California Neurology Society (CNS) Fall 2026 Conference

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of CME Consultants and California Neurology Society. CME Consultants is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CME Consultants designates this live activity for a maximum of 17.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

SESSION SPOTLIGHT

Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 2 to 2:45PM

NMOSD and MOGAD by Scott S. Zamvil, MD, PhD, FAAN from UCSF

Dr. Scott S. Zamvil, Professor of Neurology and Faculty, Program in Immunology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), specializes in care of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and MOG antibody-associated disease (MOGAD). His group's research has advanced our understanding of how antigen-specific T cells participate in these diseases and contributed to the development of widely used models for central nervous system (CNS) autoimmunity.

Thursday, March 19, 2026
7:00 – 9:30 Board Meeting
Friday, March 20, 2026
6:30 – 8:30 Breakfast / Registration Exhibit Hall
7:00 - 8:00 Ultomiris for NMOSD Samir Macwan MD (Eisenhower Medical Center) Alexion (No CME)
8:00 – 8:20 End of Breakfast Exhibit Hall
8:20 – 8:30 Welcome
8:30 – 9:15 Multiple Sclerosis Update Regina Berkovich, MD, PhD
9:15 – 10:00 Radiologic Biomarkers in MS Pascal Sati, PhD (CSMC)
10:00-10:30 Coffee Break Exhibits
10:30 – 11:15 Differentiating Autoimmune & Infectious Causes of Meningitis & Encephalitis Rumyar Ardakani, MD (USC/LAGMC)
11:15 - 12:00 Leukodystrophies Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan, MD (UCD)
12:00 – 2:00 Lunch Provided by CNS for Attendees Exhibits
(12:30 – 1:30) gMG Update: Twice Yearly Uplizna - Treatment for Adults with anti-AChR or Anti-MuSK positive gMG Perry Shieh, MD, PhD (UCLA) Amgen (No CME)
1:30 - 2:00 End of Lunch Exhibits
2:00 – 2:45 Benefits of Vaccines and Consequences of Not Tom Cesario , MD (UCI)
2:45 – 3:30 Migraines/Headaches in NeuroImmunologic Disease George Sarka, MD, DrPH (CSUN;CSMC)
3:30 - 4:00 Coffee Break Exhibits
4:00 – 4:45 Neuroinflammatory and Neuroinfectious Diseases in Animals Adrien Dupanloup, DVM (UCD)
4:45 – 5:30 Genetic Treatments for Neuromuscular Disease Perry Shieh, MD, PhD (UCLA)
5:30 – 6:00 CNS Reception (for everyone) Exhibits
6:00 - 9:00 Dinner for Attendees Hosted by CNS Conference Area
(6:30 - 7:30) A targeted treatment option in generalized myasthenia gravis - ZILBRYSQ (zilucoplan) Perry Shieh, MD, PhD (UCLA) UCB (No CME)
Saturday, March 21, 2026
6:30 – 8:30 Breakfast / Registration Exhibit Hall
7:00 - 8:00 Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP): Improving Function and Reducing Disability Perry Shieh, MD, PhD (UCLA) Academic CME – CME 1 Unit
8:00 – 8:20 End of Breakfast Exhibit Hall
8:20 – 8:30 Welcome
8:30 – 9:15 Auto-Abs to CD320 & Auto-Immune B12 Deficiency John Pluvinage, MD, PhD (UCSF)
9:15 – 10:00 Movement Disorders in Auto-Immune Disease Jonathan Snider, MD (UCD)
10:00-10:30 Coffee Break Exhibits
10:30 – 11:15 Parkinson’s Disease Update Paula Ravin, MD (UCLA)
11:15 - 12:00 ADEM (Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis) Laura Saucier, MD (USC; CHLA)
12:00 – 2:00 Lunch Provided by CNS for Attendees Exhibits
(12:30 – 1:30) Hosted Program for CME: Hepatic Porphyria Dr. Mohamed Kazamel ExcelCME; CME 1 Unit
1:30 - 2:00 End of Lunch Exhibits
2:00 – 2:45 NMOSD and MOGAD Scott Zamvil, MD, PhD (UCSF)
2:45 – 3:30 Mitochondrial Mimics of MS Jennifer Yang, MD ((UCSD)
3:30 - 4:00 Coffee Break Exhibits
4:00 – 4:45 NeuroInfectious Mimics of MS Avindra Nath, MD (NIH)
4:45 – 5:30 Epilepsy Updates David King-Stevens, MD (UCI)
5:30 – 6:00 CNS Reception (for everyone) Exhibits
6:00 - 9:00 Dinner by CNS – {Ticketed} Conference Area
(6:15 - 7:15) VYVGART® Hytrulo for subcutaneous injection and Vyvgart for IV infusion: The First and only IgG Fc-Antibody Fragment for the Treatment of gMG in Adult Patients Who Are Anti-AChR Antibody Positive Ali Habib, MD (UCI) Argenx (No CME)
[7:45 – 9:45] Hx of Syphilis and NeuroSyphilis George Sarka, MD, DrPHCSUN;CSMC)
Sunday, March 22, 2026
6:30 – 8:30 Breakfast / Registration Exhibit Hall
7:00 - 8:00 The Expanding Role of FcRn Blockers to Achieve Minimal Symptom Expression in Patients with Generalized Myasthenia Gravis Speaker – Rodrigo Rodriguez, MD (USC) Academic CME – CME 1 Unit
8:20 – 8:30 Welcome Jeffrey Klingman, MD, CNS Pres.
8:30 – 9:15 Stroke in NeuroImmunologic Disease Jeffrey Klingman, MD, CNS Pres.
9:15 - 10:00 Myasthenia Gravis: NeuroImmunology and Treatment Rodrigo Rodriguez, MD (USC)
10:00 - 10:30 Coffee Break Exhibits
10:30 - 11:15 Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias William Shankle, MD (UCI;Hoag;Shankle Clinic)
11:15 – 11:30 AAN Presentation TBD
11:30 - 1:00 LEDGE Committee Updates
Welcome Introduction - Stella Legarda, MD (Co-Chair)
CNS Legislative Year in Review – Selim Yilmaz (CNS Legislative Advocate)
2025 Major Issue Bills presented to Sac legislators
New Initiatives and next LEDGE Day at the Capitol Youth Safety in Sports - Jeff Klingman, MD (CNS Pres)
Neurology on the Hill - Dr Legarda
Duty of Care - Robert Weinmann, MD (past Chair)
AAN Updates - Steve Holtz, MD (AAN Liaison)
Brain Health & "new urbanism" - Johanna Rosenthal, MD (Chair)
Open Forum Membership Discussion
1:00 – 1:20 CNS Member Report & Committee Reports Jeffrey Klingman, MD (CNS)+Board
1:20 – 1:30 Next Conference Announcement & Adjourn Jeffrey Klingman, MD, CNS Pres.
1:30 – 2:30 Planning Committee Meeting CNS Planning Committee

