At UHN’s Krembil Brain Institute, we have cared for many patients living with an extreme and heartbreaking facial pain disorder called trigeminal neuralgia. Patients often describe the pain as a lightning bolt to the face, or an electric shock. Some talk about the impact the disease has had on their family & relationships, including not being able to hug their loved ones, or kiss their children goodnight. 

In today’s episode, we discuss how AI is helping researchers look for patterns and clues to treat patients living with trigeminal neuralgia and other chronic pain disorders.

Featuring:
Dr. Mojgan Hodaie – Neurosurgeon and senior scientist with UHN’s Krembil Brain Institute and the Greg Wilkins-Barrick Chair in International Surgery at UHN. Dr. Hodaie is also a Professor and the Postgraduate Medical Education Director for the Department of Surgery, at the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine. Her surgical practice and research laboratory are dedicated to unraveling the underpinnings of the severe pain condition of trigeminal neuralgia, using advanced brain imaging technology. Her interest and dedication to education spans local, national and international activities.

Adriana Salazar - Graduated from The University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies (BMOS) and has worked in the Finance Department at a law firm for the past 9 years. She is happily married and has a lovely daughter who just finished her first year of school.  In her off time, she enjoys traveling back home to Colombia to see her family, painting in watercolours, and reading James Patterson novels in her hammock.

Additional resources:
Dr. Hodaie was interviewed on Season 1 of Your Complex Brain – “The most painful brain disease you’ve never heard of”
Toronto neurosurgeon marks 1,000th operation treating 'excruciating' facial pain syndrome
Dr. Hodaie recounts her journey from new immigrant to neurosurgeon (video)
Brain Aging in Fast Forward (UHN Research article)
Dr. Hodaie was a featured speaker at KBI’s first-ever ‘International Day of Women and Girls in Science’ event (video)

The Your Complex Brain production team is Heather Sherman, Jessica Schmidt, Dr. Amy Ma, Kim Perry, Alley Wilson, Sara Yuan, Meagan Anderi, Liz Chapman, and Lorna Gilfedder.

The Krembil Brain Institute, part of University Health Network, in Toronto, is home to one of the world's largest and most comprehensive teams of physicians and scientists uniquely working hand-in-hand to prevent and confront problems of the brain and spine, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, chronic pain, brain cancer or concussion, in their lifetime. Through state-of-the-art patient care and advanced research, we are working relentlessly toward finding new treatments and cures.

Do you want to know more about the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN? Visit us at: uhn.ca/krembil

To get in touch, email us at [email protected] or message us on social media:
Instagram - @krembilresearch
Twitter - @KBI_UHN
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KrembilBrainInstitute

Thanks for listening!

The Lullaby Project brings together expectant mothers with professional songwriters to write, record, and perform an original lullaby for their baby. In 2017, Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall brought this heartwarming initiative to Toronto, and invited partners to participate, including Dr. Esther Bui, a neurologist who specializes in treating women with epilepsy. Today, we’re exploring whether participating in a project like The Lullaby Project can improve overall mental health for pregnant women who are living with epilepsy.

Featuring:
Dr. Esther Bui - Neurologist and epilepsy specialist focusing on women's neurological health; Assistant professor and clinician educator within the Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto. Dr. Bui founded Canada's first and only accredited Women's Neurology Fellowship at the University of Toronto. She is currently the co-Director of the Women's Neurology Fellowship Program and the Director of the Epilepsy Fellowship program.

Sharon Ng - Graduate student in neuroepidemiology at the Harvard Chan School of Public Health. She was previously a research assistant for Dr. Esther Bui at UHN, and worked with Dr. Bui to conceptualize the Lullaby Project Study. Sharon is now a collaborator on this study.

Julianne Hazlewood – CBC journalist for more than a dozen years, at newsrooms across Canada. Her true love is longform audio storytelling. Becoming a mother is the latest and most joyous chapter in her life. 

Additional resources:
The Lullaby Project
The Lullaby Project Playlist
Julianne Hazlewood’s CBC radio documentary on White Coat Black Art
Dr. Esther Bui interviewed in Season 2 of Your Complex Brain podcast - A New Era in Women’s Brain Health: Closing the Gap on Delayed Diagnosis
Advancing Women’s Neurology through Education, Research and Advocacy (U of T story featuring Dr. Esther Bui & Dr. Aleksandra Pikula)
Dr. Esther Bui featured in UHN Foundation ‘Know Your He

The Your Complex Brain production team is Heather Sherman, Jessica Schmidt, Dr. Amy Ma, Kim Perry, Alley Wilson, Sara Yuan, Meagan Anderi, Liz Chapman, and Lorna Gilfedder.

