Neurocritical Care Society Podcast
The Neurocritical Care Society Podcast summarizes the latest content and cutting-edge research published in the journal Neurocritical Care, the official journal of the Neurocritical Care Society. Episodes are produced regularly and feature interviews with top researchers worldwide in neurology, critical care, and neurosurgery.
Episodes
MASTERCLASS: From PRx to the Future of Brain Monitoring
In this Masterclass episode of the Neurocritical Care Society Podcast, hosts Stephan Mayer, MD, FCCM, FNCS, and Jon Rosenberg, MD, sit down with Marek Czosnyka, PhD, Professor of Brain Physics at the University of Cambridge, to discuss his career in brain monitoring and the work that has shaped modern neurocritical care. Professor Czosnyka shares how his early background in biomedical engineering
HOT TOPICS: The FASTEST Trial and the Future of ICH Treatment
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Hot Topics series, host Eric Lawson, MD, speaks with Stephan Mayer, MD, about the FASTEST clinical trial and the decades-long effort to determine whether ultra-early hemostatic therapy can improve outcomes for patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Dr. Mayer shares how the idea of using recombinant factor VIIa in ICH first emerged and how earl
HOT TOPICS: Updated ICH Antithrombotic Reversal Guideline
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Hot Topic series, host Eric Lawson, MD, is joined by Mona Kumar, MD, of the University of Pennsylvania, Lori Kennedy, PhD, RN, ACNP-BC, of UC Davis Health, and Meghan Vallejo, PharmD, BCCCP, of Temple University Hospital: three members of the multidisciplinary panel behind the newly published "Treatment of Antithrombotic Associated Intracranial Hemorrhage in Adu
HOT TOPICS: Desmopressin and Sodium Goals in Intracranial Hemorrhage
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Hot Topics series, host Rich Choi, DO, welcomes back Andrew Webb, PharmD, to unpack "Effect of Desmopressin on Attaining Therapeutic Hypernatremia with Hypertonic Saline Continuous Infusion in Intracranial Hemorrhage," recently published in Neurocritical Care. Desmopressin has become a familiar tool for blunting antiplatelet-associated bleeding in intracranial
CURRENTS: Neurocritical Care in Lebanon: Progress Within Constraint
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Currents series, host Lauren Koffman, DO, MS, FCCM, speaks with Tarek El Halabi, MD, who leads acute neurology services at the American University of Beirut Medical Center, about his Currents article, "Neurocritical Care in Lebanon: Progress Within Constraint." El Halabi didn't build a neuro ICU from the ground up. He joined an already established mixed medical
HOT TOPICS: Valproic Acid for Agitation in the Neurosurgical ICU
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Hot Topics series, host Rich Choi, DO, is joined by Andrew Webb, PharmD, to discuss the article "Valproic Acid for the Management of Agitation in Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit Patients," published in Neurocritical Care. Their conversation examines the complex causes of delirium and agitation in the neurocritical care setting, including neurologic injury, me
HOT TOPICS Bonus Episode: Previewing the SAVIOR Study
In this bonus episode of the NCS Podcast Hot Topics series, host Rich Choi, MD, continues his conversation with Andrew Webb, PharmD, with a preview of "Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Clazosentan vs. Fasudil for Vasospasm Prevention (SAVIOR) Study: Study Protocol for a Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized Trial," published in Neurocritical Care. They review the history of nimodipine as the standard tre
HOT TOPICS: Previewing the NCS 24th Annual Meeting With Lori Shutter
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Hot Topics series, host Eric Lawson, MD, speaks with NCS Vice President and Annual Meeting Planning Committee Chair Lori Shutter, MD, FNCS, for a preview of the NCS 24th Annual Meeting, taking place Oct. 20-23 in Seattle. Dr. Shutter discusses this year's theme, "Reaching New Heights: Advancing the Future of Neurocritical Care," and how it reflects the Society's
PERSPECTIVES: Advancing Brain Care With Jonathan Rosand
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Perspectives series, host Nicholas Morris, MD, speaks with Jonathan Rosand, MD, MSc, FNCS, about his career in neurocritical care and his work to advance brain health. Dr. Rosand reflects on the mentors and bedside experiences that drew him to the field, as well as the curiosity and collaboration that have shaped his work as a neurointensivist, stroke geneticist
HOT TOPICS: Milrinone and Cerebral Perfusion After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Hot Topics series, host Rich Choi, MD, is joined by Chiara Robba, MD, PhD, to discuss the article "The Effects of Milrinone Systemic Administration on Cerebral Perfusion as Measured with Computed Tomography in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients," published in Neurocritical Care. Their conversation explores the complex, multifactorial pathophysiology of
CURRENTS: Breaking Barriers: How Brazil's RESILIENT Trials Redefined Stroke Research in Latin America
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Currents series, host Lauren Koffman, DO, MS, speaks with Gisele Sampaio Silva about the Currents article, "Breaking Barriers: How Brazil's RESILIENT Trials Redefined Stroke Research in Latin America." Sampaio Silva discusses how the RESILIENT trial demonstrated that mechanical thrombectomy can be delivered safely and effectively within Brazil's public health s
CURRENTS: Neurocritical Care Disorders of Consciousness: Do We Have the Education We Need to Provide Care?
