The CortiCare Podcast

The first signs were easy to explain away: headaches, missed objects on his left, and things he didn’t see while driving. For hockey coach Scott Burt, those symptoms led to an MRI that revealed a brain tumor.

In this episode of The CortiCare Podcast, Coach Burt shares what happened when he later experienced seizures and needed emergency brain surgery. He talks about treatment, the vision changes he still manages, and why he now encourages others to speak up when something feels wrong.

Watch his story today!

#TheCortiCarePodcast #BrainTumorAwareness #SeizureAwareness #Neurology #PatientStories

Michelle Luffey, Senior Vice President of Consulting at Corazon, joins The CortiCare Podcast to discuss the strategy behind building and growing successful hospital programs.

Michelle explains how consultants evaluate financial, operational, and market data; why physician and frontline staff perspectives matter; and how transparent communication can strengthen decision-making. She also shares how an outside perspective can help hospitals improve efficiency, expand patient access, and support sustainable growth.

Topics include:

• Using data to guide hospital strategy

• Identifying market and patient-care opportunities

• Building effective service-line leadership

• Improving communication between leadersh...

What does it take to build and grow a neurology program?

In this episode of The CortiCare Podcast, host Brad Beauchamp sits down with Michelle Luffey of Corazon to explore how hospitals can turn program goals into actionable plans while balancing patient care, staffing needs, and financial realities.

Drawing on her experience in nursing, hospital leadership, and consulting, Michelle discusses:

• Evaluating opportunities for new and expanded services

• Moving from strategic planning to implementation

• Addressing physician shortages and staffing challenges

• Using teleneurology to supplement existing coverage

• Setting re...

In this episode of The CortiCare Podcast, Brad Beauchamp sits down with Maureen Carroll, Director of Education at ASET, to answer common questions about EEG education, board preparation, and professional development. Maureen shares how to identify reliable study materials, improve pattern recognition, use practice exams effectively, and select study methods that support different learning styles.

The conversation also clarifies the distinct roles of ASET and ABRET, explains how educational resources remain current, and offers practical encouragement for candidates preparing to retake a credentialing exam. Maureen also highlights ASET’s advanced educational resources, career center, and commitment to su...

How can neurodiagnostic professionals make the most of the educational resources available to them?

Recorded live at ASET 2026, Brad Beauchamp sits down with Maureen Carroll, Director of Education at ASET, to talk about the many ways ASET supports education and career development across the neurodiagnostic community.

They discuss resources for board preparation and CEUs, ASET’s EEG, LTM, IONM, and NCS curricula, support for students and educators, career pathways, and the work being done to build the next generation of qualified neurodiagnostic technologists.

Whether you’re a student, working technologist, educator, or simply look...

The future of POLG is being written today.

In this episode of The CortiCare Podcast, Dr. Amy Goldstein and Dr. Mary Kay Koenig explore the next generation of POLG research and why the future is more promising than ever before.

They discuss:

• Emerging targeted therapies entering clinical trials

• The potential of gene therapy

• The creation of the POLG Crisis Response Team

• New physician resources designed to improve hospital care

• How global collaboration is accelerating research and improving outcomes for patients

As researchers, clinicians, advocacy o...

A hospital admission can be a turning point for a patient with POLG, but only if the diagnosis is right.

In this episode of The CortiCare Podcast, Dr. Amy Goldstein and Dr. Mary Kay Koenig take a closer look at what happens when someone with POLG is hospitalized. From the symptoms that bring patients to the hospital and the complications that can arise during their stay, to the challenges of diagnosis and treatment, they share insights that can have a profound impact on patient care.

The conversation explores what a typical hospital course may look...

POLG is often called a rare disease, but for the families living with it, the impact is life-changing.

In this episode of The CortiCare Podcast, Dr. Amy Goldstein and Dr. Mary Kay Koenig discuss how POLG affects the body's ability to produce energy, why symptoms can appear at any age, and what patients, caregivers, and clinicians should know about this complex mitochondrial disorder.

At CortiCare, we know how important timely neurological insight can be for patients with rare and complex conditions. Through EEG monitoring and interpretation services, we help providers gather the information needed to...

When you’re in survival mode, asking for help can feel harder than trying to carry everything yourself.

In this episode of The CortiCare Podcast, Ty and Lisa O’Connor share their family’s journey through Charlie’s rare diagnosis, epilepsy, hospital stays, and the realities of navigating complex medical care.

