Articles tagged with Neurology
Researchers found that alcohol interferes with the body's natural sleep-regulating mechanism, altering sleep patterns and causing disrupted sleep. The study suggests that drinking alcohol to fall asleep can have negative consequences on sleep quality and overall health.
Researchers have rediscovered a large fiber pathway in the brain that was previously unknown, despite being visible in dozens of MRI scans. The vertical occipital fasciculus plays a role in visual processing and perception, and an algorithm has been developed to identify and measure its properties.
A specialized ambulance staffed with a neurologist and equipped with a computed tomographic scanner increased the percentage of stroke patients receiving thrombolysis within the golden hour, reducing time to treatment by 24.5 minutes. This approach improved short-term outcomes without increasing risks for mortality.
A recent traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with an increased risk of developing dementia in middle-aged and older adults. The study found that moderate to severe TBI was linked to higher dementia rates at age 55, while mild TBI at age 65 increased the risk.
A new study shows that adding extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) during CPR significantly improves survival rates and neurological recovery in cardiac arrest patients. In a study of 100 ECMO procedures, 53% of patients were discharged with full neurological recovery.
The EyeCane device translates point-distance information into auditory and tactile cues, enabling users to better estimate distance and navigate their environment. After less than five minutes of training, both blind and blindfolded individuals successfully estimated distances almost 70% of the time.
Research finds vitamin D deficiency significantly increases poor brain function and mortality after cardiac arrest. Patients with low vitamin D levels had a sevenfold higher chance of poor neurological outcome and nearly one-third died within six months.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have discovered that the brain uses geometric relationships to create a mental compass, enabling people to navigate and orient themselves in their environment. The study, led by Russell Epstein and Steven Marchette, used fMRI scans to analyze the retrosplenial complex region of the brain.
Researchers found that curiosity helps learn about a topic and memorize unrelated information, with increased activity in brain regions involved in reward and memory. Curiosity also enhances learning in the classroom and workplace.
A new study reveals that the US physician payment system is not inherently biased towards surgeons and procedure-performing doctors. The difference in pay between specialties arises mostly from differences in the number of minutes allocated to each service by Medicare's formula, which takes into account estimated times for work.
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology found that patients treated with statins after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke were more likely to survive than those who weren't. The researchers also discovered that stopping statin treatments for these patients may carry substantial risks.
Researchers discovered a unique population of neurons in the lateral intraparietal area that shift their sensitivity to color and direction based on what's being attended. This study provides new insights into how the brain combines visual information for decision-making and higher-order processes.
A new study by Northwestern University finds that office workers with natural light exposure have longer sleep duration, better sleep quality, more physical activity, and improved quality of life. The study suggests that architects should prioritize natural daylight exposure in office environments to boost employee health.
A new study found that staff members who joined structured team debriefings after emergency care for children suffering in-hospital cardiac arrests improved their CPR performance. The study also showed substantial increases in patients surviving with favorable neurological outcomes, up to 50 percent among the intervention group.
A new study published in JAMA Neurology found no significant difference in overall disability between military personnel with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) from blast and non-blast causes. Both groups suffered moderate to severe disabilities, as well as similar rates of depression, PTSD, and cognitive impairment.
Scientists at TUM successfully demonstrated brain-controlled flight with high precision, exceeding requirements for a flying license test. They achieved this by using electroencephalography to convert brain waves into control commands, allowing pilots to control the plane without touching pedals or controls.
A specialized ambulance equipped with a CT scanner, laboratory, and telemedicine connection was shown to reduce treatment time for ischemic stroke patients. The study found that the average alarm-to-treatment time decreased by 25 minutes, and the rate of thrombolysis increased from 21% to 33%.
A study published in JAMA found that conservative management of brain arteriovenous malformations (abnormal connections between arteries and veins) was associated with lower rates of stroke and death compared to interventional treatment. The study followed 204 patients for up to 12 years, finding a significant reduction in nonfatal str...
Scientists have discovered new types of neurons in zebrafish brains that help them perceive and compensate for self-motion. These neurons enable the fish to stabilize their position and gaze during movements, preventing drift in the current.
A recent study found that Mexican-Americans experience moderate functional disability and nearly one-third develop post-stroke dementia. They also score worse on measures of daily living activities and cognition. The study highlights the need for intervention strategies to improve recovery among this population.
