Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In this "ABCs of MOGAD" episode, "Steroid Dependence," Krissy Dilger of SRNA was joined by Dr. Eoin Flanagan from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. They began with a summary of how steroids are used to manage MOG antibody disease, particularly during acute attacks [00:01:25]. Dr. Flanagan described the mechanics of steroids in reducing brain inflammation and the importance of early treatment [00:04:14]. They discussed the concept of steroid dependence and the complications that arise when tapering down the steroid dose [00:05:46]. Dr. Flanagan highlighted alternative treatments to manage steroid dependence and emphasized the importance of working closely with healthcare providers to safely reduce steroid use over time [00:09:42].
Eoin Flanagan, MB, BCh is a Professor of Neurology and Consultant in the departments of Neurology and Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN). He completed his medical school training at University College Dublin in Ireland in 2005. He did a medical residency in Ireland and then completed neurology residency, fellowships in neuroimmunology and a master's in clinical and translational science at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN). He works in the Autoimmune Neurology and Multiple Sclerosis Clinics and the Neuroimmunology Laboratory at the Mayo Clinic.
His clinical expertise and research are focused on inflammatory myelopathies and their imaging patterns, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody associated disorder, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, autoimmune encephalitis, paraneoplastic neurologic disorders, and multiple sclerosis. He is principal investigator on an NIH RO1 grant studying MOG antibody associated disorder.
00:00 Introduction
01:25 Understanding Steroids in MOG Antibody Disease
04:14 Steroid Dosage and Administration
05:46 Steroid Dependence in MOGAD Patients
09:42 Managing Steroid Dependence
14:02 Balancing Inflammation Control and Steroid Risks
17:31 Conclusion
In this "ABCs of MOGAD" episode, "Steroid Dependence," Krissy Dilger of SRNA was joined by Dr. Eoin Flanagan from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. They began with a summary of how steroids are used to manage MOG antibody disease, particularly during acute attacks [00:01:25]. Dr. Flanagan described the mechanics of steroids in reducing brain inflammation and the importance of early treatment [00:04:14]. They discussed the concept of steroid dependence and the complications that arise when tapering down the steroid dose [00:05:46]. Dr. Flanagan highlighted alternative treatments to manage steroid dependence and emphasized the importance of working closely with healthcare providers to safely reduce steroid use over time [00:09:42].
Eoin Flanagan, MB, BCh is a Professor of Neurology and Consultant in the departments of Neurology and Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN). He completed his medical school training at University College Dublin in Ireland in 2005. He did a medical residency in Ireland and then completed neurology residency, fellowships in neuroimmunology and a master's in clinical and translational science at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN). He works in the Autoimmune Neurology and Multiple Sclerosis Clinics and the Neuroimmunology Laboratory at the Mayo Clinic.
His clinical expertise and research are focused on inflammatory myelopathies and their imaging patterns, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody associated disorder, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, autoimmune encephalitis, paraneoplastic neurologic disorders, and multiple sclerosis. He is principal investigator on an NIH RO1 grant studying MOG antibody associated disorder.
00:00 Introduction
01:25 Understanding Steroids in MOG Antibody Disease
04:14 Steroid Dosage and Administration
05:46 Steroid Dependence in MOGAD Patients
09:42 Managing Steroid Dependence
14:02 Balancing Inflammation Control and Steroid Risks
17:31 Conclusion
![2024 RNDS | What’s my Diagnosis? Physician Panel Discussion Based on Community Panel Presentations
At the 2024 RNDS, a panel of physicians discussed the community panel presentations on their diagnostic journey. The panel collectively discussed the importance of integrating patient stories with clinical perspectives to improve diagnosis and treatment of rare neurologic disorders [00:03:15]. Dr. Carlos Pardo shared historical insights and reviewed the evolution and challenges in understanding and diagnosing transverse myelitis over the past 20 years [00:06:23]. Dr. Dean Wingerchuk highlighted the journey and breakthroughs regarding neuromyelitis optica, emphasizing the significance of biomarkers and new diagnostic criteria [00:18:47]. Dr. Leslie Benson and others delved into acute flaccid myelitis, discussing how it overlaps and differentiates from other conditions, underscoring the importance of precise diagnostic methods and long-term management [00:35:12]. Please note that the information shared during this session is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
01:13 Historical Perspective on Neurological Disorders
10:52 The Evolution of Neuromyelitis Optica
19:03 The Role of Diagnostic Testing
26:07 Acute Flaccid Myelitis: A New Challenge
37:43 The Importance of Accurate Diagnosis and Long-term Management
42:33 Advice for Patients and Families
46:01 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements 2024 RNDS | What’s my Diagnosis? Physician Panel Discussion Based on Community Panel Presentations](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/iGsNACIp5Ds/mqdefault.jpg)

![Ask the Expert 1409. Community Spotlight | Cindy Ranii
In this Community Spotlight Edition of Ask the Expert, Landy Thomas of SRNA spoke with Cindy Ranii about living with transverse myelitis (TM). Cindy described her diagnostic journey, rehabilitation, accessibility, and financial challenges [00:53]. She discussed returning to work briefly before retiring, emphasizing the importance of support, love, and community [08:51]. Cindy shared her path from wheelchair tennis to international wheelchair table tennis, and her pursuit of Paralympic qualification through point-based global competition [13:17]. She also discussed writing and self-publishing her book, Parakeet Races and Other Stories, inspired by family memories and her experience with TM [31:58].
