Pro-PA Podcast

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Acoustic Neuroma (vestibular schwannoma), a benign tumor of the vestibulocochlear nerve that can cause progressive unilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and imbalance. You’ll learn about its association with neurofibromatosis type 2, the role of MRI in diagnosis, and management options ranging from observation to mi...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, breaks down Tympanic Membrane (TM) Perforation , a disruption of the eardrum often caused by infection, trauma, or barotrauma. You’ll learn how to identify key features like sudden hearing loss, otorrhea, and pain relief after rupture, as well as how to manage it—including precautions, follow-up, and when surgical repair...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Otosclerosis , a progressive conductive hearing loss caused by abnormal bone remodeling of the otic capsule—most commonly affecting the stapes. You’ll learn about classic features such as bilateral hearing loss in young adults, a normal tympanic membrane, and a positive family history, as well as treatment option...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, discusses Cholesteatoma , an abnormal growth of keratinizing squamous epithelium in the middle ear or mastoid that can lead to chronic infection and bone erosion. You’ll learn to recognize warning signs like painless otorrhea, hearing loss, and retraction pockets, and understand the importance of otoscopic evaluation, im...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, explores Otitis Media with Effusion (OME) , a non-infectious fluid buildup in the middle ear that commonly follows acute otitis media. You’ll learn how to distinguish OME from active infection, recognize signs like hearing loss or ear fullness without fever or pain, and understand management—including observation, hearin...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Acute Otitis Media , a common middle ear infection seen primarily in pediatric patients. You’ll learn to recognize clinical features such as otalgia, fever, and a bulging, erythematous tympanic membrane, and understand when antibiotics are indicated versus when watchful waiting is appropriate. We’ll also touch on...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, dives into Malignant Otitis Externa , a severe, invasive infection of the external auditory canal that can spread to the skull base—most often affecting elderly diabetic or immunocompromised patients. You’ll learn to recognize red flags like severe otalgia, granulation tissue, and cranial nerve involvement, and explore t...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, covers Otitis Externa , an inflammation of the external auditory canal commonly known as “swimmer’s ear.” You’ll learn to identify hallmark features like tragal tenderness, otorrhea, and canal edema, differentiate bacterial from fungal causes, and review treatment strategies including topical antibiotics, wick placement,...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, discusses Cerumen Impaction , a common cause of conductive hearing loss and ear discomfort. You’ll learn how to recognize symptoms, differentiate it from more serious causes of ear canal obstruction, and review safe and effective removal techniques—from cerumenolytics to irrigation and manual extraction. #CerumenImpactio...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Presbyopia , the age-related loss of near vision caused by decreased lens elasticity. You’ll learn how it presents clinically—often as difficulty reading fine print or needing to hold objects farther away—and explore corrective options including reading glasses, bifocals, and newer surgical approaches. #Presbyopi...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, explores Strabismus , a misalignment of the eyes that can be constant or intermittent, congenital or acquired. You’ll learn how to differentiate between esotropia and exotropia, understand its impact on binocular vision and depth perception, and review the importance of early diagnosis to prevent complications like ambly...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, breaks down Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma , an ophthalmic emergency marked by sudden, painful vision loss, headache, and a fixed mid-dilated pupil. You’ll learn how to identify classic symptoms, understand the pathophysiology behind the rapid rise in intraocular pressure, and explore urgent management strategies—from topi...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Open-Angle Glaucoma , the most common type of glaucoma and a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. You’ll learn how this silent, progressive optic neuropathy leads to peripheral vision loss, the importance of regular intraocular pressure screening, and first-line treatment options like prostaglandin...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, covers Amblyopia , often referred to as “lazy eye”—a neurodevelopmental disorder where vision fails to develop properly in one or both eyes during early childhood. You’ll learn about the most common causes, including strabismus, refractive errors, and visual deprivation, and understand why early detection and interventio...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, discusses Amaurosis Fugax , a transient monocular vision loss often described by patients as a “curtain coming down” over the eye. You’ll learn about its underlying vascular causes—most commonly embolic from carotid artery disease—and how it serves as a warning sign for possible stroke. We also review key history questio...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) , a common retinal vascular disorder that presents with sudden, painless vision loss—often described as “blood and thunder” on fundoscopic exam. You’ll learn about key risk factors like hypertension and diabetes, the difference between ischemic and non-ischemic CRVO, and curr...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, breaks down Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO) , often described as a “stroke of the eye.” You’ll learn to recognize its sudden, painless monocular vision loss, understand the significance of a cherry-red spot on fundoscopy, and explore the vascular and embolic causes that require urgent evaluation. Rapid identifica...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Retinopathy , a broad term describing retinal damage often caused by systemic diseases like diabetes or hypertension. You’ll learn how to identify hallmark findings such as microaneurysms, cotton wool spots, and neovascularization, and understand the pathophysiology behind diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy ....

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, explores Retinal Detachment , an ophthalmologic emergency where the neurosensory retina separates from the underlying epithelium. You’ll learn to recognize classic symptoms like sudden flashes, floaters, and a “curtain” over the visual field. We’ll also discuss risk factors, key exam findings, and the urgency of ophthalm...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, covers Macular Degeneration , a leading cause of central vision loss in older adults. You’ll learn to distinguish between dry (atrophic) and wet (neovascular) forms, identify hallmark findings such as drusen and subretinal fluid, and review current strategies for monitoring, prevention, and treatment—including the role o...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Periorbital Cellulitis , an infection of the eyelid and soft tissues anterior to the orbital septum. You’ll learn how to differentiate it from orbital cellulitis, recognize common signs like eyelid erythema and swelling without vision changes or extraocular movement restriction, and identify when oral antibiotics...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, discusses Orbital Cellulitis , a potentially sight- and life-threatening infection involving the tissues posterior to the orbital septum. You’ll learn to distinguish it from preseptal cellulitis, recognize red-flag symptoms like ophthalmoplegia, proptosis, and vision changes, and understand the importance of urgent imagi...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, covers Papilledema , a bilateral swelling of the optic disc due to increased intracranial pressure. You’ll learn how to distinguish true papilledema from pseudopapilledema, identify key warning signs such as transient visual obscurations and blurred disc margins, and understand the importance of neuroimaging before lumba...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, reviews Optic Neuritis , an acute inflammatory condition of the optic nerve often associated with multiple sclerosis. You’ll learn to recognize hallmark signs like unilateral vision loss, pain with eye movement, and an afferent pupillary defect. We’ll also cover the diagnostic approach—including the role of MRI—and discu...

In this episode of EENT101, host Dr. Christina G. Gonzales, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, explores Nystagmus , a rhythmic, involuntary movement of the eyes that can be congenital or acquired. You’ll learn how to differentiate between pendular and jerk nystagmus, recognize patterns that suggest central versus peripheral causes, and understand how underlying etiologies—such as vestibular disorders, multiple scl...