In The News

Children’s Hospital Colorado patient finds resilience after 10 years of dealing with polio-like illness

Personalized drug cocktails may reverse Alzheimer’s

Autoimmune Encephalitis Is Rare, Hard to Diagnose, and No Joke

Vyalev Pump Eases ‘Off’ Periods for Advanced Parkinson’s Patients

‘A Place to Dream’: CU Anschutz Continues on its Record-Breaking Course
Chancellor’s State of the Campus Address, Oct 29, 2024

How rheumatoid arthritis and Down syndrome are helping researchers find treatments for Alzheimer’s
Colorado Public Radio, Sept 7, 2024

Clinical trials hope to curb and reverse Alzheimer's
Colorado Public Radio, Sept 5, 2024

Colorado hopes to raise awareness of dementia, start conversations, with new campaign
CPR News, Aug 25, 2024

What you need to know about Valley fever after 19 infected at California music festival
ABC7 Los Angels, Sept. 6, 2024

Eastern Equine Encephalitis Has Re-Emerged: What Neurologists Should Know
Neurology Today, Sept. 4, 2024

Where is deadly mosquito virus EEE spreading in US? 5 states reporting cases
TODAY, Aug. 26, 2024

West Nile symptoms: What to know about the virus that hospitalized Dr. Anthony Fauci
Today, Aug. 24, 2024

Claim of link between mpox and COVID-19 vaccines is nonsense | Fact check 
USA Today, Aug. 23, 2024

West Nile Virus season returns – A medical epidemiologist explains how it’s transmitted and how you can avoid it
The Conversation, Aug. 16, 2024

FDA Grants Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy Designation to Kyverna’s KYV-101 for Refractory Stiff-Person Syndrome
“As a physician dedicated to optimizing diagnosis and treatments for patients with autoimmune neurological disorders, I am grateful to be able to witness and contribute to the advancement of treatments and patient outcomes in stiff person syndrome via collaborative research efforts with leading players in the field and the support of the FDA oversight,” said Dr. Amanda Piquet, director of the Autoimmune Neurology Program

‘Game of Thrones’ Study Offers Insights Into a Little-Understood Brain Disorder
Face blindness can be a very difficult and isolating disorder, says Dr. Christopher Filley , who was not involved in the study. “People with face blindness can be considered rude or awkward or even autistic or mentally ill because they aren’t able to recognize people that they know,” he says.

Scientists Identify Key Protein Behind Spread of Shingles Virus

For the first time, researchers identify the mechanism that allows the varicella zoster virus to spread far from the infection site. Dr. Christy Niemeyer is first author of the team’s paper, featured as the “Editor’s Pick” in the Journal of Virology.

Plague and Other Deadly Animal-Related Diseases Remain a Threat

The public health system has reduced cases dramatically, but prevention is still paramount, noted Daniel Pastula, MD, MHS .

First UCHealth Patient Receives New Treatment for Alzheimer’s

Leqembi is not a cure for Alzheimer’s but is the first FDA-approved drug that has shown evidence of slowing cognitive declines. Drs. Tara Carlisle, Samantha Holden, Victoria Pelak and team have now set up a safe system to screen patients and give infusions of Leqembi to those who qualify.

UCHealth Today, June 27, 2024

CU Anschutz gets $2 million gift from Céline Dion Foundation for autoimmune disease research

The money from Dion’s foundation will fund research in stiff persons syndrome and other similar diseases, and support Dr. Amanda Piquet, Dion’s doctor and an associate professor of neurology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Colorado doctors warning of West Nile virus, after state saw biggest outbreak in the country last year

“It’s named after the West Nile region in Uganda where it was first identified. In 1999, we noticed around the New York City area a lot of birds and a lot of people were becoming sick,” said Daniel Pastula, MD, MHS. “There’s actually a setup along the great plains, front range and down into Texas, south through Arizona. In the last many years, last decade, that’s where we see most of our West Nile virus cases.”

Colorado doctor has treated Celine Dion’s stiff person syndrome for 2 years

Dr. Amanda Piquet has treated Dion's stiff person syndrome, or SPS, for two years at CU Anschutz. Piquet is the director of the autoimmune neurology program at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Safety and Pharmacokinetic Profile of Ocrelizumab in Pediatric MS Mirrors Adult Population

Led by Dr. Teri Schreiner , Associate Professor of Pediatric Neurology, the observed PK/PD profile of ocrelizumab in this pediatric population was similar to that seen in adults. In addition, no new T1-gadolinium-enhancing lesions were reported at week 12.

Ofatumumab Positively Impacts Neurofilament Light, NEDA Status Regardless of Race or Ethnic Background

Led by Enrique Alvarez, MD, PhD, data were analyzed for up to 5 years in those randomly assigned to ofatumumab who continued on treatment throughout the OLE (OMB-OMB group) as well as those who switched from teriflunomide (Aubagio; Sanofi), the comparator drug, to ofatumumab in ALITHIOS (TER-OMB).

Neurology Live, May 29, 2024

A 15-Year-Old Hockey Player with MS May Never Experience a Symptom, Thanks to Colorado Research

It was a school day afternoon when Blaise learned his diagnosis. He came to find out that his parents had received a call from the doctor that day. Soon after, the family had a telehealth appointment with Dr. Teri Schreiner , a pediatric neurologist who specializes in neuroimmunology and the study’s lead pediatric researcher.

Colorado Sun, May 9, 2024

But How Does the Worm Get in Your Brain?

The damage varies depending on the type of parasite and where it ends up in the brain. “Some of them actively invade the tissues and destroy tissues,” said Dr. Daniel Pastula, Chief of Neuro-Infectious Diseases and Global Neurology. Others cause problems because of the inflammatory reaction that they trigger.

The New York Times, May 8, 2024

IV Ketamine Promising for Severe Refractory Headache in Children

In a retrospective chart review, IV ketamine led to in a 50% reduction in pain at discharge, with “nearly two-thirds” of patients having no recurrence within 30 days, lead investigator Scott Rosenthal, MD, noted. Rosenthal reported the findings (Abstract S20.010) on April 15 at the American Academy of Neurology 2024 annual meeting.

Cenobamate’s Efficacy in Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

These results were presented at the 2024 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting, held April 13-18, in Denver, Colorado, by lead author Jacob Pellinen, MD [Assistant Professor of Neurology at CU School of Medicine] and colleagues.

Nontraditional Risk Factors Play an Outsized Role in Young Adult Stroke Risk

“The younger they are at the time of stroke, the more likely their stroke is due to a nontraditional risk factor,” according to lead author Michelle Leppert, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. 

Lab Probes Aphasia, a Language Disorder That Struck Bruce Willis, Wendy Williams

2 to 4 million people in the U.S. suffer from aphasia, most commonly caused by a traumatic brain injury, tumor or stroke, according to the National Aphasia Association. Dr. Peter Pressman’s lab is studying ways to improve diagnostic techniques and deepen the understanding of communication and behavioral disorders.

Migraine Devices: TikTok Trends or Effective Tools?

Migraine fixes touted by TikTok and other social media channels aren’t always the miracles they claim them to be. From tight-fitting headbands to eye-massaging headsets, many of the “miracle cures” have little to no scientific research backing them up, said Danielle Wilhour, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology.

‘No Surprises’ as Ozanimod Holds up in RMS Extension Trial

Commenting on the findings for Medscape Medical News, John Corboy, MD, Professor of Neurology, said many formularies limit access to ozanimod “as it has no obvious benefit in comparison to generic fingolimod, which is significantly cheaper.”

Redefining Relapse in Efficacy Measures for Multiple Sclerosis Treatments: Stephen Krieger, MD; Enrique Alvarez, MD, PhD

Presented at the February 29 – March 2, 2024 Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) Forum by senior author Stephen Krieger and lead author Enrique Alvarez, new findings from an analysis suggested that pseudoexacerbations are expected to contribute equally to both arms in clinical trials, which can influence the primary outcome.

Want to Keep Your Brain Healthy and Your Memory Sharp? There’s One Blood Test You Should Get ASAP

“Vascular health is critical to the brain,” says Victoria S. Pelak, Professor of Neurology and Ophthalmology. “The primary care doctor can order age-appropriate blood work that targets vascular health, such as blood work for diabetes and cholesterol.”

Acting Out Dreams Can Signal a Serious Disorder

REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) should be taken seriously, according to Jeanne Feuerstein, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, because it could also be a precursor of other neurological conditions, such as dementia with Lewy bodies, multiple system atrophy (MSA) or Parkinson’s disease.

A Look Inside Brain-Computer Interfaces and the Potential of Neuralink  

Daniel Kramer, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, is a neurosurgeon and neuroscientist that interprets impulses from the brain to better understand disease processes. He is developing a brain-computer interface program at the University of Colorado School of Medicine focused on sensorimotor restoration. 

Drug-Resistant Epilepsy in Adults: A Treatment Update

Two new reports demonstrate that a modified Atkins diet, along with anticonvulsant medication, is the most practical approach to seizure reduction. “As promising as it sounds to slash seizure frequency in half or more, the regimen is not easy,” said Naveed Chaudhry, MD.

Illinois Woman Sheds Light on Experience with Stiff Person Syndrome as Celine Dion's Battle Raises Awareness

“We need to, as a field, define the disease better, diagnose this disease better. And with the recognition now that this disease is getting, that will help and that will move the field forward with clinical trials,” Dr. Amanda Piquet, Associate Professor of Neurology, said.

Gene Therapy Advances Are a Game Changer for Some Neuromuscular Disorders: The Future Has Arrived

“Transthyretin amyloidosis (hATTR) has gone from a disease with very limited treatment options, that was often lethal, to being a treatable disease, if identified early, allowing patients to have a much better life expectancy and quality of life,” noted Diana Quan, MD, Professor of Neurology.

Recognizing When Someone Is Having a Seizure – And How You Can Help During Those First Critical Moments

Epileptologist Dr. Jacob Pellinen walks us through how to recognize a seizure in a bystander or loved one, and what to do in those crucial moments after a seizure begins.

The Evolving Landscape of Treatments for Multiple Sclerosis in 2024: Enrique Alvarez, MD, PhD

Enrique Alvarez, Associate Professor of Neurology, sat down in an interview with NeurologyLive® to talk about how the surprising findings from evobrutinib trials might shape the landscape of MS treatment criteria.

UCHealth Launches a New Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit That Will Operate Full Time in Colorado Springs

"Each and every day, the stroke specialists, nurses and mobile stroke unit teams are focusing on providing the fastest and highest quality care possible for patients, and mobile stroke treatment units are key to expediting such treatment. Mobile stroke units are saving lives and improving outcomes,” said Dr. William Jones, medical director of telestroke and the MSTUs at UCHealth and Associate Professor of Neurology.

Alzheimer’s Study Finds Potential Immune System Link, Mostly in Women

It can help when the caregiver has support from someone outside of the immediate family, says Victoria Pelak, MD, Professor of Neurology and Ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Aurora.

Alzheimer’s Study Finds Potential Immune System Link, Mostly in Women

“We were surprised at how strong the effect was,” said Brianne Bettcher, PhD , clinical researcher at the University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center  (CUACC), who looked with colleagues at the biomarker GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein), an important protein believed to be released with CNS injuries, such as stroke or brain injuries.

‘Low Tech’ Innovation Device for Dynamic CT Myelography Improves Care for CSF Leak Patients

Neuroradiologist Dr. Andrew Callen’s scanning-bed add-on enables safer, more consistent localization of CSF leaks causing intracranial hypotension.

The 5 Most Common Migraine-Triggering Foods And Drinks

“A migraine trigger refers to any external or internal factor that contributes to the onset of migraine symptoms,” said Danielle Wilhour, Assistant Professor of Neurology and migraine specialist at UCHealth Neurosciences Center. “Combining multiple factors is probably a more potent influence.”

Neurology Drugs Are Getting Better—and More Expensive—With More Prior Authorization Hassles

For decades, doctors have complained about the onerous practice of prior authorization, which insurers contend is necessary to control costs and encourage evidence-based choices. But seeking prior authorization has become an increasing burden recently for neurologists because of an explosion of new, effective drugs with stratospheric price tags. Dr. Kavita Nair and leaders share their suggestions for revamping the process.