BiG News for MS: 3rd oral disease modifying drug gains FDA Approval

Breaking News:

Tecfidera (BG00012) is FDA approved for relapsing forms of MS

In 1992 we had 0 medications FDA approved for the reduction of relapses and/or disability. Since the Betaseron/Betaferon (Interferon beta-1b under the skin every other day) lottery in 1993, Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) becomes the 10th branded MS disease modifying agent approved for use by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) and 3rd oral MS DMA/DMD/DMT (disease modifying agent/drug/therapy).

Tecfidera (BG12) is taken orally twice a day to try to prevent MS relapses and disability. Like every medication, it is not right for everyone.

If you are interested in Tecfidera or any of the MS DMDs (Aubagio, Avonex, Betaseron, Copaxone, Extavia, Gilenya, Novantrone, Rebif, Tysabri), talk to your neurologist.
 
- Dr. Daniel Kantor, MD
  Medical Director
  Neurologique

  info@neurologique.org
  www.neurologique.org

Sports related concussion guidelines interview

Dr. Kantor interviews Dr. Giza, the lead author on the new AAN concussion guidelines.

When in doubt, sit them out!

-  Daniel Kantor, MD
   Medical Director
   Neurologique

   President
   Florida Society of Neurology

   Chair
   Subcommittee on Concussion
   Sports Medicine Advisory Committee
   Florida High School Athletics Association

   info@neurologique.org
   www.neurologique.org

New Concussion Guidelines

Sports related concussions are traumatic brain injuries.

Today (03/18/2013), the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) released updated concussion guidelines.

According to the guideline:

• Among the sports in the studies evaluated, risk of concussion is greatest in football and rugby,
followed by hockey and soccer. The risk of concussion for young women and girls is greatest in
soccer and basketball.

• An athlete who has a history of one or more concussions is at greater risk for being diagnosed
with another concussion.

• The first 10 days after a concussion appears to be the period of greatest risk for being diagnosed
with another concussion.

• There is no clear evidence that one type of football helmet can better protect against concussion
over another kind of helmet. Helmets should fit properly and be well maintained.

• Licensed health professionals trained in treating concussion should look for ongoing symptoms
(especially headache and fogginess), history of concussions and younger age in the athlete. Each
of these factors has been linked to a longer recovery after a concussion.

• Risk factors linked to chronic neurobehavioral impairment in professional athletes include prior
concussion, longer exposure to the sport and having the ApoE4 gene.

• Concussion is a clinical diagnosis. Symptom checklists, the Standardized Assessment of
Concussion (SAC), neuropsychological testing (paper-and-pencil and computerized) and the
Balance Error Scoring System may be helpful tools in diagnosing and managing concussions but
should not be used alone for making a diagnosis.


Signs and symptoms of a concussion include:

• Headache and sensitivity to light and sound

• Changes to reaction time, balance and coordination

• Changes in memory, judgment, speech and sleep

• Loss of consciousness or a “blackout” (happens in less than 10 percent of cases)

The guideline states that while an athlete should immediately be removed from play following a
concussion, there is currently insufficient evidence to support absolute rest after concussion. Activities that do not worsen symptoms and do not pose a risk of repeat concussion may be part of concussion management.

The guideline is endorsed by the National Football League Players Association, the American Football Coaches Association, the Child Neurology Society, the National Association of Emergency Medical Service Physicians, the National Association of School Psychologists, the National Athletic Trainers Association and the Neurocritical Care Society.

When in doubt, sit them out!

- Daniel Kantor, MD
  Medical Director
  Neurologique

   President
   Florida Society of Neurology

   Chair
   Subcommittee on Concussion
   Sports Medicine Advisory Committee
   Florida High School Athletics Association

   info@neurologique.org
   www.neurologique.org