The Art of Overcoming: Liz Nugent on Storytelling and Dystonia

In this week’s episode, Brain & Life Podcast co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by Annmarie O’Connor, a Parkinson's disease advocate, bestselling author, and fashion editor. Annmarie shares her personal journey with early-onset Parkinson's, discussing the challenges and insights she has gained since her diagnosis. She highlights the importance of self-advocacy, the role of family support, and her efforts to raise awareness through her memoir 'Twitch' and her advocacy work on TikTok. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Raja Mehanna, an associate professor at the McGovern Medical School at University of Texas Health. Dr. Mehanna is a fellowship-trained, movement disorders neurologist with a special interest in early-onset Parkinson’s disease. He discusses early onset Parkinson's disease, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and tailored treatments and shares ongoing research in the field.   Additional Resources About Annmarie O’Connor Factors That May Increase the Risk of Parkinson's Disease Exercise Helps This Coach Deal with Parkinson’s Disease Living with Parkinson's During a Pandemic   Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics Ed Begley Jr. on Utilizing a Healthy Lifestyle to Thrive with Parkinson’s Disease How American Ninja Warrior Jimmy Choi Rose Above Parkinson’s NBA Star Brian Grant Living On Time with Parkinson’s   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 [email protected]   Social Media:   Guests: Annmarie O’Connor @aocdotme; Dr. Raja Mehanna @mcgovernmed Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this week’s episode, Brain & Life Podcast co-host Dr. Katy Peters is once again joined by Kristin Flanary, AKA Lady Glaucomflecken, to continue their conversation from last week. Kristin has advanced training in both cognitive neuroscience and social psychology and now is active on social media, podcasts, and comedy shows with her husband, Dr. Glaucomflecken. Kristin shares more about the term “co-survivor” and the importance of thoughtful doctor/patient communication, based on her own lived experiences. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Jessica McFarlin, is an associate professor of neurology at the University of Kentucky Department of Neurology and Chief of the Division of Palliative Care who is trained in both neurocritical care medicine and palliative care medicine. Dr. McFarlin touches on the role of care partners and medical professionals when it comes to the Neurointensive Care Unit.   Additional Resources Lady Glaucomflecken What is the Difference Between Coma, Minimally Conscious State, Persistent Vegetative State, and Brain Death? How to Keep Loved Ones Safe in the Hospital   Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics What is an ICU and Neurologic Critical Care? Tips and a Guide for Everyone Nora McInerny on Moving Forward with Grief  Advocating for a Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis with Comedian Kellye Howard 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 [email protected]   Social Media:   Guests: Kristin Flanary @ladyglaucomflecken; Dr. Jessica McFarlin @ukadultneuro Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this week’s episode, Brain & Life Podcast co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by Kristin Flanary, AKA Lady Glaucomflecken. Kristin has advanced training in both cognitive neuroscience and social psychology and now is active on social media, podcasts, and comedy shows with her husband, Dr. Glaucomflecken. Kristin shares her unique perspective on the healthcare system, having been a patient, a caregiver, and a co-survivor of her husband's medical challenges, including his two cancer occurrences and a sudden cardiac arrest that led to a stay in the Neurological Intensive Care Unit. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Jessica McFarlin, is an associate professor of neurology at the University of Kentucky Department of Neurology and Chief of the Division of Palliative Care who is trained in both neurocritical care medicine and palliative care medicine. Dr. McFarlin explains how Neurological Intensive Care Units provide life-saving care for patients with severe neurologic injuries, such as strokes and brain trauma. Come back next week for part two to hear more about the term “co-survivor” and the importance of thoughtful doctor/patient communication.   Additional Resources Lady Glaucomflecken What is the Difference Between Coma, Minimally Conscious State, Persistent Vegetative State, and Brain Death? How to Keep Loved Ones Safe in the Hospital   Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics What is an ICU and Neurologic Critical Care? Tips and a Guide for Everyone Nora McInerny on Moving Forward with Grief  Advocating for a Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis with Comedian Kellye Howard   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 [email protected]   Social Media:   Guests: Kristin Flanary @ladyglaucomflecken; Dr. Jessica McFarlin @ukadultneuro 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 issue of Brain & Life Magazine. The dive into the effects of ultra-processed foods, helpful innovations like smartphone apps and specialized gyms, and the support sibling caregivers provide to their loved ones. If you would like to read these articles and more, check out the latest issue!   Brain & Life Articles Mentioned How Ultra-processed Foods Can Have a Negative Effect on Brain Health Smartphone Apps Can Help Manage Parkinson’s, Migraines, Epilepsy, and More How Specialized Gyms Empower People with Neurologic Conditions Sibling Caregivers are Supporting Brothers and Sisters Through Chronic Conditions   Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics The Many Faces of Cerebral Palsy with Micah Fowler, Phoebe Rae Taylor, and Kelsey Cardona We Are Brave Together with Jessica Patay Cheryl Hile is Running Around the World with Multiple Sclerosis Exploring Longevity with Author Dan Buettner   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 [email protected]   Social Media:   Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this episode of the Brain and Life podcast, Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by guest co-host Dr. Proleta Datta, assistant professor and epileptologist at Oregon Health & Science University who specializes in hard‑to‑treat seizures and improving access to epilepsy care. They delve into the complex relationship between epilepsy and driving safety, discussing the latest guidelines and recommendations while highlighting the importance of personalized care for all people living with epilepsy. Tune in to learn about the legal and practical aspects of driving with epilepsy, and discover resources available to support independence and mobility for all.   