Neurology International

11 pages, 395 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Acute Postoperative Pain in Developing Chronic Pain after Total Knee Arthroplasty

by Nebojsa Nick Knezevic, Osman Syed, Christopher Kabir, Aisha Patel, Isabel Rao Shuai and Antony R. Tharian

Neurol. Int. 2024, 16(2), 459-469; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint16020034 - 18 Apr 2024

Viewed by 304

Abstract

While total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) are performed with the intent to reduce pain, chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) is one of the most well-documented complications that can occur following surgery. This study aimed to assess whether perioperative factors, focusing on acute postsurgical pain and [...] Read more.

While total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) are performed with the intent to reduce pain, chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) is one of the most well-documented complications that can occur following surgery. This study aimed to assess whether perioperative factors, focusing on acute postsurgical pain and perioperative opioid consumption, were associated with the development of chronic postsurgical pain. Under general anesthesia, 108 patients underwent TKA and were treated postoperatively with a multimodal analgesia approach. Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores at rest and with movement were recorded on postoperative days 0–3, 7, 14, and 30. Patients were sent a survey to assess chronic pain at months 22–66, which was examined as a single-group post hoc analysis. Based on the responses, patients were either classified into the CPSP or non-CPSP patient group. Chronic postsurgical pain was defined as an NRS score ≥ 4 with movement and the presence of resting pain. The primary outcome was a change in NRS. There were no differences in NRS pain scores with movement in the first 30 days postoperatively between patients with CPSP and without CPSP. Each unit increase in resting pain on postoperative days 3 and 14 was associated with significantly greater odds of CPSP presence (OR = 1.52; OR = 1.61, respectively), with a trend towards greater odds of CPSP at days 7 and 30 (OR = 1.33; OR = 1.43, respectively). We found that very intense pain in the initial phase seems to be related to the development of CPSP after TKA. Full article

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9 pages, 1941 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Thecaloscopy Reduces the Risk of Recurrent Perineural (Tarlov) Cysts after Microsurgical Resection

by Michael Luchtmann, Angelika Klammer, Mircea-Alin Iova, André Roth, Vijay Kumar Chanamolu, Christian Mawrin and Jan-Peter Warnke

Neurol. Int. 2024, 16(2), 450-458; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint16020033 - 17 Apr 2024

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Abstract

Sacral Tarlov cysts (TCs), often asymptomatic, can cause significant pain and severe neurological dysfunction. Conventional treatments are generally associated with high recurrence and complication rates. Specifically, the substantial recurrence rates, which can reach as high as 50%, significantly impact long-term outcomes. Recent evidence [...] Read more.

Sacral Tarlov cysts (TCs), often asymptomatic, can cause significant pain and severe neurological dysfunction. Conventional treatments are generally associated with high recurrence and complication rates. Specifically, the substantial recurrence rates, which can reach as high as 50%, significantly impact long-term outcomes. Recent evidence increasingly supports the hypothesis that the formation of Tarlov cysts (TCs) may be associated with inflammatory processes within the nerve root sheath, further exacerbated by elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure. This retrospective study explores thecaloscopy, combined with surgical techniques, as a more effective alternative. We observed a total of 78 patients, 48 of whom underwent endoscopic fenestration of the arachnoid sheath in addition to microsurgical resection of the TC. We found that the fenestration of the arachnoid sheath at the level of lumbosacral spinal nerve root entry led to a significantly decreased risk of developing recurrent TCs (5/48 vs. 9/30). Only one of the patients suffered from a persistent new bladder dysfunction after microsurgical resection. This presented technique provides a promising treatment path for the future management of TCs, offering a safe and more effective treatment option compared to previous methods. Additionally, the advantages of the thecaloscopy provide pathophysiological implications regarding the development of perineural cysts. Full article

