The Neurological Disorder Podcast

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What can Chiari malformation reveal about the gaps that still exist in neurological care and patient awareness?
This week's episode features my conversation with Debbie Ryan, an inspiring mother of four from West Ireland who is studying anatomy and physiology, reflexology, and holistic massage, while also navigating life with Chiari malformation.
In this conversation, Debbie opens up about her diagnosis journey, the symptoms that led her to seek answers, and the emotional impact of living with Chiari while navigating everyday life. We talk about how her experiences motivated her to create an online community to spread awareness and support others with Chiari malformation.
We also discuss the realities of navigating healthcare with a chronic neurological condition and compare the healthcare systems in Ireland and the United States, including both the strengths and the challenges patients face in each system.
Debbie is such a genuine, resilient, and thoughtful person, and I think her story will resonate with so many people — whether you’re personally affected by Chiari malformation, interested in neurology, or simply looking to hear from someone who’s turned adversity into advocacy.
Don’t forget to rate and subscribe to The Neurological Disorder Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Fill out this form in bio if you have questions, guest suggestions, or topics you would love to hear about!
Feel free to contact me via:
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @neurologicaldisorderpodcast
Debbie: @chiarimalformationireland
Resources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chiari-malformation/symptoms-causes/syc-20354010
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/chiari-malformation

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What if artificial intelligence could change how neurological diseases are diagnosed, treated, and even prevented? And how far are we from that future?
This week's episode is with returning guest Dr. Aniket Natekar to explore how AI is actively reshaping neurology and modern healthcare. We break down what AI integration could look like in clinical settings, from neurosurgery and diagnostic support to reducing administrative burden, and how physicians are currently utilizing these tools in practice. We also look ahead to what is coming next, including AI-powered wearables, personalized brain-health profiles, earlier detection of epilepsy and neurodegenerative disorders, and tools that could significantly reduce misdiagnosis.
Of course, we cannot talk about AI without addressing the ethical concerns and risks. Dr. Natekar tackles the big questions: How will patient data be protected? Could clinicians become too reliant on AI? Who carries responsibility if AI makes a mistake — the doctor, the hospital, or the developer? And what does the rise of AI mean for the already uneven access to neurological care between urban and rural communities?
This is a particularly important conversation because AI isn’t just a buzzword — it’s becoming deeply embedded in healthcare. So understanding the benefits, limitations, and ethical landscape is more crucial than ever, and Dr. Natekar provides such thoughtful, nuanced perspectives to this topic.
Don’t forget to rate and subscribe to The Neurological Disorder Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Fill out this form ( https://forms.gle/V8ZrX8iwQZnk3xVF9) if you have questions, guest suggestions, or topics you would love to hear about!
 **everything discussed today reflects our personal opinions and should not be taken as medical advice.
 Feel free to contact me via:
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @neurologicaldisorderpodcast
Contact Dr. Natekar via: 
Instagram: @anik_skywalker

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Could the key to brain health be found in your DNA—and on your plate?
Welcome to Season 2 of The Neurological Disorder Podcast! This week's episode is with Dr. Kendal Stewart, a certified head and neck surgeon and otolaryngologist. In addition to founding several medical companies and even receiving a U.S patent for one of his technologies, Dr. Stewart treats individuals with neuro-immune syndromes through innovative techniques and by analyzing the root of issues at the cellular and molecular level.
In this conversation, we explore connections between neuroinflammation, Alzheimer’s, and POTS, and dive into the role of nutrigenomics in neurological disorders. Moreover, we explore nutrition strategies for reducing neuroinflammation, and Dr. Stewart simplifies complex biomolecular topics that enrich this conversation. So whether you’re a healthcare professional, a student, or just curious about how diet and genetics impact your nervous system, you’ll definitely walk away learning something new.
Don’t forget to rate and subscribe to The Neurological Disorder Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Fill out this form ( https://forms.gle/V8ZrX8iwQZnk3xVF9) if you have questions, guest suggestions, or topics you would love to hear about!
 Feel free to contact me via:
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @neurologicaldisorderpodcast
Watch Dr. Stewart's podcast:
Coffee With Dr. Stewart: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coffee-with-dr-stewart/id1183857037

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This week's episode is with Jawanza Lamar, the founder of ParkingNSites, an organization dedicated to breaking down parking barriers and improving accessibility for mobility-challenged individuals.
After experiencing a life-changing accident, Jawanza saw firsthand the struggles people with mobility challenges face—especially when it comes to accessible parking and ADA compliance. This inspired him to take action and launch ParkingNSites to improve accessibility and ensure cities better accommodate mobility-challenged individuals.
In this episode, we dive into the unseen challenges related to accessible parking, particularly in major cities like Atlanta. Jawanza shares how he is using technology to address this issue and is collaborating with city officials to raise awareness and drive community involvement to make meaningful change. We also discuss the policies he hopes to see improved in the coming years and his vision for the future of ParkingNSites.
Make sure to subscribe to The Neurological Disorder Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your podcasts!
Follow me on Instagram-@neurologicaldisorderpodcast
Email me at- [email protected]
Helpful Resources:
https://www.parkingnsites.com/

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This week's episode is with Mary Anne Meskis, a founding member and the Executive Director of the Dravet Syndrome Foundation (DSF)—a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness, providing support, and funding research for Dravet syndrome.
Dravet syndrome is a rare and severe form of epilepsy that begins in early childhood, typically caused by a mutation in the SCN1A gene. It leads to frequent and prolonged seizures, developmental delays, and other lifelong challenges, including changes in appetite, mobility, sleep, and growth. While anti-seizure medications are used to manage symptoms, seizure control remains a significant challenge, which we dive into in this episode.
Mary Anne and I discuss the critical gap in Dravet syndrome research and how DSF bridges it by increasing research funding and supporting initiatives like the Dravet Genome Study. She also shares how her team simplifies complex scientific information to make it more accessible to families and the broader community. Additionally, we explore DSF's new legislative advocacy program and her vision for the organization's future.
Make sure to subscribe to The Neurological Disorder Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your podcasts!

Follow me on Instagram: @neurologicaldisorderpodcast
Email me at: [email protected]
DSF Instagram: @dravetsyndromefoundation
Helpful resources:
https://dravetfoundation.org/
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/dravet-syndrome