Articles tagged with Neurology
A six-year study found that consuming one or more fish meals per week was associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline. The study, which analyzed data from over 1,000 Chicago residents aged 65 and older, suggests that eating fish may help protect against age-related cognitive decline.
Scientists at University College London found that the parietal cortex is crucial for detecting changes in a visual scene, explaining why we often miss dramatic changes while concentrating. The discovery sheds new light on 'change blindness,' a phenomenon where people fail to notice large visual changes.
A German study found that patients with right-brain stroke were less likely to receive thrombolysis treatment and be admitted to hospital within 3 hours of stroke onset compared to those with left-hemispheric events. This underdiagnosis poses challenges for optimizing stroke management, particularly in the early stages.
Researchers investigated the role of genital neurological integrity and found that almost half of women with female sexual dysfunction (FSD) reported symptoms. Decreased sensation in the clitoris was particularly prevalent among those with multiple forms of FSD.
A survey of 1,105 emergency physicians found that many are hesitant to use tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) due to bleeding risks, despite its potential to restore blood flow in the brain. Team-based approaches and risk-reducing measures may help increase tPA adoption.
Researchers found that pretreating with DHE can prevent migraines from progressing to debilitating sensitization. This breakthrough suggests that more patients can benefit from standard treatment using intravenous DHE.
A recent UCSF study has identified a genetic mutation in the casein kinase1 delta (CK1 delta) gene that is associated with familial advanced sleep phase syndrome (FASPS), a rare sleep disorder. The research, published in Nature, also suggests that circadian rhythm variants may contribute to psychiatric disorders such as depression.
Hopkins researchers identify NKCC1 as key player in maintaining high chloride levels in odor-detecting cells. The same transporter facilitates secretion of digestive juices and communication between the nose and brain. This finding sheds light on how our bodies process smells and could lead to new understanding of neurological functions.
Researchers found that visual signals can quickly adjust leg movement to prevent balance loss. This fast reaction enables bipedal locomotion over unpredictable terrain, improving balance and stability.
Researchers found testosterone sped up recovery from strokes in castrated rat studies, showing significant improvement in neurological deficits. Plans are underway to investigate whether testosterone can help people recover from strokes.
A recent study by Michigan Medicine reveals that Mexican-Americans are twice as likely to experience a stroke or near-stroke compared to non-Hispanic whites. The disparity holds true across various age groups, including younger populations, with unique genetic predispositions and potential factors contributing to the increased risk.
A study of 546 stroke patients found that higher NIHSS scores were associated with increased risk of being discharged to rehabilitation or nursing facilities. The NIHSS score was also found to be a predictor of discharge destination, even after accounting for other factors.
A UK study has shown a substantial reduction in stroke incidence over the past 20 years, with age-adjusted occurrence of first stroke decreased by around 30%. The decrease is associated with increased use of blood-pressure lowering and cholesterol-lowering drugs, leading to significant reductions in related risk factors.
According to a study, only 15% of stroke patients arrive at the hospital within three hours of symptom onset. This leads to a low rate of IV tPA use, which is critical for dissolving blood clots and restoring blood flow. The researchers found that shortening ED arrival times could significantly increase IV tPA use in the US.
USF researchers identify bone marrow-derived BNP as a potential candidate for treating stroke, spinal cord injury and neurological damage. Bone marrow stromal cells release levels of BNP far exceeding the amounts normally found in circulating blood and spinal fluid.
Researchers developed a device called NeuroFlo that increases blood flow to the brain by diverting it from lower extremities. The study tested its safety and effectiveness on 17 patients with ischemic strokes, resulting in improved treatment outcomes for 10 out of 15 conscious patients.
Rutgers-Newark has received a powerful computer grant, which will enable researchers to analyze brain activity more efficiently. The new supercomputing cluster allows for faster processing of massive amounts of data generated by human brain scans.
IVIg is the preferred treatment for Guillain-Barré Syndrome due to its ease of use and lower complication rate compared to plasma exchange. Early treatment within two weeks of symptom onset improves chances for a better outcome.
Researchers have directly observed the brain mechanisms involved in predictive associations, a key process in associative learning. The study found that changes in neural activity in the amygdala support changes in the orbitofrontal cortex, highlighting the importance of this brain system.
