A Discussion with Dr. Alison Christy: 2026 Ted Burns Humanism in Neurology Award Winner

Dr. Zohaib Siddiqi and Dr. Laurence Poirier discuss a complex stroke case associated with systemic vasculitis, highlighting diagnostic challenges and management strategies, including the role of endovascular therapy.  Show citation:  Poirier L, Brissette V, Shamy MCF, Maxwell JP, Drake B, Fahed R. Clinical Reasoning: A 70-Year-Old Man With Systemic Illness Related Strokes Refractory to Medical Treatment Managed With Intracranial Stent. Neurology. 2025;104(1):e210068. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000210068 

In part one of this series, Dr. Justin Abbatemarco and Dr. Paulus Rommer discuss the relationship between Epstein-Barr virus and multiple sclerosis, as well as the questions that still remain unanswered. Show citation: Vietzen H, Kühner LM, Berger SM, et al. Epstein-Barr Virus Antibodies to Differentiate Multiple Sclerosis From Other Neuroinflammatory Diseases. JAMA Neurol. Published online March 9, 2026. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2026.0240 

In part one of this series, Dr. Justin Abbatemarco and Dr. Benjamin P. Trewin discuss the major findings from his work.  Read more about this abstract on the AAN website.  

In this episode, Dr. Jason Crowell discusses the Capitol Hill Report from April 20th, which provides updates on federal funding for neuroscience research in fiscal year 2027 (FY2027).  Stay updated with what's happening on the hill by visiting aan.com/chr.  Learn how you can get involved with AAN advocacy. 

Casey Kozak discusses the process of applying to neurology residency. This episode offers insights for applicants and for neurologists who guide and mentor the next generation of neurologists. 

Dr. Andy Southerland and Dr. Layne Dylla discuss the trends in head CT use in US emergency departments from 2007 to 2022, highlighting disparities, regional variations, and the potential role of AI in optimizing imaging decisions.  Show citations:  Dylla L, Krothapalli N, Tu L, et al. Trends in Head CT Use in US Emergency Department Patients From 2007 to 2022: A Nationwide Analysis. Neurology. 2025;105(12):e214347. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000214347

Dr. Stacey Clardy talks with Dr. Alison Christy, the recipient of the 2026 Ted Burns Humanism in Neurology Award, about her inspiring career, innovative approaches to neurology education, and how she fosters compassion and creativity in medicine. 

Dr. Tesha Monteith talks with Ayesha Sohail about her abstract titled "Global Burden of Headache Disorders in Older Adults (Aged ≥ 55 Years) from 1990-2021: An Analysis of Epidemiology, Trends, and Socioeconomic Disparities."  Read more about this abstract on the AAN website. 

In the final episode of this series, Dr. Justin Abbatemarco and Dr. Shreya Louis discuss the study results and their implications for improving clinical practice.  Read more about this abstract on the AAN website. 

In part two of this series, Dr. Justin Abbatemarco and Dr. Shreya Louis discuss how this technology was developed and how it has evolved.  Read more about this abstract on the AAN website.