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New England Journal of Medicine Volume 358:453-463 January 31, 2008 Number 5
An important medical concern of the Iraq war is the potential long-term effect of mild traumatic brain injury, or concussion, particularly from blast explosions. However, the epidemiology of combat-related mild traumatic brain injury is poorly understood.
New Enmgland Journal of Medicine Volume 358:525-527 January 31, 2008 Number 5
The study by Hoge and colleagues in this issue of the Journal provides an important profile of the sequelae of mild traumatic brain injury in military personnel after combat.1 The findings demonstrate that mild traumatic brain injury results in increased rates of psychological, health, and functional problems. Although the study provides strong evidence for impairments in military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, it also raises a number of critical questions concerning the impairments that may be attributed to mild traumatic brain injury.
International Journal of Cancer Volume 122, Issue 6 , Pages 1203 - 1206
Successful twinning initiatives have been reported in childhood leukemia. Pediatric neuro-oncology requires a complex multidisciplinary approach and the feasibility of similar twinning programs is unknown. Twinning between King Hussein Cancer Center in Amman and the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto started with e-mail communications, and subsequently included monthly videoconferences and exchanges between institutions.
Journal of the New Zealand Medical Association, 25-January-2008, Vol 1268 No 121
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) impacts a significant portion of individuals, and can have lasting consequences. One of the most common and persistent difficulties experienced post-TBI is deficits in memory, which impact up to 80% of TBI survivors.
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 87, No. 1, 64-69, January 2008
The relation between plasma vitamin C and risk of stroke remains unclear. Although clinical trials showed no significant benefit of vitamin C supplementation in reducing stroke risk, they were not able to examine the relation between plasma vitamin C concentrations and stroke risk in a general population.
A variety of neurologic conditions present more often in individuals of advancing age. Among seniors, the majority of seizure disorders are secondary to symptomatic causes that are frequently age-related.
Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment Issue: 2007, Volume 3 Issue 6
Drug treatment of Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) is mainly based on clinical experience and prospective and retrospective studies, with little evidence from randomized clinical trials. There are no head-to-head comparisons between old and new antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and no drugs licensed specifically for JME.
Epilepsy among the elderly is a frequently occurring pathology, differing in etiology, clinical presentation and prognosis from those of young people. In addition, beyond a certain age, physiological modifications are produced in the metabolism which alter the pharmacokinetics of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), increasing the risk of pharmacological interactions, already greater in these patients due to the frequency of poly-pharmacy. Furthermore, elderly patients are particularly sensitive to certain secondary effects of AEDs, as for example, cognitive disturbances, osteoporosis or weight increase.
Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a neurodegenerative disease of insidious onset presenting with progressive isolated loss of language function, without significant impairment in other cognitive domains.
Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment Issue: 2007, Volume 3 Issue 6
We report a case of acute demyelinating encephalitis that occurred after viral vaccination against hepatitis A-, hepatitis B-, and poliovirus and vaccination against bacterial toxins of diphtheria and tetanus. After different diagnosis had been excluded, we diagnosed postvaccinal demyelinating encephalitis and started treatment with high dose intravenous methylprednisolone, followed by peroral application in decreasing dosages for three weeks.
Pediatric Blood & Cancer Published Online: 22 Jan 2008
NCAM protein expression was measured in a neuroblastic tumor tissue microarray (N = 185) by immunohistochemistry. Relative expression of NCAM mRNA isoforms was measured in a panel of 24 human neuroblastomas and compared to fetal and adult human brain using real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis. Associations with clinical and tumor biological co-variates were performed.
Hyperventilation has been an integral, but poorly validated part of neuroanesthetic practice. We conducted a two-period, crossover, randomized trial to evaluate surgeon-assessed brain bulk and measured intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients undergoing craniotomy for removal of supratentorial brain tumors during moderate hypocapnia or normocapnia.
This study had institutional review board approval; informed consent was obtained from all participants. The study purpose was to prospectively determine whether a longer arterial transit time (ATT), from the proximal vasculature in the neck toward the distal end branches of the intracranial arteries, can be utilized to identify cerebral border zone regions.
Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment Issue: 2007, Volume 3 Issue 6
Topiramate (TPM) is a widely-used drug for the treatment of epilepsy. It is useful for several types of partial-onset and generalized-onset seizures, and is therefore considered a broad-spectrum agent. It is also effective as a prophylactic against migraine headaches.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008 Issue 1
Apraxia is a cognitive disorder that can occur after stroke. It prevents a person from carrying out a learned movement. Various interventions are used to treat apraxia but evidence of their benefit has been lacking.
The involvement of respiratory muscles is a major predicting factor for survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Recent studies show that noninvasive ventilation (NIV) can relieve symptoms of alveolar hypoventilation. However, factors predicting survival in ALS patients when treated with NIV need to be clarified.
The prognosis for patients with newly diagnosed malignant gliomas remains poor; however there have been some recent advances in treatment that have generated optimism. Medical management usually includes administration of corticosteroids to control peritumoral edema.
Clinical data of 104 hospitalized children during the 2003 epidemic of encephalitis in Andhra Pradesh state was retrospectively analysed to know the clinical profile and risk factors associated with mortality.
Journal of Clinical Pharmacy & Therapeutics, Volume 33, Number 1, February 2008 , pp. 31-38(8)
To establish a regression equation to properly estimate the unbound serum concentration of valproic acid (VPA) from its total serum concentration; the relationship between total and unbound serum VPA concentrations was retrospectively characterized.
Highly malignant gliomas are characterized by rapid growth, extensive local tissue infiltration and the resulting overall dismal clinical outcome. Gaining any additional insights into the complex interaction between this aggressive brain tumor and its microenvironment is therefore critical.
To test the hypothesis as to whether persons newly discharged into the community following an acute stroke and assigned a stroke case manager would experience, compared to usual post-hospital care, better health-related quality of life (HRQL), fewer emergency room visits and less non-elective hospitalisations.
European Journal of Neurology, Volume 15, Number 2, February 2008 , pp. 199-201(3)
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) often presents with behavioural changes warranting treatment with antipsychotic medications. It is known that patients with Lewy body dementia are sensitive to developing extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) from these medications.
European Journal of Neurology, Volume 15, Number 2, February 2008 , pp. 196-198(3)
Arterial stiffness, a known risk factor for atherosclerosis, can be measured directly with carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (CPWV) and indirectly with central pulse pressure (CPP).
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 1
Epilepsy care has been criticised for its lack of impact. Various service models and strategies have been developed in response to perceived inadequacies in care provision.
Journal of Neurotrauma. January 1, 2008, 25(1): 62-71
In this study, we conducted an updated meta-analysis of the effects of hypothermia therapy on mortality, favorable neurologic outcome, and associated adverse effects in adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI) for use by Brain Trauma Foundation (BTF)/American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) task force to develop evidence-based treatment guidelines.
We have reviewed records for patients under 2 years of age who presented at our hospital with mild closed head injuries and nondisplaced skull fractures, specifically to examine methods utilized for spine clearance, associated cervical injuries, involvement and findings of child protective services and delayed complications.
European Journal of Neurology, Volume 15, Number 2, February 2008 , pp. 134-139(6)
UCHL1 has been proposed as a candidate gene for Parkinson's disease (PD). A meta-analysis of white and Asian subjects reported an inverse association between the non-synonymous UCHL1 S18Y polymorphism and PD risk.
European Journal of Neurology, Volume 15, Number 2, February 2008 , pp. 128-133(6)
Whilst the association between dementia and poorer health-related quality of life (Hr-QoL) in Parkinson's disease (PD) has been well established, we aimed to explore the relationship between cognitive performance and Hr-QoL in PD without dementia.
To examine if the effect of temperature on neuromuscular jitter differs in myasthenics and normals, we performed single fiber electromyography (SFEMG) in 10 myasthenics and 10 healthy controls after heating the upper extremity to 37 and
42°C.
Neurosurgical Focus December 2007 Volume 23, Number 6
Photon energy deposition from gamma or photon sources follows the law of exponential decay. Consequently, energy is deposited over the entire path of the radiation beam, resulting in dose distribution before and after the target is reached. In contrast, the physical properties of protons are such that energy deposition occurs with no exit dose beyond the target volume. Therefore, relative to photons, proton beams represent a superior platform for the administration of radiosurgery.
Spinal Cord advance online publication 29 January 2008; doi: 10.1038/sj.sc.3102168
To compare neurological and functional outcome and length of stay of persons with traumatic vs non-traumatic spinal cord lesion (SCL) after in-patient rehabilitation.
Spinal Cord advance online publication 29 January 2008; doi: 10.1038/sj.sc.3102166
The effect of abdominal neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in patients with spinal cord injury. The principal parameters observed in this study are lung capacity, colonic transit, patient satisfaction of used method and of aesthetics effect on abdominal wall.
A 28-year-old right-handed man with no medical history presented with sudden onset of double vision. The patient stated that the double vision was worse when looking to the right, and he was not able to move his eyes to the left. On examination, the patient had a conjugate gaze palsy to the left and impaired adduction in the left eye (video), which persisted during saccades, pursuit, and oculocephalic movements.
A decade of empirical work in brain imaging, genomics, and other areas of research has yielded new knowledge about the frequency of incidental findings, investigator responsibility, and risks and benefits of disclosure.
In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the origin of fasciculations is disputed. We hypothesized that the discharge pattern of fasciculation potentials (FPs) would be different for FPs arising in the motor axon or in the spinal motor neuron.
To characterize pathologic changes in the cerebral cortex of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).
To evaluate 19th-century concepts of cerebral localization for complex mental activities, focusing on alexia and agraphia in published writings of Jean-Martin Charcot (1825-1893) and John Hughlings Jackson (1835-1911).
The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate a high-spatial-resolution contrast-enhanced 3-T MR angiography protocol for detection and characterization of intracranial aneurysms and to compare the results with those of MDCT angiography.
Internet Journal of Anesthesiology. 2008. Volume 15 Number 2
Craniotomies are generally thought to be less painful than other operations, but this assumption has been challenged. Researchers have used different regimens of postcraniotomy pain relief including intravenous tramadol , codien, piritramide, paracetamol, nalbuphine PCA with oxycodone , morphine, intramuscular ketoprofen, prepinning scalp infiltration of bupivacain 0.25% or ropivacain.
Seizure outcome in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy related to hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE-HS) that was evaluated according to a noninvasive protocol was assessed in 165 patients and reported using both Engel's and ILAE classifications.
British Journal of Neurosurgery, Volume 22, Issue 1 February 2008 , pages 35 - 39
Primary intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Local endothelin release following ICH may contribute to the pathophysiology of perilesional ischaemia.
British Journal of Neurosurgery, Volume 22, Issue 1 February 2008 , pages 71 - 78
Spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage is a clinical condition that may be attributed to various underlying causes, such as rupture of intracranial aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).
British Journal of Neurosurgery, Volume 22, Issue 1 February 2008 , pages 53 - 62
Endovascular treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms increasingly supersedes surgical repair. This study focuses on the management and results in 109 individuals treated surgically when both treatment modalities were available.
British Journal of Neurosurgery, Volume 22, Issue 1 February 2008 , pages 40 - 45
For the past 50 years the pterional craniotomy has been the standard approach for anterior circulation aneurysms. However, this is a major procedure. As the trend is towards minimally invasive surgery generally, we have been developing a minimally invasive approach for anterior circulation aneurysms - the supraorbital microcraniotomy.
British Journal of Neurosurgery, Volume 22, Issue 1 February 2008 , pages 63 - 70
The goal of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of 16-row multislice computed tomography angiography (CTA) compared with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the detection of aneurysm remnants and arterial patency after clipping of intracranial aneurysms.
British Journal of Neurosurgery, Volume 22, Issue 1 February 2008 , pages 123 - 125
We present the case of multiple meningeal tumours in the right sphenoid ridge and left parafalcine region. Magnetic resonance imaging disclosed homogenous enhancement.
British Journal of Neurosurgery, Volume 22, Issue 1 February 2008 , pages 83 - 85
Craniometaphyseal dysplasia (CMD) is a rare genetic bone remodelling disorder characterized by undertubulation of the long bones and sclerosis and hyperostosis of the skull base with cranial nerve impairment.
British Journal of Neurosurgery, Volume 22, Issue 1 February 2008 , pages 99 - 103
We have evaluated the influence of fluorescein-guided resection on gross total resection (GTR) and survival in a series of patients with GBM. Group 1 consisted of 47 patients given fluorescein and group 2 comprised 33 patients, on whom fluorescein was not used.
British Journal of Neurosurgery, Volume 22, Issue 1 February 2008 , pages 131 - 134
The operative findings are presented in two patients following inadequate coil embolization. At craniotomy, part of the coil mass had extruded through the fundus of both aneurysms. It is unclear if this phenomenon is confined to aneurysms that demonstrate significant regrowth and if there is an increased risk of rebleeding.
British Journal of Neurosurgery, Volume 22, Issue 1 February 2008 , pages 46 - 52
Abstract
The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the current endovascular management of cerebral mycotic aneurysms. We report the retrospective evaluation of data of patients with cerebral mycotic aneurysms treated with endovascular approach.
British Journal of Neurosurgery, Volume 22, Issue 1 February 2008 , pages 3 - 12
Spinal cord injury is a devastating condition for which there is still no cure. Many new therapies have emerged in the past few decades that have attempted to improve the outcome after injury, with varying levels of supporting experimental and clinical data.
British Journal of Neurosurgery, Volume 22, Issue 1 February 2008 , pages 13 - 25
Primary tumours of the meninges occur extremely rarely in children and young people (less than five new cases annually in the UK) and have remained a poorly defined group compared with the common diagnosis of meningiomas in adults.
British Journal of Neurosurgery, Volume 22, Issue 1 February 2008 , pages 113 - 115
With the increased use of MRI, tonsillar ectopia, the hallmark of the adult Chiari malformation (ACM) is being more frequently recognized. However, in some cases, the patient's symptoms do not fit with the classical presentation for ACM, but are similar to intracranial hypertension (IH). The latter may be difficult to diagnose in absence of ventricular enlargement. We report a case of ACM and IHWV due to carcinomatous meningitis.
British Journal of Neurosurgery, Volume 22, Issue 1 February 2008 , pages 104 - 106
Cerebellar haemangioblastomas commonly arise in patients with von Hippel - Lindau disease. We present the case of a 47-year-old male who has successfully undergone 10 separate procedures for symptomatic cerebellar haemangioblastomas. To our knowledge, this case is unique with respect to the frequency of symptomatic recurrences.
Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation. Fatigue After Traumatic Brain Injury. 23(1):17-24, January/February 2008
Fatigue is a well-recognized issue for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). This prospective study examined the rate and types of fatigue that are experienced by a cohort of individuals with TBI within the first 2 years, using a multidimensional fatigue scale.
Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation. Fatigue After Traumatic Brain Injury. 23(1):25-32, January/February 2008
This study used a prospective longitudinal design to quantify fatigue and associated factors during the first 2 years after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Fifty-one individuals were assessed at 3 time points: within the first 6, 12, and 18-24 months after TBI. Self-reported fatigue improved during the first year, as did pain, sleep quality, cognitive independence, and involvement in productive activity.
Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation. Fatigue After Traumatic Brain Injury. 23(1):33-40, January/February 2008
To quantify posttraumatic brain injury (post-TBI) mental fatigue objectively by documenting changes in performance on neuropsychological tests as a result of sustained mental effort and to examine the relationship between objectively measured mental fatigue and self-reported situational and day-to-day fatigue.
Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation. Fatigue After Traumatic Brain Injury. 23(1):41-51, January/February 2008
To examine the relationships between post-TBI fatigue (PTBIF) and comorbid conditions, participation in activities, quality of life, and demographic and injury variables.
The expression of unconventional vesicular glutamate transporter VGLUT3 by neurons known to release a different classical transmitter has suggested novel roles for signaling by glutamate, but this distribution has raised questions about whether the protein actually contributes to glutamate release.
The acquisition of new memories for places and events requires synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, and plasticity depends on temporal coordination among neurons.
Place-specific firing in the hippocampus is determined by path integration-based spatial representations in the grid-cell network of the medial entorhinal cortex. Output from this network is conveyed directly to CA1 of the hippocampus by projections from principal neurons in layer III, but also indirectly by axons from layer II to the dentate gyrus and CA3. The direct pathway is sufficient for spatial firing in CA1, but it is not known whether similar firing can also be supported by the input from CA3.
Rapid optimization of behavior requires decisions about when to explore and when to exploit discovered resources. The mechanisms that lead to fast adaptations and their interaction with action valuation are a central issue. We show here that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) encodes multiple feedbacks devoted to exploration and its immediate termination.
The many definitions of rehabilitation, most of which apply well to stroke, can be confusing. However, a clear consensus exists that the purpose of rehabilitation is to limit the impact of stroke related brain damage on daily life by using a mixture of therapeutic and problem solving approaches.
In neuroblastoma cells, retinoic acid induces cell cycle arrest and differentiation through degradation of the F-box protein, Skp2, and stabilization of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, p27. However, the mechanism responsible for retinoic acid-mediated Skp2 destabilization is unknown. Since Skp2 is degraded by anaphase-promoting complex (APC)Cdh1, here we studied whether retinoic acid promotes differentiation of human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells by modulating Cdh1.
Glioblastoma multiforme is the most aggressive form of primary brain tumor and remains largely incurable, in large part, due to its highly invasive nature.
Craniopharyngioma are embryogenic malformations of the sellar area. With an overall incidence of 0.5-2 new cases per million population per year, 30-50% of all cases occur in childhood.
To assess the potential role of urinary S100B as a prognostic biochemical marker following head injury in children in a UK emergency department setting.
Neurosurgical Focus December 2007 Volume 23, Number 6
Stereotactic radiosurgery has undergone a remarkable evolution since its conception and the subsequent introduction of image-guided radiosurgery, primarily because of the concurrent advances in imaging and computer technology.
International Journal of Clinical Practice doi:10.1111/j.1742-1241.2007.01691.x
An increasing amount of research is now being directed towards the medical treatment of patients who have suffered an intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). Despite this, no routine drug treatment to date has been shown to be unequivocally effective in unselected patients.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, Volume 42, Issue 2 February 2008 , pages 166 - 169
A link between cancer and limbic encephalitis (LE) has been proposed. The aim of this case presentation is to further explore this association by literature review, inform clinicians of the investigations necessary to arrive at a diagnosis and to emphasize the clinical importance of liaison between psychiatry and other disciplines involved in management.
Neurosurgical Focus January 2008 Volume 24, Number 1
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease that primarily affects the vertebral column and sacroiliac joints. Over time, the disease process promotes extensive remodeling of the spinal axis via ligamentous ossification, vertebral joint fusion, osteoporosis, and kyphosis.
Neurosurgical Focus December 2007 Volume 23, Number 6
Radiosurgery has proven useful in the treatment of small arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the brain. However, the volume of healthy tissue irradiated around large lesions is rather significant, necessitating reduced radiation doses to avoid complications.
A 13-day-old female infant was admitted with hydrocephalus that had been diagnosed on prenatal ultrasound at 33 weeks' gestation. She was delivered by Caesarean section at 34 weeks with an Apgar score of 10.
Antibiotic-impregnated shunt (AIS) components decrease shunt infections by preventing bacterial colonization that occurs during implantation. Despite studies showing improved efficacy in preventing infection however, concern still exists regarding using AIS components in infants, especially premature ones. In this study, clinical outcomes were assessed in infants with hydrocephalus (<1 year) following AIS placement.
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, Volume 9, Number 2, February 2008 , pp. 285-292(8)
Valproic acid (VPA) is considered to be a drug of first choice and one of the most frequently-prescribed antiepileptic drugs worldwide for the therapy of generalized and focal epilepsies, including special epileptic.
To explore changes for the first time in neural processing due to effective cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after severe motor vehicle accidents. Recent studies have highlighted the role of right hemisphere activation during withdrawal-related emotions (e.g., anxiety). There has been little research on changes in brain function due to cognitive-behavioral interventions in anxiety disorders.
International Journal of Cancer Volume 122, Issue 6 , Pages 1391 - 1399
The data revealed a threshold of MGMT expression (30 fmol/mg protein) below which patients respond better to alkylating agents. Therefore, determination of MGMT activity in the primary tumor appears to be useful in predicting the outcome of GBM therapy.
Journal of the New Zealand Medical Association, 25-January-2008, Vol 1268 No 121
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder. Most patients with epilepsy have seizures that are relatively easily controlled, but a significant minority of patients have seizures that are resistant to standard anti-epileptic drugs.
The study was conducted to determine the familiarity with, knowledge of, misunderstandings, and attitudes toward epilepsy among the Kuwaiti population.
