Ep 62 – Cluster headaches

In this podcast, Dr Kate Chesterman discusses cluster headaches. She talks through the clinical features that would lead to a diagnosis, the initial investigations in primary care and indications for a referral to a headache specialist. She considers the management of acute attacks, including considerations around prescribing oxygen, as well as the options for preventative treatment.

Neurology

27 January 2023

Ep 61 – Autism

In this episode Dr Hannah Rosa and Dr Nicky Mulgrew discuss autism and the role we play within general practice. They focus on when we should refer children and adults to specialists to get a possible diagnosis of autism and also explore how we can adapt our workplaces and our communication styles to make our surgeries more comfortable places for autistic people to visit.

General practice, Mental health, Neurology, Paediatrics, Psychiatry

16 January 2023

Ep 47 – Prescribing medicines associated with dependence: how can NICE guideline NG215 support our practice?

In this episode, which has been recorded for Chronic Conditions Month 2022, Dr Peter Bagshaw (Clinical Lead in Dementia and Mental Health, South Glos CCG) and Dr Rob Hampton (Portfolio GP, Leicestershire) discuss the prescribing of medicines associated with dependence and approaches to their withdrawal. Is there a link between deprivation and long-term use of pain medications? What is the role of "sensitisation" in primary pain conditions? What are the particular challenges associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal? What alternatives should we be considering?

Mental health, Neurology, Pain

3 May 2022

Ep 41 – Emotional wellbeing and long-term conditions

In this episode, which has been recorded for Chronic Conditions Month 2022, Dr Sarah Davies (GPwSI in Diabetes, Cardiff) and Dr Peter Bagshaw (Clinical Lead in Dementia and Mental Health, South Gloucestershire CCG) discuss the interplay between mental health and conditions such as diabetes, dementia and heart disease. What role do lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity have in modulating such relationships? Most importantly, what can we do to help patients who may be stuck in a vicious cycle whereby physical ailments adversely impact mental health, which can, in turn, make positive lifestyle changes more difficult to achieve.

Cardiovascular medicine, Diabetes and endocrinology, Mental health, Neurology

20 April 2022

Ep 22 – Diagnosis and management of vertigo in primary care

In this episode, Kevin discusses the case of Lyndsey: a 44-year-old lady who presents to us in primary care with recurrent dizzy episodes over the last month. Lyndsey feels like her head is spinning. She feels nauseated with these episodes, but there is no history of vomiting. Lyndsey can walk unaided but feels very unsteady on her feet during these episodes. The dizziness can last for hours before resolving. There is no clear precipitant to these episodes, and there is no history of headache. Lyndsey denies any hearing loss or tinnitus. What should we do next?

Neurology

1 February 2021

Ep 19 – Investigating vitamin B12 deficiency and pernicious anaemia in primary care

In this episode, Kevin examines some common questions regarding vitamin B12 deficiency. In whom should we suspect it? What investigations should be carried out in primary care? How is it associated with folate deficiency? Once a deficiency in vitamin B12 is detected, how should it be managed? Finally, what approach should be taken during the current COVID-19 pandemic, when intramuscular administration of hydroxocobalamin may be challenging?

Covid-19, Haematology, Neurology

22 October 2020

Ep 12 – Vitamin B12 supplementation during the COVID-19 pandemic

Kevin covers recently updated guidance from the British Society for Haematology on managing vitamin B12 supplementation in primary care within the context of the pandemic.

Covid-19, Haematology, Infectious disease, Neurology

17 April 2020

Neurology