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A new meta-analysis revealed that the efficacy of MRI-guided focused ultrasound decreased over time in essential tremor, with sensory symptoms and unsteadiness as common adverse effects.

MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound Demonstrates Efficacy for Essential Tremor, But Effect Decreases Over Time

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The division chief of neurology at Nemours Children’s Hospital discussed evolving surgical techniques, neuromodulation therapies, and precision medicine approaches for complex epilepsy cases. [WATCH TIME: 5 minutes]

Advances in Surgical and Neuromodulation Strategies for Epilepsy Management: Satyanarayana Gedela, MD

A recently published meta-analysis reported that fatty acid supplementation, particularly omega-3, may significantly reduce severity, duration, and frequency of migraine in patients.

Meta-Analysis Reveals Fatty Acid Supplementation Linked to Migraine Symptom Improvement

Pooled analysis from KINECT-3 and KINECT-4 confirms valbenazine’s long-term safety and efficacy in managing tardive dyskinesia in elderly patients.

Valbenazine Safe and Effective for Long-Term Treatment of Tardive Dyskinesia in Elders

, has been with the team since September 2022. Follow her on Twitter 

Bruce Bebo, PhD, and Amit Bar-Or, MD, FRCPC, FAAN, FANA, discussed the impact of the John Dystel Prize on multiple sclerosis research and its role in shaping future clinical advancements. 

Advancing MS Research Through Recognition and Innovation: The John Dystel Prize

Founder and Executive Director, Sumaira Foundation

The founder and executive director of the Sumaira Foundation emphasized the critical role of lifestyle factors such as sleep, exercise, and nutrition for maintaining brain health in patients with NMOSD. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]

Prioritizing Brain Health in NMOSD Beyond Disease-Modifying Therapies: Sumaira Ahmed

Division Chief of Neurology, Dayton Children's Hospital

The division chief of child neurology at Dayton Children’s Hospital discussed findings from a study comparing patient satisfaction scores between telehealth and in-person visits in pediatric epilepsy care. [WATCH TIME: 4 minutes]

Comparable Evidence of Telehealth Benefits vs In-Person Care for Pediatrics: Gogi Kumar, MD

Interim chief executive officer of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers.

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).

IJMSC Insights: Kathleen Costello, Interim CEO of CMSC

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 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.

Patients in the randomized controlled trial and the open-label extension treated with inebilizumab experienced similar rates of being attack-free, extending as far as 4 years. 

Inebilizumab Has Enduring Effect as NMOSD Treatment

The findings were consistent with the established safety profile for eculizumab in other non-neurologic indications, according to study authors.

Eculizumab Demonstrates Safety, No Increased Infection Rates in NMOSD or Myasthenia Gravis

Sumaira Ahmed, founder and executive director of The Sumaira Foundation, discussed how FDA-approved therapies transformed the NMOSD treatment landscape and highlighted ongoing challenges in patient care.

Advancing NMOSD Care for Patients: Treatment Access, Education, and Holistic Well-Being

A global cohort study identified distinct clinical patterns and higher relapse rates in pediatric patients with MOGAD with non-P42 MOG antibody binding profiles.

Non-P42 Binding May Predict Relapse in Pediatric MOGAD, Study Shows

Treatment strategies varied across cases, incorporating therapies like prednisolone, rituximab, and azathioprine, with overall positive outcomes and symptom improvement.

Indirect Immunofluorescence May Aid in Detecting Anti-MOG Antibodies in NMOSD, MOGAD

A post-hoc analysis of patients from the CHAMPION-NMOSD trial revealed that the majority received their initial meningococcal vaccination within 6-months of their last rituximab dose. 

Pretreatment Meningococcal Vaccination Rates High Among Patients With NMOSD Transitioning From Rituximab to Ravulizumab

A recent study reported that the presence of oligoclonal bands in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease may be associated with a higher risk of relapse.

Oligoclonal Bands in Cerebrospinal Fluid May Signal Higher Relapse Risk in MOGAD

The founder and executive director of the Sumaira Foundation emphasized the critical role of lifestyle factors such as sleep, exercise, and nutrition for maintaining brain health in patients with NMOSD. 

"I want to see more education and awareness around why it's so important to exercise, even a little bit—even if it's just walking a little every day—how that sort of keeps your brain alive and well.”

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a chronic autoimmune condition that primarily affects the optic nerves and spinal cord, but growing evidence shows it also impacts brain health. Data has shown that cognitive impairment, particularly in areas such as attention, memory, and processing speed, can impact up to 70% of individuals with NMOSD, even outside of acute relapses.

 These deficits may be linked to structural brain changes and can significantly diminish quality of life, making cognitive health a crucial focus in comprehensive NMOSD management.

Although pharmacologic therapies could be essential for patients, optimizing brain health in NMOSD may require attention to modifiable lifestyle factors that support cognitive resilience. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce neuroinflammation and enhance neuroplasticity.

 Likewise, dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet have been associated with slower cognitive decline and better brain function.

Quality sleep also could play a vital role in clearing neurotoxic waste from the brain, reducing the risk of long-term cognitive dysfunction. Together, these lifestyle interventions offer valuable, noninvasive tools for enhancing brain health alongside disease-modifying treatments in NMOSD care.

2025 Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) Forum

, held February 27 to March 1, in West Palm Beach, Florida, 

, founder and executive director of the Sumaira Foundation, sat down with 

to share her perspective on the importance of brain health for managing neurological conditions like NMOSD. She discussed often-overlooked lifestyle factors such as sleep quality, regular exercise, and mindful nutrition as foundational to maintaining cognitive and emotional well-being. In the conversation, Ahmed called for broader education and awareness around these nonpharmacologic strategies to support holistic patient care in NMOSD.

Click here for coverage of 2025 ACTRIMS Forum.

REFERENCES
1. Oertel FC, Schließeit J, Brandt AU, Paul F. Cognitive Impairment in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders: A Review of Clinical and Neuroradiological Features. Front Neurol. 2019;10:608. Published 2019 Jun 12. doi:10.3389/fneur.2019.00608
2. Baranowski BJ, Marko DM, Fenech RK, Yang AJT, MacPherson REK. Healthy brain, healthy life: a review of diet and exercise interventions to promote brain health and reduce Alzheimer's disease risk. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2020;45(10):1055-1065. doi:10.1139/apnm-2019-0910
3. Marchand NE, Jensen MK. The Role of Dietary and Lifestyle Factors in Maintaining Cognitive Health. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2017;12(4):268-285. Published 2017 Apr 11. doi:10.1177/1559827617701066

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Despite advancements in NMOSD treatments, the founder and executive director of the Sumaira Foundation discussed how misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, and disparities in care remain significant challenges. 

Addressing Persistent Challenges in NMOSD Diagnosis and Treatment: Sumaira Ahmed

"We need to continue raising awareness of the fact that there are 4 FDA-approved therapies designed for [patients with NMOSD who have] aquaporin-4 positivity, so that hopefully they can get on those drugs and be relapse-free forever."

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is frequently misdiagnosed, particularly as multiple sclerosis (MS), leading to significant delays in appropriate treatment. A retrospective study involving 199 individuals with confirmed NMOSD reported that approximately 40% were initially misdiagnosed, resulting in a mean delay of 5 years before receiving the correct diagnosis. Factors contributing to misdiagnosis included the presence of protracted nausea, vomiting, or hiccups without accompanying neurological symptoms, delays in obtaining MRI studies, and extended time before consultation with neuroimmunology specialists. These diagnostic challenges not only prolong patient suffering but also increase the risk of irreversible neurological damage.

Compounding the issue of delayed diagnosis, disparities in NMOSD care disproportionately affect racial and socioeconomic groups, further exacerbating health outcomes. A study focusing on 

 revealed that Black and low-income individuals experienced higher disability scores and increased hospitalizations compared with their non-Hispanic White peers. Contributing factors such as public insurance status and residence in disadvantaged neighborhoods were linked to higher relapse rates and greater disability, underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions.

Addressing these challenges may require a multifaceted approach that prioritizes both clinical education and health equity.