Epilepsy imposes a significant burden on society. The objective of this study was to estimate health resource utilization (HRU) over a 1-year period in epilepsy patients, using administrative databases.
Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 26, No 2 (January 10), 2008: pp. 271-278
The combination of a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) -neutralizing antibody, bevacizumab, and irinotecan is associated with high radiographic response rates and improved survival outcomes in patients with recurrent malignant gliomas.
Current Opinion in Neurology. 21(1):36-42, February 2008
To give an overview on topics of pupillary function selected according to their relevance in clinical neurology. Mainly publications of the last 3 years have been considered.
Current Opinion in Neurology. 21(1):43-55, February 2008
Stroke is a major public health problem in the US and other developed countries. Stroke units reduce morbidity and mortality, and the efficacy of thrombolytic therapy propelled the development and maturation of a stroke systems of care delivery model. This model addresses the key domains in the chain of stroke survival and recovery, including primordial and primary prevention; community education; notification and response of emergency medical services; acute stroke treatment; subacute stroke treatment and secondary prevention; rehabilitation; and continuous quality improvement activities within each domain and across the system itself.
Current Opinion in Neurology. 21(1):8-15, February 2008
Increasing rigor is being applied to medical decision making, but myasthenia gravis, commonly considered the best understood autoimmune disorder from a pathophysiological basis, lags other disciplines in the evidence base used to make clinical decisions.
Current Opinion in Neurology. 21(1):22-28, February 2008
The brainstem and cerebellum contain many neuronal types that play a critical role in eye movement control. In a physiological approach, understanding how these neuronal assemblies cooperate provides strong insight into general brain functions.
Current Opinion in Neurology. 21(1):64-69, February 2008
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Many strokes occur in patients with atrial fibrillation. Current guidelines recommend an antithrombotic regimen with warfarin to prevent thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation; however, a substantial number of patients are not eligible for this therapy. The exclusion of the left atrial appendage from circulation seems to be an alternative strategy for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation.
Future Neurology, Volume 2, Number 6, November 2007 , pp. 673-688(16)
Paracetamol is well established as a leading nonprescription antipyretic analgesic drug and is available in oral, rectal or intravenous forms. However, except for oral paracetamol, there is a marked discrepancy between the extent to which paracetamol is used and the available evidence for an analgesic effect in postoperative pain.
Future Neurology, Volume 2, Number 6, November 2007 , pp. 633-646(14)
Deep-brain stimulation (DBS) is a clinical intervention that has provided remarkable therapeutic benefits for otherwise treatment-resistant movement and affective disorders.
To identify strategies used by people with high cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) to function autonomously. A multidimensional concept of autonomy was used, with four dimensions: independence, self-determination, participation and identification.
To present a cognitive-behavioural stimulation (CBS) protocol designed to help severely damaged patients in the early post-acute stage by describing the underlying methodology and assessing its efficacy compared to traditional rehabilitation methods.
The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is discussed as being relevant to research and service delivery for women with disabilities. The personal meaning a disability has for a woman is shaped largely by Personal Factors.
To improve rehabilitation clinicians' awareness of gender differences in emotional responses to disability as a means of enhancing accuracy and sensitivity in diagnosis and treatment of persons in their care.
This article discusses the complex interrelation of elements of the physical, psychological, social, and environmental life context of women with physical disabilities and the association of these elements with significant disparities in rates of depression and access to mental health care for this population.
Women with Disabilities represent a cultural group with specific issues. Rehabilitation psychologists are encouraged to familiarize themselves with some of those issues in order to deliver culturally relevant treatment. An overview is provided of psychological guidelines for attending to cultural issues in assessment, treatment, and research. Broad issues faced by Women with Disabilities are described. Disability-specific safety concerns are discussed with attention to ways in which they might be addressed by rehabilitation psychologists.
To understand the experiences of Indigenous Australian women with chronic illnesses and disabilities and their views about a way forward in relation to partnerships in research and community-supported problem-solving.
To measure life satisfaction in Japanese stroke outpatients and randomly-sampled community residents and to investigate variables influencing their life satisfaction.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:35-39, January 2008
Hypoattenuated foci in the otic capsule are routinely identified on multidetector CT (MDCT), particularly in pediatric patients. We aimed to describe and characterize the hypoattenuated focus in the anterior otic capsule.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:53-56, January 2008
Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms using platinum coils is effective, but uncommonly aneurysms recur. New-generation coils, such as Cerecyte, aim to address this problem. This study examines the safety and efficacy of these coils in the treatment of a cohort of ruptured and unruptured aneurysms
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:98-101, January 2008
There are, to our knowledge, no histologic data correlating aneurysm volume with histologic healing following coil embolization of aneurysms. We report a retrospective study comparing histologic outcome with aneurysm volume in elastase-induced aneurysms in rabbits.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:91-97, January 2008
Onyx was recently approved for the treatment of pial arteriovenous malformations, but its use to treat dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) is not yet well established. We now report on the treatment of intracranial DAVFs using this nonadhesive liquid embolic agent.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:86-90, January 2008
Results of endovascular treatment of PICA aneurysms are not well established. The purpose of this study was to report incidence, clinical presentation, and outcome of endovascular treatment in 46 patients with 47 posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:63-68, January 2008
The purpose of our study was to evaluate the technical feasibility, morbidity and mortality, and durability of occlusion of unruptured aneurysms treated with Guglielmi detachable coils (GDCs) with a long-term follow-up.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:57-61, January 2008
Polyglycolic/polylactic acid-covered platinum coils have been proposed to reduce the rate of aneurysm recanalization after endovascular treatment. A prospective and multicenter registry was conducted in France to evaluate the safety and short-term and midterm efficacy of Matrix coils. This analysis focused on anatomic midterm results.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:134-139, January 2008
Our aim was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of multisection CT angiography combined with matched mask bone elimination (CTA-MMBE) for detection of intracranial aneurysms compared with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and 3D rotational angiography (3DRA).
Clinical and functional imaging evidence suggests that cerebellar dysfunction occurs in essential tremor (ET). In recent postmortem studies, we documented increased numbers of torpedoes (Purkinje cell axonal swellings) in ET patients without Lewy bodies. Purkinje cell loss, however, has never been rigorously assessed.
To assess the relation between socioeconomic status (SES) and structural brain change in nondemented older adults and to ascertain the potential role of preclinical Alzheimer disease (AD).
Ten patients (one man and nine women, mean age 48.8 ± 20.1) presented with a stereotypical and undescribed type of head pain. They complained of strictly unilateral, shooting pain paroxysms starting in a focal area of the posterior parietal or temporal region and rapidly spreading forward to the ipsilateral eye.
We evaluated the use of MR cisternography after intrathecal administration of gadopentetate dimeglumine to detect the presence and localization of CSF leaks in 19 patients diagnosed with spontaneous intracranial hypotension syndrome according to the criteria of International Headache Society.
We report the finding of restricted diffusion in an isolated abscess of the clivus and discuss the imaging differential diagnosis, with an emphasis on the usefulness of diffusion-weighted imaging.
