Pro-PA Podcast

In this high-yield NEURO101 episode, Dr. G breaks down Ischemic Stroke , the most common type of stroke, including thrombotic vs embolic causes , key risk factors (like atrial fibrillation and carotid stenosis), and hallmark symptoms based on affected brain regions. We review acute management , including tPA time windows , NIH stroke scale , and secondary prevention with antiplatelets and statins....

In this NEURO101 episode, Dr. G reviews Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) —the so-called “mini-stroke” that should never be minimized. Learn how to distinguish TIA from full-blown stroke, the typical duration and symptom resolution , and the importance of early intervention to prevent future cerebrovascular accidents. We’ll also cover ABCD² scoring , imaging priorities, and secondary prevention stra...

In this NEURO101 episode, Dr. G breaks down the dizzying world of Syncope —a sudden, transient loss of consciousness with spontaneous recovery. We compare neurogenic vs. cardiac causes, review red flag symptoms, and walk through the initial workup and management pearls. Learn how to differentiate vasovagal from orthostatic hypotension , and when to worry about arrhythmias or structural heart disea...

In this NEURO101 bonus episode, Dr. G walks you through a high-yield Cranial Nerve (CN I–XII) exam review—essential for PANCE prep, clinical rotations, and OSCEs. You’ll learn the names, functions, and clinical tests for each nerve, with pro tips and mnemonics like “Some Say Marry Money...” and “Oh Oh Oh To Touch And Feel...” to lock it all in. 💡 Did you know? CN I (olfactory) is often the first...

In this NEURO101 installment, Dr. G tackles trigeminal neuralgia , one of the most excruciating pain syndromes in neurology. Learn how to recognize the hallmark electric shock-like pain affecting the V2 and V3 branches of CN V, and why carbamazepine is the go-to treatment. We’ll also explore structural causes like vascular compression and multiple sclerosis. 💡 Did you know? Trigeminal neuralgia i...

In this episode of NEURO101, Dr. G demystifies facial nerve (CN VII) palsy , teaching you how to distinguish Bell’s Palsy (a peripheral lesion) from central facial palsy due to a stroke or upper motor neuron lesion . We’ll break down facial anatomy, common etiologies like HSV reactivation , and key treatment pearls including early corticosteroid use . 💡 Did you know? In Bell’s Palsy , both the fo...

In this NEURO101 episode, Dr. G breaks down ophthalmoplegia , the impaired movement of the eye due to dysfunction in cranial nerves III, IV, or VI . Learn how to differentiate between oculomotor , trochlear , and abducens palsies, their clinical presentations (like ptosis , diplopia , and eye deviation ), and causes ranging from diabetes to aneurysms and trauma . 💡 Did you know? A pupil-involving...

In this NEURO101 episode, Dr. G tackles Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) —a neurologic sensorimotor condition characterized by an uncomfortable urge to move the legs , especially during periods of rest or at night. Learn about primary vs. secondary causes, including associations with iron deficiency, pregnancy, and ESRD , plus first-line treatments like dopamine agonists and iron supplementation. 💡 Di...

In this NEURO101 episode, Dr. G breaks down Huntington Disease , a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder marked by chorea, psychiatric symptoms, and cognitive decline . Learn the genetic basis—an autosomal dominant CAG trinucleotide repeat on chromosome 4—and why symptoms often present between ages 30–50. We’ll also cover the progressive nature of the disease, the role of genetic counseling, and k...

In this NEURO101 episode, Dr. G explores Parkinson Disease , a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by resting tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability . Learn the pathophysiology behind dopamine depletion in the substantia nigra , and how hallmark clinical findings help distinguish Parkinson disease from other movement disorders. We’ll also discuss treatment option...

In this NEURO101 episode, Dr. G covers Essential Tremor , the most common movement disorder, often mistaken for Parkinson disease but with key differences. Learn how this action tremor (worsens with movement, improves with alcohol) typically affects the hands, head, and voice , and how to differentiate it from resting tremors. We also review first-line treatments, including propranolol and primido...

In this NEURO101 episode, Dr. G walks you through Wernicke Encephalopathy , a life-threatening but reversible neurologic condition caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency , most often seen in chronic alcohol use disorder or malnutrition. We break down the classic triad: ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and confusion—though all three are rarely seen together. Early recognition is crucial, and we discuss...

