Recent items - Nature Reviews Neurology
Neuroimmunology: Antibodies target LGI1 rather than potassium channels in limbic encephalitis
02/09/2010 10:41
The condition known as limbic encephalitis associated with antibodies against voltage-gated potassium channels (VGKCs) may be set for reclassification. According to a new study, such channels are not the targets of the autoantibodies found in this disorder. Rather, the study's researchers report that the antigen
02/09/2010 10:41
The condition known as limbic encephalitis associated with antibodies against voltage-gated potassium channels (VGKCs) may be set for reclassification. According to a new study, such channels are not the targets of the autoantibodies found in this disorder. Rather, the study's researchers report that the antigen
Parkinson disease: Could sunlight offer protection from Parkinson disease?
02/09/2010 10:41
Inadequate serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D could be putting individuals at an increased risk of developing Parkinson disease (PD), according to a new study. Epidemiologists at the National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland suggest that this risk is heightened threefold in individuals with
02/09/2010 10:41
Inadequate serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D could be putting individuals at an increased risk of developing Parkinson disease (PD), according to a new study. Epidemiologists at the National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland suggest that this risk is heightened threefold in individuals with
Parkinson disease: Deep brain stimulation can alter speech-related respiratory and laryngeal control in Parkinson disease
02/09/2010 10:41
Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN DBS) is known to be highly effective at treating limb motor impairments in patients with Parkinson disease (PD), but its effects on speech physiology have not been examined in detail. New research published in the Journal of Neurology
02/09/2010 10:41
Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN DBS) is known to be highly effective at treating limb motor impairments in patients with Parkinson disease (PD), but its effects on speech physiology have not been examined in detail. New research published in the Journal of Neurology
Alzheimer disease: Plasma clusterin predicts degree of pathogenesis in AD
02/09/2010 10:41
Plasma levels of clusterin, a chaperone protein that regulates amyloid formation and clearance, indicate that blood-based biomarkers could identify individuals at risk of developing Alzheimer disease (AD), according to a study published in Archives of General Psychiatry. “The results of this study demonstrate that
02/09/2010 10:41
Plasma levels of clusterin, a chaperone protein that regulates amyloid formation and clearance, indicate that blood-based biomarkers could identify individuals at risk of developing Alzheimer disease (AD), according to a study published in Archives of General Psychiatry. “The results of this study demonstrate that
Dementia: Depression and dementia
02/09/2010 10:41
Two studies published recently in Neurology have further clarified the link between depression and dementia—identified by previous research—by following large population-based samples over long follow-up periods.In a 17 year follow-up, Jane Saczynski and colleagues found that depression at baseline was associated with a
02/09/2010 10:41
Two studies published recently in Neurology have further clarified the link between depression and dementia—identified by previous research—by following large population-based samples over long follow-up periods.In a 17 year follow-up, Jane Saczynski and colleagues found that depression at baseline was associated with a
Cortical malformations: Unfolding polymicrogyria
02/09/2010 10:41
Malformations of cortical development are commonly associated with epilepsy and intellectual disabilities. Polymicrogyria is one of the most frequent cortical malformations but remains largely enigmatic. A new multicenter clinical and radiographic study of patients with polymicrogyria has identified anatomical patterns that could shed new light on the underlying pathogenesis of this condition.
02/09/2010 10:41
Malformations of cortical development are commonly associated with epilepsy and intellectual disabilities. Polymicrogyria is one of the most frequent cortical malformations but remains largely enigmatic. A new multicenter clinical and radiographic study of patients with polymicrogyria has identified anatomical patterns that could shed new light on the underlying pathogenesis of this condition.
Multiple sclerosis: Is multiple sclerosis caused by venous insufficiency?
02/09/2010 10:41
A 2009 study found that cerebral venous drainage was impaired in all patients with multiple sclerosis examined, but was not affected in control individuals. The study's investigators suggested that venous obstruction in the neck—a treatable condition—caused perivenous inflammation and demyelination. A comprehensive ultrasound study has now challenged this hypothesis.
02/09/2010 10:41
A 2009 study found that cerebral venous drainage was impaired in all patients with multiple sclerosis examined, but was not affected in control individuals. The study's investigators suggested that venous obstruction in the neck—a treatable condition—caused perivenous inflammation and demyelination. A comprehensive ultrasound study has now challenged this hypothesis.
Stroke: Sedation and anesthesia during endovascular stroke therapy
02/09/2010 10:41
A large, retrospective study indicates that in patients with acute ischemic stroke, endovascular interventions performed under conscious sedation carry a lower risk of poor neurological outcome and mortality than those performed under general anesthetic. Owing to a number of potential confounding factors, however, the results must be interpreted with caution.
