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PODCAST · health

Explain it to me!

by Dr. Billakota M.D.

Every week, Dr. Billakota (a board certified neurology and epileptologist) breaks down a topic in neurology. This is your weekly dosage of medical knowledge, in an easy to understand format, in 10 minutes or less! The goal of this podcast is to bring neurology awareness to the average person, hopefully inspire some curiosity and encourage further learning.Like what you hear? Spread the word!More information about me:https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

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Episodes

  1. Essential Tremor

    Essential tremor is a common neurological disorder characterized by involuntary rhythmic shaking, typically in the hands, although it can affect other parts of the body as well. This condition is often hereditary and may worsen with stress or intentional movements. While essential tremor is...

  2. Bell's Palsy

    Bell's palsy is a sudden, often temporary, facial nerve disorder that causes muscle weakness or paralysis on one side of the face, resulting in facial drooping and difficulty with facial expressions, such as smiling or closing the eye. The exact cause is usually unknown, but it is often linked to...

  3. Brain tumors

    Brain tumors are abnormal cell growths within the brain, which can be either benign or malignant. These tumors can lead to a range of neurological symptoms, including headaches, seizures, cognitive changes, and motor deficits. Diagnosis involves imaging and often requires a biopsy for accurate...

  4. Concussions

    A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury typically caused by a blow to the head or a violent shaking of the head and body. It results in a temporary disruption of normal brain function, leading to various symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, and sometimes loss of...

  5. Migraine

    Migraines are very common. Migraine headaches can cause throbbing in one particular area that can vary in intensity. Nausea and sensitivity to light and sound are also common symptoms. More about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

  6. "Brain Health"

    Amongst all the things advertised on social media, what actually is important for brain health? More about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

  7. "Aphasia"

    Aphasia is a disorder that affects communication- verbal, written, comprehension and repetition. What causes aphasia? More about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

  8. Cerebellum

    The cerebellum is primarily responsible for muscle control, including balance and movement. It also plays a role in other cognitive functions such as language processing and memory. More about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

  9. Basics of Epilepsy

    What is epilepsy? What differentiates having seizures from having epilepsy? What are the different types of seizures that someone might have and how are they classified? Those questions answered and more- audio from a webinar I gave last month. Please follow my socials for updates on future...

  10. "Left Brain vs Right Brain"

    WHAT IS THE LEFT-BRAIN/RIGHT-BRAIN MYTH? The myth is that everyone has a dominant hemisphere (or side) of the brain. Left-brained people are thought to be logical and good with math and language, while right-brained people are thought to be more creative and artistic. However, now we know that...

  11. "Strokes and Epilepsy"

    Hemorrhagic strokes are more likely to result in seizures. Seizures can also be more likely if you had a severe stroke. Some people will have repeated seizures, and be diagnosed with epilepsy. The chances of developing epilepsy is greater if it is a larger stroke, involving higher cortical…

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  12. "Transient Ischemic Attack"

    Per CDC: TIAs are sometimes known as “warning strokes.” It is important to know that A TIA is a warning sign of a future stroke. A TIA is a medical emergency, just like a major stroke. Strokes and TIAs require emergency care. Call 9-1-1 right away if you feel signs of a stroke or see symptoms in...

  13. "Hemorrhagic Stroke"

    Hemorrhagic stroke happens when an artery in the brain leaks blood or ruptures (breaks open). This can put pressure on the brain, leading to brain cell death. More about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

  14. "Ischemic Stroke"

    Stroke is a leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of serious disability for adults. Ischemic strokes result from lack of blood flow to the brain, leading to death of the brain cells in that area. Strokes are preventable and treatable. More about me:...

  15. "Infantile Spasms"

    Infantile spasms, sometimes called West syndrome, are a type of seizure that occurs in babies. The spasms look like a sudden stiffening of muscles, and the baby’s arms, legs, or head may bend forward. Infantile spasms most often begin between 4 and 7 months, but can start any time in the first…

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  16. "EEG"

    What exactly is electroencephalography (EEG)? https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

  17. "Neuroimaging"

    Sorry for the delay- I have had a few life changes which required I take a small break...but I'm back. Neuroimaging focuses on imaging of the brain and nervous system. There are some specific imaging modalities we use in neurology and epilepsy care. This episode discusses a few of them....

  18. "Upper vs Lower Motor Neuron"

    The main function of Sensory Neurons is to send sensory signals from sensory organs to the central nervous system. Motor Nerves are responsible for sending motor commands from the central nervous system to the sensory organs to initiate actions. https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

  19. Focal cortical dysplasia

    Focal Cortical Dysplasia (FCD) is a term used to describe a focal area of abnormal brain cell (“neuron”) organization and development. It is a common cause of focal epilepsy.

  20. Structural epilepsy

    Structural epilepsy is a common cause of epilepsy and is defined by abnormalities which can be seen on brain imaging. It can be either congenital or acquired. https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

  21. Anti-seizure medications in pregnancy

    Can anti-seizure medications be properly managed and safely utilized in pregnancy? The answer is 'yes', but make sure you're following with a adult epileptologist who is well equipped to manage and answer any questions that may come up. Not all medications are equal however, and ultimately,...

  22. Post-partum period with epilepsy

    Due to hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, stress and other triggers, the postpartum period can be difficult when predicting seizure frequency. More about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

  23. Seizure Rescue Medications

    Rescue medications are given on an 'as needed' basis for prolonged seizures or clusters of seizures. Everyone's rescue medication and action plan are different as everyone's epilepsy can be variable. The ideal rescue medicine is easy to use and works quickly/effectively without much notable side...

  24. Seizure First Aid

    About 3-5% of people may have a seizure during their lifetime. That means seizures are common, and one day you might need to help someone during or after a seizure. Like what you hear? Spread the word! More information about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

  25. Seizure Emergencies

    A seizure is an emergency if it lasts longer than usual or clusters in a way that is not typical for the person. Everyone's epilepsy is different and so is what is considered an emergency for them. Here are a few things to keep in mind. Like what you hear? Spread the word! More information about...

  26. Pregnancy and epilepsy 4

    Being on call+ holiday= unexpected delay. Sorry! Part 4 of 4. Pregnancy can often times be anxiety provoking, especially if you have epilepsy. Here is some basic information to help maneuver this time. Like what you hear? Spread the word!

  27. Epilepsy and pregnancy P.3

    Sorry for the delay. Part 3of 4. Pregnancy can often times be anxiety provoking, especially if you have epilepsy. Here is some basic information to help maneuver this time. Like what you hear? Spread the word! More information about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

  28. “Epilepsy and Pregnancy P.2”

    Part 2 of 4. Pregnancy can often times be anxiety provoking, especially if you have epilepsy. Here is some basic information to help maneuver this time. Like what you hear? Spread the word! More information about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

  29. “Epilepsy and pregnancy 1/4”

    Part 1 of 4. Pregnancy can often times be anxiety provoking, especially if you have epilepsy. Here is some basic information to help maneuver this time. Like what you hear? Spread the word! More information about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

  30. “Diets and Epilepsy”

    Diets like Ketogenic diet, modified Atkins diet and low glycemic index diet are useful for seizure control. With guidance from a nutritionist, these diets can be helpful! Have you tried any of these diets? Like what you hear? Spread the word! More information about me:...

  31. "Catamenial Epilepsy"

    Catamenial epilepsy is when seizures are influenced by hormones. Many women suffer from catamenial epilepsy, but few are diagnosed as their is no definite way to track it. Is this something that applies to you? More about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

  32. “Tracking Seizures”

    Tracking your seizures is important for both you and your doctors to understand your epilepsy. For more info about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

  33. Epilepsy Triggers

    Triggers for epilepsy can differ from person to person. Here, we discuss some common triggers as well as how to identify them. Like what you hear? Tell a friend- https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

  34. "Generalized Tonic Clonic Seizure"

    Generalized tonic-clonic seizure is a type of seizure that involves the entire brain and body. They can either start from focal seizures (focal to bilateral tonic clonic) and just start from both sides of a brain at once. If they last longer than 5 mins or start to cluster, these can be dangerous...

