Neurocritical Care Society Podcast

Latest Episodes:

CURRENTS: Story of Hope – Life After Cardiac Arrest Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the NCS Podcast Currents series, host Lauren Koffman, DO, MS, speaks with Tara Wall and her husband, Ron, whose journey through cardiac arrest and recovery offers a deeply personal look at the realities of critical illness, caregiving and hope.

Tara, a former NICU nurse, recounts the terrifying moment her husband collapsed at home and the life-saving measures she took, while Ron shares his fragmented but remarkable memories from the event and his long road back to health. Together, they reflect on the emotional weight of medical decision making, the importance of support from health care teams and how connection, care and determination can shape recovery.

Read the accompanying article:

Part 1: Story of Hope – Life After Cardiac Arrest

The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

PERSPECTIVES: Paul Vespa, MD, on Innovation and Teamwork in Neurocritical Care May 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the NCS Podcast Perspective series, Nicholas Morris, MD, is joined by Immediate Past-President of NCS, Paul Vespa, MD, a professor of neurology and neurosurgery at UCLA. Dr. Vespa shares his path into neurocritical care, as well as his views on the growth of neuro ICUs and advances in continuous EEG monitoring and microdialysis. He discusses the future of AI in EEG, the value of patient stories and the importance of clinician-investigators, mentorship, and teamwork.

The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

MASTERCLASS: Brain Protective Ventilation in Severe Acute Brain Injury Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the NCS Podcast Masterclass series, Stephan Mayer, MD, FCCM, FNCS, and Jon Rosenberg, MD, welcome renowned neurointensivist Chiara Robba, MD, Ph.D., to discuss the concept of brain protective ventilation. Drawing from her experience across both pulmonary and neurocritical care, Dr. Robba explores the physiological nuance of ventilating patients with brain injury, including how to balance positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), tidal volume and CO₂ levels to protect both lung and brain. The trio also dives into findings from the VENTIBRAIN study and practical strategies for tailoring care using multimodal monitoring.

The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

CURRENTS: Traumatic Brain Injury in a Resource-Limited Setting: A Reflection on the Importance of Timely Interventions in Neurocritical Care Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the NCS Podcast Currents series, host Lauren Koffman, DO, MS, speaks with Clio Rubinos, MD, MS, and Rommel Morel, MD, about the urgent need to improve pre-hospital neurocritical care in low- and middle-income countries. They explore disparities in emergency response, the reality of patients arriving via family or bystanders and community-driven solutions like Colombia's Bootstrap consensus and Uganda's MOTOR trial. The conversation highlights how global collaboration, data-driven strategies and shared passion are essential to improving outcomes and reducing inequities in neurocritical care.

Read the accompanying article:Traumatic Brain Injury in a Resource-Limited Setting: A Reflection on the Importance of Timely Interventions in Neurocritical Care

Have questions or interested in collaborating?Contact the authors directly: crubinos@unc.edu rommellmorel121@gmail.com

The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

PERSPECTIVES: Lessons From Neurocritical Care Fellows Mar 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Perspectives, Dr. Nicholas Morris is joined by neurocritical care fellows Dr. Diana Alsbrook, Dr. Sonja Darwish and Dr. Scott Sparks to discuss the future of the field. They share insights on choosing a fellowship, the challenges of training and what it takes to become a well-rounded neurointensivist. From clinical autonomy and mentorship to wellness and preparing for life after fellowship, this conversation provides valuable perspectives for both aspiring fellows and experienced practitioners. The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

CURRENTS: Ray's Story of Hope Feb 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the NCS Podcast Currents series, host Lauren Koffman, DO, welcomes Ray and his wife, Kathleen, who authored a recent Currents "Stories of Hope" feature. Ray shares his journey of recovery after sustaining a traumatic brain injury in an accident while traveling in Aruba. Kathleen offers her perspective on navigating medical care abroad, the challenges of intensive rehabilitation and the resilience that carried them forward. Tune in to hear their inspiring story of determination, love and recovery. You can read Ray's story in Currents at Part 1: Ray's Story of Hope.

The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

HOT TOPICS: Transfusion Strategies in Acute Brain Injury – The TRAIN Trial Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the NCS Podcast Hot Topic Series, host Dr. Nicholas Morris speaks with Dr. Fabio Taccone about the recently published TRAIN randomized clinical trial. The study compares restrictive versus liberal transfusion strategies in patients with acute brain injury, shedding new light on hemoglobin targets, neurological outcomes and transfusion-related risks. Dr. Taccone, a leading researcher in neuroprotection, breaks down the findings, their implications for clinical practice and how they compare to other major trials in the field. The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

HOT TOPICS: Advancing Brain Death Determination With Dr. David Greer Jan 29, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Hot Topics, Dr. Nicholas Morris interviews Dr. David Greer, a leading expert in brain death determination, to discuss the Neurocritical Care Society's new in-person brain death determination course. Dr. Greer highlights the importance of standardized protocols and training, the global success of the online course and the advantages of hands-on learning with mannequins and expert supervision. They also explore common errors in brain death exams and the need for rigorous certification to ensure accuracy and consistency in clinical practice.

Learn more and register for the in-person Brain Death Determination Course here.

Tune in to discover how this course is revolutionizing brain death determination worldwide.

The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

PERSPECTIVES: APPs and Point-Of-Care Ultrasound in Neurocritical Care With Diane McLaughlin, FNCS Jan 13, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Perspectives, Dr. Nicholas Morris talks with Diane McLaughlin, FNCS, about her journey into neurocritical care and the vital role of postgraduate training for APPs. She highlights the importance of ultrasound, sharing how she developed her skills and discusses strategies for staff retention and career growth. She also reflects on advancements in stroke treatment and the benefits of professional society involvement.

The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

HOT TOPICS: The PROPHY-VAP Study Dec 03, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Hot Topics, Dr. Nicholas Morris interviews Claire Dahyot-Fizelier, M.D, Ph.D., a professor of anesthesia and intensive care at the University of Poitiers, to explore the groundbreaking PROPHY-VAP trial published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine. This landmark study investigates the impact of single-dose ceftriaxone prophylaxis on ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in acute brain injury patients. Dr. Dahyot-Fizelier discusses the rationale behind the study, key findings and the broader implications for ICU practices. Tune in to discover how this trial could reshape approaches to infection prevention and improve patient outcomes in neurocritical care.

Show notes:

https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-2600(23)00471-X

Dahyot-Fizelier C, Lasocki S, Kerforne T, Perrigault PF, Geeraerts T, Asehnoune K, Cinotti R, Launey Y, Cottenceau V, Laffon M, Gaillard T, Boisson M, Aleyrat C, Frasca D, Mimoz O, on behalf of the PROPHY-VAP Study Group and the ATLANREA Study Group. Ceftriaxone to prevent early ventilator-associated pneumonia in patients with acute brain injury: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, assessor-masked superiority trial. The Lancet Respiratory Medicine. 2024 May 1;12(5):375-85.

The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

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