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Monthly Updates on Natalizumab-Associated Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy Available to Neurologists
                                Fay Ellis

In a decision that pleases neurologists, Biogen Idec, the manufacturer of natalizumab (Tysabri), is offering monthly updates of all cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients taking the therapy. The information is accessible through the company’s password-protected Web site for physicians — https://medinfo.biogenidec.com — or through its toll-free medical affairs telephone line, 800 456 2255. Continue Reading
   

FDA Approves First Therapy to Improve Walking in MS
Fay Ellis

On Jan. 22, the FDA approved extended release tablets of dalfampridine (Ampyra) at a dose no greater than 10 mg twice a day to improve walking in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The approval follows the recommendation of the FDA Central Nervous System Drugs Advisory Committee, which voted last October to approve the therapy, formerly known as fampridine, in a vote of 12 to 1. Continue Reading 

A Neurologist and His Daughter Lend a Helping Hand to Haiti

Orly Avitzur, MD

Even before the devastation from the earthquake that struck on Jan. 12, medical supplies were scant and simply not available in some parts of Haiti, the most impoverished nation in the Western Hemisphere. Neurologists who traveled to the country saw first-hand the dire need for medications, medical personnel, and basic equipment. Continue Reading  

Statewide Laws Sought on Post-Concussion Treatment for High School Athletes

Kurt Samson

The need for state laws addressing concussions in high school athletes received prime-time exposure during the 2010 Super Bowl, with the launch of a new organization dedicated to speeding state legislation to prevent injured players from returning to the field before they have been examined and cleared by a medical professional. Continue Reading  

Medical Marijuana Now Legal in New Jersey: What Does It Mean for Neurology?

Kierstin Wesolowski

New Jersey became the 14th state to legalize medical marijuana on Jan. 18, when Gov. Jon S. Corzine, on his last full day in office, signed the New Jersey Compassionate Medical Marijuana Act into law. The new law is the most restrictive in the nation.

The law allows physicians to prescribe medical marijuana for patients with such chronic diseases as HIV/AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), cancer, glaucoma, and muscular dystrophy, and symptoms such as chronic wasting and persistent muscle spasms. State-monitored dispensaries will grow and distribute the marijuana, and patients with state-issued identification cards can obtain the marijuana from one of six locations. The identification cards will be distributed by the Department of Health and Senior Service. 

But unlike the 13 other states that have legalized medical marijuana – Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington – the New Jersey law will not allow prescriptions for chronic, severe pain and anxiety. Continue Reading

Official Publication of the American Academy of Neurology

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