AANEM News Express

Science News: Diagnostic Sensitivity of Electrophysiology and Ultrasonography in Ulnar Neuropathies of Different Severity

    6/17/2019
Submitted by: Elliot Bodofsky, MD
Edited by: T. Darrell Thomas, MD

Numbness and tingling in the ulnar distribution is a very common problem in neuromuscular practice. This article illustrates that NCS and ultrasound are complementary techniques for diagnosis.

Science News: Long-term Effect of Thymectomy Plus Prednisone Versus Prednisone Alone in Patients with Non-thymomatous Myasthenia Gravis: 2-year Extension of the MGTX Randomised Trial

    6/4/2019
Submitted by: Rocio Carolina Garcia Santibanez, MD
Edited by: Clark W. Pinyan, MD, MPH

This article provides evidence for thymectomy in non-thymomatous generalized MG patients, which can improve medical decision making. Understanding the role of thymectomy for generalized MG patients without thymoma will be helpful when discussing risks and benefits with patients as well as establishing realistic expectations.

AANEM Returns to Capitol for 6th Annual Hill Day

    5/24/2019
Its 6th Annual Day on Capitol Hill was hosted by AANEM on May 20, 2019.  A record number (18) of AANEM’s State Liaisons attended the event and met with dozens of legislative offices to educate Senators and Representatives about electrodiagnostic (EDX) medicine and the contemporary challenges facing the patient and professional community.

Science News: Lacosamide in Patients With Nav1.7 Mutations-related Small Fibre Neuropathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

    5/22/2019
Submitted by: Francisco E. Gomez, MD
Edited by: Clark W. Pinyan, MD, MPH

Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is a commonly encountered entity that, at times, may prove frustrating to treat. This article summary was chosen by the News Science Editorial Board because it is relevant to clinicians caring for SFN patients with refractory symptoms. This summary outlines a new medication available that can be added on to existing regimens with little fear of complications.

Science News: Indications for Neuromuscular Ultrasound: Expert Opinion and Review of the Literature

    5/21/2019
Submitted by: Elliot Bodofsky, MD
Edited by: Clark W. Pinyan, MD, MPH
 
This thorough review by worldwide experts shows the importance of incorporating US into neurodiagnostic practice. As outlined in the article summary, indications are very broad and will help AANEM members incorporate US into important new areas.

Science News: A Novel Treatment Strategy for Severe Guillain-Barre Syndrome: The Zipper Method

    5/8/2019
Submitted by: Leigh Maria Ramos-Platt
Edited by: Hristelina Ilieva, MD, PhD

AANEM members have likely had patients with acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN). Patients who present with AMAN are quite concerning as they often respond poorly to treatment. This article provides information about a combination therapy protocol with promising results.

Science News: Six-Month Assessment of a Hand Prosthesis with Intraneural Tactile Feedback

    4/11/2019
Submitted by: Clark W. Pinyan, MD, MPH
Edited by: Hristelina Ilieva, MD, PhD

Neuro-prosthetics is a popular topic among AANEM members and a continuously expanding field in NM medicine. This article showcases some of the emerging technology in this field. 

Dr. Peter Grant’s Expert Testimony Helps Convict Texas Doctor and Hospital Owner in $20 Million Healthcare Fraud Scheme

    4/9/2019
Two years ago, AANEM Member, Peter A. Grant, MD, was contacted by the FBI. He was asked to review 35 patient charts in a case involving Dr. Harcharan Narang, who owned and operated North Cypress Clinical Associates, and Dr. Gurnaib Sidhu and Dayakar Moparty, who managed and operated the now defunct Red Oak Hospital in Houston, Texas. 

“In reviewing these charts, it became readily apparent that EDX fraud was being committed. I conducted a rather exhaustive and analytical review and then authored a 27-page report which detailed all the inadequacies, inaccuracies and fraudulent tactics I identified,” said Dr. Grant. 

In February 2019, Narang and Moparty’s case went to trial and Dr. Grant provided expert witness testimony. 

Science News: High Prevalence of Neutralizing Antibodies After Long-term Botulinum Neurotoxin Therapy

    4/4/2019
Submitted by: Bryan X. DeSouza, MD
Edited by: Hristelina Ilieva, MD, PhD

The News Science Editorial Board has chosen this article to share because it identifies a higher than expected risk of immunogenicity from therapeutic toxins, which may cause secondary treatment failures. Knowing that the development of neutralizing antibodies to botulinum toxin increases with the duration of treatment and dose will guide therapeutic decisions to optimize outcomes and lower failure rates.