In this episode of the NCS Podcast Hot Topics series, host Richard Choi, DO, FNCS, speaks with Katharina Busl, MD, MS, FNCS, division chief of neurocritical care at the University of Florida and assistant editor for Neurocritical Care journal. They explore new research on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) clearance after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

They also discuss the study Prospective Trial of Cerebrospinal Fluid Filtration After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: The Lumbar Catheter Extension (PILLAR XT) Trial, which evaluates a dual-lumen intrathecal catheter designed to filter CSF and accelerate removal of red blood cells and inflammatory byproducts. Their conversation highlights the rationale behind CSF drainage, how prior work like the Early Drain trial shaped the field, and what this early-phase device trial reveals about feasibility, safety, and reductions in CSF RBC and protein levels. Dr. Bussel and Dr. Choi also touch on implementation challenges and the need for larger trials before this approach can move into broader clinical use.

The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

In this episode of the NCS Podcast Masterclass series, hosts Jon Rosenberg, MD, and Stephan Mayer, MD, speak with Jamie Odell, MD, assistant professor of neurocritical care and emergency medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Together, they explore paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity – how it develops after brain injury, why symptoms differ among patients and what current research suggests about its underlying neural networks.

Dr. Odell offers practical guidance on recognizing patterns, avoiding anchoring bias and distinguishing PSH from other causes of instability. The conversation also covers common treatment approaches, scoring tools used at the bedside and areas of ongoing study.

The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

In this episode of the NCS Podcast Perspectives series, Nicholas Morris, MD, speaks with Werner Hacke, MD, PhD, DSc (hon. mult.), FAHA, FESC, senior professor of neurology at Heidelberg University and a major leader in vascular neurology and neurocritical care. Professor Hacke reflects on his path from psychiatry and psychology to helping establish Germany's early neurological intensive care units and advancing modern acute stroke care. He discusses his contributions to thrombolytics, intra-arterial therapy and the DESTINY trials in decompressive surgery.

Professor Hacke also shares perspectives on the evolution of neurocritical care training in Europe, ethical challenges in randomized trials and the importance of collaboration among neurology, neurosurgery and neuroradiology. He touches on individualized decision making, standard-of-care gaps and the ongoing need for progress in hemorrhagic stroke research.

The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.