In this episode of NEURO101, Dr. G unpacks Toxic-Metabolic Encephalopathy (TME) —a diffuse brain dysfunction triggered by systemic illness, organ failure, or exposure to toxins. Learn to identify the hallmark signs like fluctuating mental status, asterixis, and EEG changes, and distinguish TME from structural brain lesions. We’ll also cover common culprits like sepsis, renal or hepatic failure, el...

In this NEURO101 episode, Dr. G breaks down Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy , a critical condition that results from insufficient oxygen and blood flow to the brain. Whether from cardiac arrest, perinatal events, or severe hypotension, HIE can lead to devastating neurologic injury. Learn to recognize its stages, understand prognostic factors, and review key interventions such as therapeutic hypoth...

In this NEURO101 episode, Dr. G explores Hepatic Encephalopathy , a reversible neuropsychiatric complication of liver dysfunction. Understand how elevated ammonia levels , often due to cirrhosis, can lead to confusion, asterixis, and even coma—and how prompt recognition and treatment can dramatically alter outcomes. 💡 Did you know? The classic flapping tremor known as asterixis isn't unique t...

In this unique NEURO101 brief, Dr. G takes a quick dive into Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) —commonly known as “mad cow disease.” Learn how this prion disease in cattle is linked to variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) in humans and understand the public health implications of this neurodegenerative condition. 💡 Did you know? The first human cases of vCJD were reported in the UK in th...

In this NEURO101 installment, Dr. G walks you through Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) —a rare, rapidly progressive, and fatal prion disease that causes profound neurodegeneration. Learn the classic signs like myoclonus , akinetic mutism , and EEG changes , and understand how to differentiate sporadic, familial, and variant forms. 💡 Did you know? CJD is not caused by bacteria or viruses, but by ab...

In this NEURO101 episode, Dr. G takes us through the essentials of subdural hematoma , a slower but equally serious bleed typically caused by tearing of bridging veins —often seen in elderly patients or those with brain atrophy . Understand how this condition differs from epidural bleeds, what to look for on CT imaging , and when to worry about chronic versus acute presentations. 💡 Did you know?...

In this NEURO101 episode, Dr. G covers the fast and furious world of epidural hematomas —traumatic brain bleeds you can't afford to miss. Learn how arterial bleeds , often from a torn middle meningeal artery , can lead to a classic lucid interval followed by rapid deterioration. We'll break down the CT findings , key clinical signs, and emergency management pearls that could save a life....

In this NEURO101 episode, Dr. G walks you through the clinical approach to Coma and Altered Mental Status (AMS) —a foundational topic for PANCE, PANRE, and real-world emergency care. Understand the AVPU scale , Glasgow Coma Scale , and how to rapidly identify structural vs metabolic causes of coma. From glucose checks to CT scans, we’ll cover what every future PA needs to know when seconds matter....

In this episode of NEURO101, Dr. G reviews Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) —from concussions to severe diffuse axonal injuries. Learn how to quickly assess severity using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) , recognize red flag symptoms, and understand the difference between primary and secondary brain injuries. This high-yield episode includes tips on imaging decisions (CT vs MRI), monitoring, and manageme...

In this Clinical Medicine Brief, Dr. G dives into Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) —a reversible cause of dementia you can’t afford to miss. We break down the classic triad of gait disturbance , urinary incontinence , and cognitive decline , and explain how to distinguish it from other dementias. Learn the role of imaging, the high-yield clues on CT or MRI, and when to consider a lumbar tap or...

In this Clinical Medicine Brief, Dr. G breaks down hydrocephalus , a condition marked by abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles of the brain. We’ll cover types like communicating , non-communicating (obstructive) , and normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) —with its classic triad of gait disturbance, urinary incontinence, and dementia. Learn when to suspect it, how to d...

In this Clinical Medicine Brief, Dr. G unpacks pseudodementia , a condition that mimics cognitive decline but is actually rooted in underlying depression —especially in older adults. Learn how to distinguish it from true dementias like Alzheimer and how improvement with antidepressants can be both diagnostic and therapeutic. Don’t miss the clinical pearls that help you spot this high-yield diagnos...

In this Clinical Medicine Brief, Dr. G dives into frontotemporal dementia (FTD) —a neurodegenerative disorder marked by early personality changes , disinhibition , and language dysfunction , often occurring before age 65. We’ll break down the two major subtypes: behavioral variant FTD and primary progressive aphasia , plus discuss key clinical clues, imaging findings, and how FTD differs from Alzh...