Author: Heidi Lim

NIH-funded Phase 2B clinical trial for NMDAR encephalitis treatment continues to successfully enroll patients at dozens of sites, including WashU Medicine

The ExTINGUISH NMDAR Encephalitis Trial

An ongoing clinical trial designed to answer critical questions regarding treatment protocols for anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, a relatively rare but often devastating condition, is continuing to expand trial sites and enroll participants, building excitement in the medical and patient communities. At Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, David Clifford, MD, the Melba and […]

Faculty Profile: Saumel Ahmadi

headshot of Dr. Saumel Ahmadi

Saumel Ahmadi, MD, PhD, has been appointed instructor of Neurology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Ahmadi earned an MD from Saurashtra University in India and a PhD in Genetics and Physiology from The Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto before joining WashU Medicine for his pediatric neurology residency […]

Bauer Huang appointed as new section head of Neonatal Neurology

Sarah Bauer Huang

Sarah Bauer Huang, MD, PhD, has been appointed head of the Section of Neonatal Neurology, effective July 1, 2025. Chris Smyser, MD, will step down from this position to focus on his role as associate director of the Division of Pediatric and Developmental Neurology.    Smyser joined the faculty at Washington University School of Medicine in […]

Promising risk assessment results for new pediatric stroke treatment option

patient with IV

A recent safety surveillance paper published in Neurology reported that of eleven pediatric patients who were treated with tenecteplase for suspected stroke, there were no instances of intracranial bleeding or other safety concerns. This study is an important first step toward further research to establish the safety and efficacy of tenecteplase for treating pediatric stroke. […]

Fessler promoted to vice chair of clinical affairs for Neurology

Jim Fessler, MD, has been promoted from associate vice chair to vice chair of clinical affairs effective January 1, 2025. Fessler joined the Department of Neurology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis in February 2024 as associate clinical vice chair and professor of neurology in the Section of Epilepsy, with faculty appointments […]