Novel Clinical Neurology Heber Varela, MD

05/13/2022

This is another option for ALS patients. A daily pill to improve quality of life and slow progression of disability.

FDA has approved Radicava ORS (edaravone) oral suspension for the treatment of adults with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

12/06/2021

The discontinuation of ASMs (anti-seizure medications) may be considered if the patient meets the following profile:

Seizure-free 2–5 years while taking ASMs (mean 3.5 years)

Single type of partial seizure (simple partial or complex partial or secondary generalized tonic-clonic seizure [GTCS]) or single type of primary generalized seizures

Normal neurologic examination results/normal IQ

EEG normalized while taking ASMs

-AAN Advisory

05/14/2021

Thymectomy (removal of the thymus gland) is recommended in all patients with generalized symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis (not purely affecting the eyelids) who have positive serum ACHR antibodies and are younger than 60 years, regardless of the size of the thymus or the presence of thymoma (tumor).

04/09/2021

According to current data, there is NO increased incidence of Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS), a generalized nerve disease that causes paralysis, in patients diagnosed Covid-19 compared to those who have experienced the flu or other viral infections. It is also much more likely to develop GBS if you are infected with the Flu or Covid than if you receive a vaccine. There is no clear association between vaccines and GBS. When you consider the odds, it is safer to be vaccinated.

03/06/2021

Approximately 15 to 20 percent of patients with diabetic neuropathy have pain in the feet, often described as burning or stabbing, While pain may be self-limited and spontaneously resolve within a year, others have persistent symptoms and disability related to pain. Symptomatic therapies for neuropathic pain are an important component of care in such patients

01/24/2021

The diagnostic evaluation of ALS does not need to be extensive in the setting of the appropriate clinical history and physical
examination, although it is imperative to exclude all treatable conditions.