Current opinion in neurology
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Curr. Opin. Neurol. · Aug 2014
ReviewPeripheral nerves and plexus: imaging by MR-neurography and high-resolution ultrasound.
The purpose of this study is to review advances in magnetic resonance (MR)-neurography and nerve-ultrasound for the precise visualization and localization of nerve lesions not only in nerve trauma or mass lesions, but also in entrapment-related and spontaneously occurring intrinsic neuropathies. These advances may improve the understanding and classification of peripheral neuropathies. ⋯ High-resolution nerve imaging with extended anatomical coverage is feasible and improves the topographic description of spatial lesion dispersion which is particularly relevant for the discrimination between focal and nonfocal neuropathies.
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Curr. Opin. Neurol. · Aug 2014
ReviewUpdate on SPECT and PET in parkinsonism - part 1: imaging for differential diagnosis.
To give an update on recent findings concerning the use of single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) for differential diagnosis and prognosis of neurodegenerative parkinsonism and related disorders. ⋯ SPECT and PET are established methods for the differential diagnosis of parkinsonism with significant therapeutic and prognostic impact. Given the limited accuracy of the clinical diagnosis as the reference standard, future studies with post-mortem verification are needed for validation of diagnostic imaging pattern, particularly in tauopathies.
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Curr. Opin. Neurol. · Jun 2014
ReviewAutoimmune encephalitis as differential diagnosis of infectious encephalitis.
This review describes the main types of autoimmune encephalitis with special emphasis on those associated with antibodies against neuronal cell surface or synaptic proteins, and the differential diagnosis with infectious encephalitis. ⋯ http://links.lww.com/CONR/A25,
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The aim is to systematically and critically review the relationship between migraine and estrogen, the predominant female sex hormone, with a focus on studies published in the last 18 months. ⋯ Current literature has consistently demonstrated that headache, in particular migraine, is more prevalent in women as compared with men, specifically during reproductive years. Recent studies have found differences in headache characteristics, central nervous system anatomy, as well as functional activation by fMRI between the sexes in migraine patients. Although the cause underlying these differences is likely multifactorial, considerable evidence supports an important role for sex hormones. Recent studies continue to support that MRM is precipitated by drops in estrogen concentrations, and minimizing this decline may prevent these headaches. Limited data also suggest that specific regimens of combined hormone contraceptive use in MRM and migraine with aura may decrease both headache frequency and aura.
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Curr. Opin. Neurol. · Jun 2014
ReviewSUNCT, SUNA and trigeminal neuralgia: different disorders or variants of the same disorder?
Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT), short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with autonomic symptoms (SUNA) and trigeminal neuralgia are considered different disorders, thus grouped in separate sections of the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3 beta. However, the clinical, radiological and therapeutic overlap between SUNCT, SUNA, and trigeminal neuralgia has challenged this traditional view. This review summarizes the available clinical and pathophysiological evidence on whether SUNCT, SUNA and trigeminal neuralgia should be considered separate entities or variants of the same disorder. ⋯ Despite being considered distinct conditions, emerging clinical and radiological evidence supports a broader nosological concept of SUNCT, SUNA, and trigeminal neuralgia. These conditions may constitute a continuum of the same disorder, rather than separate clinical entities. Further evidence is required to shed light on this nosological issue, given its potential impact on clinical practice and further research studies in this area.