ANA Investigates: Recent Episodes
American Neurological Association
At a time when support for basic and translational science needs a strong voice and the burden of neurological disease is growing, the ANA is the champion of neurological research and the ally of all physicians and scientists who strive to make a difference through careers that combine discovery, education, and clinical care.
From advances in stroke and dementia to movement disorders and epilepsy, the American Neurological Association has been at the forefront of research and practice since 1875 as the premier professional society of academic neurologists and neuroscientists devoted to understanding and treating diseases of the nervous system.
In this episode, we are discussing one of the most rapidly evolving areas in acute stroke care, mechanical thrombectomy for medium vessel occlusions, or MEVO. While thrombectomy is well established for large vessel occlusions, whether patients with smaller, more distal occlusions benefit has remained an important unanswered question. In the recent years, several landmark trials have evaluated endovascular treatment for MEVO with differing results, some suggesting benefits while others suggesting no benefit. Together, these studies have shifted the conversation from whether thrombectomy should be performed to which patients are most likely to benefit. To discuss how these findings are reshaping clinical practice and the future of thrombectomy stroke trials, we spoke with Dr. Mayank Goyal, professor of radiology and clinical neurosciences at the University of Calgary. He was interviewed by Dr. Omar Al-Janabi, a stroke neurologist at Baptist Health.
Disclosures: Dr. Goyal discloses consulting fees from Medtronic, Penumbra, Jacob's Institute, Silvercreek Pharma, Microvention, and grant funding from Medtronic and Cerenovus
In this episode, we'll discuss pediatric epilepsy surgery. Pediatric epilepsy surgery has undergone a remarkable evolution, moving from a treatment of last resort to a critical option for children with drug-resistant epilepsies. Yet major barriers remain, including delayed referrals, fear of brain surgery, and uncertainty around risks and benefits. At the same time, advances in imaging, genetics, and neuromodulation are shaping the utility of epilepsy surgery. For an update in pediatric epilepsy surgery, we spoke with Dr. Ahsan Moosa Naduvil Valappil, a pediatric epileptologist and an associate professor of neurology at the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Moosa is internationally recognized for his work in pediatric epilepsy surgery and complex hemispheric epilepsy syndromes. Dr. Moosa and his colleagues at Cleveland Clinic have helped advance our understanding of how surgical interventions can improve outcomes for children with epilepsy. Dr. Moosa was interviewed by Dr. Howard Goodkin, the Shure Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics at the University of Virginia.
Disclosures: None
In this episode, we will focus on the latest in the research on ALS. ALS remains a devastating disease, but the field is now at an inflection point with a growing pipeline of precision therapies, trial-ready sites, and a new generation of clinician scientists - yet barriers persist. There is disease heterogeneity, limited trial access for patients, and rising development costs. For an update on ALS clinical trials and the Healey ALS MyMatch program, a centralized platform that matches participants to trials, we spoke with Dr. Suma Babu. Dr. Suma Babu is an associate professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and co-director of the Neurological Clinical Research Institute at Mass General Brigham. She was interviewed by Dr. Ryan Jacobson, an associate professor of neurology at Rush University.
Disclosure: This episode does not award CME.
ANA Investigates is the official podcast of the American Neurological Association, featuring conversations that highlight the latest discoveries, controversies, and trends in academic neurology. After the successful release of over 80 podcast episodes, In today's episode, we'll explore the creation and evolution of the ANA Investigates podcast since its launch in September 2019. We have the privilege of hosting four legends who were instrumental in bringing this podcast to life.
First, Dr. Adeline Goss, Assistant Professor at Highland Hospital in Oakland, California, whose background as a radio host uniquely positioned her to serve as ANA investigates Executive Producer for six years.
We are also joined by Dr. Megan Richie, Associate Professor at UCSF, and Dr. Romer Geocadin, Professor at Johns Hopkins—both of whom played central roles in shaping the podcast from its earliest days through its evolution.
Finally, we're joined by Jennifer Hurley, Education and Accreditation Manager for the American Neurological Association, who has been integral to the editing, production, and sustained success of every single episode.
Disclosures: This episode does not award CME credit.
The diagnosis and management of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is evolving. However, skepticism about this diagnosis persists among neurologists based upon lack of disease specific pathology, overlap with other neurodegenerative processes, and a lack of uniform diagnostic criteria. Also, prior reports of minimal or transient improvement after treatment with an invasive procedure and lack of high-quality studies has concerned some neurologists. We are joined by 2 experts in the field of movement disorders and CSF flow – Dr. Alberto Espay and Dr. Michael Williams – to discuss advances in our understanding of idiopathic NPH, the PENS trial, and evidence still needed to convince neurologists that NPH is clinical syndrome that warrants timely evaluation and treatment.
- Guest(s): Dr. Alberto Espay, Professor of Neurology at the University of Cincinnati; Dr. Michael Williams, Professor Neurology and Neurological Surgery at the University of Washington
- Interviewer: Dr. Kara Wyant, Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology at the University of Michigan
- Disclosures:
- Dr. Espay: Consultancies & Scientific Advisory Boards Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America (formerly, Neuroderm), Amneal, Acorda, Abbvie, Bial, Supernus (formerly, USWorldMeds), NeuroDiagnostics, Inc (SYNAPS Dx), Intrance Medical Systems, Inc., Merz, Praxis Precision Medicines, Citrus Health, and Herantis Pharma.
- Dr. Williams: I am a paid consultant to Aesculap regarding devices to treat hydrocephalus
- Dr. Wyant: Biovie - consulting, (NEW 8/2025) ongoing, UCB Pharma - research support, ended 6/2025, PhotoPharmics - research support, ongoing
Last year, the FDA approved adaptive deep brain stimulation for the treatment of people with Parkinson's disease. This is a major step forward in neurology. It allows personalized therapy by adjusting deep brain stimulation settings in real-time based on an individual's brain signals.
Our guest on this episode is Dr. Helen Bronte-Stewart, the John E. Cahill Family Professor of Neurology and Director of the Human Motor Control and Neuromodulation Lab at Stanford University. Dr. Bronte-Stewart was interviewed by Dr. Karlo Lizarraga, Associate Professor of Neurology and Director of the Motor Physiology and Neuromodulation program at the University of Rochester.
Disclosures: Dr. Bronte-Stewart disclosed equity in QDG Health. Dr. Lizarraga disclosed FHC: Consulting (Course Instructor), BlueRock: Research support.
In this episode, we'll focus on new onset refractory status epilepticus or NORSE, and its closely related presentation, febrile and infection related epilepsy syndrome, known as FIRES. NORSE and FIRES are clinical presentations where the evidence is limited, stakes are high, and treatment often has to begin before the diagnosis is clear. They also raise broader questions about how neurology can respond to rare but catastrophic illness, including how patients, families and researchers can work together to move the field forward. For an update on NORSE and FIRES, we spoke with Dr. Howard Goodkin and Dr. Larry Hirsch. Dr. Goodkin is the Shure professor of neurology and pediatrics at University of Virginia. Dr. Larry Hirsch is a professor of neurology at Yale University. They were interviewed by Dr. Ifrah Zawar, assistant professor of neurology at the University of Virginia.
Disclosures: Dr. Hirsch has received consultation fees for advising from Ceribell, Natus, & UCB and honoraria for speaking/training from Neuropace & Natus.
In this episode, we'll explore emerging strategies to enhance recovery after stroke. Stroke rehabilitation has long relied on physical, occupational, and speech therapy, but advances in neuroscience are opening new opportunities to directly modulate brain networks, promote plasticity, and hopefully help patients regain function. Dr. Sean Dukelow's work focuses on neurorehabilitation and the mechanisms of recovery after stroke. He's a professor and head of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Calgary. Dr. Dukelow was interviewed by Dr. Cheran Elangovan, vascular neurologist at University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Series 7, Episode 3
Disclosures: Dr. Dukelow serves on the advisory board for Merz and Ipsen, provides consultation for AbbVie, receives speaker fees from Merz
Today, we'll talk with one of the true giants of stroke neurology - Dr. Louis Caplan, Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School and Senior Neurologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. For decades, Dr. Caplan has shaped how we think about stroke. He's authored an enormous body of work -- landmark papers, books, and clinical descriptions that have changed how neurologists around the world recognize and classify strokes.
But today, rather than revisiting the past, we'll ask how he sees the future - of stroke, clinical reasoning in an era of AI, and of medicine itself. Dr. Caplan was interviewed by Dr. Sarah Nelson, neurointensivist and Assistant Professor of Neurology at Tufts Medical Center. Series 7, Episode 2
Disclosures: None
This is episode, we'll look at a national effort to advance clinical research and patient care through artificial intelligence. AI depends on data that are large, diverse, and well-labeled -- in contrast, most clinical data are siloed, inconsistent, and biased toward certain populations. The CHoRUS Network, part of the NIH's Bridge2AI consortium, is standardizing and harmonizing data from many hospitals so they can actually be used for training machine-learning models. Dr. Eric Rosenthal is Contact PI for the CHoRUS Network, Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, and an epileptologist, clinical neurophysiologist, and neurointensivist at Mass General Brigham. He was interviewed about CHoRUS by Dr. Masoom Desai, neurointensivist at the University of New Mexico and site PI for the CHoRUS Network. Series 7, Episode 1
Disclosures: Dr. Desai disclosed: PI- MAPS-ABI locally funded by CBRR, UNMHSC, Site PI for RAISE, RESET, SAFER-EEG, KeSETT, SHINKEI-TBI trials, Site PI for CHoRUS, Bridge2AI, Site co-PI for ICECAP and Post-ICECAP. Dr. Rosenthal disclosed: Committee service on Bridge to AI and the Curing Coma Campaign
The American Neurological Association’s 150th Annual Meeting held in Baltimore September 13-16, 2025 was a milestone meeting celebrating 150 years of progress, discovery, advances in science, and the remarkable work of academic neurologists and neuroscientists over the past century and a half. The meeting—ANA2025—featured outstanding plenary sessions, professional development workshops, interactive lunch workshops, special interest groups, cross-cutting special interest groups, the celebrated poster hall, satellite symposia, and several opportunities to network and connect with colleagues and friends.
Dr. Michelle Johansen of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, immediate past chair of the ANA Education Innovation Committee, engaged with meeting attendees to learn more about their experience at ANA2025 and what they think about the ANA. Listen in as meeting attendees share their insights, meeting highlights, and enthusiasm for the ANA during Dr. Johansen’s boots on the ground interactions with them. From the Presidential Symposium to the closing sessions, learn about ANA2025, the science and research shared, and the reactions of those who were in Baltimore to experience it.
Tune into the latest podcast from the American Neurological Association (ANA), ANA Investigates: 75 Years of NINDS. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)—an opportunity to reflect on the institute’s past achievements and look ahead to the future of neurological research.
This month, ANA Investigates welcomes Dr. Walter Koroshetz, Director of NINDS, in conversation with Dr. Adeline Goss, Neurohospitalist at Highland Hospital. Dr. Koroshetz joined the institute in 2007 as Deputy Director and became Director in 2015. Before joining the NINDS, he served as Vice Chair of Neurology, Director of Stroke and Neurointensive Care Services at Massachusetts General Hospital, and neurologist in the MGH Huntington’s Disease Clinic.
Tune in as they discuss highlights from the NINDS’s 75-year history and explore what lies ahead for neurological research and innovation.
- Guest: Walter J. Koroshetz, MD, FANA Director National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- Interviewer: Adeline Goss, MD Neurohospitalist Highland Hospital
- Disclosures: None
Today we’ll focus on a major shift in the treatment of myasthenia gravis -- as a wave of new therapies is changing how we treat this disease. Who should be considered for these new treatments? And what else is in the pipeline?
Our guest today is Dr. Gil Wolfe, a neuromuscular neurologist at the University of Buffalo State University of New York, Jacob School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Dr. Wolfe was interviewed by Dr. Ioannis Karakis, adjunct professor of neurology at Emory University School of Medicine.
References:
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-79918-7
Disclosures: Dr. Wolfe discloses: Consultant for: Alexion, Argenx, BPL, Cartesian, Canopy, Grifols, Johnson & Johnson, Takeda, UCB; Speaker Bureau for: Grifols, Alexion, UCB; Grant/Research support from: ArgenX, Ra/UCB, Immunovant, Roche, Alexion, Sanofi
Climate change is no longer a distant worry—it’s showing up in neurology clinics across the US, from Lyme meningitis in the Midwest to worsening migraines during heat waves, climate-linked and vector-borne neurological conditions are entering the differential.
Our guests today are two experts on climate change and neurological health: Dr. Beth Malow, Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and Dr. Monica Diaz, Assistant Professor of Neurology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. They’ll explore the clinical impact of climate change on neurology, and how neurologists can adapt through patient care, advocacy, and research.
Drs. Malow and Diaz were interviewed by Dr. Sara Stern-Nezer, Associate Professor of Neurology at the University of California, Irvine.
- Interviewer: Dr. Sara Stern-Nezer, Associate Professor of Neurology at the University of California, Irvine
- Guests: Dr. Beth Ann Malow, Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and Dr. Monica Diaz, Assistant Professor of Neurology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Disclosure: Dr. Malow serves as a consultant for Neurim Pharmaceuticals.
- Resources: Neurologists Interested in Climate and Health (NICHE)
- Climate Change and Brain Health: What Do We Know and What Can We Do? http://nichebrainhealth.com/what-we-can-do/
Restless leg syndrome is a common movement and sleep disorder affecting 2-3% of the population. Certain neurologic disorders are associated with a higher incidence, and neuropsychiatric medications prescribed by neurologists and psychiatrists often exacerbate these symptoms. In January, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine published updated guidelines for the evaluation and treatment of RLS. The recommendations shifted from recommending the use of dopamine agonists, to prioritizing iron evaluation and supplementation, alpha-2-delta ligands (gabapentin, gabapentin enacarbil, pregabalin), and recommending against the long-term use of dopamine agonists. The guidelines also recommend opiates for moderate-severe medication refractory RLS. Dr. Winkleman is a Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and chief of the Sleep Disorders Clinical Research Program in the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is the first-author on the new guidelines, and is here to discuss these changes and what is needed to effectively change practice. He is interviewed by Dr. Kara Wyant, Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School. RLS Curbside
Look around you right now and think for a minute about all of the things you’re exposed to: the coffee you’re drinking, the mug holding the coffee you’re drinking, the soap that mug was washed in, the sleep you got last night -- or didn’t get. All of this is part of what we now call your exposome. And as we’re learning, the neural exposome influences our risk of developing a range of neurologic diseases.
Our guest today is Dr. Eva Feldman, the James W Albers Distinguished University Professor and the Russell N. De Young professor of neurology and neurosurgery at the University of Michigan. She’ll talk to us about research on the neural exposome in neurodegenerative disease -- and what we should be telling patients and policymakers about this research. Dr. Feldman was interviewed by Dr. Vinita Acharya, Professor of Neurology and Distinguished Educator at Penn State College of Medicine.
- Guest: Dr. Eva Feldman, the James W Albers Distinguished University Professor and the Russell N. De Young professor of neurology and neurosurgery at the University of Michigan - https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/mni/eva-feldman-md-phd
- Interviewer: Dr. Vinita Acharya, Professor of Neurology and Distinguished Educator at Penn State College of Medicine
- Disclosures: None
Neurologists bring an important perspective to health policy. But few have formal training in how to advocate for patients at a state or national level. Our guest today, Dr. Kara Stavros, is an associate professor of neurology at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and the President of the Rhode Island Medical Society. She’s also a self-described advocate, who’s found a number of ways to speak up for her patients and influence health policy. Dr. Stavros spoke about her path to advocacy with Dr. Sarah Nelson, Assistant Professor of Neurology at Tufts Medical Center.
- Guest: Dr. Kara Stavros, associate professor of neurology at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and the President of the Rhode Island Medical Society
- Interviewer: Dr. Sarah Nelson, Assistant Professor of Neurology at Tufts Medical Center
- Disclosures: None
Parkinson’s Disease has long been a clinical diagnosis. But recently, there have been proposals to redefine the disease based on biomarkers of alpha-synucleinopathy and dopaminergic dysfunction. A similar shift has already occurred in Alzheimer disease, with the “amyloid, tau, and neurodegeneration,” or ATN, classification system.
