The Handoff: Your Week in Neurology News – 9/8/16

The Handoff is a weekly roundup of neurology news covering various developments in subspecialties, as well as pharmaceutical and association and society news. Keep your finger on the pulse of neurology with The Handoff.

– When the doctor becomes the patient, does everything change? MedPageToday chronicles the story of a neurosurgeon faced with an operable brain tumor.

– The NIH has announced the launch of the third phase of the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), which will include new brain imaging technology and a host of new volunteer participants.

– The rate of congenital malformations of the nervous system has doubled since the Zika Virus epidemic struck Brazil, nearly quadrupling in the hard-hit northeast region of the country, according to a study that compared prevalence from January 2008 through February 2016.

– Tune in to Mayo Clinic Radio’s Saturday broadcast to learn more about functional neurological disorders, with  commentary from psychiatrist Jeffrey Staab, PhD.

– GW Pharmaceuticals, which is developing cannabidiol-based epilepsy treatments, has reportedly been approached by several drug companies who are looking to acquire the business.

– Officials in Ohio have declared a public health emergency over the recreational use of carfentanil after a spike in overdoses in the Midwest.

– Apple has updated in app review guidelines to better catch dangerous medical and health apps that make nonsensical claims.

– In other app news, the Kardia mobile app is the first to include an FDA-approved ECG and blood pressure reading in a single display. The app maker, AliveCor, claims the app can detect atrial fibrillation.

– With the 2016-17 NFL season kicking off today, the NFL Players Association has released an educational video on brain health, concussions, and the NFL’s official concussion protocol. Watch the video below.