Mutations in the genes PRKN and LRRK2 are the most frequent known genetic lesions among Parkinson's disease patients. We have previously reported that in the Portuguese population the LRRK2 c.6055G>A; p.G2019S mutation has one of the highest frequencies in Europe.
In accordance with the Uniform Determination of Death Act, guidelines for brain death determination are developed at an institutional level, potentially leading to variability of practice.
The sensorimotor organization (SMO) of the motor hand area is abnormal in focal hand dystonia and likely contributes to symptom manifestation. In healthy subjects SMO is changed by training with proprioceptive stimulation. Here we test whether similar interventions reverse the abnormal SMO in musician's dystonia and writer's cramp. If so, they could be developed for therapeutic application.
Some neuroimaging studies have suggested that specific right hemispheric regions can compensate deficits induced by left hemispheric lesions in vascular aphasia. In particular, the right inferior frontal cortex might take part in lexical retrieval in patients presenting left-sided lesions involving the homologous area.
Retroviral involvement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has been suspected for several years since the recognition that both murine and human retroviruses can cause ALS-like syndromes.
For thousands of years, the term "death" meant the permanent stopping of the heart and breathing. However, when Bjorn Ibsen from Denmark invented the artificial respirator in the 1950s, breathing and heartbeat could be continued when people were in a deep coma.
To evaluate isokinetic shoulder flexor-extensor (F/E) and abductor-adductor (Ab/Ad) torque ratios in individuals with paraplegia using a new interpretative approach. We proposed to study torque ratios according to joint angle sections (15° angle subgroups) over a selected range of motion.
Cross-sectional and longitudinal direct observation of a constrained consensus-building process in nine consumer panels and three rehabilitation professional panels.
Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand Vol90_No.12_2597_5715
Refractory status epilepticus (RSE), defined as status epilepticus that fails to respond to first, second and third-line therapy. The RSE is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Treatment guidelines of RSE give a spectrum of options, such as, continuous intravenous (i.v.) midazolam (MDL), or continuous i.v. propofol (PRO) as alternatives to phenobarbital (PB) or continuous i.v. pentobarbital (PTB).
Results from recent studies suggest that chronic cigarette smoking is associated with increased white matter volume in the brain as determined by in vivo neuroimaging. We used diffusion tensor imaging to examine the microstructural integrity of the white matter in 10 chronic smokers and 10 nonsmokers. All individuals were healthy, without histories of medical or psychiatric illness.
We examined fulfilment of quality-of-care criteria according to age and the possible impact of any age-related differences on short-term mortality in a population-based nationwide follow-up study in Denmark.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:154-158, January 2008
The T2-weighted gradient-echo (GRE) imaging is currently the gold standard MR imaging sequence for the evaluation of patients with cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) lesions. We aimed to compare the sensitivity of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) with T2-weighted fast spin-echo (FSE) and GRE imaging in assigning the number of CCM lesions in patients with the familial form of the disease.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:190-191, January 2008
A case of cerebellopontine angle and prepontine cistern subependymoma in a 15-year-old adolescent boy is presented with a review of the literature. Apparent diffusion coefficient values for subependymoma are reported. Differential considerations for the unusual location of this rare tumor are discussed.
The clinical condition normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is one of the few conditions with dementia that can be successfully treated. Even though NPH was described more than 40 years ago, information on prevalence and incidence of this disease is scarce. The objective of this study was to obtain information about prevalence of iNPH in a Norwegian population.
Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 26, No 3 (January 20), 2008: pp. 493-500
Malignant gliomas are characterized by an intrinsic resistance to apoptosis. Increasing evidence suggests that this is a fundamental mechanism by which gliomas evade elimination when treated with both conventional and targeted therapies.
Journal of Pharmacy Practice, Vol. 20, No. 6, 458-468 (2007)
Essential tremor is a common movement disorder that interferes with the performance of motor tasks and social activities. As a consequence, patients experience a reduction in quality of life.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:107-109, January 2008
Recent progress in digital subtraction angiography (DSA) devices makes it possible to perform rotational angiography with high resolution and high sensitivity.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:102-106, January 2008
The purpose of this study was to report our experience with endovascular treatment of 14 patients with symptomatic intradural vertebral dissecting aneurysms.
Despite intensive multimodal treatment, outcome of patients with malignant glioma remains poor, and a standard dose of radiotherapy for anaplastic astrocytoma has not been defined.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major health problem in childhood. Estonia and other Baltic states have the highest trauma-related mortality in the European Union. There are no data on the incidence and causes of TBI for children in Estonia. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence, structure and main causes of TBI in Tartu and Tartu County.
We review the applications and results of voxel-based morphometry (VBM) studies that have reported brain changes associated with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).
Journal of Clinical Nursing, Volume 17, Number 3, February 2008 , pp. 403-411(9)
The aims of this study were: (1) to describe nurses' views of the physical and supportive needs of patients who have suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), (2) to describe nurses' views of changes in social circumstances and (3) changes in the mental condition of patients after SAH. Background.
Recurrent malignant glioma has a dismal prognosis, and therapeutic options are scarce. After previous potentially encouraging reports on liposomal pegylated doxorubicin (PEG-DOX) in this setting, PEG-DOX was applied to patients with recurrent malignant glioma in an institutional series.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases 2008;197:235-244
Bacteremia plays a major role in the outcome of pneumococcal meningitis. This experimental study investigated how bacteremia influences the pathophysiologic profile of the brain.
Current Opinion in Neurology. 21(1):76-82, February 2008
This review considers recent insights into the neurobiology of repair after stroke in animals and humans, the range of emerging therapies to promote repair and recovery after the acute phase of stroke, and issues related to optimizing trials of such therapies.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:125-129, January 2008
The neuroradiologic location of asymptomatic paraclinoid aneurysms is decisive for patient management. In a preliminary study, we designed a paraclinoid MR protocol (PMP) including high-resolution T2-weighted images in 2 orthogonal planes to define the inferior limit of the distal dural ring plane that represents the borderline between the intradural and extradural internal carotid artery.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:164-169, January 2008
Nonalcoholic Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) is prone to be underestimated in clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to improve its awareness and early accurate diagnosis.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry 2008;79:216-218
Published guidelines for defining the "minimally conscious state" (MCS) included behaviours that characterise emergence, specifically "reliable and consistent" functional interactive communication (accurate yes/no responding) and functional use of objects.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry 2008;79:202-204
Voltage-gated potassium channel antibody (VGKC-Ab)-associated limbic encephalitis (LE) is a recently described syndrome that broadens the spectrum of immunotherapy-responsive central nervous system disorders.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry 2008;79:190-192
Although cognitive impairment has been identified as a risk factor for visual hallucinations (VHs), more specific neuropsychological deficits underlying such phenomena have not been established. Here, we investigate the link between executive dysfunction and the occurrence of VHs.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry 2008;79:232-234
Urinary frequency, urgency and nocturia are common complaints in Parkinson’s disease (PD). The hypothesis most widely proposed to explain neurogenic bladder symptoms in PD is that cell loss in the substantia nigra may cause detrusor hyperactivity due to a loss in the D1 receptor-mediated tonic inhibition of the micturition reflex, although other causes including
anti-parkinsonian medication cortical effects have been considered.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry 2008;79:234-236
Ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 1 (AOA1) is a recently described autosomal-recessive neurodegenerative condition of childhood onset. It is caused by mutations in the APTX gene, which encodes the protein aprataxin.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry 2008;79:223
One of the first clinical signs differentiating the minimally conscious state (MCS) from the vegetative state is the presence of visual pursuit occurring in direct response to moving or salient stimuli.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry 2008;79:227-228
Acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) is a rare disease, which is characterised by the rapid development of multiple, symmetrical brain lesions. These lesions affect the thalamus bilaterally, the brainstem tegmentum and the cerebellar medulla.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry 2008;79:170-175
In vestibular schwannoma surgery, four different intraoperative brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) patterns (stable BAEP, abrupt loss, irreversible progressive loss, reversible loss) can be identified and correlated with postoperative hearing outcome.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry 2008;79:143-146
The present study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic contribution of subjective information, obtained by a standardised checklist, to the identification of patients with cognitive impairment in the early phase after stroke.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry 2008;79:147-151
Many patients with brain infarction (BI) lack traditional risk factors, suggesting that other factors (including infectious agents) might contribute to stroke risk. We investigated Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in a large cohort of patients with BI according to aetiological subtypes and carotid atherosclerosis.
