Neurology and Neurosurgery

Host: M. Edip Gurol, MD, MSc Guest: Robin Novakovic, MD Guest: Shadi Yaghi, MD Guest: Jeffrey Weitz, MD Despite significant efforts to prevent stroke in patients, there remains an unmet need among providers regarding the optimization and benefit-risk profile of anticoagulation therapies. Learn how these therapies may impact the prevention of ischemic stroke and secondary stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Guest: Amber Salter, PhD A recent study examined the association between comorbidities, adverse events, and early trial discontinuation in phase III clinical trials for disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis. Join Dr. Amber Salter as she explains her findings and implications for clinical practice, including personalized treatment approaches. Dr. Salter is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics at UT Southwestern Medical Center, and she presented on this research at the ACTRIMS Forum 2025.

Guest: Michael Kornberg, MD, PhD A recent study found that a ketogenic diet may have anti-inflammatory effects in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), potentially reducing relapse risk. However, this diet also comes with a variety of risks and challenges. Hear from Dr. Michael Kornberg as he explains the potential benefits and drawbacks of this approach. Dr. Kornberg is an Assistant Professor of Neurology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and he presented on this topic at the ACTRIMS Forum 2025.

Guest: Amy Kuceyeski, PhD In patients with multiple sclerosis, lesions in white matter can disrupt brain connectivity, leading to cognitive and motor impairments. Join Dr. Amy Kuceyeski as she discusses the pathophysiology behind structural disconnectivity and shares insights on new tools being developed to more accurately identify it in patients with multiple sclerosis. Dr. Kuceyeski is a Professor of Mathematics in Radiology and Neuroscience at Weill Cornell Medicine, and she spoke on this topic at the ACTRIMS Forum 2025.

Guest: Cristin Welle, PhD To address the concerning effects of demyelinating events in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), a recent study explored whether neuromodulation could support myelin repair and restoration of function. Learn more as Dr. Cristin Welle explains how vagus nerve stimulation has the potential to play a role in remyelination. Dr. Cristin Welle is a Professor of Neurosurgery and Physiology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, and she spoke about this topic at the ACTRIMS Forum 2025.

Guest: Dalia Rotstein, MD, MPH Prodromal symptoms are common in neurologic and inflammatory conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS). Recent evidence suggests that prodromal symptoms also exist in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and MOG antibody disease (MOGAD). Join Dr. Dalia Rotstein as she explains how emerging research is providing insight into these symptoms, potentially informing our diagnostic strategies.

Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Jason Ackrivo, MD, MSCE Respiratory complications are fairly common in patients with neuromuscular disorders, and given their vast impacts on a patient’s prognosis and quality of life, it’s critical to proactively detect and monitor any signs of respiratory decline. To learn more about the symptoms, impacts, and diagnosis of respiratory complications in patients with neuromuscular disorders, Dr. Charles Turck speaks with Dr. Jason Ackrivo. Not only is Dr. Ackrivo the Associate Director of the Fishman Program for Home Assisted Ventilation, but he's also an Assistant Professor of Medicine in Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Bimaje Akpa, MD Clinical practice guidelines from the American College of Chest Physicians provide recommendations for managing respiratory complications in patients with neuromuscular diseases, which can help inform our evaluation and treatment decisions. Joining Dr. Charles Turck to break down key insights from the CHEST guidelines and their impacts on clinical practice is Dr. Bimaje Akpa. Dr. Akpa is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at the University of Minnesota.

Guest: Natalie Bareis, PhD, LMSW A recent study on schizophrenia uncovered a significantly higher prevalence than previously estimated. The study also highlights ongoing struggles for patients, including low employment rates, poor general functioning, and limited access to adequate treatment. Join lead author Dr. Natalie Bareis as she discusses these findings and highlights the need for better policies and treatment accessibility. Dr. Bareis is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Behavioral Medicine in Psychiatry at Columbia University.

Guest: Natalie Bareis, PhD, LMSW Despite the availability of effective treatments for schizophrenia spectrum disorders, many patients are not receiving minimally adequate care based on a recent study. Tune in to hear Dr. Natalie Bareis discuss barriers to care, including the impact of substance use disorders and the limited availability of specialized programs, as well as how we can improve access and outcomes for patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Dr. Bareis is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Behavioral Medicine in Psychiatry at Columbia University.

