How to Use a Fork - The Science & Humanity of Neurorehabilitation
Consultant neurologist and author Orlando Swayne discusses his book How to Use a Fork, exploring the science and humanity of neurorehabilitation. Through remarkable patient stories, he examines brain plasticity, recovery after stroke and acquired brain injury, the importance of multidisciplinary care, and why meaningful recovery can continue long after conventional timelines suggest.
11 Mar 2026
Training the leaders of tomorrow: why ABN clinical fellowships matter for the future of neurology
In this episode of the ACNR podcast, Rachael Hansford speaks with Neil Robertson, President of the Association of British Neurologists, about the workforce pressures facing UK neurology and how ABN clinical fellowships aim to support the next generation of leaders.
1 Dec 2025
Working Less Than Full Time - An update
In 2020, trainee neurologists Amy Ross Russell and Rhian Raftopoulos wrote for ACNR on "Working less than full time – trainee experience, and top tips".
Five years later, they are both consultants. In this podcast, they talk more about their experiences and why they are such advocates for working less than full time.
29 Aug 2025
Unlocking the Mysteries of Sleep with Professor Guy Leschziner
Unlocking the Mysteries of Sleep with Professor Guy Leschziner
Host: Rachael Hansford, ACNR Publisher
Guest: Professor Guy Leschziner
Episode Length: Approximately 29 minutes
Publication Date: 7 July 2025
Episode Overview
Professor Guy Leschziner, a leading figure in sleep medicine, discusses the evolving landscape of sleep-related disorders. Despite increased awareness and research linking sleep to various neurological conditions, there remains a lack of comprehensive training in this field for medical professionals. Leschziner highlights the importance of proper diagnosis and judicious referrals to sleep clinics, emphasizing that excessive daytime sleepiness can often indicate an underlying issue beyond insomnia. He notes the positive trend of growing interest and multidisciplinary involvement in sleep medicine, while also advocating for a more holistic approach to patient care within the current healthcare system constraints.
This podcast provides valuable insights for neurologists, sleep medicine practitioners, and healthcare professionals interested in understanding the current landscape and future directions of sleep medicine.
Guest Bio
Professor Guy Leschziner is a Professor of Neurology and Sleep Medicine at Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospital, working between the Department of Neurology and the Sleep Disorder Centre. He is a recognised expert in sleep medicine and author of multiple books on the subject, including "The Nocturnal Brain" and his latest work "Seven Deadly Sins: The Biology of Being Human."
Key Topics with Timestamps
Introduction & Background
[00:01-00:30] Introduction and Professor Leschziner's role at Guy's and St. Thomas'
Medical Education & Training Challenges
[00:30-01:25] ABN conference talk on managing sleep disorders for general neurologists
[01:37-02:33] Lack of sleep medicine training in medical education historically
[02:17] Growing research appreciation for sleep's importance in neurological health
Clinical Approach & Referral Guidelines
[02:45-03:38] Diagnostic approaches for different sleep disorders (insomnia, narcolepsy, parasomnias)
[03:45-05:52] When GPs should refer patients to sleep clinics
[04:29] Key warning sign: "If somebody is excessively sleepy during the day"
Evolution of Sleep Medicine
[06:13-08:47] Changes in neurological awareness of sleep medicine over recent years
[07:23] Sleep medicine now recognised as multidisciplinary field
[10:23-11:03] Coverage of sleep topics in medical conferences
Personal Journey & Motivation
[08:55-10:14] Professor Leschziner's path into sleep medicine
Clinical Practice Evolution
[11:03-12:45] Holistic patient evaluation and the need for adequate consultation time
[12:56-14:20] Patient collaboration in research and public engagement
COVID-19 Impact
[14:31-16:15] Changes in consultation models (remote vs. face-to-face)
[16:24-17:58] Increased referrals for post-viral fatigue and Long COVID-related sleep disturbances
Genetics & Sleep
[18:13-19:47] Genetic determinants of sleep patterns and disorders
[18:32] Genetics influence chronotype, sleep requirements, and disease risk
[19:00] Gene-environment interactions in sleep disorders
Technology & Sleep Tracking
[19:47-21:46] Benefits and limitations of sleep tracking devices
