All episodes

Moderator: Federica Montagnese (Munich, Germany)
Guest: John Vissing (Copenhagen, Denmark)

In this week's episode, Federica Montagnese hosts Professor John Vissing as they delve into the intricate world of diagnosing muscular dystrophies. The discussion revolves around the crucial role of neuromuscular examinations and the significance of medical history, including school performance. Specific signs like myotonia and facial signs are explored, alongside the evolving landscape of genetic testing, advanced imaging techniques (MRI and ultrasound), and the potential of artificial intelligence in diagnostics. The speakers also touch on extra-muscular manifestations, expanding the understanding of these conditions.

Moderator: Gabriele Siciliano (Pisa, Italy)
Guest: Antonio Toscano (Messina, Italy)

Prof. Antonio Toscano is hosted by Prof. Gabriele Siciliano as he emphasizes the enduring significance of muscle biopsy in diagnosing neuromuscular disorders, particularly in cases of progressive muscle weakness. The episode stresses the need for a comprehensive diagnostic strategy, combining genetic testing with muscle biopsy, guided by clinical and imaging assessments. Overall, the episode underscores the continued importance of muscle biopsy for a thorough understanding of muscular dystrophies.

Moderator: Gabriele Siciliano (Pisa, Italy)

Guest: Tiziana Mongini (Torino, Italy)

In this episode, Prof. Gabriele Siciliano and Prof. Tiziana Mongini discuss a recent paper on Bag3 gene mutations linked to neurogenic distal muscle atrophy. They explore the evolving understanding of muscle dystrophies, the importance of genetic and molecular aspects, and challenges in diagnosis. Mongini underscores the significance of ancillary exams like neurophysiology and muscle MRI. They emphasize the complexity of genetic testing, advocating for a multidimensional approach involving clinical, genetic, and imaging data. Collaboration between basic and clinical researchers is stressed to comprehend neuromuscular complexities. The podcast concludes with a...

Moderator: Federica Montagnese (Munich, Germany)
Guest: Magda Mroczek (Basel, Switzerland)
In this podcast, Dr. Federica Montagnese interviews Dr. Magdalena Mroczek about gene mutations and variants in neuromuscular disorders, with a focus on muscular dystrophies. They discuss the impact of advanced technologies on genetic testing, highlighting the importance of clinical data and collaboration between clinicians and geneticists. The conversation touches on challenges in interpreting variants, the role of epigenetic factors, and initiatives to enhance access to genetic tools in low-income countries through international collaborations. The podcast underscores the dynamic nature of genetic diagnostics, emphasizing the importance of continuous research and education...

Moderator: Barbara Tettenborn (St.Gallen, Switzerland)

Guest: Matthias Endres (Berlin, Germany)

In this episode, Barbara Tettenborn interviews Professor Matthias Endres, professor and chair of Neurology at the Charité Hospital in Berlin. The conversation delves into the connection between stroke and cardiology. Endres introduces the concept of stroke-induced atrial fibrillation, distinguishing it from pre-existing AF. They discuss the stroke heart syndrome, underlining the increased risk of cardiac events post-stroke. Troponin elevation is highlighted as a crucial biomarker, and the role of insular lesions in the brain in the syndrome is explored. The podcast concludes by emphasizing the importance of an interdisciplinary approach...

Moderator: Benedetta Storti (Milan, Italy)

Guest: Anita Arsovska (Skopje, North Macedonia)

Benedetta Storti hosts Prof. Arsovska as they explore rare causes of strokes, covering conditions like cardiomyopathy, fibromuscular dysplasia, and immune-related factors. Arsovska stresses the significance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach, discussing specific features in tests and advocating for thorough investigations. The podcast addresses potential errors in diagnostic pathways and underscores the importance of biopsy in certain cases. Arsovska shares insights into tailored treatment options based on underlying conditions.

Moderator: Barbara Tettenborn (St. Gallen, Switzerland)

Guest: Thomas Meinel (Bern, Switzerland)

Thomas Meinel, a clinician scientist at the Burn Stroke Research Center in Switzerland, is hosted by Barbara Tettenborn as they discuss covert cerebrovascular disease. His research, particularly on strokes in patients on anticoagulation, is explored, highlighting the frequency and clinical implications of covert cerebrovascular lesions. Meinel emphasizes the current lack of clear evidence for managing these conditions. He also shares insights into ongoing studies that aim to connect epidemiological knowledge with clinical practices, encouraging neurologists to recognize and address covert cerebrovascular disease in patient care.

Moderator: Rolf Fronczek (Leiden, The Netherlands)

Guest: Matilde Leonardi (Milan, Italy)
Celebrate the end of the year with us with this special episode on Brain Health! Rolf Fronczek hosts Matilde Leonardi discussing her international neurology career and passion for Brain Health. She highlights the WHO Global Action Plan on epilepsy, stresses the increasing global burden of neurological diseases, and advocates for preventative measures. Leonardi details EAN's Brain Health Strategy, urging neurologists to advocate for brain health individually and nationally. Emphasizing a bio-psychosocial approach, she invites participation in EAN's leadership and advocacy training to contribute to shaping global brain health.

Moderator: Barbara Tettenborn (St. Gallen, Switzerland)

Guest: Didier Leys (Lille, France)

In this eanCast episode, Barbara Tettenborn interviews Didier Leys, Editor-in-Chief of the European Journal of Neurology, marking its 30th anniversary. Leys discusses the journal's evolution, challenges, and current impact factor of five. He outlines his daily editorial duties, stressing manuscript selection, ethical standards, and team management. Future plans include webinars, a history special issue, a virtual issue of top-cited articles, and video interviews with editors. He also encourages young researchers to submit, citing impact factor and submission delay importance. The episode closes with a glimpse into exciting 30th-anniversary initiatives.

Moderator: Johann Sellner (Mistelbach, Austria)

Guest: Tamuna Akhvlediani (Tbilisi, Georgia)

In this podcast episode, Prof. Johann Sellner interviews Prof. Tamuna Akhvlediani about the neurological aspects of new antiviral drugs for SARS-CoV-2. They discuss drugs like monoclonal antibodies, paxlovid, and remdesivir, emphasizing their mechanisms and potential applications beyond COVID-19. Prof. Akhvlediani details neurological side effects observed in trials and significant drug interactions, especially in chronic neurological patients. The episode closes with insights into managing these interactions in clinical practice.