Dementia and Alzheimer Disease

Epilepsy

Migraine

Headache and Migraine

MS Advanced Practice Providers

Multiple Sclerosis

NMOSD

MS and Demyelinating Disorders

Parkinson Disease

Movement Disorders

Ataxia

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy

Muscular Dystrophy

Neuromuscular

Insomnia

Narcolepsy

Sleep Disorders

Stroke

News

Media

All Videos

Medical World News

Podcasts

Weekly Recap

Cure Connections

Insights

News Network

NeurologyLive Peer Exchange

Medcast Podcasts

Medcast Videos

Peers & Perspectives

Roundtable Discussions

Conferences

Conference Coverage

Conference Listing

CME/CE

Partners

Publications

NeurologyLive

Bridging the Gaps

International Journal of MS Care

Resources

Disease Spotlight

Fellows' Corner

Future Leaders in Neurology

Giants of Multiple Sclerosis

Interactive Tools

Live Events

Neurology Resources

Virtual Events

Subscribe

Articles

Between those with NMOSD and NAION, the data showed differences in disc edema, peripapillary nerve fiber layer thickening, vision loss, and the symptoms that preceded vision loss. 

Researchers Identify Distinct Differences in Acute Optic Neuropathy of MOGAD vs Nonarterior Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy 

Videos

The director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology discussed the safety of ravulizumab and the ways to avoid risks of meningococcal infection. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]

Safety Considerations for Ravulizumab in NMOSD: Sean Pittock, MD

Using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) Coding Test score, SAGE-718 failed to distinguish itself from placebo.

SAGE-718 Falls Short in Phase 2 PRECEDENT Study of Mild Cognitively Impaired Parkinson Disease

Foralumab's anti-CD3 mechanism modulates T cell function, offering potential benefits for the challenging-to-treat na-SPMS patients.

Nasal Foralumab Shows Attenuation of Microglial Activation, Clinical Stabilization in Non-Active Secondary Progressive MS With PIRA

Director, Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology, Mayo Clinic 

, has been with the team since October 2019. Follow him on Twitter 

Mark Bain, MD, a neurosurgeon at Cleveland Clinic’s Cerebrovascular Center, provided commentary on the ENRICH trial, a positive study of minimally invasive removal of intracerebral hemorrhage.

First Successful Trial in Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Lessons From ENRICH

The research grant aims to diversify Friedreich ataxia treatments, addressing challenges in trial design and therapeutic strategies for this condition.

Researchers to Assess Gene Editing Technology for Friedreich Ataxia Following MDA, FARA Collaboration

Chief of the Division of MS and Neuroimmunology at UConn Health.

The chief of the Division of MS and Neuroimmunology at UConn Health talked about the unevenly distributed progress in multiple sclerosis care, impacting minority populations who often face worse disease outcomes. [WATCH TIME: 6 minutes]

Advancing MS Care for Minority Populations Using the VISIBL-MS Bilingual Framework: Jaime Imitola, MD

The multiple sclerosis condition center is a resource for clinical news on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of multiple sclerosis. | NeurologyLive.


Multiple Sclerosis | Clinical Neurology News | NeurologyLive

NeurologyLive is your direct connection to the latest neurology news and interviews with expert neurologists in multimedia formats.

About Us

Advisory Board

Editorial

Contact Us

Advertise

Contact MJH LS

Do Not Sell My Information

Terms and Conditions

Privacy

NeurologyLive – Clinical Neurology News and Neurology Expert Insights

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIN

YouTube

Spotlight

AAN 2024

MDA 2024

ACTRIMS 2024

Treating NMOSD: What's Next?

Clinical Focus

Dementia/Alzheimer

Headache/Migraine

Video Series

1.125rem

Clinical

 MS Disease Spotlight page offers specific updates and coverage on the latest expert conversations and data readouts related to the treatment and management of patients with multiple sclerosis and demyelinating disorders.

 to subscribe on your favorite streaming service.

The Mind Moments podcast features exclusive interviews with leaders in the field discussing the latest research and disease management strategies across the breadth of neurology, including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson disease, dementia, sleep disorders, and more.

