Healing the Traumatized Brain with Dr. Sandeep Vaishnavi

In this week’s episode, Brain & Life Podcast co-host Dr. Katy Peters discusses the Gilbert Family Foundation’s work on neurofibromatosis (NF) with their executive director, Laura Grannemann. She shares about ways they connect with the NF community, ongoing research the foundation is leading, and how anyone can get involved in advocacy work. Dr. Peters then speaks with neurologist and Director of The Johns Hopkins Comprehensive Neurofibromatosis Center, Dr. Jaishri Blakeley, about what exactly neurofibromatosis is, how it affects patients, and treatment options for all ages.

Additional Resources

The Gilbert Family Foundation

What is Neurofibromatosis?

New Research Offers More Options to People with Neurofibromatosis Type 1

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Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

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Guests: Laura Grannemann @gilbertfamilyfoundation; Dr. Jaishri Blakeley @hopkinsmedicine

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this week’s episode, Brain & Life Podcast hosts Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters discuss some of their favorite articles in the most recent edition of Brain & Life Magazine. They discuss the “Blue Zone” lifestyle, links between skin problems and neurologic conditions, coffee’s potential brain health benefits, and how juggling can increase neuroplasticity. If you would like to read these articles and more, be sure to subscribe to Brain & Life Magazine for free!

Brain & Life Articles Mentioned

“Blue Zones” Author Dan Buettner Shares the Secrets to a Long and Healthy Life

Skin Problems May Be Early Signs of a Neurologic Condition

Drinking Coffee May Reduce the Risk of Neurologic Disease

How Juggling Can Increase Neuroplasticity

Additional Resources

Exploring Longevity with Author Dan Buettner

The Keys to Longevity

The Healing Arts

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Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

• Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206
•   Email us at BLpodcast@brainandlife.org

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Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this week’s episode, Brain & Life Podcast host Dr. Katy Peters and playwright Sarah Ruhl discuss her Bell’s Palsy diagnosis (Idiopathic seventh nerve palsy) and the book she wrote about her experience, Smile: The Story of a Face. Sarah discusses the onset of her symptoms after giving birth to twins, how this diagnosis has affected her work life, and the importance of asking for help. Then, neurologist Dr. Gary Gronseth joins Dr. Peters to discuss just what Bell’s Palsy is, what the risk factors are, and reminds listeners that with a diagnosis also comes with lots of hope for the future.

Additional Resources

Smile: The Story of a Face by Sarah Ruhl

Playwright Sarah Ruhl on Losing the Ability to Smile Due to Bell's Palsy

What Doctors Know About Bell's Palsy

Bouncing Back from Bell’s Palsy

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Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

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Guests: Sarah Ruhl @sarah_ruhl_

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this week’s episode, Brain & Life Podcast host Dr. Katy Peters and actor Craig Russell discuss his brain tumor story. He shares the symptoms he experienced that lead him to see a doctor, the process of scheduling his meningioma removal surgery, and his return to work with the support of his family and friends. Then, neurosurgeon Dr. Jonathan Sherman discusses management plans for meningiomas that include Artificial Intelligence and how he ensures patients feel like a “part of the team” throughout the treatment process.

Additional Resources

How My Robotic Brain Surgery Resembled Space Travel

Different, But the Same

Surgery: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics

BMX Athlete Josh Perry's Perseverance Living with Brain Tumors

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Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

·       Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206

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Social Media:  

Guests: Craig Russell @russandchips

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this week’s episode, prolific actor Ed Begley Jr. joins Brain & Life Podcast co-host Dr. Katy Peters to discuss his Parkinson’s Disease journey and his new memoir To the Temple of Tranquility… and Step On It! Ed shares his unique diagnosis experience, how he has found himself in rooms with Hollywood icons throughout his life, and the diet and exercise regime that keeps him healthy and working. Next, movement disorders neurologist Dr. Jori Fleisher explains the history of Parkinson’s, risk factors, caregiver tips, and surprising activities that can help patients.

Additional Resources

To the Temple of Tranquility… and Step On It!: A Memoir by Ed Begley Jr.

Swimming Helps to Manage Parkinson’s Disease

How a Plant-Based Diet May Lower Risk of Parkinson’s Disease

Exercise Helps This Coach Deal with Parkinson’s Disease

Can Parkinson's Disease Disrupt Sleep?

Phase IIb Study of Intranasal Glutathione in Parkinson's Disease

NR-SAFE: a randomized, double-blind safety trial of high dose nicotinamide riboside in Parkinson’s disease  

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics

Comedy and Courage: Comedian Richard Lewis on Living with Parkinson’s Disease

How American Ninja Warrior Jimmy Choi Rose Above Parkinson’s

NBA Star Brian Grant Living On Time with Parkinson’s

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Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206

Email us at BLpodcast@brainandlife.org

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Guests: Miranda Hoffner, Lincoln Center Arts @lincolncenter

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this week’s episode, Brain & Life Podcast host Dr. Daniel Correa discusses the Lincoln Center Arts Programs with their Director of Accessibility Miranda Hoffner. She shares the Lincoln Center’s commitment to transforming performing arts spaces to be more inclusive of audiences’ identities and access needs by design, not as an afterthought or add-on. They discuss the Lincoln Center’s accessibility programs and how they have evolved over time with accommodations like online performances and relaxed showings, as well as Lincoln Center Moments, a free performance-based program specially designed for individuals with dementia and their caregivers.

