A new drug, lamotrigine, has been shown to reduce central post-stroke pain in patients by an average of 30 percent. The treatment was found to be effective for patients who could not tolerate amitriptyline due to its side effects.
A study found that biofeedback-assisted relaxation training techniques significantly reduced headache frequency and severity in children with migraines. The treatment improved school attendance by 85% of parents' reports, demonstrating its potential as a complementary therapy for managing migraines in children.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that diabetes and high blood pressure can lead to cognitive decline in middle-aged people. The research, which examined 10,963 participants aged 47-70, showed a modest but statistically significant association between these conditions and cognitive abilities.
A new study published in Neurology found that selegiline, a drug used to treat Parkinson's disease, does not increase the risk of death for patients taking levodopa. The study compared the death rates of 97 patients with Parkinson's who received selegiline treatment with those of 902 people without the disease.
Researchers identified enlarged pituitary glands in patients with intracranial hypotension syndrome, a condition characterized by headaches that worsen when sitting up. The condition can be diagnosed through low spinal cord fluid pressure readings and treated with conventional therapies such as bed rest, hydration, and corticosteroids.
Researchers found that frontotemporal dementia patients shifted from disliking classical music to appreciating Italian pop, and another patient discovered a taste for pop music after losing interest in her children. The study suggests that novelty-seeking behavior may play a role in these changes.
A study published in Neurology found that long-term scuba diving has no effect on brain function or structure. The researchers tested 24 professional divers and 24 non-divers and found no significant differences in cognitive function or brain imaging.
A study found that people with late-onset dementia had lower intelligence scores as children compared to those without the disease. The researchers identified 59 patients with early-onset dementia and a comparison group, suggesting that lower childhood intelligence may be a risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease.
Women are twice as likely to experience migraine without aura during the first two days of their menstrual cycle. The study also found a higher risk of migraine in the two days before menstruation begins and a lower risk around ovulation.
A study of 196 people with and without Parkinson's disease found that coffee use was associated with a lower risk of developing the disease. Heavier coffee drinkers exhibited fewer instances of the disease, while tobacco chewers and alcoholics were also less likely to develop the condition.
A recent study found that men are twice as likely to develop Parkinson's disease compared to women. The risk of developing the disease increases with age for both men and women. Researchers are still unsure why Parkinson's is more common in men, but one theory suggests that estrogen may protect women from the disease.
A study found that lead exposure on the job can cause progressive declines in memory and learning abilities nearly two decades later. The effects of lead were seen even after exposure had stopped, suggesting a progressive impact on the brain.
A study of caregivers' goals for Alzheimer's treatment reveals that maintaining quality of life is more important than extending lifespan. Most caregivers are willing to accept risks to slow the disease and would prioritize benefits such as preserving memory, communication, and daily function over additional years of life.
A new study published in Neurology reveals that multiple sclerosis (MS) patients lose cognitive ability and report increased mental fatigue after repeated testing. Researchers attribute this decline to fluctuations in glucose supply and metabolism, which affect brain performance.
Researchers discovered a high incidence of Alzheimer's disease in an Arab community, suggesting a possible role for a previously unknown recessive gene. DNA analysis revealed that only 4% of participants carried the apolipoprotein E-4 gene variant, lower than expected rates in other populations.
Italian researchers found that workers exposed to hydrocarbon solvents, such as petroleum-based products, were three years younger when first showing symptoms. The severity of Parkinson's disease was directly related to the amount of exposure experienced.
Research measures health-related quality of life among 'typical' migraine sufferers, showing a strong link between migraine and depression. Forty-seven percent of migraine sufferers experience depression, compared to 17% without migraine.
The American Academy of Neurology and the Child Neurology Society recommend EEG evaluation for children with a first nonfebrile seizure, providing insights into seizure type and potential recurrence risk. The guidelines also emphasize individualized evaluations and future research directions.
Researchers have successfully transplanted laboratory-grown neuronal cells into the brains of stroke patients, showing promise for recovering lost abilities. Six months after transplantation, six patients showed significant improvements in motor skills and metabolism, suggesting integration with existing tissue.
The American Academy of Neurology recommends routine developmental screening for all children from infancy through school age, focusing on early detection of autism. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of genetic or metabolic testing to rule out conditions that may be confused with autism.
Researchers have connected lesions on the dorsal pons with multiple cases of musical hallucinations, a rare disorder where patients hear music in their mind. The study describes a quick onset of hallucinations without long-term hearing loss and sheds light on the condition's causes.
Researchers report a case where cluster headache symptoms appeared without head pain, suggesting primary symptoms. The study follows a 22-year-old man who experienced nasal stuffiness and pupil contraction in his left eye daily for weeks, without pain.
A recent study has found that long-term Ecstasy use can lead to a significant decrease in serotonin levels in the brain. The research, published by the American Academy of Neurology, reveals that Ecstasy users experience a massive release and depletion of serotonin, which can contribute to behavioral problems such as depression.
