Neurology Alert – January 1, 2024

What Is the Best First-Line Treatment for Young Women with Generalized Epilepsy?

Valproate is a highly efficacious drug for treating idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) but is not an option for many young women because of known teratogenic risks. This retrospective, multicenter study examined women with IGE who were treated initially with either levetiracetam or lamotrigine monotherapy, demonstrating superior efficacy of levetiracetam, although exclusively in women with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.

Adverse Neurological Events from Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have transformed the natural history of many metastatic cancers and now are widely used. However, the activation of killer T-cells also has caused serious, often fatal complications from the treatment. The central nervous system is a common victim of these complications.

Metformin Use Is Associated with Decreased Diabetes-Associated Dementia

In two recent cohort studies, metformin use was found to decrease the risk of developing dementia in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Electrophysiology, Muscle Ultrasound, and MRI in the Diagnosis of Neuromuscular Disorders

To accomplish accurate diagnosis of nerve and muscle disorders, clinical collaboration with ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging experts is invaluable and can provide critically important information beyond electrophysiology.