds, a retired neurosurgeon who's treated tens of thousands of patients. Today he talks about burnout in the healthcare system, especially during and after Covid. He explains how we are all constantly depositing or withdrawing energy from our energy bank. When we are not replenishing, we can get burnt out. We may feel like we are not contributing. Dr. Simonds has worked with world experts researching physician burnout and our healthcare system. He suggests how stillness and meditation are very beneficial to everyone. Dr. Simonds also describes what the brain actually looks like, its blood supply, and its need for constant oxygen. He talks about how social isolation impairs brain function. It is so important to seek out community. He further discusses the importance of sleep and rest for a healthy brain, and how mindfulness can provide a sense of balance as it can change the brain alignment. He stresses the importance of keeping a positive attitude and focusing on resilience. Dr. Simonds suggests practicing gratitude and asks us to think of 3 things we are grateful for throughout the day. He explains how our brains actually have a different chemical reaction when looking for the positive. He suggests considering uplifting material or realizing something as simple as a smile. Sometimes we need to force ourselves to look for the positive. As a neurosurgeon, doctors typically look for the worst-case scenario, so they can plan in advance if something goes wrong. He talks about consciously directing thoughts toward possibilities and solutions. Dr. Simonds, as an expert neurosurgeon, also discusses how to deliver difficult news, while managing expectations.  He's had to do it so many times, with many patients and families. He explains how it's all about trust -- a delicate walk between honesty and compassion with empathy.  An expert on burnout and trauma, Dr. Simonds is the Founding Chief of Neurosurgery at the Carilion Clinic, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (retired) and the author of three non-fiction books. "Death's Pale Flag" is his first novel and his latest book. This is Part 2 of the interview. Info: GaryRSimonds.com.  

Breaking The Silence with Dr Gregory Williams Guest, Lisa Burks - Outreach Clinical Leader, Forensic Nurse Examiner This week's Special Guest will be Lisa Burks. Lisa has been working as a nurse 9 years ago on the neurology-telemetry and neurosurgery unit at Hendrick Medial Center. She has been a forensic nurse for 5 years and currently works in outreach and education for the forensic nurses department.

There have been major breakthroughs in functional neurosurgery. Prof. Jill Ostrem breaks down the latest updates in the field, specifically surrounding adaptive DBS.

A conversation with Dr. Barth Green, recorded live on-stage at the second annual University of Miami Neurosurgery Spine Fellows Reunion. Find more of the story at: https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/greg-cote/article312577527.html

Eberechi Nwogu-Onyemkpa is an assistant professor in the Division of Palliative Medicine at Washington University in St. Louis. Stephen Morrissey, the interviewer, is the Executive Managing Editor of the Journal. E. Nwogu-Onyemkpa and Others. Involving Palliative Care to Improve Outcomes in Sickle Cell Disease. N Engl J Med 2025;393:1553-1556. E. Costa and Others. Thirty Years of Hydroxyurea for Sickle Cell Anemia — Scientific Progress, Global Health Gaps. N Engl J Med 2025;393:1556-1559.

Although it may seem like science is completely separate from faith, they both play a very important role in our understanding. They are not opposed and can exist together as both strive to find the truth. It's just a matter of looking at the topic from different angles, according to our guest today, Dr. Gary Simonds, a retired neurosurgeon who's treated tens of thousands of patients. Today he talks about burnout in the healthcare system, especially during and after Covid. He stresses the importance of keeping a positive attitude and focusing on resilience. Dr. Simonds suggests practicing gratitude and asks us to think of 3 things we are grateful for throughout the day. He explains how our brains actually have a different chemical reaction when looking for the positive. He suggests considering uplifting material or realizing something as simple as a smile. Sometimes we need to force ourselves to look for the positive. As a neurosurgeon, doctors typically look for the worst-case scenario, so they can plan in advance if something goes wrong. He talks about consciously directing thoughts toward possibilities and solutions.  Dr. Simonds, as an expert neurosurgeon, also discusses how to deliver difficult news, while managing expectations.  He's had to do it so many times, with many patients and families. He explains how it's all about trust -- a delicate walk between honesty and compassion with empathy.  An expert on burnout and trauma, Dr. Simonds is the Founding Chief of Neurosurgery at the Carilion Clinic, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (retired) and the author of three non-fiction books. “Death's Pale Flag” is his first novel and his latest book. This is Part 1 of the interview. Info: GaryRSimonds.com.  

