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Factors affecting the retrieval of famous namesEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Tests of famous faces are used to study language and memory. Yet, the effect of stimulus properties on performance has not been fully investigated. To identify factors influencing proper name retrieval and to probe stimulus-specific parameters within proper name lexicon, we analysed the results obtained by 300 healthy participants on a test of famous faces that includes 74 personalities. A factor analysis yielded five main factors that were characterized by language (national or foreign names), epoch of peak popularity (current, recent or past) and occupation (politicians, entertainment and sports) ...
Source: Neurological Sciences - November 11, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Heterogeneous seizure manifestations in Hypomelanosis of Ito: report of four new cases and review of the literatureEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
We report on four new HI patients presenting with heterogeneous seizure manifestations and we review the literature concerning epileptic seizures in HI. At one extreme, there are patients with generalized seizures well controlled by drug treatment, whereas at the opposite there are patients with severe, often pharmacoresistant, focal seizures. The genetic substrate for HI syndrome is not homogenous and only partially understood. Further researches are required to shed light on the pathogenesis of HI phenotypes. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Review ArticleDOI 10.1007/s10072-009-0160-5Authors Komi Assogba, Ce...
Source: Neurological Sciences - November 10, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Borrelia burgdorferi, a great chameleon: know it to recognize it!Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
We describe a clinical case of neuroborreliosis that occurred in the absence of classical erythema migrans or arthralgia. Magnetic resonance imaging findings compatible with simil-vasculitis and demyelinating lesions associated with the presence of anti-B. burgdorferi antibodies in the plasma or cerebrospinal liquid is an indication for antimicrobial treatment against B. burgdorferi. An early diagnosis and a prompt establishment of an adequate antibiotic treatment is needed for a successful recovery. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s10072-009-0175-yAuthors Iolanda Santino, Sapienza Univer...
Source: Neurological Sciences - November 6, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Treatment of multiple sclerosis: role of natalizumabEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract The results on relapse rate and disease progression of available drugs for multiple sclerosis are shown, as well as their most relevant side effects. Results from pivotal and long-term follw-up studies support the efficacy and safety of intererons and glatiramer acetate. The treatment with mitoxantrone is limited by the occurrence of infertility, cardiotoxicy and leukaemia. Efficacy and tolerability of natalizumab are undisputable, compared to other drugs. Risks related to its treatment are PML, opportunistic infections, hepatotoxicity, melanoma, and their occurrence needs to be more exactly assesse...
Source: Neurological Sciences - November 3, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Autologous haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in multiple sclerosis: benefits and risksEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Autologous haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation has been evaluated over the last years as a possible new therapeutic strategy in severe forms of multiple sclerosis unresponsive to the approved therapies. Up to now, more than 400 patients have been treated and numerous are the phase I and phase II studies which addressed the feasibility of this treatment, the efficacy, side effects and transplant-related mortality. The clinical response is strongly related to the intensity of the conditioning regimen utilized as well as to the phase of the disease course in which the therapy is carried out. Rapid...
Source: Neurological Sciences - November 3, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Mitoxantrone: benefits and risks in multiple sclerosis patientsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Mitoxantrone (MTX) is a synthetic antineoplastic cytotoxic drug, active both on proliferative and non-proliferative cells. The efficacy of MTX has been suggested by many open-label or observational studies and demonstrated in four randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs). It is indicated for reducing neurological disability and the frequency of clinical relapses in patients with progressive relapsing and worsening relapsing–remitting MS patients. The short-term most frequent adverse events observed in RCTs have been nausea/vomiting, alopecia, an increased risk of urinary and respiratory tract ...
Source: Neurological Sciences - November 3, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Safety profile of Tysabri: international risk management planEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies are potent new tools for a molecular targeted approach to modify the course of multiple sclerosis (MS). Natalizumab is a monoclonal antibody targeted against alpha-4 integrin that has proved to be very effective in the treatment of MS. It is well tolerated, although severe side effects have been reported that have conditioned its use as a second-line drug for the treatment of MS. The clinical benefit of natalizumab should be weighed carefully against the potential risk of serious adverse events. Therefore, risk management plans have already been developed in order t...