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Currents series, host Lauren Koffman, DO, MS, speaks with Shraddha Mainali, Sahar Zafar and Brooke Murtaugh about their Currents article, "Neurocritical Care Disorders of Consciousness: Do We Have the Education We Need to Provide Care?" The guests discuss the clinical spectrum of disorders of consciousness and the importance of accurately assessing patients usi
HOT TOPICS: Surgical Interventions for Super-Refractory Status Epilepticus
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Hot Topics series, host Rich Choi, MD, is joined by Eric Rosenthal, MD, to discuss the article "Surgical Intervention for Super-Refractory Status Epilepticus," a systematic review published in Neurocritical Care. Their conversation explores why super-refractory status epilepticus can become increasingly difficult to control, the limited evidence guiding treatmen
HOT TOPICS: Neuroprognostication in Acute Ischemic Stroke
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Hot Topics series, host Rich Choi, MD, is joined by Alejandro Rabinstein, MD, Shraddha Mainali, MD, and Krishna Rajajee, MD, to discuss the article "Guidelines for Neuroprognostication in Critically Ill Adults With Acute Ischemic Stroke," published in Neurocritical Care. Their conversation explores the development of the guideline, including the need for a more
PERSPECTIVES: Moving Evidence Into Practice With Molly McNett
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Perspectives series, host Nicholas Morris, MD, and co-host Tom Lawson, PhD, ACNP-BC, FNCS, speak with Molly McNett, PhD, RN, CNRN, FNCS, FAAN, about her career in neurocritical care and the role of implementation science in translating research evidence into routine clinical practice. Dr. McNett reflects on her early experiences as an ICU nurse, the disconnect s
CURRENTS: Story of Hope — Vanessa Abraham's Journey of Recovery
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Currents series, host Lauren Koffman, DO, MS, speaks with Vanessa Abraham, MS, CCC-SLP, and Jared Rosen, MD, about Vanessa's Story of Hope and the lasting connection they formed during her neurocritical care journey. Vanessa shares how a sudden illness progressed from flu-like symptoms to respiratory failure and paralysis, ultimately requiring mechanical ventil
MASTERCLASS: Managing Respiratory Infections in the ICU
In this episode of the Neurocritical Care Society Podcast Masterclass series, hosts Stephan Mayer, MD, FCCM, FNCS, and Jon Rosenberg, MD, are joined by Richard Wunderink, MD, professor of medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and pulmonary critical care intensivist, to discuss the diagnosis and management of respiratory infections in the ICU. Dr. Wunderink highlights why
MASTERCLASS: What CREST-2 Means for Carotid Disease Management
In this episode of the Neurocritical Care Society Podcast Masterclass series, hosts Stephan Mayer, MD, FCCM, FNCS, and Jon Rosenberg, MD, are joined by Seemant Chaturvedi, MD, professor of neurology and director of the Stroke Division at the University of Maryland, for an in-depth discussion on carotid disease, stroke prevention and the role of revascularization in clinical practice. The episode
PERSPECTIVES: Neurocritical Care Fellowship Training Today
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Perspectives series, host Nicholas Morris, MD, leads a roundtable discussion with neurocritical care fellowship directors Jenna Ford, MD; Rishi Malhotra, MD; Fiona Lynch, MD; and Matt Bevers, MD, on the current state of neurocritical care fellowship training. The panel discusses what distinguishes their programs, how fellowship leadership roles evolve and the way
CURRENTS: The Business of Neurocritical Care: Understanding Physician Benefits
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Currents series, host Lauren Koffman, DO, MS, speaks with Ryan Hakimi, DO, MS, a neurointensivist at Prisma Health and member of the Neurocritical Care Society Board of Directors, about his Currents article, "The Business of Neurocritical Care: Understanding Physician Benefits." Dr. Hakimi explores the often-overlooked financial side of physician compensation,
CURRENTS: Honoring Through Action: The HEARD Center Story
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Currents series, host Lauren Koffman, DO, MS, speaks with Tommy Thomas, MD, PhD, and Aimee Aysenne, MD, MPH, co-directors of the Henderson Equity and Research on Disparities (HEARD) Center, about the center's origins and its mission to advance equity in neurocritical care. Drs. Thomas and Aysenne reflect on the legacy of Galen Henderson, MD, whose mentorship, l
HOT TOPICS: Minimally Invasive Surgery Versus Medical Management for Intracerebral Hemorrhage: The MIND Clinical Trial
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Hot Topics series, host Eric Lawson, MD, is joined by Adam Arthur, MD, neurosurgeon at the University of Tennessee and Semmes Murphey Clinic in Memphis, Tennessee, to discuss the article "Minimally Invasive Surgery Versus Medical Management Alone for Intracerebral Hemorrhage: The MIND Clinical Trial," published in JAMA Neurology. Their conversation explores the
HOT TOPICS: Infratentorial Pressure Monitoring in Cerebellar Stroke — Feasibility and Prognostic Utility
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Hot Topics series, host Richard Choi, DO, FNCS, is joined by Katharina Busl, MD, MS, to discuss the article "Infratentorial Pressure Monitoring in Cerebellar Stroke: Feasibility and Prognostic Utility," recently published in Neurocritical Care. Their conversation examines why pressure in the posterior fossa may differ from supratentorial measurements in patient
HOT TOPICS: The Neuro-ARC Study on Levetiracetam Dosing
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Hot Topics series, host Richard Choi, DO, FNCS, is joined by Melissa Dang, PharmD, BCCCP, neurocritical care pharmacist at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, to discuss the article "Levetiracetam Dosing Optimization in Neurocritical Care Population: Neuro-ARC Study", recently published in Neurocritical Care. Their conversation explores how augmented renal cl
MASTERCLASS: How to Run a Clinical Trial
In this episode of the Neurocritical Care Society Podcast Masterclass series, hosts Stephan Mayer, MD, FCCM, FNCS, and Jon Rosenberg, MD, are joined by Hooman Kamel, MD, MS, professor of neurology at Weill Cornell Medicine, to discuss how clinical trials take shape in practice. Dr. Kamel reflects on his path into research, the importance of strong mentorship and what it takes to grow from early-st
HOT TOPICS: Prophylactic Antiseizure Medication in Lobar Intracerebral Hemorrhage
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Hot Topics series, host Richard Choi, DO, FNCS, is joined by Wendy Ziai, MD, professor of neurology and critical care medicine at Johns Hopkins University, to discuss the article "Prophylactic Anti-Seizure Medication in Patients with Lobar Intracerebral Hemorrhage", recently published in Neurocritical Care. Their conversation explores the ongoing debate surroun
PERSPECTIVES: Introducing the APP Voice With Tom Lawson
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Perspectives series, Nicholas Morris, MD, welcomes Tom Lawson, PhD, ACNP-BC, FNCS, lead advanced practice provider at The Ohio State University, as a recurring co-host who will bring APP perspectives to future NCS podcast discussions. Lawson reflects on his path into neurocritical care and explains how the specialty's unique blend of neurologic focus and broad IC
HOT TOPICS: Antiseizure Prophylaxis in Acute Brain Injury
In this episode of the Neurocritical Care Society Podcast Hot Topics series, host Richard Choi, DO, FNCS, joins Melissa Dang, PharmD, BCCCP, a neurocritical care pharmacist at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, to discuss the article Real-World Antiseizure Medication Prophylaxis and Outcomes in Hospitalized Adults with Acute Brain Injuries, recently published in Neurocritical Care. Togethe
PERSPECTIVES: Claude Hemphill on ICH, Prognostication and the Curing Coma Campaign
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Perspectives series, Nicholas Morris, MD, speaks with Claude Hemphill, MD, MAS, FNCS, professor of neurology and neurological surgery at the University of California, San Francisco, and chief of neurology and director of neurocritical care at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. Hemphill reflects on the patient encounters that shaped his career, his longst
CURRENTS: Charlie's Story of Hope
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Currents series, host Lauren Koffman, DO, MS, speaks with Charlie Gagliardo, a physician assistant and former medical student, about his journey through autoimmune encephalitis, refractory status epilepticus and long-term recovery — and how those experiences continue to shape his clinical practice. Charlie shares the story of his sudden decline from a thriving
