Pro-PA Podcast

In this episode of NEURO101, Dr. G demystifies facial nerve (CN VII) palsy, teaching you how to distinguish Bell’s Palsy (a peripheral lesion) from central facial palsy due to a stroke or upper motor neuron lesion. We’ll break down facial anatomy, common etiologies like HSV reactivation, and key treatment pearls including early corticosteroid use.

💡 Did you know? In Bell’s Palsy, both the forehead and lower face are affected—whereas in a central lesion, the forehead is spared due to bilateral cortical innervation.

#BellsPalsy #FacialNervePalsy #NEURO101 #PANCEPrep #ProPAPodcast

In this NEURO101 episode, Dr. G breaks down ophthalmoplegia, the impaired movement of the eye due to dysfunction in cranial nerves III, IV, or VI. Learn how to differentiate between oculomotor, trochlear, and abducens palsies, their clinical presentations (like ptosis, diplopia, and eye deviation), and causes ranging from diabetes to aneurysms and trauma.

💡 Did you know? A pupil-involving third nerve palsy is a neurosurgical emergency until proven otherwise—often linked to posterior communicating artery aneurysms!

#Ophthalmoplegia #CranialNervePalsies #NEURO101 #PANCEPrep #ProPAPodcast

In this NEURO101 episode, Dr. G tackles Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)—a neurologic sensorimotor condition characterized by an uncomfortable urge to move the legs, especially during periods of rest or at night. Learn about primary vs. secondary causes, including associations with iron deficiency, pregnancy, and ESRD, plus first-line treatments like dopamine agonists and iron supplementation.

💡 Did you know? RLS symptoms typically worsen in the evening and are temporarily relieved by movement—a hallmark feature known as the “circadian pattern” of RLS.

#RestlessLegSyndrome #SleepDisorders #NEURO101 #PANCEReview #ProPAPodcast

In this NEURO101 episode, Dr. G breaks down Huntington Disease, a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder marked by chorea, psychiatric symptoms, and cognitive decline. Learn the genetic basis—an autosomal dominant CAG trinucleotide repeat on chromosome 4—and why symptoms often present between ages 30–50. We’ll also cover the progressive nature of the disease, the role of genetic counseling, and key diagnostic and management considerations.

💡 Did you know? The more CAG repeats a person inherits, the earlier symptoms of Huntington disease tend to appear—a phenomenon called anticipation.

#HuntingtonDisease #Neurogenetics #MovementDisorders #NEURO101 #ProPAPodcast #PANCEPrep

In this NEURO101 episode, Dr. G explores Parkinson Disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by resting tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability. Learn the pathophysiology behind dopamine depletion in the substantia nigra, and how hallmark clinical findings help distinguish Parkinson disease from other movement disorders. We’ll also discuss treatment options—from levodopa/carbidopa as first-line therapy to adjunctive agents like MAO-B inhibitors and dopamine agonists.

💡 Did you know? The classic pill-rolling tremor of Parkinson’s often begins unilaterally and may precede a formal diagnosis by years.

#ParkinsonsDisease #MovementDisorders #Neurology #PANCEPrep #NEURO101 #ProPAPodcast

In this NEURO101 episode, Dr. G covers Essential Tremor, the most common movement disorder, often mistaken for Parkinson disease but with key differences. Learn how this action tremor (worsens with movement, improves with alcohol) typically affects the hands, head, and voice, and how to differentiate it from resting tremors. We also review first-line treatments, including propranolol and primidone, and when to consider surgical options like deep brain stimulation.

💡 Did you know? Essential tremor is often familial and can start at any age, but its prevalence increases with age—affecting nearly 1 in 20 adults over 40.

#EssentialTremor #MovementDisorders #PANCEPrep #NeurologyReview #ProPAPodcast #NEURO101

In this NEURO101 episode, Dr. G walks you through Wernicke Encephalopathy, a life-threatening but reversible neurologic condition caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, most often seen in chronic alcohol use disorder or malnutrition. We break down the classic triad: ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and confusion—though all three are rarely seen together. Early recognition is crucial, and we discuss why thiamine must be given before glucose to avoid worsening the condition.

💡 Did you know? Wernicke Encephalopathy is a medical emergency—and if untreated, can progress to Korsakoff syndrome, marked by irreversible memory loss and confabulation.

#WernickeEncephalopathy #ThiamineDeficiency #PANCEPrep #NeuroEmergencies #ClinicalMedicine #NEURO101 #ProPAPodcast

In this episode of NEURO101, Dr. G unpacks Toxic-Metabolic Encephalopathy (TME)—a diffuse brain dysfunction triggered by systemic illness, organ failure, or exposure to toxins. Learn to identify the hallmark signs like fluctuating mental status, asterixis, and EEG changes, and distinguish TME from structural brain lesions. We’ll also cover common culprits like sepsis, renal or hepatic failure, electrolyte imbalances, and medication effects.

💡 Did you know? TME is one of the most common causes of altered mental status in hospitalized patients—and it's reversible with the right treatment of the underlying cause!

#TME #AlteredMentalStatus #ToxicMetabolic #DeliriumVsDementia #PANCEReview #NEURO101 #ProPAPodcast

In this NEURO101 episode, Dr. G breaks down Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy, a critical condition that results from insufficient oxygen and blood flow to the brain. Whether from cardiac arrest, perinatal events, or severe hypotension, HIE can lead to devastating neurologic injury. Learn to recognize its stages, understand prognostic factors, and review key interventions such as therapeutic hypothermia.

💡 Did you know? In newborns, HIE is one of the leading causes of cerebral palsy and long-term neurodevelopmental delay—early identification and cooling within 6 hours can make all the difference!

#HIE #NeuroEmergency #CerebralPalsy #Hypoxia #PANCEPrep #NEURO101 #ProPAPodcast

In this NEURO101 episode, Dr. G explores Hepatic Encephalopathy, a reversible neuropsychiatric complication of liver dysfunction. Understand how elevated ammonia levels, often due to cirrhosis, can lead to confusion, asterixis, and even coma—and how prompt recognition and treatment can dramatically alter outcomes.

💡 Did you know? The classic flapping tremor known as asterixis isn't unique to hepatic encephalopathy—it can also be seen in uremia and CO₂ retention!

#HepaticEncephalopathy #LiverDisease #Asterixis #AmmoniaToxicity #NEURO101 #PANCEPrep #ProPAPodcast