Welcome to Queen Square In Focus, the podcast that examines the human side of healthcare treatment and medical insights.

Join us for this transformative podcast where engaging discussions with esteemed guests, including neurosurgeons and neurologists, intersect with the personal narratives of individuals undergoing treatment.

We bridge the gap between patients and the specialists treating them, addressing topics ranging from the complexities of tremors, Parkinson's disease, brain tumors, dementia and beyond.

Each episode puts the microscope on cutting-edge surgical techniques and advancements in diagnosis and treatment.

Queen Square In Focus - from the Queens Square Imaging Centre in London - is a podcast show that not only shares the profound knowledge and invaluable expertise of world-renowned professors, doctors, experts and consultants but also shines a light on the human side of healthcare through firsthand accounts of patient journeys, providing a compassionate touch to our conversations.

Queen Square in Focus introduces real patient stories and expert insight into the treatments that restore movement, confidence and independence. Each conversation highlights how MRI guided Focused Ultrasound, deep brain stimulation and advanced imaging techniques are helping patients regain hand control, eliminate tremor and understand genetic conditions with greater clarity. This podcast shows how clinical expertise and innovation at the Queen Square Institute of Neurology work together to deliver life changing outcomes.

What if brain surgery could be performed without ever opening the skull? In this episode, Professor Ludvic Zrinzo, Head of the UCL Functional Neurosurgery Unit, reveals how cutting-edge techniques like deep brain stimulation, radiofrequency ablation, and focused ultrasound are transforming treatment for Parkinson’s disease, tremor, dystonia, OCD, depression, and Tourette’s syndrome. He explains the evolution of minimally invasive brain surgery, the importance of multidisciplinary care, and how personalised approaches are improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

You’ll also hear how research funded by the NIHR and MRC is shaping the future of neurological treatment and why patient choice is vital as new therapies emerge.

Key Topics Covered:

• Professor Zrinzo’s journey into neurosurgery and early influences
• Evolution of functional neurosurgery and multidisciplinary teamwork
• How deep brain stimulation improves Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders
• The rise of radiofrequency ablation and its benefits for tremor and mental health
• Breakthroughs in focused ultrasound as a non-invasive treatment
• The balance between technology, patient care, and ethical responsibility
• Funding and international collaboration in neurosurgery research

Follow the Queen Square In Focus Podcast to hear from the world’s leading neuroscientists and clinicians transforming brain health through innovation, research, and patient care.

Key Moments:

0:00 - Professor Zrinzo’s journey to functional neurosurgery

02:46 - The influence of technology and teamwork in modern neurosurgery

05:14 - What functional neurosurgery treats and why it matters

08:58 - Personalised treatment for Parkinson’s disease

11:57 - Advancements in deep brain stimulation

19:00 - The role of radiofrequency ablation

22:31 - Focused ultrasound and the future of non-invasive brain treatment

27:52 - Research directions and patient choice

31:58 - Funding and international collaboration

Imagine living with a tremor so severe you can no longer hold a cup of coffee, paint, or write your name. In this moving episode of Queen Square in Focus, patient David shares his powerful story of transformation after years of struggling with essential tremor. Following failed medications and growing frustration, David discovered focused ultrasound treatment at Queen Square, a non-invasive, MRI-guided procedure that targets the part of the brain responsible for tremor. Within minutes of treatment, his hand steadiness returned, allowing him to regain confidence, independence, and quality of life.

Through David’s story, listeners learn how focused ultrasound is giving hope to thousands of people with movement disorders, offering a safer, incision-less alternative to brain surgery.

You’ll also hear how research funded by the NIHR and MRC is shaping the future of neurological treatment and why patient choice is vital as new therapies emerge.

Key Topics Covered:

• How essential tremor affects daily life, relationships and independence
• David’s medical journey and limited success with medication
• Discovery of focused ultrasound therapy at Queen Square
• How MRI-guided focused ultrasound works to treat tremor
• The immediate impact of treatment and long-term recovery
• Emotional and psychological transformation after treatment
• Queen Square’s pioneering role in non-invasive brain therapy

Follow the Queen Square In Focus Podcast to hear from the world’s leading neuroscientists and clinicians transforming brain health through innovation, research, and patient care.

Key Moments:

00:00 David's Initial Struggles with Essential Tremor

03:01 Impact on Daily Life and Hobbies

04:38 Medical Journey and Treatment Attempts

07:46 Discovery of Focused Ultrasound Treatment

09:57 Assessment and Decision to Proceed

13:40 The Procedure and Immediate Results

15:45 Post-Treatment Recovery and Impact on Daily Life

17:29 Final Reflections and Recommendations

What does it take to diagnose and treat complex neurological conditions in one of the world’s most respected centres for brain science? In this episode, Dr. Tabish Saifee, Consultant Neurologist at the Queen Square Institute of Neurology, reflects on his two-decade journey from junior doctor to consultant, sharing insights from his specialisation in movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, dystonia and essential tremor.

He explains why the art of neurology still relies on sharp clinical intuition, even as genetic testing and imaging technology advance at record pace. The conversation explores the historic Grand Round tradition at Queen Square, the evolution of genetic testing from single-gene analysis to whole genome sequencing, and how new research is paving the way for personalised neurological care.

Key Topics Covered:

• Dr Saifee’s 20-year journey at Queen Square
• The importance of clinical judgement in modern neurology
• How movement disorders like Parkinson’s and tremor are diagnosed
• The Grand Round tradition and its role in neurological education
• How genetic testing has revolutionised diagnosis and treatment
• The rise of clinical trials and personalised neurology
• Increasing prevalence of tremor and Parkinson’s across the UK and Europe
• Balancing general neurology with deep subspecialty expertise

Follow the Queen Square In Focus Podcast to hear from the world’s leading neuroscientists and clinicians transforming brain health through innovation, research, and patient care.

