MS Living Well Podcast List
Barry Singer MD
Barry Singer, MD, Director of The MS Center for Innovations in Care at Missouri Baptist Medical Center, interviews global medical experts and patient advocates about the latest treatments, innovations, and tips for patients living with multiple sclerosis.
Inside
Inside MS: Navigating Inflammation
July 11, 2023 – 38 min
Dive deeper into a deeper understanding of the role of inflammation in MS. The adaptive immune system attacks myelin while the innate immune system repairs the brain and spinal cord. Smoldering inflammation leading to progressive MS. Triumphs and limitations of current therapies reviewed.
Barry Singer MD interviews Klaus Schmierer MB BS, PhD, FRCP, Professor of Neurology, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London and Michael Kornberg MD, PhD,Assistant Professor of Neurology at John Hopkins.
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Multiple Sclerosis in Childhood
June 20, 2023 – 36 min
Yes, children can get multiple sclerosis. Keys to an accurate diagnosis and risk factors associated with higher rates of developing pediatric-onset MS (POMS) covered. MS in kids can be very active with frequent relapses and concerning MRI activity. Rapid use of highly effective treatment is important to preserve brain health including cognition.
Barry Singer MD interviews Brenda Banwell MD, Chief of the Division of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Emmanuelle Waubant MD PhD, Professor of Neurology, University of California San Francisco.
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Being Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis
May 30, 2023 – 32 min
Be inspired as Julian Gamboa, social media director, shares his MS journey including obstacles and insights from hospital bed to MSAA Board of Directors. Dr. Jakai Nolan opens up about her own unique perspective as both a neurologist specializing in multiple sclerosis and a person living with MS.
Barry Singer MD interviews Julian Gamboa, Social Media Director for Maximum Effort, supporting brands affiliated with Ryan Reynolds including Mint Mobile, Aviation Gin and Wrexham AFC and Dr. Jakai Nolan, Endowed Neurology Chair for Tanner Medical Center, Villa Rica, Georgia.
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Earliest Stages of Multiple Sclerosis
May 9, 2023 – 41 min
Years before the first typical neurological symptoms of MS like numbness or visual loss, individuals can have other symptoms such as skin, gastrointestinal and psychiatric issues. This period of time is called the MS prodrome. Other people can have findings typical of MS on MRI without symptoms called radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS).
Barry Singer MD interviews Helen Tremlett PhD, Professor in the Division of Neurology at the University of British Columbia and Erin Longbrake MD PhD, an Associate Professor of Neurology at Yale School of Medicine.
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Is My MS Controlled?
April 18, 2023 – 39 min
Distinguishing between an actual relapse, a pseudorelapse or just brief worsening of symptoms (Uhthoff’s phenomenon) explained. Slow progression of physical and cognitive disability can be harder to detect, but new tools can help improve monitoring for disease progression. Why multiple sclerosis disability can worsen without MRI change explained.
Barry Singer MD interviews Jacqueline Nicholas MD, System Chief of Neuroimmunology & Multiple Sclerosis at OhioHealth in Columbus, Ohio and James Bowen MD, Medical Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Center at Swedish Neuroscience Institute in Seattle, Washington.
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Personalized Medicine for MS
June 7, 2022 – 35 min
Selecting an appropriate MS treatment relies on your risk of worsening disability over time. Your age, sex and race can affect your prognosis. Details about your early relapses and MRI activity are very important for treatment decisions. Other important factors are addressed including family planning and other medical problems (another autoimmune disease or cancer).
Barry Singer MD interviews Celia Oreja-Guevara MD PhD, Vice Chair of Neurology & Head of the Multiple Sclerosis Center, University Hospital, San Carlos, Madrid, Spain & John Foley MD, Director, Rocky Mountain MS Clinic, Salt Lake City, Utah.
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Digital Health & MS
May 24, 2022 – 36 min
Biosensors in our smartphones and wearable devices and new apps may detect MS disease changes faster than that next neurologist appointment. Privacy concerns with electronic healthcare addressed. New artificial intelligence technology may soon help personalize treatment and predict treatment response using a concept of a digital twin.
Barry Singer MD interviews Jennifer Graves MD PhD, Associate Professor, UC San Diego School of Medicine and Tjalf Ziemssen MD PhD, Director, MS Center in Dresden, Germany.