  35. "Focal Epilepsy"

    Focal epilepsy is the most common type of epilepsy. Seizures in focal epilepsy come from one particular area of brain or one "focus". The etiology is either something you're born with (congential: dysplasia, heterotopia, perinatal stroke etc.) or something that acquired (i.e stroke, trauma,...

  36. "Generalized Epilepsy"

    Generalized epilepsy causes seizures which occur from both halves of the brain at once. An EEG will show "generalized spike wave" discharges. These are usually seen earlier in life and can have a genetic component. Like what you hear? Spread the word! More information about me:...

  37. "First Time Seizure"

    Population-based studies indicate that we all face a 3-5% lifetime risk of one seizure but only about 30% of those people will go onto have epilepsy. A first seizure caused by an acute disturbance of brain function (acute symptomatic or provoked) is unlikely to recur. If a first seizure is...

  38. "Epilepsy"

    Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition which affects up to 65 million worldwide. 1 in 26 people will receive this diagnosis. Like what you hear? Spread the word! More information about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

  39. "Cranial Nerves 7-12"

    You have 12 different cranial nerves that control your sensory and motor functions. They connect your brain to different parts of the body. Here are 7-12. Pardon the street noise! I live and work in midtown Manhattan! https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

  40. "Cranial Nerves 1-6"

    You have 12 different cranial nerves that control your sensory and motor functions. They connect your brain to different parts of the body. Here are the first 6. https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

  41. "Neurotransmitters"

    Neurotransmitters are the body’s chemical messengers. They are the molecules used by the nervous system to transmit messages between neurons, or from neurons to muscles. https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

  42. "Lobes of the Brain"

    There are four lobes of the brain: frontal, temporal, parietal and occipital. There are two of each, one on each side. Each lobe has a different purpose and affects a different function. Listen to learn more! https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

  43. "Sensory vs Motor Neurons"

    https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

  44. "Sympathetic Nervous System"

    The autonomic nervous system consists of the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system is important for your 'fight or flight' responses- the sympathetic nervous system directs the body's rapid involuntary response to dangerous or stressful situations.…

    more
  45. "Parasympathetic Nervous System"

    The autonomic nervous system consists of the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous systems. The parasympathetic nervous system is important for your 'rest and digest' responses- the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the body's rest and digestion response when the body is...

  46. "Autonomic Nervous System"

    The autonomic nervous system is an important part of the peripheral nervous system. It regulates involuntary physiologic processes including heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, digestion, and sexual arousal. It is key for your "fight-fight, rest-digest" responses. Like what you hear? Spread...

  47. "Peripheral Nervous System"

    Like what you hear? Spread the word! More information about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

  48. "Central Nervous System"

    Like what you hear? Spread the word! More information about me: https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

  49. "Glial cells"

    Behind every successful neuron are glial cells. Glial cells are non-neuronal cells. They are a diverse range of cells which allow the neuron to do its job. They provide metabolic support to neurons, including neuronal insulation, communication, nutrient transport and even act as immune support.…

    more
  50. "The Neuron"

    Neurons are the primary component of the nervous system. They are electrically excitable cells which communicate with other electrically excitable cells (i.e other neurons) via synapses. A synapse is an electrochemical signal exchanged by neurons to pass along a message- whether it be from the...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Every week, Dr. Billakota (a board certified neurology and epileptologist) breaks down a topic in neurology. This is your weekly dosage of medical knowledge, in an easy to understand format, in 10 minutes or less! The goal of this podcast is to bring neurology awareness to the average person, hopefully inspire some curiosity and encourage further learning.Like what you hear? Spread the word!More information about me:https://linktr.ee/Drbillakotamd

HOSTED BY

Dr. Billakota M.D.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Explain it to me! have?

Explain it to me! currently has 52 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Explain it to me! about?

Every week, Dr. Billakota (a board certified neurology and epileptologist) breaks down a topic in neurology. This is your weekly dosage of medical knowledge, in an easy to understand format, in 10 minutes or less! The goal of this podcast is to bring neurology awareness to the average person,...

How often does Explain it to me! release new episodes?

Explain it to me! has 52 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

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You can listen to Explain it to me! on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Explain it to me!?

Explain it to me! is created and hosted by Dr. Billakota M.D..
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