The Neurological Disorder Podcast

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How do factors like socioeconomic status, genetics, and environment shape who receives neurological care, the quality of care they receive, and their treatment outcome?

This week's episode features my conversation with Dr. Seebadri-White, a neurologist whose work focuses on neurological care in marginalized populations. Throughout our conversation, Dr. Seebadri-White brings the often abstract concept of health disparities in neurology to life through tangible examples and experiences from her work.

To begin, Dr. Seebadri-White explains the complex ways in which socioeconomic, genetic, and environmental factors can intersect to shape neurological health and access to care. We look specifically at headache disorders through this lens, discussing some of the barriers marginalized populations may face both before seeking neurological care and even after entering the healthcare system.

Beyond understanding these disparities, we discuss current efforts to address them, including Headache on the Hill, and how anyone can get involved in advocating for change. We also explore what greater inclusivity in neurological care could look like and the potential role of technology in making neurological care more accessible and equitable in the future.

Dr. Seebadri-White shares so many valuable perspectives and experiences throughout this conversation, and I hope this episode offers a greater understanding of the disparities that exist within neurological care and how we can all play a role in working toward a healthcare system that is more accessible, inclusive, and safe for everyone.

Don’t forget to rate and subscribe to The Neurological Disorder Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Fill out the form in my bio if you have questions, guest suggestions, or topics you would love to hear about!

Feel free to contact me via:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @neurologicaldisorderpodcast

Resources:

• https://allianceforheadacheadvocacy.org/headache-on-the-hill/

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What happens when your own immune system prevents your nerves from properly communicating with your muscles?

This week's episode features my conversation with Lauren Junge, one of the youngest individuals in the United States to be diagnosed with Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS). Beyond navigating life with this rare neurological condition, Lauren is a college student, researcher, ambassador for rare disease organizations, and founder of a campus club dedicated to raising awareness for rare diseases.

To begin, Lauren explains the fascinating biology behind LEMS. She also shares why childhood-onset LEMS is extraordinarily uncommon and how it differs from similar conditions, such as myasthenia gravis. We also discuss many of the symptoms patients experience, and she shares her perspective on where research in the field is headed and what advances she hopes to see in the future.

Beyond the science, Lauren reflects on growing up with a rare disease, the everyday moments that made her feel different from her peers, and the small acts of kindness and inclusion that had a lasting impact on her. We also discuss how her experiences inspired her to pursue a career in pediatric neurology and create a student organization dedicated to supporting individuals living with rare conditions.

Lauren's story is both educational and inspiring, and I hope this conversation offers a greater understanding of LEMS and how we, as a community, can help support those living with rare neurological disorders.

Don’t forget to rate and subscribe to The Neurological Disorder Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Fill out the form in my bio if you have questions, guest suggestions, or topics you would love to hear about!

Feel free to contact me via:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @neurologicaldisorderpodcast

Resources:

• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23202-lambert-eaton-myasthenic-syndrome-lems
• https://rarediseases.org/

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What actually happens behind the scenes when someone is rushed to the hospital with a neurological emergency? And what decisions are doctors making so quickly?

This week’s episode features my conversation with Joshua Saunders, a neurology nurse practitioner.

When someone you love is suddenly admitted to the hospital with a neurological issue, the experience can feel incredibly overwhelming. Between the imaging studies, neurological exams, constant monitoring, and transfers between hospital units, it can be difficult to understand what’s happening and why certain decisions are being made so quickly.

In this conversation, Josh helps break all of that down.

We discuss what the typical hospital workflow looks like when a patient is admitted with a neurological condition, the kinds of neurological changes providers monitor closely for, and which symptoms raise immediate concern. He also shares how he approaches conversations with patients and families when explaining complex neurological diagnoses and treatment decisions.

Josh also walks through a hypothetical stroke scenario from start to finish — from the moment a patient arrives at the hospital, to the imaging studies and tests that are ordered, the decisions providers are making in real time, and what recovery and follow-up can look like after discharge. Toward the end of the episode, he addresses two very common misconceptions patients and families have about neurological care in the hospital setting.

Don’t forget to rate and subscribe to The Neurological Disorder Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Fill out this form in bio if you have questions, guest suggestions, or topics you would love to hear about!

Feel free to contact me via:

Email: [email protected]

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What can Chiari malformation reveal about the gaps that still exist in neurological care and patient awareness?