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18 pages, 421 KiB

Open AccessReview

Neurocognitive Impairment and Social Cognition in Parkinson’s Disease Patients

by Triantafyllos Doskas, Konstantinos Vadikolias, Konstantinos Ntoskas, George D. Vavougios, Dimitrios Tsiptsios, Polyxeni Stamati, Ioannis Liampas, Vasileios Siokas, Lambros Messinis, Grigorios Nasios and Efthimios Dardiotis

Neurol. Int. 2024, 16(2), 432-449; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint16020032 - 16 Apr 2024

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Abstract

In addition to motor symptoms, neurocognitive impairment (NCI) affects patients with prodromal Parkinson’s disease (PD). NCI in PD ranges from subjective cognitive complaints to dementia. The purpose of this review is to present the available evidence of NCI in PD and highlight the [...] Read more.

In addition to motor symptoms, neurocognitive impairment (NCI) affects patients with prodromal Parkinson’s disease (PD). NCI in PD ranges from subjective cognitive complaints to dementia. The purpose of this review is to present the available evidence of NCI in PD and highlight the heterogeneity of NCI phenotypes as well as the range of factors that contribute to NCI onset and progression. A review of publications related to NCI in PD up to March 2023 was performed using PubMed/Medline. There is an interconnection between the neurocognitive and motor symptoms of the disease, suggesting a common underlying pathophysiology as well as an interconnection between NCI and non-motor symptoms, such as mood disorders, which may contribute to confounding NCI. Motor and non-motor symptom evaluation could be used prognostically for NCI onset and progression in combination with imaging, laboratory, and genetic data. Additionally, the implications of NCI on the social cognition of afflicted patients warrant its prompt management. The etiology of NCI onset and its progression in PD is multifactorial and its effects are equally grave as the motor effects. This review highlights the importance of the prompt identification of subjective cognitive complaints in PD patients and NCI management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exclusive Papers from the Editorial Board Members (EBMs) and Invited Scholars of Neurology International)

13 pages, 4881 KiB

Open AccessArticle

[¹²⁵I]IPC-Lecanemab: Synthesis and Evaluation of Aβ-Plaque-Binding Antibody and Comparison with Small-Molecule [¹⁸F]Flotaza and [¹²⁵I]IBETA in Postmortem Human Alzheimer’s Disease

by Christopher Liang, Cayz G. Paclibar, Noresa L. Gonzaga, Stephanie A. Sison, Harman S. Bath, Agnes P. Biju and Jogeshwar Mukherjee

Neurol. Int. 2024, 16(2), 419-431; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint16020031 - 08 Apr 2024

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Abstract

Therapeutic antibodies for reducing Aβ plaque load in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is currently making rapid progress. The diagnostic imaging of Aβ plaque load in AD has been underway and is now used in clinical studies. Here, we report our preliminary findings on imaging [...] Read more.

Therapeutic antibodies for reducing Aβ plaque load in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is currently making rapid progress. The diagnostic imaging of Aβ plaque load in AD has been underway and is now used in clinical studies. Here, we report our preliminary findings on imaging a therapeutic antibody, Lecanemab, in a postmortem AD brain anterior cingulate. [¹²⁵I]5-iodo-3-pyridinecarboxamido-Lecanemab ([¹²⁵I]IPC-Lecanemab) was prepared by coupling N-succinimidyl-5-([¹²⁵I]iodo)-3-pyridinecarboxylate with Lecanemab in modest yields. The distinct binding of [¹²⁵I]IPC-Lecanemab to Aβ-rich regions in postmortem human AD brains was higher in grey matter (GM) containing Aβ plaques compared to white matter (WM) (GM/WM was 1.6). Anti-Aβ immunostaining was correlated with [¹²⁵I]IPC-Lecanemab regional binding in the postmortem AD human brains. [¹²⁵I]IPC-Lecanemab binding was consistent with the binding of Aβ small molecules, [¹⁸F]flotaza and [¹²⁵I]IBETA, in the same subjects. [¹⁸F]Flotaza and [¹²⁵I]IBETA, however, exhibited significantly higher GM/WM ratios (>20) compared to [¹²⁵I]IPC-Lecanemab. Our results suggest that radiolabeled [¹²⁵I]IPC-Lecanemab retains the ability to bind to Aβ in human AD and may therefore be useful as a PET imaging radiotracer when labeled as [¹²⁴I]IPC-Lecanemab. The ability to directly visualize in vivo a promising therapeutic antibody for AD may be useful in treatment planning and dosing and could be complimentary to small-molecule diagnostic imaging to assess outcomes of therapeutic interventions. Full article

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13 pages, 905 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mortality Predictors for Adult Patients with Mild-to-Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury: A Literature Review

by Ansam Eghzawi, Alameen Alsabbah, Shatha Gharaibeh, Iktimal Alwan, Abeer Gharaibeh and Anita V. Goyal

Neurol. Int. 2024, 16(2), 406-418; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint16020030 - 05 Apr 2024

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Abstract

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) represent a significant public health concern, with mild-to-moderate cases comprising a substantial portion of incidents. Understanding the predictors of mortality among adult patients with mild-to-moderate TBIs is crucial for optimizing clinical management and improving outcomes. This literature review examines [...] Read more.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) represent a significant public health concern, with mild-to-moderate cases comprising a substantial portion of incidents. Understanding the predictors of mortality among adult patients with mild-to-moderate TBIs is crucial for optimizing clinical management and improving outcomes. This literature review examines the existing research to identify and analyze the mortality predictors in this patient population. Through a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed articles and clinical studies, key prognostic factors, such as age, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, the presence of intracranial hemorrhage, pupillary reactivity, and coexisting medical conditions, are explored. Additionally, this review investigates the role of advanced imaging modalities, biomarkers, and scoring systems in predicting mortality following a mild-to-moderate TBI. By synthesizing the findings from diverse studies, this review aims to provide clinicians and researchers with valuable insights into the factors influencing mortality outcomes in adult patients with a mild-to-moderate TBI, thus facilitating more informed decision making and targeted interventions in clinical practice. Full article

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12 pages, 1158 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Utilization of Ocrelizumab within Different Treatment Strategies for Multiple Sclerosis: A 5-Year Population-Based Study

by Marcello Moccia, Giuseppina Affinito, Giuseppina Marrazzo, Tiziana Ciarambino, Paolo Di Procolo, Licia Confalonieri, Antonio Carotenuto, Maria Petracca, Roberta Lanzillo, Maria Triassi, Vincenzo Brescia Morra and Raffaele Palladino

Neurol. Int. 2024, 16(2), 394-405; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint16020029 - 29 Mar 2024

Viewed by 374

Abstract

Background: We aim to provide up-to-date real-world evidence on the persistence, adherence, healthcare resource utilization, and costs of multiple sclerosis (MS) by comparing ocrelizumab to other disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) and within different DMT sequences. Methods: We included 3371 people with MS who first [...] Read more.

Background: We aim to provide up-to-date real-world evidence on the persistence, adherence, healthcare resource utilization, and costs of multiple sclerosis (MS) by comparing ocrelizumab to other disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) and within different DMT sequences. Methods: We included 3371 people with MS who first received or switched DMT prescriptions from January 2018 to December 2022; they were identified through hospital discharge records, drug prescriptions, and exemption codes from the Campania Region (South Italy). We calculated persistence (time from the first prescription to discontinuation or switching to another DMT), adherence (proportion of days covered (PDC)), DMT costs, and MS hospital admissions and related costs. Results: The most frequently prescribed DMT was dimethyl fumarate (n = 815; age 38.90 ± 11.91 years; 69.5% females), followed by ocrelizumab (n = 682; age 46.46 ± 11.29 years; 56.3%); 28.8% of the patients treated with ocrelizumab were naïve to DMTs. Using ocrelizumab as a statistical reference, the risk of discontinuation was higher for other highly active (HR = 6.32; 95%CI = 3.16, 12.63; p < 0.01) and low-/medium-efficacy DMTs (HR = 10.10; 95%CI = 5.10, 19.77; p < 0.01); adherence was lower for other highly active DMTs (Coeff = −0.07; 95%CI = −0.10, −0.04; p < 0.01) and low-/medium-efficacy DMTs (Coeff = −0.16; 95%CI = −0.19, −0.14; p < 0.01). monthly DMT costs were higher for other highly active DMTs (Coeff = 77.45; 95%CI = 29.36, 125.53; p < 0.01) but lower for low-/medium-efficacy DMTs (Coeff = −772.31; 95%CI = −816.95, −727.66; p < 0.01). The hospital admissions and related costs of MS were similar between ocrelizumab, other highly active DMTs, and other low-/medium-efficacy DMTs, and with ocrelizumab as the first-line DMT after other highly active DMTs and after low-/medium-efficacy DMTs, which was possibly due to the low number of observations. Conclusions: From 2018 to 2022, ocrelizumab was among the most frequently prescribed DMTs, with 28.8% prescriptions to incident MS patients, confirming its relevance in clinical practice. Ocrelizumab was associated with the highest persistence and adherence, pointing towards its favorable benefit–risk profile. The costs of ocrelizumab were lower than those of other highly active DMTs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exclusive Papers from the Editorial Board Members (EBMs) and Invited Scholars of Neurology International)

