Neurology Commons^™

A Rare Sight: Isolated Third Nerve Palsy As The Sole Presentation Of A Non-Functional Pituitary Adenoma, Jorge A. Aboytes, Jose J. Loayza, Ivan Mogollon, Ismael Cantu

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Hypopituitarism results from insufficient pituitary hormone production, often due to adenomas—accounting for ~15% of intracranial tumors. Non-functional adenomas, typically affecting older adults, may present with visual field deficits, headaches, or cranial nerve palsies when extending into the cavernous sinus. Isolated oculomotor (third nerve) palsy is a rare initial manifestation.

Case: A 46-year-old man with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes presented with acute right-sided headache, diplopia, ptosis, and right leg weakness. He had right ptosis, a fixed dilated pupil, facial droop, and right leg weakness. Given concern for stroke, he received thrombolytic therapy with partial leg improvement, but persistent diplopia and …

Relationship Identification Between Triggers And Changes In The Brain And The Overall Human Electrophysiology During Migraines, Dominic Sandell, Jonah Dematto, Gianpiero Lara, Jasmine Rosales, Legacy Wilson, Zachary Young

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

One of the most common neurological conditions in the world is migraines; nearly 1/4th of the working population suffers from this condition and exhibits a large variety of triggers. The current treatment method for migraine uses few different medications for all migraines, regardless of triggers. Our hypothesis is that there is a specific relationship between the triggers of migraines and the electrical changes in the brain during migraines. It is known that electrical activity in the brain occurs during migraines; it is unclear whether these changes differ across triggers. The study incorporates two different data collection methods: electrophysiological tests (Electroencephalogram …

Unmasking Neurosyphilis: A Psychotic Presentation With A Hidden Cause, Fazal Choudhary Do, Lalitya Karra Do

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

No abstract provided.

Blinded By Relapse: A Rare Case Of Bilateral Vision Loss From Leukemic Meningeal Infiltration, Aun A. Bangash, Tejaswini Swamy, Chloe C. Harris, Victoria Parada

Research Symposium

Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) accounts for 20% of adult leukemias, with outcomes improving through modern systemic and CNS-directed therapies. Leukemic meningeal relapse, defined as infiltration of the meninges and detected by cerebrospinal fluid cytology, is reported in 4–7% of adult ALL patients and remains a devastating complication despite CNS prophylaxis. CNS involvement typically presents with nonspecific symptoms such as headache, nausea, or cranial neuropathies; isolated, abrupt vision loss is rare. With a median survival of less than six months if untreated, timely recognition is critical. We present a case of intracranial hypertension with bilateral vision loss due to leukemic …

Investigating Sertraline‑Mediated Modulation Of Succinate Dehydrogenase To Sensitize Tmz‑Resistant Glioblastoma Cells, Supraja Mallapuram

Create@State

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the deadliest and most common brain tumor which remains highly resistant to temozolomide (TMZ), contributing to poor patient outcomes. Literature suggests that sertraline, a widely used SSRI, disrupts mitochondrial metabolism in cancer cells. Because GBM depends heavily on succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) for oxidative phosphorylation, sertraline‑mediated SDH inhibition may increase metabolic stress and reduce functional TMZ resistance. This poster presents a literature‑based rationale and proposed experimental design to evaluate sertraline‑induced SDH modulation and its potential to sensitize TMZ‑resistant T98G glioblastoma cells. These findings will guide future experimental work.

The Role Of The "Indulgent Mindset" As A Modulator For Neuropsychiatric Biomarkers And Self-Reported Mental Wellbeing, Riva Ranier, Anika Anika, Sarah Simon, Ethan Chau, Emma Monte, Madison Retzloff, Johann Luna, Susan Helm

Seaver College Research And Scholarly Achievement Symposium

The Role of the "Indulgent Mindset" as a Modulator for Neuropsychiatric Biomarkers and Self-Reported Mental Wellbeing

Objective: Limited understanding persists regarding how an "indulgent mindset" about food shapes neuropsychiatric outcomes. Building on the "milkshake study" demonstrating that mindset modulates ghrelin response independent of nutritional content, this pilot study examines whether an indulgent mindset intervention affects neuropsychiatric biomarkers and mental wellbeing.

