MedWorm: Migraine

Altered Function of the SCN1A Voltage-gated Sodium Channel Leads to {gamma}-Aminobutyric Acid-ergic (GABAergic) Interneuron Abnormalities [Molecular Bases Of Disease]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:36:04 +0100

Voltage-gated sodium channels are required for the initiation and propagation of action potentials. Mutations in the neuronal voltage-gated sodium channel SCN1A are associated with a growing number of disorders including generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+),7 severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy, and familial hemiplegic migraine. To gain insight into the effect of SCN1A mutations on neuronal excitability, we introduced the human GEFS+ mutation SCN1A-R1648H into the orthologous mouse gene. Scn1aRH/RH mice homozygous for the R1648H mutation exhibit spontaneous generalized seizures and premature death between P16 and P26, whereas Scn1aRH/+ heterozygous mice exhibit infrequent spontaneous generalized seizures, reduced threshold and accelerated propagation of febrile seizures...

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Emergency retinal pallor

Emergency Medicine Journal — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:45:06 +0100

(Source: Emergency Medicine Journal)

Spontaneous pneumocephalus

Emergency Medicine Journal — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:45:06 +0100

(Source: Emergency Medicine Journal)

Can Adults Have ADHD?

Psych Central — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:33:15 +0100

Attention deficit disorder is not just a childhood disorder. Adults can be diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADHD) as well. Sometimes this is a result of the person’s childhood ADHD progressing into adulthood (up to 70 percent of children will continue to struggle with ADHD as adults). Other times, an adult can either simply never been diagnosed as a child, or develop the disorder later on in life. Adult attention deficit disorder looks a lot like childhood attention deficit disorder. That shouldn’t come as a surprise, since the symptoms are largely the same. If you answer “Yes” to six or more of the below symptoms, you may have adult ADHD: Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in course work, work, or other activities ...

Adherence to Acute Migraine Medication: What Does It Mean, Why Does It Matter?

Medscape Today Headlines — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:10:18 +0100

Why do migraineurs frequently switch, discontinue, or delay taking effective prescription therapies such as triptans? Headache (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Progressive dysphagia, dysarthria, dystonia, and tremor

BMJ Online First — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:05:36 +0100

(Source: BMJ Online First)

[How often is the Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder (ICD-10: F48.1) diagnosed in the outpatient health-care service?]

Zeitschrift fur Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:12:02 +0100

Conclusions: According to epidemiological studies, the prevalence of depersonalization-derealization disorder is 1-2 %. We therefore conclude that F48.1 is severely underdiagnosed. Increased awareness for the detection of F48.1 and further health care research are urgently warranted. PMID: 20229493 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Zeitschrift fur Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie)

Lack of benefit for prophylactic drugs of tension-type headache in adults: a systematic review

Family Practice — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:41:56 +0100

Conclusions. Overall, antidepressants were no more effective on headache intensity or frequency and analgesic use than placebo. Propranolol seemed to have negative effects on depression in TTH patients when compared with placebo or biofeedback. No evidence was found for the use of muscle relaxants alone or 5-HT receptor agonist. (Source: Family Practice)

Michael Agus reports on his final days in Haiti

Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:02:42 +0100

by Michael Agus, MD, director of Children’s Medicine Critical Care Program. Agus is currently in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where he’s treating patients and sending us updates by email. Day 10 I wasn’t supposed to work the day today because I now have to start working nights since there is a few days’ gap in the night pediatric physician coverage. But after a good night’s sleep, and with two intubated patients in the pediatric tents with no other intensivist on site, I felt like I should go for morning rounds, set a plan for the day and then sleep on the hospital grounds to rest up for the night. At first glance, the tents seemed quiet. I, as well as the residents and nurses, wandered in and out over the next few hours and both ventilated patients were stable. I had hoped...

Intracranial carotid artery dissection

Postgraduate Medical Journal — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:07:51 +0100

(Source: Postgraduate Medical Journal)

Transdermal patch in development stages may prove beneficial in migraine treatment

Drug Topics - Clinical News — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Data from the Phase III trial of Zelrix, a transdermal patch under development by NuPathe Inc. for management of acute migraine, showed the patch met the primary efficacy endpoint. (Source: Drug Topics - Clinical News)

Does the addition of dexamethasone to standard therapy for acute migraine headache decrease the incidence of recurrent headache for patients treated in the emergency department: a meta-analysis and systematic review of the literature

NeLM - Drug Specific Reviews — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The objectives and inclusion criteria of the review were clear. Relevant sources were searched without restriction by language or publication status. Steps were taken to minimise bias and error by having more than one reviewer independently conduct study selection, validity assessment and data extraction. Appropriate statistical methods were used to combine studies and to assess for heterogeneity and publication bias. Potential biases and sources of confounding were well addressed in the text. Although the trials were small, they were of acceptable ... (Source: NeLM - Drug Specific Reviews)

Researchers ID brain abnormalities in children exposed to methamphetamine in utero

UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:00:00 +0100

In this study, we show that the effects of prenatal meth exposure, or the combination of meth and alcohol exposure, may actually be worse, and our findings stress the importance of seeking drug-abuse treatment for pregnant women." In particular, said Sowell, a structure in the brain called the caudate nucleus, which is important for learning and memory, motor control, and punishment and reward, was one of the regions that was more reduced by methamphetamine than alcohol exposure. Of the more than 16 million Americans over the age of 12 who have used methamphetamine, about 19,000 have been pregnant women, according to 2002–04 data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. "About half of women who say they used meth during pregnancy also used alcohol," ...

The painful price of migraine pills

The Irish Times - Health — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:30:19 +0100

The prohibitive cost of migraine medication is causing sufferers to think twice before reaching for their pain relief, writesFIONA REDDAN (Source: The Irish Times - Health)

Is melatonin effective for preventing cluster headache?

NeLM - Medicines Q & A — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Wessex Drug and Medicines Information Centre Area: Evidence > Medicines Q & A . Cluster headaches are classified as primary headaches within the group of trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TAC). They occur as either Episodic Cluster Headache (ECH) or Chronic Cluster Headache (CCH). The excruciating pain suffered during attacks, causes a poor quality of life. . CH tends to be seasonal. Attacks may also occur at the same time each day and about two-thirds of patients suffer CH during sleep. . The naturally occurring hormone melatonin is associated with the control of circadian rhythms and entrainment to the light-dark cycle. Physiologically, melatonin secretion increases soon after the onset of darkness. . Decreased nocturnal secr...

Transdermal patch in development stages may prove beneficial in migraine treatment

Drug Topics - Pharmacy News — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Review: Medication-overuse headache

NeLM - News — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Lancet Neurology Area: News In this review in Lancet Neurology on medication-overuse headache (MOH), defined as a headache induced by the overuse of analgesics, triptans, or other acute headache compounds, the following topics are addressed: . Epidemiological and socioeconomic aspects . Clinical picture: classification criteria, syndromatic features, co-morbidities, types of medications overused, complications . Pathophysiology . Withdrawal treatment: withdrawal procedure, treatment of withdrawal headache, prognosis after withdrawal therapy . MOH in children and adolescents (Source: NeLM - News)

Review: Voltage-gated sodium channels as therapeutic targets in epilepsy and other neurological disorders

NeLM - News — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Lancet Neurology Area: News There is a growing body of data that implicates abnormal expression and function of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) in common neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, migraine, neurodegenerative diseases, and neuropathic pain. In this review in Lancet Neurology, the authors summarise the emerging evidence for a central role of VGSCs in the pathophysiology of these disorders and examine the efficacy of antiepileptic VGSC blockers in their treatment. Future developments that might extend the therapeutic use of compounds that target VGSCs are also discussed. (Source: NeLM - News)

Device Provides Sustained Pain Relief for Migraines With Aura

Modern Medicine — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

A handheld device that delivers pulses of transcranial magnetic stimulation provides sustained pain relief for acute migraines with aura, according to a study published in the April issue of The Lancet Neurology. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Primary Transcatheter Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Is Effective in Improving Migraine in Patients With High-Risk Anatomic and Functional Characteristics for Paradoxical Embolism

Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Interventions — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:59:21 +0100

Conclusions Primary transcatheter PFO closure resulted in a very significant reduction in migraine in patients satisfying our criteria. (Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Interventions)

Patent Foramen Ovale Closure for Migraine Prevention: The Subject Is Still Open

Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Interventions — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:59:21 +0100

(Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Interventions)

Pearls & Oy-sters: Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias

Neurology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:00:56 +0100

(Source: Neurology)

