Newsline — Thursday, March 14, 2013 13:00
Imaging in Brain Waste Removal Technique May Lead to Alzheimer’s Diagnostic
Second-Generation Clot Removal Devices May Revamp Standard Stroke Treatment
Thursday, March 14, 2013 9:00
Doctors at the Stony Brook Medicine’s Cerebrovascular and Stroke Center are treating patients with novel blood clot removal devices, including those with large vessel blockages. The Solitaire Flow Restoration Device and the Trevo Device showed improved results over first-generation clot-removal devices in treating acute ishemic stroke. Clinical trials have revealed that such tools show promise in successfully revascularizing stroke patients. Click here for the full article.
Time Intervals of Scans Monitoring Small Aneurysms Can Be Increased, Studies Say
Wednesday, March 13, 2013 13:00
The February 27 issue of JAMA reports that contrary to the typical surveillance intervals adopted in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening programs, intervals of several years may be acceptable when monitoring patients with small AAA. While AAA is a cause of mortality, the smallest AAAs do not appear to change significantly over many years. For more information, click here to read the full article.
Study: Video Game May Curtail Cognitive, Physical Effects of Multiple Sclerosis
Wednesday, March 13, 2013 9:00
A study conducted by researchers at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center have demonstrated that the Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) video game may help curb the cognitive and physical effects of multiple sclerosis (MS). In an ongoing trial, study participants exercised with DDR three times a week for eight weeks. The game, which requires players to watch a screen for direction and time their footwork according to the instructions, is said to potentially improve balance, walking, cognition and motivation when incorporated into standard MS treatments. For more information on this study, click here.
Researchers Note How Genetic Mutations in Familial Parkinson’s Kill Brain Cells
Tuesday, March 12, 2013 13:00
Researchers at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine at Yeshiva University have encountered how common genetic mutations in inherited Parkinson’s disease damage brain cells. The study, published in the online version of the journal Nature, hints at possible treatment options for both familial Parkinson’s and the more common form of the ailment that is not inherited. Click here to read more.
Functional Electrical Stimulation Cycling Promotes Physical, Neurological Recovery in Spinal Cord Injury Patients
Tuesday, March 12, 2013 9:00
Researchers at the Kennedy Krieger Institute’s International Center for Spinal Cord Injury have found a link between long-term lower extremity functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling and significant improvements in patients with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). FES, a rehabilitation technique in which electrical impulses trigger movement in paralyzed muscles, prompts the legs of those with SCI to cycle on an adapted stationary bicycle. The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine reports notes that FES-related improvements include neurological and functional gains and enhanced overall physical health. Click here to read the full article.
Treatment Window Could Slow Memory Loss in Alzheimer’s Patients
Monday, March 11, 2013 13:00
A new study by the Mayo Clinic reveals that the memories of Alzheimer’s patients could be saved by treatments that slow down the disease. Researchers identified a treatment window in which medication could slow down the accumulation of amyloid plaques associated with cognitive decline. For more information, click here to read the full article.
Low Risk of Infection in Advanced Brain Procedures, Study Says
Monday, March 11, 2013 9:00
According to a study published in the March issue of Neurosurgery, patients undergoing cerebral angiography and neurointerventional procedures are at a low risk of infection. Based on their findings, researchers assert that run-of-the-mill preventative antibiotics may not be needed for those having these procedures. In the study, only one-tenth of one percent of research subjects had infections linked to the procedure, and none were infections of the brain or central nervous system. Click here to read the full article.
Disease-Causing Proteins Linked to ALS, Multisystem Proteinopathy
Friday, March 8, 2013 13:00
A group of researchers has identified a new crop of proteins that cause brain disorders. In the online publication Nature, doctors note that mutations in prion-like segments of two RNA-binding proteins are linked to a rare degeneration disorder called multisystem proteinopathy and a case of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. For more information, click here to read the full article.
Electrodes Detect Parkinson’s Brain Rhythms, Hint at New Monitoring and Treatment Options
Friday, March 8, 2013 9:00
Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, have discovered a means to identify abnormal brain rhythms associated with Parkinson’s disease. By implanting electrodes within the brains of Parkinson’s sufferers, scientists are able to measure a significant signal from the disease in the cerebral cortex. These findings indicate that such brain stimulation methods may help monitor and treat a number of ailments, including essential tremor and depression. For more information, click here to read the full article.