Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Jun 2014
Does surgery accelerate progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?
Surgery is not a recognised potential amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) risk factor that might modify the onset or course of ALS. ⋯ The site of surgery before ALS onset correlates with the region of onset of ALS. Patients with slower disease progression are at an increased risk of undergoing surgery, probably as part of initial difficulty in diagnosis. We noted accelerated disease progression during the 3-month period after surgery. Definite diagnosis is important to avoid unnecessary surgical trauma and subsequent more rapid deterioration.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Jun 2014
ReviewAn algorithmic approach to structural imaging in dementia.
Accurate and timely diagnosis of dementia is important to guide management and provide appropriate information and support to patients and families. Currently, with the exception of individuals with genetic mutations, postmortem examination of brain tissue remains the only definitive means of establishing diagnosis in most cases, however, structural neuroimaging, in combination with clinical assessment, has value in improving diagnostic accuracy during life. ⋯ While neuroradiological expertise is invaluable in accurate scan interpretation, there is much that a non-radiologist can gain from a focused and structured approach to scan analysis. In this article we describe the characteristic MRI findings of the various dementias and provide a structured algorithm with the aim of providing clinicians with a practical guide to assessing scans.