Our guest today, Michael Okun, is is Professor of Neurology and Director of the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at the University of Florida and medical advisor for the Parkinson's Foundation. He co-authored an op-ed in JAMA last summer in JAMA arguing that there would be benefits to a biological definition of Parkinson’s - but there would also be risks. He’ll unpack both sides of this debate today with Dr. Christine Doss Esper, Associate Professor of Neurology at Emory University. Series 6, Episode 5
Featuring:
- Guest: Dr. Michael Okun, is Professor of Neurology and Director of the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at the University of Florida and medical advisor for the Parkinson's Foundation
- Interviewer: Dr. Christine Doss Esper, Associate Professor of Neurology at Emory University
- Disclosures: None
We all know that atrial fibrillation is associated with increased risk of stroke. But new research suggests that how we define afib -- and the timing and duration of the arrhythmia -- may be important for how we manage it in stroke patients. Luciano Sposato is a Professor of Neurology and Head of the Stroke Program at Western University in Ontario. He’ll talk to Christoph Stretz, vascular neurologist at Brown University, about the latest research into afib and aflutter after stroke -- and how this research might impact current clinical practice. Series 6, Episode 4
Featuring: Guest: Dr. Luciano Sposato, Professor of Neurology and Head of the Stroke Program at Western University in Ontario & Interviewer: Christoph Stretz, vascular neurologist at Brown University
Disclosures: Dr. Sposato disclosed consulting fees and honoraria from Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Pfizer, Gore, Astrazeneca, and Simcere.
Dementia is a global issue, with two-thirds of people with dementia living in low- and middle- income countries. Despite this, dementia research continues to focus on patients in high-income countries. Our guest on this episode, Dr. Riadh Gouider, is working to correct this imbalance. Dr. Gouider is the Head of the Department of Neurology and the Alzheimer Center at Razi Hospital in Tunisia and an advisor on the latest WHO Global Action Plan on the public health response to dementia. He spoke with Dr. Jayant Acharya, Professor and Chair of Neurology at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine -- about challenges, and opportunities, for dementia research across the globe. Series 6, Episode 3
Featuring: Dr. Riadh Gouider, Head of the Department of Neurology and the Alzheimer Center at Razi Hospital in Tunisia & Dr. Jayant Acharya, Professor and Chair of Neurology at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.
- Disclosures: None
Below are the links to the publications discussed during this episode.
- Lancet Commission on Dementia: https://www.thelancet.com/commissions/dementia-prevention-intervention-care
- WHO Global Action Plan on Dementia: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/global-action-plan-on-the-public-health-response-to-dementia-2017---2025
It used to be that surgery for medically refractory epilepsy was big, open and invasive, a treatment of last resort. The landscape has changed in recent decades, with more and more minimally invasive surgical approaches being developed. So what does this mean for the average patient with medically refractory epilepsy? Our guest today is Dr. Jon Willie, Associate Professor, Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. He speaks with Dr. Ionnis Karakis, Epileptologist and Adjunct Professor of Neurology at Emory University, about the new landscape of epilepsy surgery. Series 6, Episode 2
Featuring:
- Guest: Jon T. Willie, MD, PhD, FAANS, Associate Professor, Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Interviewer: Ioannis Karakis, MD, PhD, MSc., Epileptologist and Adjunct Professor of Neurology at Emory University
Disclosures: Dr. Karakis disclosed that he is a consultant for USB, GSK, Ceribell, and Epitel. Dr. Willie disclosed Consulting for Clearpoint, Inc, AiM Medical Robotics, Inc., and Fortec Medical, Inc.; Contracted Research with Abbott, Inc., Neurona, Inc., and Neuropace, Inc.; and Honoraria from Medtronic, Inc.
Until recently, the Glymphatic System was a neglected corner of neuroscience. Now it’s increasingly clear that the brain’s system for the flow of fluid, nutrients, and waste plays an important role in sleep and brain disease. With glymphatics in the spotlight, researchers are coming up with innovative ways to study this slow, constant flow of cerebrospinal fluid throughout the brain. Dr. Daniel Claassen is a Professor of Neurology and Chief of the Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology Division at Vanderbilt University, who researches the glymphatic system in humans. He’ll talk about new directions in glymphatics research with Dr. Cheran Elangovan, a Vascular Neurologist at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Series 6, Episode 1
Featuring:
- Guest: Dr. Daniel Claassen is a Professor of Neurology and Chief of the Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology Division at Vanderbilt University
- Interviewer: Dr. Cheran Elangovan, a Vascular Neurologist at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center
- Disclosures: No relationships
Just last week, we wrapped up another exciting annual meeting of the American Neurological Association, ANA2024. Right before we packed up to head home, the President of the American Neurological Association, Dr. Betsy Ross, sat down with Dr. Allison Willis, the 2024 chair of the ANA’s Annual Meeting Programming Committee, to reflect on some of the highlights of this year's meeting. Series 5, Episode 12
Featuring:
- Guest: Dr. Allison Willis, the 2024 chair of the ANA’s Annual Meeting Programming Committee
- Interviewer: Dr. Betsy Ross, President of the American Neurological Association -
- Producer: Dr. Michelle Johansen, chair of the ANA's Education Innovation Committee
- Disclosures: None
Listen as Dr. Adeline Goss, Associate Chief of Neurology at Highland Hospital, discusses the groundbreaking potential of psychedelics in neurology with Dr. Steve Zeiler, a Vascular Neurologist and Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins, and Dr. Ghul Dölen, a Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at UC Berkeley. The conversation explores the newfound excitement surrounding psychedelics like MDMA, LSD, and psilocybin for treating mood disorders like depression and neurologic conditions such as stroke recovery. The experts also delve into research showing psychedelics' ability to reopen critical periods in the brain, potentially revolutionizing therapeutic approaches for a range of neurologic and psychiatric conditions. Series 5, Episode 11
Featuring:
- Guests: Dr. Steve Zeiler, a Vascular Neurologist and Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins, and Dr. Ghul Dölen, a Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at UC Berkeley
- Interviewer: Dr. Adeline Goss, host & executive producer of ANA Investigates and Associate Chief of Neurology at Highland Hospital
- Disclosures: Dr. Dolen & Zeiler share a patent on their work in psychdelics and rehab. Dr. Zeiler also reports research funding from Harmon and EVER Pharma.
AI is everywhere, whether you are a fan of it or not. This month, join us for a deep dive into the AI revolution with our guest Dr. Ethan Mollick, professor at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and author of the New York Times bestseller, "Co-Intelligence." Discover how this AI revolution stands apart from past technological advancements and how it is transforming academic research. Ethan was interviewed for this episode by Dr. Zach London, an Associate Professor at the University of Michigan Medical School.
There has been tremendous progress in recent decades in the management of ischemic strokes. Meanwhile, hemorrhagic strokes have stubbornly resisted this progress. Interventions for these types of strokes have failed again and again to show a benefit over standard medical management, until this year. The recently published ENRICH trial is the first to show that minimally invasive neurosurgery may improve functional outcomes for patients with hemorrhagic stroke. Study lead author, Dr. Gustavo Pradilla joins us today to talk about the differences between ENRICH and previous negative trials, and future neurosurgical approaches for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. Dr. Pradilla is a Professor of Neurosurgery, Otolaryngology, and Head and Neck Surgery at Emory University School of Medicine and Chief of Neurosurgery at Grady Memorial Hospital. He spoke to Dr. Masoom J. Desai, neurointensivist and Assistant Professor of Neurology at the University of New Mexico. Series 5, Episode 9
Featuring:
- Guest: Dr. Gustavo Pradilla, Emory University School of Medicine & Grady Memorial Hospital
- Interviewer: Dr. Masoom Desai, University of New Mexico
2024 has been a year of exciting trials on minimally invasive techniques in intracranial hemorrhage. This month we're focusing on Chronic Subdural Hematoma, where a minimally invasive strategy called Middle Meningeal Artery (MMA) Embolization is offering expanded treatment options for select patients. Dr. Chris Kellner is a cerebrovascular neurosurgeon and associate professor of neurosurgery at Mount Sinai. He'll talk about the promise of MMA embolization with Dr. Sarah Nelson, neurointensivist and neurohospitalist at Tufts Medical Center. We'll have more on these trials on the podcast in our June episode as well, with a focus next month on Minimally Invasive Techniques in Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage. Series 5, Episode 8
Featuring:
- Guest: Dr. Chris Kellner, a cerebrovascular neurosurgeon from Mount Sinai
- Interviewer: Dr. Sarah Nelson, a neurointensivist and neurohospitalist at Tufts Medical Center
- Disclosures: Dr. Kellner is the PI for two studies discussed during the podcast funding was received from Medtronic and Cerenovus.
