Tma Ask The Expert Podcast Series

In this Part II 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.

In this first part 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.

Krissy Dilger of SRNA was joined by Dr. Ram Narayan and Dr. Elena Grebenciucova for an Ask the Expert podcast entitled, "Transverse Myelitis: Symptom Management." The experts discuss medications and other treatment options for symptoms such as pain, spasticity, fatigue, and more. They talk about the different healthcare providers who form a team to help a person with TM receive comprehensive care. Finally, the experts discuss vaccinations and whether the COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for people with TM.

SRNA hosted an Ask the Expert podcast, a special edition in collaboration with CDC, entitled "Talking With Your Child About a Difficult Diagnosis." We were joined by pediatric neuropsychologist Dr. Lana Harder. Dr. Harder discussed strategies for talking to your child about the diagnostic tests that are used at the onset of a rare neuroimmune disorder and how they may be invasive or painful. She explained transition of care as a child grows older and closer to adulthood and how to ensure your child is able to ask questions pertaining to their medical care. Dr. Harder talked about discussing concepts such as disability and adaptive activities with your child and what the future might hold for someone with one of these disorders. Finally, Dr. Harder discussed the emotions children might experience as part of this diagnosis and navigating your own emotions as a parent while talking with your child about their disorder.

SRNA hosted an Ask the Expert podcast entitled, "Transverse Myelitis: Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines" with medical experts Dr. Ram Narayan and Dr. Elena Grebenciucova. The experts began by explaining what transverse myelitis is, signs and symptoms, and how the diagnosis is made. They discussed acute treatments and how they decide which treatments to use for each patient. Finally, the experts talked about rehabilitation and what someone should do if they experience decompensation.

SRNA hosted an Ask the Expert podcast, in collaboration with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on "CDC and the Role of Public Health in Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM), Part 2." We were joined by Dr. Janell Routh of CDC, Dr. Ben Greenberg of UT Southwestern Medical Center, and Emily Spence Davizon of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The experts discuss whether an outbreak of AFM cases is expected in 2021, along with the potential causes of AFM, and how an outbreak is defined. They talk about what they are doing to prepare for possible new cases of AFM and why preventing new cases is difficult. The experts explain the importance of surveillance and research in improving outcomes for future children that are diagnosed with AFM, including the importance of ICD 10 codes. Finally, the experts discuss the distinction between the surveillance definition and the diagnostic criteria for AFM and how these criteria evolve over time.

SRNA hosted an Ask the Expert podcast, in collaboration with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on "CDC and the Role of Public Health in Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)." We were joined by Dr. Janell Routh of CDC, Dr. Ben Greenberg of UT Southwestern Medical Center, and Emily Spence Davizon of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The experts discuss the process of how AFM cases are diagnosed, reported to public health agencies, sent to CDC, and classified. They describe the role of each organization/agency in reporting a case and the stages each case goes through. The experts define important terms such as surveillance, nationally notifiable, and mandatory reporting. Finally, the experts reiterate the importance of reporting cases for public health purposes, the need for clinicians to be aware of reporting, and the ways in which the case definition of AFM has evolved since 2014.

SRNA hosted this Ask the Expert Podcast on "Behavioral and Psychological Changes in Demyelinating Conditions, Part 2" with experts Dr. Cindy Wang, Dr. Alison Wilkinson-Smith, and Densie Maddox, RN, BSN, MSCN. The experts provide information on what kinds of psychological and behavioral changes may occur in people with rare neuroimmune disorders and other demyelinating conditions. They explain how psychology and psychiatry play a role in developing treatment plans and which treatments are most effective. Helping children with these disorders succeed in school environments is discussed. Finally, the experts talk about ways in which adults and children with these disorders can advocate for their care.

Dr. Sarah Hopkins and Sarah Stoney, MSW, LSW joined SRNA’s Rebecca Whitney for this Ask the Expert podcast, in collaboration with Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The topic is, “My child was just diagnosed with AFM. What do I need to know?” Dr. Hopkins begins by explaining the acute treatments typically administered after an AFM diagnosis and what families should expect during this time. She and Sarah Stoney discuss the importance of the care team in supporting the family during both the acute phase and long-term. Sarah Stoney describes the role of a social worker in helping with applying for insurance coverage, creating 504 plans for school, and many other supportive actions. Finally, the experts stress the role of child life specialists in helping a child and their siblings understand their diagnosis and participate in their care.

For this episode of our Ask the Expert Podcast Series: Research Edition, Rebecca Whitney is joined by Dr. Lana Harder to discuss her "Study on Pediatric Teleneuropsychology." Dr. Harder begins by explaining what neuropsychology is and what a neuropsychology assessment involves. She then talks about the purpose of the study and how telehealth differs from in-person appointments. She relays the findings from the study and the reasons why studying telehealth is important. Finally, Dr. Harder discusses implications for future research.

