Clinical Pearls for Navigating Neurological Diagnoses: Aliza Ben-Zacharia, PhD, DNP, ANP-BC, FAAN

WATCH TIME: 5 minutes

"Think about what we see in patients – vision issues, facial problems, spinal cord injuries. Accurate localization aids in better diagnosis, appropriate tests, and effective treatment."

Having an accurate evaluation and an effective treatment approach of the various symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) for patients improves their quality of life. Some of the most common symptoms of MS include fatigue and muscular weakness, challenges related to spasticity and walking, depression and cognitive difficulties, limitations in bladder, bowel, and sexual functions, instances of visual and sensory impairment and more. Therefore, managing MS requires the ability to accurately identify the symptoms and tailor the care to the patients’ needs.¹

At the 2023 Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) Annual Meeting, held May 31 to June 3, in Aurora, Colorado, Aliza Ben-Zacharia, PhD, DNP, ANP-BC, FAAN, assistant professor at Hunter College, presented in a clinical workshop. In the workshop, she presented on the topic of clinical pearls, for clinicians who have patients with MS, and the spinal cord, where patients can also experience relapse attacks.² 

Recently, Ben-Zacharia sat down in an interview with NeurologyLive®at the meeting to talk about how considering unilateral versus bilateral symptoms aids in neurological diagnosis. She also spoke about the specific visual cues that help distinguish between brainstem and brain parenchymal issues. Additionally, Ben-Zacharia explained why accurate localization is crucial for effective neurological treatment, and how it impacts patient prognosis.

Click here for more coverage of CMSC 2023.

REFERENCES
1. Ben-Zacharia AB. Therapeutics for multiple sclerosis symptoms. Mt Sinai J Med. 2011;78(2):176-191. doi:10.1002/msj.202456
2. Ben-Zacharia A. Introduction and Clinical Pearls. Presented at: 2023 CMSC Annual Meeting; held May 31-June 3; Aurora, CO. CC4.