The Neurological Disorder Podcast
The Neurological Disorder Podcast is hosted by Yale University freshman Mridula Bharathi, a young changemaker and advocate for neurological disorders. In this podcast, she interviews people who are affected by neurological diseases, and they share their inspiring stories as a fighter of the disorder. She also talks with doctors and surgeons who are experts on these disorders, researchers who are working to find cures for them, and more! Through this podcast, she hopes to spread awareness for these neurological conditions so more people can stay informed, look out for early signs of these sometimes debilitating conditions, and be involved in creating a change, through legislative advocacy and community awareness, to improve care for everyone impacted by neurological diseases.
The Neurological Disorder Podcast
29. Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS) ft. Lauren Junge
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What happens when your own immune system prevents your nerves from properly communicating with your muscles?
This week's episode features my conversation with Lauren Junge, one of the youngest individuals in the United States to be diagnosed with Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS). Beyond navigating life with this rare neurological condition, Lauren is a college student, researcher, ambassador for rare disease organizations, and founder of a campus club dedicated to raising awareness for rare diseases.
To begin, Lauren explains the fascinating biology behind LEMS. She also shares why childhood-onset LEMS is extraordinarily uncommon and how it differs from similar conditions, such as myasthenia gravis. We also discuss many of the symptoms patients experience, and she shares her perspective on where research in the field is headed and what advances she hopes to see in the future.
Beyond the science, Lauren reflects on growing up with a rare disease, the everyday moments that made her feel different from her peers, and the small acts of kindness and inclusion that had a lasting impact on her. We also discuss how her experiences inspired her to pursue a career in pediatric neurology and create a student organization dedicated to supporting individuals living with rare conditions.
Lauren's story is both educational and inspiring, and I hope this conversation offers a greater understanding of LEMS and how we, as a community, can help support those living with rare neurological disorders.
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Feel free to contact me via:
Email: neurologicaldisorderpodcast@gmail.com
Instagram: @neurologicaldisorderpodcast
Resources:
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23202-lambert-eaton-myasthenic-syndrome-lems
- https://rarediseases.org/