Systematic screening of HTLV-infected blood donors reveals a high prevalence of HAM/TSP. The clinical course of HAM/TSP appears highly variable. HTLV-II-associated myelopathy generally presents with milder and more slowly progressive signs and symptoms.

Magnetic resonance neurography is a valuable adjunct to conventional MR imaging and EMG/NCS in the evaluation and localization of nerve root, brachial plexus, and peripheral nerve lesions. The authors found that MRN is indicated in patients: 1) in whom EMG and traditional MR imaging are inconclusive; 2) who present with brachial plexopathy who have previously received radiation therapy to the brachial plexus region; 3) who present with brachial plexopathy and have systemic tumors; and 4) in patients under consideration for surgery for peripheral nerve lesions or after trauma. Magnetic resonance neurography is limited by the size of the nerve trunk imaged and the timing of the study.

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Our data also suggest that HAM occurs more frequently among HTLV-I-infected subjects than reported by previous studies. The HTLV-II infected myelopathy patient identified in this cohort, together with three other case reports in the literature, implies a pathogenic role for this human retrovirus. The diagnosis of HTLV-associated myelopathy should be considered in cases of spastic paraparesis or neurogenic bladder when risk factors for HTLV-I or HTLV-II infection are present.

Over the past decade, the hospitalist model has become a dominant system for the delivery of general adult and pediatric inpatient care. Similar forces, including national mandates to improve safety and quality and intense pressure to safely reduce length of hospital stays, that led to the remarkable growth of hospitalist medicine are now exerting pressure on neurologists. A neurohospitalist model, in which inpatient neurology specialists deliver high-quality and efficient care to neurology patients, is emerging to meet these challenges. Benefits of this system may include more frequent, timely neurology consultations in the hospital and emergency department, as well as improved quality of inpatient neurological education for residents and medical students. Challenges will involve defining the relationship of neurohospitalists with primary stroke centers, the economic feasibility of such neurohospitalist systems, and how to train members of this new field. A neurohospitalist model of care is an emerging idea in neurology that would overcome many regulatory, educational, and economic challenges facing neurologists; further research is needed to gauge the effects of this innovative approach.