Current neurology and neuroscience reports
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Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep · Feb 2018
Review Meta AnalysisThe Use of Cannabis and Cannabinoids in Treating Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis: a Systematic Review of Reviews.
Pharmaceutical cannabinoids such as nabiximols, nabilone and dronabinol, and plant-based cannabinoids have been investigated for their therapeutic potential in treating multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms. This review of reviews aimed to synthesise findings from high quality systematic reviews that examined the safety and effectiveness of cannabinoids in multiple sclerosis. We examined the outcomes of disability and disability progression, pain, spasticity, bladder function, tremor/ataxia, quality of life and adverse effects. ⋯ We identified 11 eligible systematic reviews providing data from 32 studies, including 10 moderate to high quality RCTs. Five reviews concluded that there was sufficient evidence that cannabinoids may be effective for symptoms of pain and/or spasticity in MS. Few reviews reported conclusions for other symptoms. Recent high quality reviews find cannabinoids may have modest effects in MS for pain or spasticity. Future research should include studies with non-cannabinoid comparators; this is an important gap in the evidence.
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Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep · Jan 2014
Review Meta AnalysisThe effects of Mozart's music on interictal activity in epileptic patients: systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.
Mozart's music has been shown to have promising effects on nervous system functions. In this study, the effects of Mozart's work on epilepsy were reviewed. Articles were obtained from a variety of sources. ⋯ A noteworthy response to music therapy in patients with a higher intelligence quotient, generalized or central discharges, and idiopathic epilepsy was demonstrated. The effect of Mozart's music on epilepsy seems to be significant. However, more randomized control studies are needed to determine its clinical efficacy.
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Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep · Oct 2012
Meta AnalysisClinical trials of dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease dementia.
Despite the frequency and importance of dementia associated with Parkinson's disease (PDD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), there is relatively little evidence on which to base treatment. Evidence from meta-analysis suggests that rivastigmine can improve cognition and functioning in PDD and also reduce risk of falling. There is also evidence supporting its use in DLB. ⋯ Few clinical trials of cognition in PD without dementia exist, but there is preliminary evidence for atomoxetine, memantine, and piribedil. There is a lack of systematic evidence for the treatment of visual hallucinations and depression in PDD and DLB. In addition, there is a need for studies of whether potentially disease-modifying agents can prevent or delay the progression to dementia in PD.
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Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep · Apr 2012
Case Reports Meta AnalysisREM sleep behavior disorder and REM sleep without atonia as an early manifestation of degenerative neurological disease.
Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a parasomnia characterized by repeated episodes of dream enactment behavior and REM sleep without atonia (RSWA) during polysomnography recording. RSWA is characterized by increased phasic or tonic muscle activity seen on polysomnographic electromyogram channels. RSWA is a requisite diagnostic feature of RBD, but may also be seen in patients without clinical symptoms or signs of dream enactment as an incidental finding in neurologically normal individuals, especially in patients receiving antidepressant therapy. ⋯ Patients with idiopathic RBD often later develop other neurological features including parkinsonism, orthostatic hypotension, anosmia, or cognitive impairment. RSWA without clinical symptoms as well as clinically overt RBD also often occurs concomitantly with the α-synucleinopathy family of neurodegenerative disorders, which includes idiopathic Parkinson disease, Lewy body dementia, and multiple system atrophy. This review article considers the epidemiology of RBD, clinical and polysomnographic diagnostic standards for both RBD and RSWA, previously reported associations of RSWA and RBD with neurodegenerative disorders and other potential causes, the pathophysiology of which brain structures and networks mediate dysregulation of REM sleep muscle atonia, and considerations for the effective and safe management of RBD.