A study found that ID Migraine screener is reliable in detecting migraines in undiagnosed patients. The three-question survey showed a high accuracy rate of 93% for diagnosing migraines.
A new study suggests that children's brains are wired to downplay the sensation of their own physical actions, leading to increased force being used in play. This mechanism may also explain why kids can't tickle themselves, but feel the full effect when someone else does.
Research finds that spinal manipulative therapy may exacerbate pre-existing vertebral artery dissections, increasing the risk of stroke. Patients under age 60 who received chiropractic neck treatments were six times more likely to experience a stroke than those who didn't.
A reanalysis of previous studies found that new-generation antipsychotics were moderately more efficacious than low-potency conventional drugs but did not significantly reduce neurological side-effects. Clozapine was the only new-generation drug associated with fewer side-effects and higher efficacy.
A study published in The Lancet found that retrograde catheterization of the aortic valve can lead to clinically silent cerebral embolic lesions, with a substantial risk of structural ischaemic brain damage. Patients undergoing this procedure are at risk of clinical neurological complications, including impaired neurological function.
Researchers at Saint Louis University found that injecting human umbilical cord blood cells into rats after a stroke improved sensorimotor function. The treatment may provide a potential source for restoring neuronal function after a stroke.
A nationwide study found that frovatriptan succinate prevented menstrually associated migraines (MAM) in as many as half the women evaluated. The drug significantly reduced MAM severity and duration, as well as patients' functional impairment and use of rescue medications.
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 approach to brain angioplasty using local anesthesia with mild sedation safely performed on 10 patients, showing promising results in minimizing complications. The study found that the procedure was technically successful but resulted in three minor complications related to stenting and bleeding.
A study of Canadian children with shaken baby syndrome found nearly 20% died, 55% suffered lasting neurologic injuries, and 65% experienced visual impairment. The authors estimate at least 40 cases occur annually, calling for further research on prevention strategies.
Researchers found that active brain lesions are key predictors of seizure recurrence in patients with neurocysticercosis. The study suggests that anti-epileptic drugs should be continued until lesions are resolved, and further research on antihelminthic drug therapy is recommended.
A recent UK study published in Neurology found no association between Gulf War exposure and specific impairments of peripheral nerves, neuromuscular junction, or skeletal muscles. The study used robust neurophysiologic tests and included representative comparison groups to rule out objective dysfunction.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University and National Institutes of Health found opioids to be highly effective in reducing pain in PHN patients, while causing no appreciable cognitive decline. The study's results provide convincing evidence for the use of opioids as an alternative treatment option for neuropathic pain.
A new study by Penn scientists has found that women's brains have a larger volume of orbital frontal cortex, a region involved in modulating aggression, compared to men. This difference may contribute to the perception of women being less aggressive than men.
A study of 52 patients found no clinically significant cognitive decline after CABG surgery, contrary to previous reports. The researchers attributed the lack of decline to general medical care and reduced vascular risk factors.
Researchers have developed a new technique to record visual evoked brain activity in human fetuses, using magnetoencephalography (MEG). Four out of ten fetuses showed brain responses to visual stimuli, paving the way for further studies on neurological development.
Researchers studying Mediterranean fruit flies found that nearly all flies went upside-down before death, suggesting a biomarker for studying human morbidity. The 'supine behavior' phase may help understand the onset of progressive neurological illnesses and dementia in humans.
Researchers found that low potassium intake increases stroke risk, while increasing potassium in the diet may help prevent strokes. Diuretics used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions were also linked to an increased risk of stroke in people with low potassium levels.
A recent study found that antiretroviral therapy targeting the central nervous system can improve neurological symptoms in HIV-infected children. The treatment was shown to reduce the amount of virus in their brains and improve developmental milestones.
Research by Mayo Clinic found neurological symptoms account for 31% of in-flight medical complaints, with dizziness/vertigo and seizures being the most common reasons for diversion. The study recommends airlines carry anti-epileptic drugs to improve in-flight care
LY333531 improves nerve function and sensory symptoms, including tingling and numbness, of diabetic neuropathy. The treatment is being studied for multiple diabetic microvascular complications, including diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy.
