The Impact of Drug Interactions on the results of DAT-SPECT Imaging in a Specialty Movement Disorders Practice: A Retrospective Analysis of Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: DAT-SPECT imaging is approved as a diagnostic tool for the evaluation of suspected Parkinsonian syndromes, but the FDA approved package insert lists 16 potential drugs that may interfere with the image obtained. The clinical impact of these drugs upon imaging results has not been established. This study aims to determine the accuracy of DAT-SPECT imaging in assessing presynaptic dopaminergic denervation in the setting of these drugs. METHODS: This is a retrospective chart review of patients at a single center who underwent DAT-SPECT imaging while taking "contraindicated" drugs between December 2012 to December 2022. RESULTS: A total of 1224 charts were screened, and 153 (12.5%) charts met the inclusion criteria. Bupropion (32%, n=49) and sertraline (26%, n=40) were the most common contraindicated drugs. The false positive rate was 9.2%. CONCLUSION: This retrospective analysis supports the concern that certain drugs may interfere with DAT-SPECT imaging results, leading to potential false positives. This has implications for how clinicians interpret DAT-SPECT imaging in patients taking these medications and whether they should advise patients to stop these medications before a scan is performed.

Use of a simulation-based mastery learning curriculum for neurology residents to improve the identification and management of status epilepticus.

BACKGROUND: Appropriate and timely treatment of status epilepticus (SE) decreases morbidity and mortality. Therefore, skill-based training in the identification and management of SE is crucial for clinicians. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to develop and evaluate the impact of a simulation-based mastery learning (SBML) curriculum to train neurology residents on the identification and management of SE. METHODS: We used pretest-posttest design with a retention test on SE skills for this study. Neurology residents in the second postgraduate year (PGY-2) were eligible to participate in the SE SBML curriculum. Learners completed a baseline-simulated SE skills assessment (pretest) using a 26-item dichotomous skills checklist. Next, they participated in a didactic session about the identification and management of SE, followed by deliberate skills practice. Subsequently, participants completed another skills assessment (posttest) using the same 26-item checklist. All participants were required to meet or exceed a minimum passing standard (MPS) determined by a panel of 14 SE experts using the Mastery Angoff standard setting method. After meeting the MPS at posttest, participants were reassessed during an unannounced in situ simulation session on the medical wards. We compared pretest with posttest simulated SE skills performance and posttest with reassessment in situ performance. RESULTS: The MPS was set at 88% (23/26) checklist items correct. Sixteen neurology residents participated in the intervention. Participant performance improved from a median of 44.23% (Interquartile range (IQR): 34.62-55.77) at pretest to 94.23% (IQR: 92.13-100) at the posttest after SBML (p < .001). There was no significant difference in scores between the posttest and in situ test up to 8 months later (94.23%; IQR: 92.31-100 vs. 92.31%; IQR: 88.46-96.15; p = .13). CONCLUSIONS: Our SBML curriculum significantly improved residents' SE identification and management skills that were largely retained during an unannounced simulated encounter in the hospital setting.

Long-term safety and efficacy of deutetrabenazine for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of deutetrabenazine in patients with tardive dyskinesia (TD). METHOD: Patients with TD who completed the 12 week, phase 3, placebo-controlled trials were eligible to enter this open-label, single-arm study. The open-label study consisted of a 6 week dose-escalation phase and a long-term maintenance phase (clinic visits at Weeks 4, 6 and 15, and every 13 weeks until Week 106). Patients began deutetrabenazine at 12 mg/day, titrating up to a dose that was tolerable and provided adequate dyskinesia control, based on investigator judgement, with a maximum allowed dose of 48 mg/day (36 mg/day for patients taking strong cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) inhibitors). Safety measures included incidence of adverse events (AEs) and scales used to monitor parkinsonism, akathisia/restlessness, anxiety, depression, suicidality and somnolence/sedation. Efficacy endpoints included the change in Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) score (items 1 to 7) from baseline and the proportion of patients rated as 'Much Improved' or 'Very Much Improved' on the Clinical Global Impression of Change. RESULTS: A total of 343 patients enrolled in the extension study, and there were 331 patient-years of exposure in this analysis. The exposure-adjusted incidence rates of AEs with long-term treatment were comparable to or lower than those observed in the phase 3 trials. The mean (SE) change in AIMS score was -4.9 (0.4) at Week 54 (n = 146), - 6.3 (0.7) at Week 80 (n = 66) and -5.1 (2.0) at Week 106 (n = 8). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, long-term treatment with deutetrabenazine was efficacious, safe, and well tolerated in patients with TD. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02198794.