Source: Neurological Sciences - November 3, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Cyclophosphamide as second-line therapy in multiple sclerosis: benefits and risksEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Cyclophosphamide (Cy) is an alkylating agent used over the past 40 years to halt rapidly progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). High doses of Cy produce marked immunosuppression and an anti-inflammatory immune deviation. Cy is most effective in young patients, with very active MS (frequent relapses, rapid accumulation of disability, and gad+ lesions on brain MRI). Monthly intravenous pulses of Cy for 1 year, followed by bimonthly pulses for the second year are a well-tolerated protocol in MS. Most side effects (mild alopecia, nausea and vomiting, and cystitis) are transient, dose de...
Source: Neurological Sciences - November 3, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

New oral drugs for multiple sclerosisEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Disease-modifying treatments are now available in relapsing–remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), and their beneficial effects have been shown in several clinical studies. However, as these treatments are only partially effective in halting the MS disease process and are frequently associated with side effects and suboptimal patient adherence, new oral therapeutic approaches are warranted. This review focuses on advances in current and novel oral treatment approaches for MS. Several pivotal reports have provided promising results for new oral therapies evaluating the safety ...
Source: Neurological Sciences - November 3, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

The pharmacovigilance program on natalizumab in Italy: 2 years of experienceEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract At the end of 2006 a country-based surveillance program on natalizumab therapy in multiple sclerosis was settled in Italy by a collaborative effort of the Italian Drug Agency (AIFA) and a group of experts and neurologists appointed by the National Society of Neurology (SIN). After 2 years, 1,818 patients are registered in the database. The majority of cases (88.6%) failed the therapy with beta interferon or glatiramer acetate and had relapses or accumulated disability during immunomodulating treatment, while 11.4% of patients enrolled in the surveillance study were not previously treated with i...
Source: Neurological Sciences - November 3, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Interleukin-1B and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene polymorphisms in Greek multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with bout-onset MSEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract We investigated the association of specific polymorphisms of the interleukin IL-1b (AvaI −511 and TaqI +3,953) and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RN) (a variable number of tandem repeats; VNTR) genes with both the susceptibility to and the clinical characteristics in Greek multiple sclerosis (MS) patients cohort with bout-onset. Genotypes were determined from 351 patients with clinically definite MS and 375 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Our results showed no significant differences in the distribution of these polymorphisms between MS patients and controls. Furthermore, stratification for c...
Source: Neurological Sciences - October 30, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

The existence of phonatory instability in multiple sclerosis: an acoustic and electroglottographic studyEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The objective of the study was to investigate the phonatory function in MS patients using objective measures. The speech of 64 MS patients and 64 pair-matched controls was recorded and analyzed using electroglottography, a physiological method that measures the electrical conductance during the opening and closing phases of the vibrating vocal folds. Electroglottographic parameters were correlated with clinical and MRI features. Most of the variables that have been used for the analysis of voice (vocal jitter P = 0.041, standard deviation of the average fundamental frequency P = 0.018, and the mean ...
Source: Neurological Sciences - October 30, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Central pontine and extrapontine myelinolysis despite careful correction of hyponatremia: clinical and neuropathological findings of a caseEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
We report clinical, radiological and pathological findings in a patient with central pontine and extrapontine myelinolysis. The patient was a 61-year-old woman who had a radical mastectomy for breast cancer. Based on clinical evidence, acute hyponatremia had set in only a few days before onset of symptoms. The patient’s disease progressed in two stages and became more severe during slow hyponatremia correction after 9 days from onset. Diffusion MRI provided early evidence of neurological lesions. In spite of a therapeutic attempt, the patient died unexpectedly 18 days after onset of her neurological disease...
