Tma Ask The Expert Podcast Series

Dr. Cyrena Gawuga returned to speak with Dr. GG deFiebre of SRNA for an “Ask the Expert” episode titled "Disability and Rare Neuroimmune Disorders Part 2: Accessibility and Disability Pride." Dr. Gawuga discussed accessibility, accommodations for employment and education, and inclusion in classrooms. She shared possible solutions for a lack of accommodations in health care settings. Finally, Dr. Gawuga described the meaning of Disability Pride Month.

Warning: This presentation contains adult language and content. It is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18.In this episode of “ABCs of NMOSD” titled, “Sexual Dysfunction and NMOSD,” Krissy Dilger of SRNA was joined by Dr. Philippines Cabahug. Dr. Cabahug defined the types of sexual dysfunction for people who have impairment in the spinal cord. She summarized treatments that are available for men and women. She discussed considerations for mobility and whether NMOSD may affect fertility. Finally, Dr. Cabahug described physical rehabilitation that can improve sexual dysfunction and how to choose a health care provider to assist with evaluation.

Dr. Linda Nguyen and Dr. Benjamin Greenberg joined Dr. GG deFiebre of SRNA for the third episode of “ADEM Academy.” This episode is titled “Building Your Healthcare Team for Successful Symptom Management for Those with ADEM.” Dr. Nguyen and Dr. Greenberg discussed physical, occupational, and speech therapy for the beginning and duration of the recovery process. They recommended types of doctors for a newly diagnosed person to prioritize and special considerations for someone who tests positive for either the MOG or anti-aquaporin-4 antibody. They also shared advice on choosing a medical professional and the importance of having early conversations with a hospital social worker and the insurance company to identify options for inpatient rehabilitation before discharge to that location. Next, they explained the ways that mental health professionals can help people to be aware of relapse signs and manage potential behavioral issues or emotional strain. In conclusion, Dr. Nguyen and Dr. Greenberg provided a summa

Krissy Dilger of SRNA and Peter Fontanez from The MOG Project were joined by Dr. Farrah Mateen for the second episode of “ADEM Academy,” an ongoing podcast series about ADEM or acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. This episode is titled, “Adult ADEM.” Dr. Mateen discussed how adults typically present with ADEM, the diagnostic process, and how it differs in other stages of life. She explained how ADEM can affect adults cognitively, psychologically, and behaviorally, as well as considerations for geriatric patients. Dr. Mateen also described strategies for patients who have MOGAD, bowel and bladder issues, sexual dysfunction, and summarized the diagnostic and treatment process. The episode ended with questions from the online audience.

Dr. GG deFiebre of SRNA was joined by Dr. Cyrena Gawuga for an “Ask the Expert” podcast on "Disability and Rare Neuroimmune Disorders." Dr. Gawuga began by describing how medical conditions like rare neuroimmune disorders are related to disability. She gave an overview of language and models for disability, and how these impact our views of disability. She shared how her experience with this identity has changed over time. Finally, Dr. Gawuga offered suggestions for connecting with others in the community, as well as navigating sensitive conversations with family or friends.

Dr. Benjamin Greenberg joined Dr. GG deFiebre of SRNA on our podcast series, “Ask the Expert: Research Edition.” This episode is titled “Update: Study to Investigate the Safety of the Transplantation of Human Glial Restricted Progenitor Cells into Patients with Transverse Myelitis.” Dr. Greenberg discussed the background and status of the study. It is the first of its kind to look at the potential use of stem cells to repair the damage in spinal cords affected by myelitis, inflammation in the spinal cord. He also explained the screening process, enrollment, and next steps of the study.

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.

Dr. GG deFiebre of SRNA and Peter Fontanez from The MOG Project were joined by Dr. Jonathan D. Santoro for the first episode of “ADEM Academy,” an ongoing podcast series about ADEM or acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. This episode is titled “Pediatric and Adolescent ADEM.” Dr. Santoro described the diagnosis process for ADEM, testing, treatments, and antibodies such as MOG-Ab, AQP4-Ab, and NMDA. He discussed symptoms to look for during a possible relapse, as well as rehabilitation, therapy, and ongoing research. Dr. Santoro also answered questions from the online audience.

Dr. Mary Rensel and Dr. Amy Sullivan joined Krissy Dilger of SRNA for an “ABCs of NMOSD” podcast titled, “Mental Health and NMOSD.” The experts began the conversation by sharing how behavioral medicine teams support people who are adjusting to a chronic disease or change of function. They also reviewed some of the tools that can enhance quality of life and address depression, fatigue, and pain levels. These include breathing tools, visualization, body scanning, and mindfulness-based therapy. Finally, Dr. Rensel and Dr. Sullivan discussed support groups and stress relief for care partners and loved ones of people who are receiving care.

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. Michael Yeaman and Dr. Terry Smith joined Krissy Dilger of SRNA for an “ABCs of NMOSD” podcast titled, “What is Tolerization?" The experts began by giving an overview of immune detection and protection. They explained how immune tolerance is established. The experts provided information on how immune tolerance could be lost during autoimmune disease. Finally, they discussed how immune tolerance can be restored and how these corrections might be applied to treatments and cures for NMOSD and MOGAD. There are visual slides that accompany this episode. The visual presentation can be found at ⁠https://youtu.be/PtYzqrNi6pg

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.