BeewellwithMS podcast by Dr Agne Straukiene

Dr Agne Straukiene
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Welcome to the BeeWellWithMS Podcast, hosted by Dr. Agne Straukiene, a full-time neurologist with a special interest in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Our mission is to empower individuals living with MS, their families, and healthcare professionals with the latest knowledge, expert insights, and practical tools to enhance brain health and overall well-being.Through engaging conversations with leading experts, inspiring personal stories, and evidence-based lifestyle strategies, we explore a wide range of topics including MS management, new treatment guidelines, mental health, lifestyle optimization, and cutting-edge research. From understanding disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) to navigating pregnancy with MS or tackling smouldering MS, we aim to make the complex simple and accessible.Whether you’re looking for professional guidance, personal motivation, or a sense of community, the BeeWellWithMS Podcast is your trusted companion on the journey toward living well with MS. Join us as we bridge the gap between science and everyday life, fostering resilience, empowerment, and hope.🎧 Listen, learn, and thrive with BeeWellWithMS! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beewellwithms-podcast-by-dr-agne-straukiene--5762905/support.

  1. Sep 23

    What Your MRI Isn’t Telling You About MS | Prof. Daniel Ontaneda

    What It Reveals | Professor Daniel Ontaneda“My MRI is stable—but I don’t feel stable.”It’s a sentence we hear in clinic, and it deserves a thoughtful answer.In this BeeWellwithMS episode, I’m joined by Professor Daniel Ontaneda, neurologist and MS researcher at Cleveland Clinic, to explore what MRI can reveal—and why it doesn’t always explain everything you feel.We unpack the language of MRI reports, from lesions and “black holes” to brain atrophy. We discuss silent lesions, chronic inflammation, paramagnetic rim lesions and the central vein sign, alongside emerging imaging techniques that could help bring the scan and the lived experience of MS closer together.Daniel also shares his approach to monitoring scans, when contrast can be useful, and what excites him about 7T MRI and better spinal cord imaging.Your scan matters. So does your story. ⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome:  02:33 What actually is an MS lesion? 04:36 Understanding T2 lesions, contrast and “black holes” 09:02 Do black holes predict more severe MS? 10:28 Why can new lesions appear without symptoms? 13:23 “My MRI is stable, but I don’t feel stable” 18:14 The biology routine MRI can miss 19:30 Chronic inflammation and changes beyond lesions 22:35 New imaging markers: looking deeper into MS 24:22 Paramagnetic rim lesions and chronic activity 26:53 The central vein sign: identifying MS lesions 30:29 Brain atrophy: what does it really mean? 33:17 How hydration and time of day affect brain measurements 35:46 Brain health, lifestyle and interpreting your report 37:52 Monitoring MRI: rebaseline scans and contrast 40:00 How often should you have an MRI? 42:28 Personalising monitoring and spinal cord scans 43:28 The future: 7T MRI and sharper spinal cord imaging 47:00 What Daniel wishes everyone understood about MRI 48:46 Bringing your scan and your experience together 50:54 Closing thoughts: stay curious and ask questions🎙️ Hosted by Dr Agne Straukiene 🎙️ Guest: Professor Daniel Ontaneda, Cleveland Clinic💬 Have you ever felt that your MRI report didn’t reflect how you were feeling? Share your experience or a question below.Subscribe to BeeWellwithMS for more conversations about MS science, care and everyday life.🌐 https://www.beewellwithms.comThis conversation is for general education. MRI findings and monitoring schedules need to be interpreted with your own clinical team, taking your individual circumstances into account.#MultipleSclerosis #MRI #BeeWellwithMS Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beewellwithms-podcast-by-dr-agne-straukiene--5762905/support.

  2. Aug 23

    Assistive Technology for MS: Everyday Heroes, Wow-Tech & 7 Questions to Ask Before You Buy

    This episode of the BeeWellwithMS Podcast opens the “assistive technology toolbox” for people with MS, from everyday tools to specialist equipment and emerging tech, using catalog labels (established, specialist assessment, emerging/research, limited access) and emphasizing function-first choices over shopping. It highlights smartphones as a major assistive device (dictation, screen reading, magnification, captions, reminders, routines, and travel/toilet planning), mobility options like AFOs, FES, walking aids, wheelchairs and power-assist (with proper assessment and environmental adaptations), and low-tech adaptations for hands plus workplace support via Access to Work. It covers brain fog, fatigue planning, heat sensitivity and cooling, bladder diaries and planning, smart home control, and communication/AAC including voice banking. “Wow shelf” examples include the Cionic Neural Sleeve, grasp gloves, stair-climbing wheelchairs, rehab robotics/exoskeletons, eye-gaze communication, and camera-enabled glasses, ending with seven practical questions before trials or purchases. 00:00 Assistive Tech Teaser 01:22 Ground Rules and Labels 03:03 Your Phone as Assistive Tech 05:44 Mobility and Gait Support 09:17 Hands and Work Setup 10:43 Brain Fog and Fatigue Tools 13:57 Heat and Bladder Planning 15:50 Smart Home and Communication 17:31 The Wow Shelf Tech 21:37 Seven Questions Before Buying 23:58 Wrap Up and Takeaways Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beewellwithms-podcast-by-dr-agne-straukiene--5762905/support.

