AANEM News Express Related to Science News

Science News: Compound Muscle Action Potential Amplitude Predicts the Severity of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

    9/18/2019
Submitted by Elliot Bodofsky, MD
Edited by Nandita Keole, MD

This article suggests a different parameter is useful for determining Cubital Tunnel Syndrome severity. It helps in clarifying the arguments for using First Dorsal Interosseous amplitude to assess Cubital Tunnel Syndrome severity. 

Science News: Role of Ultrasonography in Severe Distal Median Nerve Neuropathy

    9/9/2019
Submitted by Rocio (Carolina) Garcia Santibanez, MD
Edited by Lisa Williams, MD

This study looked at the use of ultrasound in 46 patients with clinical and electrophysiologic evidence of severe carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Patients with peripheral neuropathy and a history of carpal tunnel surgery were excluded.

Science News: Shared Polygenic Risk and Causal Inferences in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

    8/28/2019
Submitted by Clark Pinyan, MD, MPH
Edited by Lisa Williams, MD

In this no-hypothesis exploratory study, there is some genetic confirmation of epidemiologically suggested risks for ALS including smoking, lower education and hyperlipidemia, though the traditional epidemiological studies for low-density lipoprotein and ALS are somewhat mixed.

Science News: Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin A for Treating Cramps in Diabetic Neuropathy

    7/1/2019
Submitted by: Clark W. Pinyan, MD, MPH
Edited by: T. Darrell Thomas, MD

Botulinum toxin injections are already useful in a variety of clinical conditions with cramps and spasms such as multiple sclerosis or lumbar spinal stenosis. This article studies the use of Botulinum Toxin A for treating cramps in patients with diabetic neuropathy. This could be an emerging tool used for patients who are often refractory to other therapies.

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.

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.