Browse Neurology Alert Articles by Topic

Is Pediatric-onset Multiple Sclerosis a Neurodegenerative Disorder?

ABSTRACT & COMMENTARY: Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis compromises age-expected brain growth.

Report from the International Stroke Conference 2015

Major announcements at the International Stroke Conference 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee, included reports on three trials that compared endovascular clot retrieval for acute ischemic stroke, compared to medical treatment with intravenous thrombolytics alone.

Predictors of Refractory Status Epilepticus

In a combined derivation and validation study, three independent risk factors for refractory status epilepticus were identified — acute symptomatic cause for seizures, stupor or coma, and a low serum albumin < 35 g/L.

How Common Are Neuromuscular Disorders?

Synopsis: Although many specific neuromuscular disorders are rare, in aggregate, these all add up to a large number, roughly twice as common as multiple sclerosis, and about the same prevalence as Parkinson’s disease.

Neuroimaging Differences in Dyslexics: Chicken or Egg?

Neuroanatomical differences in primary sensory cortices may distinguish dyslexic individuals from non-dyslexic individuals, providing a potential biomarker for identifying adults who may be predisposed to developing atypical neurodegenerative disease.

Take Me Out of the Ball Game: Acute Management and Long-term Consequences of Concussion in Childhood

The developing brain of a child may be particularly susceptible to injury from mild traumatic brain injury, such as a concussion. Recommending a longer period of strict rest after a concussion does not provide additional benefit when compared to consensus guidelines for care after a concussion in children and adolescents. However, in retired former NFL players, exposure to tackle football prior to age 12 is associated with executive dysfunction, memory impairment, and lower estimated verbal IQ later in life.

Statins and the Neuromuscular System

Statins inhibit the function of 3-hydroy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase and are widely used for risk reduction of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. It is estimated that about 10% of patients will discontinue statins due to muscle-related symptoms.

Predicting Efficacy of IVIG in CIDP

In a retrospective chart review of 281 treatment-naïve patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, lack of response to intravenous immunoglobulin was predicted by 1) presence of painful neuropathy and 2) strength differences between arm and leg muscles.

Progesterone in Acute Traumatic Brain Injury

ABSTRACT & COMMENTARY: Administration of progesterone after acute traumatic brain injury does not improve neurological outcome nor reduce mortality.

The Clinical Spectrum of Encephalitis

Encephalitis is a serious neurologic condition caused by acute inflammation of the brain. Patients typically present acutely with any combination of confusion, fever, seizures, headache, focal neurologic deficits, and abnormal involuntary movements. Diagnosis is typically made by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and serologic studies on CSF and blood.