A new guideline from the American Academy of Neurology confirms IVIg as an effective treatment for Guillain-Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). The therapy has been shown to be as effective as plasma exchange in treating GBS, with long-term use also helping to manage CIDP. Serious side effects a...
A study published in Neurology found that women with mild retinopathy had lower scores on cognitive tests and more brain damage than those without the condition. The researchers suggest that eye screening could be a simple way to identify people at risk of brain health issues.
Research found that women who had two or more pregnancies had a significantly reduced risk of developing MS symptoms, while men showed no association between children and MS risk. This study suggests a possible link between delayed motherhood and increased MS cases in women.
A study published in Neurology found that people with lower blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids had lower brain volumes equivalent to about two years of structural brain aging. Omega-3 deficiency was also linked to poorer performance on tests of visual memory and executive function.
A large study found that women with a history of migraine are 40% more likely to develop depression than those without. Researchers hope their findings will encourage doctors to discuss depression prevention with migraine patients.
A recent study suggests that mothers who experience migraines may be more likely to have infants with colic. The research, presented at the American Academy of Neurology's annual meeting, found that babies whose mothers had a history of migraine were two-and-a-half times more likely to have colic than those without.
The American Academy of Neurology recommends monitoring the spinal cord during spinal surgery and certain chest surgeries to prevent paralysis. Intraoperative monitoring can alert surgeons to potential problems before damage occurs, reducing the risk of complications.
Research published in Neurology finds that people with HIV who have a larger waistline are more likely to experience impaired mental functions such as poor memory and concentration. The study also notes that certain anti-HIV drugs can cause weight gain in the center of the body, which may contribute to these issues.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology suggests that consuming excessive calories may double the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in individuals aged 70 and above. The findings indicate a dose-response pattern where higher caloric intake corresponds to increased MCI risk.
Cedars-Sinai neurology researchers present research updates at the International Stroke Conference, including the use of therapeutic cooling to reduce neurological damage after stroke. Thrombin leaks into healthy brain cells after ischemic stroke, but injecting a drug to counter its effects can improve symptoms.
A study published in Neurology found that high levels of beta-amyloid in the brain are associated with subtle changes in memory and mental function in healthy adults. The study, which involved 137 participants aged 30-89, also linked higher amounts of beta-amyloid to lower test scores in working memory, reasoning, and processing speed.
A recent study published in Neurology found that men are at higher risk of experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) than women. The study, which analyzed data from 1,450 participants aged 70-89, revealed that the number of new cases of MCI per year was higher in men, affecting 72 per 1,000 people.
The American Academy of Neurology recommends that neurologists screen patients for abusive treatment by family or others. This can help identify vulnerable patients who may be at risk of traumatic brain injury or other harm.
A clinical trial found that using a nicotine patch for six months improved long-term memory in people with mild cognitive impairment by 46%. The study, published in Neurology, suggests that nicotine may be beneficial for early signs of memory loss.
New guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology provide treatment recommendations for people with HIV/AIDS taking seizure drugs. The guidelines aim to prevent drug interactions that could make HIV drugs less effective or lead to a more virulent strain of the disease.
A new guideline issued by the American Academy of Neurology recommends caution when selecting seizure medications for individuals with HIV/AIDS due to the risk of adverse interactions. The guideline aims to minimize the impact of these drug combinations, particularly in developing countries where treatment options are limited.
A study found that people with diets high in omega-3 fatty acids and certain vitamins had lower brain shrinkage and better mental thinking test scores compared to those with low nutrient intake. The study also showed that trans fats, commonly found in processed foods, were linked to increased brain shrinkage.
Researchers found a link between silent strokes and memory loss in older adults, with those having silent strokes scoring worse on memory tests. The study suggests that stroke prevention may help stave off memory problems.
The Leonard Wolfson Experimental Neurology Centre will accelerate the development of treatments and identify future therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases, aiming for earlier intervention for patients. The centre will be based at UCL's National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.
Researchers have discovered a new marker that can accurately diagnose Alzheimer's disease versus frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), two types of dementia sharing similar symptoms. The PIB PET scan outperformed the FDG scan in differentiating between the two conditions, with higher sensitivity and accuracy.