, held February 27 to March 1, in West Palm Beach, Florida. She emphasized the need for increased awareness of FDA-approved NMOSD treatments, greater accessibility to care, and more inclusive clinical trials. Additionally, she highlighted the role of social determinants of health in shaping disease outcomes and called for a continued commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the medical community. As research and advocacy efforts progress, Sumaira noted that ensuring that all patients receive timely, accurate diagnoses and equitable care remains a critical priority.

REFERENCES
1. Smith AD, Moog TM, Burgess KW, McCreary M, Okuda DT. Factors associated with the misdiagnosis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2023;70:104498. doi:10.1016/j.msard.2023.104498
2. Poisson KE, Nguyen L, Horn PS, et al. Racial, Ethnic, and Socioeconomic Disparities in Pediatric Aquaporin-4-Positive Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder. Pediatr Neurol. Published online October 11, 2024. doi:10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2024.09.028

Despite advancements in NMOSD treatments, the founder and executive director of the Sumaira Foundation discussed how misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, and disparities in care remain significant challenges. [WATCH TIME: 4 minutes]

Kelsey Poisson on pediatric MOGAD

"I think that finding ways to do that risk stratification would be really helpful… especially in a pediatric-specific population."

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease (MOGAD), often misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis (MS), is a recently identified demyelinating disorder with a diverse clinical spectrum. Recent advancements in the detection of MOG antibodies have contributed significantly to characterizing the MOGAD spectrum; however, the increased use of MOG antibody testing has raised the risk of false positives, further emphasizing the importance of cautious interpretation.

The MOGAD field has made several strides in recent years, capped off by a formal diagnostic criterion published by leading experts in 2023. According to the proposed criteria, MOGAD is typically associated with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, optic neuritis, or transverse myelitis, and is less commonly associated with cerebral cortical encephalitis, brainstem presentations, or cerebellar presentations. MOGAD manifests differently in children compared with adults, both in terms of clinical presentation, disease course, and treatment response.

, discussed some of research needs for pediatric patients with MOGAD. Poisson, a neurologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, emphasized the need for improved risk stratification at the first attack to identify which children are at higher risk of relapse and may benefit from short-term maintenance immunosuppression. She also discussed the questions around steroid treatment, particularly regarding optimal duration, tapering strategies, and the potential negative impacts of prolonged steroid use on mood and self-esteem in children and adolescents. Furthermore, she pointed to the underexplored long-term neurobehavioral and neurocognitive effects of MOGAD, such as ADHD, executive dysfunction, and behavioral dysregulation.

The child neurologist and neuroimmunologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital delved into the unique challenges and research objectives surrounding MOG antibody-associated disease. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]

Challenges and Research Priorities for Pediatric MOGAD: Kelsey Poisson, MD

"Most clinicians would not start maintenance treatment on a child with a first attack of MOGAD, unless there are certain high-risk factors for relapse or if the attack was severe."

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) is an autoimmune demyelinating disorder associated with antibodies against MOG that impacts both children and adults. Typically, the most common manifestations of MOGAD are acute optic neuritis (ON) with or without transverse myelitis (TM), and in children, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). MOGAD is considered mainly a monophasic disease; however, some experience relapses that differ from the phenotypic manifestations at the first event.

To date, there are no FDA-approved treatments for MOGAD specifically, although there are several emerging studies testing potentially efficacious options. These include the phase 3 METEOROID study testing satralizumab (Enspryng; Genentech), an FDA-approved treatment for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), as well as another phase 3 study of rozanolixizumab (Rystiggo; UCB), a marketed therapy for adults with anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) or anti-muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibody positive myasthenia gravis.

Treatment for pediatric MOGAD involves a combination of acute treatments and maintenance therapies, tailored to the severity of the disease, the frequency of relapses, and individual patient factors. Recently, MOGAD expert Kelsey Poisson, MD, a child neurologist and neuroimmunologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, sat down to discuss the treatment course for this age population. In the discussion, she emphasized the need for more research to determine which patients require maintenance therapy versus just acute treatment.

Poisson, who also serves as an assistant professor at clinical pediatrics and neurology at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, highlighted the importance of individualized care, factoring the child’s preferences, age, and ability to tolerate treatments. She also spoke on some of the emerging therapies being explored, such as mycophenolate, rituximab, and IL-6 inhibitors. Lastly, she stressed the challenges of when to initiate maintenance therapy, as less than 50% of children experience relapses.

The child neurologist and neuroimmunologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital provided clinical insight on the complexities of treating pediatric MOGAD, including treatment options, decision-making factors, and emerging therapies. [WATCH TIME: 4 minutes]

Treatment Decisions and Personalization for Pediatric MOGAD: Kelsey Poisson, MD

Choosing right treatments for patients with NMOSD

Tammy Smith on NMOSD treatment selection

"Fatigue that is not minor to them... if we overlook that our patients are too fatigued to take care of their kids, we're missing a huge opportunity to take care of our patients."

More than a decade ago, the discovery of aquaporin-4 (AQP4) led to the rapid drug development for patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), a rare, demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system. The first approved therapy, eculizumab (Soliris; Alexion) came in 2019, followed by others, including satralizumab (Enspryng; Genentech) and inebilizumab (Uplizna; Amgen). More recently, in 2024, the FDA approved ravulizumab (Ultomiris; Alexion), another complement C5 inhibitor, as the latest treatment for those living with the condition.

In addition to these monoclonal antibodies, patients can also turn to other treatments such as rituximab (Rituxan) and immunosuppressives, such as azathioprine, mycophenolate, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, and tocilizumab. Intravenous immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, have also been shown to decrease the relapse rate of neuromyelitis optica. As the treatment landscape for NMOSD has expanded, the conversations around personalization and improving therapy selection have gained more attention.

, an assistant professor in the neurology department at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, recently sat down with 

® to discuss the topic of precision medicine for patients with NMOSD. While current treatments are based on biomarkers like AQP4 for seropositive patients, she stressed the need for further research into biomarkers for seronegative patients and the variability within AQP4-positive patients. In addition, Smith emphasized the importance of considering quality of life factors, such as fatigue, which can significantly affect patients despite treatment progress.

The assistant professor in the neurology department at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City discussed advancing personalized medicine for patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, a rare disorder of the central nervous system. [WATCH TIME: 4 minutes]

Furthering the Conversation of Treatment Personalization in NMOSD: Tammy Smith, MD, PhD

The director of the MS and Demyelinating Disease Center at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center talked about early diagnosis, timely treatment, and minimizing therapy transition gaps to prevent severe disability in patients with NMOSD. 

The Urgency of Early Diagnosis and Treatment in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder: Mirla Avila, MD

"Diagnosing at an early stage and starting one of the FDA-approved medications really makes a big difference in how the patient [with NMOSD] is going to do later on."

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare yet severe neurological condition that primarily affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. Characterized by acute relapses, the disease can lead to significant and often permanent disability.

The condition is frequently misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis (MS) because of symptom overlap, which can result in inappropriate treatment with MS-specific therapies that may worsen NMOSD symptoms. As a result, timely and accurate diagnosis may be critical to initiating appropriate treatments that target the inflammatory processes specific to NMOSD. Recent advances, including biologic therapies like eculizumab (Soliris; Alexion), have improved clinicians' ability to manage the disease by preventing relapses and minimizing long-term damage.

The importance of appropriate NMOSD treatment and disease management was a focal point at the 

, held February 27 to March 1, in West Palm Beach, Florida.

 A continuing education (CE) program at the event, chaired by Shamik Bhattacharyya, MD, featured expert insights from Dean M. Wingerchuk, MD, FRCP(C), and 

. The program covered NMOSD pathogenesis, mechanisms of action of current therapies, and recent updates in clinical trial data. By the end of the session, participants were expected to understand NMOSD’s impact on patients’ daily lives, evaluate clinical trial data on emerging therapies, and implement evidence-based treatment modifications based on individual patient response.

