Researchers developed a new tool called SPIN-Score to predict survival after gunshot wounds, using pupil response and motor tests as key predictors. The tool accurately predicted survival rates with an excellent accuracy of 96%, offering valuable insights for doctors and families making life-or-death decisions.
Research suggests that exercise can lead to a small improvement in overall thinking skills and executive function abilities in individuals with mild vascular cognitive impairment. Participants who exercised for six months showed better blood pressure and cardiovascular capacity compared to those who did not exercise.
Researchers found that alemtuzumab improved disability scores by at least one point in nearly 28% of participants, compared to 15% of those receiving interferon. The treatment also showed significant improvements in thinking skills and mobility without tremor or clumsy movements.
A study published in Neurology found that excess weight in women increases the risk of ischemic stroke, while decreasing the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. The research followed over 1.3 million women for 12 years, revealing a significant association between body mass index and stroke subtype.
Researchers found that levetiracetam and topiramate do not reduce IQs or thinking skills in children, unlike valproate which had lower IQ scores, averaging 11 points lower. The study suggests these newer medications are safer alternatives for pregnant women with epilepsy.
A recent study has found that four biomarkers in the blood are associated with an increased risk of stroke. These biomarkers include homocysteine, vascular endothelial growth factor, C-reactive protein, and tumor necrosis factor receptor 2. Adding these biomarkers to existing methods of predicting stroke risk improved accuracy.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found a link between calcium supplement use and increased dementia risk in older women with cerebrovascular disease. Women who took calcium supplements were twice as likely to develop dementia, particularly those with white matter lesions.
A long-term study found that starting medication for multiple sclerosis at the earliest sign of the disease can prolong the time before a definitive diagnosis is made. Participants who received early treatment had 33% fewer diagnoses of MS, more time between relapses, and lower yearly relapse rates compared to those on delayed treatment.
A recent literature review suggests that both sleep disorders and oversleeping may increase the risk of stroke. The review recommends screening for sleep disorders in people who have had a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), as they may be more likely to experience negative outcomes. Additionally, treatment with continuous posit...
The American Academy of Neurology recommends that individuals with a patent foramen ovale (PFO) who have had a stroke do not need routine catheter-based closure, due to limited evidence supporting its effectiveness. Instead, antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin are recommended to prevent blood clots.
A new consensus statement provides recommendations for transitioning adolescents and young adults with neurologic disorders to adult care. The guidelines emphasize the importance of early planning, self-management skills assessment, and comprehensive transition plans to ensure a smooth transition.
A large clinical trial has found that estrogen therapy does not impact cognitive function in postmenopausal women, contradicting previous theories. The study suggests that healthy women at any stage after menopause should not take hormone supplements to improve memory.
A study found that children with the epsilon-4 gene variant had differences in brain development compared to those with epsilon-2 and epsilon-3 variants, including smaller hippocampus size and lower test scores on memory and thinking skills. The findings suggest early indications of risk for dementia and potential prevention strategies.
Athletes may experience long-term brain changes even after recovery from a concussion, according to new research. The study found alterations in brain white matter six months post-injury, with more severe symptoms at the time of the concussion being a predictor of these changes.
Researchers found that a genetic risk score was associated with worse memory and smaller hippocampus volume in healthy younger participants. A higher polygenic risk score was linked to greater longitudinal memory and executive function decline and clinical progression of the disease.
Researchers found that transplanting human stem cells into the spinal cord was done safely, but did not slow down the progression of the disease. The treatment resulted in temporary side effects, including pain and swelling, but no conclusive evidence of effectiveness was found.
Researchers found that about 1 in 400 people have 36 or more repeats of the gene, which could lead to a higher incidence of the disease. People with reduced penetrance may be at relatively low risk but play a larger role in transmitting the full penetrance gene to their children.
A study found that people with a first-degree relative with epilepsy are at higher risk of being diagnosed with autism. Siblings and offspring of those with epilepsy were 63% more likely to develop autism than their peers without a family history.
A new drug, TEV-48125, was associated with fewer headache hours for people with chronic migraine within three to seven days after the first injection. The study found that the higher dose of the drug showed a difference from the placebo after three days, and both doses reduced headaches by 1-2 days after two weeks of treatment.
Research suggests a 'two-hit' process links estrogen withdrawal to menstrual migraine. Women with migraine experience a faster rate of estrogen decline than those without, which may make them vulnerable to migraine triggers like stress and sleep deprivation.
Researchers have identified a group of immune system genes associated with glioblastoma multiforme survival. The eight-gene signature is linked to shorter survival times and more rapid disease progression, but may also identify potential targets for treatment.
A study published in Neurology found that pregabalin, commonly used to treat pain and anxiety, is associated with a higher risk of major birth defects. Women taking pregabalin during pregnancy were three times more likely to have a child born with a major defect compared to those who did not take the drug.
A new study links MS drug mitoxantrone to an increased risk of colorectal cancer, with patients treated with the medication being three times more likely to develop the disease. However, the overall rate of cancer was low enough that the researchers suggest continuing its use for severely affected patients.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that people with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) experience long-term sleep disturbances, despite not being aware of it. Researchers discovered that 67% of those with TBI suffered from excessive daytime sleepiness compared to 19% of healthy individuals.
A study published in Neurology found that athletes with pre-concussion medical complaints, such as psychosomatic symptoms, took longer to recover after a concussion. The severity of these symptoms was the greatest predictor of recovery time.
The American Academy of Neurology has updated its guidelines for the use of botulinum toxin in treating spasticity, cervical dystonia, blepharospasm, and chronic migraine. The guideline recommends that botulinum toxin is generally safe and effective for these conditions.
A new study suggests that an eslicarbazepine acetate taken once a day may control seizures in people with partial seizures as well as carbamazepine taken twice daily. The six-month study showed that 71% of those taking eslicarbazepine were seizure-free, compared to 76% of those taking carbamazepine.
Researchers used an advanced form of ultrasound to map blood flow activity in the brain, detecting changes that differentiate healthy and concussed athletes 83% of the time. The study suggests a new tool for quickly recognizing concussions on the sidelines.
A preliminary study found that clemastine fumarate partially reversed optic nerve damage in people with MS. The drug improved transmission signal times by an average of 2 milliseconds per patient, suggesting possible myelin repair.
A recent study by the American Academy of Neurology found that over 40% of retired NFL players showed signs of traumatic brain injury based on sensitive MRI scans. The study also revealed a significant correlation between longer NFL careers and increased risk of TBI.
A small study suggests Zika virus may be associated with an autoimmune disorder attacking the brain's myelin, similar to multiple sclerosis. Researchers found six people developed neurologic symptoms consistent with autoimmune disorders and underwent exams and blood tests, revealing signs of damage to the brain's white matter.
A new study published in Neurology found that babies born to mothers taking the epilepsy drug lamotrigine may not be at an increased risk of birth defects such as cleft lip and clubfoot. The study, which analyzed over 10 million births, estimated the excess risk of these defects to be less than one in every 550 babies.
Researchers found that patients with aphasia who performed better on speech-fluency tests had higher structural integrity in right hemisphere regions. These areas were found to contribute to speech-fluency, suggesting the right side of the brain reorganizes itself for recovery.
A study published in Neurology found that older adults who engaged in moderate to intense exercise showed less decline in thinking skills than those who were sedentary. The difference was equivalent to 10 years of aging.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that women tend to perform better on verbal memory tests and have less brain shrinkage in areas responsible for verbal memory. This suggests that women may be protected from loss of verbal memory skills before Alzheimer's disease symptoms appear.
A study found that people newly diagnosed with MS are more likely to have depression and other chronic conditions. The study also showed that the rates of these conditions differ between men and women with MS.
A study found that young adults with hostile attitudes and poor coping skills may experience significant declines in thinking and memory abilities decades later. The study, which followed 3,126 participants from age 25 to 50, revealed that increased levels of hostility and effortful coping were associated with poorer cognitive performa...
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that older adults who used a computer at least once per week had a 42% lower risk of developing memory and thinking problems compared to those who did not. Engaging in social activities also showed a significant reduction in memory decline, with participants who participated ...
A preliminary study found that emotional abuse in childhood was strongly linked to an increased risk of developing migraines as young adults. The study included data from 14,484 people and showed that those who were emotionally abused were 52% more likely to experience migraines.
A study of 15,863 people found that nighttime light exposure was significantly associated with sleep duration and disturbances. People living in urban areas with intense street lights were six percent more likely to sleep less than six hours per night.
Researchers found a temporary increase in ischemic stroke rate after daylight saving time transitions, with people with cancer and over 65 at higher risk. The study suggests disruptions in circadian rhythm may contribute to the increased risk, but further studies are needed to understand the relationship.
Researchers have identified an effective and safe treatment for Huntington's disease, using IONIS-HTTRx to inhibit huntingtin protein production. The drug has shown promising results in mice and monkeys, with motor skill improvements and reduced cortical huntingtin levels.
A recent study by the American Academy of Neurology has found that most Ebola survivors experienced brain symptoms six months after their initial infection. The study, which followed 82 Ebola survivors from Liberia, revealed common neurological problems such as weakness, headache, memory loss, and depressed mood.
A recent study found that mental activity may help delay the onset of Alzheimer's symptoms, but it does not affect the underlying disease changes in the brain. For carriers of the APOE4 gene, continued lifetime learning was associated with lower levels of amyloid plaques.
Researchers discovered a possible link between migraine, tension-type headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with people with migraine being twice as likely to also have IBS. The study found that common genes related to serotonin transport and receptors were shared among the three conditions.
A study published in Neurology found that certain antibiotics are associated with delirium, a condition characterized by mental confusion and hallucinations. Researchers identified three types of brain problems related to antibiotics, including seizures, psychosis, and impaired muscle coordination.
A study found a direct correlation between poor fitness and reduced brain volume decades later, indicating accelerated brain aging. Participants with higher blood pressure and heart rate responses during exercise were more likely to have smaller brain volumes.
A new study found increased buildup of amyloid plaques in people who had previously sustained a traumatic brain injury. The areas affected overlapped those seen in Alzheimer's disease, but other areas were involved.
A study published in Neurology found that individuals with higher BDNF protein levels had slower cognitive decline than those with lower levels. The researchers discovered a 50% reduction in cognitive decline for those in the highest 10% of protein expression compared to the lowest 10%.
A study published in Neurology found that people taking natalizumab for multiple sclerosis have a higher risk of developing JC virus-related infections, which can lead to fatal brain disease. Researchers monitored levels of anti-JC virus antibodies in patients treated with natalizumab and found a significant increase in risk.