Brain Chat with the Nerdy Neurologist

Not every headache is a migraine! 🧠💥When it comes to headaches and facial pain, there's often more to the story than we realize. While migraines are one of the most recognized headache disorders, there are other conditions that can cause intense, unusual, and sometimes debilitating pain.In this episode of, Brain Chat with the Nerdy Neurologist, host Dr. Mitzi J. Williams is joined by special guests Dr. Chantale Branson and Dr. Temitope Adeyeye for an eye-opening conversation about facial pain, rare headache disorders, and why understanding your symptoms is so important.Together, they explore the differences between common migraines and less familiar headache conditions, what may cause nerve-related facial pain, and why getting an accurate diagnosis can make all the difference.Whether you're living with chronic headaches, experiencing unexplained facial pain, or simply looking to better understand your neurological health, this episode offers valuable insights to help you become a more informed and empowered patient.

Neck pain is common—but when is it more than just a stiff neck, and when should you consider seeing a specialist?In this episode of Brain Chat with the Nerdy Neurologist, Dr. Mitzi J. Williams sits down with special guest Dr. Marcus Gates, board-certified neurosurgeon at Wellstar Health System, for an informative conversation all about neck pain, spine health, and treatment.Together, they break down some of the common causes of neck pain, including issues like herniated discs, what symptoms may signal something more serious, and the different treatment options available. Dr. Gates also takes us inside the surgical conversation—discussing when surgery may be considered, the “rule of thirds,” and what patients can realistically expect during recovery after surgery.Whether you’re experiencing ongoing neck pain, considering your treatment options, or simply want to better understand how the neck and spine affect your overall health, this episode is packed with information to help you become a more informed patient.

Migraine is more than “just a headache”—and for millions of people living with migraine, the impact can reach far beyond head pain.In this episode of Brain Chat, Dr. Mitzi Williams is joined by Dr. Chantale Branson and Dr. Temitope Adeyeye for an important conversation, “Migraine: More Than a Headache.”Together, they break down what migraine really is, the different ways it can present, common symptoms and triggers, and why migraine is often misunderstood. They also discuss the importance of recognizing symptoms, seeking appropriate care, and understanding the treatment options available for people living with migraine.Whether you live with migraine, love someone who does, or simply want to better understand this neurological condition, this is a Brain Chat you don’t want to miss.

We’re officially back TONIGHT at 7 PM ET, and I couldn’t think of a better conversation to kick off the second half of the season!I’m joined by my good friend Dr. Barbara Joy Jones for “The Overlap Years: Perimenopause, Menopause, and MS.” We’re getting into the symptoms, the overlap, the questions women should be asking, and what you need to know as you navigate these changes while living with MS.Grab a friend, get comfortable, and meet us on YouTube TONIGHT at 7 PM ET! And while you’re there, make sure you SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss a single Brain Chat conversation this season.Brain Chat is proudly presented by the Joi Life Foundation.

Have you ever left a doctor's appointment with more questions than answers?Join me for a new episode of #BrainChat, where I'm joined by Dr. Nolan-McEwen and Dr. Colton-Poole to talk about how to communicate more confidently with your health care team.Because your voice matters, and better conversations can lead to better care.

Botox is about more than wrinkles.In the next episode of Brain Chat, I'm joined by fellow neurologists Dr. Nolan-McEwen and Dr. Rosenthal to explore the medical side of Botox and how it's used to treat chronic migraine, spasticity, and other neurologic conditions.We're talking about who may benefit, what treatment actually looks like, and clearing up some of the biggest myths that can keep people from getting the care they need.

Living with a chronic illness can change relationships, but communication can help strengthen them. 💙This Monday on Brain Chat, I'm joined by communication expert Dr. Charnetta Colton Poole to discuss navigating conversations with care partners, setting healthy boundaries, and expressing your needs with confidence and compassion.🧠 Stronger Together: Communicating With Care Partners in Chronic Disease

"If my MRI looks normal, why am I still in pain?"It's a question many people ask and one we're tackling in the next episode of Brain Chat.Join me and Dr. Deitrick Cox as we break down what nerve pain is, why it can be difficult to measure, common causes in conditions like MS and peripheral neuropathy, and the many tools available to help manage symptoms.Because understanding your pain is the first step toward finding the right path forward.

How do neurologists know whether someone has MS or NMOSD?In the next epside of #BrainChat, I sit down with Dr. Rosenthal and Dr. Nolan-McEwen to discuss the latest diagnostic criteria for MS and NMOSD, common causes of misdiagnosis, and why getting the right diagnosis can change everything.From MRI findings to antibody testing, this conversation breaks down the science behind diagnosis in a way that's easy to understand.

Ever feel like your muscles have a mind of their own? 🤔 In the latest episode of Brain Chat, I got to sit down with Dr. Deitrick Cox and Sheree Love to dive deep into the world of spasticity.Some days, your muscles can feel like they're in a tug-of-war, and other days they're as calm as a summer breeze. We unpacked those muscular mysteries together, breaking down symptoms like stiffness, spasms, pain, and fatigue, making them seem less intimidating and more manageable.Understanding spasticity can be like having a map for a journey – it makes the trip smoother and more enjoyable! With practical tips and a focus on patient-centered care, this episode is all about finding comfort and moving with ease.Understanding spasticity is the first step toward safer movement, better comfort, and an improved quality of life.Have you or someone you know dealt with spasticity? How has understanding it changed your experience? Share your thoughts!