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COVID-19 Vaccination in Patients with Autoimmune Neuromuscular Diseases

In a population-based, self-reporting survey of patients with immune-mediated myopathy and myasthenia gravis, the frequency of both mild and severe acute adverse events appeared to be no more frequent than in the general population. COVID-19 vaccinations are safe for this population of patients.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation of Perivascular Space Abnormalities in Neuromyelitis Optica

Perivascular space (PVS) abnormalities were demonstrated in two cohorts of patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) as compared to healthy controls. Magnetic resonance imaging provided visualization of PVS enlargement, and quantification of reduced flow in NMOSD patients, both of which were found to be associated with disease outcomes.

Improvement of Memory with Transcranial Electrical Brain Stimulation in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease

The authors showed that gamma frequency transcranial alternating current stimulation targeting the precuneus in patients with Alzheimer’s disease improved measures of immediate and delayed verbal memory as well as associative memory for faces. Additionally, neurophysiological measurements of cholinergic transmission improved. Apolipoprotein E genotype and baseline cognitive performance were correlated with treatment response. Memory improvement was correlated both with increases in gamma frequency power in posterior cortical regions and spatial overlap between the modeled electric field distribution and the precuneus target site.

Lack of Brain Temperature Variation May Predict Mortality Among Patients with Brain Injury

Variations in brain temperature appear to be a normal physiological variable. An absence of brain temperature variation may be a novel predictor of mortality among patients with brain injury.

Inclusion Body Myositis

This is a population-based study of inclusion body myositis (IBM) patients from a region of Sweden over a 33-year period. IBM presents later in life and has an unusual pattern of weakness with finger flexion, quadriceps, and swallowing muscles affected. Although it is described as an inflammatory myopathy, it does not respond to any immune-suppressive medications. It is a progressive disorder that reduces lifespan.

Thymectomy for Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis

In this retrospective study of the long-term benefit of thymectomy (median follow-up = 89.5 months), only half of those who had an initial positive response showed a sustained response. There was no clinical factor that predicted a long-term response.

Predicting Coma Recovery in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients

The COVID-19 pandemic presented us with an unprecedented number of critically ill patients with coma. These investigators determined that the degree of hypoxemia determined the depth and duration of coma, but recovery was much better than expected and could be delayed by several weeks.

Treatment of Acute Vertigo

In a meta-analysis of published studies of treatment of acute vertigo, the authors concluded that treatment with an antihistamine is more effective than benzodiazepines for the acute symptoms. However, there was no difference between the two medications in terms of resolution within one week or within one month.

Researchers Explore Connections Between Epilepsy and Postpartum Anxiety, Depression

Clinicians should monitor for signs of depression among patients with epilepsy who are pregnant or patients who are thinking about conceiving.

COVID-19 and Headache

Headache is a common feature of acute COVID-19 infection, as well as a long-standing feature of “long COVID” after recovery from the acute infection. Treatment is symptomatic, based on the characteristics of the headache syndrome.