Welcome to the latest edition of US Neurology, which features a wide range of articles that reflect the rapid pace of progress in neurology. We begin with two review articles on the subject of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) a challenging condition as it can mimic other neuropathies and can lead to chronic disability if not diagnosed and treated at an early stage. In the first, Beydoun et al. provide an introduction to diagnosis and treatment. In the second, Allen et al. discuss the various outcome measures used during the assessment of patients with CIDP.
Loss of respiratory function remains a significant cause of early morbidity and mortality in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Henricson et al. discuss recent advances in understanding of the natural history of respiratory decline in DMD, as well as clinical trial data demonstrating the utility of idebenone in reducing this decline.
Also in this issue, Yeshokumar and Banwell discuss the challenges of management of multiple sclerosis (MS) in children, when many disease-modifying therapies are only recently being tested in pediatric populations. A multidisciplinary approach is required to optimize strategies for the individual child or teenager. In addition, Gross et al. present a review of recent advances in the pathophysiology, natural history and treatment approaches for cerebral dural arteriovenous fistula, a heterogeneous collection of vascular shunts that have varied clinical presentations and can be difficult to treat.
The clostridial neurotoxins, including tetanus toxin and botulinum neurotoxins A and D are among the deadliest agents known. In an editorial, Silberstein describes the spread of these toxins via intraneuron transfer. Finally, Sperling describes the highlights of the recent American Epilepsy Society annual meeting, including a new classification system that should simplify diagnosis, ensuring earlier identification of epilepsy and more prompt treatment.
US Neurology would like to take this opportunity to thank all participants on this edition, from organizations to individuals. A special thanks goes to our Editorial Board for their continuing support and guidance. In particular, we are grateful to the expert authors, who gave their valuable time and effort to produce these insightful articles. The variety of topics covered in this issue should ensure there is something of interest for every reader and we hope you find this edition useful and thought provoking.