Cindy Ranii is a 79-year-old retired educator who lives with her wife Shelly and service dog Hollis in Santa Cruz, California. In 2005, her life changed drastically when she was diagnosed with transverse myelitis (TM). Within four days, she went from golfing, playing tennis, and working vigorously as the Superintendent of a local high school district to being a paraplegic (T-3 complete).
Six months after her diagnosis she was back at work, using a wheelchair fulltime. Eighteen months later she decided to retire to have enough energy to enjoy her family (four children and 13 grandchildren) and to rebuild an active lifestyle. She competed in wheelchair tennis and then pursued table tennis with her eyes on the Paralympics. Currently she is training to compete in the 2028 LA Paralympics in wheelchair table tennis, saying, “My quest is to be the oldest Paralympian in history. It’s a long shot; but why not!”
Cindy has written numerous articles regarding living with a disability for New Mobility Magazine and authored a memoir, Parakeet Races and Other Stories, which is available through Amazon:
https://rebrand.ly/cindy-ranii
00:00 Welcome
00:53 Cindys Diagnosis Overview
01:37 Early Symptoms and ER Rush
06:07 Hospital Transfer and TM Diagnosis
08:51 Rehab Reality and New Life
11:27 Accessibility Costs and Support
13:17 Paralympic Table Tennis Quest
17:52 Disability Community and Pride
20:25 Finding Resilience Through Sport
22:34 Mentors and New Athletic Path
28:27 Work Return Then Retirement
31:58 Writing Her Memoir
37:09 Closing Reflections Ask the Expert 1409. Community Spotlight | Cindy Ranii](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jGyRK8lTVGY/mqdefault.jpg)
![2024 RNDS | Adaptive Tools and Resources
At the 2024 RNDS, Sandy Hanebrink discussed various adaptive tools and resources available for individuals with disabilities, including driving aids, home modifications, and vision technology [00:01:52]. She highlighted innovative devices such as OrCam and Glidance to assist with vision and mobility, as well as affordable solutions for adaptive grips and accessible computer access [00:07:16]. Sandy also mentioned adaptive recreation tools, including wheelchairs and accessible gaming controllers, as well as funding sources for these technologies [00:13:48]. She concluded by informing the audience about the Abilities Expo and providing her contact information for further assistance [00:20:15]. Please note that the information shared during this session is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.
You can view the presentation slides here:
https://files.wearesrna.org/symposia/2024_rnds/slides/2024RNDS_Hanebrink.pdf
00:00 Introduction and Background
00:32 Adaptive Driving Tools and Resources
01:42 Home Modifications for Accessibility
04:59 Vision Tools and Technologies
10:27 Adaptive Grips and Computer Access
16:22 Accessible Gaming and Mounts
18:04 Wheelchairs and Mobility Aids
20:24 Adaptive Recreation and Sports
23:00 NextGen TV and Accessible Media
25:27 Funding and Resources
27:31 Conclusion and Contact Information 2024 RNDS | Adaptive Tools and Resources](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ji5uHddIJF8/mqdefault.jpg)






![2024 RNDS | Fatigue and Rare Neuroimmune Disorders
At the 2024 RNDS, Dr. Bardia Nourbakhsh, an MS neurologist, discussed the complexities of fatigue in neuroimmune disorders and highlighted its subjective nature and overlapping symptoms with other conditions like depression and sleepiness [00:03:11]. He emphasized that defining and measuring fatigue is challenging, and current treatment approaches are often inadequate, especially in rare neuroimmune disorders [00:09:01]. Julia Lefelar shared her personal experience with MOG antibody disease (MOGAD) and highlighted the significant impact of fatigue on patients lives [00:20:48]. They answered questions from the audience and underscored the need for more research, patient-reported outcomes, and nonpharmacological treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy and exercise [00:27:08]. Please note that the information shared during this session is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.
You can view the presentation slides here:
https://files.wearesrna.org/symposia/2024_rnds/slides/2024RNDS_Nourbakhsh.pdf
00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks
00:31 Julia Lefelars Personal Experience with Fatigue
03:11 Understanding Fatigue in Medical Terms
09:01 Causes and Measurement of Fatigue
12:22 Treatment Approaches for Fatigue
20:48 Fatigue in Rare Neuroimmune Disorders
27:08 Audience Questions and Closing Remarks 2024 RNDS | Fatigue and Rare Neuroimmune Disorders](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mCabRDJCReU/mqdefault.jpg)