Ludwig Kappos, MSVirtual2020 – OPTIMUM Study (Part 1)

It was an honour to speak with Ludwig Kappos (University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland) around his presentation, a sub analysis of the OPTIMUM study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02425644), entitled: P0071 – Effect of oral ponesimod on clinical disease activity and MRI-based outcomes in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis: Phase 3 OPTIMUM study. Questions […]

Mya C Schiess, MDS 2020 – Stem Cell Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease (Part 1)

Mya C Schiess (McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, USA) discusses promising findings from a phase I study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02611167), which was the focus of her presentation entitled: Allogeneic bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells safety and tolerability in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. Questions 1. What is known about the role of inflammation in the […]

Indu Subramanian, MDS 2020 – Impact of Social Isolation in Parkinson’s Disease (Part 1)

We were delighted to have the opportunity to speak with Indu Subramanian (Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, and West Los Angeles Veterans Administration, Los Angeles, CA, USA) around the focus of her recently published article entitled: Synergy of pandemics-social isolation is associated with worsened Parkinson severity and quality of life, which was highlighted as a top […]

Arlene Wilkie, ESO-WSO 2020 – Stroke Action Plan for Europe

We were delighted to have an opportunity to hear all about the Stroke Action Plan for Europe from Arlene Wilkie, Director General of the Stroke Alliance for Europe (SAFE). Related useful resources: Stroke Alliance for Europe (SAFE) Economic Impact of Stroke in Europe Questions What are the major challenges in stroke care across Europe and […]

Patent Foramen Ovale Closure—Addressing the Unmet Need for Reducing the Risk of Ischemic Stroke

US Neurology. 2020;16(1):54–60 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17925/USN.2020.16.1.54

Globally, a high proportion (around 25%) of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) and ischemic strokes are cryptogenic.1,2 The Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification defines a cryptogenic stroke as a brain infarction that is not caused by definite cardioembolism, large artery atherosclerosis, or small artery disease, despite extensive investigations.3 The “ASCOD” classification defines strokes […]

Porphyria-induced Recurrent Quadriplegia Misdiagnosed as Guillain–Barré Syndrome

US Neurology. 2020;16(1):66–9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17925/USN.2020.16.1.66

Acute hepatic porphyrias are inherited metabolic disorders resulting from a specific enzyme defect in the heme biosynthetic pathway. Acute intermittent porphyria is the most common type and has the most severe presentation.1 Acute episodes can be triggered by surgery, certain drugs, pregnancy, menstruation, infection, or fasting.1 Guillain–Barré syndrome is characterized by rapidly evolving ascending weakness, mild […]

Neurological Aspects of the COVID-19 Pandemic

European Neurological Review. 2020;15(1):13-7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17925/ENR.2020.15.1.13

In the past 4 months, a novel coronavirus originating in Wuhan, China, SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), has affected more than 200 countries. As of mid-June 2020, there are over 7 million confirmed cases and more than 425,888 deaths worldwide caused by the novel coronavirus, although the numbers are likely to be higher […]

COVID-19 and the World Congress on Controversies in Neurology

European Neurological Review. 2020;15(1):9-10 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17925/ENR.2020.15.1.9

The World Congress on Controversies in Neurology (CONy) provides a platform for international experts to discuss and compare experiences. Its debate-style structure bridges the gap between the latest scientific advances and their dissemination and use. The congress has become a major annual event for members of the neurological community. As a result of the COVID-19 […]