A Cedars-Sinai study reveals that a normal protein involved in blood clotting can harm healthy brain cells after an ischemic stroke. The researchers will investigate the source of this protein and its interactions with other molecules to develop new treatments for stroke patients.
A recent study found that individuals with mild cognitive impairment and no memory problems who had the Alzheimer's biomarkers were more likely to have a lower BMI than those without the biomarkers. This association suggests a systemic metabolic response to the disease, possibly related to damage in the hypothalamus.
A study published in Neurology found that people with a history of stroke or diabetes who received clot-busting drugs had better outcomes than those who did not. The use of these drugs can limit damage and disability due to blood clots, and current guidelines should not exclude individuals from receiving this therapy.
A recent study published in Neurology found that people with Parkinson's disease are nearly three times more likely to experience leg motor restlessness than those without the disease. However, restless legs syndrome was not significantly more common among patients with early-stage Parkinson's disease.
A new study published in Neurology found that a person's stroke risk profile can also predict their risk of developing memory and thinking problems later in life. The researchers followed 23,752 people with an average age of 64 and found that those with higher stroke risk profiles were more likely to develop cognitive problems.
Research found that people with dementia who have a stroke are three times more likely to have greater disability at discharge and only 24% return to their previous home, compared to 57% of those without dementia. The study highlights the need for established guidelines on managing stroke patients with pre-existing dementia.
The AAN has released an updated guideline for treating essential tremor, recommending the use of medications such as propranolol and primidone to improve shaking in people with the disorder. The guideline also suggests that brain surgery may be a viable option for those who do not benefit from drug treatment.
A new study published in Neurology found that people who can cross their legs soon after a severe stroke are more likely to have a good recovery. The study involved 68 patients and found that leg-crossers had lower death rates, fewer neurologic problems, and better independence in daily life compared to non-leg-crossers.
A recent study published in Neurology found that people who rate their health as poor or fair have a 70% higher risk of developing dementia compared to those who rate their health as good. The association is particularly strong for those without cognitive problems, where the risk is nearly twice as high.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found a strong connection between premature birth and an increased risk of developing epilepsy later in life. Adults born prematurely were five times more likely to be hospitalized for epilepsy compared to those born full-term.
A review of studies published in Neurology found that people with prehypertension are 50% more likely to develop stroke compared to those with normal blood pressure levels. Young and middle-aged individuals with prehypertension are also at higher risk, with nearly 80% increased likelihood of developing a stroke.
A recent study published in Neurology found that people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop dementia as those with normal blood sugar levels. The study, which monitored over 1,000 participants for an average of 11 years, also found that controlling diabetes is crucial to prevent cognitive decline.
Researchers found that telestroke, a two-way audio-video telemedicine system, is cost-effective for rural hospitals without around-the-clock neurologists. The study calculated the cost-effectiveness of telestroke by comparing costs and quality-adjusted life years of stroke patients treated with telestroke versus usual care.
A new study published in Neurology found that psychogenic non-epileptic seizures may be misdiagnosed for up to five years in veterans compared to one year in civilians. The delay is largely due to limited access to epilepsy monitoring units, which can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
A new study published in Neurology found that brain tumor patients who take valproic acid on top of standard treatment may live longer than those taking other epilepsy medications. The study showed an average three-month increase in survival for patients receiving valproic acid, but also noted increased risk of bleeding and infection.
A study using advanced brain imaging techniques found that 33% of participants had high levels of amyloid-beta deposits, indicating an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study also discovered a link between these deposits and changes in brain metabolites, which may help identify people at risk for the condition.
People with Parkinson's disease who see a neurologist are more likely to live longer, less likely to be placed in a nursing home, and have fewer hip fractures. The study also found disparities in access to care based on gender and ethnicity.
Cholesterol-lowering statin drugs were found to reduce the risk of second strokes by 77% in young adults who experienced a first ischemic stroke. The study, published in Neurology, suggests that these medications should be considered for treatment even when the cause of the stroke is unknown.
A study found that high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and obesity in middle age can lead to brain shrinkage and decreased cognitive function over time. The study involved 1,352 participants without dementia and found associations between these risk factors and white matter hyperintensities and executive function decline.