Key Moments:

00:00 – Dr Saifee’s journey to Queen Square and career path

01:44 – What a neurologist does and why general neurology still matters

03:19 – Identifying and diagnosing movement disorders

04:49 – The Grand Round tradition and its global legacy

07:05 – Advances in genetic testing and whole genome sequencing

09:51 – The role of clinical trials and electrophysiological testing

11:35 – How research is leading to personalised treatment

12:58 – Rising prevalence of tremor and Parkinson’s disease

14:26 – How neurology has evolved over the past 40 years

For more than 40 years, Tom lived with essential tremor that gradually took away his independence, confidence and ability to enjoy simple daily tasks. From struggling to cut food and use a computer to almost giving up singing in choirs, the condition shaped every part of his life. After medications failed and the tremor worsened, Tom discovered the Focused Ultrasound service at Queen Square.

In this episode of Queen Square in Focus, Tom and his wife Jenny share the honest reality of living with essential tremor, their decision to pursue treatment, and the extraordinary moment Tom’s tremor stopped in the treatment room. His story highlights how MRI guided Focused Ultrasound can offer safe, incisionless treatment that restores movement, dignity and independence.

Key Topics Covered:

• Tom’s early symptoms and essential tremor diagnosis
• How tremor affects daily tasks, confidence and social interactions
• Medication challenges and the need for alternative treatment
• Discovering Queen Square’s Focused Ultrasound service
• The assessment process and preparation for treatment
• How MRI guided Focused Ultrasound targets tremor at its source
• Immediate changes during the procedure
• Life after treatment and renewed independence
• The emotional impact on Tom and Jenny

Follow the Queen Square In Focus Podcast to hear from the world’s leading neuroscientists and clinicians transforming brain health through innovation, research, and patient care.

Key Moments:

00:00 Tom's Essential Tremor Diagnosis and Impact on Daily Life

03:45 Progression of Tom's Tremor and Its Effects

07:37 Exploring Treatment Options

09:45 The Focused Ultrasound Treatment Experience

14:43 Post-Treatment Life Changes

19:01 Tom's Reflection on the Treatment

What if a tremor that’s dominated your life could be treated without a single incision? In this episode, Dr Tabish Saifee and Professor Ludvic Zrinzo explain how focused ultrasound is transforming the treatment of essential tremor, a condition affecting up to five percent of the UK population. They outline the patient journey from diagnosis to treatment, explore how multidisciplinary teams decide on the best approach, and discuss how MRI-guided focused ultrasound compares with deep brain stimulation and radiofrequency ablation.

The conversation unpacks the science behind this incisionless procedure, why Queen Square achieves some of the lowest side-effect rates in the world, and how research is expanding to include Parkinson’s disease and mental health conditions.

Key Topics Covered:

• What essential tremor is and how it’s diagnosed
• How focused ultrasound works as a non-invasive brain treatment
• The multidisciplinary process of patient selection
• Differences between focused ultrasound, deep brain stimulation and radiofrequency ablation
• How the team achieves fewer side effects through precision targeting
• Future research into Parkinson’s disease and mental health applications
• The goal of NHS commissioning for wider patient access

Follow the Queen Square In Focus Podcast to hear from the world’s leading neuroscientists and clinicians transforming brain health through innovation, research, and patient care.

Key Moments:

00:00 – What essential tremor is and how it affects daily life

02:00 – How diagnosis is made and what GPs should know

03:25 – The role of the multidisciplinary team in treatment decisions

06:05 – How MRI-guided focused ultrasound works

10:33 – Balance testing and patient safety during surgery

11:14 – Why shaving the head matters for accuracy

13:25 – Step-by-step through the focused ultrasound procedure

15:08 – How neurologists assess tremor during treatment

16:37 – Why Queen Square’s targeting precision improves outcomes

17:36 – Long-term results and reduced side effects

20:48 – Expanding applications for Parkinson’s disease and mental health

23:16 – The push for NHS commissioning and research funding

25:43 – Real patient stories and life-changing results

Essential tremor gradually changed Andrew’s confidence, independence and daily routine. Writing became difficult, DIY jobs felt impossible and even choosing a meal in a restaurant required planning. Medication offered limited relief and his symptoms continued to worsen. A chance magazine article led him to the Focused Ultrasound service at Queen Square where a detailed assessment confirmed he was suitable for an incision free, MRI guided treatment that targets the exact part of the brain responsible for tremor.

In this episode of Queen Square in Focus, Andrew describes the full experience, from the first signs of tremor to the moment his hand steadiness returned instantly in the treatment room. His story highlights how non-invasive treatment can restore function, improve confidence and help people return to work, hobbies and everyday life without the limitations of tremor.

Key Topics Covered:

• How essential tremor affected Andrew’s confidence, writing and daily tasks
• Early symptoms and gradual progression of the condition
• Limited benefit from propranolol and the search for alternative options
• Discovering Focused Ultrasound treatment at Queen Square
• The assessment process with neurologists and neurosurgeons
• How MRI guided Focused Ultrasound works for tremor
• The procedure and Andrew’s instant improvement
• The impact on work, independence and quality of life
• Advice for others considering treatment for essential tremor

Follow the Queen Square In Focus Podcast to hear from the world’s leading neuroscientists and clinicians transforming brain health through innovation, research, and patient care.

Key Moments:

00:00 Andrew's Experience with Essential Tremor

02:05 Impact of Essential Tremor on Daily Life

03:45 Medical Treatment and Initial Disappointment

05:15 Exploration of New Treatment Options

07:05 The Treatment Experience

08:37 Post-Treatment Impact and Improved Quality of Life

10:25 Conclusion and Encouragement for Others