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14 pages, 969 KiB

Open AccessReview

Decoding Post-Viral Fatigue: The Basal Ganglia’s Complex Role in Long-COVID

by Thorsten Rudroff

Neurol. Int. 2024, 16(2), 380-393; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint16020028 - 28 Mar 2024

Viewed by 987

Abstract

Long-COVID afflicts millions with relentless fatigue, disrupting daily life. The objective of this narrative review is to synthesize current evidence on the role of the basal ganglia in long-COVID fatigue, discuss potential mechanisms, and highlight promising therapeutic interventions. A comprehensive literature search was [...] Read more.

Long-COVID afflicts millions with relentless fatigue, disrupting daily life. The objective of this narrative review is to synthesize current evidence on the role of the basal ganglia in long-COVID fatigue, discuss potential mechanisms, and highlight promising therapeutic interventions. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Mounting evidence from PET, MRI, and functional connectivity data reveals basal ganglia disturbances in long-COVID exhaustion, including inflammation, metabolic disruption, volume changes, and network alterations focused on striatal dopamine circuitry regulating motivation. Theories suggest inflammation-induced signaling disturbances could impede effort/reward valuation, disrupt cortical–subcortical motivational pathways, or diminish excitatory input to arousal centers, attenuating drive initiation. Recent therapeutic pilots targeting basal ganglia abnormalities show provisional efficacy. However, heterogeneous outcomes, inconsistent metrics, and perceived versus objective fatigue discrepancies temper insights. Despite the growing research, gaps remain in understanding the precise pathways linking basal ganglia dysfunction to fatigue and validating treatment efficacy. Further research is needed to advance understanding of the basal ganglia’s contribution to long-COVID neurological sequelae and offer hope for improving function across the expanding affected population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19, Neuroinflammation and Therapeutics, 2nd Edition)

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10 pages, 1567 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Hyperglycaemia Aggravates Oxidised Low-Density Lipoprotein-Induced Schwann Cell Death via Hyperactivation of Toll-like Receptor 4

by Wataru Nihei, Ayako Kato, Tatsuhito Himeno, Masaki Kondo, Jiro Nakamura, Hideki Kamiya, Kazunori Sango and Koichi Kato

Neurol. Int. 2024, 16(2), 370-379; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint16020027 - 19 Mar 2024

Viewed by 526

Abstract

Increased low-density lipoprotein levels are risk factors for diabetic neuropathy. Diabetes mellitus is associated with elevated metabolic stress, leading to oxidised low-density lipoprotein formation. Therefore, it is important to investigate the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy in diabetes complicated by dyslipidaemia [...] Read more.

