A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that smoking significantly increases the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS), regardless of age or education level. The study examined over 22,000 people and found that smokers were 1.81 times more likely to develop MS than non-smokers.
A study of 115 stroke patients found that lowering blood pressure within the first 24 hours can lead to poorer outcomes. Blood pressure drops significantly in this period, reducing brain tissue flow and causing more damage.
Researchers found that relatives of people with tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease and those with postural instability gait disorder are more likely to experience action tremor. The study provides insight into the genetic influence of Parkinson's disease.
A study of 803 women found that transition through menopause is not accompanied by a decline in working memory and perceptual speed. This research challenges previous assumptions about the effects of menopause on cognitive function, offering new insights for improving memory and addressing related health concerns.
Two studies found Gulf War veterans have a significantly higher risk of ALS, particularly those deployed to Southwest Asia. The studies also revealed that young Gulf War veterans were more than twice as likely to develop ALS compared to the general population.
Researchers studied 13 young adults with muscle weakness after stroke and found that shaping therapy improved arm movement and motor activity. The study showed significant improvements in the amount of use and quality of movement, with stable results during a four-week follow-up.
Guideline suggests that early treatment with IVIg or plasma exchange can be beneficial for adults and children with severe, early Guillain-Barré syndrome. These treatments have been found to be equally effective in treating the condition.
The American Academy of Neurology has introduced a new guideline that suggests MRI scans can be used to predict the development of multiple sclerosis in individuals who have had a single occurrence of MS symptoms. This allows for earlier diagnosis and treatment, which can help reduce disease activity and severity.
A study found that 63% of patients with intractable epilepsy who underwent surgery remained seizure-free for over eight years. The duration of epilepsy before surgery was a significant factor in predicting seizure freedom, with patients having longer episodes more likely to remain free from seizures.
Donepezil has been shown to improve cognitive function in vascular dementia patients, while a study found that brain volume loss can predict Alzheimer's disease. However, a clinical trial of topiramate in ALS patients found no benefits and an increased risk of adverse events.
Researchers found high concentrations of BMAA in bat skins, which may have contributed to the Chamorro people's increased risk of ALS/PDC. The findings support a hypothesis linking flying foxes to the disease.
A study of 1,884 Parkinson's patients found that nine developed pathological gambling, with most taking high doses of dopamine agonists. The condition was often linked to financial problems and could be controlled with treatment changes.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that black children, particularly boys, have a higher risk of stroke compared to their white counterparts. The annual stroke incidence rate among children was 2.3 strokes per 100,000, with ischemic stroke accounting for 51% of cases.
A three-week training program based on National Reading Panel principles improved brain activation patterns and reading performance in children with dyslexia. Dyslexic children showed significant improvements after the program, demonstrating that instruction can strengthen existing brain circuits rather than rewiring them.
A study of 23 West Nile patients reveals early symptoms include rash, low back pain, and limb pain, progressing to muscle weakness and respiratory failure in severe cases. The disease can cause significant disability and death if left untreated, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that people with patent foramen ovale, a common heart condition, are at increased risk of stroke after air travel. Researchers analyzed data from over 155 million passengers and found that six percent of those who developed pulmonary embolism had strokes.
Researchers discuss new findings on HIV-associated dementia and its potential association with the presence of MDM. Additionally, studies suggest that treating post-Lyme disease with antibiotics does not provide benefits, while a possible link is found between insulin and Alzheimer's disease risk factors.
A study of 250 newly diagnosed patients and 388 healthy individuals found that those with high iron intake were 1.7 times more likely to have Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that eating foods rich in iron and manganese may help prevent the disease.
A woman with frontotemporal dementia transforms her painting style from realistic to more expressive and emotionally charged as her language abilities decline. Her artwork showcases an intense emotional and impressionistic style, revealing the release of frontal lobe functions involved in social restraints.
A new study has found that the drug abciximab can effectively break up secondary clots in stroke patients, with three out of four patients showing significant improvements in symptoms. The study suggests that secondary clots may occur frequently and provides evidence that abciximab may be beneficial for treating them.
A study found that only 2.3% of participants reported being told by a doctor they had a TIA, translating to an estimated 4.9 million people in the US who recall having a diagnosis. People with lower income and fewer years of education were less likely to be knowledgeable about TIA symptoms.
A Chinese study found nearly 50% higher lifetime prevalence of epilepsy and a 30% higher treatment gap than estimated, with 41% of cases never receiving proper treatment. Successful treatment of 60-70% of cases could benefit China's economy.
A new study by the American Academy of Neurology links cervical spine manipulation to an increased risk of stroke in people under 60. Researchers found that patients who experienced arterial dissection and stroke were six times more likely to have visited a practitioner who manipulated their neck within the past 30 days.
Chronic snorers are more than twice as likely to experience chronic daily headaches as those with occasional headaches. Researchers suggest that treating snoring could help alleviate headaches in some individuals.
Researchers identified chromosomal abnormalities in 5.9% of ALS patients, suggesting a previously unknown risk factor for the disease. The study highlights the need for systematic genetic analysis of patients with ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.
New research presented at the AAN Annual Meeting includes promising treatments for MS, potential therapeutic targets for worsening ataxia in ALS, and a connection between Chlamydia infection and increased stroke risk. Statins also show promise in reducing cognitive decline and improving recovery from stroke.