Football fans may remember in January 2023 when Damar Hamlin, a player for the Buffalo Bills, suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed on the field during a game on live television. He had a remarkable neurologic recovery, prompting us to focus our podcast that month on the need to avoid nihilism when we prognosticate after cardiac arrest. But what is the right balance between pessimism and optimism? Today, we'll hear from Dr. Karen Hirsch, neuro intensivist and associate professor of neurology at Stanford, about finding the Goldilocks zone in neuro prognostication after cardiac arrest. Dr. Hirsch was interviewed by Dr. Sarah Stern-Nezer, vascular neurologist and neuro intensivist at UC Irvine. Series 5, Episode 7
Featuring:
- Guest: Dr. Karen Hirsch, Stanford Health Care
- Interviewer: Dr. Sara Stern-Nezer, University of California, Irvine
- Disclosures: None
Glioblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor and one of the most aggressive solid tumors. Much progress has been made in the understanding and classification of gliomas, but progress in terms of prolonging survival has been limited. Several recent investigational therapies are bringing new hope. Our guest today is Dr. Eric Wong from Brown University. He is an international expert on advanced treatments for glioblastoma and a Professor of Medicine, Radiation Oncology, Neurosurgery, and Neurology at Brown University. He was interviewed by Dr. Christoph Stretz, a Vascular and Critical Care neurologist at Brown. Series 5, Episode 6
Featuring:
- Guest: Dr. Eric Wong, Brown University
- Interviewer: Dr. Christoph Stretz, Brown University
Brain death is one of the most controversial and ethically complex topics in neurology, but it's a regular part of our clinical practice. Late last year, a new set of guidelines was published that address some of the thorniest technical and ethical issues in the clinical determination of brain death. For this discussion, we are joined by Dr. Ariane Lewis, a professor in the departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, as well as the director of the Division of Neurocritical Care at NYU Langone Medical Center, and Dr. Matthew Kirschen, an assistant professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care at the hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. They were interviewed by Dr. Masoom Desai of the University of New Mexico. Series 5, Episode 5
Featuring:
- Guests: Dr. Ariane Lewis & Dr. Matthew Kirschen
- Interviewer: Dr. Masoom Desai
- Disclosures: None
Small fiber neuropathy is one of those conditions in neurology that can feel frustratingly intangible. Even for patients with severe neuropathic pain and autonomic symptoms, in about half of cases, the usual lab testing doesn't reveal a cause. There's increasing evidence that autoimmunity may be a factor in some of these cases of idiopathic small fiber neuropathy, but how to test and who to treat with immunosuppression is less clear. Our guest today, Anne Louise Oaklander, is an Associate Professor of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital and an Assistant in Neuropathology. She's known for her work on small fiber neuropathies and in this episode we'll talk about new autoantibodies associated with small fiber neuropathy and where we are in treating this challenging condition. Series 5, Episode 4
Featuring:
- Guest: Dr. Anne Louise Oaklander
- Interviewer: Dr. Adeline Goss
- Disclosures: None
The recent FDA approval of lecanemab, an amyloid-sequestering agent, has been hailed as a breakthrough in the treatment of Alzheimer disease. Critics of the drug have pointed to its cost, risks, and treatment burden. Now that lecanemab is being administered in clinics across the country - how is it changing the lives of people with Alzheimers and their families? Dr. Megan Richie, neurohospitalist at UCSF, spoke to Dr. Seth A. Gale, Co-Director of the Brain Health Program and Assistant Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Gale has been involved in creating the clinical program that is delivering lecanemab to patients at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, with the first patients receiving the drug this month. Series 5, Episode 3
Featuring:
- Guest: Seth A. Gale, MD - Co-Director of the Brain Health Program, and Assistant Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School
- Interviewer: Megan Richie, MD - Neurohospitalist at UCSF and Chair of the ANA Education Innovation Committee
- Disclosures: Dr. Gale disclosed that he is a site Principal Investigator or Sub-Investigator (at Brigham and Women's Hospital) for several clinical trials in Alzheimer disease. Sponsors for those studies include Biogen, Eisai, Roche, Genentech, and Eli Lilly. I am on a scientific advisory board for MindAhead DE, with the opportunity for honoraria.
Chronic pain can be incredibly challenging -- for patients, of course, and also for their physicians. On this episode of ANA investigates, Dr. Adeline Goss talks to Dr. Prasad Shirvalkar of UCSF about a new possible strategy for treating chronic pain: deep brain stimulation. Series 5, Episode 2
Featuring:
- Guest: Dr. Prasad Shirvalkar of UCSF
- Interviewer: Dr. Adeline Goss
- Disclosures: Dr. Shirvalkar disclosed that Medtronic Inc, donated devices for research, but no direct financial support
The brain and its vasculature used to be considered separate domains. But in the last decade, we’ve learned more about the interplay between brain cells and vascular cells. Pathological studies are revealing a surprising degree of overlap between cerebrovascular disease and neurodegenerative disease. All of this has led to the coining of a new word: the neurovasculome. Our guest today is Dr. Eric Smith, an author of a recent scientific statement about the neurovasculome in the journal Stroke. Dr. Smith is a Professor of Neurology, Radiology, and Community Health Sciences at the University of Calgary, and the holder of the endowed Katthy Taylor Chair in Vascular Dementia. He was interviewed about the neurovasculome by Dr. Christoph Stretz, a Vascular and Critical Care neurologist at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Series 5, Episode 1
Featuring:
- Guest: Eric Edward Smith, MD, MPH, FRCPC, FAHA, University of Calgary
- Interviewer: Christoph Stretz, MD, Brown University
- Disclosures: Dr. Smith disclosed that he receives personal consulting fees from Alnylam Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly
As the ANA's 2023 Annual Meeting comes to a close, we wanted to catch up with Frances Jensen Chair of the Department of Neurology at University of Pennsylvania and outgoing President of the ANA, and Rebecca Gottesman, Stroke Branch Chief of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and outgoing Chair of the Annual Meeting Planning Committee. Listen as these two leaders chat about the cutting-edge research, exciting sessions, and broader themes that have defined this year's meeting in Philadelphia.
A growing body of research suggests that people with insomnia are at higher risk of stroke. Listen today as we dive into how sleep health, stroke, and the nervous system all have an affect on each other. Series 4, Episode 11 Featuring:
- Guest: Dr. .Sonja Schuetz, University of Michigan
- Interviewer: Dr. Joseph Carerra, University of Michigan
- Disclosures: Dr. Schuetz reports funding from contracts between University of Michigan and Oura Health Ltd., Huxley Medical Inc., and Apple Inc.
Lysosomal storage diseases are progressive, inherited disorders of metabolism, many with devastating effects on the nervous system. Some of these diseases, like Infantile-Onset Pompe disease, can be treated to some degree in childhood by giving back the missing enzyme - a strategy called enzyme replacement therapy, or ERT. But a recent study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine goes a step farther -- by giving enzyme replacement therapy to a fetus with Pompe disease, for the first time, in an attempt to treat the disease before it does any serious damage. The paper’s first author is Dr. Jennifer Cohen, a Pediatric Medical Genetics Physician-Scientist at Duke University Health System. During this episode, she’ll walk us through the potential benefits of in-utero enzyme replacement therapy and other cutting-edge approaches to treating genetic neurologic conditions. A relatively new field called fetal therapy. Dr. Cohen was interviewed by Dr. Adeline Goss, the host of ANA Investigates. Series 4, Episode 10
Featuring:
- Guest: Dr. Jennifer Cohen, Duke University Health System
- Interviewer: Dr. Adeline Goss, Highland Hospital
- Disclosures: Dr. Cohen is a consultant with Bayer.
A recent study in JAMA Neurology found an association between contaminated water at a military base in the 1970s-80s and the risk of Parkinson’s disease in military service members. What do we know about Parkinson’s and environmental toxins? Series 4, Episode 9
Featuring:
- Guest: Dr. Ray Dorsey, University of Rochester
- Interviewer: Dr. Sara Stern-Nezer, UC Irvine
- Disclosures: This episode does not award CME credit.
There are trillions of bacteria living inside each of our gastrointestinal tracts and there’s growing evidence that those bacteria communicate with the brain. Some researchers are even hopeful that drugs targeted at the gut microbiome could help treat diseases as diverse as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or autism. The nature of this so-called “gut-brain axis” -- the extent to which bacteria might actually shape brain function and disease -- is the topic of our show today. Dr. Sarkis Mazmanian is the Luis and Nelly Sooks Professor of Microbiology in the Division of Biology and Biological Engineering at Caltech. He’s the recipient of many awards, including a MacArthur Genius Grant, for his work on the gut microbiome axis. Series 4, Episode 8
Featuring:
- Guest: Dr. Sarkis Mazmanian, Caltech
- Interviewer: Dr. Adeline Goss, Highland Hospital
- Producer: Dr. Sara Stern-Nezer, UCI Health
- Disclosures: Dr. Mazmanian disclosed the following relationships related to this podcast topic: Axial Therapeutics: Board member and Consultant, Nuanced Health: Board member and Consultant, and Seed Health: Board member. This episode does not award CME credit.
Recently on the podcast we’ve been talking about neurotechnology -- devices that interface with the brain to treat disease, for example by restoring speech function in people with locked-in syndrome, or motor function in people with paralyzed limbs. But listen to the media, and you’ll also hear buzz about neurotechnology for healthy people... Series 4, Episode 7
Featuring:
- Guest: Philip Sabes, PhD, UCSF
- Interviewer: Rohini Samudralwar, MD, UPENN
- Disclosures: This episode is non-CME.
Among several highlights of the recent International Stroke Conference was new evidence supporting endovascular thrombectomy for patients with so-called “large core” ischemic strokes. In current practice, thrombectomy is considered for patients with occlusions of the internal carotid or middle cerebral artery who are less than 24 hours since the last known well and have a small “core” of ischemia on non-contrast head CT or CT or MR perfusion imaging -- in other words, there’s radiographic evidence that only a small core of the brain has suffered permanent injury and a larger penumbra of tissue can be saved. SELECT-2 is a multicenter randomized controlled trial that examined whether patients with LARGE cores of ischemic tissue could ALSO benefit from thrombectomy. On our show today we have SELECT-2 principal investigator Dr. AM-rou sou-RAJ, who is also Professor of Neurology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. He was interviewed by Dr. Michelle Johansen, vascular neurologist at Johns Hopkins University, about what the study results might mean for stroke care -- and stroke imaging -- going forward. Series 4, Episode 6. Featuring:
- Guest: Amrou Sarraj, MD FAHA, Professor of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, George M. Humphrey II Endowed Chair, University Hospitals Neurological Institute, Director, Comprehensive Stroke Center and Stroke Systems, University Hospitals
- Interviewer: Dr. Michelle Johansen, Johns Hopkins Medicine
- Producer: Dr. Joseph Carrera, University of Michigan
Disclosures: Dr. Sarraj discloses the following relationships: SELECT2 principal investigator - funded by Stryker Neurovascular with research grant to University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and UT McGovern Medical School SELECT principal investigator - funded by Stryker Neurovascular with research grant to UT McGovern Medical School Member, Speaker bureau and advisory board - Stryker Neurovascular Provided advisory services to AstraZeneca, Genentech and Lumosa Theraputics
Concussion, or mild acute traumatic brain injury, is incredibly common -- 1 in 5 of adolescents report having suffered a concussion at some point in their lifetime (JAMA. 2021;325(17):1789-1791)... and an estimated 1 in 5 players of contact sports suffer a concussion each season. Sports neurologists are rare enough that most people suffering concussions are never seen by one. And general neurologists aren’t always well-trained to treat this condition, especially as the science of concussion is advancing. Our guest today, Dr. Jose Posas is a sports neurologist and residency program director at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans and he spoke to ANA producer Dr. Mandy Jagolino-Cole of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston about recent findings in concussion research and how we can apply that research at the bedside. Series 4, Episode 5. Featuring:
- Guest: Dr. Jose Posada, Ochsner Medical Center
- Interviewer/Producer: Dr. Amanda Jagolino Cole, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
- Disclosures: none
Publication mentioned in the episode: McAllister TW, Broglio SP, Katz BP, Perkins SM, LaPradd M, Zhou W, McCrea MA; Concussion Assessment, Research and Education (CARE) Consortium. Characteristics and Outcomes of Athletes With Slow Recovery From Sport-Related Concussion: A CARE Consortium Study. Neurology. 2023 Jan 18:10.1212/WNL.0000000000206853. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000206853. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36653178. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36653178/
On our December show, we talked about ethical issues surrounding brain-computer interfaces. We’ll pick up the topic again this month with a discussion about one type of brain-computer interface: neuroprosthetics. Our guest is Dr. Edward Chang, Professor and Chair of Neurological Surgery at the University of California San Francisco. Dr. Chang is an expert in brain mapping during neurosurgery, with the aim of preserving the brain areas responsible for language, speech, movement and emotion. His research focuses on neuro-prosthetics that can restore movement in people who are paralyzed and speech in people with speech disorders. As we’ll talk about today, this research raises interesting ideas about the neural representation of speech and language and the ethics surrounding brain-computer interfaces. Dr. Chang was interviewed by ANA Producer Dr. Amanda Jagolino-Cole of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Series 4, Episode 4. Featuring:
- Guest: Edward Chang, MD, Professor, Neurological Surgery, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, School of Medicine
- Interviewer/Producer: Amanda L Jagolino-Cole, MD, FAHA, FAAN, Associate Professor of Neurology, Director of UT Teleneurology, Vascular Neurology Fellowship Program Director, UTHealth | The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School
- Disclosures: Dr. Chang and UCSF have intellectual property related to algorithms for BCI, Dr. Chang is a consultant for Synchron
Football audiences were shaken on January 2nd when Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest after a tackle during a Monday Night Football game. He was resuscitated on the field and then transferred to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in critical condition. Thus began a waiting period, all too familiar to neurologists, while the world wondered to what extent Mr. Hamlin’s brain would recover. But remarkably, just 4 days later, Mr. Hamlin was able to communicate in writing. He was extubated the following day and discharged home on January 11th. Our guest on today’s podcast, ANA Vice President and Johns Hopkins University neurointensivist Dr. Romer Geocadin, says that Mr. Hamlin’s story should inspire hope... not only for families of survivors of cardiac arrest but also for researchers and physicians. Romer was interviewed by ANA Education Innovation committee Chair and UCSF Neurohospitalist Dr. Megan Richie for this special episode of ANA Investigates.... on cardiac arrest and paths to recovery. Series 4, Episode 3. Featuring:
- Guest: Dr. Romer Geocadin, ANA Vice President and Johns Hopkins University neurointensivist
- Interviewer/Producer: Dr. Megan Richie, ANA Education Innovation committee Chair and UCSF Neurohospitalist
The emergence of the syndrome known as long COVID has brought new attention to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). In this episode, we explore the advances in science that may soon lead to answers. Series 4, Episode 2. Featuring:
- Guests: Drs. Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik & Kiran Thapaliya from the National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases (NCNED), Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
- Interviewer/Producer: Dr. Megan Richie, UCSF
Neurotechnology like DBS or transcranial magnetic stimulation have clear benefits in diagnosis and therapy and are largely embraced by the medical community. But what about recent accelerated development from tech entrepreneurs to harness cognitive pathways for everyday tasks? This is referred to as brain computer interface technology or BCI. Commercial products such as Neuralink, attempt to implant chips promising to link brain activity with tasks such as accessing phones or cars. This brings up real questions on autonomy, privacy, and medical implications, but is there more to these technological advancements that could provide medical benefit for our patients? We discuss the commercial and medical aspects surrounding BCI technology and the physician and scientist’s role in this rapidly evolving field with Dr. Karen Rommelfanger, the founder and director of the Neuroethics Program at Emory University and now the founder of the world’s first think and DO tank dedicated wholly to neuroethics called the Institute of Neuroethics. She also serves as a member of the BRAIN Initiative’s Neuroethics Working Group and was on the advisory council to the director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for BRAIN 2025. Series 4, Episode 1. Featuring:
- Guest: Dr. Karen Rommelfanger, Emory University & Institute of Neuroethics
- Interviewer/Producer: Rohini Samudralwar, University of Pennsylvania
The role of genetics in both pediatric and adult epilepsies is expanding. Now, making a genetic diagnosis in epilepsy isn’t just important for family planning and prognostication - these diagnoses can also improve patients’ care starting at the moment of diagnosis. Our guest today, Ingrid Scheffer, is a leader in gene discovery in epilepsy. Dr. Scheffer is a Laureate Professor of Pediatric Neurology at the University of Melbourne, and she directs the Children's Epilepsy Research Center at Austin Health. She says while there’s still a long way to go before precision medicine is available for the hundreds of known genetic epilepsies, her patients are already benefiting from genetic testing, in many ways. Dr. Scheffer was interviewed by ANA Investigates Producer and epileptologist Dr. Rohit Das of UT Southwestern Medical Center. Series 3, Episode 12.
