Researchers found that two specific biomarkers were elevated in athletes who experienced concussions, indicating potential for longer recovery times. The study suggests these biomarkers could aid in predicting which athletes are more likely to need extended recovery periods after concussion.
A novel PET tracer has been used to detect abnormal inflammation in the grey matter of patients with progressive multiple sclerosis, linked to physical disability and brain atrophy. The study provides a new tool for assessing disease progression and predicting treatment effects.
A new study found that even people with well-controlled epilepsy are at risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Researchers analyzed cases referred to the North American SUDEP Registry and found that sleep deprivation, skipping medication, and lack of seizure activity were common factors contributing to SUDEP.
A recent survey of American neurologists reveals that over half carry the mistaken belief that a patient's sexual orientation and gender identity have no bearing on treatment of neurologic illness. This lack of awareness can lead to substandard care, particularly for LGBTQ individuals who face persistent disparities in healthcare.
A proof-of-concept study found that special goggles measuring eye movements can accurately diagnose vertigo types, including Meniere's disease. The study showed improved sensitivity and specificity compared to audio tests.
A new study found that approximately half of former professional athletes with multiple concussions had higher than normal levels of tau protein in their cerebrospinal fluid, linked to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The athletes with high tau levels scored lower on cognitive tests and brain scans showed white matter damage.
The study found that out-of-pocket costs for MS drugs increased 20 times between 2004 and 2016, with people in high-deductible plans paying twice as much. The annual cost of treating neurologic disorders in the US is over $500 billion.
A study found that a spinal muscular atrophy drug can improve motor function and stabilize disease activity in older children with the disease, even those with SMA type II and III. The treatment, nusinersen, increased protein production essential for motor neurons to survive.
A new study has found that women with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 70 mg/dL may be at a higher risk of hemorrhagic stroke. The study also found that women with the lowest triglyceride levels had an increased risk of bleeding strokes compared to those with the highest triglyceride levels.
A new study published in Neurology found no link between dietary intake of minerals like zinc, iron, and other minerals with the development of multiple sclerosis. The study involved over 80,000 female nurses and found no association between mineral intake and MS risk.
A recent study by WVU researchers found that rural Americans with migraines often face long travel distances and financial barriers to accessing specialized care. The study highlights a nationwide shortage of headache specialists, which can exacerbate the economic impact of migraine in low-income areas.
The Jim and Julie Cardwell Fund has gifted $750,000 to Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso to establish an endowed chair in neurology. The chair will be supported by a $1.5 million fund, aiming to increase the number of neurologists available for the El Paso community.
A study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry found increased connectivity between motor regions and the multimodal integration network in patients with FND. Symptom severity also correlated with increased coupling between the insula and the amygdala, which improved response to treatment.
A new study found that the risk of relapse in multiple sclerosis (MS) is lower during and after pregnancy than previously thought. Women with MS can have children without an increased risk of relapses, according to a preliminary study published by the American Academy of Neurology.
A new study published in Neurology has found that medications commonly used to lower blood pressure and cholesterol do not slow down cognitive decline in older adults. The study, which involved over 1,600 participants, suggests that longer studies are needed to determine the effects of these medications on brain health.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that education does not play a significant role in when the disease starts or how fast it progresses. Researchers found an association between higher education and better thinking and memory skills at the start of the study, but this did not translate to slower cognitive decline.
A study published in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience found that eight weeks of intensive yoga practice significantly decreases the severity of physical and psychological symptoms in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. The results show marked improvements in inflammatory biomarkers, functional status, and disease activity.
A study found that aerobic exercise improved executive function and increased brain thickness in participants between 20-67 years old. Regular exercise was shown to slow or prevent age-related decline in thinking skills, with significant benefits observed at both young and older ages.
A study found that moving more, even simple routine physical activity like housework, can protect the brain from damage and preserve memory and thinking skills. The study looked at 454 older adults and found that those who moved more had better thinking and memory skills compared to those who didn't.
A large-scale study published in Neurology found a significant link between excessive body fat around the middle and reduced brain volume, specifically lower gray matter volumes. Researchers measured BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, and overall body fat in 9,652 participants and found those with higher ratios had lower brain volume.