Two unique cases of West Nile virus infection reported in Neurology, showing deceptive symptoms initially misdiagnosed as Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Both patients eventually fully recovered, but highlight the need for greater awareness and testing for the mosquito-borne virus.
The American Academy of Neurology has issued guidelines to help determine whether people with Alzheimer's disease should continue driving. Drivers with Alzheimer's have a substantially increased rate of accidents and driving performance errors, posing a significant traffic safety risk.
A study by American Academy of Neurology found that 80% of people with cluster headaches also have signs of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that can trigger the attacks. Treatment of sleep apnea may reduce or eliminate headaches and other related problems.
A study published in Neurology found that estrogen had no effect on improving memory and mental functions in postmenopausal women with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease after a 12-week period. Researchers suggest further trials are needed to determine the effectiveness of estrogen in preventing or delaying the onset of Alzheimer's.
Researchers found that people exposed to pesticides were approximately two times more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than those not exposed. In-home exposure to insecticides carried the highest risk of developing the disease.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that people with higher levels of non-occupational activities, such as playing a musical instrument or gardening, were less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease later in life. Researchers also discovered that it is never too late to get started with intellectual activities.
Researchers found a link between smoking, coffee consumption, and lower Parkinson's disease incidence. Higher dopamine levels in the brain may explain why people with these habits are less likely to develop Parkinson's.
Research suggests that occupational lead exposure significantly increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, particularly among those working in jobs with high levels of lead exposure. The study found a strong correlation between lead exposure and Alzheimer's, while other metals such as aluminum and solvents were not associate...
A study of retired football players found that over half had experienced concussions, leading to increased risk of neurological complaints such as memory problems and numbness in extremities. The survey suggests that repeated blows to the head may cause lasting damage, prompting calls for regular testing to monitor player health.
A study presented at the American Academy of Neurology's annual meeting found that sudden falls among the elderly can be related to an overlooked inner ear disorder. Successful treatments are often available once the correct diagnosis is made, with excellent surgical success rates in older individuals.
Patients with serious neurological conditions have a better chance of survival in Neurological/Neurosurgical Intensive Care Units (Neuro-ICU) compared to general ICUs. The study, presented at the American Academy of Neurology's Annual Meeting, found a 3.3-fold increase in hospital mortality among patients not in a Neuro-ICU.
Research finds that people typically focus on lower facial expressions when interacting with others, but these can be misleading. Studying brain activity, researchers discovered that the upper face is more closely tied to a person's true emotional state.
A new study suggests that ginkgo extract may help protect the brain against stroke damage by reducing the extent of brain damage caused by free radicals. However, more work is needed to determine the proper dose and ensure its safety for humans at risk for stroke due to potential blood-thinning risks.
A new study finds that men with high blood pressure, weight and cholesterol levels in their 50s are more likely to develop vascular dementia in their late 70s. The research suggests that reducing these risk factors may help delay the onset of dementia, but more large-scale studies are needed to confirm the findings.
A new drug, modafinil, has been shown to effectively treat fatigue in multiple sclerosis patients, with over 85% of participants able to identify the active ingredient. The study found that modafinil improved fatigue severity and had minimal side effects, making it a promising first-line treatment for MS patients.
Researchers found a 28% decline in brain network density with normal aging in monkeys, which was reversed by transplanting genetically programmed nerve growth factor-producing cells. This approach may be useful for treating Alzheimer's disease, with clinical trials underway.
A study found that people with Alzheimer's disease were 50% more likely to have depression symptoms than those without the disease. Depression symptoms such as lack of interest and loss of energy were three times more common in those who later developed Alzheimer's.
A historical review suggests that European dancing traditions may have roots in a neurological disorder causing dance-like movements. The Dancing Procession of Echternach, which occurs on the Tuesday following Pentecost, has been linked to the medieval disease hysteric chorea, which caused involuntary dance-like movements.
A study published in Neurology found that high blood pressure is associated with a higher risk of severe cognitive decline, particularly in those with untreated or uncontrolled hypertension. The study suggests that controlling high blood pressure may help prevent or delay dementia.
A new study published in Neurology found that lamotrigine significantly reduces partial seizures and secondary generalized seizures in children. The medication has been proven safe and effective, allowing children to participate in daily activities without drowsiness.
A long phone call led to a temporary vision loss and difficulty speaking in a French psychiatrist due to an unusually long styloid process. The patient's brain angiogram revealed a tear in the internal carotid artery, a common cause of strokes in young adults.
Researchers developed an interactive 'robot therapist' to aid stroke patients, showing significant improvements in shoulder and arm movement. Long-term recovery was also greater for those assisted by the robot, enabling simple tasks like pushing objects across a table.
A study by American Academy of Neurology finds that 'chasing the dragon' heroin use can produce a progressive brain disorder leading to permanent damage and death. Antioxidant therapy shows promise in treating the condition, but its effectiveness is uncertain.
A new botulinum toxin type B medication has shown significant improvements in pain, disability, and disease severity in cervical dystonia patients. The treatment's benefits lasted for 12-16 weeks with no serious adverse side effects reported.