Acta neurologica Belgica
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Carotid endarterectomy effectively reduces stroke in patients with TIA or minor stroke and a high-grade carotid stenosis. Carotid endarterectomy is also beneficial in male asymptomatic patients younger than 75 years with high-grade stenosis. ⋯ The few trials that have been performed up to now show either inferior results or suggest equivalence. Before accepting carotid stenting as a mainstream treatment for carotid stenosis, this therapy should be as critically evaluated as carotid endarterectomy was in the 1980s and 1990s.
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There is increasing evidence that stress and depression may play a crucial role in the aetiology and pathophysiology of fibromyalgia (FM). We first review recent studies on the possible role of life stress, including childhood trauma, in FM. ⋯ We put forward the hypothesis that chronic stress/depression may contribute to a dysregulation of neuro-endocrine, immune and central pain mechanisms in FM. Finally, we discuss some future directions, including the use of new conceptual models, research topics and strategies, as well as potential implications from recent studies in affective disorders for the treatment of FM.