This week's episode features my conversation with Debbie Ryan, an inspiring mother of four from West Ireland who is studying anatomy and physiology, reflexology, and holistic massage, while also navigating life with Chiari malformation.

In this conversation, Debbie opens up about her diagnosis journey, the symptoms that led her to seek answers, and the emotional impact of living with Chiari while navigating everyday life. We talk about how her experiences motivated her to create an online community to spread awareness and support others with Chiari malformation.

We also discuss the realities of navigating healthcare with a chronic neurological condition and compare the healthcare systems in Ireland and the United States, including both the strengths and the challenges patients face in each system.

Debbie is such a genuine, resilient, and thoughtful person, and I think her story will resonate with so many people — whether you’re personally affected by Chiari malformation, interested in neurology, or simply looking to hear from someone who’s turned adversity into advocacy.

Don’t forget to rate and subscribe to The Neurological Disorder Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Fill out this form in bio if you have questions, guest suggestions, or topics you would love to hear about!

Feel free to contact me via:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @neurologicaldisorderpodcast

Debbie: @chiarimalformationireland

Resources

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chiari-malformation/symptoms-causes/syc-20354010
• https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/chiari-malformation

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What if artificial intelligence could change how neurological diseases are diagnosed, treated, and even prevented? And how far are we from that future?

This week's episode is with returning guest Dr. Aniket Natekar to explore how AI is actively reshaping neurology and modern healthcare. We break down what AI integration could look like in clinical settings, from neurosurgery and diagnostic support to reducing administrative burden, and how physicians are currently utilizing these tools in practice. We also look ahead to what is coming next, including AI-powered wearables, personalized brain-health profiles, earlier detection of epilepsy and neurodegenerative disorders, and tools that could significantly reduce misdiagnosis.

Of course, we cannot talk about AI without addressing the ethical concerns and risks. Dr. Natekar tackles the big questions: How will patient data be protected? Could clinicians become too reliant on AI? Who carries responsibility if AI makes a mistake — the doctor, the hospital, or the developer? And what does the rise of AI mean for the already uneven access to neurological care between urban and rural communities?

This is a particularly important conversation because AI isn’t just a buzzword — it’s becoming deeply embedded in healthcare. So understanding the benefits, limitations, and ethical landscape is more crucial than ever, and Dr. Natekar provides such thoughtful, nuanced perspectives to this topic.

Don’t forget to rate and subscribe to The Neurological Disorder Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Fill out this form ( https://forms.gle/V8ZrX8iwQZnk3xVF9) if you have questions, guest suggestions, or topics you would love to hear about!

 **everything discussed today reflects our personal opinions and should not be taken as medical advice.

 Feel free to contact me via:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @neurologicaldisorderpodcast

Contact Dr. Natekar via: 

• Instagram: @anik_skywalker

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Could the key to brain health be found in your DNA—and on your plate?

Welcome to Season 2 of The Neurological Disorder Podcast! This week's episode is with Dr. Kendal Stewart, a certified head and neck surgeon and otolaryngologist. In addition to founding several medical companies and even receiving a U.S patent for one of his technologies, Dr. Stewart treats individuals with neuro-immune syndromes through innovative techniques and by analyzing the root of issues at the cellular and molecular level.

In this conversation, we explore connections between neuroinflammation, Alzheimer’s, and POTS, and dive into the role of nutrigenomics in neurological disorders. Moreover, we explore nutrition strategies for reducing neuroinflammation, and Dr. Stewart simplifies complex biomolecular topics that enrich this conversation. So whether you’re a healthcare professional, a student, or just curious about how diet and genetics impact your nervous system, you’ll definitely walk away learning something new.

Don’t forget to rate and subscribe to The Neurological Disorder Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Fill out this form ( https://forms.gle/V8ZrX8iwQZnk3xVF9) if you have questions, guest suggestions, or topics you would love to hear about!

 Feel free to contact me via:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @neurologicaldisorderpodcast

Watch Dr. Stewart's podcast:

• Coffee With Dr. Stewart: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coffee-with-dr-stewart/id1183857037

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This week's episode is with Jawanza Lamar, the founder of ParkingNSites, an organization dedicated to breaking down parking barriers and improving accessibility for mobility-challenged individuals.