Source: Neurological Sciences - October 30, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Unexplained dyspnea in an old patient with recurrent stroke: platypnea–orthodeoxia syndrome and evidence of patent foramen ovaleEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Platypnea–orthodeoxia is a syndrome characterized by dyspnea and hypoxemia in orthostatism relieved by supine position. This phenomenon is frequently associated with interatrial communication, mainly patent foramen ovale. The association of platypnea–orthodeoxia syndrome with recurrent stroke and patent foramen ovale is extremely uncommon. A 73-year-old woman experienced recurrent attacks of dyspnea after an ischemic stroke. Arterial blood gas analysis changes in upright and supine position confirmed the diagnosis of platypnea–orthodeoxia syndrome. Contrast-enhanced transthoracic echocardiogra...
Source: Neurological Sciences - October 30, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Cystic neurohypophysial germinoma associated with moyamoya diseaseEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This report describes a case of a cystic neurohypophysial germinoma associated with moyamoya disease. A 15-year-old girl with central diabetes insipidus was admitted to the hospital. Radiological examination revealed a suprasellar tumor and moyamoya disease. Surgery and pathological study confirmed pure germinoma. After the patient was treated with radiation and chemotherapy, the tumor was controlled without any effect on the moyamoya vessels. This report describes a rare incidental combination of moyamoya disease and a suprasellar germinoma. In the management of such cases, physicians should be aware of the symptoms,...
Source: Neurological Sciences - October 30, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Late-onset choreoathetotic syndrome following heart surgeryEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Choreoathetotic syndromes are frequently observed in children after congenital cardiopathy surgery. To report the case of an adult patient who developed a choreoathetotic syndrome after cardiac operation, probably related to a transitory hypometabolism of basal ganglia. A 52-year-old patient underwent heart surgery under circulatory arrest and deep hypothermia, for type III dissecting thoracic aorta aneurysm. Two weeks later she developed an acute choreic syndrome. The positron emission tomography using fluorodeoxyglucose (FDGC-PET) showed a bilateral hypometabolism of basal ganglia. After haloperid...
Source: Neurological Sciences - October 27, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Dementia and capsular genu ischemia in patients with severe bacterial meningitisEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Infarction in the genu of the internal capsule causes dementia that is characterized by abulia, lethargy and memory loss without obvious motor palsy (capsular genu syndrome). We found infarction or decreased cerebral blood flow in the genu of the internal capsule in 6 of 13 patients with severe bacterial meningitis. Four of these six patients developed post-meningitis dementia, characterized by abulia, lethargy, and memory loss. Of 24 patients with viral meningitis, none developed capsular genu ischemia or post-meningitis dementia. In patients with severe bacterial meningitis, capsular genu ischemia...
Source: Neurological Sciences - October 16, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

The first case history of multiple sclerosis: Augustus d’Esté (1794–1848)Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract The personal diary of Sir Augustus d’Esté, born 1794 grandson of King George III of England, reveals a medical history strongly suggesting that Augustus suffered from multiple sclerosis (MS). It could well be the first record of a person having this disease. Charcot coined the term sclérose en plaques 20 years after the death of this patient in 1848. The onset of this man’s MS seems to have been in 1822 with bilateral optic neuritis, the disease gradually developing in the classic manner with bouts derived from different loci in the central nervous system and eventually a secondary progre...
Source: Neurological Sciences - October 16, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Alzheimer’s disease and endothelial dysfunctionEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Recent studies suggest strong interactions between cerebrovascular and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology. These conditions share common risk factors and individuals having both frequently show greater cognitive impairment than those affected by only one disease. Many studies point to early vascular dysregulations in AD. The exchange between vascular and neural cells occurs through mechanisms not completely understood, involving interactions among endothelial, glial, neuronal and smooth muscle cells within the neurovascular unit. Studies suggest that the dysregulation of the unit is likely associa...
Source: Neurological Sciences - October 16, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Treatment and outcome of children with cerebral cavernomas: a survey on 32 patientsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract We prospectively followed-up 32 pediatric patients with cerebral cavernomas (CCs) to better define surgical indications in this population. Three groups of patients were identified: (a) children with macrohemorrhage (21 patients, 65.6%), (b) children with localized or diffuse headache (6 patients, 18.8%) and (c) children with epilepsy (5 patients, 15.6%). Surgery was performed in 28 out of the 32 (87.5%) subjects. New transient post-operative neurological deficits were observed in two children. One child developed a post-operative hematoma. At a median follow-up of 4 years (range 1–11 ye...
Source: Neurological Sciences - October 16, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Utilization and outcome of thrombolytic therapy for acute stroke in PakistanEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In conclusion, the utilization of thrombolytic therapy is low and complication rate is high. Interventions for training physicians are needed. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Brief CommunicationDOI 10.1007/s10072-009-0159-yAuthors Mohammad Wasay, Aga Khan University Department of Neurology and Medicine Stadium Road Karachi 74800 PakistanHazim Barohi, Aga Khan University Department of Neurology and Medicine Stadium Road Karachi 74800 PakistanAbdul Malik, Liaquat National Hospital Department of Neurology Karachi PakistanAdnan Yousuf, Aga Khan University Department of Neurology and Medicine Stadium Road Karachi 748...
Source: Neurological Sciences - October 9, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Concordance between severity of disease, disability and health-related quality of life in Myasthenia gravisEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Aim of this study is to verify whether there is concordance between disease’s severity, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and disability in patients with Myasthenia gravis (MG). 102 MG patients were clustered on the basis of HRQoL and disability scores into three groups: low disability and low HRQoL decrement (51 patients), intermediate disability and HRQoL decrement (28 patients), severe disability and high HRQoL decrement (23 patients). Cross tabulation with symmetric measures (Cramer’s V and Contingency Coefficient) was used to verify the relationships between disease severity groups...
Source: Neurological Sciences - October 9, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Familial hemifacial spasm and determinants of late onsetEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract The role of hypertension in the late onset of hemifacial spasm (HFS) is evaluated in a family, spanning four generations. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) revealed a variable anatomical relationship between nervous and vascular structures in the symptomatic cerebello-pontine angle. In one case, showing neurovascular conflict (NVC), microvascular surgical decompression was followed by clinical resolution of HFS. Neuroimaging suggesting NVC was found in all symptomatic patients of the last two generations and in three younger subjects not affected by HFS. As a ...
Source: Neurological Sciences - October 8, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Leprosy: report of a case with severe peripheral neuropathyEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Leprosy (Hansen’s disease) is a chronic granulomatous infectious disease, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, with cutaneous and neurological manifestations. Leprosy is very rare in Europe but some cases are reported, especially among people coming from endemic areas. Here, we report a case of Hansen’s disease and emphasize the importance of a prompt diagnosis and treatment also in non-endemic areas. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s10072-009-0152-5Authors Paolo Aridon, University of Palermo Dipartimento Universitario di Neuroscienze Cliniche (DiNeC) Via Gaetano La Log...
Source: Neurological Sciences - October 8, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome in childhood: report of nine cases and review of the literatureEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
We presented nine patients with RPLS who had primary diagnoses such as acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, idiopathic hypertension, the performing of intravenous immunoglobulin for infection with crescentic glomerulonephritis, erythrocyte transfusion for severe iron deficiency, l-asparaginase treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia and performing of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor for ulcerative colitis due to neutropenia. Early recognition of RPLS as complication during different diseases and therapy in childhood may facilitate precise diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Content Type Journal Arti...