Challenges to neurology residency education in today's health care environment.

Residency training has had to adapt to higher patient volumes, increased complexity of medical care, and the commercialized system of health care. These changes have led to a concerning culture shift in neurology. We review the relationship between the emerging health care delivery system and residency training, highlighting issues related to duty hours and work-life balance, the changing technological landscape, high patient volumes, and complex service obligations. We propose that the current challenges in health care delivery offer the opportunity to improve neurology residency through faculty development programs, bringing teaching back to the bedside, increasing resident autonomy, utilizing near-peer teaching, and rewarding educators who facilitate an environment of inquiry and scholarship, with the ultimate goal of better alignment between education and patient care. Ann Neurol 2016;80:315-320.

Is There a Role for DAT-SPECT Imaging in a Specialty Movement Disorders Practice?

OBJECTIVE: Analyze indications for ordering DAT-SPECT scans and the clinical impact of scan results on patients evaluated in a movement disorders practice. BACKGROUND: DAT-SPECT is FDA approved to evaluate cases of suspected presynaptic dopaminergic deficiency. Little data is available on clinical use and impact of these scans among movement disorders neurologists. METHODS: DAT-SPECT scans ordered at the Northwestern University Parkinson's disease (PD) and movement disorders center from 2011-2013 were reviewed. Clinic notes were reviewed for information regarding the indication for ordering each scan, and to assess for any changes in clinical impression or management choices that followed the scan. RESULTS: 83 scans were ordered by four specialists. Scans were commonly ordered to differentiate PD from Essential Tremor (21.7%, n = 18) or from drug-induced parkinsonism (21.7%, n = 18). In 59% (n = 49) of cases, a change in clinical diagnosis or medication regimen occurred within one visit after the scan. The strongest impact was seen for the indication of ET vs. PD in which 72.2% (n = 13) had a change in diagnosis, management, or both. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic uncertainty in cases of parkinsonism exists even in a tertiary referral center. DAT-SPECT has significant impact on clinical diagnosis and management even in the hands of movement disorders specialists.

Financial hardship is associated with employment challenges and reduced quality of life in early Parkinson's disease.

Introduction: Motor and nonmotor Parkinson's disease (PD) symptoms can negatively influence employment, which may contribute to financial hardship. This article explores the association between financial hardship, employment challenges, and quality of life in people with early PD. Methods: We measured financial hardship with a validated summary item (5-point scale, lower score - less hardship) and the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (0-44, lower score worse toxicity) in a cohort of 60 employed individuals with early PD (<5 years). We used Spearman's Correlations and nonparametric tests to identify associations between financial hardship, demographic characteristics, PD-related factors, employment factors, and quality of life (Neuro-QOL computer adapted measures). Results: The sample was mostly white (93 %) and male (65 %). The plurality were highly-educated with graduate degrees (42 %). Of the 60 participants, 23 (38 %) reported a little bit and 14 (23 %) reported somewhat or more hardship. Comprehensive financial toxicity (22.0 ± 8.7) was correlated moderately (ρ = -0.56) with the single-item summary score. High financial hardship was associated with reduced confidence in job retention (ρ = -0.43, p = 0.001) and reduced perceived workplace success (ρ = -0.352, p = 0.006). Financial hardship was also associated with poorer quality of life in five Neuro-QOL domains: lower extremity function, satisfaction with social roles and activities, depression, anxiety, and stigma (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Financial hardship was common and was associated with employment challenges and poor quality of life. Further work should explore the effects of medical and psychosocial interventions to alleviate financial and employment challenges in individuals with early PD.

Factors Associated With the Place of Death in Huntington Disease: Analysis of Enroll-HD.