In this week's episode of How Yoga Changed My Life, Adrienne shares how a simple mistake—forgetting to set her alarm—became a powerful metaphor for waking up to life's deeper lessons.Adrienne opens up about her husband Brian's ongoing journey with a recurring pituitary adenoma—a reminder that life can shift in an instant. Recently, they found out that Brian's pituitary adenoma returned and now uncertainty and stress begin to shadow their everyday lives. Amid hospital visits, waiting, and worry, Adrienne discovered that her yoga practice wasn't just something she taught—it was what carried her through.Through breath, stillness, and self-awareness, Adrienne is finding a way to stay grounded when everything around her feels unstable. She reflects on how yoga helped her meet fear with compassion, hold space for both strength and softness, and remember that awakening doesn't always come from grand moments—it can come from something as ordinary as forgetting to set an alarm.She shares what it's like to face the unknown, navigate fear and stress, and hold space for both strength and vulnerability. From the mat to the moments between hospital visits, she reveals the grounding practices and mindset shifts that continue to anchor her when everything feels out of control.This episode is a raw look at how life's interruptions can become invitations to pause, breathe, and truly wake up, and the power of yoga to guide us—especially when life feels anything but certain.Send us a textWanna be on the show? Click here to fill out our guest info form or drop us a email at yogachanged@gmail.comFollow us on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@yogachangedFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/yogachanged/For more, go to https://howyogachangedmylife.comThe theme music for this episode, “Cenote Angelita”, was written and produced by Mar Abajo Rio AKA MAR Yoga Music. Dive deeper into this and other original yoga-inspired compositions by visiting bio.site/mcrworks. For the latest updates on upcoming events featuring his live music for yoga and meditation, be sure to follow @maryogamusic on Instagram.

At age 70, after a long career as a neurosurgeon and best-selling author, the tables were turned on Dr. Henry Marsh. Diagnosed with cancer, and facing his own mortality, Marsh offers a humble and honest look at what it was like when a prominent doctor becomes a patient; just as scared and dependent as anyone of us would be dealing with a terrible diagnosis, with regrets, fears, and feelings of helplessness.   In his latest book chronicling his experience, Marsh shares some valuable lessons that he learned from both sides of the Doctor/Patient relationship.  For more information, transcripts, and all episodes, please visit https://thisisyourbrain.com  For more about Weill Cornell Medicine Neurological Surgery, please visit https://neurosurgery.weillcornell.org 

Michael Liu is a resident physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Stephen Morrissey, the interviewer, is the Executive Managing Editor of the Journal. M. Liu, K.T. Kadakia, and R.K. Wadhera. Proliferation of Prior Authorization in Traditional Medicare — None the WISeR? N Engl J Med 2025;393:1457-1459.

A conversation with Dr. Sander Connolly, recorded live at the Brainwaves conference at Columbia University

