Ep 13 Brain on Fire and The MMR: Brain on Fire Book & Movie, Outlander S4E5-6, Anti-NMDA Encephalitis, Measles

Medical Media Mixer is your go-to health and wellness podcast, shaken with cocktails and stirred with entertainment and media. In this episode, we dive into the medical mysteries and historical realities featured in both modern memoir and period drama. From Brain on Fire’s portrayal of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis to Outlander’s storyline on measles in Season 4 Episodes 5 and 6, we mix in real-world science, history, and cocktails—the fiery Brain on Fire Shot and the refreshing Mango Mojito Refresher (MMR). 🩺 What We Cover in This Episode Brain on Fire – Book & Film Susannah Cahalan’s memoir and Netflix adaptation Her harrowing journey with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of this rare autoimmune disorder The importance of awareness for patients, providers, and families Resources: Brain on Fire – Wikipedia Brain on Fire (Film) – Wikipedia Penn Medicine – Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis NCBI – Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis Anti-NMDA Foundation Outlander Season 4, Episodes 5 & 6 ("Savages" & "Blood of My Blood") How Outlander weaves historical epidemics into its storytelling The measles outbreak and its devastating impact in the 18th century Comparing fictional portrayal with real medical history The importance of vaccination and understanding “immune amnesia” Resources: Outlander – Wikipedia Outlander Anatomy – Measles Lesson EW Recap – Season 4 Episode 6 Outlander Cast Blog – Contagion Variety Recap – Episode 6 Measles: Then and Now Symptoms, complications, and outbreaks across history The success and setbacks of measles vaccination The modern resurgence of measles and ongoing outbreaks Immune amnesia: how measles can “reset” the immune system Resources: WHO – Measles Fact Sheet WHO – History of Measles Vaccination Medscape – Measles Overview ASM – Measles and Immune Amnesia Texas DSHS – 2025 Measles Outbreak CDC – Measles Vaccine Considerations CDC – Measles Data & Research CDC – History of Measles 🍹 Cocktails of the Week Brain on Fire Shot A fiery layered shooter to match the intensity of Susannah Cahalan’s story. Recipe here Mango Mojito Refresher (MMR) A bright, tropical twist on the mojito—named for the MMR vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Recipe here Episodes every Monday ⭐️ Subscribe, Rate and Review! 🍸 Recipes drop on socials Discounts: 15% off Comfrt apparel Purple Carrot: 40% off your first box ClassPass: 2 weeks free 15% off non-alcoholic spirits at The Zero Proof 💳 Support us on Patreon | ☕️ Buy Me a Coffee Contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.