Closest Airports:

John Way Airport (SNA)
Hotel - 24.0 miles SE;
Uber ~ $40-$60 one way
Long Beach (LGB)
Hotel - 45.0 miles SE;
Uber ~ $40-$70 one way
Los Angeles Int’l (LAX)
Hotel - 60.0 miles SE;
Uber ~ $120 one way

Nearby hotels may have availability:

Hilton Garden Inn Dana Point / Doheny Beach – (949) 661‑1100
34402 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point

Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel – (949) 248‑1000
34280 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point

Best Western Plus Dana Point Inn‑by‑the‑Sea – (949) 240‑0150
34744 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point

Dana Point Marina Inn – (800) 255‑6843
24800 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point

Notes:

Hotel does not have a shuttle to/from airports
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa has electric vehicle charging stations (subject to availability)
The check-in time at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa is 4:00 pm and the check-out time is 11:00 am.
By attending this event, you grant CNS, its affiliates, and authorized representatives the irrevocable right and permission to photograph, record, and otherwise capture your image, voice, and likeness in any media format. You further authorize the use, reproduction, modification, and publication of such media for any lawful promotional, marketing, advertising, or educational purpose, in any medium now known or later developed, without compensation to you. You waive any right to inspect or approve the finished product or its use.

Monterey is a coastal gem where world‑class marine life, rich California history, and breathtaking scenery come together. Visitors can explore the famed Monterey Bay Aquarium, known for its immersive exhibits and ocean conservation work. Stroll Cannery Row, once the heart of the sardine industry and now home to waterfront dining, boutique shops, galleries, and wine tasting rooms. Wander Old Fisherman’s Wharf to watch sea lions, enjoy fresh seafood, or head out on a whale‑watching or glass‑bottom boat tour.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Monterey offers iconic experiences like the scenic 17‑Mile Drive through Pebble Beach’s dramatic coastline and forested landscapes, as well as easy access to beaches, hiking trails, and state parks across the region. Whether you’re here for nature, culture, food, or simply the ocean air, Monterey delivers an unforgettable California coastal escape.

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From Genes to Junction:

The Nexus of Neuromuscular Disease

2026 CNS Fall Conference

Event Information

When:

October 30 - November 1, 2026

Where:

Monterey, CA

What:

From Genes to Junction: The Nexus of Neuromuscular Disease

Event Information:

Agenda

Thursday, March 19, 2026

Friday, March 20, 2026

Saturday, March 21, 2026

Sunday, March 22, 2026

Important Conference Information:

Flying into the conference? Here is some helpful information.

Not Sure What to Do in Monterey?

Our Conference Exhibitors

Esteemed Silver Exhibtors

Two-Day Exhibitors

One-Day Exhibitors

Non-Profit Exhibitors

Advancing Neurology in California