The American Academy of Neurology has supported a bill that would expand funding scope for National Institutes of Health support of embryonic stem-cell research. This move is expected to significantly advance the field while ensuring strong ethical safeguards.
The majority of ALS patients were never depressed during the study period, with only eight percent experiencing depression. Despite approaching death, people's attitudes towards life did not become more negative.
The American Academy of Neurology has published a new guideline recommending medications such as propranolol, primidone, sotalol, and atenolol to treat limb and head tremors in patients with essential tremor. These medications can help manage tremors and improve daily life.
A study found that 50% of patients who underwent temporal lobectomy for epilepsy were seizure-free after 30 years. Patients who experienced seizures within the first year after surgery had a lower likelihood of being seizure-free in the long term.
A small group of stroke patients showed significant improvement in motor function after receiving repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. The treatment, which is non-invasive and painless, promotes increased activity in the damaged hemisphere by reducing motor activity in the unaffected hemisphere.
A study found that patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease who are aware of their diagnosis and symptoms can make competent decisions about their treatment. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score can help predict decision-making abilities, with those scoring 24 or higher indicating competence.
Researchers made significant findings on the risk factors for Parkinson's disease, including active duty military service and ibuprofen use. Additionally, donepezil showed promise in slowing cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients, while essential tremor was linked to increased dementia risk.
A study found that combining carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgeries increases the risk of post-operative stroke by 6.8%, compared to 1.8% in CABG alone. Experts believe further randomized trials are necessary to assess the appropriateness of this combined procedure.
Chronic daily headaches are more prevalent in obese and morbidly obese people than those with normal body weight, the study found. Obese individuals reported severe pain and missed more work days due to headaches.
A new MS drug, AVP-923, has shown significant improvement in reducing pseudobulbar affect episodes, with 84% of patients reporting betterment compared to 49% on placebo. The treatment also led to overall improvements in quality of life and reduction in pain.
A recent study conducted in Norway found that bright Arctic light can trigger migraines in women with aura. The research revealed that nearly half of those with migraine with aura experienced more frequent attacks during the summer light season than during the polar winter season.
A new physical therapy technique, Souchard's global postural re-education, has shown significant improvement in chronic back pain patients. The method involves stretching and strengthening of para-spinal muscles to correct posture and decompress the spinal canal, resulting in pain relief for 92% of participants.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology suggests that long-term use of ibuprofen may lower the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The research found a 35% lower risk among ibuprofen users compared to non-users, with risks decreasing depending on weekly dosage.
A study of 20 male golfers with and without the yips found that those with yips had abnormal muscle activity in their forearms before impact. Golfers with yips were also older and had higher handicaps than those without yips, who had fewer errors and made more putts.
A new study found that erythropoietin reduced inflammation and cell death, improving functional recovery after hemorrhagic stroke in rats. The treatment also showed decreases in brain water content and increases in behavioral recovery.
A recent study found that women with ischemic stroke are less likely to receive diagnostic tests than men, despite having worse outcomes. Sixty-two percent of all deaths from stroke in the US occur in women, highlighting a need for increased access to tests and education.
Research suggests pathological gamblers exhibit altered decision-making functions and executive control, leading to long-term negative consequences. The study sheds light on the role of the prefrontal cortex in this neuropsychiatric disorder.
The American Academy of Neurology presented Leeza Gibbons with the Public Leadership in Neurology Award for her advocacy work on Alzheimer's disease. Her foundation, Leeza's Place, provides community-based locations offering comfort, education, and care to those affected by memory disorders.
A study of 68 patients with probable Alzheimer's disease found that higher levels of spirituality and religiosity may slow cognitive decline. Spirituality and private religious practices accounted for 20% of the total variance in cognitive decline.
A recent study reveals that individuals with essential tremor are at a significantly higher risk of developing dementia. The research followed 202 people with essential tremor and found that 7.4% developed dementia over an average period of three years, compared to 3.5% in the control group.
Rufinamide shows promise in reducing seizures for patients with treatment-resistant Lennox-Gastaut epilepsy. A new gene mutation in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and a common mutation in Parkinson's disease were also identified, offering potential new avenues for research.
Patients on statins before a stroke had a 1.6 times higher chance of favorable outcomes compared to those not taking statins. Statin use after a stroke was associated with a 2.6 times increased probability of recovery.
A recent study published in Neurology found no evidence that cell phone use increases the risk of developing brain tumors. Researchers analyzed data from over 400 people with and without brain tumors and found no correlation between cell phone use frequency or duration and brain tumor incidence.
Dr. Morris and Dr. Petersen have developed methods to detect preclinical Alzheimer's disease, a precursor to the onset of symptoms. Their research has the potential to identify a pre-clinical stage of AD that can be targeted for disease-modifying therapies.
Dr. Sahin will investigate the role of SMN protein in motor axon growth and identify potential therapeutic targets for SMA. The award provides support for his research and that of his mentor, Dr. Greenberg.
The American Academy of Neurology has established a definition for the persistent vegetative state, a condition characterized by minimal responsiveness and limited brain activity. This definition provides clarity and consistency in the diagnosis and care of patients in this state.