Episode 47, "Incorporating Physical Therapy Into MS Care," features an exclusive interview with Patricia Bobryk, MHS, PT, MSCS, ATP, physical therapist, UC Health, and cochair, 

International Organization of MS Rehabilitation Therapists (IOMSRT)

. Bobryk shared her insight into the clinical care of MS from the perspective of a rehabilitative specialist, and the importance of including physical therapy approaches as part of the multidisciplinary approach to care as early as possible to ensure more beneficial long-term outcomes for patients, also speaking to the latest advances and developments in rehabilitative medicine.

The stories feature in this week's Neurology News Minute, which will give you quick updates on the following developments in neurology, are further detailed here:

Noncontact Boxing Exercise Assessed for Parkinson Disease Benefit

Opicapone Demonstrates Small Benefit for Sleep in Parkinson Disease

Amylyx Announces Plans to Submit NDA for AMX0035 for ALS

Episode Breakdown

 to subscribe to the Mind Moments podcast. Be sure to leave a rating and review for the show. Thanks for listening!

Disease Spotlight: Multiple Sclerosis

"Mind Moments," a podcast from NeurologyLive, brings you an exclusive interview with Patricia Bobryk, MHS, PT, MSCS, ATP.

Episode 47: Incorporating Physical Therapy Into MS Care

The Mind Moments podcast features exclusive interviews with leaders in the field discussing the latest research and disease management strategies across the breadth of neurology, including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson disease, dementia, sleep disorders, and more.

Episode 38, "Advancing MS Care and Awareness," features an interview with Barry Hendin, MD, clinical professor, University of Arizona; director, Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, Banner University Medical Center; and chief medical officer, Multiple Sclerosis Association of America. He shared his perspective on the recent World MS Day on May 30, the impact awareness efforts have had on care, and how treatment has evolved during his time as a multiple scleorsis (MS) physician.

"Mind Moments," a podcast from NeurologyLive, brings you an exclusive interview with Barry Hendin, MD.

Episode 38: Advancing MS Care and Awareness

Ofatumumab showed a consistent and long-term reduction in relapse rates and MRI lesion activity in patients with recently diagnosed, treatment-naïve relapsing multiple sclerosis.

Ofatumumab Demonstrates Sustained Efficacy in Recently Diagnosed and Treatment-Naive Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis Over 6 Years

Elizabeth Miller, MA, the manager of health literacy at the National MS Society, discussed the impact of health literacy in the multiple sclerosis community. 

Advancing Equity and Inclusion: Health Literacy for the MS Community and Beyond

As part of our monthly clinician spotlight, NeurologyLive® highlighted multiple sclerosis expert Scott Newsome, DO, MSCS, FAAN, FANA, director of the Stiff Person Syndrome Center and professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins Medicine. 

NeurologyLive® Clinician of the Month Spotlight: Scott Newsome, DO, MSCS, FAAN, FANA

A feature on NeurologyLive®, IJMSC Insights offers a closer look at the latest research and the people behind it from the community of the International Journal of Multiple Sclerosis Care (IJMSC) and the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC).

Are Apps the Answer? Access in Multiple Sclerosis Care

In a paradigm with many options, once multiple sclerosis is confirmed as a patient’s diagnosis, physicians are left with 1 question: What do we choose for long-term treatment? 

Navigating Treatment Decision-Making in Multiple Sclerosis

strategies for optimizing treatment of women with MD who are pregnant while minimizing risks evolving approaches to managing women who are breastfeeding.

Pregnancy and Lactation in Multiple Sclerosis

This is a video synopsis/summary of a panel discussion involving Ahmed Obeidat, MD, PhD; Riley Bove, MD; Stephen Krieger, MD; and Erin Longbrake, MD, PhD.

Specializing in managing pregnancy and lactation in patients, the speaker emphases regularly discussing family planning with those of childbearing potential. Patients often do not volunteer this information, making it essential to ask at every visit due to changing plans and circumstances.

For those planning to conceive, avoiding disease-modifying therapies that could pose risks during pregnancy is stressed. Discontinuing treatments like S1P receptor modulators well in advance of planned conception is advised to minimize fetal exposure.

One strategy recommended is treating patients with B-cell depleting therapies before pregnancy. This approach ensures that by the time of conception, the drug is cleared from the system, minimizing risks to the baby. This planning helps alleviate the stress often associated with pregnancy planning for many patients.

