Think Neuro
by Think Neuro
The Think Neuro podcast from Pacific Neuroscience Institute takes you into the clinic, operating room and laboratory with doctors and surgeons who are tackling the most challenging brain diseases and disorders. You’ll go deep into the brain and beyond, exploring the neurological processes and structures that control our health, hormones, behaviors, movements, moods, and emotions. You’ll learn about new therapies that are giving hope for sufferers of the most challenging diseases, and you’ll hear about some habits you can develop to keep your brain in good working order for years to come. We’ll show you why patients from around the world are coming to Pacific Neuroscience Institute for novel treatments that are in many instances, available at few other institutions.pacificneuro.org | (310) 582-7640The Think Neuro Podcast has two co-hosts, Anthony Effinger and Dan Fost.Think Neuro host Anthony Effinger is an award-winning journalist fascinated by neuroscience and the workings of the
Episodes
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80. Being An Empowered Care Partner for Parkinson's Disease with Sheila Moore, MSG, LCSW
When a person receives a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, the effects extend out into that person’s world. Family members often find themselves in new roles as caregivers—or, in the phrase of Sheila Moore, a licensed clinical social worker at Pacific Neuroscience Institute—care partners. Sheila...
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PNI & 25 Years with the Los Angeles Kings - 2026 with Chester Griffiths, MD, FACS
Celebrating 25 years with the team, Chester Griffiths, MD, FACS, has been a member of the Los Angeles Kings ice hockey team medical staff since 2002 as their maxillofacial plastic surgeon. Maxillofacial surgeons are trained to handle facial trauma as well as a wide variety of conditions and...
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Hearing Loss, Cognition, Dementia, and the CELEBRATE Protocol with Rebecca Lewis, AuD
Hearing loss is common as we age, but its effects reach far beyond the ears. Research increasingly links untreated hearing loss to a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia, while treating hearing loss with hearing aids or cochlear implants may help protect memory and quality of life. At...
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Common Questions About Cochlear Implants with Rebecca Lewis, AuD
Hearing loss is one of the leading causes of overall disability worldwide, affecting approximately 466 million adults and children. In this video, Rebecca Lewis, AuD, the Audiology Director of the Adult & Pediatric Cochlear Implant Program at Pacific Neuroscience Institute, answers common…
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Investigating Hormone Imbalances That Cause Irregular Cycles with Noa Tal, MD
The pituitary gland may be tiny, but it plays a significant role in a woman’s health. When functioning properly, this master gland regulates essential hormones that influence many of bodily functions, from menstrual cycles to metabolism. Therefore, when pituitary gland disorders arise, they can...
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79. Restoring Hearing Health with One Cochlear Implant at a Time with Courtney Voelker, MD, PhD
It sounds almost too good to be true: A simple solution to a major health issue, that’s safe, effective and covered by insurance—yet most of the people who would benefit from this procedure don’t even know about it. We’re talking about cochlear implants—a well-established procedure that can…
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Rapid Stroke Treatment at Comprehensive Stroke Centers with Jason Tarpley, MD, PhD
With four Comprehensive Stroke Centers at Providence hospitals in the greater Los Angeles region, Pacific Neuroscience Institutes specialists have expert teams to treat stroke patients. Working with EMS, neurointerventional teams are standing by to provide immediate, advanced treatment. Using the...
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What is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus? | With Garni Barkhoudarian, MD
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) can cause symptoms of dementia, but these are reversible. NPH is a neurological condition that occurs when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up in the brain’s ventricles, causing them to enlarge. It most commonly affects older adults and can lead to a unique set...
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Multiple Sclerosis: 6 Lifestyle Pillars for Brain Health | Dr. Barbara Giesser
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. MS is managed by disease modifying therapies (DMTs), symptom management medications, and lifestyle interventions. Lifestyle interventions focus on...
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78. Revolutionizing Brain Tumor Surgery with Minimally Invasive Techniques with Daniel Kelly, MD
The world of brain surgery has changed dramatically over the past generation. Surgeons are able to remove many tumors and other problems from the brain, often using new approaches that have much shorter recovery times and much better long-term outcomes. Many of these surgeries are much less...
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Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS): The All-Important Pre-Operative Phase
Walavan Sivakumar, MD, explains how Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is used at PNI to help patients with brain tumors through the neurosurgical process. ERAS unfolds in three phases, and Dr. Sivakumar details why the preoperative stage plays a key role in setting patients up for success.
