Uploaded November 2023 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
At the 2023 Regional RNDS, Dr. Cynthia Wang of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center discussed the current clinical trials to test possible treatments for people diagnosed with MOGAD and NMOSD, and how to get involved with this important research.
At the 2023 Regional RNDS, Dr. Cynthia Wang of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center discussed the current clinical trials to test possible treatments for people diagnosed with MOGAD and NMOSD, and how to get involved with this important research.
![2024 RNDS | Plasma Exchange for Acute Inflammatory Demyelination: How We Got Here and Where to Next?
At the 2024 RNDS, Dr. Ben Greenberg provided context on the history and evolution of the Siegel Rare Neuroimmune Association (SRNA) celebrating its 30th anniversary, with a special mention of Brian Weinshenkers pioneering work on plasmapheresis 25 years ago [00:00:47]. Dr. Brian Weinshenker then shared the results and impact of his research on plasma exchange for treating acute demyelinating diseases, including a significant study from the late 1990s [00:07:26]. He discussed the challenges of implementing this treatment and compares it with other approaches, emphasizing the need for further research and careful trial design [00:14:03]. The video concluded with insights into future directions and emerging treatments to enhance the management of these diseases [00:20:30]. Please note that the information shared during this session is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.
00:00 Introduction and Context
00:39 Personal Story: Early Days of Plasmapheresis
02:45 Brian Weinshenkers Introduction
04:04 Historical Background and Early Research
07:26 Breakthroughs in Plasma Exchange
14:04 Clinical Trials and Results
19:45 Media Coverage and Public Reaction
24:20 Comparative Studies and Ongoing Research
32:00 Future Directions and Conclusion 2024 RNDS | Plasma Exchange for Acute Inflammatory Demyelination: How We Got Here and Where to Next?](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_uhlkK_8xvA/mqdefault.jpg)
![2024 RNDS | Rare Neuroimmune Disorders: Diagnostic Criteria
At the 2024 RNDS, Dr. Shruti Mahale, a 4th year medical student at UT Southwestern, presented a project on patients with rare neuroimmune disorders and emphasized the challenges in diagnosing these conditions due to overlapping symptoms with other neuroimmune diseases [00:03:12]. The study involved a questionnaire to assess patients understanding of their condition, revealing that individuals with idiopathic conditions scored lower on knowledge tests compared to those with better-characterized diseases [00:10:45]. It was noted that high health literacy and educational levels among respondents might not represent the broader population, suggesting the need for targeted educational resources [00:12:24]. The discussion with Dr. Kyle Blackburn also covered the evolution of diagnostic criteria for conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and MOG antibody disease (MOGAD), stressing the importance of regular updates to improve early diagnosis and treatment [00:14:07]. 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_Blackburn.pdf
00:00 Introduction and Speaker Background
00:28 Overview of Rare Neuroimmune Disorders
01:41 Challenges in Diagnosing Neuroimmune Disorders
03:20 Study on Patient Understanding of Their Condition
03:30 Study Methodology and Demographics
04:54 Study Results and Conclusions
07:23 Importance of Diagnostic Criteria
09:11 Evolution of Multiple Sclerosis Criteria
10:46 Historical Perspective on Neuromyelitis Optica
14:07 Discovery and Impact of Aquaporin-4 Antibody
16:51 MOG Antibody Disease: A New Entity
21:31 Acute Flaccid Myelitis and Need for Updated Criteria
23:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 2024 RNDS | Rare Neuroimmune Disorders: Diagnostic Criteria](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/aS-Wr3eZSiw/mqdefault.jpg)
![2024 RNDS | Management of Visual Symptoms
At the 2024 RNDS, Dr. Peter Sguigna and Dr. Kory S. Cummings discussed the prevalence of visual symptoms in various rare neuroimmune disorders [00:01:20]. Emphasis was given to the pathophysiology and recovery phases of optic neuritis, detailing inflammation and the roles of remyelination and neuroplasticity [00:10:22]. Dr. Cummings explained her approach to patient care, particularly in the context of low vision, stressing the importance of personalized strategies [00:14:03]. The session concluded with questions from the audience about segment addressing photopsia, managing blindness with technology, and mobility aids for partial vision loss [00:29:39]. 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_Sguigna.pdf
00:00 Introduction and Personal Story
02:23 Understanding Visual Symptoms
04:55 Optic Neuritis: Causes and Recovery
06:56 Case Studies and Diagnostic Challenges
09:18 Management of Visual Symptoms
14:03 Low Vision Specialist Insights
18:55 Chronic Phase and Pain Management
27:19 Assistive Technologies and Resources
29:39 Audience Q&A 2024 RNDS | Management of Visual Symptoms](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/aVFN7miJHlI/mqdefault.jpg)
![2024 RNDS | Management of Neuropathic Pain: Medical and Surgical Options
At the 2024 RNDS, Dr. Paula Barreras Cortes and Dr. Michael Levy explained neuropathic pain and how it differs from nociceptive pain [00:00:10]. They described the various sensations associated with neuropathic pain, such as burning, pins and needles, and hyperalgesia [00:05:22]. The presentation also covered the prevalence of neuropathic pain, its impact on quality of life, and common treatment options [00:11:40]. Lastly, they answered audience questions regarding treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation and cognitive behavior therapy [00:21:40]. Please note that the information shared during this session is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.
00:00 Introduction to Neuropathic Pain
00:25 Types and Causes of Neuropathic Pain
01:30 Symptoms and Sensations of Neuropathic Pain
03:09 Affected Areas and Frequency
05:53 Impact on Quality of Life
06:43 Mechanisms Behind Neuropathic Pain
14:33 Treatment Options and Medications
21:40 Alternative Therapies and Patient Questions 2024 RNDS | Management of Neuropathic Pain: Medical and Surgical Options](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/a_dlAAJqufs/mqdefault.jpg)

![202. Dr. Michael Levy
The Community Meets Clinic podcast series introduces clinicians and healthcare personnel specializing in rare neuroimmune disorders. In this episode hosted by Krissy Dilger of SRNA, we meet Dr. Michael Levy, a clinician from Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Levy is the Research Director of the Division of Neuroimmunology and Neuroinfectious Disease at Mass General and an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School. He shared his journey into the field of neuroimmunology, discussed his research on the causes of MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD, and provided insights into the multidisciplinary clinic team at Mass General [01:27]. The episode also touched on the importance of understanding and reeducating the immune system to improve patient outcomes [15:22]. You can view the medical profile of Dr. Levy here:
https://doctors.massgeneralbrigham.org/provider/michael-levy/1090088
00:00 Introduction
00:54 Meet Dr. Michael Levy
01:27 Dr. Levys Journey into Neuroimmunology
04:50 Research Focus and Discoveries
08:54 Clinic Operations at Mass General
12:12 Self-Care and Professional Fulfillment
15:22 Future of Neuroimmunology
16:52 Closing Remarks
Michael Levy, MD, PhD is a recognized neurologist with over 15 years of clinical and research expertise in rare neuroimmunological disorders. He established the Neuroimmunology Clinic and Research Laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital and is the Research Director in the Division of Neuroimmunology and Neuroinfectious Disease. Previously, Dr. Levy was on the faculty at Johns Hopkins University and was the founding Director of their Neuromyelitis Optica Clinic.
Clinically, Dr. Levy cares for patients with MOG antibody disease (MOGAD), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and idiopathic transverse myelitis (TM). Dr. Levy is also the principal investigator (PI) on numerous patient studies and drug trials for new and improved treatments for these disorders. In 2022, Dr. Levy became the lead principal investigator for the two worldwide clinical trials in MOG antibody disease.
In the lab, Dr. Levy’s research focuses on the development of animal models of NMO and MOG with the goal of tolerization as a sustainable long-term treatment. Dr. Levy has more than 200 peer-reviewed research articles, reviews and editorials, and 3 patents covering NMO tolerization therapy, TM diagnostics, and stem cell regeneration approaches. 202. Dr. Michael Levy](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/b0qgPrYxQH8/mqdefault.jpg)
![203. Dr. Monica Diaz
The Community Meets Clinic podcast series introduces clinicians and healthcare personnel specializing in rare neuroimmune disorders. In this episode hosted by Krissy Dilger of SRNA, we meet Dr. Monica Diaz of University of North Carolina Health. Dr. Diaz shared her journey into neurology and neuroimmunology, driven by her fascination with the brain and problem-solving [00:01:34]. She discussed her research focuses, including demyelinating disorders in Latin America and outcomes in Latino communities in the U.S. [00:03:26]. Dr. Diaz detailed the multidisciplinary approach of The Bodford Family Transverse Myelitis Center, highlighting the range of specialists involved in patient care [00:07:17]. She emphasized the importance of staying active and working with a care team for recovery and shared her hopes for future treatments and potential cures for rare neuroimmune disorders [00:11:08].