Host: Charles Turck, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP Guest: Hank Mayer, MD Patients with neuromuscular conditions often exhibit respiratory symptoms that impact their airway clearance and gas exchange, making it increasingly difficult for them to breathe. However, effective assessment techniques and early intervention can help mitigate the progression of this dysfunction, potentially keeping patients from needing extended recovery time or even inpatient care. Joining Dr. Charles Turck to discuss the importance of informed, proactive intervention for respiratory symptoms in patients with neuromuscular conditions is Dr. Hank Mayer. Dr. Mayer is the Medical Director of the Pulmonary Function Laboratory at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and a Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine.

Guest: Jonathan Strober, MD Misinterpreted symptoms and limited access to treatment can make it difficult to manage myasthenia gravis among adolescents and young adults. Join Dr. Jonathan Strober as he explains how we can address gaps in care for this population. Dr. Strober is a Professor of Neurology at the University of California, San Francisco and the Director of the Neuromuscular Clinic at UCSF Benihoff Children’s Hospital.

Guest: Gil I. Wolfe MD, FAAN Rozanolixizumab is a fast-acting myasthenia gravis treatment that reduces IgG levels by blocking the neonatal Fc receptor. Dr. Gil Wolfe explains how it compares to other treatment options like corticosteroids, taking side effects and quality of life into consideration. Dr. Wolf is a SUNY Distinguished Professor of Neurology at the University of Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Guest: Mark S. Freedman, MSc, MD, FANA, FAAN, CSPQ, FRCPC Guest: Ahmed Zayed Obeidat, MD, PhD This series of bite-sized episodes contains important information on the use of high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in multiple sclerosis (MS). Drs. Ahmed Obeidat and Mark Freedman discuss the role of inflammation in MS pathology, treatment strategies for high-efficacy DMTs, impact on cognition, and use in special populations.

Guest: Mark S. Freedman, MSc, MD, FANA, FAAN, CSPQ, FRCPC Guest: Ahmed Zayed Obeidat, MD, PhD This series of bite-sized episodes contains important information on the use of high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in multiple sclerosis (MS). Drs. Ahmed Obeidat and Mark Freedman discuss the role of inflammation in MS pathology, treatment strategies for high-efficacy DMTs, impact on cognition, and use in special populations.

Guest: Mark S. Freedman, MSc, MD, FANA, FAAN, CSPQ, FRCPC Guest: Ahmed Zayed Obeidat, MD, PhD This series of bite-sized episodes contains important information on the use of high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in multiple sclerosis (MS). Drs. Ahmed Obeidat and Mark Freedman discuss the role of inflammation in MS pathology, treatment strategies for high-efficacy DMTs, impact on cognition, and use in special populations.

Guest: Mark S. Freedman, MSc, MD, FANA, FAAN, CSPQ, FRCPC Guest: Ahmed Zayed Obeidat, MD, PhD This series of bite-sized episodes contains important information on the use of high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in multiple sclerosis (MS). Drs. Ahmed Obeidat and Mark Freedman discuss the role of inflammation in MS pathology, treatment strategies for high-efficacy DMTs, impact on cognition, and use in special populations.

Guest: Mark S. Freedman, MSc, MD, FANA, FAAN, CSPQ, FRCPC Guest: Ahmed Zayed Obeidat, MD, PhD This series of bite-sized episodes contains important information on the use of high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in multiple sclerosis (MS). Drs. Ahmed Obeidat and Mark Freedman discuss the role of inflammation in MS pathology, treatment strategies for high-efficacy DMTs, impact on cognition, and use in special populations.

Guest: Mark S. Freedman, MSc, MD, FANA, FAAN, CSPQ, FRCPC Guest: Ahmed Zayed Obeidat, MD, PhD This series of bite-sized episodes contains important information on the use of high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in multiple sclerosis (MS). Drs. Ahmed Obeidat and Mark Freedman discuss the role of inflammation in MS pathology, treatment strategies for high-efficacy DMTs, impact on cognition, and use in special populations.

Guest: Mark S. Freedman, MSc, MD, FANA, FAAN, CSPQ, FRCPC Guest: Ahmed Zayed Obeidat, MD, PhD This series of bite-sized episodes contains important information on the use of high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in multiple sclerosis (MS). Drs. Ahmed Obeidat and Mark Freedman discuss the role of inflammation in MS pathology, treatment strategies for high-efficacy DMTs, impact on cognition, and use in special populations.