Additional Resources New Position Statement: When People with Epilepsy Can Safely Drive Again Navigating Life with Epilepsy When Is It Time to Stop Driving Because of a Neurologic Condition?   Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics JenVon Cherry on Educating Communities of Color About Epilepsy Actor Cameron Boyce’s Legacy and Raising Awareness About SUDEP Tiffany Kairos on Finding Her Voice in Epilepsy Advocacy   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 [email protected] Social Media Guests: Dr. Proleta Datta @oshunews  Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In part two of this two-part episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-host Dr. Daniel Correa speaks with internationally bestselling author Liz Nugent, who shares her journey as a writer and her experiences living with dystonia. Liz discusses her experience with Deep Brain Stimulation and the relationship between her writing and her dystonia diagnosis. Dr. Correa is then joined by world-renowned neurologist and movement disorders specialist Dr. Alfonso Fasano, Chair in Neuromodulation at the University of Toronto and a neurologist at Toronto Western Hospital. Dr. Fasano explains Deep Brain Stimulation and upcoming research for dystonia.   Additional Resources Liz Nugent Dystonia Overview Speaking Up About Dystonia   Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics Billy McLaughlin on Life as a Musician with Focal Dystonia Rogers Hartmann on Beating Dystonia Self-Discovery and The Lost Voice with Songwriter Greta Morgan   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 [email protected]   Social Media: Liz Nugent @liznugentwriter; Dr. Alfonso Fasano @al_fasao Guests: Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD  

In part one of this two-part episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-host Dr. Daniel Correa speaks with internationally bestselling author Liz Nugent, who shares her journey as a writer and her experiences living with dystonia. Liz discusses her early career in theater and television and highlights the importance of advocacy, awareness, and storytelling. Dr. Correa is then joined by world-renowned neurologist and movement disorders specialist Dr. Alfonso Fasano, Chair in Neuromodulation at the University of Toronto and a neurologist at Toronto Western Hospital. Dr. Fasano explains how the different types of dystonia present and delves into treatment options. Tune in next week to hear about Deep Brain Stimulation and upcoming research.   Additional Resources Liz Nugent Dystonia Overview Speaking Up About Dystonia   Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics Billy McLaughlin on Life as a Musician with Focal Dystonia Rogers Hartmann on Beating Dystonia Self-Discovery and The Lost Voice with Songwriter Greta Morgan   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 [email protected]   Social Media: Liz Nugent @liznugentwriter; Dr. Alfonso Fasano @al_fasao Guests: Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by author, adaptive fashion model, and disability advocate Sarah Todd Hammer. Sarah Todd shares her experiences with Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) from diagnosis to today, highlighting the diagnosis and treatment processes and how she has continued to follow her dreams throughout the years. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Kiran Thakur, a neurologist and expert in infections that affect the brain and nervous system. Dr. Thakur is an associate professor of Neurology at Columbia University and has worked around the world studying how diseases like viruses can lead to serious neurologic conditions. Dr. Thakur explains what AFM is, the effects it can have, and what can be learned about how to care for patients with rare and life-changing neurologic conditions.   Additional Resources Sarah Todd Hammer Rising Measles Cases Raise Concerns About Serious Brain Complications Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)   Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics How Disability Advocate Wesley Hamilton Became Empowered by Adversity Parenting and Writing While Disabled with Jessica Slice How Paula Carozzo is Redefining Disability and Advocating for Her Community 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 [email protected]   Social Media: Sarah Todd Hammer @sarahtoddhammer; Dr. Kiran Thakur @columbiamed Guests: Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, hosts Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters answer listener question to celebrate World Brain Day! They discuss healthy habits, finding support in small towns, and coping with big changes after a diagnosis. Do you have a question or topic you’d like to hear featured? Send us an email!   Additional Resources Try These Habits for a Healthy Brain on World Brain Day—and Every Day Natural Disasters Can Be More Dangerous for People with Neurological Conditions—Here’s How You Can Prepare A Call to Action to Provide Poststroke Care for Impoverished and Rural Patients Functional Connectivity in Adult Brain Tumor Patients: A Systematic Review   Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics Answering Your Rare Disease Day Questions! Holiday Episode with our Listeners Answering Your Spinal Cord Injury Questions with Dr. Shelly Hsieh 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 [email protected]   Social Media Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this two-part episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by Elizabeth Ansell, founder and director of #NotJustFatigue. #NotJustFatigue is a nonprofit organization shining a light on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as ME/CFS, and educates patients, clinicians, and health organizations about the condition. Elizabeth shares how raising awareness, and furthering research really improves the everyday lives of people living with ME/CFS. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. W. Ian Lipkin, who is known internationally for his research and is the John Snow Professor of Epidemiology, Professor of Neurology, and Professor of Pathology and Cell Biology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Mailman School of Public Health. Dr. Lipkin discusses what’s next in ME/CFS research and what the future could hold.   Additional Resources #NotJustFatigue How to Fight Fatigue Understanding the Impact of Invisible Illnesses on Daily Life How Families Are Leading the Charge in Rare Disease Advocacy   Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics Rare Thoughts on a Rarer Neurologic Condition Shedding Light and Love on a Rare Genetic Condition with Deborah Vauclare Neurofibromatosis Advocacy and Community Building with the Gilbert Family Foundation 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 [email protected]   Social Media: Elizabeth Ansell @notjustfatigue; Dr. W. Ian Lipkin @columbiapublichealth Guests: Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD