In this episode, Dr. G dives into Craniopharyngioma, a benign but locally aggressive brain tumor that most commonly affects children and young adults. Learn how its classic presentation—growth delays, visual changes, and signs of increased intracranial pressure—can help you spot it early. We’ll also talk through its origin from Rathke’s pouch, common findings on imaging, and the surgical and hormonal challenges these patients face.

#Craniopharyngioma #NEURO101 #ProPAPodcast #PANCEprep #BrainTumors #Pediatrics #DrGApproved #FuturePA #ClinicalMedicineBrief

In this high-stakes episode of the Pro-PA Podcast, Dr. G unpacks Status Epilepticus, a true neurologic emergency. We’ll define the condition, discuss the timeline that matters most (hint: it’s 5 minutes!), and walk through first-line and second-line treatments, including benzodiazepines and antiepileptics. Tune in for clinical pearls, PANCE pointers, and tips to keep your cool when seconds count.

#StatusEpilepticus #NEURO101 #ProPAPodcast #PANCEprep #EmergencyMedicine #NeurologyReview #FuturePA #DrGApproved #ClinicalMedicineBrief

In this episode of the Pro-PA Podcast, Dr. G breaks down Febrile Seizures, the most common convulsive disorder in children under five. We’ll cover simple vs. complex febrile seizures, red flag features that should raise concern, and how to counsel anxious parents when a child has their first episode. Learn when to reassure, when to refer, and what really matters on exam day and in real life.

#FebrileSeizures #NEURO101 #ProPAPodcast #PANCEprep #PAstudent #Pediatrics #SeizureAwareness #DrGApproved #ClinicalMedicineBrief #FuturePA

In this NEURO101 installment, Dr. G explores Acute Symptomatic Seizures, which are triggered by identifiable causes such as stroke, metabolic imbalances, traumatic brain injury, or infection. These seizures are not considered epilepsy but require careful evaluation of the underlying cause to guide management and prevent recurrence. Tune in to distinguish these from other seizure types and sharpen your clinical judgment for PANCE and clinical practice.

#ProPAPodcast #Neurology101 #AcuteSeizures #PostStrokeSeizure #MetabolicSeizure #TraumaSeizure #SeizureDisorders #PAstudent #PANCEprep

In this NEURO101 episode, Dr. G breaks down Epileptic Syndromes, focusing on high-yield examples like Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME) and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS). These syndromes go beyond isolated seizure types, often involving specific age-related onset patterns, EEG findings, and treatment implications. Tune in for a clinical overview that helps differentiate these complex conditions and builds confidence for your PANCE prep or next neurology rotation.

#ProPAPodcast #Neurology101 #EpilepticSyndromes #JuvenileMyoclonicEpilepsy #LennoxGastaut #SeizureDisorders #ClinicalMedicineBrief #PANCEprep #FuturePA

Let me know when you're ready for the next one!

In this NEURO101 episode, Dr. G dives into Generalized Seizures (Tonic-clonic, Absence, Myoclonic, Atonic)—a critical topic for anyone studying neurology or prepping for the PANCE/PANRE. Learn to differentiate the various seizure types that involve both hemispheres of the brain from the onset, including the classic convulsions of tonic-clonic seizures, the blank stares of absence seizures, the sudden jerks of myoclonic episodes, and the drop attacks of atonic seizures. Packed with clinical pearls and high-yield review, this episode makes complex seizure subtypes easier to understand.

#ProPAPodcast #Neurology101 #GeneralizedSeizures #TonicClonic #AbsenceSeizures #PANCEprep #SeizureTypes #ClinicalMedicine #DrGExplains

In this NEURO101 episode, Dr. G breaks down Focal Seizures (± Impaired Awareness)—those that begin in one hemisphere of the brain and may or may not affect awareness. You'll learn how to distinguish between seizures with retained awareness (previously called simple partial seizures) and those with impaired awareness (formerly complex partial seizures). We also explore key clinical presentations, high-yield terminology, and important management tips. Perfect for PANCE/PANRE prep, clinical refreshers, or anyone looking to strengthen their neurology knowledge.

#PAPodcast #Neurology101 #FocalSeizures #SeizureDisorders #ClinicalMedicine #PANCEprep #ProPAPodcast #DrGExplains #MedicalEducation

Welcome to our 200th episode! Dr. G reflects on her journey through the Doctorate of Medical Science (DMSc) program at the University of Pittsburgh and discusses what it means to earn a doctoral degree as a Physician Associate.

In this special episode, we explore:
✅ Why Dr. G chose the Pitt DMSc: affordable, flexible, 1-year format
🔗 https://www.shrs.pitt.edu/academics/pas/dmsc/

✅ Her collaborative capstone project on sports physicals and its upcoming national and state-level presentations

🔗

✅ A quick overview of PA doctoral degree options and the historical evolution of advanced PA education
✅ A review of the recent JPAE article “The PA Postprofessional Doctorate: Trends and Considerations”
🔗https://journals.lww.com/jaapa/fulltext/2025/05000/the_pa_postprofessional_doctorate.7.aspx

Whether you’re considering a doctorate or just curious about the path, this episode delivers practical insight and firsthand perspective.

🎧 This is the Pro-PA Podcast—where future pros in medicine are made!
Until next time!

In this episode, Dr. G highlights how Vitamin B12 Deficiency affects the nervous system—causing subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord, peripheral neuropathy, and even cognitive changes. Learn how to identify this reversible but potentially devastating condition early, distinguish it from other neurologic disorders, and recognize classic signs like paresthesias, ataxia, and a positive Romberg.

💡 Did you know? B12 deficiency can mimic multiple sclerosis and may even cause psychosis, memory loss, or dementia-like symptoms—making it one of the great clinical masqueraders!

#Neuro101 #VitaminB12 #PerniciousAnemia #PANCEReview #ProPAPodcast #NeurologyPearls

In this Clinical Medicine Brief, Dr. G breaks down Spinal Accessory Nerve Injury—a surprisingly vulnerable cranial nerve injury that can lead to shoulder droop, trapezius weakness, and difficulty elevating the arm. Learn how this motor-only cranial nerve (CN XI) gets injured during procedures like lymph node biopsies or neck dissections, how to test it at the bedside, and why early recognition can prevent long-term disability.

💡 Did you know? The spinal accessory nerve is the most commonly injured iatrogenic cranial nerve due to its superficial course in the posterior triangle of the neck.

#CranialNerves #CNXI #SpinalAccessoryNerve #Neuro101 #ProPAPodcast #PANCEReview