The clinical conundrum of convexal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Neurology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:00:56 +0100

(Source: Neurology)

Atraumatic convexal subarachnoid hemorrhage: Clinical presentation, imaging patterns, and etiologies

Neurology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:00:56 +0100

Conclusion: Convexal subarachnoid hemorrhage is an important subtype of nonaneurysmal subarachnoid bleeding with diverse etiologies, though a reversible vasoconstriction syndrome appears to be a common cause in patients 60 years or younger whereas amyloid angiopathy is frequent in patients over 60. These observations require confirmation in future studies. (Source: Neurology)

Frequent headaches in the preadolescent pediatric population: A population-based study

Neurology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:00:56 +0100

Conclusion: High-frequency episodic headaches and chronic daily headaches are common in the preadolescent pediatric population. Health care providers and educators should be aware of the magnitude of the problem to properly identify and treat children with headaches. (Source: Neurology)

Clinical reasoning: a 22-year-old woman with headache and diplopia

Neurology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:00:56 +0100

(Source: Neurology)

Temporal response to bupivacaine bilateral great occipital block in a patient with SUNCT syndrome

The Journal of Headache and Pain — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:56:19 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorDOI 10.1007/s10194-010-0204-5Authors Jesús Porta-Etessam, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Carlos Headache Unit, Neurology Department Madrid SpainMaria L. Cuadrado, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Carlos Headache Unit, Neurology Department Madrid SpainLucía Galán, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Carlos Neurology Department Madrid SpainArturo Sampedro, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Carlos Neurology Department Madrid SpainCristina Valencia, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Carlos Neurology Department Madrid Spain Journal The Journal of Headache and PainOnline ISSN 1129-2377Print ISSN 1129-2369 (Source: The Journal of Headache and Pain)

Eye Health and Safety Should Be Job One

MedicineNet Migraine General — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Eye Health and Safety Should Be Job OneCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/13/2010 10:10:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 3/15/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Migraine General)

Treatment of Cluster Headache in Pregnancy and Lactation

Current Pain and Headache Reports — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:32:12 +0100

Abstract Cluster headache (CH) is a neurovascular headache syndrome characterized by headache attacks that occur with a circadian and circannual periodicity. The calculated prevalence of CH in reproductive-aged women is 7.5 of 100,000 women. Although data suggest that CH during pregnancy is a relatively rare condition, when it does occur, attacks remain unchanged in character and severity in the majority of patients. Thus, treatment of CH in pregnant and lactating women may remain a significant therapeutic challenge. This manuscript briefly reviews the epidemiology of CH in women, and then focuses on treatment options for both acute and preventative management of CH in pregnant and lactating women. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11916-010-0102-1Authors Anne...

Pseudomeningocele induced transient loss of consciousness in Marfan syndrome

Internal Medicine Journal — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This article includes a case report of a 31-year-old woman, who presented with recurrent transient loss of consciousness thought to be secondary to acute changes in intracranial pressure transmitted from a pseudomeningocele. (Source: Internal Medicine Journal)

Are migraineurs at increased risk of adverse drug responses: a meta-analytic comparison of topiramate-related adverse drug reactions in epilepsy and migraine

NeLM - Patient Safety — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The objectives of the review were clear but the inclusion criteria did not seem consistent with the objectives, as they appeared to exclude (for example) comparisons of topiramate for epilepsy versus placebo. Relevant sources were searched for studies but the restriction to studies published in English, which meant that the review was prone to language and publication biases. Steps were taken to minimise the risk of reviewer bias and error, as more than one reviewer independently selected studies and assessed study validity, but it is ... (Source: NeLM - Patient Safety)

Transdermal patch in development stages may prove beneficial in migraine treatment

Modern Medicine — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

[Reflection and Reaction] Single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation: a new way to treat migraine attacks with aura

Lancet Neurology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Migraine is a prevalent disease that leads to considerable suffering and work loss in the most productive years of life. Acute migraine attacks can be treated with simple or combination analgesics or triptans. However, not all attacks respond to acute treatment, some patients with migraine have contraindications to triptans, such as vascular diseases or pregnancy, and triptans are not effective or approved during the aura phase of a migraine attack. Therefore, non-medical treatments of acute migraine attacks are needed. (Source: Lancet Neurology)

[In Context] Lifeline: Stefan Evers

Lancet Neurology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Stefan Evers obtained his MD in medicine and PhD in musicology at the University of Münster, Germany. After training in general neurology, including 1 year of research at the UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK, he became professor of neurology and consultant at the Department of Neurology, University of Münster. His special interests include headache, epilepsy, stroke, neuro-AIDS, and the physiology of music. (Source: Lancet Neurology)

[Articles] Single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation for acute treatment of migraine with aura: a randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, sham-controlled trial

Lancet Neurology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Preliminary work suggests that single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (sTMS) could be effective as a treatment for migraine. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a new portable sTMS device for acute treatment of migraine with aura. (Source: Lancet Neurology)

[Review] Clinical features, pathophysiology, and treatment of medication-overuse headache

Lancet Neurology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Medication-overuse headache (MOH) is a chronic headache disorder defined by the International Headache Society as a headache induced by the overuse of analgesics, triptans, or other acute headache compounds. The population-based prevalence of MOH is 0·7% to 1·7%. Most patients with MOH have migraine as their primary headache and overuse triptans or simple analgesics. The pathophysiology of MOH is still unknown. As well as psychological mechanisms such as operant conditioning, changes in endocrinological homoeostasis and neurophysiological changes have been observed in patients with MOH. Recently, a genetic susceptibility has been postulated. In most cases, treatment of MOH consists of abrupt withdrawal therapy and then initiation of an appropriate preventive drug therapy. There is no cle...

[Review] Voltage-gated sodium channels as therapeutic targets in epilepsy and other neurological disorders

Lancet Neurology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are key mediators of intrinsic neuronal and muscle excitability. Abnormal VGSC activity is central to the pathophysiology of epileptic seizures, and many of the most widely used antiepileptic drugs, including phenytoin, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine, are inhibitors of VGSC function. These antiepileptic drugs might also be efficacious in the treatment of other nervous system disorders, such as migraine, multiple sclerosis, neurodegenerative diseases, and neuropathic pain. In this Review, we summarise the structure and function of VGSCs and their involvement in the pathophysiology of several neurological disorders. We also describe the biophysical and molecular bases for the mechanisms of action of antiepileptic VGSC blockers and discuss the efficacy of...

Small cell carcinoma of the brain without extracranial involvement by serial CT, MRI and PET.

International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:24:03 +0100

Authors: Terada T The author reports herein a case of small cell carcinoma of the brain without extracranial tumors by serial imaging modalities. A 75-year-old man presented with headache. Brain CT and MRI revealed a solitary cystic tumor (5 x 6 x 7 cm) in the left occipital lobe. Blood laboratory test revealed no significant findings. Preoperative diagnosis was a primary or metastatic brain tumor. Preoperative systemic examinations including CT, MRI and PET revealed no extracranial tumors. Tumorectomy was performed. Pathologically, the tumor was small cell carcinoma positive for four types of pancytokeratins, cytokeratin (CK) 7, CK 18, thyroid transcriptional factor-1 (TTF-1), CD56, chromogranin, synaptophysin, neuron-specific enolase, p53 protein, KIT, PDGFRA, and Ki-67 antigen (labe...

Haiti update from Michael Agus, MD: Days 4-6

Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:30:11 +0100

by Michael Agus, MD – director of Children’s Medicine Critical Care Program Day 4 The day started with a proud smile and high five from the HUEH resident who wryly bragged, “I told you I wouldn’t need all that airway equipment.” The child had been safely transported and the surgeon had successfully removed the pebble from her trachea. The routine has begun to set in at this point, but admissions were few on this Sunday. The weather, which had until now been in the 70s with scattered rain, hit the 80s with strong sun. With this change, the temperature in the interior of the medical tents rose to above 100F with extremely high humidity. Slight fevers are no longer clinically significant, standard intravenous fluid calculations no longer apply. Thanks to the NGOs, drinking water...

