Pro-PA Podcast

In this Clinical Medicine Brief, Dr. G explores Critical Illness Polyneuropathy (CIP) —a frequently overlooked yet significant cause of ICU-acquired weakness . We’ll cover the pathophysiology behind this diffuse axonal neuropathy, often seen in patients with sepsis, multiorgan failure, or prolonged mechanical ventilation . Learn how to distinguish CIP from myopathy, the red flags to recognize earl...

In this Clinical Medicine Brief, Dr. G breaks down Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy —the most common complication of long-standing diabetes. Understand how chronic hyperglycemia leads to nerve ischemia and damage, particularly affecting the distal symmetric sensory nerves . We’ll review clinical presentations like stocking-glove distribution , loss of vibration/proprioception, and pain or paresthesi...

In this Clinical Medicine Brief, Dr. G explores Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) —a chronic pain condition that goes beyond the boundaries of typical injury. Learn the difference between Type I (no confirmed nerve injury) and Type II (with confirmed nerve injury) , as well as hallmark features like allodynia , temperature or color changes , and swelling . We cover diagnostic criteria, imaging...

In this episode of NEURO101, Dr. G covers Carpal Tunnel Syndrome , the most common entrapment neuropathy affecting the median nerve at the wrist. Learn the hallmark signs like thenar atrophy , paresthesias in the first three fingers , and nighttime symptoms , along with provocative tests like Phalen’s and Tinel’s . We’ll also break down treatment—from wrist splinting to steroid injections and surg...

In this episode of NEURO101, Dr. G unpacks Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) —an acute, immune-mediated polyneuropathy classically presenting with ascending symmetric weakness , areflexia , and possible autonomic instability . We’ll break down post-infectious triggers (like Campylobacter jejuni ), CSF findings of albuminocytologic dissociation , and key management strategies including IVIG and plasmap...

In this episode, Dr. G dives into Myasthenia Gravis (MG) —an autoimmune neuromuscular junction disorder characterized by fatigable muscle weakness , ptosis , and diplopia . Learn how antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor (or less commonly MuSK) disrupt normal transmission, and understand the role of the edrophonium (Tensilon) test , ice pack test , and EMG in diagnosis. Treatment pearls in...

In this episode, Dr. G explores Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) —a relentlessly progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting both upper and lower motor neurons . Discover hallmark signs like fasciculations, spasticity, hyperreflexia, dysarthria , and progressive muscle weakness , while learning the difference between ALS and mimics like MS or cervical myelopathy. We'll also highlight th...

In this high-yield NEURO101 episode, Dr. G dives into Multiple Sclerosis (MS) —a chronic autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Learn how MS presents with optic neuritis, internuclear ophthalmoplegia, sensory disturbances , and more. We’ll cover diagnostic essentials like MRI with Dawson’s fingers and oligoclonal bands in CSF, plus treatment options for acute flares and di...

In this NEURO101 episode, Dr. G breaks down Cerebral Palsy (CP) —a non-progressive motor disorder stemming from a disturbance in the developing brain, most often due to prenatal or perinatal insults. We’ll cover the different subtypes (spastic, dyskinetic, ataxic), key features like hypertonia, delayed milestones, and abnormal reflexes , and how diagnosis and management unfold from infancy through...

In this episode of NEURO101, Dr. G dives into Lateral Medullary Syndrome (a.k.a. Wallenberg Syndrome) —a classic brainstem stroke caused by occlusion of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) or vertebral artery. Learn how to recognize this unique constellation of symptoms , including vertigo, nystagmus, ipsilateral facial sensory loss, contralateral body pain/temp loss, hoarseness, dysph...

In this episode of NEURO101, Dr. G breaks down the classic presentation of a Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH) —sudden onset of the "worst headache of life." We cover the most common cause (ruptured berry aneurysm), key risk factors (smoking, hypertension, polycystic kidney disease) , and the step-by-step approach to diagnosis with CT head, lumbar puncture , and CTA/MRA . Management pearls i...

In this high-yield NEURO101 episode, Dr. G covers Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH) —a life-threatening condition caused by bleeding directly into the brain parenchyma. We review the most common cause (hypertension) , typical locations (e.g., basal ganglia, thalamus, cerebellum), clinical presentation, and how to distinguish it from ischemic stroke. Learn the essentials of CT imaging , blood pressure...

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...