One of Lisa’s biggest takeaways for families walking a similar path: let people in. Allow your community to support you. Accept the meals, the check-ins, the help. You were never meant to carry every piece of the journey by yourself.

Want to follow...

Some stories stay with you long after the conversation ends.

In this episode of The CortiCare Podcast, Brad Beauchamp sits down with Ty, Lisa, and Charlie O’Connor to share the reality of navigating a rare genetic epilepsy diagnosis, years of seizures, hospital stays, clinical trials, surgeries, and the constant search for answers.

Charlie is one of only a handful of children in the world living with a rare GABRA2 variant. His journey has included more than 30 medications, EEG monitoring, infantile spasms, ketogenic therapy, brain surgery, VNS therapy, and breakthrough moments that gave their family ho...

Memory loss is not necessarily a normal part of aging. What do recent Alzheimer's Disease trials really mean for patients and families?

In this episode of The CortiCare Podcast, Bradley Beauchamp, BS, R. EEG T, CLTM, sits down with Dr. Katherine Coerver to break down the latest research surrounding GLP-1 medications, anti-amyloid therapies, and where treatment innovation may be headed next.

They discuss:

• Why GLP-1 drugs created excitement in Alzheimer’s research

• What recent clinical trials actually showed

• FDA-approved therapies available today

• Why early evaluation matters

• Health...

In this episode of The CortiCare Podcast, host Bradley Beauchamp is joined by Dr. Mitzi Payne, pediatric neurologist, to discuss the fundamentals of EEG in newborn care and her book, Neonatal EEG: A Clinical Guidebook.

Dr. Payne shares her approach to simplifying neonatal EEG, making it more accessible for clinicians, technicians, and care teams who rely on it to support diagnosis and patient management. The conversation walks through how EEG is used in evaluating seizures, understanding brain development, and guiding care decisions in the NICU.

In this episode:

• The ro...

What happens when a life-changing moment becomes a turning point instead of a setback?

In this episode of The CortiCare Podcast, Brigid Baffico shares her powerful journey living with epilepsy, from experiencing her first seizure at 15 to becoming a passionate advocate for awareness and education. After a deeply public moment in high school, Brigid made a choice: stay silent or take control of her story. She chose to speak up.

Now, through her work with the Anita Kaufman Foundation, she’s helping break stigmas, educate communities, and empower the next generation wi...

Most people think clinical trials are risky, experimental, or a last resort.

The reality is, they’re how every major medical breakthrough becomes possible. CortiCare has been a part of the thousands of EEGs associated with clinical trials.

In this episode of The CortiCare Podcast, Dr. Katie Coerver breaks down the structure behind clinical trials, from observational studies to interventional research and Phase 1 through Phase 3 testing.

This conversation goes beyond definitions. It gets into what patients are actually weighing when they consider participation, why placebo groups are necessary, and how success is measured in...

In this episode of The CortiCare Podcast, host Bradley Beauchamp, BS, R. EEG T., CLTM, sits down with Dr. Mitzi Payne, pediatric neurologist and epileptologist, to break down one of the most important distinctions in neonatal neurology: inpatient vs. outpatient EEGs.

Bradley and Dr. Payne walk through the differences between babies in the NICU and those who’ve already gone home but return for evaluation. From prematurity and therapeutic hypothermia to common concerns like jerking, twitching, and febrile seizures, Dr. Payne explains what providers look for, how gestational age impacts interpretation, and why timing matters so much in...

“Early evaluation is important, especially now that we have more treatment options and better diagnostic tools.” - Dr. Katherine Coerver

In this episode of The CortiCare Podcast, Dr. Katherine Coerver joins us to discuss Alzheimer’s disease, early detection, and how advances in diagnostic tools are changing the way clinicians evaluate cognitive decline.

Learn how to recognize early signs, understand the difference between normal aging and memory concerns, explore key risk factors, and discover how biomarker testing and modern assessments are shaping earlier diagnosis and care planning.

Whether you are a clinician, caregiver, or sim...

Newborn brain activity looks very different from what we see in older patients—and interpreting it takes specialized expertise.

