October 2018
In this Issue
Epilepsy
More and More Treatments: Are We There Yet?
• Neuromodulation
• Cannabinoids
• Dietary Treatment
• Genetic Testing
And more...
About the Cover Artist
Tracy Ellyn uses fine art for healing purposes and epilepsy awareness.
GUEST MEDICAL EDITOR’S PAGE
More and More Treatments: Are We There Yet?
New treatments—from cannabinoids to deep brain stimulation—may help meet the needs of still too many patients with uncontrolled seizures.
By Maromi Nei, MD
COLUMNS

Hometown Highlights: Introducing Hometown Highlights
In this new column, we feature content from presenters at the 2018-2019 Philadelphia Neurological Society meetings.
By Stephen M. Gollomp, MD

MS Minute: Neuropsychologic Testing and Multiple Sclerosis
What is the value of neuropsychologic testing for patients with MS when there are often no available treatments?
By Daniel Kantor, MD, FAAN, FANA

Headache Horizons: Tuning in to Psychedelics for Treatment of Suicide Headaches
Neurologists need to understand the phenomenon of using psychedelic drugs for cluster-busting and advocate for appropriate research.
By Peter McAllister, MD
Movement Disorders Moment: Shining a Light on the Off Periods of Parkinson’s Disease
New formulations for rescue from the off period are coming.
By Jeffrey Lahrmann, MD; and Jill M. Giordano Farmer, DO
Stroke Snapshot: Mood Disorders After Experiencing a Stroke
Mood disorders are significant comorbidities and frequently undertreated, despite growing evidence of benefits of treatment.
By Diana M. Rojas-Soto, MD

Financial Planner: Strategies to Reduce Volatility and Improve Tax Efficiency
By Jason M. O’Dell, MS, CWM; and Michael Lewellen, CFP
COVER FOCUS: EPILEPSY
Surgical Management of Intractable Epilepsy
Neurosurgical techniques are effective and underutilized for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.
By Joon Y. Kang, MD
Neuromodulation and Epilepsy
From the vagal nerve to the deep brain, neuromodulation provides another treatment option for patients with epilepsy.
By Ahmad Soltani, MD; Isha Sharan; and Ashwini Sharan, MD

Cannabis, Cannabidiol, and Epilepsy
A new frontier brings new questions and old dilemmas.
By Adrian L. Turner, PharmD; and M. Scott Perry, MD
Dietary Treatments for Patients with Epilepsy
Ketogenic diets are an effective treatment when used properly with medical supervision and support.
By A. G. Christina Bergqvist, MD

Choosing Antiepileptic Drugs
As the number of available antiepileptic drugs increases, so does the challenge of choosing the most appropriate drug for a given patient.
By Alexander Doyle, MD; and Sasha Alick, MD
Reproductive Issues and Epilepsy
Guiding patients through contraceptive choices, prepregnancy planning, and pregnancy improves pregnancy outcomes.
By Frances Knapp; and Alison M. Pack, MD, MPH
Genetic Testing in the Care of Patients With Epilepsy
Genetic testing is improving diagnostic accuracy and, sometimes, informing treatment decisions.
By Alica M. Goldman, MD, PhD, MS

Autoimmune Epilepsy
A newly recognized category of epilepsy caused by or associated with antibodies.
By Lindsay M. Higdon, MD
Self-Limited Focal Epilepsies in Childhood
Recent advances improve understanding of etiology, clinical and EEG findings, and clinical management for this category that comprises 20% of pediatric epilepsies.
By Delphi Barua, MD; and Arayamparambil C. Anilkumar, MD
SPOTLIGHT TOPIC: CONCUSSION
A Neurologist’s Perspective on the National Football League and Retired Players Settlement
The settlement raises significant professional and ethical concerns for the field and practitioners of neurology.
By Francis X. Conidi, DO
CASE REPORT
Persistent Idiopathic Isolated Hypoglossal Nerve Palsy
Could this rare condition be related to vascular compression?