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Introduction Our aim in this study was to identify the prevalence and clinical characteristics of LRP4/agrin‐antibody–positive double‐seronegative myasthenia gravis (DNMG). Methods DNMG patients at 16 sites in the United States were tested for LRP4 and agrin antibodies, and the clinical data were collected. Results Of 181 DNMG patients, 27 (14.9%) were positive for either low‐density lipoprotein receptor–related protein 4 (LRP4) or agrin antibodies. Twenty‐three DNMG patients (12.7%) were positive for both antibodies. More antibody‐positive patients presented with generalized symptoms (69%) compared with antibody‐negative patients (43%) (P ≤ .02). Antibody‐positive patients’ maximum classification on the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) scale was significantly higher than that for antibody‐negative patients (P ≤ .005). Seventy percent of antibody‐positive patients were classified as MGFA class III, IV, or V compared with 39% of antibody‐negative patients. Most LRP4‐ and agrin‐antibody–positive patients (24 of 27, 89%) developed generalized myathenia gravis (MG), but with standard MG treatment 81.5% (22 of 27) improved to MGFA class I or II during a mean follow‐up of 11 years. Discussion Antibody‐positive patients had more severe clinical disease than antibody‐negative patients. Most DNMG patients responded to standard therapy regardless of antibody status.

Neuromuscular ultrasound (NMUS) is a diagnostic technique that is now commonly used to complement electrodiagnostic studies when evaluating for suspected peripheral nerve pathology. The use of NMUS has been described in focal mononeuropathies, polyneuropathies, and motor neuron disease. This article provides a general overview of NMUS for the evaluation of peripheral neuropathies based on clinical practice guidelines, primary literature, and expert opinion. The characteristic changes detected by NMUS are described in focal mononeuropathies (including entrapment and other causes), polyneuropathies (including demyelinating and axonal processes), and motor neuron disease.

Reliable assessment of brachial plexus disorders can be challenging due to the complexity of the anatomy and variation of potential pathology. Electrodiagnostic testing can be both uncomfortable for the patient and inconclusive. Ultrasound can serve as a complement to clinical assessment, electrodiagnostic testing, and other imaging modalities. This study describes a systematic approach for performing neuromuscular ultrasound for suspected pathology in the brachial plexus. The literature regarding techniques for brachial plexus ultrasound was reviewed. A team composed of specialists in neurology, physiatry, anesthesiology, orthopedic surgery, and vascular surgery used this as the basis for describing standardized techniques for performing brachial plexus ultrasound. Four standard views, along with other supplemental views, are described for the evaluation of the brachial plexus. An illustrative case is presented. Ultrasound is a high-resolution point of care diagnostic tool that allows assessment of structural pathology affecting the brachial plexus. Muscle Nerve 58: 618-624, 2018.

Introduction Magnet therapy has been proposed as a treatment for neurologic conditions. In this this trial we assessed the feasibility and efficacy of a magnet inserted into a wristband for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Methods Twenty-two patients with mild to moderate CTS were randomized to wear a high-dose or low-dose "sham" magnetic wristband for 6 weeks. The primary outcome was the Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. Secondary measures were nerve conduction studies (NCS), median nerve ultrasound, and compliance. Results Compliance for both groups was >90%. Improvements in the mean SSS, NCS, and median nerve ultrasound did not reach statistical significance. Discussion Magnet therapy via wristband is well-tolerated. Further investigations in larger populations are needed to determine efficacy. Muscle Nerve 58: 310-313, 2018.

Although many neurologic conditions are common, cures are rare and conventional treatments are often limited. Many patients, therefore, turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The use of selected, evidence-based CAM therapies for the prevention and treatment of migraine, carpal tunnel syndrome, and dementia are presented. Evidence is growing many of modalities, including nutrition, exercise, mind-body medicine, supplements, and acupuncture.

Introduction An ultrahigh-frequency (70 MHZ) ultrasound device has recently been approved for human use. This study seeks to determine whether this device facilitates counting of fascicles within the median nerve at the wrist. Methods Twenty healthy volunteers underwent imaging of the median nerve at the wrist bilaterally. The number of fascicles in each nerve was counted by two independent raters. Results The mean fascicle number was 22.68. Correlation was strong between the two raters (r = 0.68, P < 0.001). Age, sex, body mass index, and nerve area did not predict fascicle number. Those with bifid median nerves and persistent median arteries had lower fascicle density than those without anatomic anomalies (1.79 vs. 2.29; P = 0.01). Discussion Fascicles within the median nerve at the wrist can be readily imaged. Ultrahigh-frequency ultrasound technology may be informative in a variety of disorders affecting the peripheral nervous system. Muscle Nerve 56: 819–822, 2017

The purpose of our manuscript is to review the current evidence supporting the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in neuromuscular disease, specifically in painful peripheral neuropathy (PPN). We outline the therapeutic challenges of this debilitating condition and describe the best evidence for incorporating such therapies into clinical practice. The most studied modalities include lifestyle modifications with diet and exercise, supplements, and acupuncture. CAM therapies such as yoga, meditation, electrical stimulation, neuromodulatory devices, and cannabis are mentioned as emerging therapies. Current data suggests that targeted lifestyle modifications, including aerobic exercise and diet modifications that promote weight loss, may improve the natural course of diabetic painful neuropathy and potentially other types of neuropathy. A number of studied dietary supplements and vitamins including B vitamins, vitamin D, alpha-lipoic acid, and acetyl-l-carnitine improve both subjective and objective neuropathic measures. A wide range of neuromodulatory devices and electrical stimulation modalities demonstrate mixed results, and further studies are needed to confirm their benefit. Finally, acupuncture and yoga both demonstrate benefit in a variety of PPNs. Multiple CAM therapies show efficacy in the treatment of PPN. From the strongest level of evidence to the least, lifestyle modifications including exercise and diet; supplements including B12, alpha lipoic acid, acetyl-l-carnitine, and vitamin D in deficient patients; followed by acupuncture and yoga may alleviate symptoms of PPN.

One-third of patients with epilepsy do not respond to antiepileptic drugs and may seek complementary and alternative treatment modalities. Dietary therapies such as the ketogenic diet (KD), the modified Atkins, the medium-chain triglyceride, and the low glycemic index diet have been successfully implemented in some forms of epilepsy and are growing in utilization. The KD is a high-fat, low-protein, low-carbohydrate diet that has been used for various conditions for over a century. Insights into the mechanism of action of these diets may provide more targeted interventions for patients with epilepsy. Knowledge of these mechanisms is growing and includes neuroprotective effects on oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, potassium channels in the brain, and mitochondrial function.

We present a rare case of craniospinal atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis in young adult. A previously healthy 25 year old man presented to the hospital after a one week history of intermittent confusion, intractable headache and a single new onset seizure. Two lumbar punctures were completed and both revealed elevated RBC, elevated protein and predominantly lymphocytic pleocytosis. Both lumbar punctures were unrevealing with normal cytology and flow cytometry. Contrasted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed extensive intracranial leptomeningeal and cranial nerve enhancement. Contrasted MRI of the spinal cord revealed extensive leptomeningeal and dural enhancement with multifocal areas of nodular mass-like enhancement along the entire spinal cord. Spinal biopsies were performed and a pathological diagnosis of ATRT was made. Aggressive radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment were started. Unfortunately, the patient expired within 12 months of the initial diagnosis.

Nutrition education is globally lacking in medical training, despite the fact that dietary habits are a crucial component of physician self-care, disease prevention, and treatment. Research has shown that a physician’s health status directly affects the quality of their preventative health counseling and patient outcomes, yet on average less than 20 hours over 4 years of medical education is spent teaching nutrition. This leaves providers with a gap in knowledge regarding this critical component of health. In a recent study, only 14% of resident physicians reported being adequately trained to provide nutritional counseling. Educating health-care professionals on how to eat well provides an opportunity to improve physician and patient well-being.