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital found that the peptide AcSDKP provides neurological protection when administered after a stroke, reducing neurovascular damage and improving outcomes. The study also showed that combining AcSDKP with tPA extended the therapeutic window for up to four hours after stroke.
Research finds that people with stroke-related brainstem injuries have a significantly higher risk of developing sleep apnea. Among the 355 study participants, 84% with brainstem injury had sleep apnea compared to 59% without brainstem involvement.
A new study challenges the use of mortality as a measure of stroke care quality, citing variations in do-not-resuscitate orders that can significantly skew hospital rankings. The researchers found a wide range of variation in early DNR use, with hospitals using them an average of 2.2-23.2% of the time.
A patient with 'word blindness' was able to learn a new technique that enables her to recognize and read words through tactile skills. The technique, which involves tracing letters of the alphabet, was effective in helping her regain reading abilities.
The study found that practicing different types of math skills can lead to expertise in those areas. This approach helps students identify their strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to focus on areas where they need improvement.
A study investigates how athletes' high-level motor expertise affects the brain's understanding of actions. The research reveals that expert subjects showed a modulating effect on motor activity in response to positive but impossible commands.
Two healthy young siblings experienced acute ischemic strokes soon after smoking synthetic marijuana, highlighting the risks of this illicit drug. The study urges physicians to be aware of the potentially toxic effects of recreational synthetic drugs and to ask about pot and spice use in patients.
A multicenter clinical trial compared mechanical chest compressions with manual CPR and found that neither approach improved 4-hour survival rates. However, patients receiving mechanical chest compressions had a higher proportion of survivors with good neurological outcomes, suggesting potential benefits in specific patient populations.
A trial of 1,359 cardiac arrest patients found that prehospital cooling did not improve survival to hospital discharge or neurological outcome. The intervention reduced core temperature by more than 1°C, but the results do not support routine use of cold intravenous fluid in the prehospital setting.
Scientists at EMBL discovered that different brain regions handle various fears, with mice displaying distinct brain activity responses to threats from same-species and predator species. This finding could lead to targeted treatments for specific phobias and panic attacks in humans.
New research reveals that sleep plays a crucial role in consolidating visual task learning through specific brain frequencies. Brainwaves of 15 volunteers were measured during sleep and training to demonstrate increased sigma power in the visual cortical area, leading to improved performance on the task.
Cerebral microbleeds are common in older individuals and can contribute to neurological changes. Researchers recommend considering microbleeds when treating other brain-related issues like stroke.
Researchers pinpointed the precise cellular connections responsible for triggering overeating behavior in mice, suggesting a neurological basis for obesity and eating disorders. The study highlights a potential target for drug treatments to correct malfunctioning brain circuits.
Researchers at CU-Boulder demonstrated that brains use a pointer system similar to computers to understand novel situations. The brain's connections between the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia play a key role in processing sentences with unfamiliar words.
A recent study published in Cell Reports identified a protein called RIP1 as a key regulator of cell division and death in glioblastoma cells. The researchers found that switching off RIP1 can inhibit the growth of these aggressive brain tumors, offering new hope for treatment options.
A recent report by the American Academy of Neurology highlights a significant increase in strokes among adolescents and young adults, with approximately 532,000 cases occurring between ages 18-44 in the US. The study emphasizes the need for greater awareness and research into reducing the economic burden of strokes on this age group.
Researchers used magnetoencephalography to track brain activity at high temporal resolution, revealing new distinctions in resting and active brain regions. The study provides novel insights into how brain networks function in cooperative groups, which is essential for better diagnosis and treatment of brain injuries.
Scientists from EPFL's Blue Brain Project and the Allen Institute join forces to simulate brain wave behavior using a detailed computer model. The simulation reveals similarities between modeled brain activity and measured EEG signals in rodents, offering insights into the neural circuitry behind brain waves.
A study found that electroacupuncture at specific points (Baliao and Huiyang) improved cystometric capacity, decreased detrusor leak point pressure, and treated post-stroke detrusor overactivity. The treatment significantly enhanced bladder function in patients with this condition.
A citywide policy recommending pre-hospital triage of suspected stroke patients led to increased use of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and emergency medical services. Admissions for stroke and transient ischemic attack also increased, with faster onset-to-treatment times.
A study found that only 2% of hospital cardiac arrest patients received therapeutic hypothermia, despite its proven potential to improve survival and neurological function. The lack of data and guidelines may contribute to the low use of this treatment.