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry 2008;79:236
Inflammatory activity within atherosclerotic lesions is associated with plaque rupture and embolic events,1 and can be detected non-invasively with 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET).
Journal of the Neurological Sciences Volume 265, Issue 1, Pages 122-126 (15 February 2008)
Applications of imaging techniques to visualize stem cells for monitoring, control and treatment of biological systems, in particular the brain, is at the forefront of investigations. These approaches involve the identification of stem and precursor cells that may be of various origins, but are related to specific clinical conditions, and the choice of the appropriate markers to achieve the required imaging while minimizing the side effects.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences Volume 265, Issue 1, Pages 97-101 (15 February 2008)
The injured brain can be stimulated to amplify its intrinsic restorative processes to improve neurological function. Thus, after stroke, both cell and pharmacological neurorestorative treatments, amplify the induction of brain neurogenesis and angiogenesis, and thereby reduce neurological deficits.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences Volume 265, Issue 1, Pages 84-88 (15 February 2008)
There is a great and unmet need for meaningful therapies that will deliver restorative solutions to patients with neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease and stroke. The emergence of human embryonic stem cells as an experimental and therapeutic resource represents a major opportunity for brain repair.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences Volume 265, Issue 1, Pages 78-83 (15 February 2008)
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a progressive fatal neurodegenerative disease that targets motor neurons. Its origin is unknown but a main role of reactive astrogliosis and microglia activation in the pathogenesis has been recently demonstrated. Surrounding neurons with healthy adjoining cells completely stops motor neuron death in some cases.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences Volume 265, Issue 1, Pages 73-77 (15 February 2008)
In ischemic stroke, the third most frequent cause of mortality in industrialized countries, therapeutic options have until now been limited to the first hours after disease onset. Cell transplantation has emerged in various neurological disorders, including experimental stroke, as a successful recovery-promoting approach also in the post-acute stroke phase.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences Volume 265, Issue 1, Pages 63-72 (15 February 2008)
Spinal cord injury (SCI) often induces loss of motor and/or sensory function below the level of injury. While deficits persist in complete lesions, partial lesions of the spinal cord can be followed by spontaneous functional recovery. In this review we address the mechanisms underlying spontaneous recovery in the adult CNS.
To assess improvements in Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) and GOS extended (GOSE) scores between 6 months and 1 year following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Despite the widespread use of objective personality inventories as part of neuropsychological assessments of traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients, little research exists to support the use of these instruments with TBI populations. The purpose of the present study is two-fold: first, to examine the prevalence and extent of personality and psychopathological disturbance in TBI patients compared with a general psychiatric sample and, secondly, to determine whether personality profiles of TBI patients fall within a pathological range relative to normative psychiatric and non-psychiatric populations.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of an errorless training approach, Spaced Retrieval (SR) training delivered over the telephone, on the reported everyday memory problems of adults with chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI).
A correlational research design was used to examine the relationship between use of interaction strategies and success of interactions between patients with neurological injuries and licensed healthcare providers. It was hypothesized that using specific interaction strategies would increase the success of interactions between patients and staff.
To investigate the clinical utility of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) for community-based individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI).
Missouri's traumatic brain injury (TBI) early referral programme connects individuals with TBI to state services in the acute stages of recovery. This study evaluated the impact of this programme on service utilization and functional outcomes.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of subdural space saline injection surgery in the management of large acute epidural haematomas (EDHs).
To examine the association between apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotype and visibility of traumatic brain lesions during the first year after traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Various guidelines have been proposed for returning to sport after concussion or mild TBI. However, no such guidelines exist for severe TBI. This study presents three cases of athletes who sustained severe TBIs and returned to competition. The rational for their clearance will be discussed.
International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, Volume 10, Issue 1 & 2 February 2008 , pages 2 - 8
This paper provides a context for the remainder of this special issue on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and speech-language pathology. It describes the ICF - its past, present and future in relation to the discipline of speech-language pathology. The history of the ICF is presented outlining the characteristics of previous versions of the ICF.
International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, Volume 10, Issue 1 & 2 February 2008 , pages 9 - 17
Body Functions and Body Structures form one component of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Coding of items within these ICF chapters can be useful in speech-language pathology to provide a holistic overview of an individual's condition, but only if this component is considered alongside the other components that make up the ICF.
International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, Volume 10, Issue 1 & 2 February 2008 , pages 18 - 26
Increasingly speech-language pathologists are considering the effects of a client's communication and/or swallowing disability on the client's day to day life. The activities and life situations that make up a person's everyday life are described in the Activities and Participation component of the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).
International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, Volume 10, Issue 1 & 2 February 2008 , pages 27 - 37
The World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) conceptualizes functioning and disability as a dynamic interaction between a person's health condition and their contextual factors. Contextual factors "represent the complete background of an individual's life and living" and comprise two components: Environmental Factors and Personal Factors.
International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, Volume 10, Issue 1 & 2 February 2008 , pages 38 - 49
Past discussions of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) have focused minimally, if at all, on quality of life. This paper critically discusses the contribution of the ICF to quality of life concept development, and the impact that the ICF has had thus far on health-related quality of life measurement.
International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, Volume 10, Issue 1 & 2 February 2008 , pages 50 - 60
Abstract
The World Health Organization's (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) (WHO, 2001) states that one of its five possible applications is for clinical use. The ICF is both a conceptual framework and a classification system with a complex numerical coding system and operational definitions.
International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, Volume 10, Issue 1 & 2 February 2008 , pages 61 - 71
This paper describes how the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) can be used as a statistical tool and addresses the implications of the DISTAB study in which speech, hearing and communication prevalence rates were examined in adults across five countries - Canada, France, the Netherlands, South Africa and the United States.
International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, Volume 10, Issue 1 & 2 February 2008 , pages 72 - 77
Abstract
The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) facilitates a wide range of research in speech-language pathology. In addition to framing the development of assessment tools and evaluating interventions, the ICF can also be used to evaluate concepts such as third party disability or environmental factors that prevent or facilitate communication accessibility.
International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, Volume 10, Issue 1 & 2 February 2008 , pages 78 - 82
The ICF framework reflects a conceptual change in the approach to diagnosis and intervention across the spectrum of speech-language pathology services. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), the professional association of speech-language pathologists and audiologists in the United States, has adopted this framework in its cardinal policy documents and sought to provide information and resources to its members about the ICF.
International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, Volume 10, Issue 1 & 2 February 2008 , pages 83 - 91
This paper describes the use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as an educational framework for the development of the Doctoral Programme in Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Western Ontario in London, Canada.
International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, Volume 10, Issue 1 & 2 February 2008 , pages 92 - 109
Abstract
The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Children and Youth Version (ICF-CY) (World Health Organization, 2007) provides a relevant framework for consideration of children with communication disability by professionals such as speech-language pathologists and audiologists. This paper describes the international and interdisciplinary context in which the ICF-CY was created; then focuses on three major considerations in the development of the ICF-CY: the inclusion of universal perspectives on the rights of children, the need for adherence to the structure of the ICF and the specific issues regarding the use of qualifiers with children.
Journal of Neurosurgery December 2007 Volume 107, Number 6
The authors present the case of a 52-year-old female patient with a 6-year history of intractable paroxysmal otalgia. Preoperative magnetic resonance (MR) angiography demonstrated an anterior inferior cerebellar artery loop compressing the intermediate nerve in the seventh/eighth cranial nerve complex inside the internal auditory canal.
Gliomas are the most frequent primary tumors of the central nervous system in adults. The most prevalent and aggressive subclass of these is glioblastoma multiforme, which is characterized by massive neovascularization.
Probabilistic atlases are more representative of the population than single brain atlases. They allow anatomic and functional labeling of the results of group studies in stereotactic space and, hence, the automated anatomic labeling of individual brain imaging data.
Group studies using PET and other types of neuroimaging require some means to achieve congruence of brain structures across subjects, such that scans from individuals varying in brain shape and gyral anatomy can be analyzed together. Volume registration methods are the most widely used approach to achieve this congruence.
Alpha-Particle-emitting radionuclides, such as 211At, with a 7.2-h half-life, may be optimally suited for the molecularly targeted radiotherapy of strategically sensitive tumor sites, such as those in the central nervous system.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:198-203, January 2008
Many theories of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) stress the importance of ischemia in the deep white matter. Alternate theories stress a reduction in superficial venous compliance and changes in pulse-wave propagation. An overlap in the cerebral blood flow volumes measured between NPH and controls suggests that ischemia may not be a prerequisite for this condition. This study sought to compare blood flow and compliance measures in a cohort of patients with NPH selected for having arterial inflows above the normal range to see if deep brain ischemia or superficial hemodynamic changes contribute to the pathophysiology of NPH.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:184-186, January 2008
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is an important cause of intracerebral hemorrhage. Its definite diagnosis still requires histopathologic demonstration of vascular amyloid. Thus, further improvement of noninvasive imaging methods would be desirable.
Ninety percent of patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) have epilepsy. Identification of epileptogenic areas can be difficult and studies are needed to characterize the epileptogenic network in more detail.
Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) is the enzyme which catalyzes the production of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS).
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:9-17, January 2008
Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) is a high-spatial-resolution 3D gradient-echo MR imaging technique with phase postprocessing that accentuates the paramagnetic properties of blood products such as deoxyhemoglobin, intracellular methemoglobin, and hemosiderin.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:176-183, January 2008
Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) is an advanced MR imaging sequence that can be implemented at high resolution. This sequence can be performed on conventional MR imaging scanners and is very sensitive to mineralization. The purpose of this study was to establish the course of mineralization in the deep gray matter with age by using SWI.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:170-175, January 2008
Coinfection of neurocysticercosis (NCC) and Japanese encephalitis (JE) has been advocated as more than a chance occurrence resulting in poor outcome. We undertook this study to determine whether the association of the 2 infections is more than a chance occurrence, to define the imaging characteristics of coinfections, and to explore the synergistic effect of NCC in JE.
Penetrative transorbital injuries put intracranial structures in peril. We present one such case where a low velocity transorbital injury resulted in traumatic temporal lobe injury, but with full recovery. Clinicians should be vigilant of intracranial complications of transorbital injuries.
Glioblastoma is characterised by invasive growth and a high degree of radioresistance. Survivin, a regulator of chromosome segregation, is highly expressed and known to induce radioresistance in human gliomas.
Current Medical Research and Opinion, Volume 24, Number 1, January 2008 , pp. 157-166(10)
Dementia is frequently associated with behavioral disturbances, some of which have a significant impact on patient quality of life and the likelihood of institutionalization. Cholinergic systems, among other neurotransmitters in the brain, appear to be involved with different behaviors, such as psychosis, depression, agitation, and personality changes.
Recombinant-activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is an investigational treatment for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We have evaluated the drug's treatment effect based on time to treatment.
Atheroma vulnerability to rupture is increased in the presence of a large lipid core. Factors associated with a lipid core in the general population have not been studied.
Nortriptyline, an antidepressant, was identified as a strong inhibitor of mitochondrial permeability transition by our screening of a library of 1040 drugs. Because mitochondrial permeability transition and consequent mitochondrial dysfunction have been implicated in acute neuronal death, we proposed to investigate the possible neuroprotective effects of nortriptyline in cerebral ischemia.
Based on previous observations that infarcts encompassing the insula were linked to unfavorable clinical outcome, we hypothesized that insular damage was directly associated with worsened infarction in ischemic but potentially viable neighboring brain tissue.
Lesions in diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI-L) have been commonly described in transient global amnesia (TGA). We investigated a possible relationship between brain ischemia and TGA.
Variations in blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening after ischemia have been suggested by some tracer and magnetization transfer studies, although direct in vivo proof is still lacking. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also often used to visualize BBB damage in stroke.
A 6-point score, based on age, blood pressure, clinical features, and duration (ABCD), was shown to effectively stratify the short-term risk of stroke after a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Prospective validation in different populations of patients should precede its widespread use. Whether adding computed tomography (CT) scan findings to the score would improve its performance deserves exploring. We aimed to validate the ABCD score in a prospective cohort of patients accessing Emergency Departments within 24 hours of a TIA in an area of northern Italy and to acquire preliminary data on CT-based refinement.
Journal of Stroke and Cardiovascular Diseases Volume 17, Issue 1, Pages 42-46 (January 2008)
Currently, catheter angiography is seldom used to evaluate occlusive cervical carotid disease after stroke. Despite the use of a variety of noninvasive tests, only cerebral angiography could document both carotid bifurcation patency and anterograde flow of the internal carotid artery intracranially in two patients with common carotid artery origin occlusion.