Featuring:
- Guest: Ingrid Scheffer, AO FRS FAA FAHMS, University of Melbourne
- Interviewer/Producer: Rohit Das, MD, UT Southwestern
- Disclosures: In the past 24 months, Ingrid Scheffer has consulted for Atheneum Partners, Biohaven Pharmaceuticals Inc, Care Beyond Diagnosis, Epilepsy Consortium and Zynerba Pharmaceuticals, has served as an investigator for Anavex Life Sciences, Cerebral Therapeutics, Cerecin Inc, Cereval Therapeutics, Eisai, Encoded Therapeutics, EpiMinder Inc, Epygenyx, ES-Therapeutics, GW Pharma, Marinus, Neurocrine BioSciences, Ovid Therapeutics, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, UCB, Ultragenyx, Xenon Pharmaceutical, Zogenix and Zynerba; received speaker honoraria from Biocodex, BioMarin, Chiesi, Liva Nova and UCB; received funding for travel from Biomarin, Eisai and UCB; and served on scientific advisory boards for Bellberry Ltd, BioMarin, Chiesi, Eisai, Encoded Therapeutics, Knopp Biosciences, Rogcon, Takeda Pharmaceuticals and UCB. Ingrid Scheffer may accrue future revenue on pending patent WO2009/086591: Diagnostic And Therapeutic Methods For EFMR (Epilepsy And Mental Retardation Limited To Females); has a patent for SCN1A testing held by Bionomics Inc and licensed to various diagnostic companies (WO/2006/133508); she has a patent for a molecular diagnostic/therapeutic target for benign familial infantile epilepsy (BFIE) [PRRT2] WO/2013/059884 with royalties paid.
Equitable tele-neurologic care starts with first identifying disparities, then identifying how to overcome them – learn about both with Dr. Lee Schwamm on the latest ANA Investigates. Series 3, Episode 11. Featuring:
- Guest: Dr. Lee Schwamm, C Miller Fisher Endowed Chair in Vascular Neurology and the Director of the Center for TeleHealth at Massachusetts General Hospital, Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School and Vice President for Digital Patient Experience at the Mass General Brigham Health System.
- Interviewer/Producer: Amanda Jagolino-Cole, Director of the UT Teleneurology Division at McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston.
- Disclosures: None
Late last month, the journal Science published an investigative report that accused a much-cited publication in Alzheimer’s disease... of fabricating scientific images. The study under scrutiny was published in Nature in 2006 by Sylvain Lesné and colleagues. It claimed that an amyloid oligomer called Aβ*56 impaired memory in mice. The recent Science report found potential fabrication in the images used in that paper... and concluded that this potential fabrication threatens the amyloid hypothesis in Alzheimer’s disease. Here at ANA Investigates, we decided we needed to ask the experts about that. Their conversation will help us understand the impact of the recent investigative report on the field of Alzheimer’s research. Series 3, Episode 10. Featuring:
- Guest: Dr. Richard O’Brien, Alzheimer’s researcher, Chair of the Department of Neurology at Duke University
- Interviewer/Producer: Dr. Erik Roberson, Alzheimer’s researcher, endowed Professor of Neurology, and Director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham
Last month on the podcast, we talked about updates in the diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis. This month we turn to advances in the treatment of autoimmune encephalitis. Treating these conditions has traditionally been practitioner-dependent, and currently no FDA-approved therapies exist. But that’s beginning to change. Series 3, Episode 9. Featuring:
- Guest: Dr. Maarten Titulaer, Erasmus MC University Medical Center
- Interviewer/Producer: Dr. Rohini Samudralwar, University of Pennsylvania
- Disclosures: Dr. Titulaer disclosed that his institution receives consulting funds form UCB, Viela Bio (Horizon), and CSL Behring, he is the co-investigator on the ExTinguish trial funded in part by Horizon, and a PI IVIG trial funded by CSL Behring.
On today's episode, Dr. Adeline Goss interviews Dr. Andrew McKeon on updates on diagnostics for part one of a two-part series on autoimmune encephalitis. Series 3, Episode 8. Featuring:
- Guest: Andrew McKeon, M.B., B.Ch., M.D., Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science
- Interviewer/Producer: Adeline Goss, MD, Highland Hospital
- Disclosures: Dr. McKeon disclosed that he is a consultant for Johnson & Roche Genentech; and receives royalties from Euroimmun
On today's episode, we discuss the term "TIA" and the current debate as it pertains to advances in stroke diagnostics that have led some to propose that we retire the term. Series 3, Episode 7. Featuring:
- Guest: Clay Johnston, MD, PhD, The University of Texas at Austin
- Interviewer/Producer: Megan Richie, MD, UCSF
- Disclosures: Dr. Johnston disclosed research support from AstraZeneca for the THALES trial.
Burnt out by talking about burnout? Please join us for a podcast with Dr. Amy Arnsten, Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology at Yale University, to investigate what goes on in the brain that leads to burnout and how this can direct our efforts to reduce burnout. Series 3, Episode 6. Featuring:
- Guest: Dr. Amy Arnsten, Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology at Yale University -
- Interviewer/Producer: Dr. Amanda Jagolino-Cole of the McGovern Medical at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston
Dr. Arnsten provided additional resources, and these may be found on the ANA website: https://myana.org/education/ana-investigates-podcast-series
On today’s show, we’ll focus on the future of biomarkers in Alzheimer’s disease. We know that amyloid beta and tau protein deposit long before patients with Alzheimer’s develop symptoms. If we could use biomarkers to detect this pathology early, and treat patients early, could we prevent the progression to dementia? Our guests today are leaders in the development of biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease - Dr. Suzanne Schindler, Associate Professor of Neurology at Washington University in St. Louis and Dr. Gil Rabinovici, Professor of Neurology and Radiology at the University of California San Francisco. They’ll talk with Dr. Doug Ney of UC Denver about the expanding role of biomarkers in Alzheimer’s prevention and treatment. Series 3, Episode 5
Featuring:
- Guests: Dr. Suzanne Schindler, Washington University at St. Louis & Dr. Gil Rabinovici, University of California at San Francisco
- Interviewer/Producer: Dr. Douglas Ney, University of Colorado
- Disclosures: Dr. Schindler disclosed that C2N Diagnostics provided data free of cost for her team to analyze. Dr. Rabinovici disclosed that he leads the New IDEAS study and has received research funding from Avid Radiopharmaceuticals, GE Healthcare, Life Molecular Imaging, Genentech; and is on scientific advisory boards for Eisai, J&J, Genentech, Eli Lilly, and Roche.
Can coma be “cured”? On this podcast, we talk to Dr. Claude Hemphill and Dr. Romer Geocadin of the Curing Coma Campaign. Series 3, Episode 4 https://www.curingcoma.org/events2/world-coma-day
Featuring:
- Guests: Romer Geocadin, MD, Johns Hopkins University & Claude Hemphill, MD, University of California San Francisco
- Interviewer/Producer: Dr. Adeline Goss
Below are articles the guests of this podcast wished to share with the listeners:
- Early Thalamocortical Reperfusion Leads to Neurologic Recovery in a Rodent Cardiac Arrest Model: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12028-021-01432-9
- Proceedings of the First Curing Coma Campaign NIH Symposium: Challenging the Future of Research for Coma and Disorders of Consciousness: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12028-021-01260-x
- AHA SCIENTIFIC STATEMENT: Standards for Studies of Neurological Prognostication in Comatose Survivors of Cardiac Arrest: Circulation. 2019;140:e517–e542. DOI: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000702 - https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000702
- Detection of Brain Activation in Unresponsive Patients with Acute Brain Injury; n engl j med 380;26 nejm.org June 27, 2019
- Therapies to Restore Consciousness in Patients with Severe Brain Injuries: A Gap Analysis and Future Directions; Neurocrit Care (2021) 35:68–85; https://doi.org/10.1007/s12028-021-01227-y
- Mechanisms Underlying Disorders of Consciousness: Bridging Gaps to Move Toward an Integrated Translational Science; Neurocrit Care (2021) 35:37–54; https://doi.org/10.1007/s12028-021-01281-6
Treatment of stroke has changed dramatically in the past decade, with the advent of perfusion imaging and an expanded time window for mechanical thrombectomy. Thrombectomy is now standard of care for eligible patients. But while data clearly supports the use of thrombectomy for certain patients with anterior circulation strokes, the benefit of thrombectomy for patients with basilar artery occlusions remains unproven. Today we’ll talk to a vascular neurologist and a neurointerventional surgeon who are trying to better define which patients with basilar artery occlusion may benefit from thrombectomy -- and which patients may not. Series 3, Episode 3
Featuring:
-
Guests: Dr. Carlo Cereda, vascular neurologist, head of the EOC Comprehensive Stroke Center at the Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland and Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana in Lugano & Dr. Jeremy Heit, Assistant Professor of Radiology and of Neurosurgery and the interim Chief of Neuroradiology at Stanford University
-
Interviewer/Producer: Dr. Michelle Johansen, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Medicine
Disclosures: Dr. Heit disclosed that he consults for Medtronic and MicroVention, and consults and is a member of medical and scientific advisory board for iSchemaView, Inc., and Dr. Cereda disclosed that he is a advisory board for iSchemaView, Inc.
