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As part of our monthly clinician spotlight, NeurologyLive® highlighted movement disorder expert Sana Aslam, DO, an assistant professor of neurology at University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Sana Aslam, DO
(Credit: University of Colorado School of Medicine)
Neurologists are highly trained medical professionals who play a critical role in the healthcare system in helping patients of all ages manage their conditions that can affect every aspect of their lives. Each month, NeurologyLive® shines a spotlight on the work of one neurologist, highlighting contributions to their specific field.
Parkinson disease (PD), a common neurological disorder, causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Symptoms of PD typically start gradually and worsen over time, which may further impact a patient's ability to walk and talk as the disease progresses. According to the National Institute on Aging, patients with PD may also have mental and behavioral changes, sleep problems, depression, memory difficulties, and fatigue.1 Despite no existing cure for PD, research on surgical treatment and other therapies show promise in relieving some of the symptoms.
Movement disorder specialist Sana Aslam, DO, who also serves as an assistant professor of neurology at University of Colorado School of Medicine, had a recent conversation with NeurologyLive to discuss how her focus on advanced therapies has impacted the quality of life for patients with movement disorders. She also shared the challenges she may face when diagnosing and managing neurodegenerative diseases, especially when treatment options are limited. Moreover, Aslam spoke about her belief on the importance for patients and clinicians to consider advanced therapeutics earlier in treatment, rather than as a last resort.
Sana Aslam, DO: I am a neurologist with subspecialty training in movement disorders. In my clinical role, I primarily work with patients who have PD, essential tremor, dystonia, and other similar disorders. I am particularly interested in advanced therapeutics so many of my patients have undergone deep brain stimulation surgeries as well. From a research perspective, I work as an investigator for clinical trials for movements disorders and my own studies related primarily to deep brain stimulation.
As a clinician, I see patients with various movement disorders, at various stages of their disease. Most of my patients have diseases that do not have a cure, such as PD, but we focus on managing symptoms, treatment, and improving quality of life. As a researcher, I see patients who volunteer to be in clinical trials and research studies.
I decided to pursue medicine when I was in college and even though I was a neuroscience major, neurology as a specialty was not on my radar. I had decided on a different specialty until I did my neurology rotation when I was a medical student. The complexity of the brain and neurological disorders fascinated me. The longterm relationships between physicians and people with movement disorders is what particularly drew me to my subspecialty. I loved that there wasn’t a “one size fits all” approach to treatment and that a big part of managing movement disorders involved getting to know my patients and making shared decisions in terms of medications and other treatments.
As a movement disorders’ specialist with a focus on deep brain stimulation (DBS), few things are more rewarding than my patients’ reactions when their DBS is turned on the first time. After an involved screening process, surgery, and recovery, it is a privilege to be a part of the change that all of it leads up to.
It is always hard to give a diagnosis of a neurodegenerative disease and often this happens on the initial consultation with a patient, making it even more difficult. This is especially challenging when the diagnosis is an atypical parkinsonism as the treatment options are so limited for these relatively rapidly progressive neurodegenerative diseases.
I wish patients and clinicians knew that advanced therapeutics such as DBS, focused ultrasound, and infusion therapies are not “last resort” interventions. These treatments can have a profound impact on quality of life and DBS in particular is not an option indefinitely. Referring to a movement disorders’ specialist for a consultation to screen and be educated on advanced therapeutics is never wrong!
I enjoy walking and hiking with my very energetic Australian shepherd and only slightly less energetic son. When I am not spending time with my family, I enjoy reading with a good cup of tea.
Transcript edited for clarity. Click here for more coverage on Parkinson disease.
