A population-based study of 13,613 brain tumor cases in Sweden found that people with four or more siblings were twice as likely to develop a brain tumor. Children under 15 with three or more younger siblings had a two to fourfold increase in brain tumors compared to those with no siblings.
A year-long study found that enzyme replacement therapy reduced the risk of death in children with Pompe disease by 99 percent. The treatment, which involves replacing the deficient enzyme acid a-glucosidase, was shown to improve respiratory performance and reduce the need for ventilators.
A study published in Neurology found that people with Parkinson disease were more likely to make safety mistakes during a driving test than those without neurological disorders. The study involved an on-road driving test of participants with mild to moderate Parkinson disease and those of similar age without neurological disorders.
A study published in Neurology found that pregabalin significantly reduced severe pain and anxiety problems in patients with moderate to severe nerve pain after spinal cord injury. The medication was effective in relieving pain, improving sleep, and overall well-being.
A study found that enhanced caregiver support and counseling delayed nursing home placement by 1.5 years, improving caregivers' tolerance for patient behavior and increasing satisfaction with social support. This intervention could potentially save $90,000 per patient in nursing home care costs.
The new guideline aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of status epilepticus in children with epilepsy. It recommends considering anti-epileptic drug levels and performing an EEG to determine the cause of continuous seizures.
A study found that eating at least 2.8 servings of vegetables daily slows the rate of cognitive change in older adults by 40%, equivalent to about five years of younger age. Green leafy vegetables had the strongest association with slowing cognitive decline.
A recent study published in Neurology found that nearly 40% of children and teenagers with migraines no longer experience headaches 10 years later. Kids with a family history of migraines are more likely to still have migraines by adulthood.
Research found that Parkinson's disease patients developing impulse control disorders show increased rates of depression, appetite changes, and irritability compared to those without the disorder. The study identified nine patients with impulse control disorders, including pathological gambling, hypersexuality, and excessive shopping.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that childhood IQ and physical fitness are indicators of cognitive ability in old age. The research examined 460 participants who underwent cognitive tests at ages 11 and 79, revealing that physical fitness contributes more to cognitive function than childhood IQ.
A study of 2,223 healthy men and women found that those with high body mass index (BMI) scores performed worse on cognitive tests than those with low BMI scores. The study suggests a possible link between obesity and cognitive decline in middle-aged adults.
A study analyzing 45 years of stroke research found that 75% of unpublished studies had negative or harmful results, while only 6% of published studies shared this outcome. The findings support the need for registering all clinical studies before they begin to prevent publication bias.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that long-term lead exposure is linked to cognitive decline in older adults. The researchers tested 985 participants and found higher tibia lead levels were consistently associated with worse cognitive performance on tests, equivalent to two to six years of aging.
A study of 120 older adults found significant memory problem complainants had reduced gray matter density in the brain, even without a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment. This suggests that memory complaints may indicate an early 'pre-MCI' stage of dementia.
Researchers found that severely impaired patients taking rivastigmine showed significant improvement in attention and verbal memory test scores compared to placebo-treated patients. Rivastigmine was also found to be safe and well-tolerated with common side effects including nausea and dizziness.
A study published in Neurology found that children with autism have altered brain anatomy, including differences in gray matter and brain size compared to children with typical development. The researchers used MRI scans to measure the transverse relaxation of cortical gray and white matter in the brains of autistic children.
A study projects ischemic stroke costs to reach $1.52 trillion from 2005-2050, with African Americans and Hispanics facing higher costs. The American Academy of Neurology urges Congress to increase NIH funding to halt the impending epidemic and save lives.
Estimated costs of ischemic stroke in the US will exceed $2.2 trillion by 2050, with non-Hispanic whites facing a cost of $1.52 trillion and African Americans facing a higher per capita cost of $25,782. The study highlights ethnic disparities in stroke-related healthcare access and outcomes.
A recent study published in Neurology found that the epilepsy drug valproate poses a significantly higher risk of fetal death and birth defects than other commonly used epilepsy drugs. The study, which examined 333 pairs of mother and child, showed that over 20% of pregnancies exposed to valproate resulted in death or birth defects.
A new guideline developed by the American Academy of Neurology can predict the outcome for patients in a coma after CPR with great accuracy. The tests used to make these predictions include absent pupillary reflexes and corneal reflexes, as well as absent motor responses three days after cardiac arrest.
A recent study found that apathy is a core feature of Parkinson's disease and may occur in up to 51% of patients. Apathy with no depression was also present in 29% of those with Parkinson's disease, highlighting the need for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
A study of 134 older adults found that nearly a third had Alzheimer's disease, yet most did not show obvious dementia symptoms. The research suggests that some people may have a neural reserve that allows them to tolerate significant brain damage without developing cognitive decline.
Three new studies help diagnose psychological seizures by identifying key behavioral cues, such as eye movement during seizures. These findings could guide early diagnosis and improve patient outcomes.
A new study has found a significant link between lead exposure and long-term brain cell loss and damage. Researchers measured the brains of former employees exposed to lead in their workplaces, finding those with higher levels had smaller brain volumes and more damage.
A study by Eelco Wijdicks and his son found that only two out of 30 movies with coma characters showed a reasonably accurate representation. Common inaccuracies include portraying comatose people as suddenly awakening with no physical or mental problems, or showing them with closed eyes only.