On today’s show we’ll focus on functional neurological disorder, or FND -- a wide range of conditions including non-epileptic seizures and functional weakness, dystonia and tremor. These conditions are common and can cause serious disability. But what are these conditions, exactly? What have functional neuroimaging and other tools taught us about their pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment? Series 3, Episode 2 Featuring:
-
Guest: Dr. Sara Finkelstein, neurologist and specialist in functional neurological disorder at Massachusetts General Hospital
-
Interviewer/Producer: Dr. Adeline Goss, Neurohospitalist at Highland Hospital and the host and executive producer of ANA Investigates
Some patients with medically refractory epilepsy are offered surgeries to implant devices that electrically stimulate the nervous system and actually modulate neural networks over time. On this episode of ANA Investigates, Dr. Vikram Rao of the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences discusses how these neurostimulation devices can reduce seizure burden, along with a range of other potential benefits. Series 3, Episode 1.
Featuring:
- Guest: Dr. Vikram Rao, epileptologist and Associate Professor of Neurology at the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences
- Interviewer & Producer: Dr. Rohit Das, epileptologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center
Autonomic dysfunction often presents with subtle symptoms affecting multiple organ systems simultaneously. On this episode of ANA Investigates, we discuss bedside evaluation and advanced workup of dysautonomia and how to manage refractory symptoms. Series 2, Episode 11. Featuring:
- Guest: Safwan Jaradeh, MD, Professor of Neurology, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Director of the Autonomic Disorders Program at the Stanford Neuroscience Health Center
- Interviewer/Producer: Megan Richie, MD, Associate Professor, UCSF
In July, the World Health Organization released its updated classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System. The last update was in 2016. The update reflects the increasing role of molecular biomarkers in tumor characterization -- a change that has major implications for how we diagnose and treat patients with brain and spinal cord tumors.
Joining us today to help us understand these changes is Dr. Lynne Taylor. Dr. Taylor is a professor of Neurology and Oncology at the University of Washington and co-director of the Alvord Brain Tumor Center at University of Washington Medical Center. Dr. Taylor was interviewed by ANA Investigates producer and neuro-oncologist, Dr. Doug Ney. Series 2, Episode #10
In recent years, the Food and Drug Administration approved several new treatments specifically for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. But what about neuroimmunological conditions that do not have FDA approved options and require off-label use of immunomodulatory medications -- conditions like neurosarcoidosis, neuro-Behcet’s, or central nervous system involvement of systemic rheumatologic conditions? There is often a lack of rigorous evidence to guide treatment of these conditions, leaving experts to rely on individual or institutional experience. Our guest on this episode is Dr. Jeffrey Gelfand, neuroimmunologist and Associate Professor of Neurology at UCSF. He specializes in treating patients with rare neuroinflammatory conditions, and he’ll talk to us about the new drugs for NMO as well as off-label use of immunomodulatory therapies for a range of neurological conditions. Dr. Gelfand was interviewed by ANA producer Dr. Rohini Samudralwar. Series 2, Episode #9
Disclosures: Dr. Gelfand receives research support to UCSF for clinical trial from Rosch and Genetech; provides consulting to Biogen
For much of the history of neurology, diagnosing a genetic disease meant giving bad news. Genetic meant incurable, often fatal. On past shows, we’ve talked about how this narrative is changing for certain monogenic diseases like Huntington’s Disease, where emerging gene therapies offer hope for a cure. But what hope can the field of neurogenetics offer to patients with more complex diseases with both genetic and environmental risk factors, like Alzheimer’s? Our guest today, Dr. M. Elizabeth Ross, is Professor of Neurology and Neuroscience in the Brain and Mind Research Institute and Director of the Center for Neurogenetics at Weill Cornell Medicine. Her lab works on the genetics of neurologic diseases affecting humans at every stage of the lifecycle. Today she’ll help us understand the role of genetics in a range of neurodegenerative diseases -- and how and when clinicians should incorporate genetic considerations into patient care. Series 2, Episode 8
Neurology and psychiatry: two fields, one organ system. Today, we’ll focus on the intersection between the two. We’ll discuss one common psychiatric disease -- depression -- and how new treatments for depression may inform how we treat other neurologic illnesses. ANA Investigates Producer Dr. Rohit Das interviewed Dr. Helen Mayberg, behavioral neurologist at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, about her pioneering research in circuit-based treatment of depression, particularly deep brain stimulation, or DBS. Series 2, Episode 7
Current guidelines for management of carotid stenosis are based on a series of trials dating back to the 1990s. If you ask today’s guests, virtually no other area of neurology is so badly in need of an update. Dr. Seemant Chaturvedi, the Stewart Greenebaum Endowed Professor of Stroke Neurology at University of Maryland School of Medicine, and Dr. Cheryl Bushnell is Professor of Neurology, Vice Chair of Research, Stroke Division Chief at Wake Forest Baptist Health join us for a discussion of the major advances in medical therapy for stroke prevention and why these advances require new trials to refine patient selection for revascularization. They’ll also discuss the growing role of plaque imaging in treatment decisions. Series 2, Episode 6
The topic of today’s podcast is tenecteplase. This is a thrombolytic drug that is administered intravenously, for certain patients who present to the hospital with an acute ischemic stroke. There is mounting evidence that intravenous tenecteplase is at least as safe and effective as intravenous alteplase, the current standard of care in ischemic stroke. Tenecteplase also less expensive and easier to administer. Our guest today is Dr. Bruce Campbell, who has played a pivotal role in the deployment of tenecteplase for stroke. Dr. Campbell was interviewed by Dr. Michelle Johansen, a vascular neurologist at Johns Hopkins. Series 2, Episode 5
Less than a year -- that's how long it took between when the novel coronavirus emerged and when a vaccine was available to prevent it. This incredible speed of vaccine development exemplifies scientific innovation in a time of crisis. There is increasing vaccine acceptance among the public, but questions about target populations, mechanisms, and side effects remain. Neurological complications have been documented with other vaccines, and there have been some possible complications observed with the vaccines for Covid-19. Our guest on this episode, Dr. Avindra Nath, is a physician-scientist who specializes in neuroimmunology and infections of the nervous system. He is the intramural Clinical Director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke at the National Institutes of Health. Series 2, Episode 4
The resources referenced during the interview may be found at the following links:https://www.aan.com/policy-and-guidelines/policy/position-statements/aan... & https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33313649/
The past year has forced us all to contend with the devastating power of infectious disease. The daily, mortal fear of infection is a new experience for many people in the developed world. But that fear characterizes life for millions of people around the globe -- including those who have already lived through plagues or lost loved ones to curable infections. These infections disproportionately target those living in poverty. Many have epidemic or pandemic potential. And many have neurological manifestations. In this episode, Dr. Adeline Goss interviews Dr. Farrah Mateen, a neuroinfectious disease specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and her recent work with a group of colleagues to compile the neurological manifestations of the 20 diseases with epidemic or pandemic potential recognized by the World Health Organization. Season 2, Episode 3
In this episode, we'll introduce you to the next generation of ANA scientists. You may remember a new event at this year's ANA conference called the Emerging Scholars sessions, where we heard presentations from our junior ANA members about their cutting edge research. Those talks were judged based on scientific merit and presentation quality.... and today we'll introduce you to the four winners.
This year's Emerging Scholars are Dr. Gus Davis, Dr. Juliane Gust, Dr. Jenn Orthmann-Murphy, and Dr. Xilma Ortiz-Gonzalez. They were interviewed by Dr. Michelle Johansen, a vascular neurologist and assistant professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins. Series 2, Episode 2
This is an exciting moment in the management of a devastating neurologic condition -- Huntington's Disease. As we know, this genetic disease often hits patients at the prime of life and, because it is autosomal dominant, can be haunting for affected families. As we'll discuss today, new developments in biomarkers and therapies for Huntington's are converging into a more hopeful picture for those affected. In this episode, we’ll hear from two Huntington Disease experts -- Dr. Jee Bang, Clinical Director of Johns Hopkins Huntington Disease Center of Excellence and Assistant Professor of Neurology... and ANA investigates producer Dr. Danny Bega, Director of the Northwestern Medicine Huntington Disease Center of Excellence and Associate Professor of Neurology.