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Vision and Multiple Sclerosis
May 10, 2022 – 37 min
Did you know that 70% of people living with multiple sclerosis can develop optic neuritis at some point and often the first sign of MS? The symptoms, medical evaluation, treatment and prognosis of optic neuritis are reviewed. Double vision and shaky (or jumpy) vision and treatment options covered.
Barry Singer MD interviews Dr. Anneke Van der Walt, Associate Professor of Neurology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia and Dr. Tariq Bhatti, neuro-ophthalmologist, Kaiser Permanente in Northern California.
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Multiple Sclerosis Biomarkers including Blood Tests
APR 26, 2022 – 21 min
Blood tests (biomarkers) that measure injury to brain cells have been developed to track multiple sclerosis disease activity associated with active MRI scans and disease progression. The future of MS biomarkers involves blood tests to diagnose multiple sclerosis, select the best treatment for an individual and measure treatment response.
Barry Singer MD interviews Tanuja Chitnis MD, Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, Director of both MGB Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center and Translational Neuroimmunology Research Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. She is also Co-Director of the Brigham Multiple Sclerosis Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
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Aging and Multiple Sclerosis
APR 12, 2022 – 32 min
Strategies to live better with MS as one grows older are highlighted. The vast majority of treatments for multiple sclerosis have been studied in people 55 years of age or younger. However, 46% of people living with MS are older than age 55. New studies are answering important questions about MS treatment in older patients with less robust immune systems.
Barry Singer MD interviews Bianca Weinstock-Guttman MD, Professor of Neurology, Director, Jacobs MS Center for Treatment and Research & John Corboy MD, Professor of Neurology, University of Colorado Denver, School of Medicine, Co-Director of the Rocky Mountain MS Center.
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Diet & Multiple Sclerosis
Mar 29, 2022 – 36 min
Trying to figure out the ideal diet for multiple sclerosis? Intermittent fasting, Swank diet, Wahls protocol and Mediterranean diet reviewed. The role of the gut organisms, called the microbiome, on immune health explained. In-depth information shared on dairy, gluten, polyunsaturated fats, fruits, vegetables, salt, vitamins and supplements.
Barry Singer MD interviews Ellen Mowery MD, Professor of Neurology and Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University & Ilana Katz Sand MD, Associate Professor of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
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Multiple Sclerosis: Cause & Cure
JAN 25, 2022 – 31 min
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes multiple sclerosis based on a new monumental study in young adults serving on active duty in the US military. Role of vitamin D, smoking and childhood obesity on risk of developing MS reviewed. Cure strategies explored including vaccinations.
Barry Singer MD interviews Howard Weiner MD, Harvard Professor, Director & Founder of the Partners MS Center & Alberto Ascherio MD DrPH, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
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Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Trials
OCT 14, 2021 – 42 min
Interested in improving multiple sclerosis care? Participating in a clinical trial may have personal advantages and help others. Trial design, entry criteria and safety monitoring explained. Current MS trials are highlighted.
Barry Singer MD interviews Jiwon Oh MD PhD, Director, BARLO MS Centre at St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto & Robert Bermel MD, MS neurologist, Mellen Center, Cleveland Clinic.
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Future Look: From Diagnosis to Tracking Multiple Sclerosis
APR 6, 2021 – 34 min
Innovative research is revolutionizing how multiple sclerosis is diagnosed and monitored. The central vein sign on MRI images may help confirm a diagnosis of MS or point to another cause. Some people thought to have MS instead have NMO or MOGAD, needing different treatment.
Barry Singer MD interviews Daniel Reich MD PhD, Chief, Translational Neuroradiology Section, NINDS, NIH & Sean Pittock MD, Director, Mayo Clinic’s Center for MS & Autoimmune Neurology
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Wellness & Multiple Sclerosis
MAR 23, 2021 – 29 min
Ready to be proactive rather than reactive in dealing with MS? MS experts share the latest insights on diet, cognitive health and mental health. Benefits of social and spiritual connections described. Exercise, therapy and new technology options for a range of MS disability levels explored.
Barry Singer MD interviews Riley Bove MD, Assistant Professor, UCSF and Ben Thrower MD, Medical Director, Andrew C. Carlos MS Institute, Shepherd Center, Atlanta.