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Dopamine Neuron Cell Replacement Therapy for Parkinson's Disease with Melita Petrossian, MD
Parkinson's disease begins with the quiet loss of the brain cells that make dopamine, and dopamine is what carries your movement, your mood and the drive that gets you through the day. As those cells disappear, so does everything they were holding up, which is why the disease eventually shows...
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77. The Little Gland with a Very Big Job with Garni Barkhoudarian, MD
For a tiny organ, the pituitary gland carries outsized responsibilities in the human body. The size of a pea, the so-called “master gland” produces vital hormones that regulate many important bodily functions, including growth, stress, thirst, and even reproductive development. So it only follows...
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Spotlight Replay - Episode 23: Scanning the Eye for Signs of Multiple Sclerosis | Dr. Barbara Giesser and Dr. Howard Krauss
July is Healthy Vision Month, and the National Eye Institute—part of the National Institutes of Health—reminds us to take care of our eyes, by eating a healthy diet and exercising, and also by understanding the connection between our vision and other diseases. Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is one of...
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76. Getting the Right Diagnosis for Facial Paralysis with Dr. Amit Kochhar
Every medical treatment needs to start with a diagnosis, but sometimes that diagnosis proves elusive. Sometimes it may appear that a person has one thing needing treatment, and after that treatment doesn’t work, doctors have to consider other possibilities. Dr. Amit Kochhar at Pacific…
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Spotlight Replay - Episode 56: Dr. Michael Yong on Seasonal Allergies
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you probably kept a close eye on the pollen count this spring—and you may have felt those all-too-familiar symptoms that affect one in five people: Congestion, sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose. That’s known as allergic rhinitis or, more commonly, hay fever....
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Chronic Subdural Hematoma with Ashkan Mowla, MD
When blood collects in the skull outside the brain and below the outermost layer of tissue surrounding the brain (dura), a subdural hematoma results. This may occur due to head trauma when it is called an acute subdural hematoma. Chronic subdural hematomas may occur due to aging and the increased...
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75. Finding Relief and Healing with Back Pain and Spinal Issues with Dr. Marcus Mazur
If you have back pain, you are not alone. According to Georgetown University’s Health Policy Institute, nearly 65 million Americans report a recent episode of back pain, and 16 million adults — 8 percent of all adults — experience persistent or chronic back pain and are limited in everyday...
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Spotlight Replay: Episode 44. Preventing Stroke and Getting the Best Treatment if One Occurs with Dr. Sandra Narayanan
National Stroke Awareness Month is observed in May to promote public awareness about stroke symptoms and prevention. While 800,000 Americans have a stroke every year, many of these can be prevented. It’s particularly critical to recognize when a stroke is happening, because fast treatment can...
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Spotlight Replay: Episode 06. Meet Minimally Invasive Brain Surgery’s Pathfinder: Dr. Chester Griffiths
May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month, which the National Brain Tumor Society calls “a time dedicated to supporting, empowering, and amplifying the voice of the brain tumor community.” The NBTS estimates that more than 1.3 million Americans are living with a brain tumor and, while 73 percent of…
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What Are Meningiomas? with Nouzhan Sehati, MD
Dr. Nouzhan Sehati, is a board-certified neurosurgeon who specializes the treatment of a wide variety of brain, spine and spinal cord disorders at Pacific Neuroscience Institute. His expertise is in surgical and nonsurgical management of degenerative, traumatic and neoplastic (tumor) diseases of...
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Brain Aneurysm Management with Ashkan Mowla, MD
In general, aneurysms are only detected after they have burst although they may sometimes be detected during the course of other tests. Operating on the arteries of the brain may feel scary but there have been tremendous advances in the way that aneurysms are surgically treated. The…
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74. Understanding the Full Spectrum of Parkinson's Disease with Melita Petrossian, MD
Parkinson’s disease is a neurologic movement disorder. It affects the brain and causes difficulty with movement, with the most common motor symptoms being tremors, stiffness or rigidity of muscles, and slowness of movement. According to the American Parkinson Disease Association, it is the…
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Spotlight Replay: 34. Treating the Wonder that is the Voice Box | Dr. Omid Mehdizadeh
Two slender muscles carry out some of the most important—and taken-for-granted—tasks in our lives. These muscles make up what we have come to call our “voice box,” and they not only produce the sounds that we make—they also close on cue to protect our lungs as we swallow. In this Spotlight…
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Spotlight Replay: Episode 50. Loneliness, a Panel Discussion: Drs. Shanthi Gowrinathan, Amit Kochhar and Courtney Voelker
Survey after survey is telling us that Americans are increasingly feeling lonely. It’s a trend that’s been growing for years and, while it was exacerbated during the pandemic when we were instructed to socially isolate, it continues even as society has reopened. In this Spotlight Replay, we…
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Meet Dr. Noa Tal
Fellowship trained, Noa Tal, MD, is a devoted endocrinologist committed to delivering exceptional care and striving for excellence in her field. With a diverse background encompassing medicine, research, teaching, and wellness, she endeavors to make significant contributions to healthcare. At the...
