Pro-PA Podcast

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...

In this Clinical Medicine Brief, Dr. G reviews vascular dementia , the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer disease. Learn how multiple infarcts , strategic strokes , or chronic ischemia contribute to a stepwise cognitive decline . We’ll talk about risk factors, key neuroimaging findings (hint: white matter changes and lacunar infarcts), and the importance of managing vascular comor...

In this Clinical Medicine Brief, Dr. G breaks down Lewy body dementia , a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by fluctuating cognition , visual hallucinations , and parkinsonian features . Learn how to differentiate it from Parkinson’s disease dementia and Alzheimer dementia, and why antipsychotics must be used with extreme caution in these patients. We’ll review clinical criteria, supportive...

In this Clinical Medicine Brief, Dr. G unpacks Alzheimer dementia , the most common cause of neurodegenerative cognitive decline in older adults. Learn to distinguish Alzheimer from other dementias by recognizing its insidious onset and progressive memory loss , especially of recent events. We’ll explore key diagnostic features, including MOCA/MMSE scores , and touch on neuroimaging findings like...

In this Clinical Medicine Brief, Dr. G tackles delirium , the acute and fluctuating disturbance in attention and cognition that’s often mistaken for dementia. Learn to recognize the hallmark features : sudden onset, inattention, disorganized thinking, and altered level of consciousness. We'll highlight common causes— medications, infections, metabolic disturbances, post-op states —and share to...

In this can't-miss Clinical Medicine Brief, Dr. G breaks down the neuroparalytic threat of botulism —from canned food mishaps to wound contamination. Learn how Clostridium botulinum toxin blocks acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, resulting in the classic presentation of descending flaccid paralysis , ptosis , diplopia , and even respiratory failure . We’ll cover the differences betwe...

Ticked off? Let’s talk neuroborreliosis . In this Clinical Medicine Brief, Dr. G explores how Lyme disease can invade the central nervous system , leading to meningitis, cranial neuropathies (like facial palsy), radiculopathy , and cognitive dysfunction . Learn when to suspect CNS Lyme, which labs and CSF findings to look for, and when IV ceftriaxone is the treatment of choice. Plus, pick up clini...

Cognition and HIV? It’s more connected than you think. In this Clinical Medicine Brief, Dr. G breaks down HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND) —from asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment to full-blown HIV-associated dementia . Learn how chronic inflammation, viral effects, and CD4 decline lead to memory issues, psychomotor slowing, and functional impairment. Understand the role of MRI, n...

When shingles go beyond the skin— Herpes Zoster (VZV) can cause serious CNS complications like encephalitis, vasculopathy, and even stroke . In this Clinical Medicine Brief, Dr. G covers how to recognize red flags like altered mental status, dermatomal rash, and cranial nerve palsies. Learn the importance of timely CSF analysis, MRI , and starting IV acyclovir without delay. Don’t let this diagnos...

Altered behavior, fever, and focal neuro deficits? Don’t overlook Viral Encephalitis . In this Clinical Medicine Brief, Dr. G reviews the most common culprits—especially HSV-1 , the leading cause of fatal encephalitis in the U.S. Learn how to recognize the key signs, what imaging and labs to order, and why early empiric acyclovir is a must. This one’s high-stakes and high-yield. 🎧 Study smart wit...

Space-occupying and life-threatening, a Brain Abscess can mimic anything from a stroke to a tumor—until you dig deeper. In this Clinical Medicine Brief, Dr. G walks you through the key risk factors, imaging clues (think ring-enhancing lesions!), and treatment strategies that could save your patient’s life. Learn when to suspect it, how to confirm it, and what the neurosurgery + ID combo game plan...

Fever, neck stiffness, and altered mental status? In this Clinical Medicine Brief, Dr. G covers the urgent essentials of Bacterial Meningitis —from classic triad recognition to empiric treatment strategies. Learn the most common organisms by age group, when to order imaging before LP, and which antibiotics (and steroids!) to start without delay. 🎧 Whether you're studying for the PANCE, preppi...

When a patient says “worst headache of my life,” you stop and act. In this Clinical Medicine Brief, Dr. G reviews the high-stakes world of the Thunderclap Headache , including dangerous causes like Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH) , Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS) , and Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST) . Learn how to identify red flag features, what imaging to order, and w...

Not all headaches are benign. In this must-know episode, Dr. G walks through the SNOOP mnemonic—an essential tool for identifying red flags in headache evaluation that could indicate a serious underlying pathology like hemorrhage, tumor, infection, or increased ICP. Learn how to recognize when to dig deeper, order imaging, or refer urgently. 🎧 Perfect for your PANCE prep, PANRE review, or sharpen...