02/09/2010 10:41
A large, retrospective study indicates that in patients with acute ischemic stroke, endovascular interventions performed under conscious sedation carry a lower risk of poor neurological outcome and mortality than those performed under general anesthetic. Owing to a number of potential confounding factors, however, the results must be interpreted with caution.
Epilepsy: Drug trial design and epilepsy surgery: time for a change?
02/09/2010 10:41
Antiepileptic drug randomized controlled trial (RCT) design has been criticized for its emphasis on regulatory, licensing aspects rather than clinical considerations. A new study that scrutinized RCT patient recruitment has also raised important ethical issues. At a time when RCT patient recruitment in resource-poor countries is increasing, changes in RCT design seem imperative.
02/09/2010 10:41
Antiepileptic drug randomized controlled trial (RCT) design has been criticized for its emphasis on regulatory, licensing aspects rather than clinical considerations. A new study that scrutinized RCT patient recruitment has also raised important ethical issues. At a time when RCT patient recruitment in resource-poor countries is increasing, changes in RCT design seem imperative.
Secondary stroke prevention
02/09/2010 10:41
Secondary stroke prevention can reduce the risk of recurrent stroke by ≈90%. To achieve such a reduction, early implementation of preventative measures and administration of therapy appropriate to the underlying cause of the presenting transient ischemic attack or stroke are crucial. Smoking cessation and a
02/09/2010 10:41
Secondary stroke prevention can reduce the risk of recurrent stroke by ≈90%. To achieve such a reduction, early implementation of preventative measures and administration of therapy appropriate to the underlying cause of the presenting transient ischemic attack or stroke are crucial. Smoking cessation and a
Neuropsychiatric effects of subthalamic neurostimulation in Parkinson disease
02/09/2010 10:41
Neurostimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is an established treatment for motor symptoms in advanced Parkinson disease (PD), although concerns exist regarding the safety of this therapy in terms of cognitive and psychiatric adverse effects. The basal ganglia are considered to be part of distributed
02/09/2010 10:41
Neurostimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is an established treatment for motor symptoms in advanced Parkinson disease (PD), although concerns exist regarding the safety of this therapy in terms of cognitive and psychiatric adverse effects. The basal ganglia are considered to be part of distributed
Targeting dendritic cells to treat multiple sclerosis
02/09/2010 10:41
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is considered to be a predominantly T-cell-mediated disease, and emerging evidence indicates that dendritic cells have a critical role in the initiation and progression of this debilitating condition. Dendritic cells are specialized antigen-presenting cells that can prime naive T cells and modulate
02/09/2010 10:41
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is considered to be a predominantly T-cell-mediated disease, and emerging evidence indicates that dendritic cells have a critical role in the initiation and progression of this debilitating condition. Dendritic cells are specialized antigen-presenting cells that can prime naive T cells and modulate
Cognitive intervention in Alzheimer disease
02/09/2010 10:41
Alzheimer disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent chronic medical conditions affecting the elderly population. The effectiveness of approved antidementia drugs, however, is limited—licensed AD medications provide only moderate relief of clinical symptoms. Cognitive intervention is a noninvasive therapy that could aid prevention and
02/09/2010 10:41
Alzheimer disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent chronic medical conditions affecting the elderly population. The effectiveness of approved antidementia drugs, however, is limited—licensed AD medications provide only moderate relief of clinical symptoms. Cognitive intervention is a noninvasive therapy that could aid prevention and
Pseudonystagmus—clinical features and quantitative characteristics
02/09/2010 10:41
Background. A 60 year-old woman with multiple sclerosis (MS) and chronic hearing loss presented with head tremor and vestibular hypofunction, the combination of which can produce oscillopsia—a visual sensation that steady objects in the visual field are oscillating. This case highlights the fact that
02/09/2010 10:41
Background. A 60 year-old woman with multiple sclerosis (MS) and chronic hearing loss presented with head tremor and vestibular hypofunction, the combination of which can produce oscillopsia—a visual sensation that steady objects in the visual field are oscillating. This case highlights the fact that
Nasu–Hakola disease and primary microglial dysfunction
02/09/2010 10:41
In their article (Microglia in neurodegenerative disease. Nat. Rev. Neurol.6, 193–201; 2010) Perry et al. provide a comprehensive review of the involvement of microglia in neurodegenerative disease. The authors highlight the substantial interest that exists regarding
02/09/2010 10:41
In their article (Microglia in neurodegenerative disease. Nat. Rev. Neurol.6, 193–201; 2010) Perry et al. provide a comprehensive review of the involvement of microglia in neurodegenerative disease. The authors highlight the substantial interest that exists regarding
Cerebrovascular disease: Novel mechanism of cerebral microvascular recanalization demonstrated in mice
06/08/2010 11:23