00:00 Introduction
00:54 Meet Dr. Monica Diaz
01:26 Dr. Diazs Journey into Neuroimmunology
03:26 Research Focus and Interests
07:17 The Multidisciplinary Clinic at UNC
11:08 Self-Care and Personal Insights
13:23 Message to Patients and Hope for the Future
16:23 Conclusion
Monica Maria Diaz, MD, MS is an assistant professor of neurology in the Division of MS/Neuroimmunology at UNC. She sees patients in the multiple sclerosis (MS) and transverse myelitis (TM) clinics of UNC, providing care to patients with multiple sclerosis and autoimmune and infectious diseases affecting the nervous system. She completed her neurology residency at Yale and neuro-infectious/MS/neuroimmunology fellowship at UC San Diego.
Dr. Diaz has lived and worked in Peru intermittently since 2019 through an NIH Fogarty fellowship and continues to lead studies in Peru with the goal of improving neurological outcomes in Latin America, including studies on epidemiology/risk factors for dementia, cognitive impairment in Peruvians living with HIV, and transverse myelitis in Peru. She is the co-director of a bilateral neurology resident rotation between UNC and Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia in Lima, Peru. You can view the medical profile of Dr. Diaz here:
https://www.unchealth.org/care-services/doctors/d/monica-maria-diaz-md-ms 203. Dr. Monica Diaz](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/b2SMdI5mf4M/mqdefault.jpg)
![301. Significance of Brain Lesions in Pediatric MOGAD
In this episode, Krissy Dilger of SRNA interviewed Dr. Vivien Xie regarding the significance of brain lesions in pediatric MOG antibody disease (MOGAD). Dr. Xie explained the autoimmune nature of MOGAD and the common occurrence of optic neuritis in young patients [00:01:28]. She described her study comparing children with optic neuritis who had brain lesions to those who did not, revealing that brain lesions often did not result in additional symptoms [00:02:41]. The findings suggested that brain lesions didnt significantly impact long-term outcomes, which may provide reassurance for patients with concerning MRI results [00:06:43]. Finally, they discussed the study’s implications for better understanding different phenotypes of MOGAD and improving patient prognosis. Future research directions include more detailed MRI analysis and cognitive outcome assessment [00:12:29]. You can read about this multicenter study here:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41167051/. This work was completed with philanthropic support from the Global Autoimmune Institute and Fighting Fires with Owen.
Vivien Xie, MD, is a pediatric neurologist and neuroimmunology fellow at Children’s National Hospital and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Originally from Baltimore, she earned her undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Maryland, College Park and her medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She then completed a child neurology residency at Children’s National Hospital, where she discovered a passion for helping young patients and their families navigate rare and often life-long neuroimmunologic disorders.
Dr. Xies research interests include pediatric multiple sclerosis and MOG antibody–associated disease, with publications and presentations spanning national and international conferences. She is a committed academic clinician dedicated to advancing clinical trials and research initiatives to improve diagnosis and care for children with rare neuroimmunologic conditions.
