1/30/2025-In this AANEM podcast, Dr. Stino interviews Dr. Allen on the groundbreaking ADHERE study, published in Lancet Neurology in 2024, which investigated efgartigimod for treating Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP). As the largest CIDP trial to date with 322 patients across 146 sites, it marked the first major study of a targeted biologic therapy in CIDP. The trial featured a unique two-stage design: an open-label response phase followed by a randomized controlled phase for responders. Dr. Allen explains the rationale behind targeting IgG in CIDP, despite its less clear antibody-mediated mechanism compared to myasthenia gravis. The study demonstrated a 66-70% response rate in the open-label phase, with significantly lower relapse rates compared to placebo in the randomized phase. This research represents a significant advancement in CIDP treatment options, offering a weekly subcutaneous administration that could reduce treatment burden compared to traditional therapies. 31 min.

1/15/2025- In this AANEM podcast, Dr. Andrés De León interviews neuromuscular pathology experts Dr. Aziz Shaibani and Dr. Marcus Pinto about the current state and value of muscle and nerve biopsies in clinical practice. The discussion covers essential topics including proper indications for biopsies, technical considerations in choosing biopsy sites, staining techniques, and the impact of advancing genetic testing on diagnostic approaches. Dr. Shaibani emphasizes that while genetic testing has reduced some muscle biopsy indications, biopsies remain crucial for certain conditions like inflammatory myopathies and mitochondrial disorders. Dr. Pinto details specific scenarios where nerve biopsies are invaluable, particularly in diagnosing vasculitic neuropathy and amyloidosis. Both experts share insights on the complementary role of muscle and nerve biopsies in conditions like systemic vasculitis and discuss how modern diagnostic tools like myositis antibody testing and genetic panels are changing but not eliminating the need for tissue diagnosis. 33 min.

12/15/2024- In this AANEM podcast, Carrie Ford, a CNCT and R.NCS.T. from the University of Utah's Jack Petajan EMG Lab, interviews Dr. Kyle Mahoney, an associate professor at the University of Utah, who provides a comprehensive explanation of neuromuscular junction transmission and the critical concept of the "safety factor." He breaks down complex neurophysiological concepts using accessible analogies, explaining how the safety factor serves as a built-in buffer that ensures reliable nerve-to-muscle signal transmission. The discussion covers normal neuromuscular junction function, the impact of various pathological conditions such as Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome, myasthenia gravis, and ALS on neuromuscular transmission, and the clinical significance of repetitive nerve stimulation testing. Dr. Mahoney's clear explanations make these technically challenging concepts more approachable for healthcare professionals, particularly EMG technicians who may be less familiar with the underlying mechanisms of neuromuscular transmission. 24 min.

11/30/2024- In this AANEM podcast, Dr. Kelly Gwathmey interviews Dr. Aziz Shaibani and Dr. Yasser Hussain, two experienced neuromuscular specialists who run successful private practice clinical research programs in Texas. They discuss the motivations for conducting clinical trials, including expanding treatment options for patients and contributing to medical advancement. The experts share valuable insights about building research infrastructure, recruiting patients, managing competing trials, and balancing clinical duties with research responsibilities. They emphasize the importance of having well-trained research coordinators, efficient databases, and proper facility space. Both physicians stress the need for more clinical trial training in medical education and encourage young physicians to enter the field, noting that while only 5% of physicians participate in clinical trials, there are over 200,000 trials currently listed in the USA, presenting significant opportunities for new researchers. 24 min. 

11/8/2024 - In this comprehensive discussion, four prominent neuromuscular experts—Drs. Bhaskar Roy, Jeff Allen, Diana Castro, and Luis Querol—explore recent developments in Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP). The conversation centers on the new European Academy of Neurology and Peripheral Nerve Society guidelines, highlighting significant changes in diagnostic criteria and disease classification. The experts discuss the challenges of diagnosing CIDP, particularly in pediatric cases and variant forms, while emphasizing the importance of proper electrodiagnostic testing and the role of supportive criteria like CSF studies and MRI. They delve into the emerging field of autoimmune neuropathies and the significance of specific antibody testing. The podcast concludes with a discussion of treatment options, including traditional approaches (IVIG, corticosteroids, plasmapheresis) and newer therapies such as FcRn inhibitors and complement-targeting drugs, while also addressing the controversial role of rituximab in CIDP treatment. Throughout the discussion, the experts stress the importance of regular diagnostic reassessment and the need for more personalized treatment approaches based on patient profiles. 34 min

10/15/2024-  Dr. Chilvana Patel interviews Dr. Michelle Mauermann and Dr. Eli Naddaf on the important topic of paraprotenemic neuropathies. They offer valuable insights into a step-by-step approach to understanding the clinical features, conducting electrodiagnostic studies, and managing these conditions. 25 minutes

9/30/2024-  Despite its recognition for nearly 40 years, anti-MAG neuropathy continues to have limited therapeutic options. The emergence of bruton tyrosine kinase inhibition as a new therapeutic pathway appears promising. In this interview, Dr. Amro Stino interviews Dr. Chiara Briani on her 2023 paper exploring the prevalence of the MYD 88 mutation among patients with anti-MAG neuropathy. This is discussed within the broader context of disease presentation, current treatment landscape, and future drug development. - 29 minutes

9/15/2024-  Dr. Andrés De León interviews Drs. Simon Podnar and Gregor Omejec about their research on recovery of ulnar nerve conduction block at the elbow.  32 minutes

8/31/2024-  Dr. Chilvana Patel interviews Dr. Khadilkar on the article titled "Acquired Hyperexcitable Peripheral Nerve Disorders: Clinical and Laboratory Features, Therapeutic Responses, and Long-Term Follow-Up." This study examines the clinical and laboratory characteristics of acquired hyperexcitable peripheral nerve disorders, evaluates therapeutic responses, and provides insights from long-term follow-up observations. 17 min.

8/15/2024- 

Carrie Ford, CNCT, RNSCT, REPT (Emeritus) interviews Peter Grant, MD who is a fraud and abuse expert for the FBI Office of Inspector General, US Attorney’s Office, private insurers, and state medical boards. During this podcast, he discusses AANEM lab accreditation—how and when it got started. Dr. Grant explains how to apply for lab accreditation, the benefits of being an accredited lab, exemplary accreditation status vs regular accreditation, and how the HB2639 will affect lab accreditation. 16 min.

7/31/24- Carrie Ford, CNCT, RNSCT, REPT (Emeritus) interviews Peter Grant, MD who is a fraud and abuse expert for the FBI, Office of Inspector General, US Attorney’s Office, private insurers, and state medical boards. In this podcast Dr. Grant discusses promoting quality electrodiagnostic medicine through legislation—HB2639 explaining the history and need for this legislation, as well as explaining EDX “fraudsters,” and roadblocks that have occurred with this legislation. Dr. Grant also discusses the AANEM’s state liaisons, lobbying in Washington, DC, and meetings with congressman Pete Sessions for support of HB2639. - 16 min.

7/15/2024- Carrie Ford, CNCT, RNSCT, REPT (Emeritus) interviews Peter Grant MD for a podcast on electrodiagnostic (EDX) fraud and abuse. Peter is a fraud and abuse expert for the FBI, Office of Inspector General, US Attorney's Office, private insurers, and state medical boards. In this podcast, Peter explains EDX fraud and how it adversely affects PM&R and Neurology, which includes hand-held devices, billing unnecessary repeat studies, billing unnecessary multiple nerves with EMG,  and mobile diagnostic labs. - 23 min.

6/30/2024 Dr. Nadia Khalil interviews Dr. Collin Grant on his experience in private practice. He shares his take on the highlights, challenges, and keys for success. - 18 min.

6/15/2024 - Dr. Nadia Khalil interviews Dr. Ileana Howard and Dr. Kelly Gwathmey on their careers in neuromuscular medicine. They define a neuromuscular practice and highlight how meaningful, challenging, and exciting this field of medicine is." 27 min.

5/31/2024 - Dr. Nadia Khalil interviews Dr. Nicholas Johnson on a career in research. He describes what research in practice looks like, his inspiration, and pearls for success.  12 min.

5/15/2024 - Dr. Nadia Khalil interviews Dr. Milind Kothari and Dr. Sandra Hearn on academic practice. They define what life as a clinician educator looks like and share pearls from their own journeys for success.  28 min.

4/30/2024 -Dr. Kelly Gwathmey interviews Dr. Juerd Wijntjes on the article titled "Comparison of muscle ultrasound and needle electromyography findings in neuromuscular disorders." This study explores the correlation of needle electromyography changes with both visual and quantitative muscle ultrasound results in patients with neurogenic and myopathic disorders.  16 min.

4/15/2024 -Drs. Mohamed Taha and John Morren speak with Andy Galbreath about their recent Muscle & Nerve paper on Artificial Intelligence in NM and EDX Medicine.  The authors discuss concepts of machine learning, deep learning, and artificial neural networks as they relate to NM and EDX medicine. Limitations and regulatory challenges are also discussed.  Muscle & Nerve. 2024;69:260-272. 35 min.

3/18/2024 -This podcast is a discussion of three challenging electrodiagnostic cases. Teresa Spiegelberg, CNCT interviews three neuromuscular and electrodiagnostic experts: Dr. Ann Little, MD, Dr. Gary Gallagher, MD, and Dr. James Leonard, Jr. MD. The first case explores the challenges of routine electrodiagnostic testing in someone with a chronic, underlying brachial plexopathy. The second case discusses the expected electrophysiological changes in a patient with a presynaptic neuromuscular junction disorder. In the third case, electrophysiological features of a patient with Hirayama's Disease (i.e. monomelic amyotrophy) are discussed.  25 min.

1/5/2024 - Chilvana Patel, Associate Professor and Neurology Residency Program Director at University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, Texas, interviewing  Dr. Bhai who is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at UT Southwestern Medical Center and the Director of the Neuromuscular Center in the Institute of Exercise and Environmental Medicine at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas and Dr. Vissing who is a professor in Department of Neurology at university of Copenhagen, Denmark and Director of Copenhagen Neuromuscular Center at the National Hospital about their recently published articles in Muscle and Nerve in April 2023 on Diagnosis and management of metabolic myopathies.  34 min.