Of 126 respondents, 51% were
trainees (residents and fellows) and 46% practicing neurologists. Practicing neurologists had a median of 10 years of
post-training experience. Most respondents (75%) worked in academic centers, and 69% had seen fewer than 10 SPS patients. Only 17% were confident in diagnosing SPS. Twenty-six percent of respondents referred patients for subspecialty evaluation, most commonly to neuroimmunology. Fewer than 45% recognized clinical
signs such as exaggerated startle reflex and hyperlordosis. For diagnostic testing, 80% ordered glutamic acid decarboxylase-65 (GAD65) antibodies, 49% tested other antibodies, 37% ordered CSF analysis, and 31% utilized electromyography. 50% of respondents identified the
typical GAD65 antibody titers associated with neuroimmunity. In making a diagnosis, 39% were familiar with different proposed
diagnostic criteria. 48% reported being unsure of identifying atypical presentation of SPS. Preferred drug choices most commonly reported were benzo/baclofen for symptom management (65%), IVIG for acute episodes (41%) and maintenance (39%). Non-pharmacological therapies such as massage, acupuncture etc. were recommended by 27% of respondents. Data from f
urther multivariate analysis to associated practice patterns based on demographics will be presented at the AAN conference.