In this episode of The CortiCare Podcast, hosted by Bradley Beauchamp (REEGT, CLTM), pediatric neurologist Dr. Mitzi Payne breaks down the complexities of interpreting EEGs in newborns. From rapidly developing brains and premature infants to distinguishing true seizures from normal neonatal movements, she explains how video EEG, specialized electrode placement, and clinical collaboration play a critical role in accurate diagnosis and treatment decisions.

🎥 Watch to learn how neonatal seizures are identified, why EEG patterns change with devel...

Epilepsy isn’t just a human condition—it affects our pets, too. 🐾🧠

In this episode, neurologist Dr. Thomas Swanson breaks down how epilepsy shows up in companion animals (especially dogs), how common it is, and what treatment options are used today. He explores how seizures in animals can mirror those in humans, the medications veterinarians rely on, and the challenges of researching and measuring seizure control in pets.

🎥 Watch to learn how epilepsy is diagnosed and treated in companion animals—and what this means for improving their quality of life.

👉 Subscribe to The CortiCare Podcast...

What if we could move beyond simply reading the brain to actually training it?

Sarah Murphy, founder of OMNI Neurofeedback draws on her transformative recovery journey and eight years of advanced neurofeedback training to offer a holistic, performance‑driven approach to brain wellness. In this episode, she breaks down how Quantitative EEG (QEEG) and neurofeedback work together to give a clearer, more functional picture of the brain than traditional clinical EEG. Sarah shares how these tools help people understand their patterns, regulate emotions, and optimize cognitive performance in a personalized, practical way.

In this episode, we...

Hosted by Gil Solano, this episode of The CortiCare Podcast welcomes neuroscientist Dr. Marcelo Diaz-Bustamante for an enlightening discussion on memory—how it works, where it lives in the brain, and why we remember (or forget) the things we do.

Together, they cover:

🔹 How memory involves multiple brain regions, including the hippocampus, cortex, amygdala, basal ganglia, and cerebellum

🔹 The difference between short-term and long-term memory, with real-life patient examples

🔹 The role of synaptic plasticity, LTP, and LTD in encoding and erasing memories

🔹 How sleep, environment, and experiences shape memory c...

Hosted by Gil Solano, this episode of The CortiCare Podcast welcomes Dr. Rachel Penn for a powerful discussion on infantile spasms—a rare but urgent form of pediatric seizures often mistaken for reflux or normal baby movements.

Together, they cover:

🔹 What infantile spasms look like and why early detection matters

🔹 The critical EEG pattern, hypsarrhythmia

🔹 How West syndrome is diagnosed

🔹 Treatment options and what parents should know

🔹 Why quick action can change long-term outcomes

The takeaway is clear: when it comes to infantile spasms, time matters. Early di...

In this episode, seasoned neurodiagnostic professional Michael Lingerfelt reflects on his 30-year journey in healthcare—starting in sleep technology and evolving into a leadership role in neurodiagnostics. He reflects on the remarkable evolution of neurodiagnostics—from its early analog beginnings to today’s era of digital precision—and what professionals must do to advance with it.

Michael dives into key topics, including:

🔹 How continuous learning and a clear career plan can drive long-term success

🔹 The expanding role of neuroanalysts and their potential to support neurologists like physician assistants

🔹 Why certifications su...

In this episode, EEG technologist Brad Beauchamp sheds light on what it truly takes to capture a meaningful EEG recording—and why accuracy and attention to detail are everything.

Brad breaks down the essentials of strong EEG practice, including:

🔹 The importance of precise lead placement and real-time observation

🔹 How accurate documentation supports neurologists in making confident diagnoses

🔹 The difference between what a seizure looks like on the surface and where it actually starts in the brain

🔹 When and why intracranial electrodes are used to pinpoint seizure origins

🔹 The value of seiz...

In this episode, EEG technologist and educator Marcia Reid opens up about a topic that doesn’t get enough attention: performing EEGs on patients with all hair types.

Marcia shares how understanding texture and technique can make or break an EEG recording. She discusses:

🔹 Common challenges with electrode application

🔹 The lack of formal education around electrode application

🔹 How assumptions and lack of knowledge can impact both patient comfort and data quality 🔹 Tips and resources to help EEG technologists gain confidence and skill

Marcia’s message is clear: EEG ed...

🎉 This episode is extra special—it marks the one-year anniversary of The CortiCare Podcast! Over the past year, we’ve featured leading experts, shared patient stories, and explored the many facets of neurodiagnostics and epilepsy care. Thank you for being part of this journey—we couldn’t have done it without you, our listeners. Here’s to another year of learning, connection, and advancing care together! 🎉

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Lebron Paige, an academic epileptologist at Ohio State University, to discuss comprehensive support for epilepsy patients and their families.

You’ll hear...

In this episode, we sit down with neurologist Dr. Mark Stecker, the Editor-in-Chief of the ASET Journal , to explore the complexities of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE)—the most common form of focal epilepsy.

You’ll hear:

🔹 What makes the temporal lobe more vulnerable to injury—and why TLE is so prevalent

🔹 How symptoms like memory problems, cognitive changes, and seizures differ depending on the affected area

🔹 First-line treatment options such as Keppra and Lamictal, and when surgery or devices may be considered

🔹 Why patient education and advocacy are critical to achieving the b...

Jennifer Montgomery, Senior Director of Operations and Government Affairs at ASET, is leading the charge to empower neurodiagnostic technologists to speak up for themselves and their patients.

Recorded at ASET 2025 Annual Conference, Jennifer takes us behind the scenes of her day-to-day work: monitoring legislation across 50 states, supporting licensure efforts, and providing technologists with toolkits and mentoring to succeed in advocacy!

You’ll learn:

🔹 Why technologists must be their own advocates—or risk others defining their scope

🔹 The current state of licensure

🔹 Simple ways to get involved through ASET’s committees and...

Kevin Helm, Executive Director of ASET, takes us inside his journey to leading the ASET Orginzation — and why this year’s Conference was one of the best yet.

He shares how ASET has built a true professional “home” for neurodiagnostic technologists, driven by a mission to support its members through education, membership, advocacy, and emerging technologies. From cutting-edge simulation-based training to leadership programs like the Leadership Academy, Kevin explains how ASET is shaping the future of the field.

Plus, hear why the annual ASET Conference is such a can’t-miss event — packed with connection...

Chris Moses stepped away from healthcare — but came back, fell in love with the brain, and found his purpose in neurodiagnostics.

From corrections officer to President of the Board of Trustees of ASET — Chris Moses shares his inspiring career journey into the world of neurodiagnostics. After realizing his career as a corrections officer wasn’t the right fit, he followed his passion back into healthcare and discovered EEG. Chris opens up about the challenges he faced along the way, including failing his registry exam, and how perseverance helped him turn setbacks into stepping stones.

In t...

What happens when your dream career no longer feels right?

In this episode of The CortiCare Podcast, host Gil Solano, BS, R. EEG T., sits down with Brian Galdis to talk about redefining career success in the medical field. Brian shares how his early pursuit of becoming a physician evolved over time, leading to a thoughtful decision to step away from medical school and explore other ways of making an impact in healthcare.

That decision became a powerful career pivot—ultimately guiding him toward neurodiagnostics, where he's found fulfillment through mentorship, co...

Could understanding seizure types and triggers transform epilepsy management?

In this episode of The CortiCare Podcast, neurologist Dr. Elgavish joins Gil Solano BS, R. EEG T. to explore the complexities of epilepsy, including the nuances of distinguishing between seizures and panic attacks. They discuss the critical role of EEG monitoring in accurate diagnosis and the importance of effective communication between patients and healthcare providers regarding medication and lifestyle adjustments.

The conversation also covers legal considerations for driving after seizures and the vital role of patient advocacy in managing epilepsy. Whether you’re navigating epilepsy yourself or...

In this episode of The CortiCare Podcast, host ⁠@GilSolanoREEGT is joined by neurologist and Sativa Science Chief Science Officer Dr. Swanson to explore the emerging role of non-psychoactive cannabinoids—such as CBD (Cannabidiol) and CBG (Cannabigerol)—in supporting individuals with anxiety disorders and other neurological conditions. Dr. Swanson explains the basics of the endocannabinoid system, shares insights from recent clinical trials, and discusses how cannabinoid-based approaches may complement traditional anti-anxiety treatments.

The conversation also touches on broader topics such as the influence of social media on mental health, strategies for safe and informed dosing, and the on...

In this episode of The CortiCare Podcast, host ⁠ @GilSolanoREEGT sits down with neuromuscular expert Dr. Kitei to explore the ins and outs of neuropathy and the diagnostic power of EMG and nerve conduction studies (NCS).

Learn how to spot the difference between central and peripheral nerve problems, what causes conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and diabetic neuropathy, and when symptoms like weakness or breathing issues signal a medical emergency and so much more!

Perfect for clinicians, students, and curious patients alike—this episode offers clear, compassionate insights into nerve health, testing, and treatment strategies.

👉...

In this episode of The CortiCare Podcast, Gil Solano speaks with Brian Galdis about a topic that often goes unspoken in the healthcare field: mental health.

Brian shares his personal story of battling depression and self-harm from a young age, offering a raw look at how those experiences shaped his journey—especially as someone who now works in the healthcare space. He reflects on the challenges of balancing emotional wellbeing in a field that demands constant resilience, and how the culture of "pushing through" can take a real toll on clinicians and staff alike.

This co...

In this episode of The CortiCare Podcast, host @GilSolanoREEGT sits down with Dr. Bradley Kolls, a respected neurologist and advocate for advancing critical care in neurology. Dr. Kolls discusses the unique challenges the field faces—from limited patient populations slowing research progress, to the need for improved tools and access in community hospitals.

He emphasizes the importance of long-term EEG monitoring, explaining why traditional 20-minute recordings often miss critical seizure activity in severely ill patients. By extending monitoring and supporting local hospitals, providers can make faster, more accurate decisions that improve patient outcomes.

Subscribe to Th...

In this episode of The CortiCare Podcast, we sit down with Shannon Greene, an experienced Intraoperative Monitoring (IOM) specialist who has been a part of hundreds of epilepsy surgeries. Shannon shares her in-depth knowledge about the step-by-step process a patient goes through on their way to epilepsy surgery.

Tune in to learn about the critical steps in phase 2 epilepsy care, and what happens before, during, and after an epilepsy surgery procedure.

Don't forget to subscribe for more in-depth discussions on epilepsy care, EEG monitoring, and neurodiagnostics.

Email @GilSolanoREEGT at...

In this episode of The CortiCare Podcast, host @GilSolanoREEGT sits down with Dr. Ro Elgavish — a leading neurologist, epileptologist, and expert in surgical treatment for epilepsy. With decades of experience building epilepsy programs and helping patients navigate complex neurological diagnoses, Dr. Elgavish shares clear, compassionate insights into:

1. A Single Seizure Doesn't Equal Epilepsy

Experiencing one seizure doesn't automatically lead to an epilepsy diagnosis. Clinicians assess various factors, including seizure type, underlying causes, and the likelihood of recurrence, before making a definitive diagnosis.

2. Second Seizure Solidifies Diagnosis

A se...

Join @GilSolanoREEGT and Dr. Thomas Swanson, an esteemed neurologist and cannabinoid expert, in this enlightening episode of The CortiCare Podcast.

Explore the role cannabinoids play in managing epilepsy and gain insights into the groundbreaking research shaping this field. Dr. Thomas Swanson delves into: The obstacles faced by pharmaceutical companies in cannabinoid therapy development. The powerful effects of CBD and other non-psychoactive cannabinoids. How cannabinoids operate within the brain and their significance for neurological health. The importance of personalized treatment plans for epilepsy patients.

🔑 Key Insights: Understanding cannabinoids and their potential benefits for...

Join Gil Solano and Dr. Mayur Patel, a leading TBI neurologist at UT Health San Antonio, in this must-watch episode of The CortiCare Podcast. Discover how traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions can happen to anyone and learn to recognize symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and cognitive struggles.

Dr. Patel reveals why traditional imaging often misses concussions, shares the five key symptoms to watch for, and explains how a holistic approach—addressing sleep, pain, and cognitive rehab—can transform recovery. Plus, find out why personalized care and specialized neurology are essential for healing.

🔑 What You’ll...

In this informative episode of The CortiCare Podcast, Gil Solano sits down with Mr. J Jones, a neurodiagnostic educator, EEG specialist, and IOM expert, who shares his incredible depth of knowledge on epilepsy medications. Mr. Jones delves into the complexities of the reticular activating system and its crucial role in brain function and EEG analysis. Together, they explore how individual differences among patients influence the effectiveness of anti-seizure medications and the importance of tailored treatment plans. Mr. Jones emphasizes that no single drug works for everyone and discusses the various factors healthcare providers must consider when prescribing medication. Join...