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Anxiety, Depression & Multiple Sclerosis
MAR 9, 2021 – 31 min
Struggling with anxiety or depression? Psychological and physical symptoms specific to people living with MS shared. Causes for MS mood disorders explored such as immune inflammation. Treatment covered including meditation, stress reduction, therapy and medications.
Barry Singer MD interviews Amy Sullivan PsyD ABPP, Mellen Center, Cleveland Clinic & Adam Kaplin MD PhD, Chief Scientific Officer, MyMD Pharmaceuticals; Adjunct Faculty John Hopkins
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Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
FEB 23, 2021 – 38 min
With incredible resiliency, brilliant humor and tenacious optimism, Mark Webb shares his approach to confronting secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Dr. Gavin Giovannoni discusses the causes, treatment strategies and latest trials in progressive MS.
Barry Singer MD interviews Mark Webb, MS patient advocate, Head of Comms Shift.ms & Prof. Gavin Giovannoni, Chair of Neurology, Blizzard Institute, London School of Medicine & Dentistry
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Multiple Sclerosis Numbness & Pain: Relief Options
FEB 9, 2021 – 27 min
Need relief from numbness, tingling, burning or pins-needles sensations? MS neurologists cover treatment options including for trigeminal neuralgia, MS hug, spasms and muscle cramps. Experts explain multiple sclerosis numbness patterns and how they differ from pinched nerves or neuropathy.
Barry Singer MD interviews MS neurologists/authors Mitzi Williams MD, Joi Life Wellness Group MS Center, Atlanta & Brandon Beaber MD, Kaiser, Los Angeles.
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Multiple Sclerosis & Vaccines including COVID-19
JAN 26, 2021 – 32 min
Living with multiple sclerosis and confused about vaccines? Experts discuss which vaccines are safe and which should be avoided for people with MS. COVID-19 mRNA and adenovirus vaccines highlighted. Chicken pox-varicella, flu and hepatitis B covered. Specific MS medications and timing of vaccines addressed.
Barry Singer MD interviews Professors of Neurology Anne Cross MD, Washington University & Amit Bar-Or MD FRCP, University of Pennsylvania.
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Taking Charge of Multiple Sclerosis
JUL 16, 2020 – 31 min
Take charge of multiple sclerosis! Don’t let this unpredictable disease win. Finding reliable information, selecting the right neurologist and creating a treatment plan together discussed. Worsening MS symptoms, progressive disease, MRI, expenses, diet and exercise covered.
Barry Singer MD interviews Cathy Chester, MS patient advocate & writer and Bhupendra Khatri MD, Medical Director, Regional MS Center, Milwaukee & best-selling author.
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Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue
JUL 2, 2020 – 28 min
Need relief from MS fatigue? Great strategies shared to improve mental and physical energy levels. Fix poor sleep with treatment options for anxiety, restless legs, leg cramps, sleep apnea and need to urinate. Medication options reviewed including info on amantadine, modafinil & amphetamines.
Barry Singer MD interviews Randy, MS patient advocate & founder of Must Stop MS! and Enrique Alvarez MD PhD, MS neurologist at U. of Colorado.
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Sex & Multiple Sclerosis
JUN 18, 2020 – 40 min
Is multiple sclerosis getting in the way of a healthy sex life? Ways to improve intimacy and libido reviewed. Extensive solutions are presented regarding positioning, decreased/painful sensations, trouble achieving orgasm, hormonal imbalance and erectile dysfunction.
Barry Singer MD interviews sex therapist Heather Raznick MSW, who trained at the Masters and Johnson Institute, and Etai Goldenberg MD, a urologist & male sexual health specialist.
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Bladder Strategies for Multiple Sclerosis
JUN 4, 2020 – 29 min
Trouble with your bladder? The vast majority of people living with multiple sclerosis have bladder issues that can disrupt daily living. An array of options reviewed for recurrent UTIs (including supplements), bladder urgency (pelvic therapy, medications and Botox) and trouble emptying the bladder (including catheters).
Barry Singer MD interviews Penelope of Positive Living with MS and Travis Bullock MD, urologist with MS expertise.
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Cognition and Multiple Sclerosis
MAY 21, 2020 – 27 min
Living with multiple sclerosis with problems with word-finding, short-term memory and/or multitasking? Half of people with MS have cognitive issues. Numerous ways to improve cognitive function shared. Methods to reduce the impact on fatigue, stress & mood on cognition reviewed.
