Neurology Alert – October 1, 2024

Blood Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease

In this population-based study of patients in Sweden with cognitive complaints, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia, the use of blood biomarkers, specifically, phosphorylated tau 217 and amyloid-beta 42/40 ratios, improved the diagnostic accuracy for pathological Alzheimer’s disease in primary care patients as well as patients seen by dementia specialists.

Stratifying Seizure Risk with a Rapid EEG

In a retrospective, large, multicenter trial, rapid response electroencephalogram (EEG) was found to be non-inferior to conventional EEG when incorporated into the 2HELPS2B score to guide how long patients should stay on EEG.

The Clinical Spectrum of Anti-GQ1b Antibody Syndrome

Antibodies targeting gangliosides, glycosphingolipids that play a role in synaptic plasticity, neurotransmission derangements, and axonal growth all are implicated in many autoimmune peripheral neuropathies. Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) is the clinical triad of external ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and areflexia classically associated with anti-GQ1b. However, there are other subtypes that present with only one or two clinical features of the clinical triad.

Clinicopathological Correlation in Motor Neuron Disease and Frontotemporal Degeneration

Frontotemporal lobar degeneration commonly occurs with motor neuron disease and has similar cytoplasmic neuronal aggregates of TAR deoxyribonucleic acid-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) in the brain as well as the spinal cord.

Thrombectomy for Basilar Artery Occlusion

This randomized trial from China demonstrates a dramatic benefit from endovascular thrombectomy in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion. This benefit was sustained and improved at one year compared to 90 days.