INSIGHTS: Intracerebral Hemorrhage [From the Archives]
This INSIGHTS episode revisits a core topic from Neurocritical Care ON CALL®, originally released in August 2023. Listen to the fifth episode of the NCS INSIGHTS series focused on intracerebral hemorrhage. The INSIGHTS series is hosted by Casey Albin, MD, and Salia Farrokh, PharmD, and covers topics from Neurocritical Care ON CALL®, the only up-to-date, comprehensive resource dedicated exclusively
INSIGHTS: Meningitis Encephalitis [From the Archives]
This INSIGHTS episode revisits a core topic from Neurocritical Care ON CALL®, originally released in December 2023. Listen to an episode of the NCS INSIGHTS series focused on meningitis and encephalitis. The INSIGHTS series is hosted by Casey Albin, MD, and Salia Farrokh, PharmD, and covers topics from Neurocritical Care ON CALL®, the only up-to-date, comprehensive resource dedicated exclusively t
HOT TOPICS: Early Blood Pressure Variability in Intracerebral Hemorrhage With Wendy Ziai, MD
In this episode of the Neurocritical Care Society Podcast Hot Topics series, host Richard Choi, DO, FNCS, speaks with Wendy Ziai, MD, MPH, professor of neurology and critical care medicine at Johns Hopkins University, about the article The Association Between Hourly Systolic Blood Pressure Variability and Outcomes in Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage Is Time-Dependent: A Post Hoc Analysis o
PERSPECTIVES: Theresa Human, PharmD and the Pharmacist's Role in the Neuro ICU
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Perspectives series, Nicholas Morris, MD, speaks with Theresa Human, PharmD, a critical care pharmacist whose career spans clinical practice at the University of Virginia and Washington University in St. Louis, followed by a transition into the pharmaceutical industry with Cumberland Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Human shares the winding path that led her to neurocritica
INSIGHTS: Acute Ischemic Stroke Part 2 [From the Archives]
This INSIGHTS episode revisits a core topic from Neurocritical Care ON CALL®, originally released in August 2023. Listen to the fourth episode of the NCS INSIGHTS series on acute ischemic stroke (part 2 of 2). The INSIGHTS series is hosted by Casey Albin, MD, and Salia Farrokh, PharmD, and covers topics from Neurocritical Care ON CALL®, the only up-to-date, comprehensive resource dedicated exclus
INSIGHTS: Acute Ischemic Stroke Part 1 [From the Archives]
This INSIGHTS episode revisits a core topic from Neurocritical Care ON CALL®, originally released in August 2023. Listen to the third episode of the NCS INSIGHTS series on acute ischemic stroke (part 1 of 2). The INSIGHTS series is hosted by Casey Albin, MD, and Salia Farrokh, PharmD, and covers topics from Neurocritical Care ON CALL®, the only up-to-date, comprehensive resource dedicated exclusi
INSIGHTS: Status Epilepticus Part 2 [From the Archives]
This INSIGHTS episode revisits a core topic from Neurocritical Care ON CALL®, originally released in July 2023. Listen to the second episode of the NCS INSIGHTS series on status epilepticus (part 2 of 2). The INSIGHTS series is hosted by Casey Albin, MD, and Salia Farrokh, PharmD, and covers topics from Neurocritical Care ON CALL®, the only up-to-date, comprehensive resource dedicated exclusively
INSIGHTS: Status Epilepticus Part 1 [From the Archives]
This INSIGHTS episode revisits a core topic from Neurocritical Care ON CALL®, originally released in July 2023. Listen to the first episode of the NCS INSIGHTS series on status epilepticus (part 1 of 2). The INSIGHTS series is hosted by Casey Albin, MD, and Salia Farrokh, PharmD, and covers topics from Neurocritical Care ON CALL®, the only up-to-date, comprehensive resource dedicated exclusively
CURRENTS: Understanding Billing Models in Neurocritical Care
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Currents series, host Lauren Koffman, DO, MS, speaks with Ryan Hakimi, DO, MS, NVS, RPNI, CPB, FNCS, FCCM, FAAN, a neurointensivist at Prisma Health, about his Currents article on billing in neurocritical care. Their conversation explores why billing and documentation education is often absent from medical training, how staffing models and split/shared billing
CURRENTS: Virtual Reality for Neurorehabilitation