The American Academy of Neurology identifies five categories of reasons for treatment failure in headache patients. Incomplete or incorrect diagnoses are the most common reason, followed by unaddressed factors that exacerbate the headache. The experts also highlight inadequate medication regimens and lack of non-drug treatment options ...
Researchers found that DHEA did not significantly improve cognitive performance or ratings of disease severity in a randomized, double-blind trial. The study's small size and high drop-out rate may limit the findings, with larger studies needed to confirm the results.
A longitudinal study found that high fruit and fruit drink consumption predicted an increased risk of Parkinson's disease. However, vitamin C intake was not associated with the risk. The study suggests further research into food-borne toxins may help understand the etiology and prevention of the disease.
Researchers have found the same gene responsible for fragile X syndrome, a developmental disorder in children, also causes Fragile X Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS) in male carriers, leading to neurodegenerative symptoms. The study aims to develop therapies for both conditions.
Researchers found that mandatory reporting of seizures can lead patients to withhold information from their doctors, harming the doctor-patient relationship. The study also suggests that this may result in more uncontrolled seizures, posing a risk to public safety.
A study of 250 children found that botulinum toxin significantly improved symptoms of muscle spasticity, enabling them to perform daily tasks such as feeding and writing for the first time. Long-term use of the drug showed minimal adverse effects and maintained effectiveness over two years or more.
A study found that people with metabolic syndrome are 1.5 times more likely to develop a stroke than those without it, with women being 2.1 times more at risk. The condition is also associated with an increased risk of heart attacks and vascular-related deaths.
A study found that viral encephalitis can lead to severe movement disorders such as tremor, myoclonus, chorea, and ballismus. These disorders required heavy sedation or pharmacologic paralysis and resulted in significantly longer hospital stays compared to non-affected patients.
A study found that epilepsy surgery programs in developing countries can produce results comparable to those from developed countries using a carefully selected actuarial approach and the Seizure Scoring System. Researchers audited their program and identified factors most predictive of successful outcomes, yielding a nearly 60% succes...
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that deep brain stimulation significantly improved dystonia symptoms in seven patients, with three experiencing near-complete resolution. The treatment showed promise as a safe and effective therapy for previously untreatable diseases.
A new study suggests that nearly 90 percent of healthy diabetes patients have experienced brain volume loss, potentially contributing to cognitive decline. The research, led by Drs. Jitendra Sharma and Richard Chan, used MRI scans to compare brain health in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals within the same age cohort.
A new study suggests that early levodopa treatment may slow the rate of progression in Parkinson's disease. Levodopa treatment showed improved outcomes in patients with early Parkinson's disease compared to placebo.
The AAN Annual Meeting explores the historical use of biological toxins in warfare and global terrorism, with a focus on developing bioterrorism response plans for local hospitals and clinics. Participants will learn emergency medical management and current research on neuroprotective agents against chemical warfare.
Researchers found West Nile virus can cause muscle weakness, acute paralysis, and impaired breathing, leading to life-threatening symptoms. Four Mississippi patients who died after developing West Nile virus were examined and showed signs of viral infection in spinal cord autopsies.
Researchers analyzed 28 West Nile Virus cases, revealing that over half presented with neurological symptoms mimicking other diseases like stroke or Parkinson's. The study aims to increase awareness among neurologists and patients of the varied presentations of West Nile virus.
A study of 14 adults with persistent developmental stuttering found that DAF was more effective for those with atypical auditory anatomy. The research also identified two subgroups: one with rightward planum temporale asymmetry who showed improved fluency, and another with leftward planum temporale asymmetry who did not respond to DAF.
Researchers found that bone marrow stem cells from healthy mice contribute to regeneration of nervous and muscle tissue affected by ALS. A five-fold increase in newly generated neuronal cells was observed in the central nervous system of ALS mice.
Researchers found that immunization can stimulate the immune system to combat prion disease, which affects humans and animals. The study suggests that vaccination could be an effective therapy for prion diseases like Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and Alzheimer's disease.
A study involving 34 Parkinson's patients found that the implant improved their quality of life by an average of 22 percent, with significant improvements in mobility and motor functioning. Patients reported substantial improvements in daily activities such as dressing and preparing meals.
Researchers found that using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. However, data suggests that low-dose aspirin use does not provide a significant protective effect against developing Alzheimer's.
Researchers have found that simvastatin, a cholesterol-lowering medication, reduces the number and volume of active MS lesions. The study suggests statins may have therapeutic value in treating multiple sclerosis, but further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Researchers identify APOE genotype as significant risk factor for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a condition that can lead to severe complications such as amputations and chronic pain. The study suggests that biomarkers like the APOE 3/4 or 4/4 genotypes could help direct intensive interventions to patients at high risk.
Patients with recurring migraines recorded non-headache symptoms in an electronic diary for three months, revealing a consistent pattern of symptoms leading up to the headache. The study suggests that learning to recognize these symptoms can help patients prevent or minimize their migraines, providing a new treatment option.
A study of 141 whiplash patients and 40 ankle injury patients found that whiplash pain was more frequent but similar in intensity to ankle injuries. Pain improved significantly over time, with most patients returning to work within a year.