Deep Sleep Linked to Cognitive Performance in Parkinson’s
Patients with increased levels of slow-wave, or deep, sleep show higher scores on cognitive assessments, a new study shows. Medscape Medical News
Neurology & Neurosurgery
Inotersen Shows Efficacy in Hereditary ATTR
Improvements in neurologic and quality-of-life endpoints were seen in patients with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with polyneuropathy by using the investigational drug inotersen; side effects were called ‘monitorable.’ Medscape Medical News
Real-World Reassurance on Bleeding Risk With DOACs in VTE
A new observational study found that the new direct oral anticoagulants are not associated with increased risk for major bleeding or all-cause mortality compared with warfarin in the first 3 months of treatment. Medscape Medical News
Early Immunotherapy Prevents Disability With Limbic Encephalitis
Early immunotherapy for faciobrachial dystonic seizures that precede onset of limbic encephalitis is highly effective in preventing cognitive impairment and long-term disability, a new study shows. Medscape Medical News
Use of Migraine Drug as First-Line ED Therapy ‘Inappropriate’
New findings cast doubt on the use of hydromorphone as first-line therapy for acute migraine in the ED setting. Medscape Medical News
What’s Hot at ECTRIMS-ACTRIMS 2017?
Among hot topics are new studies in progressive and pediatric MS and novel approaches to relapsing MS, including a drug targeting an endogenous retrovirus. New diagnostic criteria and treatment guidelines will also be announced. Medscape Medical News
Prior Head Injury Linked to Amyloid Deposition
Amyloid deposits were concentrated largely in the frontal cortex in patients with prior head injury, a new study shows, suggesting a mechanism for previous research linking TBI with later dementia. Medscape Medical News
Stroke, Cardiac Events Increased After First Stroke in Young
As in older patients, the risk for recurrent stroke after an index stroke is increased in patients aged 18 to 45 years, along with the risk for cardiac events, a new study shows. Medscape Medical News
‘Alarming’ Increase in Stroke Risk Factors
Despite many prevention initiatives, the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, drug abuse, and smoking actually appears to be increasing among new ischemic stroke patients in the United States, a new study shows. Medscape Medical News
Previous Epilepsy Admission Linked to Schizophrenia
Compared with those admitted for other medical conditions, patients admitted for epilepsy show increases in subsequent schizophrenia readmissions, a new study suggests. Medscape Medical News
Treatment Success in Fatal Disorder in Children
A gene therapy for adrenoleukodystrophy, a fatal neurologic degenerative condition affecting children, has shown major success in a clinical trial. Medscape Medical News
Blink Reflex Recovery Cycle May Distinguish PSP From CBD
For indeterminate diagnoses, the R2 blink reflex recovery cycle can help distinguish between progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration, a study shows. Medscape Medical News
Hypertension in 40s Linked to Later Dementia, but Only in Women
A new study shows hypertension in earlier midlife than studied before may be a risk factor for dementia, particularly in women. Medscape Medical News
Risk Factors for Seizures, Epilepsy After Stroke
Hemorrhagic transformation and the degree of neurologic compromise were independent risk factors for seizures or epilepsy after thrombolysis for ischemic stroke, a study shows. Medscape Medical News
Antithrombotics Linked to Complications With Hematuria
Use of antithrombotic drugs is associated with a high rate of complications due to hematuria, many of which may be preventable with better medical management, authors of a new study assert. Medscape Medical News
Immunoglobulin No Better Than Placebo for Complex Pain
Patients with complex pain who received two infusions of IVIg experienced no greater pain reduction or improved quality of life than those who received placebo. Medscape Medical News
New Jersey Sues Insys as Opioid Maker Settles With Massachusetts
New Jersey on Thursday accused Insys Therapeutics Inc of engaging in a fraudulent scheme to boost sales of a fentanyl-based cancer pain drug, as Massachusetts announced a $500,000 settlement with the drugmaker to resolve similar allegations. Reuters …
NOAC-Drug Interactions Linked to Increased Bleeding
Concurrent use of amiodarone, fluconazole, rifampin, and phenytoin was associated with increased risk for major bleeding compared with the use of NOACs alone in a new study. Medscape Medical News
Elderly With Dementia at Risk for Inappropriate Medications
More than half of elderly patients with dementia are prescribed at least one potentially inappropriate medication, a recent study from eight European countries suggests. Reuters Health Information
FTD Takes a Greater Financial Toll Than Alzheimer’s
The financial costs associated with frontotemporal degeneration, the most common dementia in patients under age 60, are nearly twice as high as those associated with Alzheimer’s, new research shows. Medscape Medical News