Vanderbilt Health Radio

01 Dr. Joseph Cheng: Finding Relief for Neck and Back Pain

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:00:21 PST

Joseph Cheng, M.D. is the Director of the Neurosurgery Spine Program and Co-Director of the Comprehensive Spine Center at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. 85% of Americans will have back pain in their lifetime. It can be caused by a variety of different ailments. Dr. Cheng explains these causes, available treatments, and why a comprehensive treatment center is important in finding the right treatment plan.

To learn more about low back and neck pain, please visit:

02 Dr. Matthew McGirt: Providing Better Treatment for Spine Patients

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:00:21 PST

Matthew McGirt, M.D. is an Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery and Director of Clinical Spine Research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Clinical spine research measures patient outcomes, focusing on pain, disability, and quality of life to determine whether we’re treating patients the absolute best we can. Dr. McGirt explains this innovative research as well as new treatment options for scoliosis, spinal degeneration and even failed spine surgery.

To learn more, please visit:

03 Dr. Clint Devin: Minimally Invasive Spine Treatment and Cervical Myelopathy

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:00:21 PST

Clint Devin, M.D. is an Assistant Professor of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. There is a lot of new technology and what seems like new, innovative or minimally invasive ways to treat spine problems, but how effective are they? Dr. Devin will address these procedures, as well as a condition called cervical myelopathy, which is often confused with unsteadiness related to aging.

To learn more on this condition, please visit:

04 Dr. Oran Aaronson: Arm/Leg Numbness Can be Spine Related; Physical Therapy for Back Pain

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:00:21 PST

Oran Aaronson, M.D. is an Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Arm or leg numbness, tingling or burning lasting more than a week can be spine related and should be checked out. Dr. Aaronson explains the symptoms and treatment options for cervical and lumbar radiculopathy. Also hear Darrell Lee, a physical therapist for the spine team, explain the benefits of physical therapy in reducing back pain.

To learn more about these topics, please visit:

01 Dr. Howard Kirshner: Risk Factors and Warning Signs of Stroke

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 23:00:21 PST

Howard Kirshner, M.D. is the Department of Neurology Vice-Chair and Stroke Center Director at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Stroke can happen suddenly, with or without warning, and leave debilitating effects. Dr. Kirshner will explain stroke, what causes it and typical warning signs that may let you know you’re having a stroke. He’ll also cover common risk factors and what you can do to reduce your risk.To learn more about reducing your risk of stroke, please visit:

02 Dr. Samuel McKenna: Accidents and Facial Trauma

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 23:00:21 PST

Samuel McKenna, D.D.S, M.D. is the Chairman of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Summer activities can be fun. However, we also see an increase of facial injuries during this time, some of which are preventable. Dr. McKenna will explain common causes of facial trauma and who’s most at risk. Learn what you can do to protect yourself and those you love. To learn more about summer safety, please visit:

03 Dr. Samuel McKenna: What are Dental Implants and how do they Work?

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 23:00:21 PST

Samuel McKenna, D.D.S, M.D. is the Chairman of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. When teeth are missing, bones can deteriorate. Dental implants can be life-changing, providing a foundation for replacement teeth. Dr. McKenna will explain the advantages of implants and how they work. He’ll also address what to expect during the procedure and recovery process. To learn more about dental implants, please visit

04 Dr. Samuel McKenna: Treatment of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) Disorders

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 23:00:21 PST

Samuel McKenna, D.D.S, M.D. is the Chairman of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. TMJ disorders affect the jaw hinge, resulting in joint noise, joint locking and pain with jaw movement. No specific cause is known. Tooth grinding can be an aggravating factor. Dr. McKenna will help to explain TMJ disorders, as well as treatments available. Listen and learn more.To learn more about TMJ and its symptoms, please visit:

01 Dr. Tracy Jackson: Interventional Solutions offered for Chronic Pain

Thu, 27 May 2010 23:00:21 PST

Tracy Jackson, M.D. is an Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology and Pain Management at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Chronic pain is a very subjective experience and affects each person differently. It sometimes can be very difficult to target and treat. Dr. Jackson discusses the process of identifying the source of pain, common medications used, as well as other procedures that may provide relief.

