Pro-PA Podcast

In this high-yield NEURO101 episode, Dr. G dives into Multiple Sclerosis (MS)—a chronic autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Learn how MS presents with optic neuritis, internuclear ophthalmoplegia, sensory disturbances, and more. We’ll cover diagnostic essentials like MRI with Dawson’s fingers and oligoclonal bands in CSF, plus treatment options for acute flares and disease-modifying therapy.

💡 Did you know? MS is more common in women, especially those of Northern European descent, and has a peak onset in the 20s to 40s.

#MultipleSclerosis #MS #Neurology #Neuro101 #PANCEReview #PAStudents #ProPAPodcast #CNS

In this NEURO101 episode, Dr. G breaks down Cerebral Palsy (CP)—a non-progressive motor disorder stemming from a disturbance in the developing brain, most often due to prenatal or perinatal insults. We’ll cover the different subtypes (spastic, dyskinetic, ataxic), key features like hypertonia, delayed milestones, and abnormal reflexes, and how diagnosis and management unfold from infancy through childhood.

💡 Did you know? The most common type of CP is spastic diplegia, often associated with prematurity and periventricular leukomalacia.

#CerebralPalsy #Pediatrics #Neurology #DevelopmentalDisorders #Neuro101 #ProPAPodcast #PANCEPrep

In this episode of NEURO101, Dr. G dives into Lateral Medullary Syndrome (a.k.a. Wallenberg Syndrome)—a classic brainstem stroke caused by occlusion of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) or vertebral artery. Learn how to recognize this unique constellation of symptoms, including vertigo, nystagmus, ipsilateral facial sensory loss, contralateral body pain/temp loss, hoarseness, dysphagia, and Horner syndrome. We review the anatomy, the neurovascular territory, and the clinical reasoning behind this stroke diagnosis.

💡 Did you know? Despite affecting multiple cranial nerves and pathways, consciousness and cognitive function are often preserved in Wallenberg syndrome—making the focused neuro exam a critical tool.

#WallenbergSyndrome #LateralMedullarySyndrome #BrainstemStroke #Neurology #Neuro101 #ProPAPodcast #PANCEPrep

In this episode of NEURO101, Dr. G breaks down the classic presentation of a Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH)—sudden onset of the "worst headache of life." We cover the most common cause (ruptured berry aneurysm), key risk factors (smoking, hypertension, polycystic kidney disease), and the step-by-step approach to diagnosis with CT head, lumbar puncture, and CTA/MRA. Management pearls include blood pressure control, aneurysm clipping/coiling, and preventing vasospasm with nimodipine.

💡 Did you know? Up to 10% of patients with SAH die before reaching the hospital, making rapid recognition and management essential.

#SAH #SubarachnoidHemorrhage #WorstHeadacheOfLife #Aneurysm #Neurology #Neuro101 #ProPAPodcast #PANCEPrep

In this high-yield NEURO101 episode, Dr. G covers Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH)—a life-threatening condition caused by bleeding directly into the brain parenchyma. We review the most common cause (hypertension), typical locations (e.g., basal ganglia, thalamus, cerebellum), clinical presentation, and how to distinguish it from ischemic stroke. Learn the essentials of CT imaging, blood pressure management, and when neurosurgery might be indicated.

💡 Did you know? A non-contrast head CT is the fastest and most sensitive way to diagnose ICH in the acute setting.

#IntracerebralHemorrhage #Stroke #HypertensiveEmergency #Neuro101 #PANCEPrep #ProPAPodcast

In this high-yield NEURO101 episode, Dr. G breaks down Ischemic Stroke, the most common type of stroke, including thrombotic vs embolic causes, key risk factors (like atrial fibrillation and carotid stenosis), and hallmark symptoms based on affected brain regions. We review acute management, including tPA time windows, NIH stroke scale, and secondary prevention with antiplatelets and statins.

💡 Did you know? tPA must be given within 4.5 hours of symptom onset—but “time is brain,” so every minute counts!

#IschemicStroke #tPA #StrokeAwareness #Neuro101 #ProPAPodcast #PANCEPrep

In this NEURO101 episode, Dr. G reviews Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)—the so-called “mini-stroke” that should never be minimized. Learn how to distinguish TIA from full-blown stroke, the typical duration and symptom resolution, and the importance of early intervention to prevent future cerebrovascular accidents. We’ll also cover ABCD² scoring, imaging priorities, and secondary prevention strategies.

💡 Did you know? Up to 15% of patients with TIA will go on to have a major stroke within 3 months—most within the first 48 hours!

#TIA #MiniStroke #StrokePrevention #Neuro101 #ProPAPodcast #PANCEReview

In this NEURO101 episode, Dr. G breaks down the dizzying world of Syncope—a sudden, transient loss of consciousness with spontaneous recovery. We compare neurogenic vs. cardiac causes, review red flag symptoms, and walk through the initial workup and management pearls. Learn how to differentiate vasovagal from orthostatic hypotension, and when to worry about arrhythmias or structural heart disease.

💡 Did you know? Up to 40% of people will experience at least one syncopal episode in their lifetime—and the most common type is vasovagal, especially in younger adults.

#Syncope #Fainting #Neuro101 #PANCEPrep #ProPAPodcast #CardioOrNeuro

In this NEURO101 bonus episode, Dr. G walks you through a high-yield Cranial Nerve (CN I–XII) exam review—essential for PANCE prep, clinical rotations, and OSCEs. You’ll learn the names, functions, and clinical tests for each nerve, with pro tips and mnemonics like “Some Say Marry Money...” and “Oh Oh Oh To Touch And Feel...” to lock it all in.

💡 Did you know? CN I (olfactory) is often the first cranial nerve affected in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s—long before motor or cognitive symptoms appear.

#CranialNerves #NeuroExam #PANCEPrep #NEURO101 #ProPAPodcast #PAStudentLife

In this NEURO101 installment, Dr. G tackles trigeminal neuralgia, one of the most excruciating pain syndromes in neurology. Learn how to recognize the hallmark electric shock-like pain affecting the V2 and V3 branches of CN V, and why carbamazepine is the go-to treatment. We’ll also explore structural causes like vascular compression and multiple sclerosis.

💡 Did you know? Trigeminal neuralgia is nicknamed the “suicide disease” because of how severely it can impact quality of life due to its intensity and unpredictability.

#TrigeminalNeuralgia #FacialPain #NEURO101 #PANCEPrep #ProPAPodcast