Bio

I am a Brazilian physician and neuroscientist with a special interest in autoimmune neurological diseases. I graduated from Albert Einstein Medical School, Sao Paulo – Brazil in 2021. My research predominantly focuses on studying the epidemiology of autoimmune encephalitis and genetic susceptibility to the disease onset. Furthermore, I am interested in assessing the burden of the disease in those patients, socioeconomic analysis, and environmental and infectious triggers for the disease onset. At Mignot’s Lab, I am involved in IGNITE project, and I am working in the association of clinical and epidemiological data, KIR sequencing, and GWAS analysis.

My interests include general neurology, neuroimmunology, neuroscience, healthcare, and technology.

Professional Education

  • Doctor of Medicine, Unlisted School (2022)
  • MD, Faculdade Israelita de Ciencias da Saude Albert Einstein (2021)

Stanford Advisors

Contact

  • Academic
    brunafd@stanford.edu
    University - Scholar Department: Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Position: Postdoctoral Scholar

Additional Info

All Publications

  • Current and Novel Therapies for Cluster Headache: A Narrative Review. Pain and therapy de Freitas Dias, B., Robinson, C. L., Villar-Martinez, M. D., Ashina, S., Goadsby, P. J. 2024

    Abstract

    Cluster headache (CH) is an excruciating and debilitating primary headache disorder. The prevalence is up to 1.3%, and the typical onset is around age 30. Often misdiagnosed as migraine, particularly in children, the diagnosis rate of CH has been increasing among women. CH is characterized by intense unilateral pain and autonomic symptoms, significantly impacting patients' quality of life, mental health, and productivity.Genetic associations suggest a familial risk for developing CH, with lifestyle factors also potentially playing a role. The pathophysiology involves alterations in both central and peripheral nervous system, with the hypothalamus, trigeminocervical complex, and neuropeptides such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) being implicated.Nonpharmacological treatments focus on patient education and lifestyle modifications, while pharmacological treatments include acute therapies such as oxygen and subcutaneous or nasal sumatriptan, as well as preventive therapies like verapamil, lithium, and CGRP monoclonal antibodies. Transitional options include oral corticosteroids and greater occipital nerve injections. Emerging interventional procedures offer new avenues for managing refractory cases. Noninvasive vagal nerve stimulation and occipital nerve stimulation show promise for both acute and preventive treatment. Careful consideration of safety profiles is crucial in specific populations such as pregnant patients and children.Current treatments still leave patients highly burdened by limited efficacy and side effects. Future research continues to explore novel pharmacological targets, interventional procedures, and the potential role of psychedelics in CH management. Comprehensive, multifaceted treatment strategies are essential to improve the daily functioning and quality of life for individuals with CH.

    View details for DOI 10.1007/s40122-024-00674-7

    View details for PubMedID 39489854

    View details for PubMedCentralID 3620379

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5336-0606