Journal of the neurological sciences
-
The relationship between the autonomic reflex screening test (ARS) and measures of sensory function and structure (quantitative sensory testing (QST) and intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD)) remains uncertain in patients with distal small fiber neuropathy (SFN). The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlations among a range of autonomic (quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART), cardiovagal and cardio adrenergic tests and the composite autonomic severity score (CASS)) and somatic sensory measures (QST of vibration, cooling and heat-pain thresholds and IENFD). ⋯ Autonomic and sensory outcomes are independent (complementary) measures of distal SFN, and should where feasible be used concurrently in the evaluation of SFN.
-
FK506 has been shown to exert neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects, but its long-term application for nerve regeneration is limited. This study evaluated the potential application of a novel FK506-loaded chitosan conduit for peripheral nerve repair, and explored the underlying mechanism. A sciatic nerve injury model was created in male Wistar rats, which were then randomly divided into three treatment groups (n=40, each): chitosan-only, chitosan+FK506 injection, and FK506-loaded chitosan. ⋯ BDNF and TrkB levels in motor neurons were highest in rats treated with FK506-loaded chitosan. In conclusion, FK506-loaded chitosan promoted peripheral nerve repair and regeneration in a rat model of sciatic nerve injury. These effects are correlated with increased BDNF and TrkB expression in motor neurons.
-
Although predominantly reported in patients with status epilepticus, periictal MRI abnormalities have been reported in patients with a single or a cluster of seizures. Clinicians are often presented with a dilemma concerning the features of MRI abnormalities induced by a single or a cluster of seizures, as they may represent the effect of seizure activity rather than its structural cause. ⋯ A single or a cluster of seizures cannot only induce transient, variably reversible MRI brain abnormalities, but also irreversible changes. These seizure-induced MRI abnormalities pose a broad differential diagnosis; increased awareness may reduce the risk of misdiagnosis and unnecessary intervention.
-
Psychiatric disorders seem to be more frequent in patients with epilepsy (PWE) than the general population. Although researchers have documented a strong association between epilepsy and psychiatric comorbidities, the nature of this relationship is poorly understood. According to this, psychiatric diseases are often underdiagnosed and undertreated in PWE with further decrease of the quality of life of patients. The aim of the review was to examine the most frequent psychiatric comorbidities in adults with epilepsy (AWE) and the main psychiatric comorbidities in children with epilepsy (CWE) in order to better understand the relationship between epilepsy and the development of psychiatric disorders.