Protect The Head And Prevent Traumatic Brain Injury

Headache / Migraine News From Medical News Today — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

One of the most common questions I am asked after someone hits their head is, "How serious is this bump on my head and should I make an appointment?" Head injuries are the result of trauma to the scalp, skull or brain. Concussion, the most common type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), is an injury that occurs after a blow to the head and results in a temporary loss of consciousness... (Source: Headache / Migraine News From Medical News Today)

Associations between sleep disturbance and primary headaches: the third Nord-Trøndelag Health Study

The Journal of Headache and Pain — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:14:41 +0100

In conclusion, there was a significant association between severe sleep disturbances and primary headache disorders, most pronounced for those with chronic headache. Even though one cannot address causality in the present study design, the results indicate an increased awareness of sleep problems among patients with headache. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory OriginalDOI 10.1007/s10194-010-0201-8Authors Siv Steinsmo Ødegård, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), MTFS Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine 7489 Trondheim NorwayMorten Engstrøm, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), MTFS Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine 7489 Trondheim NorwayTrond Sand, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), MTFS Departme...

Diagnostic criteria for CADASIL in the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-II): are they appropriate?

The Journal of Headache and Pain — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:14:40 +0100

Abstract We reviewed the characteristics of headache in patients with cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), to verify the appropriateness of the International Classification of Headache Disorders, second edition (ICHD-II) criteria. Available data were found through Medline/PubMed using the keyword “cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL)”. The search was restricted to studies published in English in the years between 1993 and 2008. We excluded studies that did not report original data on CADASIL and information regarding the presence of headache. We found 34 studies reporting data on 749 patients overall; 387 (51.7%) patients had headache. Accord...

VA working on 'Aviva' - next generation of VistA

Healthcare IT News — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:49:28 +0100

The Department of Veterans Affairs is at work on the next generation of VistA, its 20-plus year-old electronic medical record system, which is often praised by users but considered a headache to planners working to bring VA health systems fully into the Internet age. The new system - dubbed Aviva - is designed to be Web-enabled, modular and capable of easily exchanging health records with other EMRs and organizations using standards built for the Nationwide Health Information Network (NHIN). (Source: Healthcare IT News)

Prospective analysis of neuropsychiatric events in an international disease inception cohort of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:10:36 +0100

Conclusions NP events in patients with SLE are of variable frequency, most commonly present early in the disease course and adversely impact patients' quality of life over time. Events attributed to non-SLE causes are more common than those due to SLE, although the latter have a more favourable outcome. (Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases)

Pill Kills Hard-to-Treat Head Lice

MedicineNet Migraine General — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Pill Kills Hard-to-Treat Head LiceCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/11/2010 10:40:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 3/11/2010 10:40:47 AM (Source: MedicineNet Migraine General)

Characteristics of patients with brain metastases from lung cancer in a palliative care center

Supportive Care in Cancer — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:41:15 +0100

Conclusion Optimization of the quality of life in its final stages requires efficient palliative care, which involves considerable psychological, sociological, technical, and financial burdens. Palliative management of brain metastases requires a multidisciplinary approach performed by a well-trained neuro-oncology team, and it is important to avoid any treatment that is harmful or has a poor toxicity/efficacy ratio to avoid inappropriate prolongation of dying. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00520-010-0838-5Authors Ryuya Yamanaka, Kurume University Research Center for Innovative Cancer Therapy, School of Medicine 67 Asahimachi Kurume Fukuoka 830-0011 JapanHatsuyo Koga, Kurume University Palliative Care Center, School of Medicine K...

PEP005 (ingenol mebutate) gel for the topical treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma: Results of a randomized phase IIa trial

Australasian Journal of Dermatology — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Two applications of ingenol mebutate gel, 0.05%, are safe and have efficacy in patients with superficial basal cell carcinoma. (Source: Australasian Journal of Dermatology)

Valproic Acid Resolves Girl's Acute Confusional Migraine

Modern Medicine — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Intravenous valproic acid was able to quickly resolve the sudden onset of acute confusional migraine in a 12-year-old girl, and the treatment approach warrants further research, according to a case report published online March 8 in Pediatrics. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Reduces Pain of Migraine With Aura

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:49:59 +0100

Electrical field could reduce corticol spreading depression involved in migraine with aura. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

A 49-year-old Man With Neck Pain, Vertigo, Headache, and Ataxia

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:17:45 +0100

Test your knowledge with this imaging case challenge of a 49-year-old man with neck pain, shoulder pain, and severe ataxia. Medscape Neurology & Neurosurgery (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Prolonged Fasting as a Method of Mood Enhancement in Chronic Pain Syndromes: A Review of Clinical Evidence and Mechanisms

Current Pain and Headache Reports — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:14:10 +0100

Abstract Periods of deliberate fasting with restriction to intake of solid food are practiced worldwide, mostly based on a traditional, cultural, or religious background. Recent evidence from clinical trials shows that medically supervised modified fasting (200–500 kcal nutritional intake/day) with periods from 7 to 21 days is efficacious in the treatment of rheumatic diseases and chronic pain syndromes. Here, fasting is frequently accompanied by increased alertness and mood enhancement. The beneficial claims of fasting are supported by experimental research, which has found fasting to be associated with increased brain availability of serotonin, endogenous opioids, and endocannabinoids. Fasting-induced neuroendocrine activation and mild cellular stress response...

A case of idiopathic low CSF pressure headache presenting as cough headache

Neurological Sciences — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:26:46 +0100

We report the case of an idiopathic low CSF pressure presenting as a cough headache. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s10072-010-0240-6Authors Angelo Nuti, Hospital of Viareggio Neurology Unit Lido di Camaiore LU ItalyFilippo Baldacci, University of Pisa Neurosciences Department Pisa ItalyClaudio Lucetti, Hospital of Viareggio Neurology Unit Lido di Camaiore LU ItalyCristina Dolciotti, Hospital of Viareggio Neurology Unit Lido di Camaiore LU ItalyGabriele Cipriani, Hospital of Viareggio Neurology Unit Lido di Camaiore LU ItalyUbaldo Bonuccelli, University of Pisa Neurosciences Department Pisa Italy Journal Neurological SciencesOnline ISSN 1590-3478Print ISSN 1590-1874 (Source: Neurological Sciences)

Frequencies of genetic polymorphisms related to triptans metabolism in chronic migraine

The Journal of Headache and Pain — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:24:45 +0100

Abstract Chronic migraine (CM) prevalence ranges around 1–5%. Most of these patients usually treat their acute attacks with triptans, whose efficacy is extremely variable. A genetic basis for migraine is evident and many susceptibility genes have been described, as well as gene polymorphisms possibly implied in therapy response. Several factors could be involved in the evolution of episodic migraine into a chronic form, such as natural history, psychiatric comorbidity, and the individual’s response to therapy. During a study aimed at detecting connections between genotype and response to triptans administration, we characterized a CM population for polymorphisms in the genes coding for monoamine oxidase A, g-protein beta 3 and the cytochromes CYP3A4 and CYP1A2. Alleles...

Treatment of migraine and tension-type headache in Croatia

The Journal of Headache and Pain — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:24:45 +0100

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the treatment patterns of migraine and tension-type headache in the Croatian population. Analysis included the proportion of patients who were taking specific antimigraine therapy and the number of tablets per attack per month, the proportion of patients who were taking prophylactic therapy or using alternative treatment methods and their satisfaction with the treatment. The design of the study was a cross-sectional survey. Self-completed questionnaires were randomly distributed to adults >18 years of age in the Croatian population. A total of 616 questionnaires were analyzed: 115 patients with migraine (M), 327 patients with tension-type headache (TTH), and 174 patients with probable migraine (PM) and TTH. Specific anti...

JinQi-Jiangtang tablet, a Chinese patent medicine, for pre-diabetes: a randomized controlled trial

Trials — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

DiscussionThe aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of JinQi JiangTang (JQJT) tablets for the treatment of patients with pre-diabetes.Trial registrationChinese clinical trials register ChiCTR-TRC-00000401 (Source: Trials)

Patients with migraine with aura have increased flow mediated dilation

BMC Neurology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study aimed at investigating whether migraine patients present an altered response to NO also in the peripheral artery system. Methods: We enrolled 21 migraineurs (10 with aura [MwA], 11 without aura [MwoA]), and 13 controls. FMD was evaluated with ultrasound in all subjects by measuring the percentage increase of the brachial artery diameter induced by hyperaemia reactive to sustained cuff inflation around the arm above systolic pressure. FMD values were then normalized for shear stress. Results: Normalized FMD values were higher in patients with MwA (28.5 10-2%.s) than in controls (9.0 10-2%.s) and patients with MwoA (13.7 10-2%.s) (p (Source: BMC Neurology)

Red Puffy Ears

New England Journal of Medicine — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

A 63-year-old man with a history of recurrent aseptic meningitis presented with fever and headache. The physical examination showed scleral injection and mild nuchal rigidity. Analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid ... (Source: New England Journal of Medicine)

Kinetics of Serum Cytokines after Primary or Repeat Vaccination with the Smallpox Vaccine

The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:36:44 +0100

Conclusions. The increased frequency and duration of symptoms observed in primary vaccine recipients, compared with revaccinated subjects, paralleled the increases in serum cytokine levels in these individuals. Trial registration. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT00325975. (Source: The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

Chronic subdural empyema and cranial vault osteomyelitis due to

Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:15:51 +0100

Bhooshan P, Shivaprakasha S, Dinesh K R, Kiran M, Karim PMSIndian Journal of Medical Microbiology 2010 28(1):60-62Intracranial infections, especially subdural empyema, due to salmonella are rare. Subdural empyema caused by Salmonella paratyphi A has been documented only once earlier in the literature. Hence, we report a case of subdural empyema and osteomyelitis of cranial vault due to S. paratyphi A. A 42- year-old male presented with headache and purulent discharge from right parietal burr hole wound site. Patient gave a history of head injury two years ago. He underwent burr hole evacuation of chronic subdural haematoma, excision of outer membrane and right parietal craniectomy. The cultures grew S. paratyphi A. Recovery was uneventful following surgical intervention and antibiotic ther...

Re:source saves NHS £2M on secure USBs

Probrand Ltd — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:40:37 +0100

Best practice best value procurement methods have saved the NHS £2M on orders of government approved Safestick USB devices thanks to technology services provider and VAR Probrand. The business was appointed sole supplier of the encrypted devices by the NHS re:source procurement hub and has been able to deliver the savings by offering the devices through its public sector specific online procurement hub, www.theITindex.co.uk/gov . This has given purchasers cashable savings and shortened the process of buying the devices. The collaboration is seeing the supply of Safestick USB devices, which provide ‘always-on’ AES256 encryption and exceed public sector information governance specifications. The news follows the recent opening of Probrand’s specialist device security depart...

Ophthalmoplegic migraine : Past, present and future

Neurology India — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:01:56 +0100

Lal VivekNeurology India 2010 58(1):15-19Ophthalmoplegic migraine (OM) is a rare disorder characterized by childhood onset, ophthalmoplegia and migraine headaches. The 3rd cranial nerve is commonly involved in recurrent attacks. Involvement of the sixth and fourth nerves is uncommon. GdMRI discloses enhancement of the nerves. Adult cases are rare and confined to case reports. A viral pathogenesis is considered to be the cause of OM in view of nerve enhancement. We look at the various aspects of OM in children and adults. (Source: Neurology India)

Dural based primary osteosarcoma in right fronto-temporal region with review of literature

Neurology India — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:01:56 +0100

We report a case of primary dural based osteosarcoma in the right fronto-temporal convexity in a 43-year-old female who presented with a short history of seizure and headache. Radiologic evaluation revealed a well defined brightly enhancing extra-axial lesion in the right fronto-temporal region with a dural tail around the sylvian fissure. The overlying bone was uninvolved. Paraffin section of the tumor showed plump cells with moderate nuclear and cellular pleomorphism with eosinophilic extracellular material (osteiod) between the cells. At a few places, lace like osteiod was seen encasing individual cells signifying osteiod being formed by tumor cells. Immunohistochemistry for EMA was focally positive and negative for S-100 protein and GFAP. A final histopathological diagnosis of dural ba...

Lateral sinus thrombosis as a complication of acute mastoiditis in children

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:30:51 +0100

We have read with great interest the recent article by Christensen et al. , which presents important clinical observations for otogenic intracranial complications. It was a well-conducted study of lateral sinus thrombosis of otitis media in children. We would like to present some comments on this problem based on our experience and literature review. Authors presented seven cases of lateral sinus thrombosis (LST) in children as complications of acute otitis media (AOM)—four cases and chronic otitis media (COM)—three cases. LST is a rare intracranial complication of otitis media which contributes to lack of clear guidelines of how to manage this entity, i.e. the time of introduction of antibiotic therapy, whether to remove clot from the sinus or to ligate internal jugular vein (IJV), et...

EFNS guidelines on the molecular diagnosis of channelopathies, epilepsies, migraine, stroke, and dementias

European Journal of Neurology — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: These guidelines are provisional, and the future availability of molecular genetic epidemiological data about the neurogenetic disorders under discussion in our article will allow improved recommendation with an increased level of evidence. (Source: European Journal of Neurology)

Papilledema as the Sole Magnetic Resonance Imaging Finding in Leptomeningeal Metastasis [Images in Neurology]

Archives of Neurology — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:50:43 +0100

(Source: Archives of Neurology)

Depressive symptoms and migraine comorbidity among pregnant Peruvian women

Journal of Affective Disorders — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:14:39 +0100

Conclusion:: This is the first report of a cross-sectional association between migraine and depressive symptoms in pregnant women. If our findings are confirmed, pregnant women with a history of migraine may benefit from increased vigilance for screening and treating depressive symptoms. (Source: Journal of Affective Disorders)

Valproate for the treatment of acute bipolar depression: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Journal of Affective Disorders — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:14:31 +0100

Conclusions: Valproate is effective for the reduction of depressive symptoms of acute bipolar depression, and was well tolerated. (Source: Journal of Affective Disorders)

A genome-wide linkage study of bipolar disorder and co-morbid migraine: Replication of migraine linkage on chromosome 4q24, and suggestion of an overlapping susceptibility region for both disorders on chromosome 20p11

Journal of Affective Disorders — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:14:31 +0100

Abstract: Migraine and Bipolar Disorder (BPAD) are clinically heterogeneous disorders of the brain with a significant, but complex, genetic component. Epidemiological and clinical studies have demonstrated a high degree of co-morbidity between migraine and BPAD. Several genome-wide linkage studies in BPAD and migraine have shown overlapping regions of linkage on chromosomes, and two functionally similar voltage-dependent calcium channels CACNA1A and CACNA1C have been identified in familial hemiplegic migraine and recently implicated in two whole genome BPAD association studies, respectively. We hypothesized that using migraine co-morbidity to look at subsets of BPAD families in a genetic linkage analysis would prove useful in identifying genetic susceptibility regions in both of these diso...

What Causes Pharyngitis?

PediatricEducation.org — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:10:32 +0100

Discussion Sore throat caused by group A, beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GAS) is classically characterized as a patient with a constellation of various symptoms including fever, headache, emesis, sore throat, palatal petechiae, abdominal pain, sand-papery skin rash and often with a history of close contact. The rapidity of onset is relatively short but generally not characterized as rapid. Patients with upper respiratory tract symptoms or allergic symptoms including rhinitis, conjunctivitis, voice changes (e.g. raspy, croupy, laryngitic) tend to have viral etiologies for their sore throat. Differentiating between viral pharyngitis and GAS is a common conundrum. Rapid antigen testing and throat cultures assist in making the proper diagnosis, so that nonsupprative complications such as acute ...

Estrella Family Creamery Recalls Old Apple Tree Tomme Cheese Due to Possible Health Risks

Food and Drug Administration — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 03:01:00 +0100

The Estrella Family Creamery of Montesano, Washington, is recalling a production of Old Apple Tree Tomme cheese because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infections can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. (Source: Food and Drug Administration)

Migraines: Are they triggered by weather changes?

MayoClinic.com - Ask a Specialist — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 02:45:04 +0100

Can weather changes trigger migraines? Learn more. (Source: MayoClinic.com - Ask a Specialist)

Neurologists On Capitol Hill To Push For Health Care Reform

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

What: More than 100 neurologists from 40 states will be in Washington, DC, March 8-9, 2010, for "Neurology on the Hill," an event hosted by the American Academy of Neurology to educate lawmakers about the need for health care reform changes that consider neurologists and the patients they treat, including people with Alzheimer's disease, stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, migraine, concussion and autism... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Headache Medicine Advocates Take to the Hill

American Academy of Neurology — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 06:08:00 +0100

A record 49 headache advocates from 35 states descended on Washington, DC, on February 23 as part of the third annual Headache on the Hill. These dedicated advocates educated members of Congress and their staff members about the severe underfunding of headache disorders research and urged them to support increased funding for the NIH. (Source: American Academy of Neurology)

Migraines: Are they triggered by weather changes?

