Myelopathy Matters Myelopathy Matters

Iwan and Ben hear from Dr Ayush Sharma, Surgeon Scientist from Ambedkar Central Railway Hospital in India, on his trials exploring a role for Cerebrolysin (https://www.cerebrolysin.com) to help boost recovery after surgery for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy. This is a recognised research priority.

At present, treatment for myelopathy varies widely. Although various surgical treatments are well known, there are currently no guidelines for the many non-operative domains of care (e.g. pre- and post-operative rehabilitation, pain relief, physiotherapy, nursing). In a powerful initiative led by Prof Chad Cook from Duke University, the RECODE-DCM Perioperative Rehabilitation Incubator is bringing together experts from all relevant disciplines to write management guidelines. Iwan shares his story, as a reminder of why filling this important knowledge gap could provide many simple, immediate gains for people living with myelopathy.

In this episode, we hear from neurologist Lindsay Tetreault from NYU. Lindsay has been leading the work of the RECODE-DCM Diagnostic Criteria incubator, tackling the all-important question of how to provide a timely, accurate and reliable diagnosis of DCM. Voicing the concerns of individuals living with DCM, Iwan reflects on the profound importance of shortening the time to diagnosis; and Ben explains why the combined perspectives of the multidisciplinary RECODE-DCM network are key to unlocking this research priority.

Myelopathy Matters is back; into its four year. Ben is joined by Liz Roberts, Myelopathy.org’s programme manager for RECODE DCM. RECODE DCM is the charity’s new myelopathy ‘think tank’, creating an international and multidisciplinary ecosystem, working alongside those living with myelopathy, to accelerate new discoveries and ensure the enter the clinic. We hear from Aria Nouri, Surgeon Scientist from Geneva and chair of a RECODE DCM international working group looking at the onset of DCM (the Natural History) and what that means for quality care today.

It’s Iwan’s turn to pick a favourite from the archives; we return to 2021 when Ben spoke to Prof Abdul Lalkhen following the release of his book “Pain and the feeling brain”. Abdul is a Pain Physician from Manchester, and helps to unlock the basis for pain and how it applies to myelopathy. As Iwan attests, understanding is a foundation of taking control. Pain is a much under appreciated consequence of myelopathy, and we are delighted Abdul has since joined the scientific advisory board for Myelopathy.org. We look forward to tackling this issue further.

For the first or two festive specials, Ben picks one of his favourite interviews from the last four years, the story of ajourney from diagnosis through treatment through the eyes of the person with myelopathy (Daniel Simpson) and his surgeon (Dr James Harrop, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital).