European neurology
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Clinical Trial
Long-term controlled-release oxycodone and pregabalin in the treatment of non-cancer pain: an observational study.
This study evaluates the efficacy and tolerability of long-term controlled-release (CR) oxycodone + pregabalin in patients with non-cancer pain, in a real-life setting. ⋯ The combination of CR oxycodone + pregabalin could represent a valuable long-term therapeutic addition to existing pharmacological options for the treatment of non-cancer pain.
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The safety of intravenous (IV) thrombolysis when administered between 4.5 and 6 h after acute ischemic stroke with alteplase has not been established. ⋯ IV thrombolysis in patients who fulfill the NINDS study criteria may still be considered up to 6 h after ischemic stroke.
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Review Historical Article
Possible sites of therapeutic action in restless legs syndrome: focus on dopamine and α2δ ligands.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common sensorimotor disorder characterized by abnormal sensations that occur primarily at rest or during sleep, which are alleviated by movement of the affected limb. The pathophysiology of RLS remains unclear, although roles for dopamine dysfunction and brain iron deficiency have been proposed. ⋯ Modulation of central and peripheral neuronal circuits may also explain the potential therapeutic sites of action of opioids, adenosine receptor ligands, and voltage-gated calcium channel α(2)δ ligands in RLS. The known and possible therapeutic benefits of these agents and their relationship to dopaminergic dysfunction in RLS are discussed in this review.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Is it always necessary to apply botulinum toxin into the lower facial muscles in hemifacial spasm?: a randomized, single-blind, crossover trial.
Botulinum toxin (BTX) injections are accepted as safe and efficacious in the treatment of hemifacial spasm (HFS), but it is still debated whether BTX treatment of lower facial muscles should be performed or not. ⋯ Our data suggest that BTX application to lower facial muscles might not be necessary in patients with mild lower facial involvement.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of methylphenidate and/or levodopa combined with physiotherapy on mood and cognition after stroke: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Stimulant medications can enhance mood and cognition in stroke rehabilitation, but human clinical trial results are inconclusive. We sought to prospectively study the effects of levodopa (LD) and/or methylphenidate (MPH) in combination with physiotherapy on mood and cognition following stroke in human subjects. ⋯ A 15-day course of daily MPH + LD combined with physiotherapy over a 3-week period was safe and significantly improved mood status in ischemic stroke patients. Future studies are needed which determine the optimal therapeutic window for and dosage of psychostimulants as well as identify those stroke patients who might benefit the most from treatment.