The American Academy of Neurology endorses electrodiagnostic tests for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). These tests offer a high degree of sensitivity and specificity. The guideline recommends laboratory studies for confirming the clinical diagnosis of CTS due to its importance in treating patients who frequently require surgery.
People taking statins were 14 times more likely to develop peripheral neuropathy than those not taking statins, according to a Danish study. The risk increased with longer statin use and higher doses.
Researchers conducted a case-control study of 90 acoustic neuroma patients, but found no association with cellular telephone use. A slightly elevated risk was observed for infrequent users with 3+ years of cell phone use.
A study of 729 teenagers aged 12-17 found they slept an average of 8.5 hours during the week and 9.5 hours on weekends, with nearly half reporting daytime sleepiness. The later wake times among older teens suggest starting school later may improve attendance and academic performance.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that bright light pulses lasting just two to three hours can delay human circadian rhythms. Additionally, disruptions in sleep timing also produce small rhythm delays, affecting the timing of the circadian clock.
A new study suggests that testosterone may play a protective role against stroke in men, while estrogen levels are not linked to stroke risk. The study followed 6,732 individuals over five to eight years and compared serum levels of testosterone and estrogen between men who experienced strokes and those who remained healthy.
A population-based study found that waist-to-hip ratio was a stronger predictor of stroke risk than body mass index (BMI), especially among normal and overweight individuals. The study recommends incorporating education about waist-to-hip ratio into stroke prevention programs.
Researchers found different weather patterns linked to specific stroke sub-types, with warmer seasons reducing ischemic strokes from large arteries. Additionally, temperature drops five days prior and higher air pressure and humidity increased overall strokes and those caused by blockage of large arteries in the brain or heart.
During adolescence, the brain undergoes significant changes, gaining scope and depth of knowledge and comprehension but losing ability to acquire new sounds and speech patterns. Research on post-mortem cerebral cortexes reveals that nerve cells undergo pruning or streamlining during this period.
A study of 145 stroke patients found that those with lesions in the frontal, lenticulocapsular, and pontine base areas were more likely to experience uncontrolled anger and aggression. Emotional incontinence, sudden outbursts of emotion, was also commonly observed.
A University of Michigan study found that brains detect wins and losses within a third of a second, triggering subsequent decision-making. The research suggests that losses loom larger than gains in the brain's neural activity, influencing future choices.
Researchers have found that treating inflammation in the trochlea tendon can relieve headache pain associated with migraines. In a study of five women with trochleitis, steroid injections produced relief from ocular pain and associated migraine symptoms within 48 to 72 hours.
A study published in Neurology found a link between blood doping and cerebral blood clots in cyclists. The combination of erythropoietin, growth hormone, and high-dose vitamin A use likely contributed to the condition.
Researchers discovered increased brain activity involving the superior temporal gyrus and inferior parietal cortex when subjects imitated others or were imitated. This suggests that imitation may be linked to empathy and play a crucial role in learning and cultural transmission.
Researchers found that single neurons in a brain region reacted to specific features, conveying detailed information about the diagnostic features of categories. The monkeys' brains used these learned features to recognize matching faces, demonstrating how neural training sharpens perception and enables the brain to encode and interpre...
Researchers identify potential link between serotonin-enhancing drugs and increased risk of cerebrovascular syndrome (stroke). The study suggests that caution should be exercised when combining medications that contain serotonin enhancers, particularly in patients presenting with sudden-onset headaches.
A comprehensive survey of brain death diagnosis in adults worldwide reveals significant variations in procedures, including differences in required physicians, observation time, and confirmatory tests. These discrepancies may be due to collective decisions by task forces or cultural attitudes, highlighting the need for standardization.
A recent study found a significant association between low systolic blood pressure levels (below 130) and cognitive impairment in older patients with heart failure. The researchers suggest that routine management of heart failure should include assessment of cognitive performance to detect early signs of cognitive dysfunction.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found bupropion SR to be clinically effective for treating neuropathic pain. Approximately three-quarters of patients experienced a 30% reduction in pain symptoms with bupropion SR, while those on placebo saw little improvement.
A recent study by Carnegie Mellon scientists discovered that reading and listening to identical sentences produce systematically different brain activation patterns. The right hemisphere was less active during reading, while the left-hemisphere's pars triangularis region showed increased activation in listening comprehension. This sugg...