[20:12] Caution against sleep trackers for insomnia patients
[21:09] Value of objective sleep data in longitudinal research studies
Recent Research & Future Developments
[22:06-23:45] Closed-loop auditory stimulation and sleep architecture manipulation
[23:08-24:26] Revolutionary new treatments for narcolepsy using hypocretin/orexin agonists
[24:14-24:18] Timeline: "Within the next three to five years"
Clinical Assessment Process
[24:41-28:11] Comprehensive overview of sleep clinic diagnostic approach
[25:02] Three main categories: insomnia, hypersomnia, and parasomnias
[27:33] Various diagnostic tests including MSLT (Multiple Sleep Latency Test)
Latest Publication
[28:21-29:04] New book: "Seven Deadly Sins: The Biology of Being Human"
[28:25] Explores neuroscience of behaviour and free will through patient stories
Key Quotes
"Sleep intersects with pretty much every aspect of neurology" - [11:03]
"We are slaves to our genes, but we're also slaves to our environment" - [19:32]
"We are very poor witnesses to our own sleep" - [21:20]
Notable Insights
Training Gap: Significant lack of sleep medicine education in medical training despite its importance
Referral Criteria: Excessive daytime sleepiness is a key indicator that distinguishes other sleep disorders from insomnia
Multidisciplinary Growth: Sleep medicine has evolved from respiratory-physician-only field to multidisciplinary specialty
Technology Caution: Sleep trackers can be counterproductive for insomnia patients
Future Treatments: Hypocretin/orexin agonists may revolutionize narcolepsy treatment within 3-5 years
Resources Mentioned
ABN (Association of British Neurologists) Sleep Specialist Interest Group
ACNR Sleep Series articles (https://acnr.co.uk/article-category/sleep/) (since 2016), edited by Kirsty Anderson
Professor Leschziner's books: "The Nocturnal Brain (https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250202710/thenocturnalbrain/)" and "Seven Deadly Sins (https://read.macmillan.com/lp/seven-deadly-sins-9781250288813/)"
Contact Information
ACNR (Advances in Clinical Neuroscience & Rehabilitation)
Website: ACNR.co.uk (https://acnr.co.uk/)
Online Community: forums.acnr.co.uk (https://forums.acnr.co.uk/)
Social Media: Follow @ACNR on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/acnr-journal), X (https://twitter.com/ACNRjournal), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ACNRjournal), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/acnrjournal)
2 Jun 2025
Handing over the baton - taking the ABN forward
Host Rachael Hansford interviews outgoing ABN President Richard Davenport and incoming President Neil Robertson about the challenges and future direction of the Association of British Neurologists.
28 Feb 2025
From tap-dancing to visionary science: In conversation with Neuro-ophthalmologist Gordon Plant
In this interview, Sri Kodali speaks to Dr Gordon Plant about his career and what retirement looks like for him. Find a transcript here (https://bit.ly/439nkCK).
Guest Information
Dr Gordon Terence Plant MA MD FRCP FRCOphth trained in Neurology at the National Hospital, Queen Square, London, in Vision Science supported by the Wellcome Trust in Cambridge and as an MRC Travelling Fellow at the Smith Kettlewell Institute in San Francisco, where he attended clinics with Bill Hoyt. He was appointed consultant to The National, St Thomas’ and Moorfields in 1991. He is a passionate believer in the need for physicians specialising in eye disorders and as Training Programme Director initiated the first Medical Ophthalmology rotation in London.
He retired from clinical practice in 2020 but remains active in research and teaching.
Key Discussion Points:
Early Influences and Scientific Curiosity (1:00-2:00)
Dr Plant's initial interest in science, sparked by a love for biology and animals in primary school.
The surprising ambition to be a part-time tap dancer!
The decision to pursue medical sciences at Cambridge, driven by practical financial considerations rather than purely altruistic motives.
Navigating Physiology and Finding Vision (2:00-4:00)
Initial interest in physiology, but disillusionment with animal work.
The pivotal connection between physiology and psychology at Cambridge, leading to an interest in human studies and vision science.
Key figures like Horace Barlow, Colin Blakemore, and John Robson and their influence on Dr Plant's path.
Combining Neurology, Ophthalmology, and Research (4:00-6:00)
Training in neurology while maintaining a focus on vision.
Volunteering at Moorfields Eye Hospital to gain experience in ophthalmology.
Research on optic neuritis, utilising visual evoked potentials and the then-new pattern ERG.
Overcoming Training Hurdles (6:00-8:00)
Challenges in navigating the non-linear training system of the time.
Persistence in pursuing opportunities despite setbacks and being "forgotten" after time away.
The importance of mentors like Ross Russell in solidifying the decision to combine neurology and vision.
Mentorship and Inspiration (8:00-10:00)
The influence of Ross Russell's teaching and approach to problem-solving.
Early exposure to fascinating eye cases during an SHO position, reinforcing the potential of combining neurology and vision.
Contrasting the surgical focus of ophthalmology at the time with the appeal of a neurological approach.
Early Research Experiences (10:00-11:00)
Animal research experience during medical school, contrasting with later preference for human studies.
The significance of seizing opportunities and creating one's own path in vision science.
Patient-Led Research and Career Progression (11:00-13:00)
The transition from training to consultant and the initial desire to work in America.
Securing a research fellowship at the Smith-Kettlewell Institute in San Francisco.
A Transformative Year in San Francisco (13:00-16:00)
The stark contrast between the research environment in a private institute versus a university department.
The "can-do" attitude and collaborative spirit at the Smith-Kettlewell Institute.
Research on motion perception and the challenges of finding patients with specific deficits.
Consultant Life and Continued Research (16:00-17:00)
Returning as a consultant and balancing clinical work with ongoing research.
The shift in research approach when working with PhD students, requiring a different kind of guidance and flexibility.
Dealing with unpublished research due to student limitations and time constraints.
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Open access content online at https://acnr.co.uk/ (https://acnr.co.uk/)
19 Jul 2024
ABN interviews: Emily Linnemann, ABN Executive Director
Interview with Emily Linnemann, Executive Director of the ABN
Host: Rachael Hansford, ACNR Publisher
Guest: Emily Linnemann, Executive Director of the Association of British Neurologists (ABN)
Episode Overview:
In this short interview recorded at the ABN conference in Edinburgh at the end of May, Rachael Hansford interviews Emily Linnemann. Emily has recently taken on the role of Executive Director at the Association of British
Neurologists (ABN).
Join us for a conversation that explores the future of the ABN, the importance of community, and the impact of climate change on neurological health.
5 Jun 2023
The genesis of a joint meeting - Richard Davenport and Mary Reilly
ABN President Richard Davenport and former President Mary Reilly discuss the origins of a joint ABN/INA meeting and its impact on the neurology community.
5 Jun 2023
INA/ABN Presidents chat - Tom Warner, Richard Davenport and Raeburn Forbes
Raeburn Forbes is President of the Irish Neurological Association. In this podcast he has a candid discussion with ABN Presidents Tom Warner and Richard Davenport about this first-ever joint meeting of the INA and ABN. The trio discuss their anxieties about how to ensure the conference was a success.
5 Jun 2023
ABN Presidents podcast - Tom Warner and Richard Davenport
ACNR caught up with ABN President Tom Warner and President Elect Richard Davenport as Tom prepared to hand over the reins at the recent ABN annual conference in Belfast. In this five minute chat, they discuss the past two years, what excited them about this year's ABN meeting, and what the future holds for neurology in the UK.
25 Nov 2022
Episode 2: Roger Barker
Sri Kodali interviews Roger Barker about his life and work to date.
Read the transcript (https://acnr.co.uk/download/23350/?tmstv=1669405776) here.
28 Jun 2021
The creation of ACNR - an interview with Roger Barker and Rachael Hansford
2021 marks the 20th year of publishing ACNR (Advances in Clinical Neuroscience & Rehabilitation).
It's not a typical journal publishing story. In 1999, Rachael had an idea for a free neurology publication and after a personal recommendation, travelled from Edinburgh to discuss the idea with Roger in his Cambridge office. On that day they generated ideas for the first issue, came up with the name - and ACNR was born.
Join us for this first ACNR podcast, as Neurology Registrar Srikirti Kodali talks to founding editor Roger and publisher Rachael to find out more.
Visit www.acnr.com
Email: Rachael@acnr.co.uk for any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes.
This show is brought to you by ACNR, you can follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin and Instagram. Hosted by Srikirti Kodali @DrSri_K
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Podcast Authority Score: 30 / 100
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Engagement
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