Dr. Michael Levy joined SRNA for an episode of our Ask the Expert Podcast Series: Research Edition, entitled "Dr. Michael Levy's Research at The NMO Clinic and Research Laboratory at Mass General." During the podcast, Dr. Levy discussed a project his lab is coordinating to track the experiences of people with rare neuroimmune disorders who have gotten the COVID-19 vaccine. He then talks about the research he is conducting in collaboration with the Johns Hopkins and Baylor College of Medicine genetics team on transverse myelitis. Dr. Levy explains the animal models that are being developed to study aquaporin-4 in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and T-cells in MOG antibody disease. Finally, Dr. Levy discusses upcoming clinical trials that will take place soon for people with MOG antibody disease and a future study on how diet affects people with rare neuroimmune disorders.

SRNA is joined by Amanda Aaron, OTD and Deb Nikkila, MOT, OTR/L for an Ask the Expert podcast on "How to Manage Visual Issues." The experts describe the purpose of low vision rehabilitation and the resources available for people experiencing visual issues. They respond to questions regarding symptoms such as eye pain, darkened vision, color issues, and more. Deb and Amanda discuss assistive technology for people who are vision impaired, and they talk about driving and transportation. Finally, the experts relay the nuances of adapting one's employment following vision impairment.

SRNA partnered with The MOG Project to host this Ask the Expert podcast on "MOG Antibody Disease: Adult and Pediatric Presentations" with Dr. Leslie Benson and Dr. Michael Levy. The experts begin by defining MOG antibody disease and describing the different presentations for adult and pediatric individuals. They discuss the long-term effects and management of the disease. Finally, Dr. Benson and Dr. Levy provide the acute and preventative treatments for MOGAD.

SRNA is joined by Dr. Cynthia Wang and Dr. Lana Harder for an Ask the Expert podcast on "Behavioral and Psychological Changes in Demyelinating Conditions." The experts begin by discussing various psychological effects that people diagnosed with rare neuroimmune disorders may experience, including PTSD, anxiety, stress, and depression. They also talk about behavioral changes that may occur, such as mood swings, changes in personality, and fatigue. Psychological and behavioral challenges of pediatric patients are discussed, as well as possible treatment and coping strategies. Finally, the experts discuss ways in which physicians and medical experts can be educated in regard to these issues for their patients who are diagnosed with rare neuroimmune disorders.

SRNA is joined by Dr. Benjamin Greenberg and Dr. Michael Levy for an Ask the Expert podcast: "Latest Updates on COVID-19 and Rare Neuroimmune Disorders." The experts begin by discussing risk factors for individuals diagnosed with rare neuroimmune disorders contracting COVID-19 and having severe cases of COVID-19 if infected. Treatment and potential vaccination options are discussed, as well as the possible effect of immunosuppressant medication on individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. The experts explain cytokine storms, inflammatory issues such as Kawasaki's, and the possibility of neurological deficits after contracting COVID-19. Finally, the experts discuss the impact of COVID-19 on research, including research into the effects of COVID-19 on individuals with rare neuroimmune disorders as well as unrelated ongoing research studies.

SRNA is joined by Ana M. Hernandez, MS, CBIS and Lana Harder, PhD, ABPP for an Ask the Expert podcast on "Helping Children and Families Manage and Cope with Stress During COVID-19." The podcast begins with the experts giving stress management techniques for adults and children experiencing stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The experts discuss homeschooling and parenting, how to manage family dynamics, and ways to practice self-care.

SRNA is joined by Dr. Kyle Blackburn and Dr. Cynthia Wang for a podcast on "Neuroimmune System 101: A primer on how the nervous and immune systems work together." The podcast begins with an overview of the nervous and immune systems and how they relate in the context of rare neuroimmune disorders. The experts discuss COVID-19 (coronavirus) in relation to the immune systems of people with rare neuroimmune disorders. They then answer questions on different ways in which the immune system is activated and how different triggers for the immune system may affect someone with an existing rare neuroimmune disorder. Finally, the experts, who are both former James T. Lubin Fellows, share their research and describe how to participate.

SRNA is joined by Dr. Michael Bradshaw and Dr. Rohini Samudralwar for a podcast on "What is neurosarcoidosis?" The experts discuss the symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and potential causes of neurosarcoidosis. They talk about the relationship between neurosarcoidosis and the other rare neuroimmune disorders, as well as predispositions for the disorder. Acute treatments, long-term symptoms, and prognosis are discussed. Finally, the experts respond to several questions from the SRNA community.

Dr. Olwen Murphy and Dr. Ram Narayan join SRNA for a podcast on "Newly Diagnosed with a Rare Neuroimmune Disorder: What You Need to Know." The experts begin by discussing early symptoms of a rare neuroimmune disorder and what kind of medical care a person should seek if they are experiencing these symptoms. The experts then describe the process of diagnosing these disorders and what tests should be conducted. Acute treatments, rehabilitation, and next steps are discussed. The experts discuss prognosis and what should be done if a person feels they are experiencing a relapse.

SRNA is joined by Dr. Philippines Cabahug and Dr. Jacqueline A. Nicholas for a podcast on "Everything You Need to Know About Spasticity and How It's Treated.” The experts define spasticity and tone, and they discuss the causes of spasticity. Treatment options are discussed, as well as differences between individual treatment goals. The experts describe the benefit of spasticity and the timeline for when spasticity may appear after diagnosis.