Background: Most people prefer to die at home. Hospice is the standard in end-of-life care for people with Huntington disease (HD), a neurodegenerative genetic disorder that affects people in middle adulthood. Yet, we have little knowledge regarding the place of death for people with HD. Therefore, the current state of knowledge limits HD clinicians' ability to conduct high-quality goals of care conversations. Objectives: We sought to determine the factors associated with the place of death in people with HD. Design: We obtained cross-sectional data from Enroll-HD and included participants with a positive HD mutation of 36 or more CAG repeats. Results: Out of 16,120 participants in the Enroll-HD study, 536 were reported as deceased. The mean age at death was 60. The leading place of death was home (29%), followed by the hospital (23%). The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of dying at a skilled nursing facility was significantly lower for those partnered (aOR: 0.48, confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.26-0.86). The aOR for dying on hospice compared to home was increased in a person with some college and above (aOR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.21-4.75). Conclusions: Our data further suggest that models that predict the place of death for serious illnesses do not appear to generalize to HD. The distribution in the places of death within HD was not uniform. Our findings may assist HD clinicians in communication during goals of care conversations.

Advance Care Planning and Health-Related Quality of Life in Huntington Disease: Results from a Multicenter National Study.

Objective: With Huntington disease (HD), a fatal neurodegenerative disease where the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behavior (STB) remains elevated as compared to other neurological disorders, it is unknown whether STB and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) affect plans for the end of life or more broadly, advance care planning (ACP). Conversely, it is unknown whether ACP would provoke future changes to STB and HRQoL. Therefore, we sought to evaluate whether STB and HRQoL patient-reported outcomes (PROs) contribute to ACP and whether ACP relates to changes in STB and HRQoL at 24 months. Methods: HD-validated clinician- and patient-assessments (i.e., HRQoL PROs) were obtained at baseline enrollment, 12 and 24 months through our multi-center study (HDQLIFE™) throughout the United States among people with premanifest, early-stage, and late-stage manifest HD. We used linear mixed-effects models to determine the relationships between STB and HRQoL at baseline and HDQLIFE End of Life Planning at follow-up. Separate linear mixed-effects models were used to assess the relationship between HDQLIFE End of Life Planning at baseline, and HRQoL and STB at 12 and 24 months. False discovery rate adjustments were used to account for multiple comparisons. Results: At baseline enrollment, STB and HRQoL were not related to HDQLIFE End of Life Planning at 12 or 24 months. Similarly, at baseline, HDQLIFE End of Life Planning demonstrated no association with STB or HRQoL at 12 or 24 months. Interpretation: STB and HRQoL PROs do not significantly affect patient engagement with ACP. Most importantly, engaging in ACP does not cause untoward effects on HRQoL or STB for this rare neurodegenerative disease where the lifetime prevalence of STB approaches 30%.

Death Anxiety in Huntington Disease: Longitudinal Heath-Related Quality-of-Life Outcomes.

Objective: Death anxiety, represented by the HDQLIFE™ Concern with Death and Dying (CwDD) patient-reported outcome (PRO) questionnaire, captures a person's worry about the death and dying process. Previous work suggests that death anxiety remains an unremitting burden throughout all stages of Huntington disease (HD). Although palliative interventions have lessened death anxiety among people with advanced cancer, none has yet to undergo testing in the HD population. An account of how death anxiety is associated with longitudinal changes to aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) would help optimize neuropalliative interventions for people with HD. Methods: HDQLIFE collected PROs concerning physical, mental, social, and cognitive HRQoL domains and clinician-rated assessments from people with HD at baseline and 12 and 24 months. Linear mixed-effects models were created to determine how baseline death anxiety was associated with follow-up changes in HRQoL PROs after controlling for baseline death anxiety and other disease and sociodemographic covariates. Results: Higher baseline HDQLIFE CwDD is associated with 12- and 24-month declines in HDQLIFE Speech Difficulties, neurology quality of life (NeuroQoL) Depression, Suicidality, HDQLIFE Meaning and Purpose, and NeuroQoL Positive Affect and Well-being. Interpretation: Death anxiety may be a risk factor for worsening mental health and speech difficulty. A further prospective study is required to evaluate whether interventions on death anxiety or mental health generally can reduce declines in HRQoL for people with HD over time.

