AAN 2026 Recap
AAN 2026 Recap
The AAN conference is the world's largest gathering of neurologists and neuroscience professionals. Our faculty, trainees, and staff have opportunities to share their research, network with colleagues, and learn about the latest advances in brain health. This recap showcases our department's contributions to the 2026 conference.
Full-day course
Saturday, April 18
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM CDT | McCormick Place West | W190a
Topic: General Neurology
Title: Neurology Update
Directors: Tammy L. Smith, MD, PhD, Justin Abbatemarco, MD
Summary: This practical, interactive, and comprehensive overview is for everyone from trainees to seasoned clinicians and allied health professionals. Designed to be a fun "brain dump" of information from subspecialty experts, this course will offer a one-stop, efficient update on all included areas of neurology practice. Participants should gain knowledge that can be applied directly to their practice including inpatient & outpatient management strategies.
headtalks hubs
Tuesday, April 21
4:45 PM-5:30 PM CDT | McCormick Place West | F2 Lobby
Topic: Special Podcast Episode: 75th Anniversary of Neurology®
Presenters: Stacey Clardy, MD, PhD, FAAN, Jeffrey B. Ratliff, MD, FAAN, Jose G. Merino, MD, MPhil, FAHA, FAAN
Summary: Special, live, on-stage event, presented by the Neurology® Podcast in celebration of the 75th anniversary of Neurology®. Podcast editors Dr. Stacey L. Clardy and Dr. Jeffrey B. Ratliff will host a dynamic conversation with Dr. José G. Merino, Editor-in-Chief of Neurology®; Patricia K Baskin, MS; and past editors, contributors, and members of the podcast’s editorial and production team.
Trainee Hubs
Wednesday, April 22
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM CDT | McCormick Place West | W195
Topic: H247 - What I Wish I Knew: Lessons from the First Years in Practice
Presenters: Jeffrey B. Ratliff, MD, FAAN, Justin Abbatemarco, MD, Kathryn C. Krulisky, MD
Summary: Attendees will gain insights from early-career neurologists as they reflect on lessons learned during their first years in practice. Dr. Jeffrey B. Ratliff, Deputy Editor of the Neurology® Podcast, hosts a candid conversation with Drs. Justin Abbatemarco and Kathryn Krulisky, exploring the challenges, surprises, and growth that shaped their transition from training to independent practice. This session offers practical advice, shared experiences, and reflections to support those entering or navigating the early stages of their neurology careers.
Scientific Platform Sessions
Tuesday, April 21
01:00 PM - 03:00 PM | McCormick Place West | W192a
Topic: Cerebrovascular Disease and Interventional Neurology
Title: S25 - Emerging Stroke Therapies and Risk Stratification
Moderators: Veronica A. Moreno Gomez, MD; Christoph Stretz, MD, FAAN
Summary: Scientific platform session surrounding cerebrovascular disease and interventional neurology.
Wednesday, April 22
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM | McCormick Place West | W179b
Topic: S33 - Autonomic Disorders
Moderators: Melissa M. Cortez, DO, Mitchell G. Miglis, MD, FAAN
Summary: Scientific platform session covering such topics as multiple system atrophy, postural tachycardia syndrome, and autonomic function testing.
Seminars
Saturday, April 18
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM CDT | McCormick Place West | W196a
Topic: C14 - Education Communities Roundtables: Interactive, Discussion-based Roundtable Lunch Conversations on Topics in Neurology Education
Speakers: Sindhu V. Richards, MD; Parks P. Douglass, MD; Zain Guduru, MD, FAAN; Andrew D. Williams, DO, MS; Casey S. Albin, MD, FAAN; Madhu Soni, MD, FAAN; Gregory Fenton, MD; Aaron M. Carlson, MD; Sarah D. Hodges, DO, MHPE; Derek W. Stitt, MD; Adina Wise, MD; Talia S. Shear, MD; Manon Auffret, PhD, PharmD, DAAN; Andrea L. Gropman, MD, FAAN; Nara Michaelson, MD; Ashley M. Paul, MD; Rameez A. Merchant, MBBS; Marinos G. Sotiropoulos, MD; James Grogan, MD; Galina Gheihman, MD; Nuri Jacoby, MD, FAAN; Sarah C. Parauda, MD
Summary: Attendees should be able to discuss innovative strategies in neurology education across recruitment, curriculum, feedback, and use of technology; design and apply practical educational interventions integrating humanistic and technology-enhanced methods in neurology training; and build collaborative networks with faculty peers to share resources, strategies, and ongoing scholarship in neurology education.