The Krembil Brain Institute, part of University Health Network, in Toronto, is home to one of the world's largest and most comprehensive teams of physicians and scientists uniquely working hand-in-hand to prevent and confront problems of the brain and spine, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, chronic pain, brain cancer or concussion, in their lifetime. Through state-of-the-art patient care and advanced research, we are working relentlessly toward finding new treatments and cures.

Do you want to know more about the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN? Visit us at: uhn.ca/krembil

To get in touch, email us at [email protected] or message us on social media:
Instagram - @krembilresearch
Twitter - @KBI_UHN
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KrembilBrainInstitute

Thanks for listening!

A stroke happens when there is a sudden blockage of blood flow to the brain or bleeding in the brain, which can result in symptoms such as numbness or weakness, trouble speaking, confusion, or dizziness. The type of symptoms one might experience depends largely on the type of stroke, and the area of the brain affected. But one thing is clear – despite the many advances in stroke care over the past 30 years, it's women who often suffer the most. 

In today’s episode, we discuss why women are more susceptible to stroke, what the unique risk factors are, and what women need more of to help them recover, not only from the medical condition, but the impacts to their careers, their mental health and their families.

Featuring:
Dr. Aleksandra Pikula, MD, PhD, is a neurologist and clinician-investigator at UHN’s Krembil Brain Institute and the newly appointed Jay and Sari Sonshine Chair in Stroke Prevention and Cerebrovascular Brain Health at UHN. Dr. Pikula advocates for a holistic approach to brain care, specifically targeting stroke and dementia prevention during midlife through evidence-based lifestyle medicine pillars.

Patrice Lindsay, PhD, is currently the Lead for the People With Lived Experience (PWLE) Engagement and Stroke Strategy at the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Dr. Lindsay leads strategic directions for health systems design and change for people with stroke and heart conditions across Canada and internationally.

Shruti Kothari is an actress born, raised, and residing in Toronto. Her career was focused largely on Shakespeare and Musical Theatre until her life took an unexpected turn when she suffered a life-altering brain hemorrhage and stroke at the age of 30. Over the past four years, Shruti has focused on reshaping her life and raising awareness about brain injuries in younger people.

Additional resources:
UHN’s Stroke Prevention Clinic
Dr. Pikula interviewed in the Your Complex Brain episode “The Rise of Stroke in Young Adults”
UHN Foundation video “Shruti’s journey back to the stage, with some help from Team UHN”
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada – Women’s Digital Hub
World St

The Your Complex Brain production team is Heather Sherman, Jessica Schmidt, Dr. Amy Ma, Kim Perry, Alley Wilson, Sara Yuan, Meagan Anderi, Liz Chapman, and Lorna Gilfedder.

The Krembil Brain Institute, part of University Health Network, in Toronto, is home to one of the world's largest and most comprehensive teams of physicians and scientists uniquely working hand-in-hand to prevent and confront problems of the brain and spine, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, chronic pain, brain cancer or concussion, in their lifetime. Through state-of-the-art patient care and advanced research, we are working relentlessly toward finding new treatments and cures.

Do you want to know more about the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN? Visit us at: uhn.ca/krembil

To get in touch, email us at [email protected] or message us on social media:
Instagram - @krembilresearch
Twitter - @KBI_UHN
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KrembilBrainInstitute

Thanks for listening!

Do you know a child who has difficulty spelling or sounding out words? Maybe they feel stressed or anxious when it comes to reading, or they try to avoid it altogether?

These symptoms could be a sign of a reading disorder, which is the most common form of a learning disability.

In this episode, we discuss the prevalence and impact of reading disorders, what scientists are learning about the genetic links, and what that could mean for new approaches and treatments in the future.

Featuring:
Dr. Cathy Barr – Senior Scientist with UHN’s Krembil Brain Institute and the Hospital for Sick Children. Her research focuses on genetic links to neurodevelopmental disorders, such as childhood depression, Tourette’s syndrome, ADHD and reading disabilities. Dr. Barr’s team has identified genes that may contribute to these disorders. They’re now focusing on understanding how those changes in DNA could influence genes, and contribute to risk.

Dr. Maureen Lovett – Senior Scientist Emeritus in Neurosciences and Mental Health at The Hospital for Sick Children, where she founded and directed the hospital’s Learning Disabilities Research Program for more than 35 years. Since 2020, Dr. Lovett has served as Associate Director of the Haskins Global Literacy Hub at Yale University and the University of Connecticut.

Matthew Cote – Teacher and advocate for those living with learning disabilities, including reading disabilities. Matthew has lived experience with learning disabilities.