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Currents series, host Lauren Koffman, DO, MS, speaks with Nilufer Yalcin, MD, a neurointensivist at Boston Medical Center, about her Currents article on the use of virtual reality in neurorehabilitation. Together, they explore the neuroscience behind virtual reality–based therapies, including multisensory engagement, cortical reorganization and the role of moti
PERSPECTIVES: Cherylee Chang, MD, on Building Neurocritical Care Training Pathways
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Perspectives series, host Nicholas Morris, MD, speaks with Cherylee Chang, MD, division chief of neurocritical care and professor of neurology, neurosurgery and medicine at Duke University. Dr. Chang reflects on her journey from an early interest in cardiothoracic surgery to neurology, and ultimately, to the "intersectional" work that drew her to neurocritical c
HOT TOPICS: Transfusion Strategies in Acute Brain Injury
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Hot Topics series, host Richard Choi, DO, FNCS, speaks with Katharina Busl, MD, MS, FNCS, division chief of neurocritical care at the University of Florida and assistant editor for Neurocritical Care journal, about transfusion strategies in patients with acute brain injury. They discuss recent randomized trials and a new systematic review examining restrictive
HOT TOPICS: Cerebrospinal Fluid Filtration After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Hot Topics series, host Richard Choi, DO, FNCS, speaks with Katharina Busl, MD, MS, FNCS, division chief of neurocritical care at the University of Florida and assistant editor for Neurocritical Care journal. They explore new research on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) clearance after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. They also discuss the study Prospective Trial of
MASTERCLASS: Understanding Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity in Neurocritical Care
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Masterclass series, hosts Jon Rosenberg, MD, and Stephan Mayer, MD, speak with Jamie Podell, MD, assistant professor of neurocritical care and emergency medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Together, they explore paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity – how it develops after brain injury, why symptoms differ among patients and what current re
PERSPECTIVES: Life-Shaping, Modern Stroke and Neurocritical Care With Professor Werner Hacke
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Perspectives series, Nicholas Morris, MD, speaks with Werner Hacke, MD, PhD, DSc (hon. mult.), FAHA, FESC, senior professor of neurology at Heidelberg University and a major leader in vascular neurology and neurocritical care. Professor Hacke reflects on his path from psychiatry and psychology to helping establish Germany's early neurological intensive care unit
MASTERCLASS: Using Point-Of-Care Ultrasound To Guide Shock and Fluid Management
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Masterclass series, host Jon Rosenberg, MD, is joined by Harald Sauthoff, MD, ICU Director at Westchester Medical Center and a leader in point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). They explore how POCUS has transformed bedside evaluation and management in the ICU, from rapid shock assessment to informed fluid management. Dr. Sauthoff shares how ultrasound can quickly id
PERSPECTIVES: A Lifelong Commitment to Neuroanesthesia and Critical Care With Dr. Andrew Kofke
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Perspectives series, Nicholas Morris, MD, speaks with Andrew Kofke, MD, emeritus professor of anesthesiology and critical care at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Kofke reflects on his remarkable path from a teenage ambulance volunteer to a pioneering leader in neuroanesthesia and neurocritical care. He discusses the origins of Penn's neuro ICU program, his c
PERSPECTIVES: Origins of the Neuro ICU and the FOUR Score with Dr. Eelco Wijdicks
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Perspectives series, Nicholas Morris, MD, is joined by Eelco Wijdicks, MD, PhD, professor of neurology at Mayo Clinic and chair of the Division of Critical Care Neurology. A pioneer of neurocritical care, Dr. Wijdicks reflects on training in Rotterdam, fellowship at Mass General under Allan H. Ropper, MD, and the creation of Mayo Clinic's neuro ICU in the 1990s.
