US EditionStudy finds no evidence to support New Brunswick’s mystery brain disease
- A study published May 7, 2025, in JAMA Neurology found no indication of an unexplained neurological disorder among patients treated at hospitals in New Brunswick and Ontario.
- This research followed a provincial review launched after reports of 48 residents showing neurological symptoms and a cluster diagnosis promoted by neurologist Alier Marrero.
- Researchers conducted independent evaluations of 25 patients and determined that their symptoms were attributed to established neurological and medical conditions, including common degenerative disorders, neurofunctional issues, brain injuries, and metastatic cancer.
- The study reported that baseless fears of a lethal, unidentified illness were heightened by coverage in both traditional and social media, with misdiagnoses largely resulting from flawed clinical evaluations and excessive dependence on diagnostic tests.
- The findings emphasize the importance of reassurance, second opinions, and transparent communication, while a government report into the cluster is expected this summer amid ongoing investigations.
26 Articles
26 Articles
Mystery disease probe will continue, despite being debunked by study
New Brunswick’s premier and health minister say they will not cancel the renewed investigation into atypical neurological symptoms based on a new report debunking an “alleged ‘mystery’ neurological illness.”
Study Finds No Evidence to Support New Brunswick’s Mystery Brain Disease
There is no evidence to support claims of a mystery brain disease in New Brunswick, says a new study that suggests the media may have played a role in feeding patients’ fears. Published Wednesday in the journal JAMA Neurology, the study reviewed the cases of 25 patients evaluated at two hospitals in New Brunswick and Ontario and found their symptoms could be traced back to several known neurodegenerative and non-neurodegenerative conditions. “Un…
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