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73. Treating the Whole Patient, Not Just the Cancer
When someone is diagnosed with a brain tumor, their world can shift overnight, bringing challenges that reach far beyond the medical diagnosis. A tumor is, first and foremost and most obviously, a health challenge. Like any serious illness, however, it also taxes people mentally and...
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Spotlight Replay: 48. Charting the Brain, in Great Detail | Dr. Garni Barkhoudarian & Josh Emerson
The doctors at Pacific Neuroscience Institute believe strongly in educating other neurosurgeons in the latest techniques for minimally invasive surgery. PNI’s Pacific Rim Master Class in Endoscopic Endonasal and Keyhole Surgery is right around the corner, coming up at the end of March. In this...
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Spotlight Replay: 37. Treating Essential Tremor, a Little-Known but Prevalent Disease | Dr. Melita Petrossian
March is Essential Tremor Awareness Month. Essential tremor is one of the most common movement disorders, affecting millions of people around the world. In this Spotlight Replay, we return to the episode in which Dr. Melita Petrossian discusses the diagnosis and treatment of Essential Tremors…
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Treating Spinal Deformities with Marcus Mazur, MD
Spinal deformity refers to abnormal curvatures of the spine, such as scoliosis, lordosis, and kyphosis. These conditions can arise from genetic defects, injuries, diseases like osteoporosis or arthritis, neuromuscular disorders, or poor posture. Symptoms range from visible misalignment to pain,...
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72. Revolutionary Robotic Surgery for Head & Neck Cancer Treatment
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself needing head and neck cancer surgery and your surgeon has an unexpected assistant: a robot. But it won’t be R2D2 or C3P0 from Star Wars. Instead, the modern medical robot is a high-tech tool that surgeons use to perform sensitive tasks in hard-to-reach...
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Treatment & Management of Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas (DAVFs) with Adi Iyer, MD, MS | A PNI Minute
Dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) is a rare vascular condition where abnormal connections (fistulas) form between branches of arteries and veins in the dura mater, the brain's covering. The dural arteries deliver high-pressure, oxygen-rich blood to the brain, while the dural veins return...
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12. Alzheimer’s: Too Common, and So Mysterious | Dr. Verna Porter
One in ten Americans who are 65 and older suffer from Alzheimer’s dementia. It’s the 6th leading cause of death in the country, and it is a scourge worldwide. But little is known about what causes Alzheimer’s, and cures have been elusive. Dr. Verna Porter specializes in treating people with...
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Meet Dr. Ashkan Mowla
Ashkan Mowla, MD, FAHA, FAAN, is neuro-interventional surgeon at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute® (PNI). He specializes in minimally invasive endovascular procedures to treat conditions and diseases of the brain and spine, including stroke, brain aneurysm, brain and spine arteriovenous...
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71. Combining Exercise and Gaming for Better Brain Health
Ryan Glatt turned his recovery from a traumatic brain injury into a passion for helping others restore and preserve the health of their brains. He now runs the Fit Brain Program at PNI, where he oversees a marvelous room, the Brain Gym. He leads people through workouts in which they move their...
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Treating Spinal Deformities with Marcus Mazur, MD
Spinal deformity refers to abnormal curvatures of the spine, such as scoliosis, lordosis, and kyphosis. These conditions can arise from genetic defects, injuries, diseases like osteoporosis or arthritis, neuromuscular disorders, or poor posture. Symptoms range from visible misalignment to pain,...
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Understanding Pseudotumor Cerebri with Dr. Alexander Solomon | A PNI Minute
Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC), also known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension, is a condition caused by elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure in the brain. The symptoms of this condition mimic those of a brain tumor, giving it the name pseudotumor cerebri, meaning "false brain tumor." The…
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Meet Marcus D. Mazur, MD
Marcus D. Mazur, MD, FAANS, is a board-certified fellowship-trained spine neurosurgeon. His clinical practice focuses on adult spinal surgery for disorders on the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. He is a recognized expert in the treatment of adult spinal deformity, complex revision surgery,...