MayoClinic.com Full Feed — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 06:00:00 +0100

Can weather changes trigger migraines? Learn more. (Source: MayoClinic.com Full Feed)

Partially Reversible Cortical Metabolic Dysfunction in Familial Hemiplegic Migraine With Prolonged Aura

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We report a SPECT and PET voxel-based analysis of cerebral blood flow and metabolic rate for glucose in a 23-year-old woman with familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM) caused by ATP1A2 gene mutation. In comparison with healthy subjects, a PET scan showed brain glucose hypometabolism, controlaterally to the hemiplegia, in the perisylvian area early in the attack (Day 1), without any SPECT perfusion abnormalities. Decrease in metabolic rate was only partially reversible at Day 78, concordant at this time with a remaining hemisensory loss. These findings provide further evidence for a primary cortical metabolic dysfunction in FHM. (Headache 2010;[bull][bull]:[bull][bull]-[bull][bull]) (Source: Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain)

When Biotech Layoffs Come (XNPT)

BioHealth Investor — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:34:55 +0100

When conglomerates and consumer products lay off workers and employees, shareholders generally cheer the company for saving money and cutting costs by figuring out productivity measures that milk more output per employee. That leaves more income and ultimately brings more dividends down the road. But biotech firms are far from being thought of in the same light. These are growth stories and investors generally get more excited about expanding operations. So here comes XenoPort, Inc. (NASDAQ: XNPT) announcing on a Friday that HALF of its workers just won the pink-slip lotto ticket from the HR department. Today just officially became National Employee Morale Day at XenoPort. XenoPort just announced a restructuring plan today that more narrowly focuses its R&D pipeline, and one ...

Device could help relieve migraines

Nursing in Practice — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:50:13 +0100

Migraine sufferers could receive help in the form of a machine that fires a magnetic pulse to the back of the head (Source: Nursing in Practice)

Efficacy and tolerability of duloxetine in the treatment of patients with borderline personality disorder: a pilot study

Journal of Psychopharmacology — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:53:19 +0100

This study investigates duloxetine in the treatment of patients with BPD. Eighteen outpatients with a DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of BPD were treated with open-label duloxetine, 60 mg/day, for 12 weeks. Patients were assessed at baseline, week 4 and 12 with the CGI Severity item, the BPRS, the HAM-D, the HAM-A, the SOFAS, the BPD Severity Index (BPDSI) and the HSCL-90-Somatization Subscale (HSCL-90 SOM). Adverse effects were evaluated using the Dosage Record Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale. Statistics were performed with the analysis of variance. Significant P values were ≤0.05. Fourteen patients completed the study. Four patients (22.2%) discontinued treatment in the first 4 weeks because of non-compliance. A significant change was found for: BPRS, HAM-D, SOFAS, BPDSI total score and items &l...

Neurologists On Capitol Hill To Push For Health Care Reform

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:00:00 +0100

What More than 100 neurologists from 40 states will be in Washington, DC, March 8-9, 2010, for "Neurology on the Hill," an event hosted by the American Academy of Neurology to educate lawmakers about the need for health care reform changes that consider neurologists and the patients they treat, including people with Alzheimer's disease, stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, migraine, concussion and autism... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Migraines could be treated with magnetic pulses

Nursing Times Breaking News — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:08:00 +0100

Migraine sufferers have been offered new hope by a hand-held device that uses magnetic pulses to combat the chronic headaches. (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News)

Electronic Medical Records as a Research Tool: Evaluating Topiramate Use at a Headache Center

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.[mdash] Findings from our study using EMR demonstrate that physicians use topiramate at many different doses and for many off-label indications. This analysis provided important insight into our patient populations and treatment patterns. (Headache 2010;[bull][bull]:[bull][bull]-[bull][bull]) (Source: Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain)

More Evidence Supporting the Effectiveness of Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation for Cervicogenic Headache

ChiroACCESS: Tools for Better Patient Care — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

A study published in the February 2010 issue of The Spine Journal added additional evidence supporting the effectiveness of chiropractic spinal manipulation (SMT) for cervicogenic headache (CGH). (Source: ChiroACCESS: Tools for Better Patient Care)

Botox may help alleviate certain types of migraine pain

MedWire News - Dermatology — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Botulinum toxin type A injections of cosmetic doses have the potential to alleviate symptoms of imploding and ocular migraines, report researchers. (Source: MedWire News - Dermatology)

Clonazepam for Refractory Headache: Three Cases Illustrative of Benefit and Risk

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Many patients with migraine are poorly responsive to conventional preventive therapies. Comorbid anxiety and depression may contribute to headache refractoriness, but studies of headache preventives have not typically addressed the patient with psychiatric comorbidity. The author has used clonazepam empirically to treat a subgroup of headache patients with associated anxiety, who were poorly responsive to conventional preventives. The use of a benzodiazepine as a headache preventive raises concerns regarding tolerance and addiction. The author presents 3 cases that illustrate different outcomes associated with this therapy, and suggests guidelines for its use. (Headache 2010;[bull][bull]:[bull][bull]-[bull][bull]) (Source: Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain)

Selective Inhibition of 5-HT7 Receptor Reduces CGRP Release in an Experimental Model for Migraine

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.[mdash] Selective inhibition of 5-HT7 receptors partly reduced CGRP release evoked by TGES. These findings suggest that 5-HT7 receptors may play a role in the pathophysiology of migraine. (Headache 2010;[bull][bull]:[bull][bull]-[bull][bull]) (Source: Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain)

Medication Overuse Headache: Withdrawal and Prophylactic Therapeutic Regimen

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.[mdash] The protocol was generally effective, safe, and well-tolerated. The results tend to remain stable with time, and seem to be encouraging about long-term use of this therapeutic protocol on a larger number of patients suffering from MOH. (Headache 2010;[bull][bull]:[bull][bull]-[bull][bull]) (Source: Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain)

Predictability of Future Attacks by Migraineurs: A Prospective Observational Study

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.[mdash] Migraine sufferers are generally unable to predict onset of the next migraine. Lack of predictability heightens the importance of education and preparedness for a migraine attack which may also reduce fear and anxiety between attacks. (Headache 2010;[bull][bull]:[bull][bull]-[bull][bull]) (Source: Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain)

Relationship Between Childhood Physical Maltreatment and Migraine in Adolescents

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.[mdash] The results suggest that physical maltreatment is associated with migraine in adolescents and that physical maltreatment may be related to an increase in the frequency and intensity of headaches in adolescents with migraines. A history of physical maltreatment may be helpful in the treatment of adolescents suffering from migraine. (Headache 2010;[bull][bull]:[bull][bull]-[bull][bull]) (Source: Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain)

A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Acetaminophen for Treatment of Migraine Headache

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.[mdash] Acetaminophen 1000 mg, a nonprescription drug, is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for episodic and moderate migraine headache. In addition, acetaminophen generally provided a beneficial effect on associated symptoms of migraine including nausea, photophobia, phonophobia, and functional disability. (Headache 2010;[bull][bull]:[bull][bull]-[bull][bull]) (Source: Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain)

Altered Regional Brain Morphology in Patients With Chronic Facial Pain

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion.[mdash] Our data support previous findings showing that chronic pain states are display-altered brain morphology in brain regions know to be part of the pain system. (Headache 2010;[bull][bull]:[bull][bull]-[bull][bull]) (Source: Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain)

Reversible Hypohidrosis With Topiramate Therapy for Chronic Migraine

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Topiramate is an anticonvulsant medication that is widely used for migraine prophylaxis. Hypohidrosis and hyperthermia are 2 rare adverse effects of topiramate treatment, which have mainly occurred in pediatric epilepsy patients. Herein, we describe the first case of reversible hypohidrosis in an adult patient treated with topiramate for chronic migraine. (Headache 2010;[bull][bull]:[bull][bull]-[bull][bull]) (Source: Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain)

Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy and Safety of Naproxen Sodium in the Acute Treatment of Migraine

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.[mdash] The available evidence suggests that naproxen sodium is more effective but may cause more adverse events than placebo in the acute treatment of moderate to severe migraine. It is effective in reducing headache intensity, rendering pain-free at 2 hours and improving migraine-associated symptoms. However, its effectiveness relative to other active comparators needs to be better defined by appropriate head-to-head clinical trials. (Headache 2010;[bull][bull]:[bull][bull]-[bull][bull]) (Source: Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain)

Chemotherapy-induced reversible posterior leucoencephalopathy syndrome

Internal Medicine Journal — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We describe the case of a 55-year-old woman with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma, who developed clinical and radiological manifestations consistent with this syndrome as a complication of gemcitabine monotherapy. (Source: Internal Medicine Journal)

Machine 'zaps migraines away'

NHS News Feed — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:48:00 +0100

Conclusion This well-conducted, double-blind, randomised controlled trial has found promising results when using single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (sTMS) to treat people who frequently suffer from migraine with visual aura. Within two hours of the onset of symptoms, more people were pain-free when using the handheld device than those who had used an identical ‘sham’ device. Although the study has reliable results, there are a couple of things to consider when putting these findings into context: This was a phase 2 trial, which has so far compared sTMS only with no treatment in a relatively small number of people (164 completed the study). Results will need follow-up in larger phase 3 trials that compare sTMS to other active treatments for migraine (eg actual drugs rath...

