A Retrospective Analysis of Disease Epidemiology, Comorbidity Burden, Treatment Patterns, and Healthcare Resource Utilization of Migraine in the United Arab Emirates.

Introduction: Migraine is a recurrent, disabling neurological disorder with a substantial global disease burden. However, limited real-world data are available on the patient characteristics, treatment patterns, comorbidities, and economic burden of migraine in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In this study, we evaluated the disease burden, comorbidities, treatment patterns, specialties involved in migraine diagnosis, and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and associated costs in patients with migraine in Dubai, UAE.

Anti-Ma2 encephalitis in a phenotypic female with XY gonadal dysgenesis: A case report.

Anti-Ma2 encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder that typically involves the brainstem, limbic system, and diencephalon. It can be paraneoplastic and is more common in males. We describe an unusual presentation of anti-Ma2 encephalitis in a patient with an XY chromosome and a female phenotype.

Consensus-Based Recommendations on the Use of CGRP-Based Therapies for Migraine Prevention in the UAE.

Introduction: Migraine is a common debilitating neurological disorder affecting a large proportion of the general population. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a 37-amino acid neuropeptide, plays a key role in the pathophysiology of migraine, and the development of therapies targeting the anti-CGRP pathway has revolutionized the field of migraine treatment.

Methods: An expert task force of neurologists in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) developed and critically assessed recommendations on the use of CGRP-based therapies in migraine treatment and management in the UAE, based on available published literature.

Multicentre Observational Study of Treatment Satisfaction with Cladribine Tablets in the Management of Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis in the Arabian Gulf: The CLUE Study.

Introduction: Inconvenient administration and side effects of some disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) can deter adherence. We evaluated treatment satisfaction with cladribine tablets (CladT) for RMS in the Arabian Gulf.

Methods: This was a non-interventional, multicentre, prospective observational study in non-pregnant/lactating adults (aged ≥ 18 years) with RMS eligible for 1st treatment with CladT (EU labelling).

Commentary: Consensus Guidelines on the Appropriate Use of Brand-Name and Generic Anti-Seizure Medication for the Management of Epilepsy in the Gulf Region.

Introduction: The clinical, social, and economic burden of epilepsy is undeniable. Local guidance on epilepsy management is limited and needed to address the both use of anti-seizure medication (ASM) and switching practices which influence clinical outcomes.

Areas Covered: An expert panel composed of practicing neurologists and epileptologists from countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) met in 2022 to discuss local challenges in the management of epilepsy and formulate recommendations for clinical practice.

A Multidisciplinary Perspective Addressing the Diagnostic Challenges of Late-Onset Pompe Disease in the Arabian Peninsula Region Developed From an Expert Group Meeting.

Pompe disease is a rare, metabolic, autosomal recessive disorder. Early diagnosis is critical for progressive Pompe disease as delays can significantly alter the clinical course of the disease. Diagnostic modalities, including dried blood spot testing and genetic testing, are available and are effective for diagnosing patients with late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD).

Real-world experience of erenumab in patients with chronic or episodic migraine in the UAE.

Background: Erenumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody and a highly potent, first-in-class calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor inhibitor approved for migraine prevention in adults. Randomised, placebo-controlled trials show that erenumab treatment results in clinically meaningful responses, including significant reductions in monthly migraine days. Real-world evidence of the effectiveness of erenumab in patients with migraine is accruing, but gaps remain, and findings may vary according to region.

High-efficacy therapies for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: implications for adherence. An expert opinion from the United Arab Emirates.

The number of disease-modifying treatments (DMDs) for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis has increased. DMDs differ not only in their efficacy and safety/tolerability, but also in the treatment burden of, associated with their initiation, route/frequency of administration, maintenance treatment and monitoring. High-efficacy DMDs bring the prospect of improved suppression of relapses and progression of disability, but may have serious safety issues, and burdensome long-term monitoring.

Iatrogenic transverse myelitis in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis.

We report the case of a 59-year-old Arab woman who was presented with acute onset of neck pain followed by quadriparesis, paraesthesias of lower limbs and incontinence of urine. Examination revealed asymmetric sensorimotor quadriparesis with sensory level at T1, establishing a clinical diagnosis of transverse myelitis. Cervical and thoracic spinal MRI showed enhancing T2/fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) hyperintense lesion extending from C4 to C7 level in addition to long-segment lesion extending the whole of the spinal cord.

Seizures with an atypical aetiology in an elderly patient: Eagle's syndrome--how does one treat it?

Onset of epilepsy can occur at any age, but it is relatively rare in the elderly. Late onset epilepsy is usually secondary to stroke, tumour, trauma or neurodegenerative disorders. A 62-year-old Indian woman presented with frequent drop attacks sometimes leading to unconsciousness and, rarely, associated with seizure.

Can a stroke present with flexor spasms? A highly rare experience.

Involuntary movement disorders are not a common presentation of basal ganglia ischemia which may be induced by cerebral hemodynamic insufficiency. In secondary causes of movements disorders cerebrovascular diseases represent up to 22% and involuntary movements develop after 1-4% of strokes. We describe a case of a middle-aged woman who presented with intermittent involuntary tonic spasms or seizure-like episodes followed by weakness due to contralateral putaminal infarction.