Claim OwnershipYour Complex Brain
Subscribed: 85Played: 513
Subscribe
© 2024 Your Complex Brain
Description
Explore the myths, mysteries, and medical breakthroughs of the most complex and powerful organ in your body – your brain. Weaving together expert interviews with heartfelt, inspiring snapshots of the patients and family members in the middle of it all, Heather Sherman dives into the latest science on Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, stroke, concussion, spinal cord injury, brain cancer, chronic pain and other brain diseases and disorders. Along the way she uncovers surprising insights, sheds light on the latest research, and shares heroic, real life stories from the people on the front lines. Brought to you by Krembil Brain Institute at UHN, one of the largest and most comprehensive neurological centres in North America. Learn more about our mission at: http://www.uhn.ca/krembil
52 Episodes
Reverse
In this bonus episode, we share Adriana Salazar's powerful and emotional journey. Adriana, a 40-year-old mother and wife, first experienced the pain on her honeymoon in Portugal. The pain disappeared but returned during her pregnancy, escalating to a point where she couldn't smile or eat. Despite seeing multiple specialists, she received her diagnosis only after her daughter's birth.After undergoing microvascular decompression surgery, Adriana finally found relief. Her journey from debilitati...
Today, we’re diving into the deeply personal journey of Julianne Hazelwood, a journalist and new mother, who has lived with epilepsy since her early teenage years. Julianne shares her transformational experience of motherhood, the challenges of managing epilepsy, and how The Lullaby Project—a group that brings together expectant mothers with songwriters to create a song for their baby—became a therapeutic outlet during her pregnancy.Additional ResourcesThe Lullaby ProjectThe Lullaby Project P...
In this powerful and inspiring bonus episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Shruti Kothari, a 34-year-old actress and stroke survivor. On March 7, 2020, just before the pandemic shook the world, Shruti experienced a stroke while hosting friends at her apartment. Her left side went numb, and thanks to a quick-thinking friend trained in recognizing stroke symptoms, paramedics were called immediately. Shruti’s story is not just one of survival but thriving against all odds. She talks a...
In this bonus episode, we dive deeper into the lived experience of Matthew Cote, a teacher and advocate for those living with learning disabilities, including reading disabilities. Matthew shares his personal journey, detailing how his reading disability impacted his early years, from struggling to decode words and feeling isolated to the turning point when he received assistive technology that transformed his learning experience. He also talks about the crucial role of support from his famil...
Neurofibromatosis, also known as NF, is one of the most common genetic disorders affecting about 1 in 3000 people globally. However, little is known about the condition causing it to often be misdiagnosed or go undiagnosed. Neurofibromatosis causes different types of tumors to form in various parts of the body.In this bonus episode, Dr. Ryan Thomas, a family physician and Clinical Associate at UHN's Elisabeth Raab Neurofibromatosis Clinic—the only adult NF clinic in Canada—shares his personal...
Parkinson's disease is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, affecting over 100,000 Canadians and 12,000 new cases diagnosed every year. In this bonus episode of Your Complex Brain, we explore the transformative power of exercise in managing Parkinson's symptoms and possibly slowing the disease’s progression.Join us as we hear from Steven Iseman, who was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease at 48. Now 58, Steven shares his remarkably journey from hiding his diagno...
In this bonus episode of Your Complex Brain, we hear from John Ruffolo, Founder and Managing Partner of Maverix Private Equity, who shares his personal journey of surviving a life-threatening cycling accident in 2020 that left him with a severe spinal cord injury. John recounts the harrowing moments following the accident, his extensive surgeries, and his remarkable recovery journey. Despite being diagnosed with the most severe grading of spinal cord injury, John’s relentless spirit and dedic...
In this bonus episode of Your Complex Brain, we delve into the world of dementia care with Maria Martinez, a dedicated social worker at UHN’s Memory Clinic, part of the Krembil Brain Institute. With nearly 25 years of experience, Maria shares her journey from studying anthropology and sociology to becoming a vital support for patients living with dementia and their families.Maria highlights the unique challenges faced by those dealing with rare dementias and early-onset cases, emphasizing the...
Loud, disruptive snoring could be (but isn’t always) a sign of sleep apnea, a common condition in which breathing may stop and start many times throughout the night. You may be aware that sleep apnea can disrupt your sleep and cause fatigue, but did you know that it can also impact your heart, your brain – even your sex drive?In today’s episode, we discuss the health risks of undiagnosed sleep apnea and why, if you’re having trouble sleeping or staying awake during the day, if you’re experien...