  3. Aug 9

    Unpredictable MS Symptoms: Finding an Inner Anchor

    In this BeeWellWithMS podcast episode, the host reflects on an animated infographic listing many possible MS symptoms and the responses it sparked, including the feeling that “everyone thinks I’m okay” and the idea that an unpredictable body can reveal steady inner strength. The episode focuses on how one of the hardest parts of MS can be not knowing what version of your body you’ll wake up with, especially when changes aren’t visible to others. Rather than trying to “fix” the body, the host introduces mindfulness as a way to distinguish between symptoms and the struggle built around them, meeting what is present without fighting yourself. A short guided practice invites noticing the body, approaching sensations with curiosity and kindness, choosing where attention goes, and asking, “What do you need from me today?” 00:00 Welcome and the viral image 01:20 The hidden reality of MS 02:41 Mindfulness vs the struggle 04:21 Settle in for a short practice 07:25 Curiosity toward sensations 08:30 Kindness and shifting attention 10:05 Widen the lens beyond symptoms 11:20 Ask what you need today 13:03 Reflecting on fear vs curiosity 14:28 Closing thanks and invitation Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beewellwithms-podcast-by-dr-agne-straukiene--5762905/support.

  4. Aug 5

    Fampridine is NOW Available on the NHS in England | What People with MS Need to Know

    This is a landmark moment for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) in England. After many years of campaigning, fampridine (prolonged-release 4-aminopyridine) is now routinely available on the NHS for eligible people with MS-related walking difficulties. In this video I explain: ✅ Why this NHS decision is so important ✅ How fampridine actually works inside damaged nerves ✅ Why only some people respond to treatment ✅ What to expect during the NHS 2–4 week treatment trial ✅ Who can and cannot take fampridine ✅ Common side effects and important safety information ✅ What happens if you stop taking it ✅ The latest research on real-world benefits beyond walking Fampridine is not a disease-modifying treatment and it is not a cure for MS, but for some people it can make a meaningful difference to walking speed, confidence and day-to-day mobility. Because there is currently no test that predicts who will respond, the only way to know is through a carefully monitored treatment trial with your MS team. If you or someone you know has MS and walking has become more difficult, this video explains everything you need to know before discussing fampridine with your neurologist or MS nurse. Chapters 00:00 A long-awaited NHS change 01:10 What is fampridine? 02:25 How MS disrupts nerve signals 04:15 How fampridine works 06:05 Why some people respond—and others don't 08:45 The latest real-world evidence 10:40 NHS eligibility and treatment trial 13:00 Safety, contraindications and side effects 16:30 Taking fampridine correctly 18:15 What happens if treatment stops? 19:30 A realistic message of hope Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beewellwithms-podcast-by-dr-agne-straukiene--5762905/support.

  5. Jul 5

    How MS Treatments Work: The Immune System “Train” Explained + Why Monitoring Matters

    The episode explains MS treatments using a “train” analogy: immune cells travel toward the brain and spinal cord, and in multiple sclerosis some mistakenly attack myelin. Different therapies stop the process at different points by slowing new immune cell production, trapping cells in lymph nodes, blocking entry into the brain, or resetting parts of the immune system. It highlights that today’s treatments are highly effective at reducing relapses, preventing new MRI lesions, and slowing disability progression, but notes MS can still gradually progress even when relapses stop and scans look stable. The script emphasizes the need for new therapies targeting smouldering processes inside the brain and explains that regular blood monitoring helps ensure treatment remains safe, effective, and appropriate, encouraging viewers to subscribe to the Be Well with MS Podcast. 00:00 MS Treatments Explained 00:21 Stopping the Immune Train 00:36 How Effective Are DMTs 00:47 Progression Beyond Relapses 00:58 New Targets and Monitoring 01:14 Protecting the Brain Ahead 01:30 Subscribe and Goodbye Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beewellwithms-podcast-by-dr-agne-straukiene--5762905/support. This episode includes AI-generated content.