HOT TOPICS: Postoperative Monitoring After Elective Intracranial Surgery
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Hot Topics series, host Dr. Nicholas Morris speaks with Dr. Wendy Ziai, professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins and senior editor for Neurocritical Care, and Dr. Richard Choi, neurointensivist at MedStar Franklin Square and social media editor for the journal. This episode also introduces Dr. Richard Choi as the new host of the NCS Podcast Hot Topics series, whi
CURRENTS: Seizure Code Strategy: Improving Treatment Times and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Urgent Epileptic Seizures
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Currents series, host Lauren Koffman, DO, MS, speaks with Camilo Espinosa-Jovel, MD, and Clio Rubinos, MD, MS, FACNS, about their recent Currents article on the Seizure Code strategy. They share how their collaboration began across continents, the origins of the seizure code and the importance of recognizing and treating urgent epileptic seizures before they pr
CURRENTS: The Role of Ultrasound Guided Lumbar Puncture in the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit: A Review and Case Presentation
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Currents series, host Lauren Koffman, DO, MS, speaks with Swarna Rajagopalan, MD, MS, associate professor of neurology Cooper University Health Care about her recent co-authored Currents article on the role of ultrasound guidance in performing lumbar punctures in the neuroscience ICU. They discuss the limitations of the landmark-based technique, when ultrasound
PERSPECTIVES: Chere Chase-Gregory, MD, MHS, on Bridging Health Equity and Neurocritical Care
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Perspectives series, Nicholas Morris, MD, is joined by Chere Chase-Gregory, MD, MHS, senior vice president and chief health equity officer at Novant Health and a practicing neurointensivist. Dr. Chase-Gregory, also an adjunct faculty member at the University of North Carolina and founding member of the Women in Neurocritical Care Committee, shares her path into
MASTERCLASS: Opioid-Sparing Analgesic Approaches for Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Masterclass series, hosts Jon Rosenberg, MD, and Stephan A. Mayer, MD, FCCM, FNCS, are joined by Carolina B. Maciel, MD, MSCR, and Katharina Busl, MD, MS, professors of neurology at the University of Florida. They explore the evolution of opioid-sparing pain management strategies in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage and acute brain injury. The conversation
CURRENTS: Story of Hope – Life After Cardiac Arrest
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Currents series, host Lauren Koffman, DO, MS, speaks with Tara Wall and her husband, Ron, whose journey through cardiac arrest and recovery offers a deeply personal look at the realities of critical illness, caregiving and hope. Tara, a former NICU nurse, recounts the terrifying moment her husband collapsed at home and the life-saving measures she took, while Ron
PERSPECTIVES: Paul Vespa, MD, on Innovation and Teamwork in Neurocritical Care
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Perspective series, Nicholas Morris, MD, is joined by Immediate Past-President of NCS, Paul Vespa, MD, a professor of neurology and neurosurgery at UCLA. Dr. Vespa shares his path into neurocritical care, as well as his views on the growth of neuro ICUs and advances in continuous EEG monitoring and microdialysis. He discusses the future of AI in EEG, the value o
MASTERCLASS: Brain Protective Ventilation in Severe Acute Brain Injury
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Masterclass series, Stephan Mayer, MD, FCCM, FNCS, and Jon Rosenberg, MD, welcome renowned neurointensivist Chiara Robba, MD, Ph.D., to discuss the concept of brain protective ventilation. Drawing from her experience across both pulmonary and neurocritical care, Dr. Robba explores the physiological nuance of ventilating patients with brain injury, including how
CURRENTS: Traumatic Brain Injury in a Resource-Limited Setting: A Reflection on the Importance of Timely Interventions in Neurocritical Care
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Currents series, host Lauren Koffman, DO, MS, speaks with Clio Rubinos, MD, MS, and Rommel Morel, MD, about the urgent need to improve pre-hospital neurocritical care in low- and middle-income countries. They explore disparities in emergency response, the reality of patients arriving via family or bystanders and community-driven solutions like Colombia's Bootstr
