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In this podcast episode, I explore the plight and peril of idiopathic intracranial hypertension, one of the most challenging neurological disorders. I explore the transformations in the terminologies of the disease, its risk factors and clinical features, its diverse clinical and radiological signs, and its often frustratingly unsatisfactory treatments. I use as a guide such enlightening memoirs of IIH, such as those of Bridgette Finley titled 'Hank in My Head'; of Elise Goetzinger titled 'Pincushion'; and of Pebbles Wireman tilted 'Finding Faith in the Storms'. For the historical account of the history of our understanding of IIH, I relied on Christopher Blessings' account titled 'The Pressure Within'.

In this episode I explore the anatomy and function of ten critical areas of the brain that are located deep in an organ known for its mystery.

In this short podcast episode I run through 10 enlightening neurology podcasts which I think everyone should follow

In this ultrashort episode, I run through the 10 books that I relied on in my training to become a neurologist. Check them out!

In this episode I am joined by Prof Susan Perlman, clinical Professor of Neurology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, to explore the diverse facets of the debilitating movement disorder known as ataxia. Susan is the author of 'Evaluation and Management of Ataxic Disorders. An Overview for Physicians'. Susan discussed the definition and clinical manifestations of ataxia, and she explored the diverse genetic and acquired causes of the disorder. She dwelled just as much on such genetic disorders as Friedreich's ataxia, spinocerebeller ataxia, and FXTAS, and the acquired causes such as anti GAD antibody disease and multiple system atrophy. The discussion also covered how to tease apart the four main types of impaired balance - cerebellar, vestibular, proprioceptive, and visual, and the seven major ataxia phenotypes; the clues to the genetic and acquired ataxias; the unreliability of the family history, and the genetic testing of adult onset ataxias, and the prospects of symptomatic and disease modifying treatments for ataxia. Susan Perlman is the Director, Neurogenetics Clinical Trials Program; Director of the HDSA Huntington’s Disease Center of Excellence at UCLA; and Director, Ataxia Center, Department of Neurology, UCLA School of Medicine.

In this episode, I explore the clinical and lived experiences of ataxia, the precarious movement disorder that manifests with incoordination, poor balance and falls. I review the various genetic forms of ataxia, from the familiar Friedreich's ataxia, too the less known DRPLA. I also explore the acquired forms of the disorder. I use as guide such enlightening memoirs as 'Ataxia' by Sara McArthur, 'Finding Level Ground' by Deborah Levi, 'A Girl on Wheels' by Alicia Weston, and 'A Family Disease' by Dana Lorene Creighton.

In this short episode I will count down 10 things to understand about the enigmatic infection known as rabies, from its transmission and pathology, to its clinical manifestations and treatment.

I am joined in this episode by Pulitzer Prize winner Katherine Ellison to discuss her family experience of ADHD as she narrated in her enlightening memoir titled 'Buzz: A Year of Paying Attention'. The podcast explored her fractious relationship with Buzz, her son whose eventual diagnosis with ADHD led to her own diagnosis of the same condition. Katherine chronicled how ADHD blighted Buzz'z life and education and the journeys they both tool to their diagnosis, and how treatment impacted Buzz. She also traced her heritage with a fascinating account of ADHD in her ancestors, the impact of ADHD on her career choice, and the lessons she derived from her experience. Katherine started her career as a reporter for The San Jose Mercury News and went on to work for the next 13 years as a foreign correspondent covering Latin America for Knight Ridder Newspapers. She now consults for non-profits, does podcasts about ADHD, and freelances for media. She is the author and co-author of 12 non-fiction books, including 'The Mommy Brain' and 'Mothers & Murderers'.

In this episode I explore ADHD, the condition that disrupts lives, perturbs relationships, and hinders personal and professional attainments. I review the manifestations of ADHD in children and adults, and its presentation in men and women. I also discuss its frequent co-morbidities that muddy the diagnostic process. To illustrate the lived experience of ADHD, I deploy such insightful memoirs as 'The Boy from Hell' by Alison Thompson, 'Chasing Kites' by Tom Nardone, 'Desperately Seeking Novelty' by Sandra Arnau-Dewar and 'I'll Just Be Five More Minutes' by Emily Farris. For the academic dimensions of ADHD, I cited the classic works 'Driven to Distraction' by of Edward Hallowell and John Ratey, and 'ADHD: A Hunter in a Farmer's World' by Thom Hartmann.

In this short podcast episode I count down 10 prominent non-motor features of Parkinson's disease, ranging from the eyes to the gut.

In this episode I am in conversation with life coach Tom Seaman who narrated his harrowing story of dystonia in his book titled 'Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey'. The discussion covered the onset and progression of Tom's dystonia, and the impact it had on his personal and professional lives. Tom also described how he fell into the throes of despair, and the turning point that enabled him to get his life back on course. We also discussed the treatments that Tom found helpful, the effects of alcohol on his symptoms, and the coping strategies he deployed. Tom is a certified health and wellness Professional Life Coach who helps people with chronic conditions manage their physical, emotional, social, and vocational challenges. He is also a motivational speaker and chronic pain and dystonia awareness advocate.

This podcast episode addresses the complex and confounding movement disorder that is dystonia. I cover the acquired forms of dystonia such as those that arise from head injury, and genetic forms including Wilson's disease and the DYT disorders. The podcast also explores the clinical manifestations, the complications, the co-morbidities and the drug and non-drug treatments of dystonia. To illustrate the diverse facets of dystonia, I deployed descriptive patient memoirs such as 'Unstuck' by Abigail Brown , 'Conquering Dystonia' by SE Aho, 'The Day My Hand Stopped Playing' by Coralie Cousin, and 'Twisted Fate' by Brenda Currey Lewis.

In this short episode I run down 10 major consequences of alcohol on the nervous system. These range from the common problem intoxication to the rare cerebellar cognitive affective disorder.

In this episode I am in conversation with Lukas Klesssig who narrated the story of his father in the uniquely authored memoir Words with My Father which is a composite of his father's narrative and his own perspective of bipolar disorder. Our discussion covered the manifestation of his father's illness from its earliest manifestations, its disruption to his life and relationships, and how it influenced his outlook on life. Most instructive is how he organised his lifestyle and limited his life options to maintain the fine balance between maintaining his health and raising a family. Lukas studied history, Spanish and international relations at UW-Madison and Florida International University (FIU). But long before then he was an Eagle Scout at 16 and he transferred those skills to jobs keeping violent kids safe, handing out menus in business parks, arranging luxury travel and consulting on client marketing for global brands. Lukas is a proponent of mental health advocacy, animal welfare, outdoor living and physical activity. His routine includes too much ice cream, bug spray and bushwhacking, too many economics podcasts, worn-out shoes and anti-balding efforts.

This podcast episode explores bipolar disorder, the intriguing phenomenon whereby moods fluctuate erratically and unpredictably. The podcast explores the diverse facets of what used to be called manic depressive illness, from its causes and manifestations to the wider disruptions it imposes on the individual and society. To illustrate the lived experience of bipolar disorder, I cite such fascinating memoirs as The Unquiet MInd by Kay Redfern Jamison, Bipolar. A Gift of Thorns by Dale Zurawski, Living at The Speed of Light by Katie Conibear and Madness: A Bipolar Life by Marya Hornbacher. I also explore the history of bipolar disorder with the helpful books of Lauren Slater titled 'The Drugs that Changed Our Minds, and of Eric Kandel titled 'The Disordered Mind'.