H1N1 Influenza Q&A with CDC Neuroepidemiologist James J. Sejvar, MD

To date, no neurologic illnesses or events have been seen in the H1N1 cases. Ongoing surveillance is being conducted to assess these potential complications, however. Read more

New guidelines developed by the Academy show the relative safety for women with epilepsy to become pregnant, but caution against taking one particular epilepsy drug, which can cause birth defects. The guidelines, developed in full collaboration with the American Epilepsy Society, were published in the April 27, 2009, online issue of Neurology®, and were presented at the AAN's Annual Meeting in Seattle.

• Guidelines
  Management issues for women with epilepsy: Vitamin K, folic acid, blood levels, and breastfeeding
• Management issues for women with epilepsy: Obstetrical complications and change in seizure frequency
• Management issues for women with epilepsy: Teratogenesis and perinatal outcomes
• Related Resources
  Patient and Clinician Summaries
• Cynthia Harden Discusses New Guidelines
• Press Briefing at the Annual Meeting

Brain and Spinal Tumors

Brain and spinal cord tumors are abnormal growths of tissue found inside the skull or the bony spinal column, which are the primary components of the central nervous system (CNS). Benign tumors are noncancerous, and malignant tumors are cancerous. The CNS is housed within rigid, bony quarters (i.e., the skull and spinal column), so any abnormal growth, whether benign or malignant, can place pressure on sensitive tissues and impair function.

Read more about neurologic disorders