Prudent scanning, masquerade syndromes, and spotting the tadpole - Editors' Highlights December 2025

Prudent scanning, masquerade syndromes, and spotting the tadpole - Editors' Highlights December 2025

November 14, 2025 · 42 min · Episode 116

About this episode

The episode discusses the nuances of scanning in neurology, including the implications of imaging in Parkinson's disease and other conditions.

Who do we need to scan? Behind the constant considerations of irradiation risk and resource usage, there is nuance to be found. Parkinson's disease - being a clinical diagnosis - doesn't suggest a need for imaging, yet one case in this issue argues that should not be an absolute rule. Another paper brings in the context of a specific patient: does one man really need 50 CT scans in his life? There's also an unboxing of uveitis, diagnosis of Alexander disease in adults, and an exploration of connections between the microbiome and neurology. This being the fifth(!) Christmas podcast for editors Phil Smith and Geraint Fuller, they finish with the annual crossword and book club update, featuring hot cross buns and hummingbirds. Read the issue: https://pn.bmj.com/content/25/6/501 Please subscribe to the Practical Neurology podcast on your favourite platform to get the latest podcast every month. If you enjoy our podcast, you can leave us a review or a comment on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/3vVPClm) or Spotify (https://spoti.fi/4baxjsQ). We'd love to hear your feedback on social media - @PracticalNeurol. Production and editing by Brian O'Toole. Thank you for listening.

People in this episode

Hosts: Phil Smith, Geraint Fuller

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BMJ Group

Books & works: Alexander disease, uveitis

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