A little way on libel reform | Simon Singh

Guardian Unlimited Science — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:30:00 +0100

This article was amended at 17:10 on 4 March 2010 to restore the final paragraph, which an editorial error had led to being missed from the original versionSimon SinghLawFreedom of speechMedia lawPress freedomJack StrawSimon Singhguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds (Source: Guardian Unlimited Science)

Weight Reducing and Metabolic Effects of Topiramate in Patients with Migraine – an Observational Study

Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology and Diabetes — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:23:38 +0100

Exp Clin Endocrinol DiabetesDOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1248289AbstractTopiramate is an anticonvulsant agent effective in the prophylaxis of migraine, which also induces weight reduction by an unknown mechanism. We investigated the effect of topiramate on metabolic and endocrine parameters in patients with migraine independently of any intention to lose body weight. Six patients (26–61 years old, body mass indices [BMI] 20.9–32.1 kg/m) with migraine were treated with an average dose of 100 mg topiramate/day over a period of 20 weeks. The following parameters were measured every 4–8 weeks: BMI, body fat proportion, waist and hip circumference, HOMA insulin resistance, fasting serum-/plasma concentrations of adiponectin, leptin, ghrelin, vascular endothelial growth fact...

New Hope for Migraine Patients

MedlinePlus Health News — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:00:00 +0100

Hand-held device for home use may benefit those with aura, researchers say Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Page: Migraine (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Magnetic Pulse Device Shows Promise for Migraine (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Neurology — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:43:07 +0100

A hand-held magnetic stimulation device relieved migraine pain for as long as 48 hours after a single treatment session, according to results of a randomized clinical trial. (Source: MedPage Today Neurology)

The migraine zapper that can head off pain at the press of a button

the Mail online | Health — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:17:20 +0100

The size and weight of a hair-dryer, it is held against the back of the head at the first sign of a migraine. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Migraine With Aura: Magnetic Stimulation Is A Promising Non-Drug Treatment Option

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

An article published Online First and in the April edition of The Lancet Neurology reports that a new hand-held device that delivers a magnetic pulse to the back of the head could be a promising non-invasive, non-drug treatment option for patients with migraine. This device offers efficient pain relief for up to 48 hours after treatment in some patients with migraine with aura. Treatment has to be given at the onset of symptoms. It does not cause any serious side-effects... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Migraine With Aura: Magnetic Stimulation Is A Promising Non-Drug Treatment Option

Headache / Migraine News From Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

An article published Online First and in the April edition of The Lancet Neurology reports that a new hand-held device that delivers a magnetic pulse to the back of the head could be a promising non-invasive, non-drug treatment option for patients with migraine. This device offers efficient pain relief for up to 48 hours after treatment in some patients with migraine with aura... (Source: Headache / Migraine News From Medical News Today)

Portable Device May Relieve Migraine Pain

MedicineNet Senior Health General — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Portable Device May Relieve Migraine PainCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/4/2010 11:05:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 3/4/2010 11:05:10 AM (Source: MedicineNet Senior Health General)

Migraine Pain May Be Relieved Via Portable Device

eMedicineHealth.com — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Portable Device May Relieve Migraine Pain (Source: eMedicineHealth.com)

Portable Device May Relieve Migraine Pain

MedicineNet Migraine General — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Portable Device May Relieve Migraine PainCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/4/2010 11:05:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 3/4/2010 11:05:10 AM (Source: MedicineNet Migraine General)

Portable Device May Relieve Migraine Pain

MedicineNet Depression General — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Portable Device May Relieve Migraine PainCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/4/2010 11:05:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 3/4/2010 11:05:10 AM (Source: MedicineNet Depression General)

Gadget may offer migraine relief

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:33:34 +0100

A new hand-held device which emits a magnetic pulse could offer pain relief to people who suffer from serious migraines. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Portable Device May Relieve Migraine Pain

WebMD Health — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:03:03 +0100

A handheld device that magnetically zaps pain may be a promising new treatment for patients with a common type of migraine. (Source: WebMD Health)

Magnetic pulse relief for migraines

The Independent - Science — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:01 +0100

A hand-held device that fires a magnetic pulse to the back of the head may offer new hope to migraine sufferers, research suggests. (Source: The Independent - Science)

Magnetic stimulation device treats migraine

OnMedica Latest News — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

New device is safe and effective potential home treatment for migraineRelated items from OnMedicaCollar and rest best for recent-onset cervical radiculopathyMRI can predict brain activity Blood pressure drugs may reduce risk of dementiaGP leader warns against 'political meddling' Government confirms NICE is to choose QOF indicators (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Paper round: Thursday

OnMedica Latest News — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Cervical cancer examinations, McDonalds and Weight Watchers join forces, and moreRelated items from OnMedicaStart radiotherapy quickly after breast cancer surgeryFirst strategy for adults with autism launched Single handed GPs earn the mostVirgin enters GP healthcare businessMagnetic stimulation device treats migraine (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Ca(V)2.1 channelopathies.

Pflugers Archiv : European Journal of Physiology — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Pietrobon D Mutations in the CACNA1A gene that encodes the pore-forming alpha(1) subunit of human voltage-gated Ca(V)2.1 (P/Q-type) Ca(2+) channels cause several autosomal-dominant neurologic disorders, including familial hemiplegic migraine type 1 (FHM1), episodic ataxia type 2, and spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6). For each channelopathy, the review describes the disease phenotype as well as the functional consequences of the disease-causing mutations on recombinant human Ca(V)2.1 channels and, in the case of FHM1 and SCA6, on neuronal Ca(V)2.1 channels expressed at the endogenous physiological level in knockin mouse models. The effects of FHM1 mutations on cortical spreading depression, the phenomenon underlying migraine aura, and on cortical excitatory and inhibitory s...

Magnetic pulses device helps treat migraine pain

CTV Health — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:36:59 +0100

A hand-held device that delivers magnetic pulses to the head could be a promising new way to treat the crushing pain of migraine headaches, new research suggests. (Source: CTV Health)

The Relationship Between Mental and Physical Health

Psych Central — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:58:37 +0100

People with depression often have worse physical health, as well as worse self-perceived health, than those without depression. Depression and other physical health conditions have separate but additive effects on well-being. For example, the combination of heart disease and depression can cause twice the reduction in social interaction than either condition alone. Patients with both depression and physical health problems are at particular risk: The physical problem can complicate depression’s assessment and treatment by masking or mimicking its symptoms. It can work the other way as well. People with any chronic physical disease tend to feel more psychological distress than do healthy people. Poor physical health brings an increased risk of depression, as do the social and relati...

Resection of the nerves bundle from the sphenopalatine ganglia tend to increase the infarction volume following middle cerebral artery occlusion

Neurological Sciences — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:51:33 +0100

This study was aimed to investigate the effects of resection of the nerves bundle from the SPG of rat on the brain lesions following middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), and evaluated the roles of the nitric oxygen synthase (NOS) immunoreactive perivascular nerves of cerebral arteries in MCAO. We found that 7 days after bilateral resections of the nerves bundle from the SPG, the NOS activity perivascular nerves in the middle cerebral arteries disappeared, and the infarction volume and the TUNEL positive cells increased significantly after 24 h MCAO, which implicated that the NOS contained nerves from the SPG maybe have an important role in the MCAO. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s10072-010-0238-0Authors Su Diansan, Shanghai Jiaot...

Imaging results in a consecutive series of 530 new patients in the Birmingham Headache Service

Journal of Neurology — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:50:41 +0100

Abstract Guidelines recommend imaging only headache patients with sinister features in the history or on examination. We prospectively collected data on imaging newly presenting patients to a UK headache service. CT and MRI results were classified as normal or showing an insignificant or significant abnormality. Over 5 years, 3,655 new patients (69% female; mean age 42.0 years) with headache disorders were seen. Five hundred thirty (14.5%) underwent imaging with large differences in the proportion referred by each consultant. There were more insignificant abnormalities on MRI (46%) than CT (28%). There were 11 significantly abnormal results (2.1% of those imaged). Significant abnormalities were found in patients diagnosed with migraine in 1.2% and in 0.9% of thos...