Additional resources:
Dr. Cathy Barr’s UHN Research website
UHN Foundation story featuring Dr. Cathy Barr – “Reading the Genome”
Sick Kids Empower Reading & Learning Group
Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario

The Your Complex Brain production team is Heather Sherman, Jessica Schmidt, Dr. Amy Ma, Kim Perry, Alley Wilson, Sara Yuan, Meagan Anderi, Liz Chapman, and Lorna Gilfedder.

The Krembil Brain Institute, part of University Health Network, in Toronto, is home to one of the world's largest and most comprehensive teams of physicians and scientists uniquely working hand-in-hand to prevent and confront problems of the brain and spine, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, chronic pain, brain cancer or concussion, in their lifetime. Through state-of-the-art patient care and advanced research, we are working relentlessly toward finding new treatments and cures.

Do you want to know more about the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN? Visit us at: uhn.ca/krembil

To get in touch, email us at [email protected] or message us on social media:
Instagram - @krembilresearch
Twitter - @KBI_UHN
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KrembilBrainInstitute

Thanks for listening!

Have you ever heard of a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis, also known as NF?

It’s one of the most common genetic disorders, affecting about 1 in 3000 people globally. NF causes different types of tumours to form in various parts of the body. Because so little is known about the condition, it’s often misdiagnosed, or not diagnosed at all.

UHN is home to the Elisabeth Raab Neurofibromatosis Clinic, the only adult NF clinic in Canada. We discuss the clinic and the exciting research happening in the field of NF. But, for many people living with the condition, the stigma is often as challenging as the illness.

Featuring:
Dr. Suganth Suppiah – Surgeon-scientist at UHN’s Krembil Brain Institute and Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto. Dr. Suppiah also leads the nerve surgery program at the Elisabeth Raab Neurofibromatosis Clinic, Canada’s only adult NF clinic, based at UHN.

Dr. Ryan Thomas – Family physician and Clinical Associate who works with patients at the Elisabeth Raab Neurofibromatosis Clinic. Dr. Thomas lives with neurofibromatosis himself.

Additional resources:
Canadian first: UHN Opens Multidisciplinary Clinic on Genetic Disorder
Elisabeth Raab Accelerator of Science to End Neurofibromatosis
Neurofibromatosis Ontario
Dr. Gelareh Zadeh’s lab – link to more info about the Elisabeth Raab Neurofibromatosis Clinic
Children’s Tumour Foundation

The Your Complex Brain production team is Heather Sherman, Jessica Schmidt, Dr. Amy Ma, Kim Perry, Alley Wilson, Sara Yuan, Meagan Anderi, Liz Chapman, and Lorna Gilfedder.

The Krembil Brain Institute, part of University Health Network, in Toronto, is home to one of the world's largest and most comprehensive teams of physicians and scientists uniquely working hand-in-hand to prevent and confront problems of the brain and spine, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, chronic pain, brain cancer or concussion, in their lifetime. Through state-of-the-art patient care and advanced research, we are working relentlessly toward finding new treatments and cures.

Do you want to know more about the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN? Visit us at: uhn.ca/krembil

To get in touch, email us at [email protected] or message us on social media:
Instagram - @krembilresearch
Twitter - @KBI_UHN
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KrembilBrainInstitute

Thanks for listening!

Parkinson’s disease is the fast-growing neurological condition in the world. In Canada, more than 100,000 people are currently living with Parkinson's and 12,000 new cases are diagnosed every year.

In this episode of Your Complex Brain, we discuss the latest science surrounding the benefits of exercise for Parkinson’s, including whether exercise can alleviate some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s or slow the progression of the disease.

Featuring:
Dr. Lorraine Kalia is a Neurologist & Senior Scientist at UHN’s Krembil Brain Institute and the Wolfond-Krembil Chair in Parkinson’s Disease Research at UHN. She is also an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto.

Steve Iseman is currently living with Parkinson’s. He is co-founder of the ‘Rigid Riders,’ a Toronto-based cycling group for people living with Parkinson’s, and an avid cyclist & skier.

Additional resources:
UHN Movement Disorders Clinic website
Kalia Labs website
Dr. Lorraine Kalia on why she studies Parkinson’s (video)
The Rigid Riders Story (video)
Spinning Wheels Cycling Tour 

The Your Complex Brain production team is Heather Sherman, Jessica Schmidt, Dr. Amy Ma, Kim Perry, Alley Wilson, Sara Yuan, Meagan Anderi, Liz Chapman, and Lorna Gilfedder.

