Neurology Alert – May 1, 2007
May 1, 2007
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Spontaneous intracranial hypotension may be more than just a postural headache
Although spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) generally causes a benign, self-limited, postural headache, subdural hematomas may occur in SIH with serious sequelae. -
Which is Better, the Older or the Newer Antiepileptic Drugs?
These 2 clinical trials comparing Standard and New Antiepileptic Drugs (SANAD) showed that for partial epilepsy, lamotrigine was clinically better than carbamazepine, and that for generalized and unclassifiable epilepsy, valproate was better tolerated than topiramate and more efficacious than lamotrigine. -
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for myasthenia gravis and Miller Fisher syndrome
IVIG is safe and effective for worsening MG, but has no effect on the natural course of Miller Fisher syndrome. -
Antibodies and Limbic Encephalitis
In addition to previously identified antibodies that cause limbic encephalitis, novel antibodies directed against cell membrane antigens may cause many of the "antibody-negative" cases, and these cases seem to respond favorably to immunosuppressive treatment. -
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder and "Paradoxical kinesis" in patients with Parkinson disease
Many patients with Parkinson disease have normalization of movement during REM sleep, similar to the beneficial effects of levodopa while they are awake. -
Is the Tingling on My Scalp Helping my Headaches? Occipital Nerve Stimulation for Cluster Headaches
Occipital nerve stimulation appears to decrease the cluster pain and attack frequency in most, but not all, patients with chronic drug-resistant cluster headaches. -
Pharmacology Watch
Torcetrapib, a cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor, has been in development by Pfizer for nearly 15 years. -
Clinical Briefs in Primary Care Supplement