Researchers found that people taking all three medications experienced less severe strokes, shorter hospital stays, and better brain function after a stroke. The study suggests that these medications may work together to improve blood flow and reduce brain cell damage.
Researchers explore risk factors for dementia, including the Mediterranean diet and obesity, as well as novel treatments for Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis. Experimental therapies also show promise in treating ALS and stroke, with potential applications in other neurodegenerative diseases.
A recent study published in Neurology found that individuals who have had near-death experiences tend to experience REM state intrusion, which can disrupt normal sleep-wake patterns. This phenomenon was observed in 60% of people with near-death experiences, compared to 24% of those without.
Researchers developed a new PET scan technique to detect Alzheimer's disease plaques and tangles, while the ApoE gene was found to significantly increase stroke risk in Asian populations. Foramen ovale closure surgery also showed promise in reducing migraine headaches in patients with an open heart opening.
Cuba Gooding Jr. receives the award for his work raising awareness about multiple sclerosis, a condition affecting millions worldwide. The American Academy of Neurology recognizes his efforts to educate and support those living with MS.
The new guidelines provide recommendations for early diagnosis, effective therapies, and screening for depression and psychosis. Regular exercise and therapy can also help manage movement difficulties, improving overall quality of life for those with Parkinson disease.
Frequent marijuana use leads to deteriorated cognitive functions, particularly in remembering new information. Long-term users showed significant impairment in cognitive abilities compared to non-users, with more severe decline over time.
A multicenter trial of two spinal cord injury therapies found that weight-supported treadmill training and conventional overground mobility therapy produce similar outcomes. The study showed that individuals with partial spinal cord injuries can walk independently by six months, regardless of the therapy strategy.
A study found that only 2% of stroke patients receiving clot-busting treatment arrived within three hours of symptom onset. Factors such as ambulance transport, gender, and time of arrival significantly increased the chances of receiving treatment. Warning signs of stroke include sudden numbness, confusion, and severe headache.
Researchers found no association between aspirin use and increased risk of recurrent intracerebral hemorrhage. However, the benefits of aspirin for certain patients with intracerebral hemorrhage are uncertain due to limited data.
A study published in Neurology found that over 70% of people with Chiari Malformations experience sleep apnea and daytime sleepiness. Surgery to relieve compression on the brain stem improved symptoms, reducing central sleep apnea occurrences by 90% and micro-arousals by 30%.
A case study highlights the importance of monitoring vitamin B1 deficiency in post-gastric bypass surgery patients due to potential development of Wernicke encephalopathy. The patient experienced symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, and hearing loss, which improved with increased intravenous dose of vitamin B1.
A recent study published in Neurology found that epilepsy surgery significantly improves mental health outcomes for patients. After the surgery, 9% of participants met the criteria for depression, compared to 22% before surgery. The study suggests removing dysfunctional brain areas may be critical to improving mental well-being.
The American Academy of Neurology has updated its expert witness guidelines to promote competent, truthful, and evidence-based testimony. Physicians should be fully trained in their specialty or subject matter and conduct their testimony accurately and impartially.
Researchers found that individuals with autism and related disorders have difficulties distinguishing facial expressions from emotional states. The study suggests that these problems may be related to the processing of emotion rather than face perception.
A study of 229 individuals at heightened risk for Alzheimer's disease found that more than 90% supported allowing family consent for research participation in low- to moderate-risk studies. The majority also accepted higher-risk studies with caution, highlighting the importance of balancing individual concerns with societal needs.
Researchers found botulinum toxin type A significantly reduced pain in all 13 patients with trigeminal neuralgia within 10 days of injection. By 60 days, four patients became medication-free and others reduced their medication use by over 50%.
Researchers discovered that Australians with small blood vessel changes in their eyes were 70% more likely to experience a stroke over seven years. The study's findings suggest that eye examinations could help predict stroke risk, providing a potential window for early intervention.
The American Academy of Neurology updated its guideline to recommend carotid endarterectomy for patients with severe or moderate stenosis and recent symptoms of stroke or transient ischemic attack. Carotid endarterectomy may also be considered for patients without symptoms but with a high life expectancy.
A new guideline suggests a blood test can help identify the type of seizure, distinguishing between generalized tonic-clonic seizures and complex partial seizures. The test measures prolactin levels in the blood after a seizure.
Dr. Green will receive a $75,000 per year grant to study the inner retina and optic nerve in people with MS using optical coherence tomography. This research aims to predict disability in MS patients by observing early changes in the retina.
The AAN Foundation and ALS Association are partnering to provide funding for a Clinician Scientist Development Award in support of ALS research. The award aims to prioritize promising compounds for clinical trials, bringing hope to patients suffering from this debilitating disease.
Researchers found propofol to be an effective treatment for continuous seizures in children, controlling seizures in 14 out of 22 patients. Propofol was preferred over thiopental due to lower side effects and fewer respiratory problems.
The study found that standardized forms increased optimal treatment rates from 44% to 63% among stroke patients. The improved rates were particularly notable for preventive treatment for blood clots in the leg veins and cholesterol-lowering drugs at discharge.
A new study suggests that men over 50 with unexplained ataxia or tremors should undergo testing to check if they have the FMR1 gene, which causes Fragile X-related disorder. The guidelines were developed after a multi-center study found 56 people had received prior diagnoses of other conditions before being correctly diagnosed with FXTAS.