The inflammatory and infectious optic neuropathies are a broad, heterogeneous, and common group of diseases producing visual loss. Although many now-distinct syndromes have been previously combined as "typical or atypical optic neuritis," recent developments highlight the importance of precision terminology as well as an individualized evaluation and treatment approach. In this episode, Gordon Smith, MD, FAAN speaks with Eric Eggenberger, DO, MS, FAAN, author of the article "Optic Neuritis" in t...
Apr 23, 2025•22 min
Optic neuropathies encompass all congenital or acquired conditions affecting the optic nerve and are often a harbinger of systemic and central nervous system disorders. A systematic approach to identifying the clinical manifestations of specific optic neuropathies is imperative for directing diagnostic assessments, formulating tailored treatment regimens, and identifying broader central nervous system and systemic disorders. In this episode, Gordon Smith, MD, FAAN speaks with Lindsey De Lott, MD...
Apr 16, 2025•25 min
Diagnosing and differentiating among the many possible localizations and causes of vision loss is an essential skill for neurologists. The approach to vision loss should include a history and examination geared toward localization, followed by a differential diagnosis based on the likely location of the pathophysiologic process. In this episode, Aaron Berkowitz, MD, PhD, FAAN speaks with Nancy J. Newman, MD, FAAN, author of the article "Approach to Vision Loss" in the Continuum® April 2025 Neuro...
Apr 09, 2025•29 min
In this episode, Lyell K. Jones Jr, MD, FAAN, speaks with Valérie Biousse, MD, who served as the guest editor of the Continuum® April 2025 Epilepsy issue. They provide a preview of the issue, which publishes on April 3, 2025. Dr. Jones is the editor-in-chief of Continuum: Lifelong Learning in Neurology® and is a professor of neurology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Biousse is a professor in the departments of neurology and ophthalmology, as well as the Reunette Harris Chair of Ophth...
Apr 02, 2025•24 min
Despite advances in epilepsy management, disparities and lack of inclusion of many people with epilepsy are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Improving awareness and promoting diversity in research participation can advance treatment for underserved populations and improve trust. In this episode, Teshamae Monteith, MD, PhD, FAAN speaks Dave F. Clarke, MBBS, FAES, author of the article "Diversity and Underserved Patient Populations in Epilepsy," in the Continuum® February 2025 Ep...
Mar 26, 2025•28 min
Nonepileptic events are prevalent and highly disabling, and multiple pathophysiologic mechanisms for these events have been proposed. Multidisciplinary care teams enable the efficient use of individual expertise at different treatment stages to address presentation, risk factors, and comorbidities. In this episode, Kait Nevel, MD, speaks with Adriana C. Bermeo-Ovalle, MD, an author of the article "A Multidisciplinary Approach to Nonepileptic Events," in the Continuum® February 2025 Epilepsy issu...
Mar 19, 2025•24 min
Many patients with epilepsy are unable to acheive optimal seizure control with medical therapy. Palliative surgical procedures, neurostimulation devices, and other nonpharmalogical treatments can lead to a meaningful reduction in seizures and improved outcomes. In this episode, Teshamae Monteith, MD FAAN, speaks with Daniel Friedman, MD, MSc, author of the article "Surgical Treatments, Devices, and Nonmedical Management of Epilepsy," in the Continuum® February 2025 Epilepsy issue. Dr. Montieth i...
Mar 12, 2025•24 min
Emergency treatment may be necessary after a person's first seizure or at the onset of abnormal acute repetitive (cluster) seizures; it is required for status epilepticus. Treatment for these emergencies is dictated by myriad clinical factors and informed by published guidance as well as emerging research. In this episode, Lyell K. Jones, MD, FAAN, speaks with David G. Vossler, MD, FAAN, FACNS, FAES, author of the article "First Seizures, Acute Repetitive Seizures, and Status Epilepticus," in th...
Mar 05, 2025•20 min
Genetic testing plays a key role in the evaluation of epilepsy patients. With the expanding number of choices for genetic tests and the complexity of interpretation of results, genetic literacy and knowledge of the most common genetic epilepsies are important for high-quality clinical practice. In this episode, Gordon Smith, MD, FAAN speaks Sudha Kilaru Kessler, MD, MSCE, author of the article "Epilepsy Genetics," in the Continuum February 2025 Epilepsy issue. Dr. Smith is a Continuum® Audio int...
Feb 26, 2025•23 min
Neuroimaging is a tool to classify and ascertain the etiology of epilepsy in people with first or recurrent unprovoked seizures. In addition, imaging may help predict the response to treatment. To maximize diagnostic power, it is essential to order the correct imaging sequences. In this episode, Aaron Berkowitz, MD, PhD, FAAN speaks with Christopher T. Skidmore, MD, author of the article "Neuroimaging in Epilepsy," in the Continuum February 2025 Epilepsy issue. Dr. Berkowitz is a Continuum® Audi...
Feb 19, 2025•19 min
EEG is the single most useful ancillary test to support the clinical diagnosis of epilepsy, but if used incorrectly it can lead to misdiagnosis and long-term mental and physical health sequelae. Its application requires proper understanding of its limitations and variability of testing results. In this episode, Katie Grouse, MD, FAAN, speaks with Daniel Weber, DO, author of the article "EEG in Epilepsy," in the Continuum® February 2025 Epilepsy issue. Dr. Grouse is a Continuum® Audio interviewer...
Feb 12, 2025•18 min
Epilepsy classification systems have evolved over the years, with improved categorization of seizure types and adoption of more widely accepted terminologies. A systematic approach to the classification of seizures and epilepsy is essential for the selection of appropriate diagnostic tests and treatment strategies. In this episode, Aaron Berkowitz, MD, FAAN, speaks with Roohi Katyal, MD, author of the article "Classification and Diagnosis of Epilepsy," in the Continuum February 2025 Epilepsy iss...
Feb 05, 2025•26 min
In this episode, Lyell K. Jones Jr, MD, FAAN, speaks with Jennifer L. Hopp, MD, FAAN, FAES, FACNS, who served as the guest editor of the Continuum ® February 2025 Epilepsy issue. They provide a preview of the issue, which publishes on February 3, 2025. Dr. Jones is the editor-in-chief of Continuum: Lifelong Learning in Neurology® and is a professor of neurology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Hopp is a professor in the department of neurology at the University of Maryland School of M...
Jan 29, 2025•21 min
Informal care partners are essential to the care of people living with dementia, but they often experience significant burden and receive minimal training, support, and resources. Multicomponent interventions can mitigate burden and other negative consequences of caregiving. In this episode, Gordon Smith, MD, FAAN speaks with Angelina J. Polsinelli, PhD, ABPP-CN, author of the article "Care Partner Burden and Support Services in Dementia" in the Continuum® December 2024 Dementia issue. Dr. Smith...
Jan 22, 2025•25 min
Anti-amyloid therapies provide the first FDA-approved option to alter AD pathology, but an understanding of overall utility and value to patients remains in its infancy. In this episode, Teshamae Monteith, MD, FAAN, speaks with David S. Geldmacher, MD, FACP, FANA, author of the article "Treatment of Alzheimer Disease" in the Continuum® December 2024 Dementia issue. Dr. Monteith is the associate editor of Continuum® Audio and an associate professor of clinical neurology at the University of Miami...
Jan 15, 2025•27 min
Recent progress in neurogenetics and molecular pathology has improved our understanding of the complex pathogenetic changes associated with neurodegenerative dementias. In this episode, Katie Grouse, MD, FAAN, speaks with Sonja W. Scholz, MD, PhD, FAAN, an author of the article "Genetics and Neuropathology of Neurodegenerative Dementias," in the Continuum® December 2024 Dementia issue. Dr. Grouse is a Continuum® Audio interviewer and a clinical assistant professor at the University of California...
Jan 08, 2025•19 min
Blood-based biomarkers for dementia diagnosis are emerging and rapidly evolving. These fluid biomarkers should be used when the results will impact management decisions, including patient and family counseling, symptomatic therapies, and disease-modifying therapies. In this episode, Allison Weathers, MD, FAAN, speaks with Joseph F. Quinn, MD, FAAN, an author of the article "Fluid Biomarkers in Dementia Diagnosis," in the Continuum® December 2024 Dementia issue. Dr. Weathers is a Continuum® Audio...
Jan 01, 2025•16 min
Although Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative cause of dementia, other etiologies can mimic the typical amnestic-predominant syndrome and medial temporal brain involvement. Neurologists should recognize potential mimics of AD for clinical decision-making and patient counseling. In this episode, Kait Nevel, MD, speaks with Vijay K. Ramanan, MD, PhD, an author of the article "LATE, Hippocampal Sclerosis, and Primary Age-related Tauopathy," in the Continuum December 2024 Deme...
Dec 25, 2024•25 min
Vascular cognitive impairment is a common and often underrecognized contributor to cognitive impairment in older individuals, with heterogeneous etiologies requiring individualized treatment strategies. In this episode, Katie Grouse, MD, FAAN speaks with Lisa C. Silbert, MD, MCR, FAAN, an author of the article "Vascular Cognitive Impairment," in the Continuum December 2024 Dementia issue. Dr. Grouse is a Continuum® Audio interviewer and a clinical assistant professor at the University of Califor...
Dec 18, 2024•20 min
Lewy body dementia is a common cause of cognitive impairment in older adults but is often subject to significant delays in diagnosis and treatment, increasing the burden on patients and family caregivers. Understanding key features of the disease and use of biomarkers will improve recognition. In this episode, Allison Weathers, MD, FAAN, speaks with James E. Galvin, MD, MPH, author of the article "Lewy Body Dementia," in the Continuum December 2024 Dementia issue. Dr. Weathers is a Continuum® Au...
