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Objective The aim of this article was to assess the role of emergent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for stroke mimics during a stoke alert (within 45 minutes) in reducing direct cost of management and duration of inpatient stay. Methods We did a retrospective chart review of all the patients who received emergent MRI brain during a stroke alert to help make decision about intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator (IV tPA) administration from January 2013 to December 2015. Using the patient financial resource data and with the help of billing department, we calculated the approximate money saved in taking care of the patients who may have received IV tPA if emergent MRI brain was not available to diagnose stroke mimics as they presented with acute neurologic deficit within IV tPA time window. Results Ninety seven out of 1,104 stroke alert patients received emergent MRI. Of these only 17 (17.5%) were diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), and 80 (82.5%) as stroke mimics. By doing emergent MRI for suspected stroke mimics, our study showed an approximate total saving of $1,005,720 to $1,384,560, that is, $12,571 to $17,307 per patient in medical expenditure. Discussion We suggest modification of stroke pathway from current algorithm “CT+CTA≥IV-tPA/neurointervention≥MRI” to “MRI+MRA≥IV-tPA/neurointervention” for possible stroke mimics, which can reduce the cost, radiation exposure, and duration of hospital stay for stroke mimics. Conclusion Emergent MRI is a cost-effective tool to evaluate IV-tPA eligibility for suspected stroke mimics during a stroke alert.

We are here to review the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in the treatment of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (CVT). A search strategy was developed with a research librarian. All published articles including trials, studies, case series, and case reports were reviewed from NCBI/PubMed up to May 2019 by two independent reviewers. A total of 11 studies were identified, which included 70 patients with CVT on DOACs. After 6 months follow-up more than 86.7% of these patients had a good outcome on the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of 0--1 at 6 months and no recurrence of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) at 12 months. Recanalization rate at 6 months varied from 55 to 100%. Only two patients had a side effect of minor bleeding because of DOAC usage. Although the current American Heart Association/American Stroke Association and European Stroke Organization guidelines do not endorse the use of DOACs for treatment of CVT because of lack of evidence from large randomized clinical trials, Use of DOACs in CVT appears to be well tolerated and efficacious with favorable outcomes. Further evidence is needed to establish their use in CVT.

Introduction In August 2013, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Open Payments Program (OPP) made eligible payment information publicly available. Data about industry payments to neuromuscular neurologists are lacking. Method Financial relationships were investigated between industry and US neuromuscular neurologists from January 2014 through December 2018 using the CMS OPP database. Results The total annual payments increased more than 6-fold during the study period. The top 10% of physician-beneficiaries collected 80% to 90% of total industry payments except in 2014. In 2018, the most common drugs associated with payments to neuromuscular neurologists were nusinersen, vortioxetine, eteplirsen, alglucosidase alpha, edaravone, and intravenous immunoglobulin. Discussion A substantial increase in the annual payments to neuromuscular physicians during the study period is likely due to the development of new treatments, including gene therapy.

Background There are still marked disparities in stroke care between rural and urban communities including difference in stroke-related mortality. We analyzed the efficiency of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) delivery in the spoke sites in our telestroke network to assess impact of telecare in bridging these disparities. Methods We analyzed critical time targets in our telestroke network. These included door-to-needle (DTN) time, door-to-CT (D2CT) time, door-to-call center, door-to-neurocall, and total consult time. We compared these time targets between the larger and smaller spoke hospitals. Results Across all the 52 spokes sites, a total of 825 stroke consults received intravenous tPA. When compared with larger hospitals (>200 beds), the smaller hospital groups with 0 to 25 and 51 to 100 beds had significantly lower D2CT time (p-value 0.01 and 0.005, respectively) and the ones with 26 to 50 and 151 to 200 beds had significantly lower consult time (p-value 0.009 and 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in the overall DTN time when all the smaller hospital groups were compared with larger hospitals. Conclusion In our telestroke network, DTN times were not significantly affected by the hospital bed size. This shows that a protocol-driven telestroke network with frequent mock codes can ensure timely administration of tPA even in rural communities regardless of the hospital size and availability of local neurologists.

Introduction The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become one of the most serious pandemics of the recent times. Since this pandemic began, there have been numerous reports about the COVID-19 involvement of the nervous system. There have been reports of both direct and indirect involvement of the central and peripheral nervous system by the virus. Objective To review the neuropsychiatric manifestations along with corresponding pathophysiologic mechanisms of nervous system involvement by the COVID-19. Background Since the beginning of the disease in humans in the later part of 2019, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has rapidly spread across the world with over 2,719,000 reported cases in over 200 countries [World Health Organization. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation report-96.,]. While patients typically present with fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, and cough, neurologic manifestations have been reported, as well. These include the ones with both direct and indirect involvement of the nervous system. The reported manifestations include anosmia, ageusia, central respiratory failure, stroke, acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP), acute necrotizing hemorrhagic encephalopathy, toxic–metabolic encephalopathy, headache, myalgia, myelitis, ataxia, and various neuropsychiatric manifestations. These data were derived from the published clinical data in various journals and case reports. Conclusion The neurological manifestations of the COVID-19 are varied and the data about this continue to evolve as the pandemic continues to progress.

The clinical presentation of contrast-induced encephalopathy (CIE) varies widely, including altered mental status, focal motor and sensory deficit, visual disturbance, ophthalmoplegia, global aphasia, and seizures.

Background and Purpose— Industry payments to physicians raise concerns regarding conflicts of interest that could impact patient care. We explored nonresearch and nonownership payments from industry to vascular neurologists to identify trends in compensation. Methods— Using Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology data, we explored financial relationships between industry and US vascular neurologists from 2013 to 2018. We analyzed payment characteristics, including payment categories, payment distribution among physicians, regional trends, and biomedical manufacturers. Furthermore, we analyzed the top 1% (by compensation) of vascular neurologists with detailed payment categories, their position, and their contribution to stroke guidelines. Results— The number of board certified vascular neurologist increased from 1169 in 2013 to 1746 in 2018. The total payments to vascular neurologist increased from $99 749 in 2013 to $1 032 302 in 2018. During the study period, 16% to 17% of vascular neurologists received industry payments. Total payments from industry and mean physician payments increased yearly over this period, with consulting fee (31.1%) and compensation for services other than consulting (30.7%) being the highest paid categories. The top 10 manufacturers made the majority of the payments, and the top 10 products changed from drug or biological products to devices. Physicians from south region of the United States received the highest total payment (38.72%), which steadily increased. Payments to top 1% vascular neurologists increased from 64% to 79% over the period as payments became less evenly distributed. Among the top 1%, 42% specialized in neuro intervention, 11% contributed to American Heart Association/American Stroke Association guidelines, and around 75% were key leaders in the field. Conclusions— A small proportion of US vascular neurologists consistently received the majority of industry payments, the value of which grew over the study period. Only 11% of the top 1% receiving industry payments have authored American Heart Association/American Stroke Association guidelines, but ≈75% seem to be key leaders in the field. Whether this influences clinical practice and behavior requires further investigation.

In this study, we aim to identify predictors of a no-show in neurology clinics at our institution. We conducted a retrospective review of neurology clinics from July 2013 through September 2018. We compared odds ratio of patients who missed appointments (no-show) to those who were present at appointments (show) in terms of age, lead-time, subspecialty, race, gender, quarter of the year, insurance type, and distance from hospital. There were 60,012 (84%) show and 11,166 (16%) no-show patients. With each day increase in lead time, odds of no-show increased by a factor of 1.0019 (p < 0.0001). Odds of no-show were higher in younger (p ≤ 0.0001, OR = 0.49) compared to older (age ≥ 60) patients and in women (p < 0.001, OR = 1.1352) compared to men. They were higher in Black/African American (p < 0.0001, OR = 1.4712) and lower in Asian (p = 0.03, OR = 0.6871) and American Indian/Alaskan Native (p = 0.055, OR = 0.6318) as compared to White/Caucasian. Patients with Medicare (p < 0.0001, OR = 1.5127) and Medicaid (p < 0.0001, OR = 1.3354) had higher odds of no-show compared to other insurance. Young age, female, Black/African American, long lead time to clinic appointments, Medicaid/Medicare insurance, and certain subspecialties (resident and stroke clinics) are associated with high odds of no show. Possible suggested interventions include better communication and flexible appointments for the high-risk groups as well as utilizing telemedicine.

Back ground and objective Fabry’s disease, is the most prevalent lysosomal storage disorder and is notorious for its early multi-organ involvement leading to complications, including ischemic strokes and transient ischemic attacks. Since 2001, enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) has become the mainstay treatment for Fabry’s patients but the indications are not clearly defined. We did a meta-analysis of the available data to review the benefit of ERT for stroke prevention in Fabry’s patients. Methods A literature search was performed from National Center for Biotechnology information (NCBI)/PubMed database without restriction of years for systematic review purposes. A systematic review of clinical cohort studies and trials was performed with pooled analysis of proportions. The pooled proportions and the confidence intervals (CI) for stroke recurrence ratio were calculated for both ERT treatment group and native treatment groups. Result A total of 7 cohort studies and 2 RCTs involving 7513 participants (1471 on ERT vs 6042 on native treatment) met inclusion criteria. The pooled proportions analysis showed that the stroke recurrence ratio in the ERT treatment group was 8.2% [95% CI 0.038, 0.126] and in native-treatment group was 16% [95% CI; 0.102, 0.217]. Effect differences favored ERT treatment group over native treatment group (p = 0.03). Conclusion Our meta-analysis based on the currently available data showed that ERT for Fabry’s disease has beneficial effect on stroke prevention. Female carriers and atypically affected males could be started on ERT as soon as diagnosis is made. Further studies are warranted to support the role of ERT in stroke prevention.

Thromboembolism is one of the major complications of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) [1]. Both arterial and venous thromboembolism involving various organs from COVID-19 related coagulopathy have been reported. While arterial ischemic strokes are common, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVT) associated with COVID-19 has been increasingly recognized [2,3]. The true incidence of CVT in COVID-19 patients remains unknown. Various mechanisms of thromboembolism include elevated factor VIII, fibrinogen, D-dimer, prothrombotic microparticles like antiphospholipid antibodies, and inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 [4]. In this report, we aimed to determine the rates of CVT and its impact on outcomes in patients with COVID-19.

Introduction: The COVID19 pandemic causes strokes in younger patient populations with higher deficits. We examined recent numbers of stroke consults, their age and deficits in a large telestroke program and compared them to 2019 Hypothesis: Increased younger stroke consults in 2020 would involve higher deficits associated with COVID19. Methods: The Institute for Digital Health & Innovation-Stroke Program provides neurology support to 54 spoke hospitals across Arkansas. Stroke consults who received Alteplase during 01/01/20 to 07/31/20 were compared to the same months in 2019. Retrospective analysis included consult age, geographical region, mechanical thrombectomy (MT), deficits (initial and post NIHSS) and outcomes. Age was listed as < 65 or >/=65 yrs. The state was blocked into seven geographical regions. MT was noted and deficits as improved, worsened, same (no improvement) or unknown. COVID19 positivity was unknown. Results: Consult numbers declined in 2020 vs. 2019, 285 vs. 370, respectively. Both years saw MT in approximately 10%; however, 27% went to hospice or expired in 2020 vs. 7.7% in 2019. In 2020 and 2019, those < 65 consults who received MT were similar at 37 and 41% of total procedures, respectively. Pre-pandemic, there were significant differences in consult numbers among the seven regions (X2=30.1,n=370,p=0.037) in 2020, there were none (p=NS). The number of consults < 65 or >/= 65 years were not different between years(p=0.61); however, age had a similar significant effect on the initial NIHSS in both 2019 and 2020 (X2=13.5,n=370,p=0.0037 and X2=10.8,n=285,p=0.012, respectively). Improvement in initial deficit scores did not change (X2=6.9,n=655,p=0.074). No geographical differences were seen (p=0.66). Monthly initial deficits indicated a significant peak rise in the younger consults (< 65) in April 2020. Conclusion: Stroke consult numbers declined by 13% in 2020 but the proportion of young and old were unchanged. In April 2020, younger consults (< 65) experienced a spike in deficits. Further evaluation throughout 2020 is warranted as COVID19 cases spread.

Purpose We aimed to evaluate utilization of inpatient hospital and critical care services in critically ill neurologic patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. We hypothesized based on prior observations in ischemic stroke patients, that there would be significant decline in critically ill neurologic patients presenting to hospitals during the pandemic which may impact outcomes. Methods We used TriNetX, a large research network, collecting real-time electronic medical records data. We extracted data on utilization of critical care and hospital inpatient services among cohorts of patients with common neurocritical conditions between January-June 2020 compared to similar time-frame in previous years. We also compared the prevalence and clinical outcomes comprising need for intubation and 30-day mortality among these cohorts. Results We found a 28.1% reduction in intensive care unit (ICU) admissions with critical neurologic illnesses in 2020 when compared to 2019 (8568 vs. 11917 patients, p, Highlights 1. There was 28.1% reduction in admissions among critically ill neurologic an neurosurgical patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting under-utilization of healthcare services 2. There was no difference in mortality of intubation rates during the COVID-19 pandemic when compared to 2019 among critically ill neurological/neurosurgical patients 3. 1.4% of critically ill neurologic/neurosurgical patients had simultaneous COVID-19 infection with the highest prevalence among acute ischemic stroke patients

Introduction While coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mostly causes respiratory illnesses, emerging evidence has shown that patients with severe COVID-19 can develop complications like venous thromboembolism (VTE) and arterial thrombosis as well. The incidence of thrombosis among critically ill patients in the literature has been highly variable, ranging from 25 to 69%. Similarly, reported mortality among critically ill patients has been highly variable too, and it has ranged from 30 to 97%. In this study, we analyzed data from a large database to address the incidence, the risk factors leading to thrombotic complications, and mortality rates among COVID-19 patients. Material and methods Data were obtained from TriNetX (TriNetX, Inc., Cambridge, MA), a multinational clinical research platform that collects medical records from 42 healthcare organizations (HCOs). All nominal data were compared using the chi-squared test. Alpha of

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic affecting millions of people worldwide. Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are probably at higher risk of severe infection and associated complications from COVID-19. Data on clinical outcomes of COVID-19 infection in SOT recipients are limited. Using the TriNetX database, patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 from January 20, 2020, to July 7, 2020, were included in the study. We compared clinical outcomes comprising hospitalization, need for critical care services, intubation, and mortality among SOT recipients and patients without SOT. Of 30,573 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients, 288 had SOT. Patients with SOT were more likely to be hospitalized (37.2% vs. 12.2%; p < 0.0001), needed critical care services (6.9% vs. 2.3%; p < 0.0001), needed intubation (7.9% vs. 2.0%; p < 0.0001), and had a higher 30-day mortality (11.1% vs. 3.8%; p < 0.0001). Patients in the transplant group were older (55.4 vs. 47.6 years; p < 0.0001) and had a higher prevalence of medical co-morbidities. SOT recipients are at significant risk of adverse COVID-19 related outcomes, including hospitalization, need for critical care services, and 30-day mortality, likely due to multiple co-morbid conditions.

Objective To explore effectiveness of alternative methods of neurology resident electroencephalogram (EEG) learning during COVID-19 pandemic due to social distancing requirements which caused disruption of traditional in-person teaching. Methods Virtual EEG learning was instituted using Zoom platform. Residents participated in live, interactive virtual sessions for eight weeks. A pre-test and post-test were administered and a survey was performed at the end of the project. Results Based on pre-test and post-test results, there was a significant improvement on average resident test scores. On the survey, 100% agreed (81.8% strongly agreed, 18.2% agreed) that virtual EEG sessions provided a conducive learning environment with easy access while preserving effective communication with the instructor. When compared to traditional EEG reading, 100% agreed (81.8% strongly agreed and 18.2% agreed) that virtual sessions were more accessible, 72.7% agreed (54.5% strongly agreed, 18.2% agreed) that they were more interactive; 81.9% (45.5% strongly agreed, 36.4% agreed) felt more engaged and 90.9% agreed (81.8% strongly agreed, 9.1% agreed) that they were able to attend more sessions. Hundred percent residents (72.7% strongly agreed, 27.3% agreed) felt more confident in their EEG reading and all (81.8% strongly agreed and 18.2% agreed) would sign up for more virtual learning courses. Conclusions Virtual EEG education is an efficient method of resident education with improved ease of access while maintaining interactive discussion leading to increased confidence in learners. It should be considered even after resolution of the need for social distancing and its applications in other fields of learning should be further explored.

Background: It is uncertain if patients with prior ischemic stroke are vulnerable to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its complications. Methods: We used TriNetX, a global health collaborative clinical research platform with a large global COVID-19 database. COVID-19 infection was identified with a positive lab value for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and related ribonucleic acid (RNA). Findings: A total of 604,258 patients with history of ischemic stroke were identified, of which 891 patients (study cohort) were diagnosed with COVID-19. A control cohort with 32,136 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 after January 20th 2020 without a history of ischemic stroke were identified. A comparison between study cohort and control cohort showed patients with prior history of stroke (study cohort) were older (69.5 vs 47.8; p

Background and objectives Sleep medicine has been one of the fastest-growing medical fields in recent years. The industry plays a big role in developing new medications and devices for both diagnosis and treatment of sleep-related problems. We analyzed payments made by industry to physicians from 2014 through 2018 based on the Open Payments Program data. Methods Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Open Payment Program and American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology databases were explored to elicit financial relationships between industry and sleep neurologists. Results Payments made by industry to sleep neurologists have been steadily increasing from 2014 through 2018. Approximately 16% to 22% of sleep certified neurologists received payments from industry during the study period. Interestingly, the payments made to the top 10% of the sleep physicians contributed approximately 85% to 96% of the total payments. The top two categories to which the highest payments were made were compensation for services and royalty and/or licensing fees. Silenor® (doxepin), Xyrem® (sodium oxybate), Aptiom® (eslicarbazepine acetate), Belsomra® (suvorexant), and Fycompa® (perampanel) were most of the drugs, which made the highest payments, that got approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the last decade. Conclusions It seems that the industry is spending significant amounts of money in educating the physicians and in marketing the newer drugs. This analysis of the data on payments from industry is very useful in identifying any potential conflicts of interest from physicians. Further analyses are needed to study the trends of physician practice behavior and decision making.

Background Open Payments is a national disclosure program to promote transparency by the public disclosure of financial relationships between the pharmaceutical and medical device industries and physicians. Objective To explore payments from the industry to physicians in various neurology subspecialties. Methods Open Payments Program (OPP) data (https://openpaymentsdata.cms.gov) on industry-to-physician payments for the years 2014-2018 were extracted for general neurology, neuromuscular, neurophysiology, and vascular neurology. The data were then analyzed to explore trends in payments for various subspecialties and to identify the possible factors underlying these trends. Results Overall, industry-to-physician payments for neurology subspecialties increased by 16% from 2014 to 2018. The introduction of newer drugs in a subspecialty was likely the driving factor for higher industry payments. Nearly half of the total industry-to-physician payments were for the subspecialty of multiple sclerosis (MS)/Neuroimmunology; this coincided with Aubagio and Copaxone being the top two medications associated with the highest industry payments in 2014, Aubagio, and Lemtrada in 2018. A significant increase in spending percentages for headache, neuromuscular disorders, and movement disorders was observed while a relative decrease in the payments for MS/neuroimmunology and epilepsy was identified; these trends coincide with the introduction of new drugs such as Aimovig, Neuplazid, Nusinersen, and Austedo for headache, neuromuscular and movement disorders. Conclusions From 2014 to 2018, the total industry-to-physician payments for neurology subspecialties increased while the distribution of industry-to-physician payments for various neurology subspecialties showed notable changes. The introduction of newer medications in a subspecialty coincided with higher industry payments. Identification of these trends and potential motives of the industry spending is critical to address any potential physician bias in prescribing medications.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability across the world. With the development of new modalities of treatment, including the use of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator and mechanical thrombectomy, clinical outcomes have improved in patients with acute ischemic strokes. However, these interventions are time dependent, and there exists a great disparity between the rural and urban parts of the world in terms of the availability of neurologists and these lifesaving treatment options. Telestroke networks utilize digital technology for two-way, high-resolution video teleconferencing to help abate these disparities by bringing safe, efficient, and cost-effective care to underserved communities in the United States and around the world.

The prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is lower in children compared to adults. Children contribute to 1‐5% of all COVID‐19 cases (1) . A recent study from China reported that 171(12.3%) of 1391 children with suspected disease had confirmed COVID‐19 infection (2) . As of May 15, 2020, there are 33,241 children with COVID‐19 in the United States (3) . The most common symptoms in children with confirmed and suspected COVID‐19 include fever and cough followed by diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Highlights • Neuropsychiatric manifestations in COVID-19 positive patients. • Among 40,469 COVID-19 patients, 22.5% had neuropsychiatric manifestations. • Common neurological manifestations are headache, sleep disorders, encephalopathy. • Common psychiatric manifestations are anxiety, mood disorders., Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in December 2019 from Wuhan, China. It typically presents with mild upper respiratory tract infection symptoms and may have life threatening complications, including acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute stroke, myocardial infarction, kidney failure, shock, and even death. Coronavirus infections are known to have neuroinvasive potential with consequent neuropsychiatric manifestations. We analyzed COVID-19 adult patients in the TriNetX database, which is a global health collaborative clinical research platform collecting real-time electronic medical records data from a network of health care organizations (HCOs) from January 20, 2020 to June 10th, 2020. 40,469 patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 among whom 9086 (22.5%) patients had neuropsychiatric manifestations. The most common neurologic manifestations included headache (3.7%) and sleep disorders (3.4%), Encephalopathy (2.3%), Stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) (1.0%) and 0.6% had seizures. Most common psychiatric manifestations included anxiety and other related disorders (4.6%), mood disorders (3.8%), while 0.2% patients had suicidal ideation. Early recognition and prompt management of neuropsychiatric manifestations in these patients have a potential to decrease overall morbidity and mortality.

Background Studying critical time interval requirements can enhance thrombolytic treatment for stroke patients in telestroke networks. We retrospectively examined 12 concurrent months of targeted time interval information in the South Central US telemedicine programme, Arkansas Stroke Assistance through Virtual Emergency Support (AR SAVES). Hypothesis: We hypothesised that consult data analysis would highlight areas for improvement to shorten overall door to Intra venous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) administration time. Methods We analysed critical time targets for 238 consecutive telestroke neurology consults obtained over 12 months from AR SAVES spoke sites when tPA was administered. The following time intervals were analysed: emergency department (ED) door to Computed Tomography (D-CT); ED door to call centre (D-CC) for initiation of consult; ED door to neurology call (D-NC); neurology call to camera (NC-Cam); tele consult time (Con); ED door to tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)/needle (DTN). Results The median times of D-CT (13 min, inter quartile range (IQR) 6–22 min), D-CC (34 min, IQR 20–45 min), D-NC (40 min, IQR 21–71 min), NC-Cam (4 min, IQR 2–8 min), and Con (25 min, IQR 17–37 min) all contributed to a DTN median time of 71 min (IQR 50–104 min). A total of 238 patients received tPA with a 29.4% treatment rate and a DTN time of ≤60 min was achieved in 25.2% of patients. Conclusions Focusing on reducing D-CC and Con times may help to achieve the DTN time of

Background: States without a recognized directive for stroke care and transport risk the ability to monitor, assess and review stroke patient movement from first medical contact (FMC) to delivery/and/or transfer to hospitals. We are seeking to determine a new tracking program’s efficacy from emergency medical systems (EMS) to telestroke sites and other receiving hospitals utilizing Get-With-The-Guidelines (GWTG) in data reporting. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that all three entities (EMS, telestroke sites and other hospitals) would record suspected and positive strokes into their electronic databases and integrate the process into their standard of practice, protocols and guidelines. Methods: Statewide EMS agencies, receiving hospitals in the Arkansas Stroke Registry and telestroke sites received educational training about placing blue wristbands on all suspected strokes. Stroke bands were to be placed on all patients arriving via EMS or privately owned vehicle. The bands contained a unique number sequence for recording in both EMS and hospital GWTG electronic databases. We retrospectively reviewed all prospectively collected data from January 1, 2019 to May 31, 2019 for wristband placement by the EMS systems and determined the percentage match to hospital emergency department (ED) discharge data using the GWTG data and telestroke data. Results: From the five months of retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data for 5 months showed, 4,668 strokes were seen in hospitals complying with GWTG. Forty-two% of the positive strokes in hospital (EDs) had stroke bands placed. Of these 8.4% had matching stroke wristband numbers to the EMS database. The telestroke system reported 636 consultations with 95% band placement, 39% placed by EMS. Matching telestroke band ID’s to EMS records was 37%. Wristbands placed by EMS were associated with positive screen tests, pre-notification and shortened Door to CT time (p < 0.0021). Conclusions: Wrist-bands were associated with improved EMS response and provided informed response to hospital care teams. For consistent tracking of positive stroke patient data from FMC to discharge both prehospital and hospital, systems must undergo additional training followed by surveys to determine informed training.

Intro: Utilization of emergency medical services (EMS) can increase the likelihood of appropriate therapy with IV tPA or endovascular intervention. We investigate the use of EMS services in three large states across the US during the past decade. Methods: Using GWTG stroke registry data from three large comprehensive stroke centers in the Northeast, South and West, we analyzed 9,251 stroke admissions from 01/2010 - 12/2018. Overall rates of EMS use and temporal trends were computed. Factors associated with EMS use were evaluated with univariate analysis. Results: Of the 9,251 patients, 29.2 % (2,697/9,251) presented via EMS service. Overtime use of EMS service increased from 29% in 2010-11 to 34% in 2018. Use of EMS increased among severe stroke patients but decreased among mild stroke patients. Patients presenting via EMS were older, more often females while less often African Americans. They had more stroke risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation and previous stroke/TIA. Smokers less often use EMS services. Median NIHSS was higher among patients presenting via EMS, and those with altered level of consciousness used EMS more often. In-hospital intervention rates (IV tPA/endovascular) were higher among patients presenting via EMS. Conclusion: Our results showed that after extensive EMS education in most parts of the study states, stroke presentation has increased via EMS overtime. Disparity in the use of EMS still exists with African Americans using the service less often. Patients should be encouraged to use EMS services and decrease delay in presentation which can results in higher rates of intervention.

Objective: To analyze and characterize industry payment to vascular neurologists from 2013 to 2018 using open Payments Database. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of open payments database, which is available publicly. We calculated the percentage of vascular neurologists in the United States receiving payments and payment characteristics. We have analyzed the top 1% payment to vascular neurologist with detailed payment category analysis, payment regional trends, and sponsors each year. The number of board-certified vascular neurologists is available from the database of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Results: From Jan 2013 to Dec 2018, industry payments to vascular neurologists have increased significantly each year, while a relatively stable fraction (17%) of US vascular neurologists received industry payments totaling $ 3,782,222 (6 years combined). The median payment per physician ranges from $ 115 to $ 241, while 90th percentile payments vary from $1,766 to $ 4,988 with a maximum payment up to $190,551. Nine payment categories are available and the highest amounts were paid for "Consulting Fee". The payment proportion from top 10 sponsors consists of 75% of the total amount since 2013. The payment to the south region has a steady growth rate among the other regions and has the highest payment amount of $ 470,551 in 2018. Top 1% vascular neurologists received more than 60% of the total payment. Among the top 1% vascular neurologists, 73% are likely to be key leaders in the field. Among the top 1%, 42% are specialized in neuro-intervention and less than 15% have Authored AHA/ASA guideline papers. Conclusion: Payments to vascular neurologists is highly skewed with the top 1% receiving around one-third of all payments, less than 15% of these vascular neurologists have authored AHA/ASA guidelines. The industry is known to target key leaders in the field whether this is translating to changes in clinical practice should be looked into more thoroughly.

Background: NVX-208 (NanO 2 TM ) was recently examined in a completed randomized, placebo-controlled and double-blinded dose escalation Phase Ib/II safety trial in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients and was found to be safe in all dosage levels. Exploratory aims indicated early treatment in the highest NanO 2 TM dose cohort improved clinical outcomes of early NIHSS and 90-day mRS. In the current Phase 2b protocol, NanO 2 TM ’s enhanced oxygen delivery from the blood to tissue will be examined in early AIS subjects with large vessel occlusions (LVO). LVO patients will provide the optimal assessment for NanO 2 TM to maintain penumbra tissue viability. The Phase 2b primary objective will be to assess functional recovery and subject independence. Drug information: NanO 2 TM is an emulsion of 2% dodecafluoropentane (DDFP) in stabilizers (sucrose, PEG-Telomer-B) and phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.0) that is a highly efficient fluorocarbon oxygen transporter. Compared to previously developed fluorocarbon oxygen carriers, NanO 2 TM carries far more oxygen per gram of fluorocarbon. Because DDFP is not metabolized, almost 100% of administered doses was recovered in the subject’s breath as DDFP. Hypothesis: NanO 2 TM given early to subjects with LVO ischemic stroke will maintain penumbra tissue viability. Methods: Phase 2b study sites will include multiple stand-alone and hub and spoke systems located across the United States. Central IRB and safety monitors will provide oversight and support coverage. Key methodology includes providing early first dosage administration of NanO 2 TM or placebo (study treatment) to identify and consent LVO AIS subjects with viable penumbra. For drip and ship patients, second and third doses will be given en route or after arrival at the hub hospital and after revascularization procedures, respectively. Following the third dose, all subjects will receive study treatment dosing out to 24 hours, each dose at 90 minute intervals. 24-hour imagery assessments will confirm infarct volume. All final angiograms and 24-hour imaging data will be sent to core labs for blinded confirmatory review. Subject recovery and independence will be assessed throughout the study to 90 days. Conclusion: Study projected start date is early to mid-2020.

Background: Drug overdose from 1999 to 2017 in the US has continued to increase. Rural America has seen an increase in methamphetamine (Meth) users. Meth usage in Arkansas and its effects on stroke incidence and treatment are all largely unknown. Drug abuse can cause an immediate stroke or increase the risk of stroke either by damage to the cerebrovasculature, hypertension, or by affecting vital organs. Here we retrospectively examined strokes from 57 rural communities that self-reported positive for drug use from a large telestroke program for age, thrombolysis, alcohol and smoking use, gender, race, deficit level and symptom to door time. Hypothesis: Incidence of drug use is greater among younger age groups and increases the incidence of stroke in younger age categories. Methods: We analyzed consult prospective data from 2015 to 2018 of the Arkansas Stroke Assistance through Virtual Emergency Support (AR SAVES) telestroke program for consults who self-reported as positive for drug use. We included all stroke assessed consults for age (ranged by decade), thrombolysis (alteplase use), alcohol and smoking use, consult gender, race, initial deficit level at presentation using the national institutes of health stroke scale (NIHSS) and symptom to door time (minutes). Results: In 2015 to 2018 the number of consults positive for drug use per person were 2,349, 1,747, 1,910 and 1,137 per 100,000, respectively. Sixty-two percent of drug users were in their 40’s and 50’s (p< 0.0001. Significantly fewer received alteplase (20%, p=0.039). There was no difference of gender in drug use (p=0.08). Almost half of the drug users were consulted for stroke but were not confirmed as stroke (46%, p=0.045). Symptom to door time average was lower in drug users, though not significant at 56.4±10 vs. 68.9±1.9 minutes, p=0.37. There was no effect of race in incidence of drug use, or deficits. Conclusion: While the incidence of drug use does persist in the rural communities, demographics suggest it is more common in the middle age group than younger patients.

Intro: Guidelines advocate screening all acute stroke patients for dysphagia. However, limited data are available regarding how many patients with mild presentation fail initial screening. We sought to evaluate the rates and predictors of dysphagia screening failure in mild acute ischemic stroke patients (NIHSS < 5). Methods: Using GWTG stroke registry data from three large comprehensive stroke centers in the Northeast, South and West, we analyzed 8,687 stroke admissions from 06/2008 - 12/2018. Patients with mild stroke (NIHSS Results: Of the 8,687 patients, 3,614 (41%) had NIHSS < 5. Dysphagia screening failure was seen in 30.2% in the entire cohort while only 10.3% (373/3,614) in patients with NIHSS < 5. Mild stroke patients who failed dysphagia screening were older, more often had stroke risk factors of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, CAD/MI. They had higher median NIHSS and more often had language disturbance on presentation. Patients who failed dysphagia screening were less likely to be discharged home. On MV analysis, age (1.01, 95% 1.00, 1.02), hypertension (1.45, 95% 1.10, 1.91), NIHSS (1.62 95% 1.48, 1.77) and language disturbance at presentation (1.89 95% 1.13, 2.32) were significantly associated with initial dysphagia. Conclusion: Dysphagia screen failure rates are significantly less frequent in patients with mild symptoms and even lower for those with NIHSS of 0-1 at presentation. Factors associated with failure - older age, higher NIHSS and language disturbance at presentation may help focus efforts to avoid complications in these patients who might otherwise do well. This focused approach of screening patients all patients but targeting mild patients with dysphagia may hold potential for improved outcomes.

Background and purpose The Dawn and Extend Intra-Arterial (IA) acute stroke intervention trials have proven the benefit of thrombectomy in a select group of patients up to 24 h since their last known well time (LKWT) or time of symptom onset. Following the issuance of new treatment guidelines for large vessel occlusion strokes, we reviewed the paradigm shift effect on transfers for possible thrombectomy in a rural state. Hypothesis Extended time window for thrombectomy increases the need for better identification of potential transfers for thrombectomy in rural states with few hospitals capable of 24/7 interventional thrombectomy. Methods We analyzed all transfers to a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) from January to December 2018 which were specifically transferred for possible further intervention. This time period was selected in accordance with the change in American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for extended time windows in mechanical thrombectomy (MT) care. Results A total of 132 patients were transferred for possible thrombectomy and advanced imaging. Thirty-four % patients underwent diagnostic angiogram with 33% patients having successful MT. Of the excluded patients 19% had large core infarcts by the time they arrived at hub hospital, 1.5% had hemorrhagic conversion, 32% had stroke without treatable occlusion not amenable for thrombectomy or cortical strokes on follow-up imaging, and 13.5% did not have stroke or LVO on follow-up imaging. Conclusion Since the AHA’s change in time window guidelines for mechanical thrombectomies, there has been an increased effort in identifying good candidates with computerized tomography angiography (CTA). To avoid undue burden on stroke systems of care, CTA identification of these patients at the spoke hospitals is key along with timely transport to appropriate thrombectomy capable sites. Given the rural nature of this state along with limited resources, selection of patients is a practical issue, especially for avoiding futile transfers, which might be true for large areas of the USA.

Objective To study the risk of acquiring Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its outcomes in patients on immunosuppressive therapy (IST) for chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorders (aNMD) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods We used TriNetX, a global health collaborative clinical research platform collecting real-time electronic medical records data, which has one of the largest known global COVID-19 database. We included patients with chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorders (aNMD) [myasthenia gravis (MG), inflammatory myositis, and chronic inflammatory neuropathies (CIN)] and MS, based on the International Classification of Disease-10 (ICD-10) coding for one year before January 20th, 2020. We examined the use of IST, rate of COVID- 19, hospitalization, intubation, and mortality among the patients with aNMD and MS. Results A total of 33,451 patients with aNMD and 42,899 patients with MS were included. Among them, 111 (0.33%) patients with aNMD and 115 patients (0.27%) with MS had COVID-19. About one third of them required hospitalization. IST did not appear to have a significant impact on overall infection risk in either group; however, risk of hospitalization for immunosuppressed patients with aNMD was higher (Odds ratio 2.86, p-value 0.011). Conclusions IST use does not appear to make patients with aNMD and MS more vulnerable to COVID-19. IST may be continued during the pandemic, as previously suggested by expert opinion guidelines. However, it is important to consider individualizing immunotherapy regimens in some cases. Additional physician reported registry-based data is needed to further confirm these findings., Highlights • Majority of patients with chronic autoimmune neurological disorders(cAND’s) likely have mild-to-moderate COVID-19. • Patients with cAND’s who had COVID-19, 33% were hospitalized 12.1% required intensive care unit stay and 8.5% died. • Immunosuppressive therapies did not appear to have a significant impact on overall infection risk.

Introduction: Delays in recognizing stroke during pre-hospital emergency medical system (EMS) care may affect triage and transport time to an appropriate stroke ready hospital and may preclude patients from receiving time dependent treatment. All EMS transports in a large urban area in the stroke belt were evaluated for transport destinations, triage and transport time and stroke recognition following distribution ofan educational training video to local EMS services. Hypothesis: Following video training, local paramedics will improve stroke recognition and shorten triage and transport time to appropriate stroke centers of care. Methods: A training module (

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine reasons for not giving intravenous tissue plasminogen activator to eligible patients with acute ischemic stroke in a telestroke network. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of patients who were seen as a telestroke consultation during 2015 and 2016 with the Arkansas Stroke Assistance through Virtual Emergency Support programme for possible acute ischemic stroke. Results Total consultations seen were 809 in 2015 and 744 in 2016, out of which 238 patients in 2015 and 247 patients in 2016 received intravenous tissue plasminogen activator. In 2015 and 2016, out of the remaining 571 and 497 patients, 294 and 200 patients respectively were thought to be cases of acute stroke based on clinical evaluation. The most common reasons for not being treated in 2015 and 2016, respectively, were; (a) minimal deficits in 42.17% and 49.5% cases, (b) falling out of the 4.5-hour time window in 22.44% and 22% cases, (c) patient/next of kin refusal in 18.02% and 16.5% cases. Less common reasons included limited functional status, abnormal labs (thrombocytopenia, elevated international normalised ratio (INR)/prothrombin time (PT)/partial thromboplastin time (PTT), hypo or hyperglycemia etc), recent surgery and symptoms being too severe etc. Conclusion ‘Minimal deficits’ and ‘out of time window’ continue to be the major causes for not receiving thrombolysis during acute ischemic stroke in both traditional and telestroke systems. Patient/next of kin refusal was high in our telestroke system when compared to traditional practices. Considering the increasing utility of telestroke this needs to be further looked into, along with the ways to address it.

Intro: Death after acute stroke often occurs in the context of transitioning from life-sustaining interventions to comfort measures only (CMO). We sought to evaluate if black race was associated with the decision to transition to CMO care in the setting of substantial post stroke disability. Methods: Using GWTG stroke registry data from three large comprehensive stroke centers in the Northeast, South and West, we analyzed 9,913 stroke admissions from 01/2009 - 12/2017. Overall rates and temporal trend in the rates of CMO were computed. Factors associated with CMO were evaluated with univariate and multivariable (MV) regression. Results: Of the 9,913 patients, 996 (10%) transitioned to CMO during the hospitalization: 10.8% (807/7,475) white, 5.7% (92/1,609) black and 11.7% (97/829) other. The figure shows the overall temporal trend in the rates of CMO, stratified by Black versus White race. CMO patients were significantly older, more often female and White, while less often Black, and had higher rates of CAD/MI, atrial fibrillation and heart failure. CMO patients had higher NIHSS and more often presented with weakness, altered level of consciousness and language problems. CMO patient had higher rates of reperfusion therapies and higher rates of in-hospital complications. On MV analysis, Black race was associated with lower odds of CMO use (OR 0.51 (95% CI 0.35, 0.73, p Conclusion: Black patients were less likely to transition to CMO care after stroke. While this difference declined over time, it suggests an influence of race in end of life decision-making. Further research is needed to understand the factors that contribute to differences in utilization of CMO care.

Background: Telestroke rural networks are comprised of micro>small>medium>large sized hospitals without specialized neurology support. Many times the micro hospitals are < 25 beds. In an examination of spoke hospitals in the Arkansas Stroke Assistance through Virtual Emergency Support (AR SAVES) telestroke program, we determined program efficacy correlating bed number. Efficacy was determined by the mean Door-to-ED physician (D2MD) time and door-to-needle (D2N) Alteplase time, and numbers of Alteplase administrations (#Alteplase), mock scenario sessions (#Mocks) and consults (#Consults). Hypothesis: All hospitals would perform equally well with the larger hospitals with slight tendencies to outperform the smaller hospital sites in the #Consults and #Alteplase. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 2015-2017 spoke hospital data from AR SAVES, the largest statewide telestroke program. The #Mocks and #beds were comparatively analyzed using regression analysis for D2MD, D2N, #Consults and #Alteplase. Spoke sites were categorized by bed numbers; 0-25, 26-50, 51-100, 101-150, 151-200 and > 200. Results: Data from 53 spokes encompassing 2,555 consults over three years indicated that sites > 151 beds were significantly higher in #Alteplase (p < 0.01) and #Consults (p < 0.002). Although the #Mocks were not different among the smaller vs. larger hospitals (p > 0.19), nor was the D2MD time (p=0.82). However, the hospitals < 50 beds had significantly shorter D2N mean time (p < 0.03). The micro (0-25 beds) vs the largest hospitals ( > 200 beds) D2N mean times, were significantly less (76.0±2.5 vs 87.5±4.0 min, p=0.01, respectively). Conclusions: Although the smaller hospitals receive less volume of consults and #Alteplase, with training they perform equally if not better than their larger counterparts.

Introduction: A “smoking paradox” has been observed in GWTG data whereby patients with an active smoking history paradoxically have lower post stroke mortality and better outcomes after IV thrombolysis than non-smokers. We sought to determine if this effect was present in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients who underwent endovascular therapy (EVT). Methods: Using local GWTG stroke registry data from three large comprehensive stroke centers in the Northeast, South and West, we analyzed 13,420 consecutive stroke admissions from 01/2006 - 04/2018 and included all patients with EVT stratified by smoking status. We compared good clinical outcome (discharge to home versus other) and in-hospital mortality using Chi-square for categorial data, T-Test for parametric continuous and Wilcoxon for non-parametric continuous variables. We used multiple regression analysis to identify associations. Results: We identified 772 patients who underwent EVT. Of those, 128 (16%) were smokers. Smokers were younger, more frequently male and presented with fewer stroke risk factors such as CAD/MI and atrial fibrillation. Overall NIHSS was similar, but smokers had a higher frequency of weakness at presentation. (Table). IV tPA use and in-hospital complications (pneumonia and deep vein thrombosis) were similar across the groups. Smoking was associated with good outcome in univariate analysis (OR 1.90; 95% CI 1.25, 2.89, p Conclusion: Unlike after IV tPA alone, smoking was not associated with a good outcome after multivariable adjustment in AIS patients receiving EVT. This may be due to differences in patient selection, stroke subtype or the effect size of EVT treatment. Replication in independent data sets is needed to confirm this observation.

Introduction: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is associated with pulmonary embolism and reduced post stroke recovery. After thrombolysis, current US guidelines recommend a delay of 24 hours before initiation of pharmacological DVT prophylaxis. We sought to determine the rate of DVT in post-tPA patients with delayed pharmacological prophylaxis. Methods: Using GWTG stroke registry data from three large comprehensive stroke centers in the Northeast, South and West, we analyzed 13,420 consecutive stroke admissions from 02/2002 - 06/2018. Rates of DVT were compared between those with delayed prophylaxis due to post-tPA vs. all others. Chi-square was used for categorial data, T-Test for parametric continuous and Wilcoxon for non-parametric continuous variables. Multiple regression analysis (MV) was used to identify associations. Results: Of the 13,420 patients, 2974 (22.2%) received IV-tPA, 772 (5.8%) underwent EVT, 252 (1.9%) only EVT and 3279 (24.4%) received IV-tPA and/or EVT. There was a total of 536 (4.0%) patients with a documented DVT during the in-hospital stay. The rate of DVT in patients who received IV-tPA was significantly higher than in those who did not (4.6% vs 3.8%, p=0.036). Rates of DVT were 3.8% in patients not receiving tPA or EVT, 4.6% in IV tPA only group, 4.0% in EVT only group and 4.4% in IV tPA and/or EVT group. On univariate analysis Caucasian race, atrial fibrillation, smoking, weakness on presentation and use of IV tPA was significantly associated with DVT. On MV, only age, Caucasian race and a history of smoking was remained significantly associated with DVT. Conclusion: Although the NINDS tPA trial delayed DVT ppx initiation to 24 hrs, ECASS 3 allowed DVT ppx in post tPA patients without delay. Our analysis shows that post-thrombolysis patients with delayed DVT ppx had higher rates of DVT, although this effect did not remain significant on MV analysis. Larger studies to assess the safety of delaying DVT ppx in post tPA patients are warranted.