Community Meets Clinic 306. Drs. Brenda Banwell and Haiwen Chen

The "Community Meets Clinic" podcast series introduces clinicians and healthcare personnel specializing in rare neuroimmune disorders. In this episode, Krissy Dilger of SRNA spoke with Drs. Brenda Banwell and Haiwen Chen of Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, a designated Center of Excellence in Rare Neuroimmune Disorders. They shared about their paths into pediatric neurology and focus on rare pediatric neuroimmune disorders [00:01:49]. They described the rapid evolution of diagnosis and treatment over the past 30 years, including advances in MS, MOGAD, and aquaporin-4 disease, expanded pediatric inclusion in diagnostic criteria and trials, and improved outcomes with high-efficacy therapies. The doctors outlined their research approaches—Dr. Banwell’s integrative, imaging-focused team science [00:08:45] and Dr. Chen’s clinical research including a project on IVIG duration for relapsing pediatric MOGAD [00:11:00]. The discussed their multidisciplinary clinic supports, continuity into adulthood within one health system, and emphasis on availability, collaboration, community resources, and hope for the future [00:13:35].View the medical profile of Dr. Brenda Banwell:https://profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org/provider/brenda-banwell/3154504 View the medical profile of Dr. Haiwen Chen:https://profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org/provider/haiwen-chen/2703784Brenda Banwell is the director of the Department of Pediatrics, as well as pediatrician-in-chief and co-director of Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, where she helps manage the hospital’s many clinical and research centers. Dr. Banwell is a renowned expert in the research and treatment of pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neuroimmune disorders. She specializes in and studies the use of neuroimaging to assess the clinical and cognitive impact of the conditions, as well as the function of the immune system in children with these disorders. Dr. Banwell has published more than 250 manuscripts in high-impact journals, along with over 25 book chapters. In addition, she has over 200 national and international invited lectureships and visiting professorships.An advocate for pediatric multiple sclerosis needs and research, Dr. Banwell serves as chair of the International Medical and Scientific Board of the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation, and the Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody–Associated Disease (MOGAD) International Research Consortium. She is also chair of the pediatric committee of the National Institutes of Health NeuroNEXT program, which conducts studies on treatments for neurological diseases through academic, private, and industry collaborations. Dr. Banwell currently serves as past-chair of the International Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Study Group.Dr. Haiwen Chen is a pediatric neurologist who specializes in caring for children with pediatric onset neuroinflammatory and neuroinfectious diseases, with particular interests in demyelinating disorders and myelitis. Dr. Chen earned her MD and PhD from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She completed a pediatric neurology residency and fellowship training in neuroimmunology and neurological infectious diseases at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Chen’s research training focused on understanding synaptic structure and function using molecular biology and microscopy techniques. Her current research focuses on understanding how oligodendrocyte affect synaptic function in health and disease with the goal of developing strategies for preserving and restoring synaptic function to treat cognitive dysfunction in demyelinating disorders.00:00 Introduction01:49 Why Child Neurology04:24 Choosing Neuroimmunology08:45 Dr. Banwell's Research Focus11:00 Dr. Chen's Research Focus13:35 Clinic Team and Referrals17:24 Continuity Into Adulthood20:55 Self Care and Balance25:26 Advice for New Families28:57 Hope Through Collaboration33:45 Closing