Tuesday, April 21
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM CDT | McCormick Place West | W196b
Topic: Neuromuscular and Clinical Neurophysiology (EMG)
Title: C138 - Evaluation and Management of Autonomic Disorders: Autonomic Testing, Failure, and Peripheral Neuropathies
Presenters: Guillaume Lamotte, MD, FAAN; Elizabeth A. Coon, MD, FAAN; Pitcha Chompoopong, MD
Summary: Participants should become familiar with different presentations of autonomic disorders, understand the role and basic interpretation of autonomic testing, and receive an update on treatments and advances in the field.
other
Tuesday, April 21
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM CDT | McCormick Place West | W181c
Topic: Autoimmune Neurology Section Showcase at AANAM
Co-host: Stacey Clardy, MD, PhD, FAAN
Summary: Participants will receive updates on the AAN Autoimmune Meeting this summer in Texas and will have an opportunity to share ideas with the Education Committee. In addition, Dr. Scott Zamvil is going to present information on N2 journal updates.
SCIENTIFIC POSTERS
Sunday, April 19
Session 1, 8:00 AM CDT
Topic: Epidemiology of Autoimmune Encephalitis in the West: A Multi-health System
Population-based Study in Utah
Poster #: 1-001
Authors: Ka-Ho Wong; Sydney Lee, MD; Tammy L. Smith, MD, PhD; Melissa A. Wright, MD; Stacey Clardy, MD, PhD, FAAN; Timothy W. West, MD
Summary: Researchers examined the incidence and prevalence of autoimmune encephalitis (AE) among patients treated at two major Utah health systems serving about 70% of the state’s population. Using confirmed cases from 2014–2024, the study evaluated demographic and geographic patterns of AE to better understand disease burden and potential disparities in diagnosis and care.
Topic: Expanding the Therapeutic Horizon in CAA-related Inflammation: A Case Series of Rituximab Treatment
Poster #: 5-003
Authors: Roxana Bahani, DO (Presenter); Veronica A. Moreno Gomez, MD; Aaron Shoskes, DO; Yarden Bornovski, MD; Stephanie Lyden, MD
Summary: Case study series describing three patients with cerebral amyloid angiopathy–related inflammation (CAA-ri) treated with rituximab for steroid-refractory disease. All patients showed clinical and radiographic improvement or stabilization following treatment. These findings suggest rituximab may be a promising option for managing recurrent CAA-ri, though further studies are needed to assess long-term outcomes.
Session 2, 11:45 AM CDT
Topic: Trends in Mortality Associated with Acute Ischemic Stroke and Heart Failure in the United States, 1999 - 2020
Poster #: 5-016
Authors: Prince K. Pekyi-Boateng, MBBS; Sylvia Tawiah-Eshun, MBBS, MBCHB; Rutvi Amin, MBBS; Courage K. Dogbe, MBBS; Kamleshun Ramphul; Jana Wold, MD
Summary: An analysis of national mortality trends among patients with both heart failure and acute ischemic stroke from 1999 to 2020. After early declines, mortality rates increased significantly after 2014, particularly among minority populations. These findings highlight a concerning reversal in outcomes and underscore the need for targeted interventions to address emerging disparities and improve care.
Topic: The Danger of Nitrous Oxide Use: An Underrecognized Stroke Etiology in Young Adults
Poster #: 4-005
Authors: Roxana Bahani, DO; Veronica A. Moreno Gomez, MD
Summary: Case study highlighting ischemic stroke associated with nitrous oxide abuse in a young adult with vitamin B12 deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia. The patient developed both polyneuropathy and arterial thrombosis, with improvement after treatment. The findings emphasize the serious neurologic and vascular risks of nitrous oxide use and the importance of early recognition and intervention.
