Neurology International

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Open AccessCase Report

Bilateral Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis as First Manifestation of Primary Burkitt Lymphoma of the Thyroid Gland

by Mehdi Moghaddasi, Mona Nabovvati and Saeed Razmeh

Neurol. Int. 2017, 9(2), 7133; https://doi.org/10.4081/ni.2017.7133 - 27 Jun 2017

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 376

Cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is a rare condition that is usually associated with infections, pregnancy, vasculitis and some types of medication, such as the contraceptive pill and paraneoplastic. Primary Burkitt lymphoma (PBL) of the thyroid gland is very uncommon and the clinical description of such cases has been largely limited to case reports. In this paper, we present a case of CST as the first manifestation of PBL of the thyroid gland. To the best of our knowledge, our patient is the first case report of PBL of the thyroid gland that presents with bilateral CST. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Fasting during Ramadan on the Concentration of Serotonin, Dopamine, Brainderived Neurotrophic Factor and Nerve Growth Factor

by Abdolhossein Bastani, Sadegh Rajabi and Fatemeh Kianimarkani

Neurol. Int. 2017, 9(2), 7043; https://doi.org/10.4081/ni.2017.7043 - 23 Jun 2017

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 1801

Abstract

Neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors are signaling molecules that play a crucial role in cell proliferation, differentiation, survival and functions of neurons. It is believed that caloric restriction could help the health of the nervous system by affecting the synthesis of neurotrophins and neurotransmitter and oxygen radical metabolism. The objective was to investigate the plasma levels of serotonin, dopamine, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and nerve growth factor (NGF) in 29 healthy fasted subjects (22 women and 7 men) during the month of fasting in Ramadan. The levels of these factors were measured (using ELISA method) three times, 2 days before the fasting month as a control, on the 14th and 29th day of Ramadan as test groups. In addition, these factors were investigated in the group of women only. According to our investigation, the plasma levels of serotonin, BDNF and NGF were significantly increased during fasting month of Ramadan. In detail, the levels of these factors were increased in 14th and 29th day test groups compared to controls (P<0.05). Moreover, these levels were significantly increased on the 29th day compared to the 14th day test groups, but there were no differences between dopamine levels in all groups. Furthermore, the results obtained in women’s groups were the same as those obtained in previous groups. Our findings suggest that plasma levels of serotonin, BDNF and NGF were significantly increased during fasting month of Ramadan. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Are Cerebrospinal Fluid Protein Levels and Plasma Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio Associated with Prognosis of Guillain Barré Syndrome?

by Sevki Sahin, Nilgun Cinar and Sibel Karsidag

Neurol. Int. 2017, 9(2), 7032; https://doi.org/10.4081/ni.2017.7032 - 23 Jun 2017

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 500

Abstract

Guillain Barré syndrome (GBS) is a post-infectious acute autoimmune polyradiculopathy. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) total protein level and plasma neutrophil/ lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are related with autoimmune response. We aimed to reach a prognostic indicator for GBS by using electrophysiological findings, protein level of CSF, and plasma NLR based on Medical Research Council (MRC) sum score data. Cases who met diagnostic criteria of GBS and followed at least six months were enrolled in the study. Nerve conduction study (NCS) and lumbar puncture were performed one week after symptom onset. Routine CSF findings and complete blood count were recorded. Plasma NLR was calculated as the ratio of neutrophil cell count to lymphocyte cell count. All patients received intravenous immunoglobulin. MRC sum scores were calculated on administration time (1st) and six months later (2nd) for evaluation of recovery. Mean values of baseline CSF protein level, NCS parameters and NLR were compared with mean scores of MRC1st and MRC2nd. Increased CSF protein levels showed negative correlation with MRC2nd scores but no correlation with NCS. Increased NLR levels were positively correlated with age, MRC2nd scores and NCS. Facial diplegia was observed in 42% of patients. A positive correlation was found between high level of NLR and MRC1st, and there was no relationship with MRC2nd. Regression analyses showed that only CSF protein level was an independent factor on both MRC1st and MRC2nd. A positive association was found between baseline data included young age high plasma NLR, low level of CSF protein and good prognosis in our study. Also a positive correlation was found between high level of NLR and baseline disability in GBS cases with facial diplegia. Calculation of NLR is an easy and inexpensive method. On the other hand it may be influenced by age and immunotherapy. Our results showed that CSF protein level is still a liable parameter for prognosis. NLR could be a candidate prognostic marker of GBS cases. Further investigations including more cases are needed. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Somatoform Dissociation, Fatigue Severity and Pain Behavior Compared in Patients with Migraine Headache and in Healthy Individuals

by Ghasem Fattahzadeh-Ardalani, Vida Aghazadeh, Abolfazl Atalu and Vahid Abbasi

Neurol. Int. 2017, 9(2), 7015; https://doi.org/10.4081/ni.2017.7015 - 23 Jun 2017

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 485

Abstract

The prevalence of migraine in the world is about 15 and 7% among women and men, respectively. The purpose of this study was comparison of somatoform dissociation, fatigue severity and pain behavior in patients with migraine headache and its relationship with coping strategies. This descriptive analytical study has been done on 120 patients with migraine headache and 120 healthy subjects were selected randomly. Data collected by somatoform dissociation questionnaire (SDQ-20), fatigue severity scale, pain behavior scale and coping strategies scale. For data analysis we used SPSS.19. The means of the somatoform dissociation, pain behavior scale, help searching subscale and pain compliant in migraine and healthy subjects were statistically significant. There was not significant difference in avoidance subscales between the two groups. Comparison of fatigue severity in patients with migraine and control group was meaningful. There was significant positive correlation between all four scales and coping strategies. It seems that these symptoms can play an important role in this disease; thus, their careful evaluation in the treatment of migraine headache is essential. Full article

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Neurol. Int., Volume 9, Issue 2 (June 2017) – 4 articles

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