In this episode Dr. Daniel Correa speaks to the winner of Season 3 MasterChef and James Beard Award semi-finalist, Christine Ha, about her neuromyelitis optica (NMO) diagnosis that caused her to lose her vision. Christine shares how she has adapted and excelled as a chef despite the challenges that accompany an NMO diagnosis. Next, Dr. Correa talks with Dr. Fiona Costello, neurologist and professor of neurology at the University of Calgary and clinician scientist with the Hotchkiss Brain Institute. Dr. Costello discusses NMO, a rare inflammatory autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system, and how it is treated and managed for people who are diagnosed with this rare condition. 

 Additional Resources: 

https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/when-cookbook-author-and-masterchef-winner-christine-ha-lost-her 

https://www.brainandlife.org/disorders-a-z/disorders/neuromyelitis-optica  

https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/neuromyelitis-optica-whats-in-a-name  

https://www.brainandlife.org/the-magazine/online-exclusives/what-is-neuromyelitis-optica/  

https://www.theblindgoat.com/  

https://www.theblindcook.com/  

Social Media:   

Guest: Christine Ha @theblindcook (Twitter); Dr. Fiona Costello @FionaCostello5 (Twitter) 

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Audrey Nath @AudreyNathMDPhD