AAN 2026 Trainee Projects
AAN 2026 Trainee Projects
Sunday, April 19
POSTER SESSION 1 | 8:00 AM CDT
Title: 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.
Title: 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.
POSTER SESSION 2 | 11:45 AM
Title: 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.
Title: 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
POSTER SESSION 4 | 8:00 AM CDT
Title: 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.
POSTER SESSION 5 | 11:45 AM CDT
Title: National Trends in Inpatient Medicare Reimbursements and Hospital Discharges for Cognitive Impairment, 2013-2023
- Poster #: 12-006
Authors: Marissa M. Castillo; 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.
Title: 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.
Title: 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.
POSTER SESSION 6 | 5:00 PM CDT
Title: 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.
Title: 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
POSTER SESSION 7 | 8:00 AM CDT
Title: 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; L. D. 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; 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.
POSTER SESSION 9 | 5:00 PM CDT
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
POSTER SESSION 10 | 8:00 AM CDT
Title: 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.
POSTER 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, MD.
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.