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For this episode of “Ask the Expert: Research Edition,” Krissy Dilger of SRNA was joined by Dr. Michael Levy. Dr. Levy gave an explanation of MOG antibody disease (MOGAD) and an overview of CosMOG, an ongoing clinical trial of rozanolixizumab for MOGAD treatment. He shared details about safety issues, the design of the trial, inclusion criteria, and where someone could learn more about the trial and participation.

Krissy Dilger of SRNA was joined by Dr. Benjamin Osborne for an “Ask the Expert” podcast on "What to Expect Living with NMOSD and MOGAD Long-Term." Dr. Osborne began by explaining treatments available for both neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and MOG antibody disease (MOGAD). He discussed how he as a clinician evaluates a treatment and under which conditions he would recommend a person change or end long-term therapies. Finally, Dr. Osborne provided information on how a symptom differs from a medication side effect and suggested supplements and lifestyle practices that may improve long-term quality of life.

The “Community Spotlight” edition of the “Ask the Expert” podcast series shares the stories of our community members. For this episode, Paul Turner joined Dr. GG deFiebre of SRNA to talk about his experience with transverse myelitis (TM). They discussed his initial symptoms and diagnosis, rehabilitation, treatment, and goals.

The “Community Spotlight” edition of the “Ask the Expert” podcast series shares the stories of our community members. For this episode, Melanie Flood joined Krissy Dilger of SRNA to talk about her experience with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) with Sjögren's syndrome. They discussed her initial symptoms and diagnosis, treatments, rehabilitation, and life today.

For this episode of “Ask the Expert: Research Edition,” Rebecca Whitney of SRNA was joined by Dr. Michael Levy. Dr. Levy gave a brief overview of one of his recent papers with colleagues that was featured in Frontiers in Neurology, “COVID-19 and the risk of CNS demyelinating diseases: A systematic review.” For this paper, the authors reviewed literature published in English on different platforms around the world where the diagnosis was confirmed usually with aquaporin-4 or MOG antibody testing, including children and adults. They examined whether Covid infections cause inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating diseases, including multiple sclerosis, NMOSD, MOG antibody disease, or relapses, and at what rate. You can view the paper here: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2022.970383/full

Krissy Dilger of SRNA was joined by Megan Weigel, DNP, 200RYT for an “Ask the Expert” podcast titled “What do we know about holistic therapies to manage symptoms of rare neuroimmune disorders?” Megan began by introducing holistic therapies and integrative medicine. Next, she explained where medical providers can locate information regarding supplements, their interactions with medication, and evidence in medical publications. She described how holistic therapies such as nutrition, mindfulness, yoga, chiropractic care, and acupressure may benefit rare neuroimmune disorders. Megan also emphasized the importance of working with properly educated and licensed providers. Finally, she recommended resources for those who are curious to learn more about these topics.

Krissy Dilger of SRNA was joined by Dr. Mitzi Joi Williams for an “Ask the Expert” podcast on "Health Disparities and Rare Neuroimmune Disorders.” Dr. Williams began by defining health disparities, individual health, and population health. Next, she explained the importance of social determinants of health. She discussed the ways in which economic, social, and environmental factors impact health and how marginalized populations are traditionally most impacted by disparities. Finally, Dr. Williams shared recommendations for health care providers and advocacy organizations to address or mitigate the impact of some of these health disparities and actively help to bridge these gaps.

Dr. GG deFiebre of SRNA was joined by Dr. Benjamin Greenberg for an “Ask the Expert” podcast episode titled, “Immunology of Rare Neuroimmune Disorders Part 3.” Dr. Greenberg began by explaining repair versus recovery in the spinal cord, the brain, and the optic nerves. He discussed how the body naturally remakes myelin and current research on astrocytic scars. He also summarized how an MRI may not correlate with how much function returns. Finally, Dr. Greenberg provided information on ongoing research on repair and stem cells, as well as the risks of stem cell clinics.

Dr. GG deFiebre of SRNA was joined by Andrea Mitchell of the MOG Project for an “Ask the Expert” podcast on "Air Travel with a Disability: Blind and Guide Dog Travel." Andrea began by providing suggestions on how to prepare for a trip and notify an airline about travel with a guide dog. She detailed how to maneuver through security while never separating from the dog, the rights of passengers who have disabilities through the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), and resources available from TSA Cares staff and airlines’ Complaint Resolution Officials (CRO). Finally, Andrea described utilizing relief areas at airports, the process of boarding an airplane, flying with a guide dog, and getting off of an airplane. Helpful resources: https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/passengers-disabilities https://www.guidedog.org/GD/caresupport/TravelTips.aspx https://www.seeingeye.org/blog/tips_for_traveling_by_air_with_a_guide_dog.html

In Part 7 of our Q&A series, Dr. Benjamin M. Greenberg, member of SRNA’s Board of Directors and SRNA’s Medical and Scientific Council, discussed COVID-19 vaccinations and the implications for those with rare neuroimmune disorders.

Dr. GG deFiebre of SRNA was joined by Drs. Amy Rosenfeld, Sarah Hopkins, and Katie Lockwood for an Ask the Expert podcast episode titled “An Update on Poliomyelitis.” The experts began by providing an overview of poliovirus and how it causes poliomyelitis. They also discussed the major symptoms of poliomyelitis, the two types of poliovirus vaccines, and how poliomyelitis differs from acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) and transverse myelitis (TM). Finally, the experts gave general recommendations about these vaccines for people who have neuroimmune disorders or who are on immunosuppression.

Krissy Dilger of SRNA hosted this Ask the Expert podcast on "Immunology of Rare Neuroimmune Disorders Part 2" with experts Dr. Alex Simpson and Dr. Paula Barreras. The experts provided information on how the immune system interacts with the neurological system to cause rare neuroimmune disorders. They described each of these conditions and how different treatments impact the immune system. Finally, the experts talked about long-term issues related to immune-mediated diseases, including relapses, vaccinations, pregnancy and family planning, and genetic components.

Dr. GG deFiebre of SRNA was joined by Dr. Philippe-Antoine Bilodeau and Dr. Anastasia Vishnevetsky for the first episode in a four part “Ask the Expert” podcast series on “Immunology of Rare Neuroimmune Disorders.” The experts began by discussing innate and acquired immunity, immune cells, and antibodies. They explained the interrelatedness and interactions between different aspects of the immune system and the nervous system. They also gave a detailed overview of how several medications affect the immune system as treatments and therapies for rare neuroimmune disorders. Finally, the experts discussed how the brain and immune system may or may not change after an injury and the direction of neuroimmunology research.

The Community Spotlight edition of the “Ask the Expert” podcast series shares the stories of our community members. For this episode, Ben Harris joined Dr. GG deFiebre of SRNA to talk about his experience with transverse myelitis (TM) as a result of neuroinvasive West Nile virus. They discussed his symptoms and diagnosis, rehabilitation, view of the healthcare system, and philosophy for day-to-day life.

The Community Spotlight edition of the "Ask the Expert" podcast series shares the stories of our community members. For this episode, a Peer Connect volunteer, Paul Garrett, joined Lydia Dubose of SRNA to talk about his experience with transverse myelitis (TM). They discussed his initial symptoms and diagnosis, treatments, rehabilitation, pain management, and life today.

Dr. GG deFiebre of SRNA was joined by Dr. Miguel Escalón for an Ask the Expert podcast on "Managing Spasticity with a Baclofen Pump." Dr. Escalón began by giving an overview of spasticity, tone, and treatment options. He explained how the baclofen pump works, its advantages, and the impact on neurogenic bladder and bowel function. Next, Dr. Escalón described the initial surgical procedure, recovery process, and potential risks. Finally, he discussed long-term operation and maintenance, as well as safety measures and how pregnancy might impact the baclofen pump. You can view this video and transcript on our web site: https://wearesrna.org/resources/managing-spasticity-with-a-baclofen-pump/

For this episode of our Ask the Expert podcast series, "The Future of Diagnosing Transverse Myelitis," Dr. GG deFiebre of SRNA was joined by Drs. Kyle Blackburn, Stacey Clardy, Eoin P. Flanagan, Benjamin Greenberg, Michael Levy, and Carlos Pardo-Villamizar. Dr. Carlos Pardo-Villamizar began by explaining the history of transverse myelitis. The experts then talked about criteria for TM published in 2002 and how the diagnostic process has changed in the past 20 years. They discussed the terminology of TM, how vascular causes of myelopathies change our understanding of diagnosing TM, and changes they foresee to the TM diagnostic criteria and process. Finally, they answered questions from the audience about potential research for treatments or a cure and COVID-19 vaccines.

GG deFiebre of SRNA is joined by Drs. Jonathan Galli, Michael Sweeney, and Justin Abbatemarco for an Ask the Expert: Research Edition podcast on the "Study of Transverse Myelitis in Veterans Health Administration Records." The experts begin by explaining the purpose of this research. They also talk about methods they used to conduct this research and the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The major findings are described, as well as how these compare to previous studies. Finally, the experts discuss what this means for those with TM, the future of diagnosing and treating TM, and ways in which physicians and medical experts can be educated in regard to these issues.

GG deFiebre, PhD of SRNA was joined by Drs. Geoffrey Eubank and Michael Levy for an Ask the Expert podcast on "Avoiding a Misdiagnosis: Understanding the Differences Between MOGAD, MS, and NMOSD." The experts begin by providing an overview of MOG antibody disease, multiple sclerosis, and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, including the similarities and differences between the disorders. They explain how each of the diagnoses are made, the potential consequences of misdiagnosis, and why a diagnosis might change over time. Finally, the experts discuss current research being conducted and what may be expected in the future for diagnosing these disorders.

SRNA's Krissy Dilger was joined by Drs. Eoin Flanagan and Rohini Samudralwar for an Ask the Expert podcast on "MOG Antibody Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines." The experts gave an overview of the diagnostic tests used for MOGAD and how it is differentiated from other demyelinating conditions. They explain the acute treatments used following an attack, as well as guidelines for ongoing preventative therapies. Finally, the experts discuss research into MOGAD and future considerations for treatment.