00:00 Introduction
01:28 Understanding MOG Antibody Disease
02:41 Research Motivation and Background
05:33 Study Design and Methodology
06:43 Key Findings and Implications
12:29 Future Research Directions
14:10 Conclusion and Acknowledgements 301. Significance of Brain Lesions in Pediatric MOGAD](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bG92qcmHuKA/mqdefault.jpg)
![2024 RNDS | Understanding Genetics of Rare Neuroimmune Disorders
At the 2024 RNDS, Dr. Monique Anderson provided an introduction to rare neuroimmune disorders and discussed their prevalence, highlighting the various conditions such as idiopathic optic neuritis (ON) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). The discussion moved into genetic mutations, explaining different types such as point mutations and germline vs. somatic mutations [00:01:49]. The presentation detailed genetic studies and associated risk alleles across various disorders, mentioning specific genes and their implications for each condition [00:04:35]. Further research by the speaker on idiopathic transverse myelitis was shared, including ongoing studies and potential future research directions [00:18:01]. Dr. Anderson concluded by answering questions from the audience [00:24:25]. 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_Anderson.pdf
00:00 Introduction and Overview
01:49 Understanding Genetics
04:35 Genetic Studies in Neuroimmune Disorders
07:01 Genetic Links in Specific Disorders
18:01 Research on Transverse Myelitis
21:47 Ongoing Research and Conclusion
24:25 Questions from the Audience 2024 RNDS | Understanding Genetics of Rare Neuroimmune Disorders](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/b_8Ab1aMHUg/mqdefault.jpg)
![2024 RNDS | Mind-Body Connection in Rare Neuroimmune Conditions: Mental Health, Fatigue & Cognition
At the 2024 RNDS, Dr. Lana Harder and Dr. Natalie Escalante discussed the mind-body connection in rare neuroimmune conditions, focusing on the interplay between mental health, fatigue, and cognition [00:00:05]. They emphasized the importance of neuropsychological evaluations to assess cognitive functions and mood, helping to identify challenges faced by individuals with rare neuroimmune conditions and develop personalized treatment plans [00:01:34]. They also explored how mental health, fatigue, and mood disorders often overlap, stressing the need for tailored approaches to manage these symptoms effectively [00:07:49]. Throughout the presentation, they highlighted the value of community, self-care, and small daily actions to strengthen mental health and well-being [00:18:29]. 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_Harder.pdf
00:00:05 Introduction and Clinic Overview
00:01:34 Neuropsychological Evaluation and Approach
00:04:28 The Role of Mental Health in Neuroimmune Conditions
00:05:04 Fatigue, Mood, and Cognitive Overlap
00:09:22 Mental Health Strategies and Support Systems
00:23:10 Audience Questions and Discussion on Fatigue Management 2024 RNDS | Mind-Body Connection in Rare Neuroimmune Conditions: Mental Health, Fatigue & Cognition](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bfwhH_kez6Y/mqdefault.jpg)
![1205. Voices of SRNA Volunteers | Part 1
The “Community Spotlight” edition of the “Ask the Expert” podcast series shares the stories of our community members. In this episode, Alexandra Goulimi and Angela Jackson joined Lydia Dubose of SRNA share their backgrounds and how they got involved with volunteering for SRNA [00:01:43]. Alexandra and Angela discussed their experiences with rare neuroimmune disorders and the support they found through SRNAs programs [00:13:41]. They also shared what they hope to see in the future related to rare neuroimmune disorders and SRNA [00:22:53] and offered advice for anyone who might be interested in getting involved [00:30:51].
Alexandra Goulimi was born in 1969 and lived in Germany until she moved to Greece in 2011. She has a background in Human Resources Development and holds a master’s degree in Sociology and a PhD in Communications. In 2009 Alexandra met the Human Design System and has been experimenting since then with making decisions guided by her body’s intelligence. In 2017 Alexandra was diagnosed with NMOSD. It was challenging to meet the initial shock and deal with the symptoms. She has navigated her NMO-journey guided in her decisions by her intuitive response. Alexandra’s experience of NMO has led her to a profound understanding and a deeper love of herself and life.
Angela Jackson has been a member of a book club for 20 years. She is also a published author. Angela was a VP of Account Management working for a software company responsible for Customer Success. On February 27, 2019, she woke up with a numb left thigh. 12 hours later she was paralyzed from the waist down, diagnosed with idiopathic transverse myelitis, and hospitalized. Her lifestyle changed: acceptance of the diagnosis, therapy, limitations, working from home, depending on others... Moving forward with a positive outlook on life, Angela joined SRNA, serving as a Peer Connect Leader and hosting the first Houston, Texas Walk-Run-N-Roll. Angela has an awesome family. She is thankful for loving and supportive family and friends. 1205. Voices of SRNA Volunteers | Part 1](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/by68gglWtog/mqdefault.jpg)