  6. May 30

    World MS Day: Letting Go of Guilt, Social Media Myths, and Practicing Self-Compassion

    World MS Day: Letting Go of Guilt, Social Media Myths, and Practicing Self-Compassion On World MS Day, Dr. Agne Straukiene hosts BeeWellwithMS and speaks with Helena, host of the MS Trust podcast, about the often-invisible burden of guilt and self-blame in multiple sclerosis. They discuss how people with MS may blame stress, lifestyle, diet, or effort for relapses and new lesions despite not knowing what causes MS, and how social media “cures,” restrictive wellness trends, and misinformation can worsen anxiety and costs. Helena shares her experience of stable years followed by new lesions, how documenting patterns, running, and seasonal awareness helped her manage MS symptoms, and how CBT tools (like addressing catastrophizing and the “worry tree”) improved sleep and self-talk. They emphasize balancing evidence-based MS treatment and disease modifying treatment with quality of life, using community support wisely, and remembering that healthy MS diet and exercises support wellbeing but don’t prevent every relapse or smoldering MS change. 00:00 World MS Day Intro 00:55 The Hidden Burden Guilt 01:47 Meet Helena and Set the Tone 02:47 Diagnosis and Searching for Causes 06:32 When New Lesions Trigger Blame 11:31 Tracking Patterns and Running 16:29 Lifestyle Helps Not Perfect Control 19:29 Optimization Culture and Food Guilt 21:27 Misinformation and Miracle Cures 26:03 CBT Tools for Anxiety 30:39 Community Connection and Reality Checks 37:05 Final Message Compassion Over Blame Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beewellwithms-podcast-by-dr-agne-straukiene--5762905/support.

  7. Mar 14

    Mindful Park Walk- Nature’s Healing Moments

    Dr Agne Straukiene films a mindful walk in Cockington Village park in Torquay, dedicating the video to people who struggle to get out due to mobility difficulties, such as wheelchair users without ramps. Agne invites viewers to spend a few minutes listening to birds, noticing spring, and appreciating nature’s beauty despite background sounds like toddlers. The walk includes stopping by a small cafe to enjoy water and ice cream while resting and regaining energy, reflecting on nature’s therapeutic power and the idea that life is beautiful but often overcomplicated. They point out a “princess tree,” observe bees working in the new season, share that pine trees are her favorite due to growing up by the Baltic Sea in Lithuania, and end with simple wellbeing tips: focus on breathing with two or three deep breaths and, if possible, go outside to explore nature. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beewellwithms-podcast-by-dr-agne-straukiene--5762905/support.

  8. Jan 25

    But you look well- When MS Is Invisible

    In this episode of the BeewellwithMS Podcast, Dr. Agne Straukiene, a neurologist, discusses the concept of 'invisible illness' in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) with Amy Thompson, founder of the MS Together charity. Amy shares her daily struggles with symptoms like fatigue, pain, and brain fog, which are often invisible to others. They also explore the importance of communication, self-advocacy, and the need for empathetic understanding from society. The episode dives into the challenges of living with an invisible disability, the necessity of realistic goal-setting, and leveraging technology for support. Finally, the discussion highlights the value of creating safe, inclusive spaces for young people with MS to connect and share their experiences. 00:00 Introduction to BeewellwithMS 00:48 Understanding Invisible Symptoms 04:42 Communicating Needs and Building Empathy 11:04 Managing Ambitions and Productivity 14:31 The Role of Technology and Flexible Goals 17:12 MS Together: Creating Safe Spaces 23:56 Final Thoughts and Reflections Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beewellwithms-podcast-by-dr-agne-straukiene--5762905/support.

    But you look well- When MS Is Invisible
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About

Welcome to the BeeWellWithMS Podcast, hosted by Dr. Agne Straukiene, a full-time neurologist with a special interest in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Our mission is to empower individuals living with MS, their families, and healthcare professionals with the latest knowledge, expert insights, and practical tools to enhance brain health and overall well-being.Through engaging conversations with leading experts, inspiring personal stories, and evidence-based lifestyle strategies, we explore a wide range of topics including MS management, new treatment guidelines, mental health, lifestyle optimization, and cutting-edge research. From understanding disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) to navigating pregnancy with MS or tackling smouldering MS, we aim to make the complex simple and accessible.Whether you’re looking for professional guidance, personal motivation, or a sense of community, the BeeWellWithMS Podcast is your trusted companion on the journey toward living well with MS. Join us as we bridge the gap between science and everyday life, fostering resilience, empowerment, and hope.🎧 Listen, learn, and thrive with BeeWellWithMS! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/beewellwithms-podcast-by-dr-agne-straukiene--5762905/support.

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