Chorea.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article provides an overview of the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to a patient with chorea. The phenomenology of chorea is described in addition to other common hyperkinetic movements that may be mistaken for or coexist with chorea. Chorea can be acquired or hereditary. Key historical and clinical features that can aid in determining the etiology are reviewed, and pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment strategies are discussed. RECENT FINDINGS: Clinical investigations are under way to target transcription and translation of the mutant huntingtin protein as a potential disease-modifying strategy in Huntington disease (HD). Additional heritable factors have been revealed through genome-wide association studies. Symptom-focused treatments for HD are are being studied, including a third vesicular monoamine transporter-2 (VMAT2) inhibitor for chorea attenuation and drugs to target irritability and cognitive impairment. Increased availability of genetic testing has led to increased awareness of HD mimics (eg, C9orf72 and IgLON5). SUMMARY: Chorea is a relatively common hyperkinetic disorder with a broad differential. The first step in the approach to a patient with chorea is accurately defining the phenomenology. Once it has been determined that the patient has chorea, the investigation into determining an etiology can begin. Factors such as age of onset, time course, family history, unique clinical features, and imaging and laboratory findings can guide the diagnosis. Treatments for most causes of chorea are purely symptomatic, although it is important to recognize causes that are reversible or have disease-modifying interventions.

High satisfaction and improved quality of life with Rock Steady Boxing in Parkinson's disease: results of a large-scale survey.

PURPOSE: To compare demographics, self-reported symptom burden, Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQL), and Self-Efficacy for Exercise (SEE) between participants and non-participants of Rock Steady Boxing (RSB), a non-contact boxing program for individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) that focuses on agility, balance, and speed training. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adults with PD who had heard of RSB completed a 20 min, 61-question electronic survey including the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39) and the Self-Efficacy for Exercise (SEE) scale. Differences between participants and never-participants were analyzed using chi-squared test, fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: Of 2054 individuals enrolled in the survey, 1709 were eligible for analysis. 1333 were current participants, 166 previous-participants, and 210 never-participants. RSB participants were median age 69, 59% male, and 97% Caucasian. The majority of current participants reported that RSB improved their social life (70%), fatigue (63%), fear of falling (62%), depression (60%), and anxiety (59%). Compared to previous and never-participants, current participants had better median PDQ-39 scores (36 and 32 vs 25, p < 0.01) and SEE scores (43 and 48 vs 54, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest survey of RSB use in PD. RSB participants report improvement in non-motor impairments and have significantly better HRQL and ESE compared to never-participants.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONParkinson's disease (PD) is a slowly progressive neurodegenerative condition that affects motor function and subsequently, quality of life.Exercise is increasingly recognized as an important treatment for motor and non-motor symptoms of PD.Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) is a specific non-contact boxing program for PD that is growing and increasing in popularity, though there is limited data on its effect on PD symptoms and quality of life.

Understanding the Burdens Associated with Huntington's Disease in Manifest Patients and Care Partners-Comparing to Parkinson's Disease and the General Population.

BACKGROUND: The study provides real-world data on the impact of Huntington's disease (HD) from the perspective of individuals with HD (IHD) and care partners (HD-CP) and contextualizes these results relative to Parkinson's disease (PD) and the general population (GP). METHODS: Cross-sectional survey of IHD and HD-CP in the US (July 2019-August 2019) conducted using the Rare Patient Voice panel. Data for individuals with Parkinson's Disease (IPD), the general population (GP), and respective care partners (PD-CP; GP-CP) came from the 2018 US National Health and Wellness Survey. Outcomes included demographics, mental health, clinical characteristics, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). RESULTS: IHD had greater comorbid anxiety (IHD = 51.2%, IPD = 28.8%, GP = 2.0%), and HD-CP had greater comorbid anxiety (HD-CP = 52.5%, PD-CP = 28.6%, GP-CP = 19.6%) and depression (HD-CP = 65.0%, PD-CP = 29.9%, GP-CP = 19.6%), relative to other cohorts (p < 0.05). Respective of their GP cohorts, IHD exhibited lower HRQoL (EQ-5D: 0.66 ± 0.21 vs. 0.81 ± 0.17) and greater depression (PHQ-9: 11.59 ± 7.20 vs. 5.85 ± 6.71), whereas HD-CP exhibited greater depression only (PHQ-9: 6.84 ± 6.38 vs. 4.15 ± 5.58) (p < 0.001). No differences were observed between HD/HD-CP and PD/PD-CP cohorts on PHQ-9 or HRQoL. CONCLUSIONS: HD has a significant burden on patients and care partners, which is higher than GP. Notably, anxiety and depression were greater among HD vs. PD, despite similar HRQoL.

Disparities in Palliative Care Utilization Among Hospitalized People With Huntington Disease: A National Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: People with Huntington's disease (HD) often become institutionalized and more frequently die away from the home setting. The reasons behind differences in end-of-life care are poorly understood. Less than 5% of people with HD report utilization of palliative care (PC) or hospice services, regardless of the lack of curative therapies for this neurodegenerative disease. It is unknown what factors are associated with in-patient specialty PC consultation in this population and how PC might be related to discharge disposition. OBJECTIVES: To determine what HD-specific (e.g., psychosis) and serious illness-specific factors (e.g., resuscitation preferences) are associated with PC encounters in people with HD and explore how PC encounters are associated with discharge disposition. DESIGN: We analyzed factors associated with PC consultation for people with HD using discharge data from the National Inpatient Sample and the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. An anonymized, cross-sectional, and stratified sample of 20% of United States hospitalizations from 2007 through 2014 were included using ICD-9 codes. RESULTS: 8521 patients with HD were admitted to the hospital. Of those, 321 (3.8%) received specialty PC. Payer type, (specifically private insurer or other insurer as compared to Medicare), income, (specifically the top quartile as compared to the bottom quartile), mortality risk, D.N.R., aspiration pneumonia, and depression were significantly associated with PC in a multivariate model. Among those who received PC, the odds ratio (OR) of discharge to a facility was 0.43 (95% CI, 0.32-0.58), whereas the OR of discharge to home with services was 2.25 (95% CI 1.57-3.23), even after adjusting for possible confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with HD, economic factors, depression, and serious illness-specific factors were associated with PC, and PC was associated with discharge disposition. These findings have implications for the adaptation of inpatient PC models to meet the needs of persons with HD.

Clinical utility of DaTscan in patients with suspected Parkinsonian syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Images of DaTscan (ioflupane [123I] SPECT) have been used as an adjunct to clinical diagnosis to facilitate the differential diagnosis of neurodegenerative (ND) Parkinsonian Syndrome (PS) vs. non-dopamine deficiency aetiologies of Parkinsonism. Despite several systematic reviews having summarised the evidence on diagnostic accuracy, the impact of imaging results on clinical utility has not been systematically assessed. Our objective was to examine the available evidence on the clinical utility of DaTscan imaging in changing diagnosis and subsequent management of patients with suspected PS. We performed a systematic review of published studies of clinical utility from 2000 to 2019 without language restrictions. A meta-analysis of change in diagnosis and management rates reported from each study was performed using a random-effects model and logit transformation. Sub-group analysis, meta-regression and sensitivity analysis was performed to explore heterogeneity. Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. Thirteen of these contributed to the meta-analyses including 950 and 779 patients with a reported change in management and change in diagnosis, respectively. The use of DaTscan imaging resulted in a change in management in 54% (95% CI: 47-61%) of patients. Change in diagnosis occurred in 31% (95% CI: 22-42%) of patients. The two pooled analyses were characterised by high levels of heterogeneity. Our systematic review and meta-analysis show that imaging with DaTscan was associated with a change in management in approximately half the patients tested and the diagnosis was modified in one third. Regardless of time from symptom onset to scan results, these changes were consistent. Further research focusing on specific patient subgroups could provide additional evidence on the impact on clinical outcomes.

Weeding through the haze: a survey on cannabis use among people living with Parkinson's disease in the US.

Symptomatic management of Parkinson's disease (PD) is complex and many symptoms, especially non-motor symptoms, are not effectively addressed with current medications. In the US, cannabis has become more widely available for medical and recreational use, permitting those in the PD community to try alternative means of symptom control. However, little is known about the attitudes towards, and experiences with, cannabis use among those living with PD. To address this shortcoming, we distributed an anonymous survey to 7,607 people with PD in January 2020 and received 1339 responses (17.6%). 1064 complete responses were available for analysis. Respondents represented 49 states with a mean age of 71.2 years (±8.3) and mean PD duration of 7.4 years (±6.2). About a quarter of respondents (24.5%) reported cannabis use within the previous six months. Age and gender were found to be predictors of cannabis use in this sample (Age OR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.93 to 0.97; Male OR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.03). Users reported learning about cannabis use from the internet/news (30.5%) and friends or other people with PD (26.0%). Cannabis users were more likely to report insufficient control of their non-motor symptoms with prescription medications than non-users (p = 0.03). Cannabis was primarily used for PD (63.6%) and was most often used to treat nonmotor symptoms of anxiety (45.5%), pain (44.0%), and sleep disorders (44.0%). However, nearly a quarter of users (23.0%) also reported they had stopped cannabis use in the previous six months, primarily due to a lack of symptom improvement (35.5%). Three quarters of respondents (75.5%) did not use cannabis, primarily because there was a lack of scientific evidence supporting efficacy (59.9%). Our results suggest that the lack of formal guidance or research evidence about cannabis for PD may in part underlie inconsistencies in both use and reported effectiveness.

Meaning and purpose in Huntington's disease: a longitudinal study of its impact on quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: Previous work in Huntington's disease (HD) has shown that a sense of meaning and purpose (M&P) is positively associated with positive affect and well-being (PAW); however, it was unknown whether HD-validated patient-reported outcomes (PROs) influence this association and how M&P impacts PROs in the future. Our study was designed to examine if HD-validated PROs moderate the relationship between M&P and PAW and to evaluate if baseline M&P predicts 12- and 24-month changes in HD-validated PROs. METHODS: This was a longitudinal, multicenter study to develop several PROs (e.g., specific for the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social domains) for people with HD (HDQLIFE). The sample consisted of 322 people with HD (n = 50 prodromal, n = 171 early-stage manifest, and n = 101 late-stage manifest HD). A single, multivariate linear mixed-effects model was performed with PAW as the outcome predicted by main effects for M&P and several moderators (i.e., an HD-validated PRO) and interactions between M&P and a given PRO. Linear-mixed models were also used to assess if baseline M&P predicted HD-validated PROs at 12 and 24 months. RESULTS: Higher M&P was positively associated with higher PAW regardless of the magnitude of symptom burden, as represented by HD-validated PROs, and independent of disease stage. In our primary analysis, baseline M&P predicted increased PAW and decreased depression, anxiety, anger, emotional/behavioral disruptions, and cognitive decline at 12 and 24 months across all disease stages. INTERPRETATION: These findings parallel those seen in the oncology population and have implications for adapting and developing psychotherapeutic and palliative HD interventions.

Simulation-Based Assessments and Graduating Neurology Residents' Milestones: Status Epilepticus Milestones.

BACKGROUND: The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) developed Milestones that provide a framework for residents' assessment. However, Milestones do not provide a description for how programs should perform assessments. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated graduating residents' status epilepticus (SE) identification and management skills and how they correlate with ACGME Milestones reported for epilepsy and management/treatment by their program's clinical competency committee (CCC). METHODS: We performed a cohort study of graduating neurology residents from 3 academic medical centers in Chicago in 2018. We evaluated residents' skills identifying and managing SE using a simulation-based assessment (26-item checklist). Simulation-based assessment scores were compared to experience (number of SE cases each resident reported identifying and managing during residency), self-confidence in identifying and managing these cases, and their end of residency Milestones assigned by a CCC based on end-of-rotation evaluations. RESULTS: Sixteen of 21 (76%) eligible residents participated in the study. Average SE checklist score was 15.6 of 26 checklist items correct (60%, SD 12.2%). There were no significant correlations between resident checklist performance and experience or self-confidence. The average participant's level of Milestone for epilepsy and management/treatment was high at 4.3 of 5 (SD 0.4) and 4.4 of 5 (SD 0.4), respectively. There were no significant associations between checklist skills performance and level of Milestone assigned. CONCLUSIONS: Simulated SE skills performance of graduating neurology residents was poor. Our study suggests that end-of-rotation evaluations alone are inadequate for assigning Milestones for high-stakes clinical skills such as identification and management of SE.

Best Practices in the Clinical Management of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Syndrome: A Consensus Statement of the CurePSP Centers of Care.

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal syndrome (CBS; the most common phenotype of corticobasal degeneration) are tauopathies with a relentless course, usually starting in the mid-60s and leading to death after an average of 7 years. There is as yet no specific or disease-modifying treatment. Clinical deficits in PSP are numerous, involve the entire neuraxis, and present as several discrete phenotypes. They center on rigidity, bradykinesia, postural instability, gait freezing, supranuclear ocular motor impairment, dysarthria, dysphagia, incontinence, sleep disorders, frontal cognitive dysfunction, and a variety of behavioral changes. CBS presents with prominent and usually asymmetric dystonia, apraxia, myoclonus, pyramidal signs, and cortical sensory loss. The symptoms and deficits of PSP and CBS are amenable to a variety of treatment strategies but most physicians, including many neurologists, are reluctant to care for patients with these conditions because of unfamiliarity with their multiplicity of interacting symptoms and deficits. CurePSP, the organization devoted to support, research, and education for PSP and CBS, created its CurePSP Centers of Care network in North America in 2017 to improve patient access to clinical expertise and develop collaborations. The directors of the 25 centers have created this consensus document outlining best practices in the management of PSP and CBS. They formed a writing committee for each of 12 sub-topics. A 4-member Steering Committee collated and edited the contributions. The result was returned to the entire cohort of authors for further comments, which were considered for incorporation by the Steering Committee. The authors hope that this publication will serve as a convenient guide for all clinicians caring for patients with PSP and CBS and that it will improve care for patients with these devastating but manageable disorders.

The case of a 37-year-old male with trouble ambulating and incontinence.

A 37 year-old previously healthy man from Jamaica presented with 2-3 months of progressive trouble ambulating and incontinence. By 1 month prior to arrival he was wheelchair bound and unable to ambulate even with assistance. He started to wear a diaper for bladder and bowel incontinence. He also complained of painless numbness in his legs over the same period of time. His exam is notable for marked weakness and spasticity in his legs, with hyper-reflexia and clonus. He has a sensory level at the level of the umbilicus. An MRI shows a longitudinally extensive T2 signal change throughout the thoracic cord. His cerebrospinal fluid is mildly inflammatory. His HTLV-1 antibody test is reactive.

Formalizing a Residency Mentorship Program with a "Business of Medicine" Curriculum.

BACKGROUND: Mentorship is critical for achieving success in academic medicine and is also considered one of the core professional competencies for residency training. Despite its importance, there has been a decline in the mentor-mentee relationship, largely due to time constraints and lack of clear guidelines for productive discussions. We provide a mentorship curriculum with an easily adoptable workbook which may serve as a guide for programs seeking more formalized mentorship opportunities. METHODS: We created a mentorship curriculum that was divided into 4 quarterly sessions, each with topics to facilitate career guidance and development, and to provide insight into the practical aspects of business of medicine. The mentorship pilot curriculum was implemented during the 2017 to 2018 academic year. Specific questions were provided to stimulate reflection and appropriate discussion between resident mentee and faculty mentor. A post-curriculum survey was distributed to evaluate the effectiveness and satisfaction of the curriculum. RESULTS: A total of 23 residents participated in this pilot project. A majority had not had any formal teaching related to the business aspects of medicine (82%). Upon completion of the curriculum, most residents felt several topics were sufficiently covered, and a majority were satisfied with the course and relationship developed with their mentor (87%). CONCLUSIONS: Our pilot curriculum provides a model to address a knowledge gap in the practical aspects of medicine while simultaneously enhancing residency mentorship. The one-year course was generally well-received by residents and can serve as a model to other academic residency programs with similar challenges and goals.