Today’s show is on the science of sleep. Specifically, how sleep – or too little of it – affects the growing brains of adolescents. Why do teenagers stay up so late? What sleep schedules are optimal for their learning? We’ll hear from two world experts in adolescent sleep -- Dr. Beth Malow and Dr. Frances Jensen. Dr. Malow is a Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics at Vanderbilt, and the Burry Chair in Cognitive Childhood Development. She directs the sleep division at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and has been a major advocate for policies that promote healthy adolescent sleep patterns. Dr. Jensen is Professor and Chair of Neurology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and is President Elect of the American Neurological Association. She has researched the mechanisms of epilepsy, stroke, and adolescent brain development, and is the author of the book “The Teenage Brain.” Drs. Malow and Jensen were interviewed by ANA Investigates producer and UCSF Neurohospitalist, Dr. Megan Richie. Series 1, Episode 15
This is an exciting moment in the field of neuro-genetics. Advances in gene therapy are opening up new avenues to treating certain genetic forms of otherwise fatal and incurable diseases like ALS and dementia. This may give genetics a bigger role in the daily clinical practice of many adult neurologists. Today we'll learn about this frontier in neuro-genetics from Dr. Bryan Traynor at the National Institute on Aging. He was interviewed by ANA member and neuromuscular specialist at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Ricardo Roda. Series 1, Episode 14
Today, in recognition of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness month, we'll hear from Dr. David Holtzman, professor and chair of neurology at Washington University in St Louis. Dr. Holtzman's work has helped to clarify the relationship between Apolipoprotein E4, or apoE4, and Alzheimer's disease. He is also working to develop CSF biomarkers for Alzheimer's, and he has worked on the development of anti-amyloid beta and anti-tau antibodies for now being evaluated through clinical trials in patients with the disease. ANA’s education manager, Jen Hurley, spoke with Dr. Holtzman about the current state of research in biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Holtzman wishes to disclose that he is a co-founder with equity in the company C2N Diagnostics, a biotech start up focusing on blood biomarkers for AD; he is on the Scientific advisory board of C2N Diagnostics and Denali Therapeutics, and consults for Genentech and Idorsia. Series 1, Episode 13
During this special jointly-produced ANA-AUPN episode, Dr. Clifton Gooch, AUPN president and Dr. Justin McArthur, ANA president discuss how their institutions and departments are approaching operations amid COVID-19, as well as sliver linings they see resulting from the unavoidable shift to virtual operations both clinically and in research. Series 1, Episode 12 Join the ANA today to attend ANA2020 Virtually for free*
In this episode, we’ll visit the frontiers of vascular neurology, discussing an important but little-understood category of strokes — embolic strokes of undetermined source, or ESUS. We’ll hear from Dr. Hooman Kamel, division chief of neurocritical care at Weill Cornell Medicine. Dr. Kamel is a co-principal investigator for the ARCADIA trial, which is testing anti-thrombotic strategies in patients with cryptogenic stroke and atrial cardiopathy. He was interviewed by ANA Member Michelle Johansen, a vascular neurologist and assistant professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins. Series 1, Episode 11
The coronavirus pandemic has dramatically changed neurologists' lives -- both at work and at home. Neurologists are taking on new roles and interfacing with patients in new ways, while our work poses new risks to us and our families. How are clinical neurologists adapting and coping in a time of such change? That's the focus of today's special episode. Dr. Adeline Goss was joined by three co-producers on ANA Investigates: Drs. Romer Geocadin, Jim Siegler, and Megan Richie to discuss their experience. Series 1, Episode 10
In this episode, Dr. Jim Siegler interviews Dr. Marc Simard on the management of patients with large hemispheric strokes and cerebral edema. This is a particularly devastating condition: the mortality rate is as high as 50-80 percent at 1 year with medical management alone. Decompressive craniectomy can improve survival for some patients, but most survivors are left with major disability. To date, not a single intervention has been shown to improve functional outcomes for these patients. The search for such a treatment is ongoing -- and that’s the topic of our conversation today. Series 1, Episode 9
ANA Investigates podcast is brought to you by ANA members, for ANA members, and that is never more true than it is today. In response to this ever-evolving coronavirus pandemic, ANA members have come together to bring you this special episode of ANA investigates recorded this morning addressing the neurological impact of COVID-19. As the number of infections swells worldwide, more patients with the virus have been noted to have neurological signs. Yet the precise relationship between the COVID19 and these symptoms remains unclear. We asked ANA member Dr. Danny Bega to discuss the neurology of COVID-19 with his colleague and neuroinfectious disease specialist Dr. Igor Koralnik. Series 1, Episode 8
In this episode, we’ll delve into the medically and legally complex topic of cannabis. The legal landscape around marijuana has changed in the US in the past 15 years. Many of our patients now have legal access to products derived from cannabis, and they are turning to physicians for advice on whether these products can treat their neurologic conditions. Products derived from cannabis have been studied in a range of neurologic diseases. One product has shown modest efficacy (and is approved for use) in patients with Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. The data for using cannabis-derived products in certain other neurologic conditions is less convincing and the use of these products remains controversial. How should we council our patients about this? Dr. Adeline Goss interviewed Dr. Michelle Cameron, associate professor at Oregon Health and Science University and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) specialist, on the use of medical use of cannabis and cannabinoids, with an emphasis in their use in treating the symptoms of MS. Dr. Cameron disclosed a consulting relationship with Greenwich Biosciences. Series 1, Episode 7
This is an exciting time in the treatment of neurologic disease -- a period of rapid innovation and discovery. And, as a result, more and more academic neurologists and neuroscientists are partnering with the corporate world and others to bring their discoveries to market. On this episode of ANA investigates, Dr. Clifton Gooch, Professor and Chair of Neurology at the Morsani College of Medicine at the University of South Florida explores the complex world of patents and intellectual property in academic neurology in an interview with Dr. Terry Hunter, the senior licensing manager of technology transfer at the University of South Florida Office of Research and Innovation. Series 1, Episode 6
This month we’ll have the first episode exploring the career paths of some of the most inspiring leaders in our field. During ANA2019, Dr. Romer Geocadin interviewed Dr. Walter Koroshetz, the Director of the NINDS about his journey. Dr. Koroshetz's shares insights and give advice for those that wish to follow in his footsteps. Series 1, Episode 5
This month we'll explore a topic that's more social science than neuroscience. We address implicit bias, explicit bias and our ability to change each of our biases. Dr. Jim Siegler, assistant professor of neurology at Cooper University interviews Dr. Allison Willis, associate professor of neurology and epidemiology at University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. Series 1, Episode 4.
This month, we'll have part two of our two-part series on unbiased diagnostics in neurologic disease. As you may remember from our first episode, UCSF neurohospitalist Megan Richie interviewed Dr. Michael Wilson, a neuro-immunologist at UCSF, about a technique called metagenomic next generation sequencing, or mNGS. mNGS is a way of searching all of the genetic material in a CSF sample for the presence of any non-human organisms. This approach is thought of as “unbiased” – it allows us to search for any infectious organism present in the central nervous system, rather than coming up with a list of possible infections and testing for each of them individually. Today, we’re back with Megan Richie for part 2 of this series, interviewing Dr. Samuel Pleasure about autoantibody testing and hearing more from Dr. Wilson comparing the methods and future plans. Series 1, Episode 3.
This episode is the first of a two-part episode on unbiased diagnostics in neurologic disease. In this episode, UCSF's Dr. Megan Richie sat down with UCSF's Dr. Michael Wilson, a neuro-immunologist specializing in infectious diseases of the central nervous system. They spoke about the unbiased technique called metagenomic next generation sequencing, or mNGS, a technique developed through the UCSF Center for Next-Gen Precision Diagnostics. Series 1, Episode 2.
At a time when support for basic and translational science needs a strong voice and the burden of neurological disease is growing, the ANA is the champion of neurological research and the ally of all physicians and scientists who strive to make a difference through careers that combine discovery, education, and clinical care.
In pursuit of this mission, the ANA introduces a new podcast series, ANA Investigates. Every month you’ll hear new content, the latest content, on topics in neurology, neuroscience,the basic sciences, quality improvement, patient care, clinical research, and more - all brought to you by the American Neurological Association. The ANA. Featuring interviews with leaders in the field, clinical researchers, experts, and innovators. Find out more on the ANA website: https://myana.org/education/ana-investigates-podcast-series