In this SRNA “Ask the Expert” episode, Krissy Dilger of SRNA introduced the Rare Neuroimmune Disorder Symposium (RNDS), a three-day hybrid event in Dallas, Texas (October 15–17, 2026) that connects individuals and families with leading experts for education on diagnosis, symptom management, rehabilitation, mental health, and research. You can view details about RNDS, including the agenda and registration, on the event page:https://www.srna.ngo/2026-rndsSRNA founder and president Sandy Siegel recounted how early community isolation and a 1999 gathering helped spark ongoing symposia [00:08:37]. He described the development of a medical advisory board and collaboration with Johns Hopkins that supported research growth, evolving diagnostic definitions, and advances such as plasma exchange and newer therapies for conditions including TM, NMOSD, ON, ADEM, AFM, and MOGAD [00:12:11]. Community support coordinator Leah Campbell shared about her neuromyelitis optica (NMO) diagnosis and described RNDS as invaluable for expert access, treatment decision support, and meaningful connection with others who share similar experiences [00:34:45].Sandy Siegel is the President of SRNA. Sandy got involved with SRNA shortly after his wife, Pauline, contracted TM in 1994 at the age of 35. At the time of her onset, Pauline was a kindergarten teacher. Sandy has been an officer and a board member of SRNA since its inception. Sandy has also served as SRNA’s newsletter and journal editor during his more than two decades of service to the organization. Sandy is a cultural anthropologist with specializations in Native Americans, psychological anthropology, and culture change. Sandy has worked as an adjunct professor at Capital University, Franklin University, the Urban/Rural Program of the College of Great Falls, and the Intertribal Education Center of the Fort Belknap Reservation. Sandy retired from the State of Ohio in 2011 after more than 35 years of service. Sandy returned to college in the fall of 2011 as a photography student at Columbus State Community College. Sandy and Pauline have two sons, four grandsons, and one granddaughter.Leah Campbell is SRNA's Community Support Coordinator. Leah was diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) in May 2006 after 17 years of unexplained symptoms and misdiagnosis. She was the first blind student and salutatorian of Altus High School and the first blind graduate of Rhodes College, earning a BA in mathematics. Following graduation and after a treatment for a disease she had been misdiagnosed with, she became quadriplegic and lost sensation of touch, having to relearn how to navigate life as both blind and paralyzed. She is dedicated to using her experiences to support and advocate for others.00:00 Welcome01:03 What the Rare Neuroimmune Disorders Symposium Offers02:35 Meet Sandy and Leah03:13 Origins of RNDS08:37 1999 Breakthrough Symposium12:11 Centers of Excellence Growth22:31 How RNDS Evolved31:30 Why RNDS Still Matters34:45 Leah's Journey with NMOSD35:43 Leah's RNDS Experience38:40 Advice and Closing

The "Community Meets Clinic" podcast series introduces clinicians and healthcare personnel specializing in rare neuroimmune disorders. In this episode, Krissy Dilger of SRNA spoke with Dr. Elena Grebenciucova, an assistant professor of neurology and neurological infections at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, leading its Transverse Myelitis Center, a designated Center of Excellence in Rare Neuroimmune Disorders. She described Northwestern’s multidisciplinary clinic for transverse myelitis, NMOSD, MOGAD, neurosarcoidosis, and related autoimmune conditions, including collaboration with Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and specialists such as pain management, neuro-urology, rehabilitation, and neurosurgery, with an emphasis on faster access to care [04:08]. Dr. Grebenciucova outlined research and clinical trial efforts, including studies on transverse myelitis natural history, optic neuritis therapies, plasma exchange timing, and CAR T-cell strategies [08:36]. View the medical profile of Dr. Grebenciucova:https://www.nm.org/doctors/1467708305/elena-grebenciucova-mdElena 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 Series Introduction00:52 Meet Dr. Elena Grebenciucova01:38 Her Path to Neuroimmunology04:08 Northwestern TM Clinic Overview08:36 Research and Clinical Trials11:16 How to Access the Clinic12:46 Multidisciplinary Care Team15:32 Self Care and Lifestyle18:55 Why Choose Northwestern21:45 Hope for the Future23:17 Closing

In this SRNA “Ask the Expert” episode, GG deFiebre spoke with Dr. Michael Levy and Dr. Benjamin Greenberg about optic neuritis and how it is most often linked to multiple sclerosis but can also be idiopathic or associated with MOGAD and NMOSD. They compared differences across these conditions (including age patterns, bilateral involvement, severity, exam findings, and typical recovery), outlined diagnostic workups such as MRI, antibody testing, and spinal fluid studies, and reviewed acute treatments [03:14]. The discussion also covered emerging therapies like Pivikto for neuroprotection and efgartigimod alfa to lower IgG as a potential alternative to plasma exchange, and examined challenges in remyelination and stem-cell delivery approaches like Q-Cells while cautioning against unproven stem cell clinics [11:57].Benjamin M. Greenberg, MD, MHS is a Professor and the Cain Denius Scholar in Mobility Disorders in the Department of Neurology [https://utswmed.org/why-utsw/departments/neurology/] at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. He currently serves as the Vice Chair of Translational Research and Strategic Initiatives for the Department of Neurology. He is also the interim Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Center [https://utswmed.org/locations/aston/multiple-sclerosis-and-neuroimmunology-clinic/] and the Director of the Neurosciences Clinical Research Center. In addition, he serves as Director of the Transverse Myelitis and Neuromyelitis Optica Program and the Pediatric Demyelinating Disease Program [https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/specialty-centers-and-programs/neurology/demyelinating-disease-program] at Children’s Medical Center. Prior to his recruitment to UT Southwestern in 2009, Dr. Greenberg was on the faculty of the Johns Hopkins Division of Neuroimmunology, serving as the Director of the Encephalitis Center and Co-Director of the nation’s first dedicated Transverse Myelitis Center. Dr. Greenberg splits his clinical time between adult and pediatric patients at William P. Clements Jr. and Zale Lipshy University Hospitals, Parkland, and Children’s Medical Center. His research focuses on better diagnosing, prognosticating, and treating demyelinating diseases and nervous system infections. He also coordinates clinical trials to evaluate new treatments to prevent neurologic damage and restore function to affected patients. 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.00:00 Welcome01:02 Optic Neuritis Basics02:27 Causes and Percentages03:14 MS vs NMO vs MOG06:07 Workup and Testing07:51 Acute Attack Treatment09:30 Recovery and Vision Measures11:57 Pivikto Neuroprotection15:30 Efgartigimod vs Plasma Exchange17:59 Repair vs Remyelination20:15 Q-Cells and Stem Cell Delivery22:22 Closing

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 Welcome00:53 Cindy's Diagnosis Overview01:37 Early Symptoms and ER Rush06:07 Hospital Transfer and TM Diagnosis08:51 Rehab Reality and New Life11:27 Accessibility Costs and Support13:17 Paralympic Table Tennis Quest17:52 Disability Community and Pride20:25 Finding Resilience Through Sport22:34 Mentors and New Athletic Path28:27 Work Return Then Retirement31:58 Writing Her Memoir37:09 Closing Reflections

The "Community Meets Clinic" podcast series introduces clinicians and healthcare personnel specializing in rare neuroimmune disorders. In this episode, Krissy Dilger of SRNA spoke with Dr. Ayşe Altıntaş, Professor of Neurology at Koç University School of Medicine in Istanbul, Turkey, which has been designated as a Center of Excellence in Rare Neuroimmune Disorders. Dr. Altıntaş described the unmet needs in rare neuroimmune disorders and noted her role on an international panel developing updated NMOSD diagnostic criteria [00:03:40]. She outlined current research on mechanisms of optic neuritis, pregnancy complications and aquaporin-4 antibodies, and developing accessible biomarkers beyond CSF with a future goal of remote monitoring [00:06:01]. Dr. Altıntaş also explained Koç University’s multidisciplinary demyelinating disease center model, emphasizing coordinated consultations, advanced MRI capabilities, shared decision-making, and the value of specialized centers, while expressing hope due to rapid advances in biomarkers and targeted therapies [00:11:43]. You can view the medical profile of Dr. Ayşe Altıntaş here:https://www.kuh.ku.edu.tr/doctors/ayse-altintasAyşe Altıntaş, MD is a professor of neurology at Koç University School of Medicine in Istanbul, Türkiye. She graduated from Ege University Faculty of Medicine in 1986 and completed her neurology residency there in 1992. She received early training in neuroimmunology as a fellow at Mayo Clinic under Prof. Moses Rodriguez and later continued her research at Mayo Clinic with Prof. Claudia Lucchinetti and Prof. Brian Weinshenker, focusing on the animal model, immunopathology, and imaging correlates of multiple sclerosis.Prof. Altıntaş served at Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine for 23 years before joining Koç University in 2018, where she established a neuroimmunology laboratory and continues to lead clinical and translational research. Her work focuses on multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) and MOG antibody-associated diseases (MOGAD), with an emphasis on biomarkers and disease mechanisms. She is actively involved in international organizations, including BioMS-eu, The MOG Project, Siegel Rare Neuroimmune Association (SRNA), MEDEN, the MSBase Scientific Leadership Group, and the Guthy-Jackson Charitable Foundation International Scientific Consortium.00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro01:39 Why Neurology03:40 Choosing Rare Disorders06:01 Current Research Projects11:43 Clinic Team and Workflow15:48 Advanced Imaging and Coordination17:20 Self Care and Balance20:20 Advice for New Patients22:17 Hope for the Future24:34 Closing

Dr. GG deFiebre of SRNA spoke with Dr. Michael Levy and Dr. Benjamin Greenberg about CAR-T therapy for aquaporin-4-positive NMOSD. They described why targeting B cells may reduce aquaporin-4 antibodies over time and could enable long-term remission or reduced need for ongoing drugs [01:37]. The physicians outlined an autologous Phase 1 study at Mass General and UT Southwestern [07:02]. They discussed eligibility rationale and how lessons from this NMOSD-focused trial could inform future neuroimmune disorder research [09:10]. You can find more information about the trial here:https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07573332?cond=NMOSD&intr=CAR-T&viewType=Card&rank=1Benjamin M. Greenberg, MD, MHS is a Professor and the Cain Denius Scholar in Mobility Disorders in the Department of Neurology [https://utswmed.org/why-utsw/departments/neurology/] at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. He currently serves as the Vice Chair of Translational Research and Strategic Initiatives for the Department of Neurology. He is also the interim Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Center [https://utswmed.org/locations/aston/multiple-sclerosis-and-neuroimmunology-clinic/] and the Director of the Neurosciences Clinical Research Center. In addition, he serves as Director of the Transverse Myelitis and Neuromyelitis Optica Program and the Pediatric Demyelinating Disease Program [https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/specialty-centers-and-programs/neurology/demyelinating-disease-program] at Children’s Medical Center.Dr. Greenberg earned his medical degree at Baylor College of Medicine before completing an internal medicine internship at Chicago’s Rush Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center. He performed his neurology residency at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He also holds an M.H.S. in molecular microbiology and immunology from the Bloomberg School of Public Health, as well as a bachelor’s degree in the history of medicine – both from Johns Hopkins. Prior to his recruitment to UT Southwestern in 2009, Dr. Greenberg was on the faculty of the Johns Hopkins Division of Neuroimmunology, serving as the Director of the Encephalitis Center and Co-Director of the nation’s first dedicated Transverse Myelitis Center.Dr. Greenberg splits his clinical time between adult and pediatric patients at William P. Clements Jr. and Zale Lipshy University Hospitals, Parkland, and Children’s Medical Center. His research focuses on better diagnosing, prognosticating, and treating demyelinating diseases and nervous system infections. He also coordinates clinical trials to evaluate new treatments to prevent neurologic damage and restore function to affected patients. 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.

Krissy Dilger of SRNA welcomed University of Washington neuroimmunologist Dr. Shuvro Roy for an open Q&A on transverse myelitis (TM). Dr. Roy explained how TM can be both a presentation and a diagnosis, with “idiopathic TM” used when extensive testing finds no underlying cause and noted that recurrence should prompt reevaluation for conditions like NMOSD, MOGAD, or neurosarcoidosis and consideration of preventive immunotherapy [00:06:16]. He addressed audience questions about lifestyle and rehabilitation topics including diet, metabolic health, exercise, sleep issues, and safe considerations around CBD or THC-containing gummies, and reviewed approaches to chronic pain, spasticity, physical therapy timelines, and spinal cord stimulation (including ArcX) [00:13:20]. Dr. Roy also discussed the current status of peptides and stem cells, highlighted emerging cell-based therapies like CAR-T, and answered a case question about a high MOG antibody titer and its diagnostic implications [00:24:53].Shuvro Roy, MD is an Assistant Professor of Neurology at the University of Washington, specializing in neuroimmunology, with a specific focus on multiple sclerosis (MS) and related neuroimmunologic disorders. He is Co-Director of the UW SRNA Center of Excellence for Rare Neuroimmune disorders. He is also a core teaching faculty member for the UW Medicine Multiple Sclerosis Center’s fellowship program, contributing to clinical education and research initiatives like the ECHO MS program in collaboration with the National MS Society. Dr. Roy is actively engaged in projects aimed at improving access to care, addressing healthcare disparities, and enhancing patient safety for individuals living with MS and related conditions. He has co-authored recent research articles in medical journals on a variety of topics, including studies on stiff person syndrome, encephalomyelitis, MOG-antibody disorder, and multiple sclerosis treatment protocols. Dr. Roy is dedicated to helping his patients thrive amid challenging, lifelong neurological conditions.00:00:00 Welcome and Introductions00:01:24 What Is Transverse Myelitis00:03:30 Common Causes and Mechanisms00:06:16 Diagnosis Versus Presentation00:10:39 Monophasic or Recurrent00:13:20 Diet Do’s and Don’ts00:17:25 Aging and Long-Term Health00:24:53 Peptides and Stem Cells00:33:07 Fatigue Sleep and CBD or THC-containing gummies00:37:58 Chronic Pain Options00:43:55 Physical Therapy Recovery00:47:56 Spinal Cord Stimulation ArcX00:51:46 Stopping Pregabalin Safely00:52:59 Trials and Rehab at Any Age00:56:00 MOG Titer and Diagnosis01:00:02 Closing

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 met Dr. Benjamin Greenberg of the UT Southwestern Medical Center. He outlined his translational research, including the Q Study, a Phase 1 trial assessing the safety and feasibility of transplanting human glial restricted progenitor cells into the spinal cord of people who have been diagnosed with transverse myelitis (TM) [05:49]. He also described research on immune-remodeling therapies for NMO aimed at reducing long-term immunosuppression. Dr. Greenberg illustrated multidisciplinary care at UT Southwestern and Children’s Medical Center, emphasized options for second opinions and clinician-to-clinician remote consultation, and shared hopes for nervous system repair trials and curative immune therapies [07:18]. You can view Dr. Benjamin Greenberg's medical profile here:https://utswmed.org/doctors/benjamin-greenberg/Benjamin M. Greenberg, MD, MHS is a Professor and the Cain Denius Scholar in Mobility Disorders in the Department of Neurology [https://utswmed.org/why-utsw/departments/neurology/] at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. He currently serves as the Vice Chair of Translational Research and Strategic Initiatives for the Department of Neurology. He is also the interim Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Center [https://utswmed.org/locations/aston/multiple-sclerosis-and-neuroimmunology-clinic/] and the Director of the Neurosciences Clinical Research Center. In addition, he serves as Director of the Transverse Myelitis and Neuromyelitis Optica Program and the Pediatric Demyelinating Disease Program at Children’s Medical Center [https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/specialty-centers-and-programs/neurology/demyelinating-disease-program].Dr. Greenberg earned his medical degree at Baylor College of Medicine before completing an internal medicine internship at Chicago’s Rush Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center. He performed his neurology residency at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He also holds an M.H.S. in molecular microbiology and immunology from the Bloomberg School of Public Health, as well as a bachelor’s degree in the history of medicine – both from Johns Hopkins. Prior to his recruitment to UT Southwestern in 2009, Dr. Greenberg was on the faculty of the Johns Hopkins Division of Neuroimmunology, serving as the Director of the Encephalitis Center and Co-Director of the nation’s first dedicated Transverse Myelitis Center.Dr. Greenberg splits his clinical time between adult and pediatric patients at William P. Clements Jr. and Zale Lipshy University Hospitals, Parkland, and Children’s Medical Center. His research focuses on better diagnosing, prognosticating, and treating demyelinating diseases and nervous system infections. He also coordinates clinical trials to evaluate new treatments to prevent neurologic damage and restore function to affected patients.00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro01:41 Path to Neurology03:50 Why Neuroimmunology05:49 Research Focus and Trials07:18 Clinic Team and Referrals10:31 Self Care and Hobbies12:17 How the Clinic Can Help14:16 Hope for Future Therapies15:56 Wrap Up

Krissy Dilger of SRNA moderated an open Q&A on acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) with pediatric neurologist Dr. Linda Nguyen of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Nguyen discussed how widespread MOG antibody testing has shifted many cases previously labeled ADEM to MOG antibody-associated disease, recommended MOG testing at onset, and reviewed relapse risk, mimics, and follow-up imaging [00:05:07]. Questions from the community covered acute treatments, recovery, guidance on pseudo-relapse, rehabilitation, and transition from pediatric to adult care [00:14:41].Dr. Linda Nguyen completed her MD, PhD training at West Virginia University in 2017, and then pediatric neurology residency at the University of California, San Diego in 2022. She then completed a combined pediatric and adult neuroimmunology fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern in 2024, where she now serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics. Dr. Nguyen currently sees patients in the Demyelinating Disease Clinic at Children’s Medical Center Dallas.00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro01:08 What Is ADEM01:51 Causes and Who Receives This Diagnosis02:55 Early Signs and Onset04:20 Diagnosis and MRI Criteria05:07 MOG Antibodies and ADEM07:21 Testing and Relapse Risk09:06 Recurrent ADEM and Labels12:34 Mimics and Differential Diagnosis14:41 Acute Treatment Options15:38 Recovery Timeline and Rehab17:47 Long Term Effects and Seizures21:23 Family Support and Accommodations24:47 Follow Up Imaging and Relapse Signs27:25 Managing Fatigue and Headaches29:31 Supplements, Vaccines, and Genetics33:40 Pseudo Relapse and Exercise Balance37:41 Research and Predicting Outcomes43:14 Transition to Adult Care45:36 Weakness Sleep Issues and Final Thoughts