American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM)

Sit back and reminisce about the old oral EMG board examination as two former examiners discuss their thought process on an interesting case. See if Dr. Chiodo passes his Lessons From the Lab examination (he does with flying colors!). You are sure to learn good, practical knowledge when you listen to this episode.

In this AANEM podcast, Dr. Kelly Gwathmey interviews Dr. Aziz Shaibani and Dr. Yessar Hussain, two experienced neuromuscular specialists who run successful private practice clinical research programs in Texas. They discuss the motivations for conducting clinical trials, including expanding treatment options for patients and contributing to medical advancement. The experts share valuable insights about building research infrastructure, recruiting patients, managing competing trials, and balancing clinical duties with research responsibilities. They emphasize the importance of having well-trained research coordinators, efficient databases, and proper facility space. Both physicians stress the need for more clinical trial training in medical education and encourage young physicians to enter the field, noting that while only 5% of physicians participate in clinical trials, there are over 200,000 trials currently listed in the USA, presenting significant opportunities for new researchers.

Join in to this episode of Lessons From the Lab as Drs. Rubin and Hobson-Webb discuss a challenging case filled with many things to ponder. Is the arm finding related to the neuropathy? Are the findings indicative of demyelination? Is there conduction block? Is Dr. Rubin good at ultrasound scanning? You will be sure to learn quite a bit during this discussion!

In this comprehensive discussion, four prominent neuromuscular experts—Drs. Bhaskar Roy, Jeff Allen, Diana Castro, and Luis Querol—explore recent developments in Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP). The conversation centers on the new European Academy of Neurology and Peripheral Nerve Society guidelines, highlighting significant changes in diagnostic criteria and disease classification. The experts discuss the challenges of diagnosing CIDP, particularly in pediatric cases and variant forms, while emphasizing the importance of proper electrodiagnostic testing and the role of supportive criteria like CSF studies and MRI. They delve into the emerging field of autoimmune neuropathies and the significance of specific antibody testing. The podcast concludes with a discussion of treatment options, including traditional approaches (IVIG, corticosteroids, plasmapheresis) and newer therapies such as FcRn inhibitors and complement-targeting drugs, while also addressing the controversial role of rituximab in CIDP treatment. Throughout the discussion, the experts stress the importance of regular diagnostic reassessment and the need for more personalized treatment approaches based on patient profiles.

This podcast discusses paraproteinemic neuropathies,

Despite its recognition for nearly 40 years, anti-MAG neuropathy continues to have limited therapeutic options. The emergence of bruton tyrosine kinase inhibition as a new therapeutic pathway appears promising. In this interview, Dr. Amro Stino interviews Dr. Chiara Briani on her 2023 paper exploring the prevalence of the MYD 88 mutation among patients with anti-MAG neuropathy. This is discussed within the broader context of disease presentation, current treatment landscape, and future drug development.

Dr. Andrés De León interviews Drs. Simon Podnar and Gregor Omejec about their research on recovery of ulnar nerve conduction block at the elbow. 

Dr. Chilvana Patel interviews Dr. Khadilkar on the article

Did you miss Lessons From the Lab LIVE 2? Watch the recording now and see the fun you missed as Drs. Devon Rubin and Christopher Lamb present and discuss a unique case of a young rock climber with arm weakness.

Carrie Ford, CNCT, RNSCT, REPT (Emeritus) interviews Peter Grant, MD who is a fraud and abuse expert for the FBI Office of Inspector General, US Attorney’s Office, private insurers, and state medical boards. During this podcast, Peter discusses AANEM lab accreditation—how and when it got started. Dr. Grant explains how to apply for lab accreditation, the benefits of being an accredited lab, exemplary accreditation status vs regular accreditation, and how the HB2639 will affect lab accreditation.