The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) official continuing medical education journal, Continuum: Lifelong Learning in Neurology®, has referenced research conducted by University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) neurologists and former medical students in its June 2025 issue. The citation appears in a comprehensive review article on Disorders of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Dynamics, recognizing important contributions from Hawaiʻi-based neuroscience research .
About Continuum®: Lifelong Learning in Neurology
Continuum® is the official CME journal of the American Academy of Neurology and is among the most widely read neurology journals worldwide. Each bimonthly issue delivers authoritative, up-to-date, peer-reviewed reviews focused on a single neurology topic, serving practicing neurologists, residents, fellows, and medical students .
The June 2025 issue, dedicated to disorders of CSF dynamics, highlights advances in diagnosis, pathophysiology, and management of conditions affecting cerebrospinal fluid circulation.
University of Hawaiʻi Research Recognized Nationally
The Continuum review cited a peer-reviewed study conducted by researchers affiliated with the BRAIN (Bridging Research & Innovation in Neuroscience) Lab at the University of Hawaiʻi. The work was authored by former medical students Frances T. C. Morden, Charissa Tan, Arash Ghaffari-Rafi, along with neurologists Enrique Carrazana, MD, and Kore Kai Liow, MD .
Referenced Study
Characterizing idiopathic intracranial hypertension socioeconomic disparities and clinical risk factors: A retrospective case-control study.
Advancing Understanding of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH)
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a disorder of CSF dynamics characterized by elevated intracranial pressure without an identifiable structural cause. IIH can lead to headaches, visual disturbances, and potential vision loss if not recognized and managed appropriately.
The cited study sought to better characterize:
- Associations between IIH and sociodemographic factors
- The role of medical comorbidities in IIH risk
- Disparities affecting Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and other minority populations
By examining these variables, the research provides valuable insights into how social determinants of health may influence IIH presentation and outcomes in diverse populations such as Hawaiʻi.
Importance of Population-Specific Neurology Research
The inclusion of this work in AAN Continuum® highlights the importance of population-specific research in advancing neurological care. Understanding how IIH affects different demographic groups can inform earlier diagnosis, tailored clinical evaluation, and more equitable care strategies.
Academic Impact and Ongoing Contributions
Recognition in Continuum® reflects the continued contributions of University of Hawaiʻi JABSOM faculty, trainees, and research laboratories to national neurology scholarship. It also underscores the role of academic medical centers in mentoring medical students through impactful clinical research that informs practice beyond Hawaiʻi.