Additional Resources

Lincoln Center Event Calendar

Lincoln Center Moments

Invoke: Songs are Stories

Navigating Life with Dementia

Art Programs Engage Patients and Educate About Neurologic Disorders

Theater Is Therapy for Patients with Ataxia

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics

Accessibility Advocate Cory Lee on Traveling the World as a Wheelchair User

How Paula Carozzo is Redefining Disability and Advocating for Her Community

Journalist Greg O’Brien on Chronicling His Life with Alzheimer’s

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Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

·       Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206

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Guests: Miranda Hoffner, Lincoln Center Arts @lincolncenter

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this episode, Brain & Life Podcast co-host Dr. Katy Peters interviews Bill Wadman, a photographer who has been living and working with migraines since he was a teenager. He discusses his medication journey, ways he relieves the pain in his daily life, and what he has learned about himself by working through migraines. Then, Dr. Peters discusses the science behind migraines with Bill’s personal headache specialist, Dr. Susan Broner. Dr. Broner is Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology at Weill Cornell Medical College and Medical Director of the Weill Cornell Medicine Headache Program. She explains risk factors, unique symptoms, and how to begin the migraine treatment journey.

Additional Resources

Headaches: Diagnosis and Treatments

Exploring New Treatments for Migraine

The Misadventures of Living with Chronic Daily Migraine

7 Ways to Reduce Migraine Attacks

Self-Care May Help Reduce Migraine Attacks

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics

Julia Easterlin on Being a Performer with Migraine

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Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

·       Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206

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Social Media:  

Guests: Bill Wadman @billwadman; Dr. Susan Broner @weillcornell

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this episode, Brain & Life Podcast host Dr. Daniel Correa interviews Justine Galloway, a runner who was diagnosed with Runner’s Dystonia and continued on to break world records in backwards running. They discuss her father’s Parkinson’s journey, her diagnosis process, and how she continues to adapt and find motivation. Then, Dr. Correa speaks with Dr. Joseph Jankovic, a neurologist specializing in movement disorders. Dr. Jankovic explains Dystonia, what some of the risk factors are, and treatment options.

Additional Resources

Much More Than a Pain in the Neck: The Different Types of Dystonia

Medications and Lifestyle Changes Can Help People Cope with Dystonia

Easing the Weight of Dystonia Isn’t Just a Story of Triumph

Speaking Up About Dystonia

Facing DYT1 Dystonia with Grit and Hope

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics

Rogers Hartmann on Beating Dystonia

Billy McLaughlin on Life as a Musician with Focal Dystonia

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Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

·       Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206

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Guests: Justine Galloway @rennur316; Dr. Joseph Jankovic @josephjankovic

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this episode, Brain & Life Podcast hosts Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters highlight some of their favorite articles from the most recent edition of Brain & Life Magazine! They discuss updates on new Alzheimer’s drugs and what they mean for patients, the links between oral hygiene and brain health, and how cosmetics brands are creating more accessible makeup for all people. If you would like to read these articles and more, be sure to subscribe to Brain & Life Magazine for free!

Articles Discussed

An Update on New Alzheimer’s Drugs

11 Dental Care Tips to Boost Brain Health

How Cosmetics Brands are Creating More Accessible Makeup

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics

Finding Hope and Creating Change: Discussing Alzheimer’s Advocacy with Cynthia Stone and Walt Dawson

Ashley Brooks on Advocating for Herself and Others with Myasthenia Gravis

Lauren Miller Rogen on Facing a Parent’s Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

We want to hear from you!

Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

·       Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206

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Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this episode, Brain & Life Podcast host Dr. Katy Peters speaks with Dr. Sandeep Vaishnavi, a neuropsychiatrist and cognitive neuroscientist.  He serves as the President of the Center for Neuropsychiatry and Brain Stimulation and Chief Medical Officer Designate for ARC Health. Dr. Vaishnavi is also the author of Healing the Traumatized Brain: Coping After Concussion and Other Brain Injuries. Together they discuss the intersection between psychiatry and neurology, accessible and upcoming treatment options for neuropsychiatric symptoms, and the stigma behind mood and behavioral symptoms

Additional Resources

Healing the Traumatized Brain: Coping after Concussion and Other Brain Injuries

Tips for Loving Life After a Neurologic Disorder Diagnosis

Center for Neuropsychiatry and Brain Stimulation (CNBS)

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics

U.S. Soccer Legend Briana Scurry on Concussion and Mental Health

Personal Trainer Javeno McLean on Helping Clients Find Physical and Emotional Strength

Journalist, Producer Kitty Eisele’s Honest Recount of Her Time as Caregiver

We want to hear from you!

Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

·       Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206

·       Email us at BLpodcast@brainandlife.org

Social Media:  

Guests: Dr. Sandeep Vaishnavi @hopkinspress

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD