Publications by authors named "Joumana Freiha"

Autoimmune brainstem encephalitis (BSE) is a rare neurological condition with a wide range of underlying etiologies. It can be subdivided into two broad groups: a primary inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) or a brainstem disorder secondary to systemic diseases where the CNS is only one of many affected organs. Symptoms range from mild to life-threatening manifestations.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Electrophysiology plays a determinant role in Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) diagnosis, classification, and prognostication. However, traditional electrodiagnostic (EDX) criteria for GBS rely on motor nerve conduction studies (NCS) and are suboptimal early in the course of the disease or in the setting of GBS variants. Sensory nerve conduction studies, including the sural-sparing pattern and the sensory ratio are not yet included in EDX criteria despite their well-established role in GBS diagnosis.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Paroxysmal symptoms are well-recognized manifestations of multiple sclerosis (MS). These are characterized by multiple, brief, sudden onset, and stereotyped episodes. They manifest as motor, sensory, visual, brainstem, and autonomic symptoms.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Most multiple sclerosis (MS) patients will develop walking limitations during the disease. Sustained-release oral fampridine is the only approved drug that will improve gait in a subset of MS patients. (1) Evaluate fampridine cortical excitability effect in MS patients with gait disability.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF