Neurology Alert – April 1, 2023

The Effect of Peripheral Neuropathy in Parkinson’s Disease on Gait and Balance

In this cohort study of 99 patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), 40% were found to have peripheral neuropathy, with the majority meeting criteria for small fiber neuropathy. Gait and balance were worse in PD patients with neuropathy compared to those without.

Can EEG and fMRI Help Predict Who Will Recover Consciousness After Brain Injury?

In conjunction with serial clinical examinations, electroencephalogram and functional magnetic resonance imaging may be helpful in predicting who will recover consciousness after an acute brain injury. However, in this study, early withdrawal of care leaves much uncertainty regarding the probability of eventual recovery.

Viral Exposure and Risk of Neurodegenerative Disease

Twenty-two pairs of viral exposures associated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases were identified and replicated across two national European biobanks.

Is the Long-Term Use of Low-Dose Opioids for the Treatment of Refractory RLS Safe and Effective?

A review of two-year longitudinal data regarding efficacy and dose stability in refractory restless legs syndrome (RLS) patients treated with low-dose opioids shows that patients do not escalate their opiate dosage and that there is clinical and therapeutic stability in the treatment of RLS with this therapeutic regimen. Methadone is the preferred opiate for the treatment of RLS because of its single-dose, long-acting profile and lack of euphoric effects.

Diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis May Be Challenging

Mimics of myasthenia gravis, including functional neurologic disorder, progressive external ophthalmoplegia, chronic ptosis, oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy, mitochondrial cytopathy, or low-grade myositis, can make the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis difficult.