Fear of Pain as a Prognostic Factor in Chronic Pain: Conceptual Models, Assessment, and Treatment Implications

Current Pain and Headache Reports — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:07:53 +0100

This article summarizes current understanding of the role of pain-related fear in the onset of acute pain incidents, the transition of acute pain to chronic, and the pain severity and disability of patients with ongoing chronic pain conditions. Treatments demonstrated to reduce pain-related fear are presented, evidence demonstrating their efficacy at reducing disability and pain severity are summarized, and recent criticisms of the fear-avoidance model and future directions are considered. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11916-010-0094-xAuthors Dennis C. Turk, University of Washington Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine Box 356540 Seattle WA 98195 USAHilary D. Wilson, University of Washington Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine Box 356540 Seattle WA 98...

Chronic Pain in Torture Victims

Current Pain and Headache Reports — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:07:53 +0100

Abstract Torture is widely practiced throughout the world. Recent studies indicate that 50% of all countries, including 79% of the G-20 countries, continue to practice systematic torture despite a universal ban. It is well known that torture has numerous physical, psychological, and pain-related sequelae that can inflict a devastating and enduring burden on its victims. Health care professionals, particularly those who specialize in the treatment of chronic pain, have an obligation to better understand the physical and psychological effects of torture. This review highlights the epidemiology, classification, pain sequelae, and clinical treatment guidelines of torture victims. In addition, the role of pharmacologic and psychologic interventions is explored in the context of...

Health Tip: Treating a Sinus Headache

MedicineNet Migraine General — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Health Tip: Treating a Sinus HeadacheCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/2/2010 10:10:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 3/3/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Migraine General)

Health Tip: Treating a Sinus Headache

MedicineNet Asthma General — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Health Tip: Treating a Sinus HeadacheCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/2/2010 10:10:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 3/3/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Asthma General)

Long-Term Evolution of Chronic Daily Headache With Medication Overuse in the General Population

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.[mdash] After 4 years, almost 60% of subjects did not fulfill CDHwMO criteria and their QoL was also improved. This justifies public health interventions that should include recommendations on a judicious use of symptomatic medications together with an early use of preventatives. (Headache 2010;[bull][bull]:[bull][bull]-[bull][bull]) (Source: Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain)

Predicting migraine responsiveness to botulinum toxin type A injections

NHS Evidence - Neurological conditions - News — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:12:18 +0100

(Source: NHS Evidence - Neurological conditions - News)

Health Tip: Treating a Sinus Headache

MedlinePlus Health News — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:00:00 +0100

Suggestions that may help ease the pain Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Headache, Sinusitis (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Resilience: A New Paradigm for Adaptation to Chronic Pain

Current Pain and Headache Reports — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:07:52 +0100

Abstract Chronic pain is an affliction that affects a large proportion of the general population and is often accompanied by a myriad of negative emotional, cognitive, and physical effects. However, current pain adaptation paradigms do not account for the many chronic pain patients who demonstrate little or no noticeable impairment due to the effects of chronic pain. This paper offers resilience as an integrative perspective that can illuminate the traits and mechanisms underlying the sustainability of a good life and recovery from distress for individuals with chronic pain. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11916-010-0095-9Authors John A. Sturgeon, Arizona State University Psychology Department 950 South McAllister Tempe AZ 85287-1104 USAAlex J. Zautra, Arizon...

Intravenous Lidocaine and Mexiletine in the Management of Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias

Current Pain and Headache Reports — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:07:51 +0100

Abstract Lidocaine and mexiletine are class 1B antiarrhythmic drugs that act on sodium channels. Lidocaine is also an important anesthetic and topical agent that is useful in the treatment of multiple pain disorders, and mexiletine is commonly used for neuropathic pain and myotonia. Both intravenous lidocaine and mexiletine are increasingly used to treat pain syndromes and appear to be particularly effective in neuropathic pain. This suggests a role for these agents in patients with headache disorders. This article describes the role of intravenous lidocaine and mexiletine in the management of headache and trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias based on the published literature to date and provides practical guidelines for their use. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/...

Role of Sphenopalatine Ganglion Neuroablation in the Management of Cluster Headache

Current Pain and Headache Reports — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:07:49 +0100

Abstract Cluster headache is a primary neurovascular headache. It is a strictly unilateral head pain that is associated with cranial autonomic symptoms and usually follows circadian and circannual patterns. Chronic cluster headache, which accounts for about 10% to 15% of patients with cluster headache, lacks the circadian pattern and is often resistant to pharmacological management. The sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG), located in the pterygopalatine fossa, is involved in the pathophysiology of cluster headache and has been a target for blocks and other surgical approaches. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of the SPG was shown to have encouraging results in those patients with intractable cluster headaches. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11916-010-0100-3Auth...

Unusual Manifestations of Bilateral Carotid Artery Dissection: Dysphagia and Hoarseness

Dysphagia — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:01:39 +0100

Abstract Dissection of the carotid artery can occur intracranially or extracranially, although dissections tend to affect extracranial segments of the arteries much more commonly than intracranial segments. Carotid artery dissection (CAD) is most common in middle-aged women. Although not completely known, the main risk factors related to carotid artery dissection are genetic and environmental factors, traumatic events, cervical manipulation, migraine, recent infections, hyperhomocysteinemia, and hereditary connective tissue disorders. Although some cases of bilateral internal CAD have been reported, spontaneous bilateral dissections are rare. Prolonged hoarseness is usually due to using the voice either too much, too loudly, or improperly over an extended period of time. D...

Primary Care Doctors Ordering Unnecessary Scans

MedicineNet Migraine General — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Primary Care Doctors Ordering Unnecessary ScansCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/1/2010 4:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 3/2/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Migraine General)

Effect of Intravenous Lidocaine on Manifestations of Fibromyalgia

Pain Practice — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The addition of 240 mg intravenous lidocaine (once a week) to 25 mg amitriptyline for 4 weeks did not modify pain intensity or manifestations in patients with fibromyalgia compared with amitriptyline alone. (Source: Pain Practice)

Long-Term Pain Relief in Patients with Cervicogenic Headaches after Pulsed Radiofrequency Application into the Lateral Atlantoaxial (C1-2) Joint Using an Anterolateral Approach

Pain Practice — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We present a retrospective study, including 86 patients who had undergone lateral C1-2 joint pulsed radiofrequency application, for cervicogenic headache in a single pain center from March 2007 to December 2008. The percentage of patients who had [ge]50% pain relief at 2 months, 6 months, and 1 year were 50% (43/86), 50% (43/86), and 44.2% (38/86), respectively. Long-term pain relief at 6 months and 1 year were predicted reliably by [ge]50% pain relief at 2 months (P < 0.001). Apart from 1 patient that complained of increased severity of occipital headache lasting several hours, we had no other reported complications. (Source: Pain Practice)

Perimenstrual Eletripan Prevents Menstrual Migraine: An Open-Label Study

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.[mdash] Among patients with prospectively identified MM, eletriptan 20 mg 3 times daily effectively reduced MM. A significant reduction in headache activity occurred for 53% of patients. (Headache 2010;[bull][bull]:[bull][bull]-[bull][bull]) (Source: Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain)

A Prospective Comparison Between ICHD-II and Probability Menstrual Migraine Diagnostic Criteria

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.[mdash] Prospective headache diaries are needed to diagnose MM. A probability-based method, which considers the chance occurrence of headaches during the menstrual cycle, identifies fewer women as having menstrually related migraine compared with the diary-based methods recommended by the current ICHD-II candidate criteria. (Headache 2010;[bull][bull]:[bull][bull]-[bull][bull]) (Source: Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain)

Investigating the Association Between Childhood Physical Abuse and Migraine

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.[mdash] This study found a stable association between childhood physical abuse and migraine that persisted when 6 clusters of potentially confounding factors were adjusted for. Future research should investigate possible mechanisms which explain the abuse[ndash]migraine association. (Headache 2010;[bull][bull]:[bull][bull]-[bull][bull]) (Source: Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain)

Characteristics of Menstrual vs Nonmenstrual Migraine: A Post Hoc, Within-Woman Analysis of the Usual-Care Phase of a Nonrandomized Menstrual Migraine Clinical Trial

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.[mdash] Post hoc, within-woman analysis of migraine treatment episodes categorized based on International Headache Society criteria showed that menstrual treatment episodes were more impairing, longer lasting, and more likely to relapse than nonmenstrual treatment episodes in this selected population of women with frequent menstrual migraine. The current analysis indicates that most of the variability in these outcomes is due to differences between headache types and not within-patient differences for a given type of headache, suggesting that menstrual episodes are potentially treatable. These findings underscore the differences between menstrual and nonmenstrual episodes of migraine and the need to offer effective migraine treatment to women. (Headache 2010;[bull][bull]:[bull]...