The postpartum period is highlighted as a critical phase, with many patients experiencing clinical relapses or new lesions. Research on the transfer of medications into breast milk reveals reassuring findings on the minimal transfer of immunoglobulin G (IgG) monoclonals, making breastfeeding safer for treated patients.

Having multiple sclerosis (MS) should not deter patients from family planning goals. With the availability of highly effective treatments, including B-cell depleting therapies, patients can confidently plan for pregnancies with appropriate medical guidance.

The field has seen advancements, with pharmaceutical companies investing in understanding the safety of their products for pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, monitoring babies for longer-term outcomes remains necessary due to the complexity of immune biology and potential risks beyond simple medication transfer.

Overall, this work has empowered women with MS and their families, enabling them to make informed decisions about family planning while managing their condition effectively.

Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by NeurologyLive editorial staff.

Ahmed Obeidat, MD, PhD, Riley Bove, MD, Stephen Krieger, MD, and Erin Longbrake, MD, PhD, review strategies for optimizing treatment of women with MD who are pregnant while minimizing risks. They also talk about evolving approaches to managing women who are breastfeeding.

differences in immunologic phenotypes across racial boundaries data showing despite these differences, response high-efficacy agents consistent regardless race

Immunological Phenotypes of Multiple Sclerosis and Patient Race

The discussion focuses on potential immunological differences across racial groups and their impact on the response to treatment in patients with certain conditions. There are observed variations in immunological phenotypes among racial groups, with some patients identifying as black showing higher levels of inflammation, indicated by elevated IgG index, cellular pleocytosis, or oligoclonal bands.

While there is limited research to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between race and disease severity or treatment response, existing literature generally suggests that people of different races respond well to highly effective therapies. For instance, anti-CD20 medications and natalizumab are found to be effective across racial groups, including those who might have started with a higher disease risk.

The CHIMES study, focusing on the Black population treated with ocrelizumab, aims to evaluate the efficacy of this highly effective treatment method in this specific group. However, there is still much to understand about these racial distinctions, with ongoing debates on the biological vs social construct of race and its impact on disease outcomes.

Recent studies highlight differences in disease burden between Black and White patients without providing a clear assessment of the underlying causes. The complexity of these studies, including various confounders, makes it challenging to draw definitive conclusions.

Overall, while there are observed differences in immunological responses across racial groups, current evidence suggests that effective treatments can still be beneficial regardless of race. Further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms and factors contributing to these variations.

Ahmed Obeidat, MD, PhD, Erin Longbrake, MD, PhD, Stephen Krieger, MD, and Riley Bove, MD, discuss differences in immunologic phenotypes across racial boundaries. They also discuss data showing that, despite these differences, response to high-efficacy agents appears to be consistent regardless of race.

Jaime Imitol, MD, talked about the unevenly distributed progress in multiple sclerosis care, impacting minority populations.

Advancing MS Care for Minority Populations Using the VISIBL-MS Bilingual Framework: Jaime Imitol, MD

"By increasing self-agency in patients and raising awareness of early red flags and warning signs of MS, we can improve the number of patients who seek timely medical care."

Early detection in multiple sclerosis (MS) is important in the age of disease modifying therapies (DMT) and improved diagnostic criteria. Research shows that there is a lack of public awareness about MS, which results in delays of DMT initiation. This negatively impacts demographics with increased risk of severe disease burden and increased health disparities, including the African American and Hispanic patient population.

 are effective for educating patients, families, and medical students about the early signs of stroke. Recently, investigators conducted a systematic review to determine the use of educational tools and mnemonics in MS education. After consulting with culturally competent bilingual physicians and patients, researchers then designed a mnemonic called 

 to encompass early signs of MS for medical students, general neurologists, and the population at large. This bilingual framework, which offers directions in English and Spanish, provides a novel structure for MS-specific awareness that addresses the interconnection between language, culture, health literacy, and health outcomes

2024 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting

, held April 13-18, in Denver, Colorado, by senior author Jaime Imitola, MD, chief of the Division of MS and Neuroimmunology at UConn Health. Imitol sat down with 

 at the meeting to discuss steps that can be taken to increase awareness and understanding of MS among minority populations. He also spoke about how medical students and healthcare providers can be better equipped to support patients with the disease. Additionally, Imitol, who also serves as a professor of neurology, genetics and genome sciences, and neuroscience at University of Connecticut, talked about the main challenges in delivering equitable MS care to African American and Hispanic patients.

Click here for more coverage of AAN 2024.

REFERENCES
1. Patel S, Rafferty S, Aquino L, et al. VISIBL-MS: A Bilingual Educational Tool to Increase Awareness of Early Multiple Sclerosis in Diverse Populations. Presented at: 2024 AAN Annual Meeting; April 13-18; Denver, CO.
2. Patel S, Rafferty S, Aquino L, et al. VISIBL-MS: A bilingual educational framework to increase awareness of early multiple sclerosis. 

. 2024;30(4-5):585-593. doi:10.1177/13524585241228739

SAP Partners

Prashanth Rajarajan, MD, PhD, Brigham talked about the assessment of safety with checkpoint inhibitors for cancer treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Safety of Cancer Treatment in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: Prashanth Rajarajan, MD, PhD

"The checkpoint inhibitors seem to be safe from the perspective of not exacerbating the underlying neurologic condition."

Research shows an association between the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and immune-related adverse events (irAEs) as well as exacerbation of pre-existing autoimmune diseases. Although prior studies show that ICIs trigger relapses in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), the incidence of ICI-induced MS activity is unclear. In a new interim analysis of  a study of patients with MS who were predominantly older and not on disease-modifying therapy (DMT), findings showed an unusual occurrence of MS relapses and disease progression following ICI treatment.

Investigators identified 38 patients with MS who were treated with ICIs, 13 (34%) of whom were on DMT immediately prior to ICI initiation and 8 who continued on DMT during ICI therapy. Presented at the 

, held April 13-18, in Denver, Colorado, by coauthor Prashanth Rajarajan, MD, PhD, and colleagues, the most common primary tumors were lung (n = 11) and melanoma (n = 10). Over a mean follow-up of 13 months after ICI initiation, 1 patient had a relapse after ICI treatment and 1 other patient had ongoing progressive disease. Notably, 2 patients (5%) had peripheral nervous system ICI irAEs and 12 (32%) had a nonneurologic ICI irAEs.

Rajarajan, neurology resident at Massachusetts General Brigham, sat down with 

 at the meeting to further discuss how the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors impact patients with pre-existing MS. He also talked about the rates of relapse or disease activity that occur in MS patients treated with checkpoint inhibitors. In addition, Rajarajan spoke about how the treatment approach should differ for patients with MS as opposed to other autoimmune conditions.

REFERENCES
1. Quinn C, Rajarajan P, Kopinsky H. Multi-institutional Study of Neurologic Outcomes in People with Multiple Sclerosis Who Are Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Oncologic Indications. Presented at: 2024 AAN Annual Meeting; April 13-18; Denver, CO.

The neurology resident at Massachusetts General Brigham talked about assessing the safety of cancer treatments in patients with multiple sclerosis using checkpoint inhibitors. [WATCH TIME: 6 minutes] 

Safety of Cancer Treatments in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: Prashanth Rajarajan, MD, PhD

Riley Bove, MD, talked about findings from an analysis that assessed the safety of ocrelizumab when administered close to pregnancy.

Pregnancy Outcomes of Maternal Exposure to Ocrelizumab: Riley Bove, MD

"From what we can gather from our best data, we don't see any major risk or safety signal [with ocrelizumab], whether that's about the pregnancy itself, or about how the babies are doing."

The United States prescription information advises for contraception with ocrelizumab (Ocrevus; Genentech) and for 6 months following the latest infusion; however, patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) may have pregnancies during this interval. In a new analysis, findings showed that 

 exposure to ocrelizumab did not increase risk of adverse pregnancy or infant outcomes compared with previous reports and an epidemiological background of both MS and general population.

