Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In SRNA’s Ask the Expert episode moderated by Krissy Dilger, Dr. Elena Grebenciucova described neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) symptoms including optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, brainstem syndromes, and intractable hiccups [00:01:05]. She outlined diagnostic evaluation using MRI and correct blood-based antibody testing (preferably cell-based assays), common diagnostic pitfalls, and the need to rule out infections before immunosuppressive treatment [07:08]. Dr. Grebenciucova reviewed urgent relapse management with IV steroids and early plasma exchange, side effects, long-term preventive therapies (FDA-approved and off-label) [14:02]. Finally, she answered community questions on supplements, chronic optic neuritis, rehab appeals, pain/spasticity, pregnancy planning, long-term treatment duration, mental health, seronegative syndromes, follow-up frequency, and recovery expectations [25:22].
Elena Grebenciucova, MD completed neurology residency at the University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Grebenciucova has been interested in autoimmune disorders of the central nervous system, including rare neuroimmune disorders, since medical school. After residency, she completed a neuroimmunology Fellowship under the mentorship of Dr. Brenda Banwell and Joseph Berger at the Perelman School of Medicine of The University of Pennsylvania. Currently she is an assistant professor of Neurology (MS/Neuroimmunology) and neurological infections at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, and she runs the Transverse Myelitis Center there. Dr Grebenciucova sees patients with rare autoimmune conditions including NMOSD, MOGAD, transverse myelitis, and autoimmune encephalitis.
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
01:05 What Is NMOSD?
01:59 Symptoms and Relapse Signs
03:27 What Causes NMOSD?
07:08 How NMOSD Is Diagnosed
10:09 Key Tests and Pitfalls
14:02 Acute Attack Treatment
17:18 Steroid Side Effects
22:19 Long-Term Therapies Worldwide
25:22 Community Questions, Beginning with Vitamins
27:40 Optic Neuritis Breakthroughs
28:47 Chronic Optic Nerve Inflammation
29:19 Winning Insurance Appeals
31:23 Waist Band Pain and Spasticity
34:04 Pregnancy and Family Planning
37:40 Stopping Long-Term Treatment
39:40 Long-Term Side Effects
43:04 Mood and Personality Changes
49:47 Trials for Seronegative NMOSD
52:55 Follow Up Visit Schedule
55:34 Relapse Recovery Timeline
58:02 Closing
In SRNA’s Ask the Expert episode moderated by Krissy Dilger, Dr. Elena Grebenciucova described neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) symptoms including optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, brainstem syndromes, and intractable hiccups [00:01:05]. She outlined diagnostic evaluation using MRI and correct blood-based antibody testing (preferably cell-based assays), common diagnostic pitfalls, and the need to rule out infections before immunosuppressive treatment [07:08]. Dr. Grebenciucova reviewed urgent relapse management with IV steroids and early plasma exchange, side effects, long-term preventive therapies (FDA-approved and off-label) [14:02]. Finally, she answered community questions on supplements, chronic optic neuritis, rehab appeals, pain/spasticity, pregnancy planning, long-term treatment duration, mental health, seronegative syndromes, follow-up frequency, and recovery expectations [25:22].
Elena Grebenciucova, MD completed neurology residency at the University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Grebenciucova has been interested in autoimmune disorders of the central nervous system, including rare neuroimmune disorders, since medical school. After residency, she completed a neuroimmunology Fellowship under the mentorship of Dr. Brenda Banwell and Joseph Berger at the Perelman School of Medicine of The University of Pennsylvania. Currently she is an assistant professor of Neurology (MS/Neuroimmunology) and neurological infections at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, and she runs the Transverse Myelitis Center there. Dr Grebenciucova sees patients with rare autoimmune conditions including NMOSD, MOGAD, transverse myelitis, and autoimmune encephalitis.
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
01:05 What Is NMOSD?
01:59 Symptoms and Relapse Signs
03:27 What Causes NMOSD?
07:08 How NMOSD Is Diagnosed
10:09 Key Tests and Pitfalls
14:02 Acute Attack Treatment
17:18 Steroid Side Effects
22:19 Long-Term Therapies Worldwide
25:22 Community Questions, Beginning with Vitamins
27:40 Optic Neuritis Breakthroughs
28:47 Chronic Optic Nerve Inflammation
29:19 Winning Insurance Appeals
31:23 Waist Band Pain and Spasticity
34:04 Pregnancy and Family Planning
37:40 Stopping Long-Term Treatment
39:40 Long-Term Side Effects
43:04 Mood and Personality Changes
49:47 Trials for Seronegative NMOSD
52:55 Follow Up Visit Schedule
55:34 Relapse Recovery Timeline
58:02 Closing