PERSPECTIVES: Lessons From Neurocritical Care Fellows
In this episode of Perspectives, Dr. Nicholas Morris is joined by neurocritical care fellows Dr. Diana Alsbrook, Dr. Sonja Darwish and Dr. Scott Sparks to discuss the future of the field. They share insights on choosing a fellowship, the challenges of training and what it takes to become a well-rounded neurointensivist. From clinical autonomy and mentorship to wellness and preparing for life after
CURRENTS: Ray's Story of Hope
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Currents series, host Lauren Koffman, DO, welcomes Ray and his wife, Kathleen, who authored a recent Currents "Stories of Hope" feature. Ray shares his journey of recovery after sustaining a traumatic brain injury in an accident while traveling in Aruba. Kathleen offers her perspective on navigating medical care abroad, the challenges of intensive rehabilitation
HOT TOPICS: Transfusion Strategies in Acute Brain Injury – The TRAIN Trial
In this episode of the NCS Podcast Hot Topic Series, host Dr. Nicholas Morris speaks with Dr. Fabio Taccone about the recently published TRAIN randomized clinical trial. The study compares restrictive versus liberal transfusion strategies in patients with acute brain injury, shedding new light on hemoglobin targets, neurological outcomes and transfusion-related risks. Dr. Taccone, a leading resear
HOT TOPICS: Advancing Brain Death Determination With Dr. David Greer
In this episode of Hot Topics, Dr. Nicholas Morris interviews Dr. David Greer, a leading expert in brain death determination, to discuss the Neurocritical Care Society's new in-person brain death determination course. Dr. Greer highlights the importance of standardized protocols and training, the global success of the online course and the advantages of hands-on learning with mannequins and expert
PERSPECTIVES: APPs and Point-Of-Care Ultrasound in Neurocritical Care With Diane McLaughlin, FNCS
In this episode of Perspectives, Dr. Nicholas Morris talks with Diane McLaughlin, FNCS, about her journey into neurocritical care and the vital role of postgraduate training for APPs. She highlights the importance of ultrasound, sharing how she developed her skills and discusses strategies for staff retention and career growth. She also reflects on advancements in stroke treatment and the benefits
HOT TOPICS: The PROPHY-VAP Study
In this episode of Hot Topics, Dr. Nicholas Morris interviews Claire Dahyot-Fizelier, M.D, Ph.D., a professor of anesthesia and intensive care at the University of Poitiers, to explore the groundbreaking PROPHY-VAP trial published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine. This landmark study investigates the impact of single-dose ceftriaxone prophylaxis on ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in acu
HOT TOPICS: The ORANGE Study With Dr. Giuseppe Citerio
In this episode of Hot Topics, Dr. Nicholas Morris interviews Dr. Giuseppe Citerio, professor of anesthesia and intensive care at Milano-Bicocca University, about the ORANGE study, which investigated the neurological pupil index (NPI) for prognosticating outcomes in patients with acute brain injury. The study, involving 13 centers in Europe and North America, found that repeat abnormal NPI values,
CURRENTS: Unbroken Stride: Cameron's Story of Hope
On September 2022, Cameron Kuklick fell from a motorized rental scooter while returning to his hotel after celebrating his brother's wedding in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Cameron experienced a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) at the age of 30. Cameron and his family hope that by sharing their story and experiences, they too can provide hope and healing for others. In this week's episode, Cameron j
PERSPECTIVES: Dr Gretchen Brophy
In this week's episode of Perspectives, Dr Nicholas Morris is joined by NCS Past President, Dr Gretchen Brophy, Professor of Pharmacotherapy & Outcomes Sciences and Neurosurgery with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Pharmacy, Medical College of Virginia Campus, in Richmond.
MASTERCLASS: Critical Care EEG Monitoring
Electroencephalography (EEG) is an important and relatively inexpensive tool that allows intensivists to monitor cerebral activity of critically ill patients in real time. Seizure detection in patients with and without acute brain injury is the primary reason to obtain an EEG in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU); and in response to the increased demand for EEG, advances in quantitative EEG (qEEG) crea
CURRENTS: Consent for Brain Death Determination - the ends justify the means... or it does not.
