Neurology Alert – May 1, 2019
May 1, 2019
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MRI Investigation of Brain Abnormalities in Friedreich’s Ataxia
Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) is characterized by progressive weakness, sensory loss, ataxia, and dysarthria starting in childhood. The authors of this MRI-based study demonstrated that structural damage is limited to the spinal cord, red nucleus, and cerebellar peduncles in young FRDA patients, but progresses to widespread cerebral damage in adult FRDA patients.
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REM Behavior Disorder, Dementia, and Parkinson’s Disease
In this well-designed prospective cohort study of patients with REM behavior disorder, the investigators reported that 73.5% of patients developed a neurodegenerative disorder after a 12-year follow-up.
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Alcohol Consumption and Migraine
In this observational, cross-sectional survey performed via an online questionnaire, researchers confirmed that alcohol consumption is a common trigger for migraine, and red wine is the type of alcohol cited as a trigger most frequently.
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Avoid Surprise Migraine Triggers
The degree of unexpectedness or “surprisal” associated with known migraine triggers is a predictor of headache attacks. Social avoidance behavior is positively correlated with headache disability, pain, and depression, but there is a negative correlation between headache pain endurance and anxiety.
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MRI of the Brachial and Lumbar Plexus Assists in the Diagnosis of CIDP
MRI of the brachial plexus and/or lumbar plexus may be helpful in making a diagnosis of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculopathy in patients who do not meet the standard criteria. Imaging findings include increased signal intensity, nerve hypertrophy, and nerve contrast enhancement.
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Similar Long-term Outcomes for Stenting and Endarterectomy for Carotid Stenosis
Periprocedural risk is higher in patients undergoing carotid artery stenting compared to carotid endarterectomy.
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Transcranial Sonothrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke – Not Yet Ready for Patient Treatment