Source: Neurological Sciences - October 7, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Cerebral venous thrombosis with dural arteriovenous fistulas and antiphospholipid syndrome: a case reportEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorDOI 10.1007/s10072-009-0166-zAuthors Yasuo Miki, Aomori Prefectural Central Hospital Department of Neurology Higashi Tsukurimichi 2-1-1 Aomori JapanMasahiko Tomiyama, Aomori Prefectural Central Hospital Department of Neurology Higashi Tsukurimichi 2-1-1 Aomori JapanAkira Arai, Aomori Prefectural Central Hospital Department of Neurology Higashi Tsukurimichi 2-1-1 Aomori JapanTamaki Kimura, Aomori Prefectural Central Hospital Department of Neurology Higashi Tsukurimichi 2-1-1 Aomori JapanChieko Suzuki, Aomori Prefectural Central Hospital Department of Neurology Hig...
Source: Neurological Sciences - October 6, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Psychiatric symptoms in Parkinson’s disease assessed with the SCL-90R self-reported questionnaireEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract The frequency of psychopathological symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) is often underestimated because of the lack of comprehensive evaluation tools. A total of 486 consecutive non-demented PD patients completed the Symptom Checklist 90 Revised (SCL-90R) self-reported questionnaire, a validated tool for the assessment of psychopathological symptoms on nine dimensions. Somatization, depression, anxiety and obsessive–compulsive behaviors were reported by nearly half of the PD patients. They were more likely to occur in females. Disease-related factors such as duration, severity and...
Source: Neurological Sciences - October 6, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Thoracic extradural haematoma after epidural anaesthesiaEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract The administration of analgesics to the thoracic spine is established practice in the operating room, minimizing the need for systemic anaesthetic administration during thoracic surgery. Complications arising from thoracic epidural anaesthesia are uncommon but potentially disastrous. Here, we report the case of a 43-year-old woman who developed a thoracic epidural haematoma with paraplegia a few hours after the removal of an epidural catheter. The patient underwent emergency thoracic laminectomy and clot evacuation. After a 4 months period, there was almost complete neurological recovery. Epidu...
Source: Neurological Sciences - October 6, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Isolated ataxia after pure left insular cortex infarctionEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In conclusions, left insular cortex lesions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of isolated truncal ataxia. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s10072-009-0164-1Authors Li-Min Liou, Kaohsiung Medical University Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Municipal Hsiao-kang Hospital Kaohsiung TaiwanYuh-Cherng Guo, Kaohsiung Medical University Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Municipal Hsiao-kang Hospital Kaohsiung TaiwanChiou-Lian Lai, Kaohsiung Medical University Department of and Master’s Program in Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine Kaohsiung TaiwanChin-Ling Tsai...
Source: Neurological Sciences - October 6, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Cerebellar degeneration and ocular myasthenia gravis in a patient with recurring ovarian carcinomaEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
We report a patient with history of ovarian carcinoma that presented with ptosis, diplopia and gait ataxia. Neurophysiological examination and laboratory tests revealed the presence of MG and PCD. An integrated FDG-PET/contrast-enhanced CT scan showed tumor recurrence. This is to the best of our knowledge the first association of MG and PCD with recurring ovarian carcinoma. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s10072-009-0154-3Authors Pietro Caliandro, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Neurology Department, Istituto di Neurologia Pol. “A: Gemelli” Largo Gemelli 8 00168 Rome ItalyMarco ...
Source: Neurological Sciences - October 6, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Advanced age as a contraindication to microvascular decompression for drug-resistant trigeminal neuralgia: evidence of prejudice?Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Due to the alleged higher risk of complications of microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia in elderly we evaluated its age-related results. A retrospective analysis of clinical outcome and complications was performed in 476 patients affected by drug-resistant trigeminal neuralgia who underwent microvascular decompression. As much as 117 patients older than 65 years (Group 1) and 359 under the age of 65 (Group 2) were followed-up for a period of 7–138 months. Pain relief was complete without medication in 84.5% in Group 1. Morbidity included slight trigeminal hypoesthesia in ...