New research from the American Academy of Neurology found that breastfeeding does not have a protective effect on multiple sclerosis relapses. In fact, women with high disease activity and high risk of postpartum relapses may need to resume MS treatment after giving birth.
A new study suggests that regular use of olive oil for cooking and dressing may lower the risk of stroke by 41% compared to non-users. The research found that consuming olive oil was associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
A new study found that older adults who engage in regular moderate to intense exercise are 40% less likely to develop small brain lesions, also known as 'silent strokes'. This reduces the risk of falls, memory problems, dementia, and stroke. Exercise does not appear to have a similar benefit for those with limited access to healthcare.
Researchers found that people with Parkinson's disease are twice as likely to develop melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. Women with Parkinson's disease are also at higher risk, particularly for aggressive forms of the disease.
A recent study published in Neurology found that stress does not increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. Researchers studied two groups of nurses and found no significant link between severe stress at home or during childhood and adolescence and the development of MS.
Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among African-American patients with MS, largely due to regional UV exposure and geographic factors. Low vitamin D levels were found in nearly 77% of MS patients compared to 71% without the disease.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that more than half of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease before age 60 are initially misdiagnosed due to atypical symptoms. Researchers found that 53% of those with no memory problems were incorrectly diagnosed, highlighting the need for biomarkers to improve diagnosis and treatment.
Approximately 14% of all strokes occur during sleep, preventing patients from receiving timely clot-busting treatment. Researchers estimate that around 58,000 people in the US go to the emergency department with a wake-up stroke each year.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that being overweight or obese during middle age may increase the risk of certain dementias. Researchers found that people who were overweight or obese at midlife had an 80% higher risk of developing dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or vascular dementia in late life.
Researchers have identified GM-CSF as a driving force behind autoimmune diseases like MS. Blocking its activity may lead to new treatments for the disease. Dr. Abdolmohamad Rostami and his team found that GM-CSF is responsible for disease manifestation in an experimental animal model.
Researchers found a strong association between low sunlight exposure and an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) in people who have had infectious mononucleosis. The study, published in the April 2011 issue of Neurology, suggests that vitamin D deficiency may play a role in this association.
Researchers found that a subgroup of PPMS patients can convert to PRMS, with faster disease progression and increased risk for sustained disability. The study emphasizes the need for clinicians to consider evaluating this subgroup differently in assessing prognosis and clinical course.
A new study found that areas of the brain affected by Alzheimer's disease may start shrinking up to a decade before dementia is diagnosed. The researchers used MRI scans to measure brain size in people with no memory problems and followed them for years to see who developed the disease.
Perampanel, a new drug, has shown promise in reducing seizures in people with hard-to-control epilepsy. The study involved 387 participants who took either the 12mg or 8mg dose of perampanel and reported a significant reduction in seizure frequency compared to those taking a placebo.
A new study reveals that Iraqi refugees are disproportionately affected by brain and nervous system disorders, with 4% of all registered refugees having a diagnosed condition. The most common diagnoses were epilepsy, back pain, and headache, with many refugees experiencing torture-related injuries.
A Phase III clinical study found that laquinimod reduced annual relapse rates by 23% and disability progression by 36%. Laquinimod also slowed brain atrophy by 33%. The study involved 1,106 people with relapsing-remitting MS in 24 countries.
The American Academy of Neurology has issued a new guideline on the most effective treatments for diabetic nerve pain. Pregabalin was found to be an effective treatment in improving quality of life, while several other treatments including gabapentin, valproate, antidepressants and opioids should also be considered.
The phase I safety trial of Neuralstem's human spinal cord stem cells in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting, featuring interim safety data on nine patients. The trial is designed to evaluate the safety of the cells and surgery procedure for ALS treatment.
A study published in Neurology found that welders exposed to welding fumes had an average 11.7% reduction in dopamine levels in the brain, indicating potential neurotoxic effects. The researchers also discovered brain changes consistent with manganese deposits in welders.
A study published in Neurology found that stroke survivors with depression are at a higher risk of dependence after three months. The research also showed that other factors, such as age and comorbidities, can contribute to this risk.
Research analyzed 15 studies and found that stroke survivors with atrial fibrillation were 2.4 times more likely to develop dementia than those without the heart condition. Approximately 25% of patients with stroke and atrial fibrillation developed dementia during follow-up.