To learn more about our Interventional Pain Center, please visit: /

02 Dr. Mohana Karlekar and Melinda Bailes: How is Palliative Care different than Hospice?

Thu, 27 May 2010 23:00:21 PST

Mohana B. Karlekar, M.D. is an Assistant Professor of Medicine and Medical Director of the Palliative Care Program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She and social worker Melinda Bailes discuss palliative care and how it differs from hospice with the range of services it provides to patients and their families. It’s care for any individual facing something serious, even life-changing, but not necessarily life-ending.

To learn more about palliative care, please visit:

03 Dr. Mohana Karlekar and Melinda Bailes: Palliative Care Services

Thu, 27 May 2010 23:00:21 PST

Mohana B. Karlekar, M.D. is an Assistant Professor of Medicine and Medical Director of the Palliative Care Program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She and social worker Melinda Bailes discuss specific benefits that the palliative care team offers to patients with life-changing or life-threatening injury or illness. Learn how to gain access to these services, how to talk to loved ones about advanced care directives, and more.

To learn more about palliative care services, please visit:

04 Dr. Karen Cassidy: The Role of Pediatric Palliative Care Services

Thu, 27 May 2010 23:00:21 PST

Karen Cassidy, M.D., M.P.H. is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Director of Pediatric Palliative Care Services at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She will discuss the importance of offering palliative care services to children and how those services differ from those for adults. She’ll explain the importance of communicating with honesty and how to help the entire family cope, including siblings.

To learn more about our services, please visit:

01 Susan Sutton and Pam Bryan: Trauma Survivors Network (TSN) - Peer Visitor Program

Thu, 13 May 2010 23:00:21 PST

Pam Bryanfs son John was severely injured in a car crash, suffering a traumatic brain injury. Vanderbilt treats thousands of trauma survivors each year and understands that their needs go beyond hospital recovery. Thatfs why wefve set up TSN and its Peer Visitor Program. Peer visitors like Pam have gone through the experience of trauma and can offer patients and their families encouragement and resources to help ease recovery and the transition home. To learn more about TSNfs peer visitor program, please visit:

02 Donna Boggs: Volunteering for the Vanderbilt Trauma Peer Visitor Program

Thu, 13 May 2010 23:00:21 PST

Donna was 22 years old when her car hydroplaned in the rain and she crashed against a guardrail. Shefs now a double-amputee volunteering at Vanderbilt University Medical Center as a trauma survivor peer visitor. Donna tells other patients going through similar trauma that therefs a reason they survived. At the end of the day, itfs a body part; itfs not worth giving up on your life. Listen to her inspirational story.To learn more about our peer visitors, please visit:

03 JP Barmer: Surviving a Motorcycle Crash and Paralyzing Spinal Cord Injury

Thu, 13 May 2010 23:00:21 PST

JP was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash in 2006. He spent a month in the Vanderbilt Trauma ICU, two months at Sheppard Center in Atlanta, then came back to Stallworth for outpatient rehabilitation of a T]4 complete spinal cord injury. JP still loves to water and snow ski, play golf, baseball and lift weights. To him, this injury has improved his life in more ways than one; hefs looking forward to a full life ahead.To hear more inspirational patient stories, please visit:

04 Zach Phillips: Inspiring Peer Volunteer for TSN

Thu, 13 May 2010 23:00:21 PST

4 years ago, Zach got hit by a car while crossing a street with a friend. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and stayed in a coma for 5 weeks. Back then, he was just trying to get out of a wheelchair. Amazingly, Zach just completed running the Country Music half marathon! He says he tries to do the best he can everyday and volunteers as a peer with TSN so he can help encourage patients that they, too, can recover.To learn more about our peer visitors, please visit:

01 Dr. Gregory Plemmons: Jo’s Reach Out & Read – Preparing Small Children for Success in School

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 23:00:21 PST

Gregory Plemmons, MD is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Reading aloud to small children is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prepare them for Kindergarten. Dr. Plemmons introduces us to a unique literacy program called Jo’s Reach Out & Read that builds on the unique relationship between parents and pediatricians to promote early childhood literacy.To learn more about this program, please visit

02 Sheryl Rogers: Books from Birth / Imagination Library

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 23:00:21 PST

A child who enters kindergarten without pre-reading skills in place may never catch up. Preschoolers who are read to more often have larger vocabularies, develop stronger early reading skills, and arrive at kindergarten ready to read and ready to learn. Books from Birth of Middle TN encourages reading by getting books into the home. Learn more about the program and how you can get free books for your child.To learn more about Books from Birth, please visit

