Rhys Haas, a neurology fellow at the Mayo Clinic, dives into the fascinating world of cough from a neurological perspective. He discusses the neuroanatomy of the cough reflex and its unexpected ties to pain mechanisms. Haas sheds light on chronic neurogenic cough, particularly in conditions like CANVAS and long COVID. He also explores innovative treatment strategies, including new medications and the effects of vagus nerve stimulation. This engaging conversation uncovers the intricate connections between coughing and neurology that could reshape clinical approaches.

Dr. Justin Abbatemarco talks with Drs. Claire J. Creutzfeldt and Robert G. Holloway about the concept of medical forecasting, its importance in clinical practice, and the skills necessary for effective prognostication. Read the related article in JAMA.   Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org.

Dr. Vikram Karnik talks with Dr. Kate Wyman-Chick about distinguishing prodromal dementia with Lewy bodies from prodromal Alzheimer disease, the importance of early diagnosis, and the implications for clinical practice. Read the related article in Neurology: Clinical Practice. Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org.

Dr. Stacey Clardy talks with Dr. Bhooma Aravamuthan about the modern definition of cerebral palsy, the philosophical implications of diagnostic labels, and the need for clarity in clinical practice. Read the related article in Neurology: Clinical Practice.  Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org.

The December 2024 replay wraps up the year with five previously posted episodes on autoimmune neurology. The episode begins with Drs. Michael R. Wilson and John Pluvinage discussing transcobalamin antibodies. The episode leads into an interview with Dr. Andrew McKeon, who talks about paraneoplastic CAMKV autoimmune encephalitis. In the third episode, Dr. Maarten Titulaer discusses long-term outcomes and rehab in NMDAR encephalitis. The episode continues with Prof. Zsolt Illes discussing the mortality of patients with AQP4 antibody–seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder compared with that in the general population. In the final episode, Drs. Marius Ringelstein and Ilya Ayzenberg discuss the effectiveness and safety of Eculizumab in routine clinical care. Podcast Links: Transcobalamin receptor Antibodies in Autoimmune Vitamin B12 Central Deficiency  Paraneoplastic CAMKV Autoimmune Encephalitis Long-Term Outcomes and Rehabilitation in Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis Mortality in a Danish NMO Cohort Eculizumab Use in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders Article Links: Transcobalamin Receptor Antibodies in Autoimmune Vitamin B12 Central Deficiency  Paraneoplastic Calmodulin Kinase-Like Vesicle-Associated Protein (CAMKV) Autoimmune Encephalitis  Long-Term Cognitive, Functional, and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Patients With Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis  Mortality of the Danish Nationwide AQP4 Antibody-Seropositive Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Patient Cohort  Eculizumab Use in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders: Routine Clinical Care Data From a European Cohort Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org.

Dr. Vineet Punia, a neurologist at the Cleveland Clinic specializing in anti-seizure medication research, joins to discuss the complexities surrounding acute symptomatic seizures. He highlights how the prescribing practices vary and often don’t lead to improved outcomes for patients at discharge. The conversation delves into the impact of seizure type, brain injury causes, and the role of continuous EEG monitoring. Punia emphasizes the need for personalized treatment plans and the emotional challenges caregivers face in managing these patients.

Dr. Stacey Clardy talks with Dr. Catherine Albin about the key features of educational social media posts, strategies for creating impactful content, the importance of visual appeal, and the role of community engagement in neurology education. Read the related article in Neurology: Education.  Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org.

Dr. Maarten Titulaer, an Associate Professor of Neurology specializing in anti-NMDAR encephalitis, shares insights into the long-term outcomes for patients facing this challenging condition. He discusses the variability in recovery times, with some improving in six months while others may struggle for years. The conversation highlights the importance of CSF testing for accurate diagnosis and emphasizes the need for personalized rehabilitation strategies involving multidisciplinary teams. Titulaer also distinguishes this encephalitis from other neuroimmune disorders, shedding light on its unique challenges.

Dr. Elias Sotirchos, a neuroimmunologist at Johns Hopkins, discusses the complex relationship between myelitis and rheumatologic diseases. He highlights the prevalence of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in inflammatory myelopathy cases and the critical role of autoantibody identification in diagnosis. The conversation also delves into the challenges of diagnosing rare neurological conditions and the importance of using advanced imaging and serological tests. Throughout, Sotirchos emphasizes the need for tailored testing strategies and clear communication among healthcare providers.

Dr. Gregg Day talks with Dr. Kathryn T. Hall about the complexities of the placebo effect, its variability among patients, and the genetic factors that influence responses to placebo treatments.  Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org.