The guideline advises that taking aspirin or warfarin before dental procedures, cataract surgery, and dermatologic procedures is likely safe. However, patients undergoing procedures like retinal surgery or orthopaedic hip procedures may experience increased bleeding risk.
Researchers developed a new model that integrates both historical and psychological perspectives on art appreciation. This approach acknowledges the importance of artistic understanding in assessing value and meaning, and can be applied to various forms of art.
EPFL scientists have identified the molecular basis behind sulfonamide antibiotics' neurological side effects, which can include nausea, hallucinations, and psychosis. By understanding how sulfonamides interact with a patient's nervous system, doctors may be able to customize therapeutic regimes to minimize these side effects.
A Wake Forest University researcher and four colleagues found that measurements of brain activity in the prefrontal cortex can help assess a person's potential for leadership. Leaders with higher levels of neurological self-complexity demonstrate greater adaptability when facing novel situations.
A recent study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that children born with mild iodine deficiency during pregnancy performed worse on literacy tests as 9-year-olds. The researchers theorize that iodine deficiency may have a greater impact on auditory pathways and spelling ability.
Scientists have developed a way to predict pain levels by analyzing brain scan patterns, with accuracy of 90-100%. This breakthrough may lead to the development of reliable methods for doctors to objectively quantify patient pain. The study also explores potential applications in measuring anxiety, depression, and other emotional states.
Researchers found that a compensatory reorganization of language function to right hemispheric brain regions impeded post-stroke aphasia recovery in adults. In contrast, children who experience left-hemispheric injury or stroke may benefit from such a shift.
A study by UCSF researchers found that EEGs can identify seizures in up to 7.4% of hospitalized patients, highlighting the underutilization of this diagnostic tool. Seizures are treatable with FDA-approved anticonvulsants, and prompt diagnosis can lead to shorter hospital stays and improved patient outcomes.
Scientists at the University of Nevada, Reno have found a new mechanism for guiding nerve growth that involves cell-death machinery. This discovery may lead to therapeutics designed to keep neurons alive after injury, potentially stimulating re-growth or sprouting new connections.
Research by David Alexander and Cees van Leeuwen reveals that brain activity is not limited to specific areas, but rather follows a wave-like pattern across the entire cortex. This challenges traditional views of brain function and highlights the complex, dynamic nature of brain activity.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a new test that measures involuntary changes in heart rate and blood pressure to identify the severity of concussions. The test, known as autonomic reflex testing, shows significant changes in those with concussion, providing a potential tool for diagnosing and monitoring recovery.
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital found that a 40-year-old man's inability to write coherent text messages was a key symptom of an acute ischemic stroke. The study highlights the potential use of dystextia as a diagnostic tool, particularly for patients with no other clear symptoms.
A Mayo Clinic study found that blood's tendency to clot may contribute to areas of brain damage called white matter hyperintensities, which can lead to memory problems and increased stroke risk. Women with higher levels of thrombogenic microvesicles were more likely to develop these changes.
The Society of Interventional Radiology publishes guidelines that capture consensus on clinical practice of intra-arterial stroke revascularization. The guidelines recommend submission of outcomes to a national registry to assess processes and outcomes in acute stroke revascularization.
The study focuses on targeting four conditions, including PTSD, TBI, insomnia, and depression, as well as ADHD and Asperger Syndrome in specific populations. Researchers aim to scientifically evaluate the potential benefits of HIRREM as a safe, effective, noninvasive therapy.
A recent study co-authored by health care and law expert David Orentlicher examines the evolution of concussion understanding over several decades. The study finds that both the NFL and neurologists were slow to respond to concussions, with many viewing them as a 'benign phenomenon.'
The JAMA Network has announced new titles for its specialty journals, including JAMA Pediatrics, JAMA Neurology, and JAMA Internal Medicine. Starting January 1, 2013, these journals will have a new embargo schedule, with content available on the For the Media site at specific times.
A study suggests that linagliptin, a commercialized diabetes drug, can stimulate neuroprotection and largely reduce brain damage following stroke. This could lead to better prognosis for type 2 diabetic patients after a stroke.
A systematic review of 14 studies and 1,600 participants found lasting decrements in neurological and cognitive function, particularly in memory and information processing speed. The study's findings suggest that low-level exposure to organophosphate pesticides may be associated with impaired cognitive function.