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Clinical Neuroscience - 2010;63(09-10)
Content
Clinical Neuroscience
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
[The concept of epileptic networks. Part 1.]
[In this paper we investigate evidences supporting the network concept of epilepsies from different approaches. Firstly the functions of cortical networks in which most of the epileptic networks are embedded, are treated. Then the tentative characteristics of an epileptic network are enumerated and the conversion mechanisms from physiological to epileptic networks are analyzed. Later the role of neuronal oscillations in epileptic networks and aspects of epilepsies provoked by sensory and cognitive tasks is studied. Lastly new fMRI data in mapping BOLD networks underlying spike and seizure discharges are used as arguments in favour of the epileptic network hypothesis. In a second part the well-known epilepsies related, or probably related to physiological networks are shown. Finally consequences of the network approach for creating a new unified epilepsy classification are discussed.]
Clinical Neuroscience
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
[Examining the psychometric properties of a new quality of life questionnaire in migraineurs]
[Background - The deleterious effect of primary headaches on the sufferers’ quality of life (QOL) has been abundantly documented using both generic and headache-specific instruments. The currently used questionnaires focus on a limited number of factors and therefore may not be sensitive enough to detect the effect of headache type and headache characteristics on QOL, despite the obvious clinical differences. We have devised a comprehensive questionnaire that may be more sensitive to the burden of headache. Objective - To assess the psychometric properties of the new questionnaire on a group of migraineurs. Patients and method - We studied 117 migraineurs who completed the validated Hungarian version of the SF-36 generic QOL measure and our new, 25-item questionnaire. Reliability was assessed by internal consistency, measured by Cronbach’s a of all items. Content validity was exam- ined by calculating the correlation of the items with subscales of the SF-36 measure. The correlation of the patients’ migraine characteristics with the questionnaire’s items was used to assess criterion validity. Results - The questionnaire was quick and easy to administer. The questionnaire demonstrated good reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha being 0.893. Content validity was adequate; most “physical” items of the new questionnaire showed significant correlations with the bodily pain and role physical SF-36 subscales and most “psychical” and “social” items were correlated with mental health and social functioning SF-36 subscales. Criterion validity was adequate, with headache severity being correlated with most of the items. Discussion - In this study the new headache-specific quality of life instrument showed adequate psychometric properties.]
Clinical Neuroscience
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
[Analysis of antiparkinsonian drug reduction after bilateral subthalamic deep brain stimulation]
[Background - Bilateral deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nuclei (STN) is a well-established and cost-effective treatment in advanced PD. Objectives - To quantitatively analyze the change in use of antiparkinsonian drugs one year after subthalamic deep brain stimulator (DBS) implantation in patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD). Patients and methods - Eighteen consecutive patients with advanced PD underwent bilateral STN DBS implantation were involved in the study. The stimulation achieved a stable and clear clinical benefit in all of the cases. One year after the implantation, drug usage of patients was analyzed and correlated with the postoperative symptomatic improvement measured by the modified Hoehn-Yahr, Schwab and England, and Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scales. Because none of the investigated variables followed the normal distribution, non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank, McNemar and Kendell’s τ tests were applied. Results - Preoperatively, the patients used 12.05±4.57 tablets a day out of 3.19±0.97 different antiparkinsonian drugs, which was significantly reduced by deep brain stimulation to the application of 7.00±2.96 tablets out of 1-3 (1.84±0.76) drugs (p<0.001). Meanwhile, the usage of amantadine, MAO-B and COMT inhibitors was also significantly decreased (p<0.05). The dosage of dopaminerg medication was significantly lowered from 1136 mg to 706 mg expressed in levodopa equivalent dosage (p<0.001) whereas the UPDRS-III also improved by 48.6%. Conclusion - Our study is in accordance with previously published international findings that antiparkinsonian medication can be significantly lowered after bilateral STN DBS. Because not only the dosage, but also the applied number of tablets were decreased, it may have resulted in a better compliance and quality of life.]
Clinical Neuroscience
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
[Devic syndrome - case report, diagnostic and therapeutic principles]
[Neuromyelitis optica (NMO, Devic-syndrome) is a rare, relapsing autoimmun disease of the central nervous system, which is distinguished from other demyelinating disorders by a recently identified, specific autoantibody. By demonstrating the anti-aquaporin-4 IgG in the serum, a heterogenous group of syndromes can be defined, called NMO-spectrum. In the future, optical coherence tomography may support this diagnosis besides the clinical features, imaging examinations and presence of serum antibody. Early recognition and treatment can improve clinical outcome even in serious condition. Long-term immunosuppressive therapy is advised to prevent further relapses and to stabilize or improve clinical status. Hereby, we report a case of a 51-year-old woman, under treatment for 1.5 years. We summarize the up-to-date knowledge about the pathomechanism, diagnostic strategy and therapy of neuromyelitis optica. We review recent findings and the diagnostic value of a new, non-invasive ophtalmological examination, the optical coherence tomography. According to the first results, this method may be helpful in the early differential diagnosis of optic neuritis.]
Clinical Neuroscience
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
Clinical Neuroscience
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
Clinical Neuroscience
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
Clinical Neuroscience
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
Clinical Neuroscience
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
Clinical Neuroscience
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
Clinical Neuroscience
SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
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Clinical Neuroscience
Alexithymia is associated with cognitive impairment in patients with Parkinson’s disease
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