Neurology: Archives

SUMMARY AND COMMENT

More Details on Corticosteroids for Bacterial Meningitis

• September 8, 2009
• Gary Maartens, MBChB

A meta-analysis of studies in adults and adolescents shows nonsignificant reductions in death and neurological sequelae overall, but significant benefits in studies conducted in high-income countries.

• Reviewing:
• Assiri AM et al., Mayo Clin Proc 2009 May; 84:403

LETTER TO READERS

Notice to Neurologists on Influenza A (H1N1) Virus VaccinationFree

• September 8, 2009
• The Editors

A request from the American Academy of Neurology and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

SUMMARY AND COMMENT

Can Patients Test Their Own Memory?

• September 8, 2009
• Paul R. Solomon, PhD

Can the TYM (test your memory) serve as a self-administered screening test?

• Reviewing:
• Brown J et al., BMJ 2009 Jun 9; 338:b2030

LETTER TO READERS

Note from the PublisherFree

• September 8, 2009
• Alberta Fitzpatrick, Publisher

A letter to readers

SUMMARY AND COMMENT

A Biomarker for HIV-Associated Cognitive Disorder

• September 1, 2009
• Nagagopal Venna, MD, MRCP(I), MRCP(UK)

A small study demonstrates the usefulness of the peripheral blood monocyte HIV DNA reservoir as a marker for HIV-associated cognitive impairment and a predictor of persistent cognitive dysfunction after adequate control of HIV.

• Reviewing:
• Valcour VG et al., Neurology 2009 Mar 17; 72:992

SUMMARY AND COMMENT

Insufficient Evidence: A Retrial for a Suspected Parkinson Gene

• September 1, 2009
• Craig Blackstone, MD, PhD

A study fails to validate the association of GIGYF2 with Parkinson disease, highlighting the need for caution in using newly identified genes in genetic testing.

• Reviewing:
• Nichols WC et al., Neurology 2009 Jun 2; 72:1886 Clark LN., Neurology 2009 Jun 2; 72:1882

SUMMARY AND COMMENT

Conversion from Valproic Acid to Topiramate for Epilepsy

• September 1, 2009
• Ellen J. Bubrick, MD

A short-term, open-label study suggests tolerability and efficacy with this change, but methodological issues preclude the drawing of definitive conclusions.

• Reviewing:
• Schreiner A et al., Acta Neurol Scand 2009 May; 119:304

SUMMARY AND COMMENT

Biological Effects of Natalizumab

• September 1, 2009
• Christian Confavreux, MD

Besides blocking immune cell entry into the CNS, the drug also activates immune cells in the periphery.

• Reviewing:
• Kivisäkk P et al., Neurology 2009 Jun 2; 72:1922

SUMMARY AND COMMENT

Bevacizumab for Vestibular Schwannomas in Neurofibromatosis 2

• September 1, 2009
• Bruce R. Korf, MD, PhD

A small study suggests a benefit, but confirmation in a larger trial with longer follow-up is needed.

• Reviewing:
• Plotkin SR et al., N Engl J Med 2009 Jul 23; 361:358

SUMMARY AND COMMENT

The Hypertension–Dementia Connection: A Chance to Make a Difference?

• August 25, 2009
• David A. Drachman, MD

What is the effect of treating hypertension on the incidence of dementia or the development of Alzheimer pathology?

• Reviewing:
• Hoffman LB et al., Neurology 2009 May 19; 72:1720 Haag MDM et al., Neurology 2009 May 19; 72:1727