Source: Neurological Sciences - October 6, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

A case report of cranial polyneuropathy in Behcet’s diseaseEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
We report a 19-year-old man with BD who presented with cranial polyneuropathy secondary to aseptic meningitis. He made a gradual though incomplete recovery with steroid therapy. Cranial polyneuropathy secondary to meningeal involvement can be a presentation of n-BD, and Behcet’s disease should be a consideration in patients with idiopathic cranial polyneuropathy. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s10072-009-0162-3Authors Ali Alrefai, Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) Department of Neuroscience PO Box 3030 Irbid 22110 JordanKhalid El-Salem, Jordan University of Science an...
Source: Neurological Sciences - October 6, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Harmful effect of kainic acid on brain ischemic damage is not related to duration of status epilepticusEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This study indicates that there is dissociation between stopping status epilepticus and modifying its long-term consequences. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Brief CommunicationDOI 10.1007/s10072-009-0115-xAuthors Henry Hasson, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology Bronx NY USASamit Malhotra, SUNY Downstate Medical Center Department of Neurology Brooklyn NY USAFilippo S. Giorgi, University of Pisa Section of Neurology, Department of Neuroscience Pisa ItalyDaniel M. Rosenbaum, SUNY Downstate Medical Center Department of Neurology Brooklyn NY USASolomon L. ...
Source: Neurological Sciences - September 25, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Perceptive aspects of visual auraEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Visual aura is the most common feature associated with migraine, though it can occur separately. In both cases it often represents a dramatic event, especially for patients who experience it for the first time. Besides, its subjective characteristics may illuminate on the functional architecture of the visual cortex. Repetitive events of migraine and visual aura have been suggested to affect the visual system in the long run, both on the cortical and precortical level. In effect, objective investigation of visual functions in patients support the idea that a selective damage does occur, so that more...
Source: Neurological Sciences - September 25, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Speech-induced blepharospasmEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
We report the clinical vignette of two patients manifesting an unusual presentation of primary blepharospasm, specifically triggered by voiced speech and associated with an otherwise ‘typical’ presentation of primary adult-onset dystonia in the lower face, larynx or upper limb. Speech-induced primary blepharospasm seems a rare occurrence, representing 1.3% of our clinic-based series of 149 patients with primary adult-onset primary blepharospasm. In these atypical patients, the feature of speech inducibility suggests that the abnormal surrounding inhibition between cortical subregions representing laryngeal and orb...
Source: Neurological Sciences - September 24, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Progressive necrotic encephalopathy following tacrolimus therapy for liver transplantationEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
We describe a 57-year-old man who underwent liver transplantation and was started on immunosuppressive therapy with tacrolimus (FK506). Six months later, he started complaining of a progressive motor and sensory impairment of the left side, together with cognitive impairment. Brain MRI showed an enlarging lesion of the white matter with peripheral contrast enhancement. PET study indicated severe hypometabolism in the right hemisphere and spectroscopic MRI showed a peak of choline and relative reduction of other metabolites. Findings of CSF examinations and cultures, serology, and molecular techniques were normal....
Source: Neurological Sciences - September 24, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Dopamine transporter (DAT1) VNTR polymorphism in 12 Indian populationsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract The dopamine transporter (DAT1) is a membrane spanning protein that binds the neurotransmitter dopamine and performs re-uptake of dopamine from the synapse into a neuron. The gene encoding DAT1 consists of 15 exons spanning 60 kb on chromosome 5p15.32. Several studies have investigated the possible associations between variants in DAT1 gene and psychiatric disorders. The present study aimed to determine the distribution of the variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism in the 3′ untranslated region of DAT1 in 12 Indian populations. A total of 471 healthy unrelated individuals in 12 ...
Source: Neurological Sciences - September 24, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Paragangliomas of head and neck: a treatment option with CyberKnife radiosurgeryEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In conclusion, CyberKnife radiosurgery appears to be both safe and effective in the treatment of skull base paragangliomas. Determining whether long-term complications will arise will require further investigation. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s10072-009-0138-3Authors Livia C. Bianchi, CyberKnife Center CDI Milan ItalyMarcello Marchetti, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Radiotherapy Milan ItalyLorenzo Brait, CyberKnife Center CDI Milan ItalyAchille Bergantin, CyberKnife Center CDI Milan ItalyIda Milanesi, Fondazione IRCCS Is...
Source: Neurological Sciences - September 23, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 11 in the Chinese Han populationEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract The spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers have recently found that SCA type 11 (SCA11) is associated with mutations in the TTBK2 gene. In our previous work, we performed mutation detection in SCA1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 17 and dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy gene in Chinese SCA patients, but the genes responsible for approximately 40% of our patients have not yet been identified. To investigate the frequency of SCA11 in Chinese SCA patients, we examined the TTBK2 gene in 68 unrelated probands diagnosed with...
Source: Neurological Sciences - September 19, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Muscle carnitine deficiency: adult onset lipid storage myopathy with sensory neuropathyEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
We report herein a 29-year-old man with muscle carnitine deficiency who developed not only a lipid storage myopathy, but also a severe sensory neuropathy. Oral therapy with levo-carnitine (3 g per day) for 3 months produced a remarkable improvement of the myopathy and sensory neuropathy. Six months later, he remained in good condition under strict dietary control. This report emphasizes that severe neuropathy may occur in some patients with muscle carnitine deficiency, and highlights the need for the neurologist’s familiarity with those afflicted to achieve optimal clinical management. Content Type Journ...
Source: Neurological Sciences - September 19, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Novel MAPT Val75Ala mutation and PSEN2 Arg62Hys in two siblings with frontotemporal dementiaEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract A clinical and molecular overlap between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) has been reported. Presenilins have been associated with FTD or with FTD-like phenotype, while mutations in the MAPT gene have been linked to a clinical phenotype of AD. We performed a clinical and genetic examination in two FTD siblings and their family tree has been reconstructed. We identified a novel Val75Ala MAPT mutation in one patient and in the other the Arg62His Presenilin2 mutation. The DNA variations identified, defined mutations by frequency, per se are not causative of the disease. These...
Source: Neurological Sciences - September 19, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Myeloneuropathy due to copper deficiency: clinical and MRI findings after copper supplementationEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In conclusion, in acquired copper-deficiency-associated myelopathy, correction of blood and MRI alterations precedes that of neurological manifestations, which may remain suboptimal. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s10072-009-0126-7Authors Laura Bolamperti, Ospedale Maggiore della Carità Clinica Neurologica C.so Mazzini, 18 28100 Novara ItalyMaurizio A. Leone, Ospedale Maggiore della Carità Clinica Neurologica C.so Mazzini, 18 28100 Novara ItalyAlessandro Stecco, Amedeo Avogadro University Department of Radiology Novara ItalyMonica Reggiani, Amedeo Avogadro University Clinica Neurologica...
Source: Neurological Sciences - September 19, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Irreversible striatal neuroimaging abnormalities secondary to prolonged, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus in the setting of progressive focal neurological symptomsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
We report a 56-year-old man with a prolonged, uncontrolled hyperglycemia (HbA1C: 13.8%) and striatal hyperintensity on T1-weighted MR imaging presenting as reversible focal neurological deficit and irreversible neuroimaging abnormalities on the fourth month when blood sugar was under control (HbA1C 6.0 mg/dl). We hypothesize that neuroimaging abnormalities in our case may be a sequence of an “ischemic insult” caused by prolonged, uncontrolled hyperglycemia. Whether the signal abnormalities on neuroimaging studies or the clinical syndrome are reversible (patients with HCHB) or irreversible (such as in our case...
Source: Neurological Sciences - September 19, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Neuromyotonia in idiopathic hypoparathyroidismEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Α 62-year-old man was presented with bilateral cataract, proximal muscle weakness and difficulty in relaxing the hands after voluntary contraction. Idiopathic hypoparathyroidism was diagnosed. Electrophysiological study showed spontaneous motor unit action potentials, occurring and disappearing abruptly, as duplets, triplets and multiplets, with an intra-burst frequency of up to 100 Hz and some of them waning in amplitude, findings consistent with neuromyotonia. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s10072-009-0140-9Authors Thomas Zambelis, University of Athens D...
Source: Neurological Sciences - September 19, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Neurosyphilis in the age of AIDS: clinical and laboratory featuresEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract Neurosyphilis remains to be a challenging diagnostic possibility worldwide. The aim of our study was to identify and report the clinical and laboratory profile of neurosyphilis, comparing features of HIV-infected and HIV-negative patients. A retrospective investigation of all cases of neurosyphilis, defined as positive VDRL test on cerebrospinal fluid, diagnosed at Hospital das Clínicas, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine between January 1988 and December 2005, was carried out. We identified 35 patients with a mean age of 42.1 years, 28.6% of them HIV infected and 74.3% of them were male. HIV-...
Source: Neurological Sciences - September 19, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Size frequency distribution of the β-amyloid (aβ) deposits in dementia with Lewy bodies with associated Alzheimer’s disease pathologyEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The objective is to study β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology (DLB/AD). The size frequency distributions of the Aβ deposits were studied and fitted by log-normal and power-law models. Patients were ten clinically and pathologically diagnosed DLB/AD cases. Size distributions had a single peak and were positively skewed and similar to those described in AD and Down’s syndrome. Size distributions had smaller means in DLB/AD than in AD. Log-normal and power-law models were fitted to the size distributions of the classic and diffuse deposits, respective...
Source: Neurological Sciences - September 19, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Self-help group and medication overuse headache: preliminary dataEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The objective of the study is to investigate the benefits of joining a self-help group for patients with medication overuse headache (MOH). A self-help group is a voluntary gathering of a small number of persons who share a common problem. Little is known about support groups for people with chronic non-malignant pain such as MOH. Eight patients with refractory MOH attended a self-help group twice a month. During the meetings, patients were asked to focus on their headache experiences. Our data showed an increase in resourcefulness in coping with pain and a reduction in cephalalgiophobia. All patients reported general ...
Source: Neurological Sciences - September 19, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Effects of treadmill training on walking economy in Parkinson’s disease: a pilot studyEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This study evaluated whether the effects of treadmill training are associated with an improvement of walking economy. Ten patients with idiopathic PD underwent treadmill training (30 min, three times a week for 4 weeks). Walking performance (Τimed Up and Go, 6-min and 10-m walking tests) and metabolic function (oxygen uptake, heart and respiratory rate) were evaluated before training, at the end of treatment and after 30 days with two different graded exercises (treadmill and cycloergometer). Training significantly improved walking performance. Oxygen uptake, and heart and respiratory rates were signifi...
Source: Neurological Sciences - September 19, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Syringomyelia associated with Chiari I malformationEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract An 18-year-old man with progressive paraparesis, thermal hypoesthesia, sweating abnormalities, bladder dysfunction, severe orthostatic hypotension, bilateral Babinski sign, underwent a brain MRI scan that showed downward displacement of cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum, consistent with Chiari I malformation, compression of the brainstem–spinal cord junction, and C1–D11 syringomyelia (6.5 mm diameter at C2 level) consistent with Chiari I syndrome. Suboccipital craniectomy and duraplasty were performed. A C2 partial laminectomy and ablation of posterior arch of the atlas was perf...
Source: Neurological Sciences - September 19, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals

Lack of effect of cannabis-based treatment on clinical and laboratory measures in multiple sclerosisEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Abstract The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is involved in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS), and relief from pain and spasticity has been reported in MS patients self-medicating with marijuana. A cannabis-based medication containing Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol (Sativex®) has been approved in some countries for the treatment of MS-associated pain. The effects of this pharmaceutical preparation on other clinically relevant aspects of MS pathophysiology, however, are still unclear. In 20 MS patients, we measured the effects of Sativex® on clinically measured spasticity and on neurophys...
Source: Neurological Sciences - September 19, 2009 Category: Neurology Tags: Neurological Sciences Source Type: journals