Ep 222 – Magnesium and sleep

In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson discusses infectious mononucleosis, a common viral illness that can present a surprisingly complex diagnostic and clinical challenge. Most often associated with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), infectious mononucleosis is particularly familiar in adolescents and young adults, where fever, pharyngitis, lymphadenopathy and fatigue can create a classic clinical picture. But recognising the syndrome is only the beginning. Similar presentations can occur with other infections, including acute HIV and cytomegalovirus, while complications such as airway obstruction and splenic rupture, although uncommon, require careful attention. Here, he explores how EBV infection presents, how to approach diagnosis and differential diagnosis, what evidence-based supportive management involves, and the key advice GPs should give patients about activity, recovery and potential complications.

In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson discusses illness anxiety disorder (IAD), a condition that presents unique challenges for both patients and healthcare professionals. Formerly known as hypochondriasis, IAD is characterised by a persistent fear of having or developing a serious medical illness despite appropriate evaluation and reassurance. These patients often present in primary care and specialist settings, frequently seeking answers for symptoms that may be minimal or entirely absent. Recognising the condition is important, as repeated investigations alone rarely alleviate distress and can contribute to unnecessary healthcare utilisation. This episode explores the clinical features, risk factors, diagnostic criteria, differential diagnosis and evidence-based management of IAD. It also discusses practical strategies for building therapeutic relationships and supporting these patients in a compassionate and effective manner.

In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson explores polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), a common but often underestimated inflammatory condition affecting older adults. Although many clinicians recognise the classic presentation of shoulder and hip girdle stiffness, PMR is far more than a simple musculoskeletal complaint. Its overlap with giant cell arteritis (GCA), the challenges of long-term steroid management and the importance of recognising red-flag symptoms make it a condition that requires careful clinical judgement. Join us as we walk through the typical patient presentation, discuss the underlying inflammatory mechanisms, review current diagnostic approaches and explore practical management strategies, including relapse prevention and steroid-sparing therapies.

In this episode, Dr Roger Henderson looks at a condition that many clinicians associate with pre-vaccine paediatrics, yet which still occurs: mumps. While its incidence has dramatically declined since the introduction of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, it has not disappeared. Here, we walk through why mumps still matters clinically, from its systemic viral nature and characteristic parotitis, to less obvious presentations like orchitis and aseptic meningitis. We also explore why vaccinated populations can still be affected, how diagnosis is confirmed in practice and what clinicians need to remember about public health reporting. Although usually self-limiting, mumps remains a notifiable disease with important implications for outbreak control and patient counselling in everyday clinical work.

In this episode, Dr Hannah Rosa discusses bacterial meningitis and meningococcal disease, with a focus on the NICE guideline that was published in 2024. She reviews how to recognise bacterial meningitis and meningococcal disease and answers the key question: when to give antibiotics outside of hospital? At the end of this episode, there is a chance to put the learning into a clinical context with some clinical scenarios.