Monday, April 20
Session 4, 8:00 AM CDT
Topic: Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, and Low Platelets Syndrome Is Associated with Increased Risk of Ischemic Stroke in the Postpartum Period: Investigating Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy Subtypes Using the Nationwide Readmissions Database
Poster #: 4-021
Authors: Keelin Moehl, MD (Presenter); Alen Delic; Adam De Havenon, MD, FAAN
Summary: An examination of postpartum stroke risk across subtypes of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy using a large national database. Conditions such as superimposed and severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome were associated with significantly increased stroke risk. These findings highlight important differences among subtypes and underscore the need for targeted risk assessment and monitoring.
Session 5, 11:45 AM CDT
Topic: National Trends in Inpatient Medicare Reimbursements and Hospital Discharges for Cognitive Impairment, 2013-2023
Poster #: 12-006
Authors: Marissa M. Castillo, MSPH; Trieste Francis; Erin D. Bouldin, PhD; Christine Cliatt Brown, MD; Stacey Clardy, MD, PhD, FAAN; Adam De Havenon, MD, FAAN; Ka-Ho Wong
Summary: Analysis of national trends in hospital discharges and medical expenditures related to cognitive impairment among Medicare beneficiaries from 2013 to 2023. While discharge volumes remained relatively stable, hospital charges rose substantially faster than Medicare reimbursements. The widening gap highlights growing financial pressures on hospitals and potential implications for sustaining inpatient cognitive care.
Topic: Rare Presentation of Hereditary Diffuse Leukoencephalopathy with Mutation in Previous Variant of Uncertain Significance in CSF1R p.Ser759Pro
Poster #: 13-002
Authors: Jordan Langford, MD; Caitlin White, MD; Hannah S. Hart, LCGC; Joshua Bonkowsky, MD, PhD; Paul D. Crane, MD
Summary: Case study describing an atypical presentation of hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids (HDLS) in a patient with rapidly progressive cognitive, behavioral, and motor decline. Genetic testing identified a CSF1R variant previously considered of uncertain significance, with clinical findings supporting its reclassification as likely pathogenic and expanding the known phenotypic spectrum of HDLS.
Topic: Impact of Non-neurology Staff Stroke Education on Inpatient Brain Attack Activation Accuracy and Staff Confidence – A Single Center Study
Poster #: 15-016
Authors: Al Anoud D. Baddour, MD; Ana Dobson, RN; Corey S. Shayman; Jennifer L. Harman, PhD; Veronica A. Moreno Gomez, MD; Jennifer J. Majersik, MD, FAAN
Summary: This quality improvement study evaluated whether targeted stroke education for non-neurology providers improves recognition of inpatient stroke. Education significantly increased provider confidence and knowledge, with ongoing analysis assessing its impact on brain attack activation accuracy. These findings suggest structured training may help reduce delays in stroke identification and improve inpatient stroke care.
Session 6, 5:00 PM CDT
Topic: Spot CHANGE and Change Lives: The RECODE-DCM CHANGE Criteria, a Decision Support Tool to Identify Patients Requiring Urgent Investigation for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy
Poster #: 9-001
Authors: Lindsay Tetreault, MD, PhD; Ligia V. Onofrei, MD; Noam Harel, MD, PhD; Shamik Bhattacharyya, MD, FAAN
Summary: This project developed the “CHANGE” criteria, a simple mnemonic combining key symptoms and exam findings to help identify patients at risk for degenerative cervical myelopathy. Designed for frontline providers, this tool aims to improve early recognition, reduce diagnostic delays, and support timely referral for evaluation and potential surgical treatment.
Topic: Age-specific Patterns of Healthcare Utilization in NMOSD
Poster #: 1-004
Authors: Melissa A. Wright, MD (Presenter); Ka-Ho Wong; Yibing Zhang, MD; Tracy E. Schaffer, RN; Tammy L. Smith, MD, PhD; John W. Rose, MD, FAAN; Stacey Clardy, MD, PhD, FAAN; Regina Farley, RN
Summary: A study of healthcare utilization patterns among pediatric, young adult, and adult patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). While delays in diagnosis and access to specialists occurred across ages, patients under 40 were more likely to miss appointments and delay follow-up care, highlighting potential age-related barriers that may impact long-term disease management.
Topic: Falling Through the Cracks: The Distinct Challenges Faced by Young Adults Living With Multiple Sclerosis
Poster #: 18-010
Authors: Yibing Zhang, MD (Presenter); Ka-Ho Wong; Jack Wilson; Huapin Huang; Tracy E. Schaffer, RN; Regina Farley, RN; Tammy L. Smith, MD, PhD; Stacey Clardy, MD, PhD, FAAN; John W. Rose, MD, FAAN; Melissa A. Wright, MD
Summary: An exploration of demographics, treatment patterns, and access to disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) among young adults with multiple sclerosis. While most patients initiated DMT soon after diagnosis, many experienced medication gaps, delayed follow-up, or missed surveillance imaging. These findings highlight barriers to consistent treatment and monitoring that may contribute to disease activity in this population.
Tuesday, April 21
Session 7, 8:00 AM CDT
Topic: Rising Costs, Falling Coverage: A Decade of Medicare Expenditures and Hospital Charges in Neurologic Care
Poster #: 7-012
Authors: Ka-Ho Wong; Marissa M. Castillo, MSPH; L. Dana DeWitt, MD; Tammy L. Smith, MD, PhD; Trieste Francis; Huapin Huang; John W. Rose, MD, FAAN; Jonathan R. Galli, MD; Yibing Zhang, MD; Jennifer J. Majersik, MD, FAAN; Jordan King, PharmD, MS; Vivek Reddy, MD; Adam De Havenon, MD, FAAN; Stacey Clardy, MD, PhD, FAAN
Summary: This study analyzed national trends in inpatient neurologic care from 2013 to 2023, showing that while admissions declined substantially, hospital charges nearly doubled and rose faster than overall Medicare inpatient costs. In contrast, Medicare reimbursement increased more modestly, widening financial gaps across neurology subspecialties. These findings highlight growing economic pressures on healthcare systems and underscore the need for value-based payment models to ensure continued access to high-quality neurologic care.
Session 8, 11:45 AM CDT
Title: Myositis-Specific Antibody Testing: Methods Matter!
Poster #: 9-016
Authors: Lisa K. Peterson, PhD; Tom B. Martins, MS; Arevik Ghazaryan, PhD; Tammy L. Smith, MD, PhD; Dorota Lebiedz-Odrobina, MD; Liang-Yuan Lin
Summary: Evaluation of a particle-based multi-analyte technology (PMAT) assay for detecting myositis-specific antibodies compared with standard testing methods. PMAT showed strong agreement with existing assays, and combining methods improved diagnostic accuracy. These findings support the use of PMAT alongside traditional testing to enhance diagnosis and management of inflammatory muscle diseases.
Title: The ExTINGUISH Modified Rankin Scale: A Comprehensive Functional Outcome Measure for NMDAR Encephalitis
Poster #: 1-005
Authors: Ka-Ho Wong (Presenter); Gregory S. Day, MD, MSc, FAAN; Christopher Coffey, PhD, FAAN; Ursula Utz; David B. Clifford, MD, FAAN; Eric Klawiter, MD, FAAN; J. R. Singleton, MD; Dixie J. Ecklund, RN; David Klements, MS; Michele Costigan, RN; Brenda Pearson; Christina Desir, RN, Project Manager; Josep O. Dalmau, MD, PhD, FAAN; Maarten J. Titulaer, MD, PhD; Stacey Clardy, MD, PhD, FAAN
Summary: Researchers developed the ExTINGUISH modified Rankin Scale (ExTINGUISHmRS) to better capture psychiatric, cognitive, and behavioral disability in patients with NMDAR encephalitis. Implemented across a multicenter clinical trial, the adapted scale enabled standardized assessment of both motor and nonmotor outcomes, supporting more comprehensive evaluation of functional recovery in autoimmune encephalitis.
Title: Multi-institutional Retrospective Analysis of Hypertrophic Pachymeningitis
Poster #: 2-003
Authors: Jiyeon Son, MD; Rohini D. Samudralwar, MD; Joseph R. Berger, MD; Giovanna Manzano, MD; Stacey Clardy, MD, PhD, FAAN; Ilya Kister, MD, FAAN; Spencer Hutto, MD; Kiran Thakur, MD, FAAN; Sarah F. Wesley, MD, MPH; Andrew Morrison, MD; Sage T. Hewitt, MD; Wesley Peng, MD, PhD; Hannah M. Kelly, MD; Trevor Glenn, MD; Yoji Hoshina, MD; Alexandra R. Balshi; Amanda Zhao, MD; Gerome B. Vallejos, MD; Wen-Yu Lee, MS; Ruyu Shi, PhD; Siddharama Pawate, MD
Summary: This multicenter study characterized the clinical, imaging, and pathological features of hypertrophic pachymeningitis across 113 patients. Idiopathic disease was the most common diagnosis, with headaches and visual symptoms frequently reported. Most patients received immunotherapy and showed clinical or radiographic improvement, providing insight into the diverse causes and treatment responses associated with this rare inflammatory condition.
Session 9, 5:00 PM CDT
Title: Chronic Migraine Progression and Persistence: Results from the Chronic Migraine Epidemiology and Outcomes (CaMEO) Study
Poster #: 15-016
Authors: Richard B. Lipton, MD, FAAN; Kristina M. Fanning, PhD; Patricia Pozo-Rosich, MD, PhD; K.C. Brennan, MD, FAAN; Rami Burstein, PhD; Jonathan H. Smith, MD; Iryna Shakhmantsir; Brett Dabruzzo, PharmD; Ryan Bostic; Dawn C. Buse, PhD
Summary: Using data from the CaMEO study, researchers evaluated new ways to define migraine disease progression based on increases in monthly headache days or disability scores. Over one-third of participants with chronic migraine met criteria for progression, which was associated with worse quality of life and higher rates of depression and anxiety.
Title: A Case Report of Abdominal Myoclonus Following Anterior Cerebral Artery Stroke
Poster #: 16-013
Authors: Ksenia Nokhrina, MD; Guillaume Lamotte, MD, FAAN; Jana Wold, MD
Summary: A case report describing cortical abdominal myoclonus as a rare presentation of anterior cerebral artery stroke. A patient with acute infarction developed rhythmic abdominal contractions that resolved with antiepileptic treatment. The findings highlight the importance of recognizing this uncommon manifestation to enable prompt diagnosis and effective management.
Wednesday, April 22
Session 10: 8:00 AM CDT
Topic: Beyond Postural Tachycardia: Comparison of Autonomic Symptom Severity and Testing Between Postural Tachycardia Syndrome and Orthostatic Intolerance without Tachycardia
Poster #: 7-008
Authors: Jonathan Trout, MD, (Presenter); Jordan Langford, MD; Luke Heyliger, MD; Guillaume Lamotte, MD, FAAN; Melissa M. Cortez, DO
Summary: Comparison of clinical symptoms and autonomic testing findings in individuals with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and orthostatic intolerance without tachycardia (OIwoT). Symptom severity was similar between groups, but a hyperadrenergic phenotype was more common in POTS. These findings highlight overlapping features while suggesting distinct underlying physiologic mechanisms between the conditions.
Session 11, 11:45 AM CDT
Title: Seizing the Diagnosis: A Rare Case of Fatal West Nile Virus Ventriculitis
Poster #: 3-003
Authors: Matthew Cobler-Lichter, MD; Connie Chung, MD; Madison Bangert, MD; Stephanie Gelman, MD; Peter Schloesser; Shawn M. Smith, MD; Kevin T. Meier, MD; Dean Roller, MD; Monika Gross; Kyle Hobbs, M.
Summary: This case report describes a rare and fatal presentation of West Nile virus ventriculitis in an elderly patient with seizures and rapidly progressive neurologic decline. Diagnosis was confirmed through serologic and PCR testing despite overlapping flavivirus antibodies. The case highlights the diagnostic challenges and severe outcomes of neuroinvasive West Nile virus, particularly in vulnerable populations.