A study found that people taking antidepressants, having post-traumatic stress disorder or anxiety are at risk of developing REM sleep behavior disorder. Men are also more likely to have the condition. Lifestyle factors such as education level, income, smoking status and moderate to heavy drinking habits were also linked to the disorder.
A study found that female veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or depression are more likely to develop dementia than their counterparts without these conditions. Women with PTSD were about 80% more likely, while those with depression were about 70% more likely to develop dementia.
A new series of studies assesses death and disability from neurological disorders between 1990 and 2016, finding one in four people worldwide suffered from headaches in 2016. Parkinson's disease has more than doubled since 1990, with motor neuron diseases causing severe disability and high fatality rates.
A new study published in Neurology found that the antidepressant fluoxetine showed no benefit in treating acute flaccid myelitis, a rare condition causing paralysis in children. Researchers analyzed data from 56 children with the illness and found no improvement in muscle strength among those who received fluoxetine.
A recent study published in Neurology suggests that when Parkinson's disease does not affect thinking skills early on, life span is not affected. The study found people with problems with memory and thinking skills were more likely to die during the study.
The Society of Vascular and Interventional Neurology presents the latest clinical trials and breakthrough technology related to vacuum aspiration for removing blood clots in stroke patients. The results aim to improve the lives of stroke patients worldwide.
A study published in Neurology found that middle-aged individuals with high cortisol levels experienced impaired memory and reduced brain volume compared to those with average cortisol levels. The study also found no links between low cortisol levels and memory or brain size.
A study published in Neurology found that people with atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat, are at a faster rate of decline in thinking and memory skills and a higher risk of dementia. Taking anticoagulants to prevent clots may decrease the risk of dementia.
A recent study published in Neurology found that sleeping too little or too much can affect stroke risk differently based on race. Black men who slept less than six hours per night were less likely to have a stroke compared to average sleepers, while white men who slept nine or more hours a night had an increased risk of stroke.
A new study published in Neurology shows that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) affects the mind, especially later in the disease, leading to cognitive and behavioral problems such as apathy, changes in eating behaviors, and loss of sympathy or empathy. People with ALS are recommended to be routinely screened for these issues.
A nationwide health claims analysis from Korea found smoking increases dementia risk, while quitting reduces it by up to 32%. Long-term quitters had a 14% lower risk of dementia compared to continual smokers, while never smokers had an 18% reduced risk for Alzheimer's disease.
A study published in Neurology found that medical marijuana, specifically THC, reduces connections between brain areas processing emotions and sensory signals, providing pain relief for radicular nerve pain. The more pain relief experienced, the greater the reduction of these brain connections.
A study published in Neurology suggests that spinal muscular atrophy drug nusinersen may be effective for muscle control even when treatment is started in children seven months and older. The research found significant muscle control improvements in participants, including an 8-year-old child, with some able to sit up without support.
Jesse Mez will examine clinical, radiologic, and neuropathologic markers of Alzheimer's disease in Framingham Heart Study participants to test the hypothesis that TBI and military service independently and jointly contribute to its development. The study aims to identify risk factors beyond genetics and lifestyle choices.
A study published in Neurology found that higher blood pressure in later life is associated with signs of brain aging and brain lesions, including infarcts and tangles linked to Alzheimer's disease. The risk of brain lesions increases by 46% for those with one standard deviation above the average systolic blood pressure.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy can slow the progression of tremor in early-stage Parkinson's disease patients. DBS applied in early-stage Parkinson's disease may slow the progression of tremor, a finding that suggests potential for new treatment options.
A possible biomarker for long-term learning has been discovered, which may lead to different educational techniques to improve retention of information. The researchers used EEG to measure students' brain responses to anatomical terms before and after an introductory anatomy class.
A recent study published in Neurology found that black and Hispanic people are at higher risk of having another intracerebral hemorrhage, or bleeding stroke, compared to white people. The study, which analyzed data from over 2,200 patients, also found significant racial differences in blood pressure and its impact on stroke risk.
Researchers at the American Academy of Neurology have identified a new type of vertigo characterized by prolonged nystagmus eye movements. The study found that this condition may respond to treatment and is associated with severe motion sickness.
Researchers found that infusions of properly functioning Tregs significantly slowed ALS disease progression in patients. The treatment increased Treg levels by 30-40% and showed promise as a potential treatment for the debilitating disease.
A study published in Neurology found that people with a better diet, rich in vegetables, fruit, nuts, and fish, had larger brains. The study included over 4,200 participants and found that those who consumed a higher-quality diet had an average of two milliliters more total brain volume.
A study published in Neurology found that depression in older adults may be linked to memory problems and structural differences in the brain. Researchers also discovered a possible link between depression and small vessel disease, a condition affecting brain health.
Dr. Steven Galetta has been awarded the 2018 A.B. Baker Award for Lifetime Achievement in Neurological Education by the American Academy of Neurology. He is recognized for his contributions to neurological education and leadership, as well as his research on MS, concussion, and optic nerve disorders.
A new guideline from the American Academy of Neurology suggests that starting MS drugs early may be better than letting the disease run its course. Disease-modifying therapies can alter or change the course of MS, reducing relapses and slowing disease progression.
A large population of U.S. veterans with mild, moderate, or severe traumatic brain injury were found to have a higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Those with mild traumatic brain injury had a 56% increased risk, while those with moderate to severe injuries had an 83% and 71% increased risk respectively.
A study published in Neurology found that people with Parkinson's disease are more likely to be demoralized than those without the disease. Demoralization is distinct from depression, and treatment approaches may differ.
A recent study found that men outnumber women in top-ranked academic neurology programs, consistent with previous research on neurology and other specialties. The study analyzed data from 1,712 academic neurologists across 29 programs, highlighting the underrepresentation of women in academic careers.
A new study reveals that stroke survivors experience 'hidden' problems like sleep issues, depression, and fatigue, which can significantly affect their well-being. The study found that social support programs and executive function training may improve these areas.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that estradiol therapy via skin patches maintained brain volume and reduced amyloid plaque deposits in women. Meanwhile, estrogen pills caused greater structural changes in the brain, which stopped once treatment was stopped.
Timothy M. Miller receives award for work on effective therapies for ALS, developing method to turn off toxic protein production in brain and spinal fluid. His approach is currently being tested in human clinical trials.
David A. Bennett's work in memory loss research has led to significant advancements in treating and preventing Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. The study's findings are shared globally to develop therapy and identify resilience characteristics.
A study published in Neurology suggests that small blood vessel changes in the eyes at age 60 may predict cognitive decline by age 80. The researchers used a retinal camera to take photos of participants' eyes and found that those with moderate to severe retinopathy had bigger drops in memory and thinking test scores over time.
A new study at the University at Buffalo aims to measure the effects of PTSD symptoms on attention and cognitive control in police officers. The research, led by Janet Shucard, will examine brain structure and function in police officers using electrophysiological activity and psychological interviews.
A recent study found that learning stress-reducing techniques can significantly reduce the frequency of seizures in people with difficult-to-treat epilepsy. Participants who learned progressive muscle relaxation and breathing techniques experienced a 29% decrease in seizures, while those in the control group had a 25% reduction.
A study published in the American Academy of Neurology found that balance and eye movement exercises can help people with multiple sclerosis (MS) improve their balance and reduce fatigue. The exercise program showed significant improvements in balance, fatigue, and dizziness scores compared to a control group.
Researchers found that adding zonisamide to levodopa improved movement symptoms in people with dementia with Lewy bodies without worsening psychiatric symptoms. The study, published in Neurology, suggests a potential new treatment option for this debilitating condition.
A small pilot study found one sign of CTE in a younger person with epilepsy, but no unique characteristics compared to other participants. Researchers suggest that tau protein deposits may not contribute to cognitive impairment in young patients with localized seizures.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that women taking topiramate during the first trimester had a three times greater risk of giving birth to a baby with cleft lip or palate. The risk was higher for those taking high doses of the drug, and was comparable to lamotrigine.
People with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may experience improved memory and thinking ability with regular exercise, according to the American Academy of Neurology. The guideline recommends that doctors recommend exercise as part of an overall approach to managing symptoms.
A study published in Neurology found that eating at least one serving of green, leafy vegetables a day was linked to a slower rate of decline on tests of memory and thinking skills. The difference was equivalent to being 11 years younger in age.