Increased low-density lipoprotein levels are risk factors for diabetic neuropathy. Diabetes mellitus is associated with elevated metabolic stress, leading to oxidised low-density lipoprotein formation. Therefore, it is important to investigate the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy in diabetes complicated by dyslipidaemia with increased levels of oxidised low-density lipoprotein. Here, we examined the effects of hyperglycaemia and oxidised low-density lipoprotein treatment on Schwann cell death and its underlying mechanisms. Immortalised mouse Schwann cells were treated with oxidised low-density lipoprotein under normo- or hyperglycaemic conditions. We observed that oxidised low-density lipoprotein-induced cell death increased under hyperglycaemic conditions compared with normoglycaemic conditions. Moreover, hyperglycaemia and oxidised low-density lipoprotein treatment synergistically upregulated the gene and protein expression of toll-like receptor 4. Pre-treatment with TAK-242, a selective toll-like receptor 4 signalling inhibitor, attenuated hyperglycaemia- and oxidised low-density lipoprotein-induced cell death and apoptotic caspase-3 pathway. Our findings suggest that the hyperactivation of toll-like receptor 4 signalling by hyperglycaemia and elevated oxidised low-density lipoprotein levels synergistically exacerbated diabetic neuropathy; thus, it can be a potential therapeutic target for diabetic neuropathy. Full article

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14 pages, 2369 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Headache Disorders: An Observational, Cross-Sectional Study

by Leonidas Mantonakis, Ioanna Belesioti, Christina I. Deligianni, Vasilis Natsis, Euthimia Mitropoulou, Elina Kasioti, Maria Lypiridou and Dimos D. Mitsikostas

Neurol. Int. 2024, 16(2), 356-369; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint16020026 - 18 Mar 2024

Viewed by 535

Abstract

Background: Headache disorders have been associated with anxiety and depressive disorders. The aim of this study was to assess symptoms of anxiety and depression in a large sample of individuals with different headache disorders (HDs) in order to determine whether their frequency differs [...] Read more.

Background: Headache disorders have been associated with anxiety and depressive disorders. The aim of this study was to assess symptoms of anxiety and depression in a large sample of individuals with different headache disorders (HDs) in order to determine whether their frequency differs by headache type. Methods: Consecutive individuals with headache attending a headache outpatient clinic were interviewed with the HAM-D and HAM-A, along with age, sex, and education matched non-headache individuals. Results: Individuals numbering 2673 with headache (females 71.2%) and 464 non-headache individuals (females 70.9%) were interviewed (with participation rates of 98.3% and 91.0%, respectively). Migraine was diagnosed in 49.7%, tension-type headache in 38%, cluster headache 5.2%, and medication overuse (MO) in 21.8%. Participants with HD scored more in HAM-A (OR = 4.741, CI95%: 3.855–5.831, p < 0.001) and HAM-D scales (OR = 2.319, CI95%: 1.892–2.842, p < 0.001) than non-headache individuals. Participants with chronic HDs (≥15 days with headache for ≥3 consecutive months; 52.5%) scored higher for both HAM-A (OR = 1.944, CI95%: 1.640–2.303, p < 0.001) and HAM-D (OR = 1.625, CI95%: 1.359–1.944, p < 0.001) than those with episodic HDs (33.1%), as did participants with MO vs. participants without MO (OR = 3.418, CI95%: 2.655–4.399, p < 0.001 for HAM-A, OR = 3.043, CI95%: 2.322–3.986, p < 0.001 for HAM-D). Female and low-educated participants scored higher on both scales. Conclusion: Because symptoms of anxiety and depression are substantial in people with HD, the treating physicians should look out for such symptoms and manage them appropriately. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Migraines and Beyond: Advances in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Chronic Headache Disorders)

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7 pages, 567 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Pulsed Radiofrequency for Auriculotemporal Neuralgia: A Case Report

by Yan Tereshko, Enrico Belgrado, Christian Lettieri, Simone Dal Bello, Giovanni Merlino, Gian Luigi Gigli and Mariarosaria Valente

Neurol. Int. 2024, 16(2), 349-355; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint16020025 - 12 Mar 2024

Viewed by 517

Abstract

Auriculotemporal neuralgia is a rare facial pain disorder with no therapeutic evidence for refractory cases. We described a male patient with right auriculotemporal neuralgia, refractory to anesthetic nerve blocks and botulinum toxin type A injections, who was successfully treated with pulsed radiofrequency without [...] Read more.