At the meeting, Avila, who serves as the director of the Multiple Sclerosis and Demyelinating Disease Center at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, spoke with 

 about the aggressive nature of NMOSD relapses. She emphasized that without prompt treatment, these relapses can lead to irreversible disability. Avila highlighted the importance of early diagnosis, the risks associated with misdiagnosis, and the necessity of initiating FDA-approved therapies without delay. She also underscored the critical role of clinician education in recognizing atypical presentations of NMOSD, ensuring patients receive timely and appropriate care.

REFERENCES
1. Jarius S, Paul F, Aktas O, et al. Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: update on diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment. J Neurol. 2023;270(9):4673-4694. doi:10.1007/s00415-023-11910-z
2. Mealy MA, Wingerchuk DM, Greenberg BM, Levy M, Longbrake EE. Treatment strategies and emerging therapies in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Front Neurol. 2023;14:10356911. doi:10.3389/fneur.2023.10356911
3. Bhattacharyya S, Wingerchuk DM, Avila M. A New Era in NMOSD Treatment: Optimizing Therapeutic Transitions and Reducing Patient Burden. Presented at ACTRIMS Forum 2025; February 27 to March 1; West Palm Beach, Florida. SS5.

The director of the MS and Demyelinating Disease Center at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center talked about early diagnosis, timely treatment, and minimizing therapy transition gaps to prevent severe disability in patients with NMOSD. [WATCH TIME: 4 minutes]

The founder and executive director of the Sumaira Foundation talked about how the landscape of NMOSD treatment has drastically improved with FDA-approved therapies, while noting that accessibility and awareness remain significant challenges. 

A Patient’s Perspective on Progress and Challenges in NMOSD Treatment Advances: Sumaira Ahmed

"I don’t think NMOSD is this deadly diagnosis anymore, and that’s largely [because of] all of the advancements we’ve had in treatments—and I would say diagnostics as well."

Recent advancements in the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) have significantly transformed patient experiences, particularly in terms of clinical outcomes and quality of life. The introduction of targeted therapies, such as inebilizumab (Uplizna; Amgen), has been pivotal for patients. Clinical studies have demonstrated that following 3 years of inebilizumab treatment, 89% of patients with initially abnormal quality of life scores reported improvements. Additionally, among the 39% of patients with NMOSD who experienced abnormal pain levels at baseline, 78% reported reductions in pain intensity.

However, despite these therapeutic advancements, challenges remain in ensuring optimal patient care. Research has indicated that even a single NMOSD relapse can lead to increased disability and diminished health-related quality of life, emphasizing the critical need for effective relapse prevention strategies.

 Additionally, chronic NMOSD-associated pain continues to impact patients, with pain severity being a significant predictor of reduced quality of life.

 Addressing these ongoing issues may require a comprehensive management approach that not only prevents relapses but also alleviates persistent symptoms to enhance overall patient well-being.

, founder and executive director of the Sumaira Foundation, underscored these challenges during an interview with 

. Reflecting on the evolution of NMOSD treatment, Ahmed highlighted the dramatic shift from a dire prognosis with limited off-label options to the availability of four FDA-approved therapies. Although these treatments have significantly improved patient outcomes, she emphasized the continued barriers to accessibility. Furthermore, Ahmed pointed out that some clinicians still favor outdated off-label therapies, reinforcing the need for ongoing education and advocacy to ensure patients receive the most effective and evidence-based treatment options.

REFERENCES
1. Cree BAC, Kim HJ, Weinshenker BG, et al. Safety and efficacy of inebilizumab for the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: end-of-study results from the open-label period of the N-MOmentum trial. Lancet Neurol. 2024;23(6):588-602. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(24)00077-2
2. Berthele A, Levy M, Wingerchuk DM, et al. A single relapse induces worsening of disability and health-related quality of life in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Front Neurol. 2023;14:1099376. Published 2023 Apr 11. doi:10.3389/fneur.2023.1099376
3. Ayzenberg I, Richter D, Henke E, et al. Pain, Depression, and Quality of Life in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study of 166 AQP4 Antibody-Seropositive Patients. Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm. 2021;8(3):e985. Published 2021 Apr 20. doi:10.1212/NXI.0000000000000985

The founder and executive director of the Sumaira Foundation talked about how the landscape of NMOSD treatment has drastically improved with FDA-approved therapies, while noting that accessibility and awareness remain significant challenges. [WATCH TIME: 4 minutes]

The assistant professor of medicine at the University of Toronto talked about emerging research on how prodromal symptoms may aid in the early identification of multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. 