, held April 13-18, in Denver, Colorado, by lead author 

As of July 12, 2023, investigators received data on 3253 cumulative MS pregnancies from the Roche safety database (prospectively, n = 2446; retrospectively, n = 800; unspecified, n = 7). Among the prospective pregnancies, 855 (35.0%) had 

 exposure and 1016 (41.5%) had unknown exposure. Of 855 prospective pregnancies exposed 

, 512 had known outcomes including 431 (84.2%) live births, 4 (0.8%) ectopic pregnancies, 38 (7.4%) elective terminations, 38 (7.4%) spontaneous abortion, and 1 (0.2%) stillbirth.

Bove, associate professor of neurology at University of California, San Francisco, sat down with 

® at the meeting to further discuss the findings related to pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to ocrelizumab. She also spoke about the areas that may require further data collection and monitoring, especially concerning infant outcomes. Additionally, Bove talked about some recommendations that are suggested for healthcare professionals based on the study’s results.

REFERENCES
1. Bove R, Pietrasanta C, Oreja-Guevara C, et al. Pregnancy and Infant Outcomes in Females Receiving Ocrelizumab for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis: Analysis of over 3,000 Pregnancies to Date. Presented at: 2024 AAN Annual Meeting; April 13-18; Denver, CO.

The associate professor of neurology at University of California, San Francisco talked about findings from an analysis that assessed the safety of ocrelizumab when administered close to pregnancy. [WATCH TIME: 5 minutes]

Bruce Bebo, PhD, talked about the Dystel Prize which is presented at AAN to a recognized individual who promotes further advancements in understanding MS.

Recognizing Excellence in MS Research, the Dystel Prize: Bruce Bebo, PhD

"Prizes like the Dystel Prize help elevate and recognize excellence in MS research and create excitement and interest, promoting MS as a specialty that deserves to be studied and investigated."

, director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), received the 2024 John Dystel Prize for Multiple Sclerosis Research. Voskuhl delivered the Dystel Prize lecture and received the award presented at the 

The award recognized Voskuhl, also a professor of neurology at UCLA, in her research to understand the mechanisms underlying sex differences in MS and advance women’s health.

Voskuhl has performed extensive research to understand why women are more susceptible to develop MS than men. In her research, she made discoveries related to the influence of sex hormones and sex chromosomes in laboratory models, and then translated those results to the clinic. She conducted 4 clinical trials that assessed the effect of treatment of patients with MS with sex hormones. Voskuhl’s research reported a gene on women sex chromosomes that promoted inflammation. In addition, she investigated the brain-protective effects of the sex hormone estrogen and other estrogen receptor molecules that bind to estrogen docking sites.

, executive vice president of research at 

 and who presented the prize to Voskuhl, sat down with 

 at the meeting to talk more about the Dystel Prize and how it plays a role in advancing MS research. He also spoke about how the nomination process for the Dystel Prize works if clinicians were interested in nominating their colleagues. Additionally, Bebo discussed the reason why it is important to recognize and honor outstanding research in MS.

REFERENCES
1. Noted UCLA Neurologist Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl Wins 2024 John Dystel Prize for Multiple Sclerosis Research. News Release. National MS Society. Published April 2, 2024. Accessed April 15, 2024. https://www.nationalmssociety.org/About-the-Society/News/Noted-UCLA-Neurologist-Dr-Rhonda-Voskuhl-Wins-2024

The executive vice president of research at National MS Society talked about the Dystel Prize which is presented at AAN to a recognized individual who promotes further advancements in understanding and treating MS. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]

Recognizing Excellence in Multiple Sclerosis Research, the Dystel Prize: Bruce Bebo, PhD

discuss strategies for personalizing decisions and mitigating risks when stopping medication.

When to Stop Multiple Sclerosis Therapy

When considering discontinuing therapy for patients with stable multiple sclerosis (MS) who show no signs of inflammatory activity, the decision-making process is typically a shared 1 with the patient. One often considers stopping medication for older patients who have been stable for many years without new lesions, relapses, or enhancing lesions.

However, patients are generally hesitant to change their stable treatment regimens. Situations where therapy might be stopped often arise when additional risks, like infections, become apparent. In such cases, adjusting the treatment or discussing discontinuation with the patient may be considered.

Ahmed Obeidat, MD, PhD, Erin Longbrake, MD, PhD, Stephen Krieger, MD, and Riley Bove, MD, discuss strategies for personalizing decisions and mitigating risks when stopping medication.

Multiple Sclerosis

Latest News