03 Sarah Haverstick: Child Passenger Safety

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 23:00:21 PST

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 3–6 and 8–14; roughly 85% of car seats are installed improperly in vehicles. Sarah, the Safety Coordinator at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, will provide helpful tips about car passenger safety. Learn more about what type of car seat your child should have and what you can do to make sure it’s properly installed. To learn more car seat safety, please visit

04 Sarah Haverstick: Safety Store at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 23:00:21 PST

Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for children ages 1–14. Most of these injuries can be prevented with proper education, adult supervision and the correct use of child safety products. Our Safety Store works closely with the pediatric trauma department to determine key areas for safety interventions. They offer medical alert products, bike helmets and many other products to help keep your children safe. To learn more about the Safety Store, please visit

01 Dr. Joseph Neimat: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Surgery for Movement Disorders

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 23:00:21 PST

Joseph Neimat, MD, MS is an Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. In DBS, electrodes are implanted deep in the brain to correct the motor symptoms of movement disorders. Dr. Neimat discusses DBS and its effectiveness in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor and dystonia. He explains the surgery, how it works, possible complications and clinical follow-up needed. To learn more about neuroscience breakthroughs, please visit:

02 Dr. Joseph Neimat: Surgical Treatment Options for Epilepsy

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 23:00:21 PST

Joseph Neimat, MD, MS is an Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Epilepsy affects almost 3 million Americans. Most try to control their seizures with medication, but what happens when medicines don’t work? Dr. Neimat covers the various surgical treatments that are available for epilepsy, their effectiveness in controlling seizures and potential risks. To learn more about neuroscience breakthroughs, please visit:

03 Dr. Joseph Neimat: Relief for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 23:00:21 PST

Joseph Neimat, MD, MS is an Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by facial pain so severe it is commonly considered the most painful affliction known to medicine. Dr. Neimat explains what this condition is, its specific symptoms and possible causes, as well as some very effective surgical therapies currently available to provide relief. To learn more about neuroscience breakthroughs, please visit:

04 Dr. Joseph Neimat: Innovations in Stereotactic Brain Surgery

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 23:00:21 PST

Joseph Neimat, MD, MS is an Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. When most people think of brain surgery, they imagine a huge metal frame that bolts to the head. Dr. Neimat says that at Vanderbilt at least, that’s a thing of the past. Neurosurgery today includes small, lightweight devices, robotic safeguards, and advanced MRI imaging for more precise navigation during surgery. Listen to learn more. To learn more about neuroscience breakthroughs, please visit:

01 Dr. James Sutcliffe: Uncovering the Genetics of Autism

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 23:00:21 PST

James Sutcliffe, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Molecular Physiology & Biophysics at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. We’ve known for a long time the risk of developing autism is genetic. We are now finding that the nature of the genetics is highly complex. Dr. Sutcliffe shares the progress being made to better understand specific genes and pathways of this developmental disorder, and the hope it brings for future therapies.

To learn more about autism research being done, please visit

02 Dr. Randy Blakely: Exploring Genetic Clues to ADHD

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 23:00:21 PST

Randy Blakely, Ph.D. is the Allan D. Bass Professor of Pharmacology and Psychiatry, and Director of the Vanderbilt Center for Molecular Neuroscience. His research in ADHD involves fusion of genetics and how the genetic code impacts risk for this disorder. Learn what the major deficits are in ADHD, as well as its various subtypes. Dr. Blakely also discusses neurotransmitters and their potential importance in finding new therapies for ADHD.

To learn more about ADHD and other research, please visit:

03 Dr. Joseph Neimat: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) available for OCD

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 23:00:21 PST

Joseph Neimat, MD, MS is an Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that causes fears, unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors. Learn about a surgical treatment being used to help relieve symptoms of this often disabling condition. Dr. Neimat will explain DBS and how it works for OCD and other conditions.

To learn more about DBS, please visit:

04 Dr. Art Walters: Restless Legs Syndrome

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 23:00:21 PST

Arthur Walters, MD is a Professor of Neurology and Associate Director of the Sleep Medicine Program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. About 10% of the population suffers in some way with restless leg syndrome and can’t get a good night’s sleep. Dr. Walters explains what this condition is, its symptoms and possible causes. Find out what role endorphins and dopamine may play, and what treatments are available.

To learn more about restless legs syndrome, please visit: