In this episode of Centered Presents: The Future of Health, Dr. Molly Brown sits down with Stanford neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Lim to explore the complexity of treating brain tumors, severe facial pain, and the patients who often fall between specialties. Together, they unpack conditions like glioblastoma and trigeminal neuralgia, looking at how careful clinical judgment can shape the path to real relief.

Dr. Lim explains the hallmark symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia, the possible mechanisms behind it, and why some cases respond dramatically to surgery while others are far more difficult to trace. The conversation broadens into a deeper look at pain itself, highlighting the need for a truly multidisciplinary model that considers structural, neurological, psychological, and systemic factors rather than reducing symptoms to a single cause.

This episode also touches on the future of brain health through research, telehealth, immunotherapy, and the growing understanding of how lifestyle, environment, and coordinated care all influence long-term outcomes. It is a thoughtful conversation about what it means to treat complex conditions with both precision and perspective.

00:00 Meet Dr Michael Lim

00:38 Neurosurgery Focus Areas

02:13 Trigeminal Neuralgia Explained

03:10 Who Qualifies For Care

05:32 Symptoms And Diagnosis

06:41 Microvascular Decompression

09:13 Lifestyle And Triggers

11:03 Dental And Trauma Links

12:25 Glioblastoma Overview

13:18 Cancer Risk Factors

15:41 Radiation And Cell Phones

17:56 Multidisciplinary Pain Care

22:05 Research And Immunology

24:40 MS And Autoimmune Links

26:23 Empowerment After Relief

29:09 Telehealth And Care Networks

32:46 Brain Health Prevention

36:22 Longevity And Aging Science

38:20 Daily Habits That Help

40:15 Future Of Precision Medicine

42:21 Closing Thoughts And Thanks