Contributor: Alec Coston, MD Case Report Summary: A 17-year-old female involved in a motor vehicle collision presented to a rural emergency facility via personally operated vehicle. During workup and initial CT scan, the patient began rapidly decompensating with CT revealing a 1.5cm epidural hematoma with 7mm of midline shift. The patient went from being able to walk and talk to being obtunded with a blown left pupil and unresponsive. Following intubation, the patient was being prepared for transport but potential delays required immediate emergency evacuation of the hematoma via a Burr Hole. A traditional Burr Drill was not immediately available at the facility, so an improvised Burr Drill using an Intraosseous (IO) drill was used. 35mL of blood was removed from the hematoma and the patient immediately improved from a GCS of 3 to GCS of 8. The patient was transferred to a higher level of care facility, extubated the following day, and made a full neurological recovery.  Educational Pearls: What is an epidural hematoma? An epidural hematoma is a collection of blood between the dura mater (outermost layer of the meninges) and the skull, whereas a subdural hematoma is a collection of blood between the dura mater and arachnoid mater. Both can be life threatening depending on location and size. Epidural hematomas tend to be arterial, and are typically secondary to trauma and can rapidly expand, but with timely recognition and evacuation of the bleed, favorable outcomes are often possible. What are typical intracranial pressures and at what levels do they become pathologic? Typical intracranial pressure (ICP) varies by age, but past infancy and early childhood, adolescents and adults have a value typically between 8-15mmHg. Values exceeding 20mmHg become pathologic and rise exponentially with increased volume. Initial symptoms may include headache, nausea, and vomiting, but with increased pressures may progress to more life threatening symptoms such as loss of consciousness, cranial nerve palsies, pupillary constriction or dilation (sign of herniation), and respiratory irregularities. What is the takeaway in timing of epidural hematomas? Older studies show that evacuation of a hematoma with lateralizing features before the two hour mark of coma symptom onset is correlated with decreased mortality (ranging from 15-17%), but beyond 2 hours the mortality increases to well over 50%. Though mortality statistics have grown more variable, early targeted evacuation of epidural hematomas still remains critical for improved patient outcomes. In austere conditions with limited resources, improvisation with interosseous drills and needles can improve patient outcomes and achieve the target therapy for epidural hematomas. References Haselsberger K, Pucher R, Auer LM. Prognosis after acute subdural or epidural haemorrhage. Acta Neurochir (Wien). 1988;90(3-4):111-116. doi:10.1007/BF01560563 Hawryluk GWJ, Nielson JL, Huie JR, et al. Analysis of Normal High-Frequency Intracranial Pressure Values and Treatment Threshold in Neurocritical Care Patients: Insights into Normal Values and a Potential Treatment Threshold. JAMA Neurol. 2020;77(9):1150-1158. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2020.1310 Pisică D, Volovici V, Yue JK, et al. Clinical and Imaging Characteristics, Care Pathways, and Outcomes of Traumatic Epidural Hematomas: A Collaborative European NeuroTrauma Effectiveness Research in Traumatic Brain Injury Study. Neurosurgery. 2024;95(5):986-999. doi:10.1227/neu.0000000000002982 Summarized by Dan Orbidan, OMS2 | Edited by Dan Orbidan and Jorge Chalit, OMS4 Donate: https://emergencymedicalminute.org/donate/

View the Show Notes Page for This Episode Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content Sign Up to Receive Peter's Weekly Newsletter Edward Chang is a neurosurgeon, scientist, and a pioneering leader in functional neurosurgery and brain-computer interface technology, whose work spans the operating room, the research lab, and the engineering bench to restore speech and movement for patients who have lost these capabilities. In this episode, Edward explains the evolution of modern neurosurgery and its dramatic reduction in collateral damage, the experience of awake brain surgery, real-time mapping to protect critical functions, and the split-second decisions surgeons make. He also discusses breakthroughs in brain-computer interfaces and functional electrical stimulation systems, strategies for improving outcomes in glioblastoma, and his vision for slimmer, safer implants that could turn devastating conditions like ALS, spinal cord injury, and aggressive brain tumors into more manageable chronic illnesses. We discuss: The evolution of neurosurgery and the shift toward minimally invasive techniques [2:30]; Glioblastomas: biology, current treatments, and emerging strategies to overcome its challenges [10:45]; How brain mapping has advanced from preserving function during surgery to revealing how neurons encode language and cognition [16:30]; How awake brain surgery is performed [22:00]; How brain redundancy and plasticity allow some regions to be safely resected, the role of the corpus callosum in epilepsy surgery, and the clinical and philosophical implications of disconnecting the hemispheres [26:15]; How neural engineering may restore lost functions in neurodegenerative disease, how thought mapping varies across individuals, and how sensory decline contributes to cognitive aging [39:15]; Brain–computer interfaces explained: EEG vs. ECoG vs. single-cell electrodes and their trade-offs [48:30]; Edward's clinical trial using ECoG to restore speech to a stroke patient [1:01:00]; How a stroke patient regained speech through brain–computer interfaces: training, AI decoding, and the path to scalable technology [1:10:45]; Using brain-computer interfaces to restore breathing, movement, and broader function in ALS patients [1:28:15]; The 2030 outlook for brain–computer interfaces [1:34:00]; The potential of stem cell and cell-based therapies for regenerating lost brain function [1:38:00]; Edward's vision for how neurosurgery and treatments for glioblastoma, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease may evolve by 2040 [1:42:15]; The rare but dangerous risk of vertebral artery dissections from chiropractic neck adjustments and high-velocity movements [1:44:45]; How Harvey Cushing might view modern neurosurgery, and how the field has shifted from damage avoidance to unlocking the brain's functions [1:46:15]; and More. Connect With Peter on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube