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01-07-2021 | Myasthenia Gravis | COVID-19

Virtual visits for chronic neurologic disorders during COVID-19 pandemic

Authors: Irene Rosellini, Marika Vianello, Anna Ghazaryan, Silvia Vittoria Guidoni, Anna Palmieri, Federico Giopato, Roberta Vitaliani, Matteo Fuccaro, Alberto Terrin, Maria Teresa Rigoni, Francesco Pietrobon, Domenico Marco Bonifati

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 7/2021

Abstract

Background

COVID-19 pandemic has boosted telemedicine in medical clinical practice. Experiences in the management of chronic neurological disorders are limited and scattered. The aim of the study was to evaluate feasibility and efficacy of virtual visit for chronic neurological disorders during COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

All patients scheduled for a visit during the lockdown period were contacted. The patients fell into four categories: (1) long-term follow-up, the patient was re-scheduled; (2) visit was necessary, teleconsultation was accepted; (3) problem was solved by phone call; and (4) visit was necessary and teleconsultation was not feasible, then visit was maintained. Google Meet was used. During the virtual visit, neurological examination was performed, and demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded.

Results

At the end of May 2020, 184 virtual visits for 178 patients were performed for the following diseases: myasthenia gravis (47 patients), multiple sclerosis (79), epilepsy (12), headache (6), and parkinsonism (34). The patients were 70 males and 108 females with a mean age of 53.5 years (range 13–90). During virtual visit, we were able to obtain a satisfactory neurological examination.

Conclusions

We demonstrated feasibility and effectiveness of virtual visit in the management of a large group of patients with common chronic neurological disorders.

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Title: Virtual visits for chronic neurologic disorders during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Irene Rosellini
Marika Vianello
Anna Ghazaryan
Silvia Vittoria Guidoni
Anna Palmieri
Federico Giopato
Roberta Vitaliani
Matteo Fuccaro
Alberto Terrin
Maria Teresa Rigoni
Francesco Pietrobon
Domenico Marco Bonifati
Publication date: 01-07-2021
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Myasthenia Gravis
Neurological Tests
Multiple Sclerosis
Care
COVID-19
Epilepsy
Telemedicine
Headache
Published in: Neurological Sciences / Issue 7/2021
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-021-05212-3

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Virtual visits for chronic neurologic disorders during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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