Neurology

In this MD Newsline exclusive interview with neurologist Dr. Mitzi Williams, we discuss challenges and disparities in multiple sclerosis patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic. MD Newsline: What are the biggest challenges that neurologists are tasked with in the wake of COVID-19? Dr. Mitzi Williams: “I think the biggest challenge that neurologists are tasked with...

In this MD Newsline exclusive interview with neurologist Dr. Mitzi Williams, we discuss how multiple sclerosis presents in minority patients. We also discuss the outcomes of minority patients with multiple sclerosis. MD Newsline: Does MS present differently in different racial/ethnic groups? Dr. Mitzi Williams: “Yes, there are some racial and ethnic groups where MS presents...

In this MD Newsline exclusive interview with neurologist Dr. Mitzi Williams, we discuss how to improve the inclusion of diverse participants and diverse leadership in multiple sclerosis clinical trials. We also discuss how meaningful change is being made in healthcare to address health disparities, implicit bias, and systemic racism. MD Newsline: Moving forward, how do...

In this MD Newsline exclusive interview with neurologist Dr. Mitzi Williams, we discuss the impact of neurologist implicit bias on patient care. We also discuss how neurologists can help rectify multiple sclerosis disparities. MD Newsline: How can neurologists address implicit bias in their practice? How might their doing so improve healthcare for underserved communities? Dr....

In this MD Newsline exclusive interview with neurologist Dr. Mitzi Williams, we discuss why multiple sclerosis is an important health issue to diagnose correctly and early. MD Newsline: Can you explain why multiple sclerosis (MS) is an important health issue?  Dr. Mitzi Williams: “Multiple sclerosis is an important health issue because of the potential disability...

Risk for hospitalization, ICU admission/ventilator support, death increased in multiple sclerosis patients with ambulatory disability, older age Ambulatory disability and older age are associated with worse clinical severity of COVID-19, including death, among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a study published online March 19, 2021 in JAMA Neurology. Amber Salter, Ph.D., from the...

B-cell repopulation occurs more often in African American versus White patients between six and 12 months after anti-CD20 infusion For patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) receiving anti-CD20 treatment, B-cell repopulation occurs in more African American than White patients between six and 12 months after infusion, according to a study...

Black people experience more severe courses of multiple sclerosis (MS), and now new research suggests that drugs commonly used to treat this disease may not work as well or for as long in these folks. “I was amazed,” said study researcher Dr. Gregg Silverman, a professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health in New York...

African American, Hispanic American race/ethnicity associated with greater disability, symptom severity in multiple sclerosis For patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), African American (AA) and Hispanic American (HA) race/ethnicity is associated with higher overall disability and higher symptom severity versus Whites, according to a study published online May 28 in Neurology: Clinical Practice. Ilya Kister, M.D.,...