The Krembil Brain Institute, part of University Health Network, in Toronto, is home to one of the world's largest and most comprehensive teams of physicians and scientists uniquely working hand-in-hand to prevent and confront problems of the brain and spine, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, chronic pain, brain cancer or concussion, in their lifetime. Through state-of-the-art patient care and advanced research, we are working relentlessly toward finding new treatments and cures.

Do you want to know more about the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN? Visit us at: uhn.ca/krembil

To get in touch, email us at [email protected] or message us on social media:
Instagram - @krembilresearch
Twitter - @KBI_UHN
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KrembilBrainInstitute

Thanks for listening!

In 1995, actor Christopher Reeve was injured in a horseback riding accident, leaving him quadriplegic - paralyzed from the shoulders down. He became a tireless advocate and a passionate supporter of research. 

Christopher’s dream was for those living with spinal cord injuries to have a better quality of life, and one day to walk again. 

More than 25 years later, thanks to advances in surgical approaches, neuroprotective drugs, and gene therapy using stem cells, that dream is becoming closer to reality.

Featuring:
Dr. Laureen Hachem is a Senior Neurosurgery Resident and PhD Candidate at UHN’s Krembil Brain Institute and the University of Toronto.

Dr. Michael Fehlings is a Neurosurgeon and Senior Scientist at UHN’s Krembil Brain Institute and a Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Toronto. Dr. Fehlings also holds the Campeau-Tator Chair in Brain and Spinal Cord Research at UHN.

John Ruffolo is the Founder and Managing Partner of Maverix Private Equity, a private equity firm focused on technology-enabled growth and disruption investment strategies. He is currently living with a spinal cord injury.

Additional resources:
UHN’s Spinal Cord Injury Clinic
Dr. Fehlings’ Laboratory for Neural Repair and Regeneration website
Dr. Fehlings interview on Season 1 of Your Complex Brain, ‘Revolutionary Advances in Spinal Cord Injury
PSI Foundation feature story on Dr. Laureen Hachem
Toronto’s Top Grad Dreams Big – Toronto.com feature story on Dr. Laureen Hachem as a high school student
The Globe and Mail feature story on John Ruffolo

The Your Complex Brain production team is Heather Sherman, Jessica Schmidt, Dr. Amy Ma, Kim Perry, Alley Wilson, Sara Yuan, Meagan Anderi, Liz Chapman, and Lorna Gilfedder.

The Krembil Brain Institute, part of University Health Network, in Toronto, is home to one of the world's largest and most comprehensive teams of physicians and scientists uniquely working hand-in-hand to prevent and confront problems of the brain and spine, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, chronic pain, brain cancer or concussion, in their lifetime. Through state-of-the-art patient care and advanced research, we are working relentlessly toward finding new treatments and cures.

Do you want to know more about the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN? Visit us at: uhn.ca/krembil

To get in touch, email us at [email protected] or message us on social media:
Instagram - @krembilresearch
Twitter - @KBI_UHN
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KrembilBrainInstitute

Thanks for listening!

In the time that it takes to say this sentence – three seconds – someone in the world will develop dementia, a group of symptoms impacting memory, thinking, mood, behaviour and the ability to complete everyday tasks. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia.

With people living longer, even into their 90s and beyond, dementia is becoming the biggest and most consequential global health threat of our time. But, according to a landmark study in The Lancet medical journal, there are 12 modifiable risk factors that can reduce your chances of getting dementia at any age – by up to 40%.

In this episode of Your Complex Brain, we discuss which of those risk factors are most impactful to lower – or even reverse – your risk of dementia, with a focus on the latest science looking at the benefits of exercise.

Featuring:
Maria Martinez has been a social worker nearly 25 years. Most recently, she has worked with the team at UHN’s Memory Clinic, helping patients living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and their families, navigate their diagnosis and community supports.

Dr. Carmela Tartaglia is a Neurologist and a Clinician Scientist with UHN’s Krembil Brain Institute, as well as co-Director of UHN’s Memory Clinic and an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto.

Dr. Laura Middleton is an associate professor and the Schlegel Research Chair in Dementia and Active Living, at the University of Waterloo. She is also an Affiliate Scientist at KITE, the research arm of UHN’s Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. 

Additional resources:
Dr. Carmela Tartaglia’s interview on EP 1 of Your Complex Brain – ‘The Quest to Solve the Concussion Problem’
Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s and Dementia (video)
UHN Memory Clinic
Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA)
Dr. Laura Middleton’s research project - DREAM (Dementia Resources for Eating, Activity, and Meaningful Inclusion
Dr. Laura Middleton’s research project - DICE (Dementia Inclusive Choices for Exercise)

The Your Complex Brain production team is Heather Sherman, Jessica Schmidt, Dr. Amy Ma, Kim Perry, Alley Wilson, Sara Yuan, Meagan Anderi, Liz Chapman, and Lorna Gilfedder.

