Journal of neurology
-
Journal of neurology · Jan 2009
Multicenter StudyRisk stratification of non-traumatic headache in the emergency department.
To determine the diagnostic accuracy of an algorithm structured in four clinical scenarios to discriminate benign primary headaches from serious secondary non-traumatic headaches (NTH) in the emergency department (ED). ⋯ An algorithm based on four clinical scenarios can be administered to the majority of patients presenting to the ED with the chief complaint of NTH. The algorithm showed a good accuracy in identifying patients with non-life threatening causes of headache and could be used as a risk stratification tool to improve clinical decision- making. Further studies are required to validate this diagnostic algorithm.
-
Journal of neurology · Jun 2008
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyEvaluating the efficacy of acupuncture in defined aspects of stroke recovery: a randomised, placebo controlled single blind study.
To investigate the efficacy of acupuncture on stroke recovery compared to an inert placebo. ⋯ Acupuncture did not demonstrate specific efficacy over placebo and both groups did as well as normally expected with this condition.
-
Journal of neurology · Aug 2007
Multicenter StudyALS multidisciplinary clinic and survival. Results from a population-based study in Southern Italy.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease affecting motorneurons, for which there is no effective cure. Because of the multifactorial nature of impairment and disablity in ALS, multidisciplinary clinics (MDC) have been recently introduced in the management of ALS patients; their effects on survival remain, however, largely debated. ⋯ In this population-based series, we found that in Southern Italy management of ALS by multidisciplinary clinics does not improve survival, regardless of site of symptoms onset.
-
Journal of neurology · Feb 2007
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical TrialPatient preference in migraine therapy. A randomized, open-label, crossover clinical trial of acute treatment of migraine with oral almotriptan and rizatriptan.
To assess patient preference for almotriptan 12.5 mg vs rizatriptan 10 mg for the acute treatment of migraine. ⋯ Physicians should use information from meta-analyses and preference studies like this one to aid in the selection of a triptan with a high likelihood of providing rapid, sustained relief from pain coupled with an absence of AEs. About 55% of patients recording a preference in this trial preferred almotriptan, perhaps because of its combination of good efficacy and lower incidence of triptan-associated AEs.
-
Journal of neurology · Dec 2001
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical TrialEfficacy and safety of a standardised 500 unit dose of Dysport (clostridium botulinum toxin type A haemaglutinin complex) in a heterogeneous cervical dystonia population: results of a prospective, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study.
Results from a dose-ranging study in a selected group of de novo patients with rotational cervical dystonia (CD) suggest that 500 units of Dysport (Clostridium botulinum toxin type A haemaglutinin complex) is the optimal starting dose. The present study aimed to confirm the efficacy and safety profile of this dose in a population of CD patients more representative of those seen in a typical dystonia clinic. A total of 68 patients with moderate to severe CD (Tsui score > or = 9) were randomly assigned to receive placebo or Dysport 500 units. ⋯ Adverse events were reported by 15/35 Dysport patients and 9/33 placebo patients. Open phase treatment produced improvements in Tsui (p < 0.001) and pain scores (p=0.011), and 23/24 patients were classified as responders. Although individual dose titration and muscle selection is desirable, this study demonstrated that a dose of 500 units of Dysport injected into clinically identified neck muscles without electromyographic guidance is safe and effective in the treatment of patients with the major clinical types of cervical dystonia.