At UHN’s Krembil Brain Institute, we have cared for many patients living with an extreme and heartbreaking facial pain disorder called trigeminal neuralgia. Patients often describe the pain as a lightning bolt to the face, or an electric shock. Some talk about the impact the disease has had on their family & relationships, including not being able to hug their loved ones, or kiss their children goodnight. In today’s episode, we discuss how AI is helping researchers look for patterns ...
The Lullaby Project brings together expectant mothers with professional songwriters to write, record, and perform an original lullaby for their baby. In 2017, Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall brought this heartwarming initiative to Toronto, and invited partners to participate, including Dr. Esther Bui, a neurologist who specializes in treating women with epilepsy. Today, we’re exploring whether participating in a project like The Lullaby Project can improve overall mental health for pregnant ...
A stroke happens when there is a sudden blockage of blood flow to the brain or bleeding in the brain, which can result in symptoms such as numbness or weakness, trouble speaking, confusion, or dizziness. The type of symptoms one might experience depends largely on the type of stroke, and the area of the brain affected. But one thing is clear – despite the many advances in stroke care over the past 30 years, it's women who often suffer the most. In today’s episode, we discuss why women are mo...
Do you know a child who has difficulty spelling or sounding out words? Maybe they feel stressed or anxious when it comes to reading, or they try to avoid it altogether?These symptoms could be a sign of a reading disorder, which is the most common form of a learning disability.In this episode, we discuss the prevalence and impact of reading disorders, what scientists are learning about the genetic links, and what that could mean for new approaches and treatments in the future.Featuring: Dr. Ca...
Have you ever heard of a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis, also known as NF?It’s one of the most common genetic disorders, affecting about 1 in 3000 people globally. NF causes different types of tumours to form in various parts of the body. Because so little is known about the condition, it’s often misdiagnosed, or not diagnosed at all. UHN is home to the Elisabeth Raab Neurofibromatosis Clinic, the only adult NF clinic in Canada. We discuss the clinic and the exciting research happ...
Parkinson’s disease is the fast-growing neurological condition in the world. In Canada, more than 100,000 people are currently living with Parkinson's and 12,000 new cases are diagnosed every year. In this episode of Your Complex Brain, we discuss the latest science surrounding the benefits of exercise for Parkinson’s, including whether exercise can alleviate some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s or slow the progression of the disease.Featuring: Dr. Lorraine Kalia is a Neurologist & Senior ...
In 1995, actor Christopher Reeve was injured in a horseback riding accident, leaving him quadriplegic - paralyzed from the shoulders down. He became a tireless advocate and a passionate supporter of research. Christopher’s dream was for those living with spinal cord injuries to have a better quality of life, and one day to walk again. More than 25 years later, thanks to advances in surgical approaches, neuroprotective drugs, and gene therapy using stem cells, that dream is becoming ...
In the time that it takes to say this sentence – three seconds – someone in the world will develop dementia, a group of symptoms impacting memory, thinking, mood, behaviour and the ability to complete everyday tasks. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia.With people living longer, even into their 90s and beyond, dementia is becoming the biggest and most consequential global health threat of our time. But, according to a landmark study in The Lancet medical journal, there are 12 modi...
In a sweeping 2023 report, the US Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, declared loneliness an epidemic and a public health emergency. According to the report, loneliness and isolation can lead to a significant increase in mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression, as well as a nearly 30% increased risk of heart disease, stroke and among older adults, a 50% risk of dementia.Around the world, there are efforts to help people cope with loneliness. In the Netherlands, one grocery store ch...
We are once again bringing you inside UHN’s Krembil Brain Institute, one of North America's largest and most innovative neurological centres, to meet the scientists & physicians advancing discovery, the patients who inspire us, and the care teams who support them. This season, we’re exploring some big new research in brain health, including: What young women need to know about preventing a stroke, Can loneliness re-wire your brain? And how YOU can reduce YOUR chances of Alzheimer’s.&...
From new Alzheimer’s drugs, to novel treatments for brain cancer, to chronic pain, many of us feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of health news in the media and confused about what to believe - and how it applies to our own health.In this special episode of Your Complex Brain - our last of the season - we bring back five of our featured UHN brain experts to weigh in on the top, science-based, evidence-backed tips for keeping your brain fit and healthy as you age (and some of their answers m...
Comments
Top Podcasts
The Best New Comedy Podcast Right Now – June 2024The Best News Podcast Right Now – June 2024The Best New Business Podcast Right Now – June 2024The Best New Sports Podcast Right Now – June 2024The Best New True Crime Podcast Right Now – June 2024The Best New Joe Rogan Experience Podcast Right Now – June 20The Best New Dan Bongino Show Podcast Right Now – June 20The Best New Mark Levin Podcast – June 2024
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States