Brain Chat with the Nerdy Neurologist

We’re officially back TONIGHT at 7 PM ET, and I couldn’t think of a better conversation to kick off the second half of the season!
I’m joined by my good friend Dr. Barbara Joy Jones for “The Overlap Years: Perimenopause, Menopause, and MS.” We’re getting into the symptoms, the overlap, the questions women should be asking, and what you need to know as you navigate these changes while living with MS.
Grab a friend, get comfortable, and meet us on YouTube TONIGHT at 7 PM ET! And while you’re there, make sure you SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss a single Brain Chat conversation this season.
Brain Chat is proudly presented by the Joi Life Foundation.

Have you ever left a doctor's appointment with more questions than answers?
Join me for a new episode of #BrainChat, where I'm joined by Dr. Nolan-McEwen and Dr. Colton-Poole to talk about how to communicate more confidently with your health care team.
Because your voice matters, and better conversations can lead to better care.

Botox is about more than wrinkles.
In the next episode of Brain Chat, I'm joined by fellow neurologists Dr. Nolan-McEwen and Dr. Rosenthal to explore the medical side of Botox and how it's used to treat chronic migraine, spasticity, and other neurologic conditions.
We're talking about who may benefit, what treatment actually looks like, and clearing up some of the biggest myths that can keep people from getting the care they need.

Living with a chronic illness can change relationships, but communication can help strengthen them. 💙
This Monday on Brain Chat, I'm joined by communication expert Dr. Charnetta Colton Poole to discuss navigating conversations with care partners, setting healthy boundaries, and expressing your needs with confidence and compassion.
🧠 Stronger Together: Communicating With Care Partners in Chronic Disease

"If my MRI looks normal, why am I still in pain?"
It's a question many people ask and one we're tackling in the next episode of Brain Chat.
Join me and Dr. Deitrick Cox as we break down what nerve pain is, why it can be difficult to measure, common causes in conditions like MS and peripheral neuropathy, and the many tools available to help manage symptoms.
Because understanding your pain is the first step toward finding the right path forward.

How do neurologists know whether someone has MS or NMOSD?
In the next epside of #BrainChat, I sit down with Dr. Rosenthal and Dr. Nolan-McEwen to discuss the latest diagnostic criteria for MS and NMOSD, common causes of misdiagnosis, and why getting the right diagnosis can change everything.
From MRI findings to antibody testing, this conversation breaks down the science behind diagnosis in a way that's easy to understand.

Ever feel like your muscles have a mind of their own? 🤔 In the latest episode of Brain Chat, I got to sit down with Dr. Deitrick Cox and Sheree Love to dive deep into the world of spasticity.
Some days, your muscles can feel like they're in a tug-of-war, and other days they're as calm as a summer breeze. We unpacked those muscular mysteries together, breaking down symptoms like stiffness, spasms, pain, and fatigue, making them seem less intimidating and more manageable.
Understanding spasticity can be like having a map for a journey – it makes the trip smoother and more enjoyable! With practical tips and a focus on patient-centered care, this episode is all about finding comfort and moving with ease.
Understanding spasticity is the first step toward safer movement, better comfort, and an improved quality of life.
Have you or someone you know dealt with spasticity? How has understanding it changed your experience? Share your thoughts!

In this episode of Brain Chat, I’m joined by MS advocate Nana Opong-Owusu and exercise physiologist Sheree Love for an honest and empowering conversation about movement and brain health.We talk about what it really looks like to stay active while living with Multiple Sclerosis—, rom navigating fatigue and fear of symptom flares to letting go of unrealistic expectations around exercise. This conversation is all about reframing movement as something that is accessible, adaptable, and supportive, not overwhelming.Together, we explore how intentional movement can positively impact cognition, mood, and overall nervous system health, and share practical ways to get started at your own pace.Whether you’re newly diagnosed or further along in your journey, this episode offers real-life insight, encouragement, and tools to help you move in a way that works for you.

Sleep isn’t just rest… it’s your brain doing some of its most important work 🧠💤
On this episode of #BrainChat, I’m joined by sleep medicine expert Dr. Chantale Branson and we’re getting into what’s really happening while you sleep and why it matters more than you think.
We talk about how different stages of sleep support memory & mood and what happens when sleep is disrupted by stress, pain, or sleep disorders. And of course, we’re busting a few myths along the way.
If you’ve been underestimating your sleep… this is your reminder to tune in.

Tremors can look a lot of different ways—and if you’ve ever had questions, this one’s for you.
In this episode of #Brainchat, I’m joined by Dr. Chantale Branson and Dr. Kisha Young, two movement disorder specialists, to break down what tremors are, how they show up, and how we evaluate them.
We get into the different types of tremors, what can cause them, and how to tell them apart—plus when it’s time to check in with a neurologist and what to expect when you do.