Auriculotemporal neuralgia is a rare facial pain disorder with no therapeutic evidence for refractory cases. We described a male patient with right auriculotemporal neuralgia, refractory to anesthetic nerve blocks and botulinum toxin type A injections, who was successfully treated with pulsed radiofrequency without adverse events. Pulsed radiofrequency may be an effective and safe treatment for refractory auriculotemporal neuralgia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Migraines and Beyond: Advances in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Chronic Headache Disorders)

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15 pages, 3065 KiB

Open AccessReview

Emerging Evidence of Golgi Stress Signaling for Neuropathies

by Remina Shirai and Junji Yamauchi

Neurol. Int. 2024, 16(2), 334-348; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint16020024 - 07 Mar 2024

Viewed by 743

Abstract

The Golgi apparatus is an intracellular organelle that modifies cargo, which is transported extracellularly through the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, and plasma membrane in order. First, the general function of the Golgi is reviewed and, then, Golgi stress signaling is discussed. In addition to [...] Read more.

The Golgi apparatus is an intracellular organelle that modifies cargo, which is transported extracellularly through the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, and plasma membrane in order. First, the general function of the Golgi is reviewed and, then, Golgi stress signaling is discussed. In addition to the six main Golgi signaling pathways, two pathways that have been increasingly reported in recent years are described in this review. The focus then shifts to neurological disorders, examining Golgi stress reported in major neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease. The review also encompasses findings related to other diseases, including hypomyelinating leukodystrophy, frontotemporal spectrum disorder/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, microcephaly, Wilson’s disease, and prion disease. Most of these neurological disorders cause Golgi fragmentation and Golgi stress. As a result, strong signals may act to induce apoptosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exclusive Papers from the Editorial Board Members (EBMs) and Invited Scholars of Neurology International)

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Graphical abstract

7 pages, 2200 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Recurrent Intracerebral Haematomas Due to Amyloid Angyopathy after Lyodura Transplantation in Childhood

by Maša Fabjan, Ana Jurečič, Miha Jerala, Janja Pretnar Oblak and Senta Frol

Neurol. Int. 2024, 16(2), 327-333; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint16020023 - 04 Mar 2024

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Abstract

The number of published cases of presumed iatrogenic cerebral amyloid angiopathy (iCAA) due to the transmission of amyloid β during neurosurgery is slowly rising. One of the potential ways of transmission is through a cadaveric dura mater graft (LYODURA) exposure during neurosurgery. This [...] Read more.

The number of published cases of presumed iatrogenic cerebral amyloid angiopathy (iCAA) due to the transmission of amyloid β during neurosurgery is slowly rising. One of the potential ways of transmission is through a cadaveric dura mater graft (LYODURA) exposure during neurosurgery. This is a case of a 46-year-old female patient with no chronic conditions who presented with recurrent intracerebral haemorrhages (ICHs) without underlying vessel pathology. Four decades prior, the patient had a neurosurgical procedure with documented LYODURA transplantation. Brain biopsy confirmed CAA. This is a rare case of histologically proven iCAA after a documented LYODURA transplantation in childhood. Our case and already published iCAA cases emphasize the need for considering neurosurgery procedure history as important data in patients who present with ICH possibly related to CAA. Full article

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15 pages, 1206 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Visuo-Attentional and Phonological Deficits Explored in French Students with Dyslexia: Eye Movements Recorded during a Phonological Lexical Decision Task

by Aikaterini Premeti, Frédéric Isel and Maria Pia Bucci

Neurol. Int. 2024, 16(2), 312-326; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint16020022 - 01 Mar 2024

Viewed by 577

Abstract

Whether dyslexia is caused by phonological or attentional dysfunction remains a widely debated issue. To enrich this debate, we compared the eye movements of 32 French university students with (14 students) and without (18 students) dyslexia while performing a delayed phonological lexical decision [...] Read more.