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Inside the Mind of a Top Neurosurgeon: Dr. Dan Kelly on Risk and Resilience | Guest Podcast
Dr. Daniel Kelly joins Dr. Stephen Sideroff this week on the Quantum Leadership Podcast. In this powerful episode of the Quantum Leadership Podcast, Dr. Stephen Sideroff sits down with Dr. Dan Kelly, one of the nation’s leading neurosurgeons and co-founder and director of the Pacific Neuroscience...
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What Are Meningiomas? with Dr. Nouzhan Sehati
A meningioma is a type of tumor that arises from the meninges, which are the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It is typically a slow-growing, usually benign tumor, derived from the cells of the arachnoid cap cells or the meningeal cells themselves. Meningiomas are the...
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The Indomitable Dr. Howard Krauss | Guest Podcast
The Indomitable Dr. Howard Krauss Guest podcast: Out of the Blindspot with Dr. Ore-ofe Adesina Originally aired in 2 parts March 10 & April 21, 2025 Dr. Howard Krauss is a pioneering surgical Neuro-ophthalmologist specializing in minimally invasive orbital and oculoplastic surgery and adult...
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How to Identify and Treat Thyroid Nodules with Vivian Wu, MD
Thyroid nodules are growths on your thyroid. They are usually benign (not cancer). They may become overactive and make too much of the thyroid hormone. All types of hyperthyroidism are due to an overproduction of thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) causes your thyroid to…
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Multiple Sclerosis and Wellness with Dr. Barbara Giesser
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. In multiple sclerosis, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers, called myelin, in the central nervous...
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Chris' Story - Hemifacial Spasm
Hemifacial Spasm is a potentially debilitating condition where the facial muscles of expression spasm uncontrollably. Botulinum toxin can control the spasm, but in severe cases, minimally invasive surgery for microvascular decompression of the facial nerve is more efficacious. Listen to Chris B's...
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Neurosurgical Fellowship Training at Pacific Neuroscience Institute
The Pacific Brain Tumor Center and Pacific Pituitary Disorders Center offers a 1-year neurosurgery fellowship in minimally invasive surgery for brain, pituitary and skull base tumors. Our clinical training program is focused on endoscopic endonasal and keyhole surgical approaches…
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70. The Lifestyle Roadmap to Improving Your Memory and Brain Health
Our memory isn't just a passive function. Just like our muscles, it's something that can be trained, optimized, and protected. Subtle changes in our memory can signal the earliest stages of cognitive decline, but preventative interventions can make a huge difference. That's exactly what Dr. Karen...
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Our Philosophical Approach to Spine Care with Jean-Philippe Langevin, MD
Spinal disorders may be caused by spine trauma, genetic components or disease including cancer. As the backbone is made of bone, a misconception is that all spine issues are taken care of by orthopedic surgeons. In reality, neurosurgeons are integrally involved in spinal surgery due to the…
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Cochlear Implants Crash Course with Mathilde Tranberg, Cochlear Implant Ambassador
A cochlear implant for hearing loss is an electronic device that is implanted into the inner ear (the cochlea) and is used to restore hearing in patients who no longer benefit from traditional hearing aids or have hearing loss in just one ear. While a cochlear implant does not re-create normal...
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Malia's Grateful Patient Story | AVM Treatment at PNI
While traveling with her family, 17-year-old Malia experienced a grand mal seizure while she was sleeping. Her parents immediately brought her back to Los Angeles to the care of Dr. Walavan Sivakumar at Pacific Neuroscience Institute South Bay, in Torrance, Ca. An MRI showed that Malia had an...
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69. A Silent Revolution in Hearing Loss Treatment
Cochlear implants are leading a revolution in the treatment of hearing loss. According to a 2022 study, only about 10% of those who qualify for cochlear implants have received them. Cost, accessibility, and lack of awareness are only some roadblocks for potential patients. At Pacific Neuroscience...
About this show
The Think Neuro podcast from Pacific Neuroscience Institute takes you into the clinic, operating room and laboratory with doctors and surgeons who are tackling the most challenging brain diseases and disorders. You’ll go deep into the brain and beyond, exploring the neurological processes and structures that control our health, hormones, behaviors, movements, moods, and emotions. You’ll learn about new therapies that are giving hope for sufferers of the most challenging diseases, and you’ll hear about some habits you can develop to keep your brain in good working order for years to come. We’ll show you why patients from around the world are coming to Pacific Neuroscience Institute for novel treatments that are in many instances, available at few other institutions.pacificneuro.org | (310) 582-7640The Think Neuro Podcast has two co-hosts, Anthony Effinger and Dan Fost.Think Neuro host Anthony Effinger is an award-winning journalist fascinated by neuroscience and the workings of the
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Think Neuro