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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org

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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org

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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org

Social Media

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD