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Neurology International is published by MDPI from Volume 12 Issue 3 (2020). Previous articles were published by another publisher in Open Access under a CC-BY licence, and they are hosted by MDPI on mdpi.com as a courtesy and upon agreement with PAGEPress.

Neurol. Int., Volume 7, Issue 2 (September 2015) – 6 articles

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778 KiB  
Case Report
Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis in an Iranian Patient with Neurofibromatosis Type I
by Nafiseh Mohebi, Mehdi Moghaddasi and Maryam Zaribafian
Neurol. Int. 2015, 7(2), 5966; https://doi.org/10.4081/ni.2015.5966 - 24 Sep 2015
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 285
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) is a common hereditary neuro-cutaneous disease, with known gene mutations, that mainly involves the skin and nervous system. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an acquired inflammatory disease in which the myelin of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord [...] Read more.
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) is a common hereditary neuro-cutaneous disease, with known gene mutations, that mainly involves the skin and nervous system. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an acquired inflammatory disease in which the myelin of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord is damaged. These two disease do not share any apparent pathological similarities. We herein present a 32-year-old woman with definite NF-1, who has recently been diagnosed with MS, which to the best of our knowledge is a rare co-occurrence. Though there are often neurologic sign and symptoms in patients with NF-1, they should not always be considered as the natural history of the disease, and other overlapped pathologies should be kept in mind, in order to not miss or postpone the efficient treatment. Full article
583 KiB  
Review
Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A in Neurology: Update
by Marco Orsini, Marco Antonio Araujo Leite, Tae Mo Chung, Wladimir Bocca, Jano Alves de Souza, Olivia Gameiro de Souza, Rayele Priscila Moreira, Victor Hugo Bastos, Silmar Teixeira, Acary Bulle Oliveira, Bruno da Silva Moraes, André Palma Matta and Luis Jorge Jacinto
Neurol. Int. 2015, 7(2), 5886; https://doi.org/10.4081/ni.2015.5886 - 24 Sep 2015
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 586
Abstract
This paper reviews the current and most neurological (central nervous system, CNS) uses of the botulinum neurotoxin type A. The effect of these toxins at neuromuscular junction lends themselves to neurological diseases of muscle overactivity, particularly abnormalities of muscle control. There are seven [...] Read more.
This paper reviews the current and most neurological (central nervous system, CNS) uses of the botulinum neurotoxin type A. The effect of these toxins at neuromuscular junction lends themselves to neurological diseases of muscle overactivity, particularly abnormalities of muscle control. There are seven serotypes of the toxin, each with a specific activity at the molecular level. Currently, serotypes A (in two preparations) and B are available for clinical purpose, and they have proved to be safe and effective for the treatment of dystonia, spasticity, headache, and other CNS disorders in which muscle hyperactivity gives rise to symptoms. Although initially thought to inhibit acetylcholine release only at the neuromuscular junction, botulinum toxins are now recognized to inhibit acetylcholine release at autonomic cholinergic nerve terminals, as well as peripheral release of neuro-transmitters involved in pain regulation. Its effects are transient and nondestructive, and largely limited to the area in which it is administered. These effects are also graded according to the dose, allowing individualized treatment of patients and disorders. It may also prove to be useful in the control of autonomic dysfunction and sialorrhea. In over 20 years of use in humans, botulinum toxin has accumulated a considerable safety record, and in many cases represents relief for thousands of patients unaided by other therapy. Full article
730 KiB  
Review
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: New Perpectives and Update
by Marco Orsini, Acary Bulle Oliveira, Osvaldo J.M. Nascimento, Carlos Henrique Melo Reis, Marco Antonio Araujo Leite, Jano Alves de Souza, Camila Pupe, Olivia Gameiro de Souza, Victor Hugo Bastos, Marcos R.G. de Freitas, Silmar Teixeira, Carlos Bruno, Eduardo Davidovich and Benny Smidt
Neurol. Int. 2015, 7(2), 5885; https://doi.org/10.4081/ni.2015.5885 - 24 Sep 2015
Cited by 66 | Viewed by 1012
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Charcot’s disease or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a term used to cover the spetrum of syndromes caracterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons, a paralytic disorder caused by motor neuron degeneration. Currently, there are approximately 25,000 patients with ALS [...] Read more.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Charcot’s disease or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a term used to cover the spetrum of syndromes caracterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons, a paralytic disorder caused by motor neuron degeneration. Currently, there are approximately 25,000 patients with ALS in the USA, with an average age of onset of 55 years. The incidence and prevalence of ALS are 1-2 and 4-6 per 100,000 each year, respectively, with a lifetime ALS risk of 1/600 to 1/1000. It causes progressive and cumulative physical disabilities, and leads to eventual death due to respiratory muscle failure. ALS is diverse in its presentation, course, and progression. We do not yet fully understand the causes of the disease, nor the mechanisms for its progression; thus, we lack effective means for treating this disease. In this chapter, we will discuss the diagnosis, treatment, and how to cope with impaired function and end of life based on of our experience, guidelines, and clinical trials. Nowadays ALS seems to be a more complex disease than it did two decades – or even one decade – ago, but new insights have been plentiful. Clinical trials should be seen more as experiments on pathogenic mechanisms. A medication or combination of medications that targets more than one pathogenic pathway may slow disease progression in an additive or synergistic fashion. Full article
609 KiB  
Article
Effect of Heparin on Recanalization in Acute Stroke Patients with Intra-Arterial Thrombi
by Bijal K. Mehta, Haris Kamal, Aaron McMurtray, Mohammed Shafie and Ping Li
Neurol. Int. 2015, 7(2), 5807; https://doi.org/10.4081/ni.2015.5807 - 24 Sep 2015
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 388
Abstract
Anticoagulant use, such as heparin, is usually contraindicated in acute stroke patients. We present a study of patients, who were treated with intravenous heparin after a stroke that were also found to have an intraluminal thrombus. Prior studies imply that recanalization is achieved [...] Read more.
Anticoagulant use, such as heparin, is usually contraindicated in acute stroke patients. We present a study of patients, who were treated with intravenous heparin after a stroke that were also found to have an intraluminal thrombus. Prior studies imply that recanalization is achieved with heparin; however heparin should only prevent thrombus propagation. Therefore it is unclear whether and how IV heparin can achieve recanalization of intraluminal thrombi in acute stroke patients. A retrospective review of all acute stroke patients from a single stroke center who received a therapeutic IV heparin infusion from 5/2006 to 9/2011 were included in the study. We compared patients who had complete/partial recanalization and/or improved flow versus those that did not, with both these groups on a standard intravenous heparin infusion protocol. Demographic data was compared between the groups. Average partial thromboplastin time (PTT) during heparin infusion, time between computed tomography angiographies (CTAs), time from stroke onset to receiving IV heparin, and vessel occluded were also compared between groups. Forty-one patients (19 female, 22 male) were included in the study with a total of 55 vessels (either carotid, middle cerebral artery, anterior cerebral artery, posterior cerebral artery/posterior circulation) having intraluminal thrombi; 31 patients had 41 vessels with either partial or complete recanalization of effected vessels, while 10 patients had 14 vessels that did not have at least one vessel recanalize while on heparin. Using t-test we noted that the average PTT between the vessels that had partial/complete recanalization group (61.74) and non-recanalization group (66.30) was not statistical significantly different (P=0.37).The average time in days on heparin between vascular imaging studies (CTA/conventional angiogram) in the group of vessels with partial/complete recanalization (7.12 days) and the ones with no change (6.11 days) was not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.59). Patient’s vessels receiving heparin for <24 hours versus those >24 hours did not significantly differ either (P=0.17). This study compares patient characteristics associated with recanalization of intraluminal thrombi in acute stroke patients on heparin. Recanalization of intraluminal thrombi are not associated with average PTT or duration on heparin. Full article
535 KiB  
Case Report
Yet Another Atypical Presentation of Anti-GQ1b Antibody Syndrome
by Raed Alroughani, Anil Thussu and Raouf T. Guindi
Neurol. Int. 2015, 7(2), 5770; https://doi.org/10.4081/ni.2015.5770 - 24 Sep 2015
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 355
Abstract
Variants of Guillain-Barre syndrome such as Bickerstaff encephalitis and Miller-Fisher syndrome have been reported. We report a 15-year-old boy who presented, after a prodromal illness, with 3-day progressive limb weakness, diplopia, and acute urinary retention. Clinically, he had horizontal gaze-evoked and upbeat nystagmus, [...] Read more.
Variants of Guillain-Barre syndrome such as Bickerstaff encephalitis and Miller-Fisher syndrome have been reported. We report a 15-year-old boy who presented, after a prodromal illness, with 3-day progressive limb weakness, diplopia, and acute urinary retention. Clinically, he had horizontal gaze-evoked and upbeat nystagmus, bilateral extensor plantars in addition to quadriparesis and areflexia. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and spine was unremarkable and cerebral spinal fluid analysis showed lymphocytic pleocytosis. Nerve conduction study revealed symmetrical axonal neuropathy. Anti-GQ1b antibody was positive. A combination of IV methylprednisone followed by IVIg was instituted which led to remarkable clinical recovery. This case underpins the importance of recognizing atypical presentations of acute autonomic dysfunction and central nervous system features such as nystagmus, which may be associated with anti-GQ1b antibody syndrome. Features mimicking myelitis and brainstem encephalitis may pose diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma among the treating physicians. Full article
612 KiB  
Article
Controlled Study of Correlation of Biomechanical Profile of Hemiparetic Patients with Distance Travelled in Six Minutes
by Laís Moreira Moura, Mônica Maria Pena Quintão, Karen Santos R. de Carvalho, Beatriz Cantanhede Carrapatoso, Sabrina Lindenberg L. Malfacini, André Custódio da Silva, Marco Orsini, Osvaldo J.M. Nascimento and Sergio S.M.C. Chermont
Neurol. Int. 2015, 7(2), 5417; https://doi.org/10.4081/ni.2015.5417 - 24 Sep 2015
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 307
Abstract
The six-minute walking test (6MWT) is used to assess exercise tolerance that is associated with motor function of the lower limbs in hemiparetic patients. It is suggested that, for post-stroke subjects, performance in the 6MWT may be limited by biomechanical and cardiovascular factors. [...] Read more.
The six-minute walking test (6MWT) is used to assess exercise tolerance that is associated with motor function of the lower limbs in hemiparetic patients. It is suggested that, for post-stroke subjects, performance in the 6MWT may be limited by biomechanical and cardiovascular factors. Our aim is to determine the correlation between the six-minute walk distance (6MWD) and the biomechanical profile of hemiparetic patients. During this cross-sectional controlled study, 10 hemiparetic patients with heart failure underwent 6MWT (ATS protocol). Tonus (Ashworth Scale) and goniometry of the lower limbs were measured. The average of 6MWD in two tests was 279±8 m. There was a negative correlation between the degree of spasticity for both the sural triceps (r=−0.57, P<0.05), quadriceps (r=−0.58, P<0.05) and the limitation in ankle dorsiflexion and the 6MWD (r=−0.76, P<0.05). Also, there was correlation between hip extension and ankle dorsiflexion limitations with 6MWD (r=0.66, P<0.05), (r=0.77, P<0.05). The negative correlation between the highest spasticity in paretic limb and the 6MWD and the correlation between the lower movement range of paretic hip and ankle suggest association with these factors and gait velocity in 6MWT. Loss percentage represents the percentage calculation between distance traveled and the distance predicted achieved by patients. In this study, the negative correlation between the percentage of loss of 6MWD and the limitation in the ankle dorsiflexion movement suggests that for a minor motion arch of the ankle, there is a higher percentage of walking distance loss foretold. Full article
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