Methods: Women ages 19-65 (n=35; intervention n=17, control n=18) completed a 6-month randomized trial with baseline and post-intervention assessments including 3-day food diaries, mental wellbeing questionnaires, and comprehensive metabolomics (Iollo panel across mental health, metabolic health, gut microbiome, brain health, …

Improving Anesthesia Provider Confidence In The Identification, Management, And Treatment Of Postoperative Delirium, Brittany M. Whistle, Charles Dustin Phelps

Scholars Week

Purpose: Postoperative Delirium (POD) is a potentially devastating complication of anesthesia that is poorly understood by clinical staff leading to poor outcomes for surgical patients. This study is meant to determine if a focused knowledge presentation accompanied by visual aids could increase anesthesia providers confidence in identifying, diagnosing, and treating Postoperative Delirium.

Methodology: Utilizing a statistical model to analyze respondents results on a standardized test administered before and after an informational presentation with visual aids on the topic of Postoperative Delirium.

Results: Results indicated a statistically significant difference between pretest and posttest scores, with a p-value of .002, t(11) = …

Evaluating Sensory Sensitivities Among Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder In An Adaptive Gymnastics Program, Aicha Kaouss, Bradley Eppinger, Austin Ebbrecht, Kailash Ram, Kaitlin P. Hardy Md

Knowledge and Creativity Expo

Introduction: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) participate in physical activity at lower rates than their neurotypical peers1. Sensory sensitivities, reported in approximately 75–95% of children with ASD, may contribute to this disparity2. Gymnastics environments involve bright lighting and loud noise, which can precipitate sensory overload. The impact of specific sensory features on participation in adaptive gymnastics remains underexplored.

Methods: A cross-sectional study recruited caregivers of children aged 3–12 years with an ASD diagnosis enrolled in the EVMS Adaptive Gymnastics Program. Caregivers completed the Sensory Experiences Questionnaire–Third Edition (SEQ-3)3 and supplemental survey items on Redcap which assessed environmental triggers and …

Creating A Culture Change Around Stroke: Integrating Process Improvement To Reduce Door-To-Needle Time, Shayna Brewer, Benedict Pereira, Rose Bisellach, Jason Greenspan

Providence Nursing Research Conference 2023 – Present

No abstract provided.

Triaging Dizziness: An Adapted Tool To Capture Posterior Circulation Stroke, Shayna Brewer, Benedict Pereira, Aaron Acquisto, Shalina Steccato

Providence Nursing Research Conference 2023 – Present

No abstract provided.

Relationships Between Clinical Symptom Scales And Eeg Biomarkers In Oud Patients, Jess Delange, Benjamin M. Latey, John Glinski, Braden Ashcraft, Jasmine Pannu, Cassidy Beatty, Lauren Knudson, Benjamin Chafetz, Bryan Fugal, Patrick Tanner Brain, N P. Griffin, Christopher Gowans, Amanda Brandaris, Amanda Page, Blake D. Harris, Sophia Delgado, Lorissa Thorpe, Kyle Bills, Andrew Payne

Annual Research Symposium

This poster examines the relationship between clinical symptom scales and electroencephalographic (EEG) biomarkers in patients with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). Participants from inpatient substance use treatment facilities completed validated mental health and withdrawal assessments, including the COWS, PHQ-9, HAM-A, and ASRS followed by cognitive testing while undergoing 19-lead EEG recording.

Preliminary findings indicate that synthetic opioid use is associated with prolonged P300 response latency across brain regions, suggesting measurable neurophysiologic differences tied to substance type and addiction severity. The study explores how EEG metrics may complement subjective symptom reporting to provide more objective markers of addiction status, co-morbid psychiatric burden, …

The Impact Of Physical Activity And Diet On The Potassium-Chloride Cotransporter 2 In The Central Nervous System: A Literature Review, Benjamin M. Latey, Dustin Bowers, Andrew J. Payne

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Determining The Effects Of An Hiv Infective Model On The Development Of Neuropathic Pain In Alzheimer’S Disease Model Mice., Ayesha Usman, Megan W. Szobody, Jose Rios, Mohammed Alnoud, Khalid Benamar

Research Colloquium

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of the Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in producing neuropathic pain in an Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) mouse model. HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 is correlated with increased release of thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia mediators from astrocytes and glial cells in rodents, producing the identifiable symptoms of neuropathic pain. Similarly, studies show that 45.8% of AD patients experience chronic pain. The production of an HIV/AD comorbid mouse model will be useful in determining important pathological pathways for neuropathic pain and is vital to future studies in therapeutic approaches to these conditions. Two …

Triple Or Double? Safety Holds Steady In Acute Stenting, Marlon C. Monayao, Kevin Garcia Valdez, Samantha Miller, Ameer E. Hassan

Research Colloquium

Background: Acute stenting is typically performed for patients presenting with focal neurological deficits due to intracranial or extracranial atherosclerotic stenosis. Following the procedure, dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) regimen is commonly prescribed to reduce the risk of in-stent thrombosis. However, very few studies have examined safety outcomes in patients already on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) who undergo acute carotid or intracranial stenting with subsequent dual anti-platelet regimen (DAPT). The combination of DOAC and DAPT, referred here as triple therapy, is controversial given the increased risk of hemorrhagic transformation. This retrospective cohort study aims to analyze the safety of triple therapy …

No Safety Trade-Off: Triple Therapy Matches Dapt In Acute Stenting With Thrombectomy, Marlon C. Monayao, Kevin Garcia Valdez, Samantha Miller, Ameer E. Hassan

Research Colloquium

Background: Patients who acutely undergo intra- or extracranial stenting are typically placed on a dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) regimen to decrease the risk of in-stent thrombosis. However, initiating these medicines in patients who are already on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) is controversial due to the increased risk of hemorrhagic transformation. Studies have been done on patients with atrial fibrillation on DOACs who undergo coronary stenting and subsequently begun on DAPT, but there are no corollaries for patients undergoing acute carotid or intra-cranial stenting and associated safety outcomes. This retrospective cohort study aims to bridge that understanding and checked whether …

Wernicke’S Encephalopathy With Classic Triad And Normal Mri In A Young Woman Following Rapid-Sequence Bariatric And Biliary Surgery, Hugo Zamarron, Nina Mourao, Roberto A. Cruz Saldana

Research Colloquium

Background: Wernicke’s encephalopathy is a life-threatening neurological disorder caused by thiamine deficiency, most commonly associated with alcoholism. However, postoperative nutritional deficiencies in young patients undergoing bariatric procedures are increasingly recognized. This case is unique due to the rapid succession of bariatric and cholecystectomy surgeries, development of classic Wernicke’s symptoms with a normal MRI, and diagnostic delay due to overlapping differential diagnoses including intracranial hypotension and myelopathy.

Case Presentation: A 22-year-old woman with class III obesity underwent sleeve gastrectomy in July 2022, followed by significant weight loss and persistent intractable vomiting. Due to suspected gallbladder disease, she underwent a cholecystectomy in …

Corticobasal Syndrome With Mixed Pathology In The Absence Of Grn Mutation: A Clinico-Pathological Case Of Ftld-Tdp With Coexisting Alzheimer’S And Lewy Body Pathology, Hugo Zamarron, David Irwin, Jeffery Phillips, Edward Lee, Matthew Tisdall, Corey Mcmillan

Research Colloquium

Background: Corticobasal syndrome (CBS) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by often asymmetric fronto-pariteal and extra-pyramidal features that is traditionally associated with tauopathy, but pathological findings are heterogenous, including other forms of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and mixed pathologies of aging. We present clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic features of asymmetry in a unique patient with CBS and underlying FTLD with TDP-43 pathology (FTLD-TDP), co-occurring with other age-related pathologies.

Case Presentation: A 76-year-old man presented with progressive cognitive and motor dysfunction including asymmetric parkinsonism, left-sided dystonia and rigidity, apraxia, visuospatial impairment, and a subtle social disorder including apathy and social withdrawal. The …

Bilateral Small Vessel Strokes In A Young Male With Coccidioidal Meningitis And Suspected Cns Vasculitis, Hugo Zamarron, Ahsan Ali

Research Colloquium

Background: Cerebral small vessel strokes in young, otherwise healthy adults without traditional vascular risk factors are rare and warrant further investigation. Central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis is an uncommon etiology that may be triggered by infections, including fungal pathogens. This case is notable for a suspected primary CNS vasculitis manifesting as bilateral deep infarcts in the setting of Coccidioidal meningitis. It highlights the importance of considering fungal infections and vasculitis in the differential diagnosis of stroke in younger patients.

Case Presentation: A 32-year-old previously healthy male presented with fever, headache, and was diagnosed with aseptic meningitis. He was later readmitted …

A Puzzling Case Of Visual Disturbances Leads To A Fatal Neurodegenerative Diagnosis, Courtney J. Austin, Aaron Carrillo, Jennifer Rojas Huen, Victoria Parada

Research Colloquium

Background: Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare neurodegenerative disease in which early diagnosis is complicated by the presence of early non-specific and atypical presentations. Sporadic CJD (sCJD), the most common type of CJD, is caused by the spread of a disease-forming prion known as PrPSc. PrPSc multiplies and binds to the normal form of prion, or PrP, converting it to an abnormal, structurally altered disease form that spreads throughout the brain. sCJD can initially present with six different phenotypes: cognitive, affective, classic, visual (Heidenhain variant), atactic (Oppenheimer-Brownell variant), and indeterminate. The classic presentation of CJD includes rapidly progressive dementia with …

Case Report: Clonidine Withdrawal-Induced Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (Pres), Aura M. C. Calderon, Francisco Arias, Ivan Mogollon, Luis Salcedo, Hector Arredondo

Research Colloquium

Introduction: Clonidine, an agonist of central α2-adrenergic and imidazoline receptors, possesses the capacity to elicit transient episodes of hypertension succeeded by hypotension and bradycardia. This particular case underscores a rare yet significant complication, Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES), that can occur subsequent to the abrupt cessation of clonidine administration.

Case Presentation: An 18-year-old male with severe asthma and prior ICU admissions presented to the emergency department after two seizures. He had recently been treated for an asthma exacerbation complicated by hypertension, for which clonidine was initiated. He was discharged on clonidine and prednisone but discontinued clonidine the day before admission …

A First Response Gap: Implementing Naloxone Training For Campus Security Amid New Orleans’ Opioid Crisis, Shawn J. Marcell, Brian Copeland Md

Quality Improvement & Patient Safety Forum

No abstract provided.

How Far Does It Go? An Analysis On The Extent Of Spinal Cord Injury In Post-Traumatic Patients, Sravani Mannuru, Sarvani Uppati, Kelsey Baker

Research Colloquium

Background: Spinal cord injury causes debilitating functional loss in post-trauma patients. Previous studies have showed that an area of edema (tissue damage and swelling) occurs at the level of spinal damage and may be related to the amount of functional loss in the patient and their associated recovery potential. We hypothesized that the extent of the injury is greater than previously studied and may better explain functional loss and recovery potential.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed five T2-weighted MRI spinal cord images from post-trauma patients ages 32-67. Patients had a clinically diagnosed spinal cord injury that affected the cervical …

Safe Paralytic Reversal For Neurologic Examinations, Keenan Piper, Md

Health Equity and Quality Improvement (HEQI) Summit

AIM Statement

Institute a protocol for safe administration of sugammadex to obtain neurologic exams with a goal of 90% adherence and three or less agitation-related complications over a 6-month period

Rare Jugular Bulb Tumor Presenting As Bilateral Papilledema, Yoona Choe, Matthew Boyle, Peter Maduka

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Optic disc edema, which may arise from a range of inflammatory, ischemic, compressive, infiltrative, or hereditary causes, can also indicate elevated intracranial pressure in the form of papilledema. Given its potential association with life-threatening conditions such as mass lesions or venous sinus thrombosis, timely identification and thorough evaluation are critical. In this case, a 61-year-old female presented with a complaint of a new-onset floater in her left eye. Despite minimal symptoms and an unremarkable systemic review, dilated fundus examination revealed bilateral optic disc edema with hyperemia and hemorrhages, prompting urgent neuroimaging. MRI and MRV identified venous thrombi in the right …

Is The Vaping Epidemic Linked To Neurologic Changes And Mental Health Diagnoses Amongst Us Adolescents?, Tracy Lin, Victoria Shwe

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Vaping has significantly increased among U.S. adolescents, driven by the rise of e-cigarettes and flavored pods. Nicotine exposure during brain development is linked to changes in the limbic-dopaminergic system, white matter integrity, and increased risk of emotional and behavioral dysregulation. Higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality are reported among adolescent users, with greater symptom severity seen in those with high vaping dependence. Though studies show correlation rather than causation, findings suggest vaping may contribute to rising mental health diagnoses. Addressing vaping’s neurological and psychological impact is critical to guiding prevention efforts, regulatory policies, and support for at-risk youth.

Is Acupuncture At The Auricular Shenmen Point Effective In Treating Anxiety?, Nicole Vaiani, Alexander King, Venkateswar Venkataraman

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health condition in the United States and are often managed with pharmacological interventions, which can lead to adverse side effects. As a result, alternative therapies such as acupuncture are gaining attention. This study investigates the effectiveness of auricular acupuncture, specifically targeting the Shenmen point, in reducing symptoms of anxiety. We analyzed ten randomized controlled trials that included quantitative outcome measures. The results suggest that auricular acupuncture at the Shenmen point is an effective and well-tolerated adjunctive treatment for anxiety. While further research with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods is warranted, these …

Investigating Sleep Quality In Post-Stroke Delirium: A Scoping Review, Shay Greco, Bethany C. Young

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Delirium affects approximately 59% of hospitalized patients with intracerebral hemorrhage and is associated with poor outcomes. Sleep-wake cycle disturbances are hypothesized to contribute to delirium development, particularly in neurointensive care settings where frequent sleep interruptions occur.

Methods: We conducted a scoping review of literature published between 2014-2024 using PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Studies were included if they observed sleep in adult stroke populations.

Results: Four observational studies (2018-2023) met inclusion criteria, with sample sizes ranging from 20-112 participants. All studies included patients with ICH. All studies reported associations between poor sleep in patients with ICH and delirium …

A Better Road To Recovery- Effectiveness Of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Compared To Conventional Methods On Post-Concussion Patients, Joliana H. Eskandar

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background:

Concussion, a form of traumatic brain injury, often presents with sleep disturbances, headache, confusion, and memory impairment. Current treatment includes reduced screen time, physical activity, and increased rest. For decades, these treatment options have demonstrated improvement in symptoms. Recently, there is growing interest in whether using osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) to target structural dysfunctions is more effective. This review compares OMT to conventional treatment methods in post-concussion patients.

Methods:

This literature review uses data from clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and case reports within the past 10-15 years. It includes adolescents, adults, elderly, athletes, and non-athletes while …

A Broad Examination Of Sleep Issues In Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis And Other Conditions, Chaithanya Annaluru

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Poor sleep hygiene can lead to serious health consequences, including the development of health disorders and the worsening of chronic illnesses. Poor sleep quality or duration has been linked to neurocognitive changes such as inattention and lower IQ scores. Sleep disorders are especially prevalent among pediatric patients with neurologic and neuropsychiatric conditions; for example, children with epilepsy and ADHD exhibit higher rates of parasomnias, while patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience REM sleep behavior disorder and insomnia more often than the general population. Additionally, co-existing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and epilepsy can worsen seizure control, and uncontrolled epilepsy can …

Dabigatran Reduced Acute Microgliosis In A Mouse Model With Tbi, Nicholas R. Eltman, Rashmeena Abbasi, Mary C. Kosciuk, Syed Ahmed, Jose L. Pascual, Randel L. Swanson, Nimish K. Acharya

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Objective:

The study objective was to investigate the acute anti-inflammatory effects of dabigatran in a preclinical mouse controlled cortical impact (CCI) model of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Design

Mice were separated into three groups: controlled cortical impact (CCI) with dabigatran (drug treatment, n=5), CCI with saline (positive control, n=5), and sham CCI without saline or dabigatran (negative control, n=3). Dabigatran (80mg/kg) or saline was administered orally at 2, 10, 18, 26, 34, and 42 hours following experimental CCI in the drug treatment or positive control groups, respectively. Animals in the negative control group received sham CCI only. 48h following …