The novel coronavirus pandemic, in particular the neurological effects of COVID-19, is a common thread running through the most-read stories at Neurology Insights in 2020.
We also decided this year to start writing about research and trends of interest to neurodiagnostic technologists, adding it to our content mix geared to office-based neurology practices. From patient care to career building, these neurology professionals have their own challenges – and the audience responded, as you’ll see in the top 10 stories below.
We hope you’ll revisit this year’s most-read stories, listed in descending order, and continue to read Neurology Insights in 2021.
Certain parts of the brain are considered prime real estate. This is how neurologist Dr. Jeffrey Gertsch describes the eloquent cortex, the part of the brain where vital functions like language and motor function originate.
ABRET, the neurodiagnostic field’s main credentialing and accrediting body, is working closely with ASET to develop the exam and requirements for this new credential in the area of long-term monitoring.
ASET announced the awarding of a $20,000 licensure grant to its California chapter. Pursuing state licensure is an expensive undertaking.
The novel coronavirus has taught us all that we are not immune to large-scale infectious disease. And many don’t know there is a disease caused by a brain-infecting tapeworm that researchers say has been growing in the U.S. over the last decade.
This year, the celebration fell during one of the worst public health crises in modern times, the COVID-19 pandemic. But that wasn’t stopping ASET- the Neurodiagnostic Society because they know their members and neurodiagnostic technologists (NDTs) need their support more than ever.
The quicker medical care is given, the more lives are saved and the less disability people suffer. What many do not know is that this phrase also applies to cases of epilepsy where EEG techs become a vital part of the fast-acting team.
More than a third of patients with severe COVID-19 end up with neurological complications, including encephalopathy, stroke, and seizures. That is clear. What is not so clear yet is how the virus comes to affect the central nervous system.
Researchers acknowledge this is just the beginning of our understanding into how biomarkers like these and EEG studies may be used clinically to help expedite treatment for patients with depression.
Like the U.S. right now, Italy was once the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic. In the spirit of global unity, the Italians have some advice for their fellow neurodiagnostic technologists.
Techs need to buy in so they are the ones called upon to implement this new technology. “It’s more important to take care of our patients than it is to be scared about new technologies,” says one expert.