A study on lamotrigine found a 2.9% risk of birth defects, similar to the general population, while valproic acid had a 12.5% risk when used with other epilepsy drugs. Researchers emphasize the importance of controlling seizures and planning carefully to minimize risks during pregnancy.
A recent study found that stroke warning signs, such as transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), often occur several hours or days before the actual stroke. In most cases, TIAs occurred within seven days of the stroke, highlighting the importance of timely assessment and preventive treatment.
People with migraine are 43% more likely to be smokers and have high cholesterol, while those with aura symptoms are more likely to have high blood pressure and history of stroke or heart disease. The study suggests a shared predisposition toward both conditions.
A recent study by the American Academy of Neurology found that marijuana use impacts brain blood flow, even after a month of abstinence. The research involved 54 marijuana users and 18 control subjects, who underwent transcranial Doppler sonography to measure blood flow velocity and pulsatility index.
The American Academy of Neurology has developed a standardized case definition for polyneuropathy, which improves the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment. The new guideline uses a combination of neuropathic symptoms, signs, and abnormal electrodiagnostic studies to diagnose distal symmetrical polyneuropathy.
A recent study published in Neurology found no significant association between increased physical activity and the risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, it was discovered that higher leisure time physical activities before age 25 resulted in an earlier onset of the disease by seven years.
A large multiethnic cohort study found that midlife cardiovascular risk factors, such as diabetes and high cholesterol, are strongly linked to an increased risk of dementia in later life. The study also suggests that treating these risk factors may reduce the risk for dementia.
The American Academy of Neurology recognizes Dr. Callaghan's efforts to advocate for tort reform in Washington state, while Dr. Wasay leads programs to improve public health in Pakistan. The Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum empowers neurologists to advocate for patient care improvements.
The American Academy of Neurology has issued a new guideline recommending the use of corticosteroids, such as prednisone and deflazacort, to slow muscle deterioration in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. These medications have been shown to improve muscle strength and function.
A study found that rural stroke patients who received tPA treatment at small hospitals with phone support had outcomes similar to those treated on-site. The most notable result was the administration of tPA to 53 people who would not have otherwise received it.
The new guidelines provide a comprehensive review of related studies on the most effective medicines to treat migraine attacks and prevent attacks in children with frequent migraines. However, the authors found insufficient evidence to recommend the use of certain preventive agents, such as cyproheptadine and amitriptyline.
A study of 295 older men found that those who maintained daily physical activity had less cognitive decline than those who reduced or stopped activity. Physical activities of medium-to-low intensity, such as walking three miles per day, were associated with the least cognitive decline.
A study found that exposure to anger, negative emotions, or sudden changes in body position can increase the risk of stroke by up to 14 times within two hours. The study examined 200 people with ischemic strokes and found a link between these triggers and stroke, potentially offering new avenues for prevention and intervention.
Long-term obesity is associated with a significant loss of brain tissue, particularly in the temporal lobe, increasing dementia risk. The study found that women with higher BMI experienced greater atrophy and increased dementia risk over time.
A study found that people with multiple sclerosis who took an Alzheimer's medication showed significant improvements in memory and cognitive function compared to those taking a placebo. The treatment had no serious side effects, but its long-term effectiveness remains unknown.
Researchers found that switching from brand phenytoin to generic phenytoin can lead to increased seizures in epilepsy patients. Additionally, a study on concussion history and symptom reporting found that athletes with previous concussions reported fewer symptoms immediately after the injury but more symptoms one week later. The Americ...
A study of 162 Japanese patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease and high blood pressure found that brain-penetrating ACE inhibitors slowed cognitive decline. The medications declined thinking and memory skills by only 0.6 points, compared to 4.9 points for calcium channel blockers.
Researchers found a 29% increased risk of all strokes and an 82% higher risk of ischemic stroke in women taking tamoxifen, compared to controls. The absolute increase in risk was small.
The new guideline suggests tricyclic antidepressants, gabapentin, lidocaine skin patch, and opioids as effective in reducing pain from postherpetic neuralgia. However, the long-term effects of these treatments are not yet supported by sufficient data.
A large study found that at least one in four pregnant women experience restless legs syndrome, with symptoms worsening during rest and improving with activity. The study suggests a correlation between low iron indicators and the risk of developing RLS, highlighting the need for further research into its causes.
The American Academy of Neurology discusses the growing field of cosmetic neurology, which aims to enhance normal abilities through medical therapies. Experts weigh the benefits and risks of neurological enhancements, including concerns about safety, equality of access, and coercion to compete at a high level.
A recent study found that people with mild Alzheimer's disease are more likely to make driving errors during a route-following task, including wrong turns and safety errors. However, those familiar with the area drove safely, suggesting that familiar routes may be exempt from restrictions for drivers with early dementia.
A recent study using the General Practice Research Database found an association between hepatitis B vaccination and a three-fold increase in MS incidence within three years following vaccination. The study's limitations highlight the need for further research into the potential link between vaccines and autoimmune diseases.
Reduced gray matter volume, particularly in language centers, is associated with dyslexia. The study supports the effectiveness of intensive reading remediation therapy.