Neurology® Podcast

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.

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.