Recognizing and Investigating the Prodromal Phase in MS and NMOSD: Dalia Rotstein, MD, MPH

"Recognizing prodromal symptoms in an individual, especially a younger adult, could inspire further investigations into the possibility of demyelinating disease."

Prodromes in central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), refer to early, nonspecific symptoms that precede more defined clinical manifestations. Recent evidence suggests that recognizing these early symptoms like fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and sensory disturbances could provide valuable opportunities for early diagnosis and intervention. For instance, studies have shown that the detection of aquaporin-4 antibodies during the preclinical phase of NMOSD may help guide timely therapeutic strategies, potentially improving patient outcomes.

 Identifying these prodromal phases may be crucial for facilitating earlier interventions that can alter the disease's progression.

This concept of prodromes was explored in greater detail during the "Connecting to Diseases Beyond MS" session at the 

, held February 27 to March 1, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Chaired by Douglas Sato, MD, and Jodie Burton, MD, the session included presentations on genetic risk, transcriptomic changes, and immunopathology. 

, discussed the emerging role of prodromes in central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating diseases while other speakers, including Matthew Lincoln, MD, DPhil, and Kevin O’Connor, PhD, highlighted shared genetic risk loci, transcriptomic differences, and the distinct immunopathology of MOG antibody-associated disease (MOGAD).

Together, these presentations underscored the importance of cross-disease comparisons to enhance our understanding of demyelinating conditions. At the Forum, Rotstein, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Toronto, also sat down for an interview with 

 to discuss the latest evidence suggesting that prodromal symptoms could aid in early identification of CNS demyelinating diseases. She elaborated on how recognizing these early features might influence clinical decision-making and disease-modifying treatment strategies, while also addressing the challenges in distinguishing these symptoms from those of other neurological or systemic conditions.

REFERENCES
1. Fadda G, Flanagan EP, Cacciaguerra L, et al. Myelitis features and outcomes in CNS demyelinating disorders: Comparison between multiple sclerosis, MOGAD, and AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD. Front Neurol. 2022;13:1011579. Published 2022 Nov 7. doi:10.3389/fneur.2022.1011579
2. Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS). Program Agenda. Accessed February 27, 2025. https://forum.actrims.org/program
3. Zandee S. Linking MS Immune Cell Protein Signature With Clinical Progression. Presented at ACTRIMS Forum 2025; February 27 to March 1; West Palm Beach, Florida. S5.1

The assistant professor of medicine at the University of Toronto talked about emerging research on how prodromal symptoms may aid in the early identification of multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. [WATCH TIME: 6 minutes]

"Creating a culture in your clinic where you ask about broader quality-of-life issues is fundamental for truly comprehensive care."

In neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), an inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system, relapse prevention has always been the main goal, as recurrent attacks are the key driver of neurological impairment. The most common approach to acute relapse management has been immediate initiation of high-dose corticosteroids, with a slow taper to ameliorate neurological impairment. Unfortunately, for a number of patients living with the disease, corticosteroids are not sufficient, and another immunotherapy is often needed.

The discovery of aquaporin-4 (AQP4), an antibody directly linked to NMOSD, has opened the door for several new treatments in recent years, each with varying mechanisms of action. While these drugs have significantly better efficacy on relapses, there are still several other notable symptoms that impact patients’ quality of life, including visual disturbances, spinal cord symptoms, fatigue and pain, and other neurological issues such as muscle spasms, stiffness, or tremors. A truly comprehensive and effective treatment strategy will address not only relapses, but the rest of the disease, says 

The assistant professor in the neurology department at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City discussed the importance of addressing broader quality-of-life measures in patients with NMOSD beyond just preventing relapses. [WATCH TIME: 3 minutes]

NMOSD

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