The Krembil Brain Institute, part of University Health Network, in Toronto, is home to one of the world's largest and most comprehensive teams of physicians and scientists uniquely working hand-in-hand to prevent and confront problems of the brain and spine, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, chronic pain, brain cancer or concussion, in their lifetime. Through state-of-the-art patient care and advanced research, we are working relentlessly toward finding new treatments and cures.

Do you want to know more about the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN? Visit us at: uhn.ca/krembil

To get in touch, email us at [email protected] or message us on social media:
Instagram - @krembilresearch
Twitter - @KBI_UHN
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KrembilBrainInstitute

Thanks for listening!

In a sweeping 2023 report, the US Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, declared loneliness an epidemic and a public health emergency.

According to the report, loneliness and isolation can lead to a significant increase in mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression, as well as a nearly 30% increased risk of heart disease, stroke and among older adults, a 50% risk of dementia.

Around the world, there are efforts to help people cope with loneliness. In the Netherlands, one grocery store chain has introduced ‘chat check outs’ where customers can take their time and socialize – part of a government initiative to address the growing issue of isolation.

There are also a number of apps to help introduce you to your neighbours anywhere you live in the world.

And a recent story in The Globe and Mail profiled a woman who rents her time out to those needing a dinner companion, a study buddy, or a listening ear. She’s seen more than 60 clients so far.

Today’s episode focuses on the health impact of loneliness on the brain, why social media seems to be making us lonelier even as it’s meant to connect us, and how each of us can learn to exercise our social muscle, and improve our overall health.

Featuring:
Dr. Jaideep Bains – Director of the Krembil Research Institute at UHN and co-Director and Senior Scientist with UHN’s Krembil Brain Institute.

Dr. Hayley Hamilton – Associate Director and Senior Scientist with the Institute for Mental Health Policy Research at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).

Additional resources:
UHN’s Krembil Brain Institute
Dr. Jaideep Bains’ public talk – ‘Is My Stress Your Stress?’
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)

The Your Complex Brain production team is Heather Sherman, Jessica Schmidt, Dr. Amy Ma, Kim Perry, Alley Wilson, Sara Yuan, Meagan Anderi, Liz Chapman, and Lorna Gilfedder.

The Krembil Brain Institute, part of University Health Network, in Toronto, is home to one of the world's largest and most comprehensive teams of physicians and scientists uniquely working hand-in-hand to prevent and confront problems of the brain and spine, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, chronic pain, brain cancer or concussion, in their lifetime. Through state-of-the-art patient care and advanced research, we are working relentlessly toward finding new treatments and cures.

Do you want to know more about the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN? Visit us at: uhn.ca/krembil

To get in touch, email us at [email protected] or message us on social media:
Instagram - @krembilresearch
Twitter - @KBI_UHN
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KrembilBrainInstitute

Thanks for listening!

We are once again bringing you inside UHN’s Krembil Brain Institute, one of North America's largest and most innovative neurological centres, to meet the scientists & physicians advancing discovery, the patients who inspire us, and the care teams who support them. 

This season, we’re exploring some big new research in brain health, including: What young women need to know about preventing a stroke, Can loneliness re-wire your brain? And how YOU can reduce YOUR chances of Alzheimer’s. 

We’ll also take you to the forefront of AI powered brain science, dive into the link between genetics and reading disabilities  and find out why getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for brain health.

There are a million amazing things to know about your complex brain – and we couldn't be more excited to explore them with you. Season 3 launches March 19, with episodes every other Tuesday. Subscribe to Your Complex Brain so you don’t miss a thing.

The Your Complex Brain production team is Heather Sherman, Jessica Schmidt, Dr. Amy Ma, Kim Perry, Alley Wilson, Sara Yuan, Meagan Anderi, Liz Chapman, and Lorna Gilfedder.

The Krembil Brain Institute, part of University Health Network, in Toronto, is home to one of the world's largest and most comprehensive teams of physicians and scientists uniquely working hand-in-hand to prevent and confront problems of the brain and spine, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, chronic pain, brain cancer or concussion, in their lifetime. Through state-of-the-art patient care and advanced research, we are working relentlessly toward finding new treatments and cures.

Do you want to know more about the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN? Visit us at: uhn.ca/krembil

To get in touch, email us at [email protected] or message us on social media:
Instagram - @krembilresearch
Twitter - @KBI_UHN
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KrembilBrainInstitute

Thanks for listening!