Revista de neurologia
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Revista de neurologia · Sep 2013
Review[Non-epileptic motor paroxysmal phenomena in wakefulness in childhood].
Paroxysmal events in childhood are a challenge for pediatric neurologists, given its highly heterogeneous clinical manifestations, often difficult to distinguish between phenomena of epileptic seizure or not. The non-epileptic paroxysmal episodes are neurological phenomena, with motor, sensory symptoms, and/or sensory impairments, with or without involvement of consciousness, epileptic phenomena unrelated, so no electroencephalographic correlative expression between or during episodes. ⋯ The detection of these syndromes will, in many cases, allow an adequate genetic counseling, initiate a specific treatment and avoid unnecessary additional studies. Molecular studies have demonstrated a real relationship between epileptic and non-epileptic basis of many of these entities and surely the identification of the molecular basis and understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms in many of them allow us, in the near future will benefit our patients.
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Revista de neurologia · Aug 2013
Review[Cytokines and the nervous system: the relationship between seizures and epilepsy].
INTRODUCTION. The immune system and the peripheral and central nervous system are in constant communication by means of messengers and signalling molecules released, such as cytokines, neuropeptides, neurohormones and neurotransmitters, among others. Seizures are defined as the transitory appearance of signs and symptoms that trigger an abnormally excessive neuronal activity in the brain. ⋯ CONCLUSIONS. Cytokines in epilepsy play a dual role with pro- and anti-convulsive properties. Seizures do not induce the expression of cytokines only inside the brain, but also peripherally.
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Revista de neurologia · Jun 2013
Review[Brainstem auditory evoked potentials and somatosensory evoked potentials in Chiari malformation].
Chiari malformations (CM) include a series of congenital anomalies involving the descent of the cerebellar tonsils below the foramen magnum, which may be associated with compression in the brainstem, upper spinal cord, and cranial nerves, consequently altering the responses of brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) and somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP). However, only a small number of authors have described the indications of these tests in CM, and study groups to date have been small and heterogeneous. ⋯ Common findings of SSEP are a reduction in cortical amplitude from the posterior tibial nerve, a reduction or absence of cervical median nerve potential, and an increased N13-N20 interval. In BAEP, the most frequent findings are an increased I-V interval and a peripheral or cochlear auditory disturbance.
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Revista de neurologia · May 2013
Review Case Reports[Chorea due to TITF1/NKX2-1 mutation: phenotypical description and therapeutic response in a family].
Chorea due to a mutation in the TITF1 gene, which is also known as benign hereditary chorea, is an autosomal dominant disorder that usually begins before the age of 5 years. In most cases, the chorea tends to improve as the child gets older. It may be associated to hypothyroidism and respiratory problems, such as neonatal alveolar respiratory distress syndrome or interstitial disease, since TITF1 is a transcription factor that is essential for the development of the brain, thyroid gland and lung. ⋯ Chorea due to mutation of TITF1 is an underdiagnosed cause of chorea in children. Since it is possible to conduct a genetic diagnosis, we believe that performing it is always indicated in dominant familial cases, bearing in mind the variable penetrance, as well as in patients who present concomitant involvement of the lungs or hypothyroidism. Occasionally, it may be recommendable in cases of chorea with an unknown causation, which will enable us to avoid other tests, give a non-degenerative prognosis, offer genetic counselling and carry out more guided and effective therapeutic trials. For the time being, levodopa seems to be the preferred symptomatic treatment.
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Revista de neurologia · Oct 2012
Review[Treatment of spasticity in multiple sclerosis: new perspectives regarding the use of cannabinoids].
Spasticity remains a prevalent symptom in multiple sclerosis, with a significant associated disability and quality of life impairment. A significant improvement in therapy aimed at reducing multiple sclerosis relapses and modifying its course has been achieved in recent years. Both general and specific traditional treatments have, however, major limitations. ⋯ Randomized, placebo-controlled trials, as well as longer-term open-label extensions, have shown a clear-cut efficacy to reduce spasticity and their associated symptoms in those patients refractory to other therapies, with a good tolerability/safety profile. No tolerance, abuse or addictive issues have been found. New studies will be needed to find out potential new cannabinoid-related therapies.