Double-blind study of pardoprunox, a new partial dopamine agonist, in early Parkinson's disease

Movement Disorders — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study examined the efficacy and safety of the partial dopamine agonist, pardoprunox (SLV308), in the treatment of patients with early Parkinson's disease (PD). Patients were randomized to receive pardoprunox (n = 69) or placebo (n = 70). Pardoprunox was titrated to each patient's optimal dose (9-45 mg/d) over 2 to 6 weeks and then maintained at this dose for a further 3 weeks. Concomitant anti-Parkinson treatment was not permitted. In the primary analysis, Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS)-Motor score was improved in pardoprunox-treated patients (overall mean dose 23.8 mg/d; -7.3 points), as compared with placebo (-3.0 points; P = 0.0001), from baseline to end point. At end point, there were more responders ([ge]30% reduction in UPDRS-Motor score) in the pardoprunox group (50.7%) than i...

A Phase I Pharmacologic Study of Necitumumab (IMC-11F8), a Fully Human IgG1 Monoclonal Antibody Directed Against EGFR in Patients with Advanced Solid Malignancies.

Clinical Cancer Research — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Well tolerated, necitumumab is associated with preliminary evidence of antitumor activity, and achieves biologically relevant concentrations throughout the dosing period. The recommended dose of necitumumab for further clinical development is 800 mg (flat dose) weekly or every 2 weeks based on the clinical setting. Clin Cancer Res; 16(6); 1915-23. PMID: 20197484 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Cancer Research)

Natural History of Concussion in Sport: Markers of Severity and Implications for Management

The American Journal of Sports Medicine — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:18:05 +0100

Conclusion Delayed return to sport was associated with initially greater symptom load, prolonged headache, or subjective concentration deficits. Cognitive testing recovery varied, taking 2 to 3 days longer for computerized tests, suggesting greater sensitivity to impairment. Therefore, symptom assessment alone may be predictive of but may underestimate time to complete recovery, which may be better estimated with computerized cognitive testing. (Source: The American Journal of Sports Medicine)

Natural History of Concussion in Sport: Markers of Severity and Implications for Management

The American Journal of Sports Medicine — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:18:05 +0100

Chronic daily headache in adolescents: an 8-year follow-up study

Neurology — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:00:04 +0100

(Source: Neurology)

Coexistence between meningioma and tuberculosis: case report

Journal of Neuro-Oncology — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:09:25 +0100

Abstracts Intracranial tuberculoma generally presents as either solitary or multiple lesions in the brain parenchyma. These are characterized by a ring-enhancing area on either computerized tomography scans or magnetic resonance images. A 66 year-old female with a history of breast carcinoma at 41 years, treated with radical mastectomy and radio and chemotherapy, and rheumatoid arthritis, treated in the last 10 years, presented two months ago with occipital headache, nausea, cerebellar syndrome, alterations of speech, and memory loss. The TC scan showed occipital enhancement by contrast and surrounded by oedema, suggesting metastasis. Histology showed a benign meningioma with many multinuclear giant cells, granulomas, and central caseating necrosis....

Field evaluation of clinical features during chikungunya outbreak in Mayotte, 2005–2006

Tropical Medicine and International Health — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Our results suggest that the pair fever and incapacitating polyarthralgia is an accurate and reliable tool for identifying presumptive CHIKF cases in the field. These criteria provide a useful evidence base to support operational syndromic surveillance in laboratory-confirmed chikungunya epidemic settings. (Source: Tropical Medicine and International Health)

Evolution of the Scientific Literature on Pain from 1976 to 2007

Pain Medicine — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. The rapid evolution and explosion of pain research in the last 30+ years was reflected in substantial changes in the landscape of the contributing countries and in the scientific journals targeted by pain researchers. (Source: Pain Medicine)

Dopamine receptor 3(DRD3) polymorphism and risk for migraine

European Journal of Neurology — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: DRD3 genotype and allelic variants were not related to the risk for migraine in Caucasian Spanish people. (Source: European Journal of Neurology)

Analysis of Appropriateness of Outpatient CT and MRI Referred From Primary Care Clinics at an Academic Medical Center: How Critical Is the Need for Improved Decision Support?

Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: A high percentage of examinations not meeting appropriateness criteria and subsequently yielding negative results suggests a need for tools to help primary care physicians improve the quality of their imaging decision requests. In the current environment, which stresses cost containment and comparative effectiveness, traditional radiology benefit management tools are being challenged by clinical decision support, with an emphasis on provider education coupled with electronic order entry systems. (Source: Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR)

Acupuncture in Primary Care.

Primary Care — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Mao JJ, Kapur R Acupuncture, an ancient traditional Chinese medical therapy, is used widely around the world. When practiced by a certified provider, it is safe and patients often find it calming and relaxing. Animal and human studies have found a physiologic basis for acupuncture needling in that it affects the complex central and peripheral neurohormonal network. Although it is unclear whether acupuncture is beneficial over sham/placebo acupuncture, acupuncture care yields clinically relevant short- and long-term benefits for low back pain, knee osteoarthritis, chronic neck pain, and headache. The integration of acupuncture into a primary care setting also appears to be cost-effective. The practice of acupuncture in primary care requires rigorous training, financial discipli...

Familial Mediterranean Fever in Children Presenting with Attacks of Fever Alone.

J Rheumatol — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: FMF in young children may begin with attacks of fever alone, but it progresses to typical FMF disease over the next 2.9 +/- 2.2 years. Our study demonstrates that clinical heterogeneity at presentation is more likely to indicate a feature of a disease in development, rather than to mark distinct phenotypes of FMF. PMID: 20194447 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: J Rheumatol)

Multi-center study on migraine and seizure-related headache in patients with epilepsy.

Yonsei Medical Journal — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: This study suggests that SRH is a frequent accompanying symptom of epileptic seizures causing major impairment in daily life, and migraine is an important comorbidity of epilepsy, affecting the incidence and characteristics of SRH. PMID: 20191013 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Yonsei Medical Journal)

Insights into migraine mechanisms and CaV2.1 calcium channel function from mouse models of familial hemiplegic migraine.

The Journal of Physiology — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Pietrobon D Migraine is a very common disabling brain disorder with unclear pathogenesis. A subtype of migraine with aura (familial hemiplegic migraine type 1: FHM1) is caused by mutations in CaV2.1 (P/Q-type) Ca2+ channels. This review describes the functional consequences of FHM1 mutations in knockin mouse models carrying the mild R192Q or severe S218L mutations in the orthologous gene. The FHM1 knockin mice show allele dosage-dependent gain-of-function of neuronal P/Q-type Ca2+ current, reflecting activation of mutant channels at lower voltages, and allele dosage- and gender-dependent facilitation of induction and propagation of cortical spreading depression (CSD), the phenomenon that underlies migraine aura. Gain-of-function of neuronal Ca2+ current, facilitation of CSD an...

Neuromuscular complication after liver transplant in children: a single-center experience.

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We conclude that the most-common neurologic complication after liver transplant in children in contrast to other studies is tremor, same as adult patients. This may be due to higher rate of use of tacrolimus in our patients. PMID: 20199365 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Experimental and Clinical Transplantation : official journal of the Middle East Society for Organ Transplantation)

[Dissections of craniocervical arteries in the paediatric age: a pathology that is emerging or under-diagnosed?]

Revista de Neurologia — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS. Cranio-cervical dissections are a frequent cause of stroke in childhood. Clinical suspicious related to cranio-cervical traumatisms and subsequent neurological symptoms should be high. PMID: 20217643 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Revista de Neurologia)

Neuromuscular Disorders — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

I found this multi-author text a very useful reference work. The first chapter deals with the generalities of neuro-pharmacology and subsequent chapters are system-orientated e.g. movement disorders, epilepsy, migraine etc. Each chapter is organised fairly consistently along the lines of basic science, clinical features and treatment including dosage regimes (not consistent) and a description of potential side effects. I particularly enjoyed the chapters on epilepsy and neuro-muscular disease. (Source: Neuromuscular Disorders)