Dec 11, 2024•24 min
A pragmatic and organized approach is needed to recognize patients with symptomatic Alzheimer Disease in clinical practice, stage the level of impairment, confirm the clinical diagnosis, and apply this information to advance therapeutic decision making. In this episode, Aaron Berkowitz, MD, PhD, FAAN, speaks with Gregory S. Day, MD, MSc, MSCI, FAAN, author of the article "Diagnosing Alzheimer Disease," in the Continuum December 2024 Dementia issue. Dr. Berkowitz is a Continuum® Audio interviewer...
Dec 04, 2024•28 min
In this episode, Lyell K. Jones Jr, MD, FAAN, speaks with Lisa C. Silbert, MD, MCR, FAAN, who served as a guest editor of the Continuum ® December 2024 Dementia issue. They provide a preview of the issue, which publishes on December 2, 2024. Dr. Jones is the editor-in-chief of Continuum: Lifelong Learning in Neurology® and is a professor of neurology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Silbert is co-director at Oregon Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, a Gibbs Family Endowed professor ...
Nov 27, 2024•21 min
For certain diagnoses and patients who meet clinical criteria, neuromodulation can provide profound, long-lasting relief that significantly improves quality of life. In this episode, Aaron Berkowitz, MD, PhD, FAAN speaks with Prasad Shirvalkar, MD, PhD, author of the article "Neuromodulation for Neuropathic Pain Syndromes," in the Continuum® October 2024 Pain Management in Neurology issue. Dr. Berkowitz is a Continuum® Audio interviewer and a professor of clinical neurology at the University of ...
Nov 20, 2024•24 min
Opioids may be considered for temporary use in patients with severe pain related to selected neuropathic pain conditions and only as part of a multimodal treatment regimen. Close follow-up when initiating or adjusting opioid therapy and frequent reevaluation during long-term opioid therapy is required. In this episode, Allison Weathers, MD, FAAN speaks with Friedhelm Sandbrink, MD, FAAN, an author of the article "Opioids and Cannabinoids in Neurology Practice," in the Continuum® October 2024 Pai...
Nov 13, 2024•23 min
Orofacial pain comprises many disorders with different etiologies and pathophysiologies. A multidisciplinary approach combining medication, physical therapy, and procedural and psychological strategies is essential in treating patients with orofacial pain. In this episode, Teshamae Monteith, MD, FAAN, speaks with Meredith Barad, MD; Marcela Romero-Reyes, DDS, PhD, authors of the article "Orofacial Pain," in the Continuum® October 2024 Pain Management in Neurology issue. Dr. Monteith is the assoc...
Nov 06, 2024•25 min
In the patient populations treated by neurologists, central neuropathic pain develops most frequently following spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or stroke. To optimize pain relief, neurologists should have a multimodal and individualized approach to manage central neuropathic pain. In this episode, Lyell K. Jones Jr, MD, FAAN, speaks with Charles E. Argoff, MD, author of the article "Central Neuropathic Pain," in the Continuum October 2024 Pain Management in Neurology issue. Dr. Jones is ...
Oct 30, 2024•23 min
Peripheral neuropathic pain is primarily influenced by the biology and pathophysiology of the underlying structures, peripheral sensory nerves, and their central pathways. In this episode, Kait Nevel, MD speaks with Miroslav Bačkonja, MD, an author of the article "Peripheral Neuropathic Pain," in the Continuum October 2024 Pain Management in Neurology issue. Dr. Nevel is a Continuum® Audio interviewer and a neurologist and neuro-oncologist at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis...
Oct 23, 2024•24 min
Spine pain is one of the most common presenting concerns in health care settings. It is important for neurologists to understand strategies for evaluating and managing patients with spine pain. In this episode, Katie Grouse, MD, FAAN, speaks with Vernon B. Williams, MD, FAAN, author of the article "Spine Pain," in the Continuum October 2024 Pain Management in Neurology issue. Dr. Grouse is a Continuum® Audio interviewer and a clinical assistant professor at the University of California San Franc...
Oct 16, 2024•24 min
Neurologists bring special skills to pain evaluation and management and are well equipped to appreciate both the focal and diffuse nature of pain. By using expert knowledge of the nervous system and implementing relevant therapies, neurologists can succeed at and find meaning in optimizing patient outcomes. In this episode, Allison Weathers, MD, FAAN, speaks with Beth B. Hogans, MD, PhD, author of the article "Principles of Pain Management," in the Continuum October 2024 Pain Management in Neuro...
Oct 09, 2024•25 min
In this episode, Lyell K. Jones Jr, MD, FAAN, speaks with Nathaniel M. Schuster, MD who served as the guest editor of the Continuum ® October 2024 Pain Management in Neurology issue. They provide a preview of the issue, which publishes on October 2, 2024. Dr. Jones is the editor-in-chief of Continuum: Lifelong Learning in Neurology® and is a professor of neurology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Schuster is an associate professor and associate clinic director in the Center for Pain M...
Oct 02, 2024•21 min
