Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Mar 2024
ReviewUnderstanding the pathophysiology of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH): a review of recent developments.
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a condition of significant morbidity and rising prevalence. It typically affects young people living with obesity, mostly women of reproductive age, and can present with headaches, visual abnormalities, tinnitus and cognitive dysfunction. Raised intracranial pressure without a secondary identified cause remains a key diagnostic feature of this condition, however, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms that drive this increase are poorly understood. ⋯ Further, the impact of metabolic dysfunction and hormonal dysregulation in this population group must also be considered. Given the emerging evidence, it is likely that IIH is triggered by the interaction of multiple aetiological factors that ultimately results in the disruption of CSF dynamics. This review aims to provide a comprehensive update on the current theories regarding the pathogenesis of IIH.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Mar 2024
Premorbid brain structure influences risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease of the motor network associated with brain structure and functional connectivity alterations that are implicated in disease progression. Whether such changes have a causal role in ALS, fitting with a postulated influence of premorbid cerebral architecture on the phenotypes associated with neurodegenerative disorders is not known. ⋯ This study provides evidence that premorbid brain structure, in particular white matter volume, contributes to the risk of ALS.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Mar 2024
Temporal course of cognitive and behavioural changes in motor neuron diseases.
Cognitive and behavioural dysfunction may occur in people with motor neuron disease (MND), with some studies suggesting an association with the C9ORF72 repeat expansion. Their onset and progression, however, is poorly understood. We explored how cognition and behaviour change over time, and whether demographic, clinical and genetic factors impact these changes. ⋯ In this study, cognitive dysfunction was less common than previously reported and remained stable over time for most. However, cognition declines longitudinally in a small subset, which is not entirely related to C9ORF72 status. Our findings raise questions about the timing of cognitive impairment in MND, and whether it arises during early clinically manifest disease or even prior to motor manifestations.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Mar 2024
COVID-19 has no impact on disease activity, progression and cognitive performance in people with multiple sclerosis: a 2-year study.
Sequelae of COVID-19 in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) have not been characterised. We explored whether COVID-19 is associated with an increased risk of disease activity, disability worsening, neuropsychological distress and cognitive dysfunction during the 18-24 months following SARS-COV-2 infection. ⋯ In PwMS, COVID-19 has no impact on disease activity, course and cognitive performance 18-24 months after infection.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Mar 2024
Dissociative seizures in the emergency room: room for improvement.
Dissociative seizures, also known as functional or psychogenic non-epileptic seizures, account for 11%-27% of all emergency seizure presentations. Misdiagnosis as epileptic seizures is common and leads to ineffective and potentially harmful treatment escalations. We assess the potential for diagnostic improvement at different stages of emergency workup and estimate the utility of benzodiazepines. ⋯ Improved semiological assessment could reduce early misdiagnosis of dissociative seizures. Although some seizures seem to respond to benzodiazepines, critical sedation is common, and further studies are needed to assess the therapeutic ratio.