Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is caused by compression of the lumbosacral nerve roots that extend below the spinal cord. The most common cause is disc prolapse at the L4/5 or L5/S1 level and stenosis of the spinal canal. Less commonly, compression may be due to pathology in a higher disc or to a tumour, infection or trauma. Typical symptoms and signs of CES include leg and/or back pain, together with one or more of: bladder or bowel dysfunction; altered perianal, perineal or genital sensation; motor weakness affecting both legs; sexual dysfunction. It is a medical emergency and a missed diagnosis can have devastating consequences. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson covers the anatomy and causes of CES, its presentation, diagnosis and treatment pathway.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:

https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/neurology/ep-164-cauda-equina-syndrome.

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In the first of a two-episode series on chronic kidney disease (CKD), Dr Hannah Rosa is joined by Dr Will Hinchliffe, a Consultant in Renal and General Medicine working in the North East and North Cumbria. They discuss which people are at risk of CKD, how to test for it and diagnose it and, lastly, which patients require a referral to secondary care. This episode is mostly based on the NICE guideline on assessment and management of CKD and aims to help you to improve the lives of your patients by diagnosing CKD earlier and referring those who may benefit from specialist input sooner.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:

https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/renal-medicine/ep-163-chronic-kidney-disease-among-adults-in-primary-care-testing-diagnosis-and-referral.

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Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disorder that predominantly targets the axial skeleton, especially the spine and sacroiliac joints. This condition evolves insidiously, often beginning in young adulthood, and gradually imposes limitations on spinal mobility, eventually leading to fusion in advanced cases. Beyond its skeletal manifestations, AS can also extend its reach to various extra-articular organs, emphasising the systemic nature of the disease. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at its clinical presentation, how to diagnose it, the treatment options available and its prognosis.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:

https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/rheumatology/ep-162-ankylosing-spondylitis.

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Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication following an episode of shingles and can affect up to one in five people. Pain is typically described as burning or like an electric shock and is often associated with allodynia and hyperalgesia. It can have significant effects on both physical and psychological well-being, with sleep disturbance and depression being frequently described. PHN is notoriously difficult to treat, with a significant number of patients achieving only a modest reduction in their symptoms despite combinations of analgesic agents. In this episode, Dr Kate Chesterman explores the treatment options available in primary care.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at: https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/neurology/ep-161-post-herpetic-neuralgia

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What if one of the most misunderstood diagnoses of the past is now one of the most manageable chronic conditions? How can GPs play a pivotal role in tackling stigma, increasing testing and improving outcomes for people living with HIV?

Dr James Waldron is joined by Dr Grace Bottoni (HIV and Hepatitis C GP Champion, Lewisham) for a series of podcasts about HIV. Together, they explore a range of topics with experts in the field. In this second episode, they talk with Dr Mel Rosenvinge (Consultant HIV Specialist, Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust) about what happens after a positive test result and how to help support people living with HIV. Listen to find out about the next steps in primary care.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:

https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/infectious-disease/ep-160-rethinking-hiv-dealing-with-a-positive-test-result.

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Baker’s cysts commonly present in primary care. In this episode, Dr Kate Chesterman discusses the pathophysiology, underlying aetiology and management options for this condition, describing possible differential diagnoses and indications for investigations. She also explains the self-care options for those with minimal symptoms and how to escalate treatment, as well as when to consider a referral.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:

http://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/musculoskeletal-medicine/ep-159-bakers-cyst.

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A rotator cuff injury is an event that causes pain in the shoulder. This can be due to a tear, inflammation or narrowing of the space within the shoulder joint. The rotator cuff muscles interlock to work as a unit. They help to stabilise the shoulder joint and also help with shoulder joint movement. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson takes a specific look at tears to the rotator cuff – a problem often seen in primary care. The episode covers causes, diagnosis and treatment, including conservative approaches and surgical options.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:

https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/musculoskeletal-medicine/ep-158-rotator-cuff-tears.

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Ganglion cysts, also sometimes referred to as synovial cysts, are the most common benign soft-tissue masses of the hand and wrist. These cysts arise from the synovial lining of joints or tendon sheaths and are filled with a gelatinous, mucin-rich fluid. Despite their benign nature, ganglion cysts can cause discomfort, restrict motion and cause neurovascular compression (requiring medical intervention in some cases). In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic modalities, differential diagnoses and treatment options.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:

https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/orthopaedics/ep-157-ganglion-cysts.

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Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy, primarily affecting the median nerve at the level of the wrist. The condition results from compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel, leading to sensory and motor impairments in the affected hand. There are a range of causes for the condition, and treatments range from simple conservative measures to surgery. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at how to recognise the condition, some of the clinical and diagnostic tests available, when to refer to secondary care and management options including both surgical and non-surgical measures.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:

https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/musculoskeletal-medicine/ep-156-carpal-tunnel-syndrome.

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.

Temporal arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis, is an inflammatory condition that affects the large- and medium-sized arteries, primarily those in the head. It most commonly occurs in adults over 50, particularly women. The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune response that leads to inflammation and narrowing of the arteries, reducing blood flow. Symptoms include severe headaches, scalp tenderness, jaw pain when chewing and, in severe cases, sudden vision loss. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests, imaging and a temporal artery biopsy. Early detection is crucial to avoid permanent damage and blindness. In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at how to diagnose this condition promptly and accurately, why urgent referral is crucial and the treatment options now available in primary care.

Access episode show notes containing key references and take-home points at:

https://gpnotebook.com/en-GB/podcasts/rheumatology/ep-155-temporal-arteritis.

Did you know? With GPnotebook Pro, you can earn CPD credits by tracking the podcast episodes you listen to. Learn more.