A study in mice has revealed a novel mechanism of recanalization in occluded cerebral microvessels. “The mechanism involves microvascular plasticity,” explains principal investigator Jaime Grutzendler, of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA. “Clots or emboli of other material are expelled through the
06/08/2010 11:23
A study in mice has revealed a novel mechanism of recanalization in occluded cerebral microvessels. “The mechanism involves microvascular plasticity,” explains principal investigator Jaime Grutzendler, of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA. “Clots or emboli of other material are expelled through the
Stroke: Embolus detection could predict risk of stroke
06/08/2010 11:23
People with previously asymptomatic carotid stenosis account for a large proportion of stroke cases, but identifying those who are most at risk and require surgery is both difficult and controversial. Now, however, a group of neurologists has suggested a new means of identifying those patients
06/08/2010 11:23
People with previously asymptomatic carotid stenosis account for a large proportion of stroke cases, but identifying those who are most at risk and require surgery is both difficult and controversial. Now, however, a group of neurologists has suggested a new means of identifying those patients
Pain: New familial pain syndrome caused by TRPA1 mutation
06/08/2010 11:23
The discovery of a new heritable pain syndrome in a Colombian family, as reported in Neuron, could provide key insights into the roles of the transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channels in pain disorders. Previous studies in animal models have strongly implicated the TRP
06/08/2010 11:23
The discovery of a new heritable pain syndrome in a Colombian family, as reported in Neuron, could provide key insights into the roles of the transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channels in pain disorders. Previous studies in animal models have strongly implicated the TRP
Alzheimer disease: Fibrinogen links amyloid with vascular dysfunction
06/08/2010 11:23
Amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition and vascular pathology have both been strongly implicated in the etiology of Alzheimer disease (AD), but have tended to be studied largely as separate entities. Now, however, researchers at The Rockefeller University, New York have proposed a new model of AD pathogenesis
06/08/2010 11:23
Amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition and vascular pathology have both been strongly implicated in the etiology of Alzheimer disease (AD), but have tended to be studied largely as separate entities. Now, however, researchers at The Rockefeller University, New York have proposed a new model of AD pathogenesis
Neuro-oncology: A molecular staging system for ependymoma
06/08/2010 11:23
A staging system based on genetic markers could facilitate the stratification and prognostication of intracranial ependymomas, according to research published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Stefan Pfister, Andrey Korshunov and their colleagues at the German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg screened a total of
06/08/2010 11:23
A staging system based on genetic markers could facilitate the stratification and prognostication of intracranial ependymomas, according to research published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Stefan Pfister, Andrey Korshunov and their colleagues at the German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg screened a total of
Stroke: Retinal abnormalities predict brain infarcts
06/08/2010 11:23
The occurrence of silent brain infarcts doubles the risk of future clinical stroke, but little is known about the pathophysiology of or risk factors associated with such infarcts. In the first prospective study of silent brain infarcts, Cheung et al. have shown that
06/08/2010 11:23
The occurrence of silent brain infarcts doubles the risk of future clinical stroke, but little is known about the pathophysiology of or risk factors associated with such infarcts. In the first prospective study of silent brain infarcts, Cheung et al. have shown that
In the news: MS trial criticized
06/08/2010 11:23
A patient access scheme set up in 2002 to enable patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) to receive expensive drugs on the National Health Service (NHS) has been branded a waste of NHS funds. MS drugs were supplied as part of a 'risk sharing scheme' with
06/08/2010 11:23
A patient access scheme set up in 2002 to enable patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) to receive expensive drugs on the National Health Service (NHS) has been branded a waste of NHS funds. MS drugs were supplied as part of a 'risk sharing scheme' with
Pain: Do cytokines cause pain in small-fiber neuropathy?
06/08/2010 11:23
According to a case–control study published in Neurology, the expression of proinflammatory cytokines is elevated in the affected skin of patients with small-fiber neuropathy (SFN). “Our study is the first to investigate a possible pathophysiological role for local cytokine gene expression in this condition,”
06/08/2010 11:23
According to a case–control study published in Neurology, the expression of proinflammatory cytokines is elevated in the affected skin of patients with small-fiber neuropathy (SFN). “Our study is the first to investigate a possible pathophysiological role for local cytokine gene expression in this condition,”
Parkinson disease: Treatment of the nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson disease
06/08/2010 11:23
Dramatic advances have been made in the treatment of motor dysfunction in both the early and late phases of Parkinson disease. Effective therapies for the nonmotor symptoms of this disease, however, remain a major unmet clinical need. A recent study has highlighted the dearth of clinical trials for some of these symptoms.
