Browse Neurology Alert Articles by Topic

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.

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.

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.

Controlling Blood Pressure During Pregnancy Could Lower Dementia Risk

Investigators found an association between high blood pressure during pregnancy and a higher likelihood of developing dementia later in life.

Electrodiagnostic Features of Vasculitic Neuropathy

Electrophysiological studies of vasculitic neuropathy indicate that the best discriminators of vasculitis vs. other axonal neuropathies are the side-to-side differences between the same bilateral nerves. When the diagnosis is uncertain, nerve biopsy may be definitive.

Insulin Resistance at the Blood-Brain Barrier in Alzheimer’s Disease

Alterations in cerebrovascular insulin receptor isoform levels are associated with Alzheimer’s disease pathology and cause deficits in insulin signaling at the level of the blood-brain barrier.

Leriglitazone for the Treatment of Adrenomyeloneuropathy

A 96-week trial of leriglitazone to slow the progression of symptoms in adrenomyeloneuropathy did not meet the primary endpoint. However, post-hoc analyses revealed a beneficial effect in patients treated earlier in their disease course.

Self-Treatment of Recurrent Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Using a cell phone-based app, self-treatment of recurrent benign positional paroxysmal vertigo was feasible and effective in most patients.

A Population-Based Study of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy

In this population-based cohort study of 584 cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), predisposing conditions with the highest risk of PML were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, hematological malignancies, chronic inflammatory disease, solid organ transplantation, solid malignancies, and primary immune deficiency. The one-year mortality rate was 38.2% for all cases of PML. Factors independently associated with higher mortality rate were older age, male gender, and immunosuppressive diseases, such as hematological malignancies, solid neoplasms, and HIV.

Long-Term Air Pollution Exposure Could Raise Risk for Depression, Anxiety

Two research groups reported on breathing dirty air and how that affects mental health.