The Neurology Lounge

In this episode, I explore the manifestations and management of multiple sclerosis. I use powerful patient memoirs, such as that of Ann Romney, to illustrate the diversity of presentations and variants of this ubiquitous and devastating neuroinflammatory brain disease. I also trace the history of multiple sclerosis with references to Lidwina, the patron saint of figure skaters. I also narrate the...

In this episode I discuss the evolution of the treatments of Parkinson's disease with leading neurologist Andrew Lees. Our discussion focused on one of his autobiographical books, Mentored by a Mad Man . Andrew Lees is in the top three most highly cited Parkinson’s disease researchers in the world and included in Thomson Reuters 2015 List of the World’s Most Scientific Minds. We talked about his e...

In this episode I explore the medical and surgical treatments of #Parkinson's disease. I trace the history of Levodopa with reference to the works of Nobel Prize winner Arvid Carlsson, Oleh Hornykiewicz, and George Cotzias. I also explored how neurologist Oliver Sacks used Levodopa to resuscitate the victims of von Economo's disease at Mount Carmel Hospital, New York. I also looked at the history...

In this episode, I explore the pathology of Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders with Prof. Alberto Espay, co-author of the book titled Brain Fables. Dr. Alberto Espay is Professor and Endowed Chair of the James J. and Joan A. Gardner Center for Parkinson’s Disease at the University of Cincinnati. Apart from publishing over 350 peer-reviewed research articles, Dr Espay has als...

In this episode I explore the history and pathology of Parkinson's disease. I use anecdotes from fascinating patient anecdotes, such as that of cardiologist Thomas Graboys, to review the clinical manifestations of the disease. I discuss how Adolf Hitler's Parkinson's disease may have influenced the course of World War II, and I review the history of how the frozen addicts led to the development of...

In this episode I explore a refreshing perspective of Alzheimer's disease with physician Tia Powell, whose mother suffered from the disorder. We discuss her perspectives of the pathology and management of the disease, and her views on the balance between care and cure. Tia Powell is Professor of Epidemiology and Psychiatry at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center. For 1...

In this episode I discuss with Daniel Gibbs, author of A Tattoo on My Brain. Daniel Gibbs is a retired general neurologist in Portland, Oregon, who has early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Having spent 24 years caring for patients, many with dementia themselves, he is now an active advocate for the early recognition and management of Alzheimer’s disease. We discuss his dual perspectives of Alzheimer's...

This podcast explores the early history and the clinical manifestations of Alzheimer's disease. I trace the history of the scientific understanding of the disease with reference to neuroscientists Alois Alzheimer, Oscar Fischer and Arnold pick, and the first two patients, Auguste Deter and Johan F. I also review the management of this common dementia with an emphasis on the burden of care and the...

In this introductory podcast episode, I explore the ancient history of #Neurology, and I link this to the principle of neurological localization. I make historical references, especially to the Incans of #Peru and to the French neurologist Paul Broca.