06/08/2010 11:23
Dramatic advances have been made in the treatment of motor dysfunction in both the early and late phases of Parkinson disease. Effective therapies for the nonmotor symptoms of this disease, however, remain a major unmet clinical need. A recent study has highlighted the dearth of clinical trials for some of these symptoms.
Alzheimer disease: Clinical use of cholinergic drugs in Alzheimer disease
06/08/2010 11:23
Drugs acting on the cholinergic system can improve or worsen cognitive abilities, and their effects are particularly pronounced in frail elderly individuals and patients with Alzheimer disease. Guidelines are urgently needed on the judicious use of cholinergic drugs.
06/08/2010 11:23
Drugs acting on the cholinergic system can improve or worsen cognitive abilities, and their effects are particularly pronounced in frail elderly individuals and patients with Alzheimer disease. Guidelines are urgently needed on the judicious use of cholinergic drugs.
Epilepsy: Old drugs do the trick in childhood absence epilepsy
06/08/2010 11:23
A randomized, double-blind clinical trial that compared three widely used anticonvulsants for childhood absence epilepsy established that ethosuximide was the most appropriate first-line therapy for this condition. The study provides guidance for the treatment of this common childhood epilepsy where evidence-based recommendations have previously been lacking.
06/08/2010 11:23
A randomized, double-blind clinical trial that compared three widely used anticonvulsants for childhood absence epilepsy established that ethosuximide was the most appropriate first-line therapy for this condition. The study provides guidance for the treatment of this common childhood epilepsy where evidence-based recommendations have previously been lacking.
Multiple sclerosis: Monitoring long-term treatments in multiple sclerosis
06/08/2010 11:23
Patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis have been shown to benefit from disease-modifying treatments over prolonged periods. More focus should now be placed on monitoring the long-term evolution of this disease (making use of tools such as MRI), alongside the patients' response and adherence to such treatments.
06/08/2010 11:23
Patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis have been shown to benefit from disease-modifying treatments over prolonged periods. More focus should now be placed on monitoring the long-term evolution of this disease (making use of tools such as MRI), alongside the patients' response and adherence to such treatments.
Parkinson disease: Sialorrhea and Parkinson disease—novel treatment approaches
06/08/2010 11:23
Sialorrhea is a common and often debilitating, socially isolating and embarrassing symptom for patients with Parkinson disease (PD). The treatment of sialorrhea involves the management of saliva production, and is complicated in this disease by the risk of aspiration. Two novel approaches to the treatment of this symptom in PD have recently been published.
06/08/2010 11:23
Sialorrhea is a common and often debilitating, socially isolating and embarrassing symptom for patients with Parkinson disease (PD). The treatment of sialorrhea involves the management of saliva production, and is complicated in this disease by the risk of aspiration. Two novel approaches to the treatment of this symptom in PD have recently been published.
Peripheral neuropathies: Whole genome sequencing identifies causal variants in CMT
06/08/2010 11:23
For the first time, medical sequencing has been successfully performed at the genome level to identify the causative gene in an individual with autosomal recessive Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease. The results of sequencing a proband with this condition highlight some of the opportunities and challenges of this seemingly ultimate approach to human genetics research and diagnostics.
06/08/2010 11:23
For the first time, medical sequencing has been successfully performed at the genome level to identify the causative gene in an individual with autosomal recessive Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease. The results of sequencing a proband with this condition highlight some of the opportunities and challenges of this seemingly ultimate approach to human genetics research and diagnostics.
Headache: Migraine, magnetic stimulation and cortical excitability
06/08/2010 11:23
A new study indicates that single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation can provide substantial long-lasting pain relief in patients with migraine with aura. The findings suggest that non-pharmacological therapies could be used to successfully abort migraine attacks in patients who find that drug therapies do not adequately control migraine symptoms.
06/08/2010 11:23
A new study indicates that single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation can provide substantial long-lasting pain relief in patients with migraine with aura. The findings suggest that non-pharmacological therapies could be used to successfully abort migraine attacks in patients who find that drug therapies do not adequately control migraine symptoms.
Brain hemorrhage: Assessing outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage
06/08/2010 11:23
A meta-analysis of results from the Oxford Vascular Study indicates that rates of mortality associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage have decreased over the past 30 years. The study does not, however, address whether day-to-day functioning and quality of life in subarachnoid hemorrhage survivors have improved over the same time period.