The purpose of informed consent, as it exists now, is primarily to maintain patient autonomy, but additional benefits include the protection of patients, avoidance of fraud, and promotion of rational decisions, amongst others. It is now considered both an ethical and legal obligation which should, at a minimum, always include: 1) the nature of the procedure, 2) the risks and benefits of the proced
HOT TOPICS: The SWITCH Trial
It is unknown whether decompressive craniectomy improves clinical outcome for people with spontaneous severe deep intracerebral haemorrhage. The SWITCH trial aimed to assess whether decompressive craniectomy plus best medical treatment in these patients improves outcome at 6 months compared to best medical treatment alone. The SWITCH Trial has come to an end and the findings published in The Lance
HOT TOPICS - ANNEXA-I Trial
Patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage who are receiving factor Xa inhibitors have a risk of hematoma expansion. The effect of andexanet alfa, an agent that reverses the effects of factor Xa inhibitors, on hematoma volume expansion had not been well studied, until the ANNEXA-I Trial. To discuss this week's Hot Topic, Nicholas Morris, MD is joined by one of the trial's collaborators, Ashkan S
PERSPECTIVES: Dr Monisha Kumar, FNCS
In this week's episode of Perspectives, Dr Nicholas Morris is joined by Dr Monisha Kumar, FNCS, Professor of Neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania to discuss the threats to diversity, equity, and inclusion in neurocritical care.
CURRENTS: Innovation for Health Disparities Research in Hemorrhagic Stroke
As clinicians working with patients who have sustained an acute brain injury, we are naturally focused on caring for the injury itself. Until recent years, the clinical severity of brain injury was regarded as the main driver of prognosis and outcomes. However, we are beginning to understand how non-clinical factors, including the social determinants of health (SDOH), contribute to differential ri
HOT TOPICS: NCS Guidelines for Seizure Prophylaxis in Adults Hospitalized With Moderate–Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
For the latest episode in our Hot Topics series, Dr Nicholas Morris, FCNS is joined by Dr Jennifer Frontera, FNCS to discuss the NCS Guidelines for Seizure Prophylaxis in Adults Hospitalized with Moderate-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury. Download the guidelines at https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12028-023-01907-x.
PERSPECTIVES: Dr Daryl Gress
In this week's PERSPECTIVES episode, Dr Nicholas Morris is joined by Dr Daryl Gress, Professor of Neurological Sciences at the University of Nebraska to discuss Dr Gress' lessons learned while building a new neurocritical care unit and training program at UCSF.
CURRENTS: Understanding the Landscape of Post-NeuroICU Clinics
Post-intensive care clinics following admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) have gained significant traction in recent years across the United States and internationally. This movement has been driven by increasing recognition of the long-term sequela related to the experience of an ICU admission. This week, Dr Lauren Koffman is joined by Dr Matthew Jaffa and Dr Julia Carlson to discuss the l
CURRENTS: Elisabeth's Story of Hope
In May 2014 Elisabeth Beraquit fell through the faulty doors of an elevator into an empty shaft, landing 30 feet below on top of the elevator car. She suffered multiple traumatic brain injuries, including subarachnoid hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage, and a diffuse axonal injury. 10 years on and Elisabeth is thriving, running her own business in Philadelphia and living her best life. In thi
HOT TOPICS: Critical Care Management of Patients After Cardiac Arrest
In this week's episode, Dr Nicholas Morris is joined by Dr. Karen Hirsch and Dr. Teresa May to discuss their paper "Critical Care Management of Patients After Cardiac Arrest: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association and Neurocritical Care Society". We discuss the difference between a scientific statement and a guideline, areas of uncertainty, and research priorities for the post
HOT TOPICS: Intravenous Levothyroxine for Unstable Brain-Dead Heart Donors
This week's Hot Topic is Intravenous Levothyroxine for Unstable Brain-Dead Heart Donors and Dr Nicholas Morris is joined by Dr Raj Dhar from Washington University School of Medicine to discuss his latest New England Journal of Medicine manuscript (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38048188/).
MASTER CLASS: Non-invasive intracranial pressure monitoring
In this week's Master Class, Dr Stephan Mayer and Dr Jon Rosenberg are joined by Dr Krishna Rajajee to discuss non-invasive intracranial pressure monitoring
HOT TOPICS: NCS Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Guidelines
In this week's episode, Dr Nick Morris is joined by Dr Jose Suarez to discuss the recently updated NCS subarachnoid hemorrhage guidelines. We compare them with the recently released American Heart Association subarachnoid hemorrhage guideline; and we discuss the purpose of guidelines in general and how guidelines map out priorities for research.
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