Neurology® Podcast

Dr. Ahmad Nehme, a neurologist and PhD student at Oxford University, dives into the intricate world of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy-related Inflammation (CAA-RI) and biopsy-positive Primary Angiitis of the CNS. He explores the challenges in diagnosing these conditions, emphasizing key imaging features and clinical symptoms like headaches and cognitive impairments. The discussion highlights a study revealing significant differences in CSF analysis and imaging markers, underlining the need for personalized treatment and ongoing research in these rare neurological diseases.

In the concluding segment of this two-part series, Dr. Justin Abbatemarco talks with Dr. Jennifer L. Orthmann-Murphy about genetic leukodystrophies and the increasing recognition of these disorders in adult neurology, the importance of genetic testing, and the evolving treatment landscape.  Read the related articles in Neurology and CHS Perspectives.  Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org.

In the first part of this two-part series, Dr. Justin Abbatemarco talks with Dr. Jennifer L. Orthmann-Murphy about a practical approach to genetic leukodystrophies, focusing on the importance of genetic testing, identifying red flags in patients, and navigating the complexities of hereditary spastic paraplegia. Read the related articles in Neurology and CHS Perspectives. Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org.

The November 2024 replay features four episodes dedicated to brain health. It kicks off with an interview with Dr. Nicoline Schiess, who discusses the World Health Organization (WHO) Brain Health Unit. Next, Dr. Katrin Seeher delves into the global burden of neurological conditions and the WHO’s strategies to enhance care and awareness. The third segment features Dr. Natalia Rost who introduces and highlights the American Academy of Neurology’s (AAN) groundbreaking brain health initiative. The episode wraps up with Dr. Rost again, who returns to give an update and emphasize the urgency of addressing brain health amidst public health challenges. Podcast Links: WHO Brain Health Unit Global Burden of Neurologic Conditions Brain Health Initiative with Dr. Natalia Rost Update on Brain Health with Dr. Natalia Rost Article Links: Global, regional, and national burden of disorders affecting the nervous system, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 The Brain Health Imperative in the 21st Century—A Call to Action AAN Brain Health Initiative Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org.

Dr. Marius Ringelstein, a neurologist from Heinrich Heine University specializing in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD), and Dr. Ilya Ayzenberg from Rory University discuss the use of Eculizumab in treating NMOSD. They emphasize the drug's effectiveness and safety, particularly concerning vaccination against meningococcal infections for patients. The conversation highlights vaccination protocols and the timing of treatments, as well as the promising alternative of Ravulizumab for less frequent dosing. Practical insights shape their review of patient-centered care.

Messoud Ashina, Director of the Human Migraine Research Unit in Copenhagen, and Andrea Cipriani, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Oxford, dive into the complexities of treating migraine. They discuss licensed drug interventions for acute migraine management, highlighting challenges in current treatments and the need for patient input. They tackle the efficacy of both traditional and new medications, emphasizing the importance of tailoring treatments to individual needs, and the critical role of neurologists in improving patient outcomes.

Dr. Clifford R. Jack Jr, a leading Alzheimer's disease researcher from the Mayo Clinic, shares cutting-edge insights into diagnosing and staging Alzheimer’s disease. The discussion highlights the pivotal role of biomarkers, moving beyond traditional dementia symptoms. Jack emphasizes the classification of core biomarkers related to A-beta and tau proteins, advocating for their use in early intervention. He also outlines future directions that blend clinical practice with scientific advancement, aiming for improved patient care and treatment outcomes.

Dr. Gordon Smith talks with Dr. Whitley Aamodt about end-of-life care for patients with neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on healthcare utilization, hospice enrollment, and the importance of early conversations about care preferences. Read the related article in Neurology. Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org.

Dr. Oumaima Aboubakr, a neuro-oncologist specializing in primary CNS lymphoma and epilepsy, shares vital insights on the surprising prevalence of seizures in these patients, noting that 25% experience them. She discusses how seizures can signal tumor activity and impact disease progression and prognosis. Aboubakr emphasizes the need for careful monitoring and adaptable treatment plans to manage seizure activity effectively. Her analysis urges healthcare professionals to deepen their understanding of seizure risks associated with CNS lymphoma.

In the final part of this three-part series, Dr. Stacey Clardy talks with Drs. Elisabeth Bik and Matthew Schrag about the challenges posed by AI in generating fraudulent research, the importance of cultural solutions to uphold scientific integrity, and the need for modernized data management practices in research. Read the related article in Undark.  Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org.