06/08/2010 11:23
A meta-analysis of results from the Oxford Vascular Study indicates that rates of mortality associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage have decreased over the past 30 years. The study does not, however, address whether day-to-day functioning and quality of life in subarachnoid hemorrhage survivors have improved over the same time period.
Multiple sclerosis genetics—is the glass half full, or half empty?
06/08/2010 11:23
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common and severe CNS disorder that is characterized by myelin loss, chronic inflammation, axonal and oligodendrocyte pathology, and progressive neurological dysfunction. Extensive epidemiological data confirm that genetic variation is an important determinant of susceptibility to MS, and suggest that such
06/08/2010 11:23
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common and severe CNS disorder that is characterized by myelin loss, chronic inflammation, axonal and oligodendrocyte pathology, and progressive neurological dysfunction. Extensive epidemiological data confirm that genetic variation is an important determinant of susceptibility to MS, and suggest that such
Cortical lesions in multiple sclerosis
06/08/2010 11:23
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is typically considered to be a chronic inflammatory–demyelinating disease of CNS white matter. In the past decade, however, pathological and MRI studies have shown that lesions are often located in the gray matter, especially in the cerebral cortex. The histopathological characteristics of
06/08/2010 11:23
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is typically considered to be a chronic inflammatory–demyelinating disease of CNS white matter. In the past decade, however, pathological and MRI studies have shown that lesions are often located in the gray matter, especially in the cerebral cortex. The histopathological characteristics of
Genetic evaluation and counseling for epilepsy
06/08/2010 11:23
The contribution of genetics to both rare and common epilepsies is rapidly being elucidated, and neurologists are routinely considering genetic testing in the work-up of several epilepsy syndromes of both known and unknown cause. Simultaneously, advances in molecular technology foreshadow additional discoveries in epilepsy etiology,
06/08/2010 11:23
The contribution of genetics to both rare and common epilepsies is rapidly being elucidated, and neurologists are routinely considering genetic testing in the work-up of several epilepsy syndromes of both known and unknown cause. Simultaneously, advances in molecular technology foreshadow additional discoveries in epilepsy etiology,
Leptin as a metabolic link to multiple sclerosis
06/08/2010 11:23
Clinical and experimental data, together with epidemiological studies, have suggested that the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) might involve factors that link the immune system with metabolic status. Moreover, recent research has shown that leptin, the adipocyte-derived hormone that controls food intake and metabolism, can
06/08/2010 11:23
Clinical and experimental data, together with epidemiological studies, have suggested that the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) might involve factors that link the immune system with metabolic status. Moreover, recent research has shown that leptin, the adipocyte-derived hormone that controls food intake and metabolism, can
Neuropathic pain in diabetes—evidence for a central mechanism
06/08/2010 11:23
Hyperexcitability of and aberrant spontaneous impulse generation by damaged first-order sensory neurons and their peripheral axons are well-established processes that strongly contribute to pain associated with diabetic neuropathy. Studies in the past 5 years, however, suggest that, as in many neuropathic pain disorders, central neuropathic
06/08/2010 11:23
Hyperexcitability of and aberrant spontaneous impulse generation by damaged first-order sensory neurons and their peripheral axons are well-established processes that strongly contribute to pain associated with diabetic neuropathy. Studies in the past 5 years, however, suggest that, as in many neuropathic pain disorders, central neuropathic
In brief
05/08/2010 13:35
Parkinson diseaseOlfactory dysfunction in Parkinson disease (PD) is more closely associated with cholinergic than dopaminergic denervation, report Nicolaas Bohnen and colleagues at the University of Michigan. In 58 patients with PD, scores on an odor identification test showed positive correlations with acetylcholinesterase activity in
05/08/2010 13:35
Parkinson diseaseOlfactory dysfunction in Parkinson disease (PD) is more closely associated with cholinergic than dopaminergic denervation, report Nicolaas Bohnen and colleagues at the University of Michigan. In 58 patients with PD, scores on an odor identification test showed positive correlations with acetylcholinesterase activity in
In brief
05/08/2010 13:35
HeadacheWhether chronic daily headaches (CDH) and episodic headaches of varying frequency aggregate in families has received little attention. Using a questionnaire-based approach, Arruda et al. examined the rate of occurrence of such headaches in 1,994 children and their parents. The researchers found
05/08/2010 13:35
HeadacheWhether chronic daily headaches (CDH) and episodic headaches of varying frequency aggregate in families has received little attention. Using a questionnaire-based approach, Arruda et al. examined the rate of occurrence of such headaches in 1,994 children and their parents. The researchers found