ABCs of NMOSD

Maureen A. Mealy, PhD, joins GG deFiebre of SRNA for an ABCs of NMOSD podcast on "Symptom Management: Pain." Dr. Mealy begins by explaining the different types of pain that can occur with NMOSD. She discusses different treatments for pain and current research into new treatment options. She talks about TENs treatment, Scrambler Therapy, and complimentary treatments. Dr. Mealy discusses pain in relation to a relapse and how to cope with pain long-term.

For this ABCs of NMOSD podcast, Chelsey Judge, PhD, from the Connor B. Judge Foundation and Sumaira Ahmed from The Sumaira Foundation for NMO help explain NMOSD through their personal experiences. Chelsey tells the story of her brother, Connor's diagnosis and the continuing symptoms he still has, such as fatigue and pain. Sumaira recounts her own diagnosis story and the symptoms she also experiences, including visual issues, bladder dysfunction, and fatigue. Chelsey and Sumaira then discuss how they explain NMOSD to others, including the disease mechanism and ongoing symptoms. Finally, they talk about hope for the future and promising research developments for NMOSD.

Dr. Michael Levy and Dr. Elias Sotirchos join GG deFiebre of SRNA for an ABCs of NMOSD podcast on "Understanding Clinical Trial Results for NMOSD Therapies." The medical experts begin by explaining the steps of a clinical trial and the requirements of FDA approval. They then describe the differences between types of studies and the advantages of each type. Finally, Dr. Levy and Dr. Sotirchos discuss the three new NMOSD drugs and compare the results for each trial.

Dr. Sean J. Pittock and Dr. Dean M. Wingerchuk join us for an ABCs of NMOSD podcast titled "Am I Having a Relapse?" The experts begin by defining relapses and pseudo relapses, and they discuss the potential symptoms and possible triggers. They discuss what someone should do if they think they may be experiencing a relapse and the tests neurologists use to identify a relapse is taking place. Finally, the physicians explain the frequency of relapses, the possibility of permanent nerve damage, and how treatment affects a person's likelihood of relapsing.

Drs. Benjamin Greenberg, Brian G. Weinshenker, and Stacey Clardy join the second episode of ABCs of NMOSD, entitled "Choosing a Long-Term Treatment Option." The podcast begins with an overview of the most common treatments of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and their side effects. The experts discuss the three new treatments that have been recently developed, and they discuss the differences between each treatment. They talk about factors to consider when choosing a treatment option, reasons why a person might switch treatments, and insurance implications. Finally, the experts discuss pediatric considerations for treatment, how to find research studies and trials, and supplementary treatments for NMOSD in addition to medication.  

ABCs of NMOSD podcast series is hosted by the Siegel Rare Neuroimmune Association, in collaboration with The Sumaira Foundation for NMO, The Connor B. Judge Foundation, and The Guthy Jackson Charitable Foundation.  

ABCs of NMOSD is made possible through a patient education grant from Viela Bio.

Dr. Michael Levy, an expert in rare neuroimmune disorders, gives a presentation entitled "I have NMOSD. Now what?", the first podcast in a ten-part series called ABC's of NMOSD. Dr. Levy defines neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and explains the history of the disease. He discusses potential causes and diagnostic criteria. Finally, Dr. Levy discusses acute treatments, short-term expectations after diagnosis, and preventative treatments.