Whether dyslexia is caused by phonological or attentional dysfunction remains a widely debated issue. To enrich this debate, we compared the eye movements of 32 French university students with (14 students) and without (18 students) dyslexia while performing a delayed phonological lexical decision task on 300 visually presented stimuli. The processing stimuli involved either a lexical (i.e., words) or a non-lexical route relying on a grapheme-phoneme correspondence (pseudohomophones and pseudowords), while other stimuli involved only a visual search (consonant and symbol sequences). We recorded the number of fixations, the duration of the first fixation and the amplitude of saccades made on the stimuli. Compared to the controls, the participants with dyslexia made more fixations while reading regardless of the type of stimulus (lexical and non-lexical). Crucially, the participants with dyslexia exhibited longer first fixations in particular while reading phonologically challenging stimuli such as pseudohomophones and pseudowords compared to stimuli involving a simple visual search (consonants, symbols). Taken together, these results suggest that both visual and phonological impairments may be implicated in dyslexia, supporting the hypothesis that dyslexia is a multifactorial deficit. Full article

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13 pages, 2447 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neurite Damage in Patients with Migraine

by Yasushi Shibata and Sumire Ishiyama

Neurol. Int. 2024, 16(2), 299-311; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint16020021 - 29 Feb 2024

Viewed by 740

Abstract

We examined neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging in patients with migraine. We found that patients with medication overuse headache exhibited lower orientation dispersion than those without. Moreover, orientation dispersion in the body of the corpus callosum was statistically negatively correlated with migraine [...] Read more.

We examined neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging in patients with migraine. We found that patients with medication overuse headache exhibited lower orientation dispersion than those without. Moreover, orientation dispersion in the body of the corpus callosum was statistically negatively correlated with migraine attack frequencies. These findings indicate that neurite dispersion is damaged in patients with chronic migraine. Our study results indicate the orientation preference of neurite damage in migraine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Migraines and Beyond: Advances in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Chronic Headache Disorders)

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10 pages, 3508 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Acute Anterior Choroidal Artery Territory Infarction: A Case Series Report

by Antonia Tsika, Polyxeni Stamati, Zisis Tsouris, Antonios Provatas, Alexandra Papa, Dimitrios Tsimoulis, Stylliani Ralli, Vasileios Siokas and Efthimios Dardiotis

Neurol. Int. 2024, 16(2), 289-298; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint16020020 - 29 Feb 2024

Viewed by 674

Abstract

Due to the occlusion of the anterior choroidal artery (AChA), ischemic strokes are described with the classic clinical triad, namely hemiplegia, hemianesthesia, and homonymous hemianopsia. The aim of this study is to document the characteristic clinical presentation and course of AChA infract cases. [...] Read more.

Due to the occlusion of the anterior choroidal artery (AChA), ischemic strokes are described with the classic clinical triad, namely hemiplegia, hemianesthesia, and homonymous hemianopsia. The aim of this study is to document the characteristic clinical presentation and course of AChA infract cases. We describe five cases with acute infarction in the distribution of the AChA, admitted to the Neurological Department of the University General Hospital of Larissa. Results: All cases presented with hemiparesis and lower facial nerve palsy, while four of them had dysarthria, and two patients exhibited ataxia. Two cases underwent intravenous thrombolysis. A notable feature was the worsening of the clinical course, specifically the exacerbation of upper limb weakness within 48 h. Stabilization occurred after the third day, with the final development of a more severe clinical presentation than the initial one. Additionally, muscle weakness was more severe in the upper limb than in the lower limb. The recovery of upper limb function was poor in the three-month follow-up for the four cases. While vascular brain episodes are characterized by sudden onset, in AChA infraction, the clinical onset can be gradually developed over a few days, with a greater burden on the upper limb and poorer recovery. Full article

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Neurol. Int., Volume 16, Issue 2 (April 2024) – 15 articles

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