Current neurology and neuroscience reports
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Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep · Jan 2007
ReviewTranslational research in stroke: taking advances in the pathophysiology and treatment of stroke from the experimental setting to clinical trials.
Many advances have occurred regarding an increased understanding of the basic pathophysiology of ischemic brain injury that could lead to enhanced therapy for this disorder. Among the more important basic science advances are enhanced knowledge of the components of the ischemic cascade, the phenomenon of ischemic preconditioning, the potential relevance of hibernation, studies on gene expression in ischemic tissue, and imaging identification of the ischemic penumbra. The large number of unsuccessful prior clinical trials with a wide range of purported acute stroke therapies has provided many insights and lessons regarding how to perform better trials in the future. Translating these basic science and clinical trial design advances into effective and safe therapies will require increased interaction and cooperation between basic scientists and clinical researchers.
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Therapeutic hypothermia for cardiac arrest survivors has emerged as a highly effective means of improving neurologic outcome. There are a number of purported mechanisms by which it is felt to be effective, but the exact mechanism is unknown. This article reviews the biochemical mechanisms of injury occurring in cardiac arrest, as well as the avenues that hypothermia takes to combat this injury. ⋯ With therapeutic hypothermia comes potential risks to the patient, primarily affecting cardiac, metabolic, and hematologic systems, and these risks and their management are discussed. Multiple methods of cooling exist, including selective cranial as well as systemic cooling by internal or external approaches. Finally, the article discusses the current research in the field of hypothermia for cardiac arrest and implications for future practice.
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A comprehensive review of the neurotologic manifestations of migraine is presented, focusing on the most recent publications regarding the epidemiology, clinical presentation, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of migraine-related vertigo (MV). A strong association exists between vertigo and migraine, with MV being the most common cause of spontaneous (nonpositional) episodic vertigo. Symptoms can be quite variable among patients and within individual patients over time, creating a diagnostic challenge. ⋯ Operational diagnostic criteria have been proposed but are not included in the most recent International Headache Society classification of migraine. Better elucidation of the neurologic linkages between the central vestibular pathways and migraine-related pathways and the discovery of ion channel defects underlying some causes of familial migraine, ataxia, and vertigo have furthered the understanding of MV pathophysiology. Treatment of MV currently parallels that of migraine headache, as proper studies of optimal MV management are just beginning.
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Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep · Mar 2006
ReviewControversies in the care of children with acute brain injury.
Care of children with acute brain injury is evolving from mere observation to active intervention that requires intensive care units focused on the nervous system primarily and other organs secondarily. The physical examination supplemented by neuroimaging, invasive monitoring, and an improved understanding of the mechanisms of injury allows for the development of rational therapies. This paper reviews common bedside controversies in care, including initial assessments and outcomes, as well as the prevention of secondary injury through the maintenance of brain oxygen and energy and the treatment of cerebral edema. The advantages and disadvantages of frequently utilized techniques are identified.