Journal of Stroke and Cardiovascular Diseases Volume 17, Issue 1, Pages 39-41 (January 2008)
A 34-year-old woman presented with a 5-month history of persistent vertigo after multiple roller coaster rides, followed by neck pain for 1 month and then 2 weeks of blurred vision related to diplopia. She was ultimately found to have bilateral cervical vertebral artery dissection.
Journal of Stroke and Cardiovascular Diseases Volume 17, Issue 1, Pages 35-38 (January 2008)
We studied whether some variables differ between patients with right and left hemispheric ischemic stroke. A total of 383 cases were obtained from our department-based records between April 2003 and March 2006. Age distribution, sex, intracranial localization of anterior (carotid artery distribution) or posterior (vertebrobasilar artery distribution) circulation, mechanism subtypes according to Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) criteria, cerebrovascular risk factors, and time from clinical onset to admission were analyzed between the right and the left hemispheric ischemic stroke groups.
Journal of Stroke and Cardiovascular Diseases Volume 17, Issue 1, Pages 30-34 (January 2008)
Deep intracerebral hematoma (ICH) is frequently associated with microbleed (MB) arising from degenerated MB. Increased numbers of MB are correlated with increased age, and we examined a possible relationship between MB number and ICH onset in younger patients.
Journal of Stroke and Cardiovascular Diseases Volume 17, Issue 1, Pages 26-29 (January 2008)
Most patients with ischemic stroke present to the emergency department beyond the approved 3-hour time window for thrombolytic or other revascularization therapies. Clopidogrel and aspirin loading is commonly used to prevent deterioration in other acute vascular occlusive events. This pilot study examined the safety of antiplatelet loading in acute ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack.
Journal of Stroke and Cardiovascular Diseases Volume 17, Issue 1, Pages 23-25 (January 2008)
Code Stroke systems are widely used to expedite emergency treatment of patients with stroke. Code Stroke for mimic patients-those without a stroke cause-wastes resources. We investigated how many times a Code Stroke was initiated for patients who did not have a stroke appropriate for thrombolysis.
Journal of Stroke and Cardiovascular Diseases Volume 17, Issue 1, Pages 16-22 (January 2008)
Statins, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzymeA reductase inhibitors, have pleiotropic effects that are independent of their cholesterol-lowering activities. For example, they improve vascular endothelial function and exert anti-inflammatory effects. In large clinical trials they reduced the incidence of stroke and myocardial infarction; however, little is currently known regarding the mechanism or mechanisms underlying their clinically confirmed stroke protection.
Journal of Stroke and Cardiovascular Diseases Volume 17, Issue 1, Pages 9-15 (January 2008)
More than 1 million US citizens die of cerebral, cardiac, and peripheral vascular disease (collectively, CVD) each year. Basic science and clinical outcome research aimed at reducing the burden of this illness is widespread, but the knowledge gleaned from controlled trials has not fully translated into everyday clinical practice and care of patients with CVD and their inherent risk factors.
Journal of Stroke and Cardiovascular Diseases Volume 17, Issue 1, Pages 5-8 (January 2008)
Although various in-hospital stroke quality improvement programs have been associated with high treatment rates at hospital discharge, there are few data on the impact of these programs on clinical outcomes. We evaluated the impact of the PROTECT (Preventing Recurrence Of Thromboembolic Events through Coordinated Treatment) program on short-term vascular risk.
Journal of Stroke and Cardiovascular Diseases Volume 17, Issue 1, Pages 1-4 (January 2008)
Clinical characteristics of common carotid artery (CCA) stenosis have been reported relatively rarely, compared with those of internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis. The current retrospective study aimed to clarify the symptomatology of CCA stenosis.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:192-197, January 2008
Nine patients who presented with clinical and radiologic evidence of NPH, but refused treatment with VPS, were evaluated every 6 months for up to 2 years for progression in their clinical symptoms and changes in their SV, as measured by phase-contrast cine MR imaging (PCCMR).
Journal of Neurosurgery December 2007 Volume 107, Number 6
The authors of previous studies have shown that admission hyperglycemia or perioperative hyperglycemic events may predispose a patient to poor outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).
Journal of Neurosurgery January 2008 Volume 108, Number 1
Brain edema can increase intracranial pressure (ICP), potentially leading to ischemia, herniation, and death. Edema and elevated ICP are often treated with osmotic agents to remove water from brain tissue.
Quantitative PET with 15O provides absolute values for cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV), cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2), and oxygen extraction fraction (OEF), which are used for assessment of brain pathophysiology.
Journal of Neurosurgery December 2007 Volume 107, Number 6
The aim of this study was to explore the possibility that a hybrid aneurysm clip with polymeric jaws bonded to a metal spring could provide mechanical properties comparable to those of an all-metal clip as well as diminished artifacts on computed tomography (CT) scanning.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases 2008;197:266-269
Tickborne encephalitis (TBE) virus infections can be asymptomatic or cause moderate to severe injuries of the central nervous system. Why some individuals develop severe disease is unknown, but a role for host genetic factors has been suggested.
Clinical Endocrinology, Volume 68, Number 2, February 2008 , pp. 206-212(7)
Several studies have reported a high prevalence of hypopituitarism after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Risk stratification is a prerequisite for cost-effective hormonal screening of these patients. However, it is still unclear which risk factors predispose patients to develop anterior hypopituitarism after TBI.
Journal of Neurosurgery December 2007 Volume 107, Number 6
Ruptured blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) of the internal carotid artery (ICA) are potentially dangerous lesions because of the high risk of intraoperative bleeding associated with their wide fragile neck. The authors discuss cases in which BBAs were treated endovascularly during the chronic stage and report a case in which a ruptured BBA of the ICA was successfully treated in the acute phase with stent-assisted coil embolization and a subsequent stent-within-a-stent procedure.
Chronic treatment with antiepileptic medication is associated with reduced bone mineral density (BMD), which may underlie the two- to sixfold increase in fracture rates observed in patients with epilepsy. The objective was to determine the timing of the BMD deficit in ambulatory children with epilepsy.
Both in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that homocysteine (Hcy) may be directly involved in the damage of motor neurons and in several pathways implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathogenesis.
A decrease of [18F]fluoro-l-dopa uptake in basal ganglia was recently reported in medically refractory epilepsy. The purpose of this study was to assess the involvement of dopaminergic neurotransmission in refractory temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and its relationship to glucose metabolism and morphologic changes.
To determine whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) white matter hyperintensities (WMH), whole-brain atrophy, and cardiovascular risk factors predict the development of cognitive decline and dementia.
A 53-year-old woman was transferred to our institution from another country for evaluation of mutism, quadriparesis, and incontinence. She had undergone hysterectomy for menorrhagia, complicated by an event characterized to the family as the patient having "died" prior to resuscitation.
The recent publication of the World Health Organization (WHO) monograph Neurological Disorders: Public Health Challenges may mark a lasting change in the way health care planners view the prevention and treatment of disorders of the nervous system. It deserves to be read by neurologists and neuroscientists around the world.
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