Barry Singer MD interviews Caroline Craven aka The Girl with MS, life coach & writer and Abbey Hughes PhD, clinical psychologist, Assistant Professor, John Hopkins.
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The Virtual Appointment: Telemedicine and Multiple Sclerosis
MAY 7, 2020 – 34 min
Embrace the technology! Improve your virtual appointment via phone, tablet or computer with your neurologist. Multiple sclerosis specialists share advantages of telemedicine and tips to improve your virtual office visit. The future of telehealth in MS explored.
Barry Singer MD interviews MS specialists Stephen Krieger MD, Associate Professor, Mt. Sinai, New York & Annette Okai MD, Medical Director, Baylor Scott & White MS Treatment Center, Dallas.
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COVID-19 and Multiple Sclerosis
APR 21, 2020 – 24 min
Neurologists from multiple sclerosis centers in Spain and Italy share how they are supporting and advising their MS patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The doctors discuss virtual appointments, MS treatment changes and impact of coronavirus infection on MS patients. Barry Singer MD interviews Jaume Sastre-Garriga MD PhD, in Barcelona & Giovanna Borriello MD, in Rome.
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Pregnancy and Multiple Sclerosis
NOV 7, 2019 – 32 min
Invaluable info for pregnancy planning for a healthy baby while minimizing risk of multiple sclerosis disease activity. Unplanned pregnancies, birth control and the role of high-risk obstetricians are addressed along with genetics, nursing and infertility.
Barry Singer MD interviews Claire Riley MD, Director of MS Center at Columbia University and Amy Perrin Ross APN, Loyola University & past President of International Organization of MS Nurses.
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Inside Angle: Partnering with your Neurologist
OCT 24, 2019 – 34 min
Key insights from multiple sclerosis experts to help you advocate and communicate your goals and needs. Specific ways to make the most of your appointments. Difficult questions are tackled such as progressive disease. Managing MS symptoms and wellness highlighted.
Barry Singer MD interviews Flavia Nelson MD, Associate Professor of Neurology, University of Minnesota and Timothy West MD, MS Neurologist, Rocky Mountain MS Clinic in Salt Lake City.
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Cannabis & Multiple Sclerosis
OCT 10, 2019 – 30 min
MS experts share the benefits of medical marijuana including THC and CBD on alleviating multiple sclerosis symptoms of nerve pain and spasticity (muscle tightness, cramping). Addresses which people with MS might benefit from cannabis and details risks. Follow all applicable laws.
Barry Singer, MD interviews Allen Bowling, MD, PhD, MS neurologist, Colorado Neurological Institute & Jacob Sosnoff, PhD, Associate Professor, Univ. of Illinois.
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Country Living with Multiple Sclerosis: Improving Rural Care
SEP 26, 2019 – 25 min
Country living has wonderful advantages, but can present some unique challenges to receive optimal multiple sclerosis care. Experts share strategies for rural MS patients to access the most up to date treatments and coordinate care, like telemedicine.
Barry Singer, MD interviews Susan Scarberry, MD, Sanford Medical Center, Fargo, North Dakota and Gabriel Pardo, MD, Director, OMRF MS Center of Excellence, Oklahoma City.
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Remyelination: Repairing Multiple Sclerosis
AUG 30, 2019 – 22 min
MS attacks myelin, the coating on nerves. But what if we could repair the myelin lost to the disease? In this podcast, we’ll review recent breakthroughs in screening for new treatments to repair myelin.
Barry Singer, MD, Director of The MS Center for Innovations in Care at Missouri Baptist Medical Center interviews: Ari Green, MD, Medical Director of Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroinflammation Center at the University of California San Francisco.
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Winning Strategies in Multiple Sclerosis Treatment: Don’t Underestimate the Disease
AUG 30, 2019 – 23 min
This podcast explores different multiple sclerosis treatment strategies to maximize quality of life and realize your goals with the least disability.
Barry Singer MD, Director of The MS Center for Innovations in Care, interviews two amazing MS specialists who are also phenomenal patient advocates: Heidi Crayton MD, Director of The MS Center of Greater Washington; and Aaron Boster, MD, is an MS expert at Ohio Health in Columbus, Ohio.