After experiencing a life-changing accident, Jawanza saw firsthand the struggles people with mobility challenges face—especially when it comes to accessible parking and ADA compliance. This inspired him to take action and launch ParkingNSites to improve accessibility and ensure cities better accommodate mobility-challenged individuals.

In this episode, we dive into the unseen challenges related to accessible parking, particularly in major cities like Atlanta. Jawanza shares how he is using technology to address this issue and is collaborating with city officials to raise awareness and drive community involvement to make meaningful change. We also discuss the policies he hopes to see improved in the coming years and his vision for the future of ParkingNSites.

Make sure to subscribe to The Neurological Disorder Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your podcasts!

Follow me on Instagram-@neurologicaldisorderpodcast

Email me at- [email protected]

Helpful Resources:

• https://www.parkingnsites.com/

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This week's episode is with Mary Anne Meskis, a founding member and the Executive Director of the Dravet Syndrome Foundation (DSF)—a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness, providing support, and funding research for Dravet syndrome.

Dravet syndrome is a rare and severe form of epilepsy that begins in early childhood, typically caused by a mutation in the SCN1A gene. It leads to frequent and prolonged seizures, developmental delays, and other lifelong challenges, including changes in appetite, mobility, sleep, and growth. While anti-seizure medications are used to manage symptoms, seizure control remains a significant challenge, which we dive into in this episode.

Mary Anne and I discuss the critical gap in Dravet syndrome research and how DSF bridges it by increasing research funding and supporting initiatives like the Dravet Genome Study. She also shares how her team simplifies complex scientific information to make it more accessible to families and the broader community. Additionally, we explore DSF's new legislative advocacy program and her vision for the organization's future.

Make sure to subscribe to The Neurological Disorder Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your podcasts!

Follow me on Instagram: @neurologicaldisorderpodcast
Email me at: [email protected]
DSF Instagram: @dravetsyndromefoundation

Helpful resources:

• https://dravetfoundation.org/
• https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/dravet-syndrome

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This week's episode is with Tom Halkin, the Director of Public Affairs at the National Brain Tumor Society—the largest patient advocacy organization in the United States dedicated to curing brain tumors and supporting patients and their families.

In our conversation, Tom sheds light on the harsh reality that, while survival rates for many other cancers have improved in recent years, brain cancer survival rates have remained largely stagnant. We explore the groundbreaking efforts of the National Brain Tumor Society, including their success in nearly doubling federal funding for brain tumor research and their role in launching the first-ever adaptive clinical trial for brain cancer.

We also discuss their innovative initiatives to simplify and share complex brain tumor information, including MyTumorID, allowing patients and families to make informed decisions about their care. Additionally, Tom highlights issues in current healthcare policy for brain tumor treatment and shares how individuals from all backgrounds and communities can help support the BRAIN Act and related policies to raise awareness and increase support for brain tumor research and advocacy. His thorough responses offer valuable insights into the organization's future goals, focusing on legislative advocacy, raising public awareness, and increasing access to brain tumor treatment.

Make sure to subscribe to The Neurological Disorder Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your podcasts!

Follow me on Instagram: @neurologicaldisorderpodcast
Email me at: [email protected]
NBTS Instagram: @natlbraintumorsociety

Helpful Resources:

• https://braintumor.org/
• https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/brain-tumor

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This week's episode is with Nicole Kenyon, head of the National MS Society Community Council in Tampa and a passionate fitness enthusiast. Living with Multiple Sclerosis and Type 1 Narcolepsy, she is committed to empowering others through legislative advocacy, fundraising, and fitness and community initiatives.

In our conversation, Nicole opens up about navigating the complexities of the healthcare system to ensure she receives proper care, and she shares the challenges she has faced in receiving her MS and Narcolepsy diagnoses. We also touch on the importance of self-advocacy in the medical setting, drawing from her experiences. 

Beyond her personal journey, Nicole discusses her impactful work supporting  others, including advocating for legislation on Capitol Hill that assists individuals living with MS and Narcolepsy. Her dedication to helping others, whether organizing community fitness events or engaging in personal conversations, is truly inspiring. 

Make sure to subscribe to The Neurological Disorder Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your podcasts!

Follow me on Instagram: @neurologicaldisorderpodcast
Email me at: [email protected]
Follow Nicole on Instagram: @fitniknarcoleptic
Helpful resources:

• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17248-multiple-sclerosis
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12147-narcolepsy