ANA Investigates
The latest in neurology and neuroscience, each month from the ANA!
ANA members are offered the opportunity to claim AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Detailed information about CME is available on OnDEC.
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ANA Investigates host and executive producer:
Ifrah Zawar, MD, University of Virginia
Episode producers and planners are members of the ANA’s Education Innovation Committee.
Recent Episodes
ANA Investigates At a time when support for basic and translational science needs a strong voice and the burden of neurological disease is growing, the ANA is the champion of neurological research and the ally of all physicians and scientists who strive to make a difference through careers that combine discovery, education, and clinical care. From advances in stroke and dementia to movement disorders and epilepsy, the American Neurological Association has been at the forefront of research and practice since 1875 as the premier professional society of academic neurologists and neuroscientists devoted to understanding and treating diseases of the nervous system.
- ANA investigates the Evolution of the ANA Podcast
by The American Neurological Association on May 12, 2026 at 10:52 amANA Investigates is the official podcast of the American Neurological Association, featuring conversations that highlight the latest discoveries, controversies, and trends in academic neurology. After the successful release of over 80 podcast episodes, In today's episode, we'll explore the creation and evolution of the ANA Investigates podcast since its launch in September 2019. We have the privilege of hosting four legends who were instrumental in bringing this podcast to life. First, Dr. Adeline Goss, Assistant Professor at Highland Hospital in Oakland, California, whose background as a radio host uniquely positioned her to serve as ANA investigates Executive Producer for six years. We are also joined by Dr. Megan Richie, Associate Professor at UCSF, and Dr. Romer Geocadin, Professor at Johns Hopkins—both of whom played central roles in shaping the podcast from its earliest days through its evolution. Finally, we're joined by Jennifer Hurley, Education and Accreditation Manager for the American Neurological Association, who has been integral to the editing, production, and sustained success of every single episode. Disclosures: This episode does not award CME credit.
- ANA Investigates Debates in Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
by The American Neurological Association on April 21, 2026 at 1:10 pmThe diagnosis and management of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is evolving. However, skepticism about this diagnosis persists among neurologists based upon lack of disease specific pathology, overlap with other neurodegenerative processes, and a lack of uniform diagnostic criteria. Also, prior reports of minimal or transient improvement after treatment with an invasive procedure and lack of high-quality studies has concerned some neurologists. We are joined by 2 experts in the field of movement disorders and CSF flow – Dr. Alberto Espay and Dr. Michael Williams – to discuss advances in our understanding of idiopathic NPH, the PENS trial, and evidence still needed to convince neurologists that NPH is clinical syndrome that warrants timely evaluation and treatment. Guest(s): Dr. Alberto Espay, Professor of Neurology at the University of Cincinnati; Dr. Michael Williams, Professor Neurology and Neurological Surgery at the University of Washington Interviewer: Dr. Kara Wyant, Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology at the University of Michigan Disclosures: Dr. Espay: Consultancies & Scientific Advisory Boards Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America (formerly, Neuroderm), Amneal, Acorda, Abbvie, Bial, Supernus (formerly, USWorldMeds), NeuroDiagnostics, Inc (SYNAPS Dx), Intrance Medical Systems, Inc., Merz, Praxis Precision Medicines, Citrus Health, and Herantis Pharma. Dr. Williams: I am a paid consultant to Aesculap regarding devices to treat hydrocephalus Dr. Wyant: Biovie - consulting, (NEW 8/2025) ongoing, UCB Pharma - research support, ended 6/2025, PhotoPharmics - research support, ongoing
- ANA Investigates Adaptive DBS
by The American Neurological Association on February 24, 2026 at 2:56 pmLast year, the FDA approved adaptive deep brain stimulation for the treatment of people with Parkinson's disease. This is a major step forward in neurology. It allows personalized therapy by adjusting deep brain stimulation settings in real-time based on an individual's brain signals. Our guest on this episode is Dr. Helen Bronte-Stewart, the John E. Cahill Family Professor of Neurology and Director of the Human Motor Control and Neuromodulation Lab at Stanford University. Dr. Bronte-Stewart was interviewed by Dr. Karlo Lizarraga, Associate Professor of Neurology and Director of the Motor Physiology and Neuromodulation program at the University of Rochester. Disclosures: Dr. Bronte-Stewart disclosed equity in QDG Health. Dr. Lizarraga disclosed FHC: Consulting (Course Instructor), BlueRock: Research support.
- ANA investigates NORSE and FIRES
by The American Neurological Association on January 27, 2026 at 4:39 pmIn this episode, we'll focus on new onset refractory status epilepticus or NORSE, and its closely related presentation, febrile and infection related epilepsy syndrome, known as FIRES. NORSE and FIRES are clinical presentations where the evidence is limited, stakes are high, and treatment often has to begin before the diagnosis is clear. They also raise broader questions about how neurology can respond to rare but catastrophic illness, including how patients, families and researchers can work together to move the field forward. For an update on NORSE and FIRES, we spoke with Dr. Howard Goodkin and Dr. Larry Hirsch. Dr. Goodkin is the Shure professor of neurology and pediatrics at University of Virginia. Dr. Larry Hirsch is a professor of neurology at Yale University. They were interviewed by Dr. Ifrah Zawar, assistant professor of neurology at the University of Virginia. Disclosures: Dr. Hirsch has received consultation fees for advising from Ceribell, Natus, & UCB and honoraria for speaking/training from Neuropace & Natus.
- ANA Investigates Emerging Strategies to Enhance Stroke Recovery
by The American Neurological Association on December 30, 2025 at 1:01 pmIn this episode, we'll explore emerging strategies to enhance recovery after stroke. Stroke rehabilitation has long relied on physical, occupational, and speech therapy, but advances in neuroscience are opening new opportunities to directly modulate brain networks, promote plasticity, and hopefully help patients regain function. Dr. Sean Dukelow's work focuses on neurorehabilitation and the mechanisms of recovery after stroke. He's a professor and head of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Calgary. Dr. Dukelow was interviewed by Dr. Cheran Elangovan, vascular neurologist at University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Series 7, Episode 3 Disclosures: Dr. Dukelow serves on the advisory board for Merz and Ipsen, provides consultation for AbbVie, receives speaker fees from Merz