03. Building Your Healthcare Team for Successful Symptom Management for Those with ADEM

03. Building Your Healthcare Team for Successful Symptom Management for Those with ADEM

Dr. Linda Nguyen and Dr. Benjamin Greenberg joined Dr. GG deFiebre of SRNA for the third episode of “ADEM Academy.” This episode is titled “Building Your Healthcare Team for Successful Symptom Management for Those with ADEM.” Dr. Nguyen and Dr. Greenberg discussed physical, occupational, and speech therapy for the beginning and duration of the recovery process. They recommended types of doctors for a newly diagnosed person to prioritize and special considerations for someone who tests positive for either the MOG or anti-aquaporin-4 antibody. They also shared advice on choosing a medical professional and the importance of having early conversations with a hospital social worker and the insurance company to identify options for inpatient rehabilitation before discharge to that location. Next, they explained the ways that mental health professionals can help people to be aware of relapse signs and manage potential behavioral issues or emotional strain. In conclusion, Dr. Nguyen and Dr. Greenberg provided a summary of care for a patient with ADEM, five or ten years down the line and beyond.

02. Adult ADEM

Krissy Dilger of SRNA and Peter Fontanez from The MOG Project were joined by Dr. Farrah Mateen for the second episode of “ADEM Academy,” an ongoing podcast series about ADEM or acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. This episode is titled “Adult ADEM.” Dr. Mateen discussed how adults typically present with ADEM, the diagnostic process, and how it differs in other stages of life. She explained how ADEM can affect adults cognitively, psychologically, and behaviorally, as well as considerations for geriatric patients. Dr. Mateen also described strategies for patients who have MOGAD, bowel and bladder issues, sexual dysfunction, and summarized the diagnostic and treatment process. The episode ended with questions from the online audience.

01. Pediatric and Adolescent ADEM

Dr. GG deFiebre of SRNA and Peter Fontanez from The MOG Project were joined by Dr. Jonathan D. Santoro for the first episode of “ADEM Academy,” an ongoing podcast series about ADEM or acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. This episode is titled “Pediatric and Adolescent ADEM.” Dr. Santoro described the diagnosis process for ADEM, testing, treatments, and antibodies such as MOG-Ab, AQP4-Ab, and NMDA. He discussed symptoms to look for during a possible relapse, as well as rehabilitation, therapy, and ongoing research. Dr. Santoro also answered questions from the online audience.