SRNA Soundwaves

SRNA was joined by Katherine Chapman, LCSW, CRND for this ABCs of NMOSD podcast on "Psychosocial Aspects of NMOSD: Anxiety, Depression, and How to Cope." She begins by explaining the ways in which NMOSD can affect mental health and cause anxiety and depression. She describes different coping mechanisms and strategies for improving mental health. Katherine provides information on therapy and how to choose a mental health professional. Finally, she describes methods of asking for help and communicating with friends and family about mental health struggles.

SRNA partnered with The MOG Project to host this Ask the Expert podcast on "MOG Antibody Disease: Adult and Pediatric Presentations" with Dr. Leslie Benson and Dr. Michael Levy. The experts begin by defining MOG antibody disease and describing the different presentations for adult and pediatric individuals. They discuss the long-term effects and management of the disease. Finally, Dr. Benson and Dr. Levy provide the acute and preventative treatments for MOGAD.

GG deFiebre of SRNA is joined by Dr. Jacqueline Nicholas for an ABCs of NMOSD podcast on "Symptom Management: Spasticity." Dr. Nicholas begins by explaining spasticity and tone and how it is affected by NMOSD. She discusses the causes of spasticity and why some people experience it while others do not. She describes first-line and second-line treatments for spasticity and how exercise can help. Dr. Nicholas explains how spasticity can affect ligaments, muscles, and bones.

For this ABCs of NMOSD podcast on "Symptom Management: Bladder Dysfunction," GG deFiebre of SRNA is joined by Dr. Philippines Cabahug. Dr. Cabahug starts off by explaining how bladder function can be affected by NMOSD and the types of problems a person with NMOSD might experience. She discusses treatment options, including medications, catheterization, and Botox injections. She talks about UTIs and methods for avoiding them. Finally, Dr. Cabahug discusses InterStim, the effects of aging on the bladder, and when to establish care with a neurologist.

GG deFiebre of SRNA is joined by Dr. Margaret Jones for an ABCs of NMOSD podcast on "Symptom Management: Bowel Dysfunction." The podcast begins with Dr. Jones giving a brief overview of the possible effects of NMOSD on bowel function and the different issues someone with NMOSD might experience. She then discusses treatment options and how a treatment plan is decided. Dr. Jones talks about digital stimulation, constipation, and the effects of aging on bowel function.

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.

SRNA is joined by Dr. Cynthia Wang and Dr. Lana Harder for an Ask the Expert podcast on "Behavioral and Psychological Changes in Demyelinating Conditions." The experts begin by discussing various psychological effects that people diagnosed with rare neuroimmune disorders may experience, including PTSD, anxiety, stress, and depression. They also talk about behavioral changes that may occur, such as mood swings, changes in personality, and fatigue. Psychological and behavioral challenges of pediatric patients are discussed, as well as possible treatment and coping strategies. Finally, the experts discuss ways in which physicians and medical experts can be educated in regard to these issues for their patients who are diagnosed with rare neuroimmune disorders.

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.