Judith Spies

Dr. Judith Spies is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney, affiliated with the Central Clinical School within the Faculty of Medicine and the Brain & Mind Research Institute. Her clinical specialty is Neurology, with particular expertise in multiple sclerosis and related neurological conditions.

Dr. Spies' research focuses on several key areas within neurology and neuroscience:

• Multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD)
• Peripheral neuropathies, including chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
• Autoimmune neurological disorders and their diagnostic approaches
• Autonomic nervous system disorders and their electrodiagnostic assessment
• Nerve biopsy techniques and their clinical applications

Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on precision medicine approaches for neurological conditions, particularly in NMOSD where she has investigated individualized rituximab dosing schedules based on B-cell monitoring. Dr. Spies has also contributed significantly to understanding relapse patterns in NMOSD, including potential seasonal variations and the earlier occurrence of optic neuritis. Her work on nerve biopsy techniques has helped establish current indications and decision tools for this important diagnostic procedure in peripheral neuropathies.

Dr. Spies has received research funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), including grants for investigating pathogenic mechanisms in inflammatory demyelinating neuropathies (2002) and the role of antibody in inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy (1999). Her collaborative approach is evident in her numerous co-authored publications across multiple institutions and research groups.