Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Sep 2003
Diffusion tensor imaging detects corticospinal tract involvement at multiple levels in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Histopathological studies of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are of end stage disease. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) provides the opportunity to investigate indirectly corticospinal tract pathology of ALS in vivo. ⋯ These findings provide insights into the pathological processes of ALS. Differences in diffusion characteristics at different anatomical levels may relate to underlying tract architecture or the distribution of pathological damage in ALS. Further development may permit monitoring of progression and treatment of disease.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Sep 2003
Clinical TrialEffects of levodopa on upper limb mobility and gait in Parkinson's disease.
Most clinicians rely on clinical scales such as the unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UDPRS) for evaluating parkinsonian patients and assessing their response to levodopa. Gait analysis is not commonly used, probably because of the equipment required and the time needed. Few data have been published on the relations between gait variables and measures of arm and hand mobility. ⋯ There was a dissociation between the effect of levodopa on upper limb and gait. The findings suggest that simple measures like the finger tapping test and a walking test should be included in the usual evaluation of patients with Parkinson's disease.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Sep 2003
Amygdala volumetry in "imaging-negative" temporal lobe epilepsy.
Although amygdala abnormalities are sometimes suspected in "imaging-negative" patients with video EEG confirmed unilateral focal epilepsy suggestive of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), amygdala asymmetry is difficult to assess visually. This study examined a group of "imaging-negative" TLE patients, estimating amygdala volumes, to determine whether cryptic amygdala lesions might be detected. ⋯ Abnormal amygdala enlargement is reported in seven cases of "imaging-negative" TLE. Such abnormalities are not observed in patients with HS. It is postulated that amygdala enlargement may be attributable to a developmental abnormality or low grade tumour. It is suggested that amygdala volumetry is indicated in the investigation and diagnosis of "imaging-negative" TLE.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Sep 2003
Case ReportsHereditary diffuse leucoencephalopathy with spheroids.
Hereditary diffuse leucoencephalopathy with spheroids (HDLS) is a rare inherited progressive leucoencephalopathy characterised by giant neuroaxonal swellings (spheroids) within the CNS white matter. The case is reported of a 45 year old woman with a rapidly progressive fulminant illness course characterised by progressive cognitive decline with depressive features. A presumed dominant inheritance pattern was elicited. This report reviews the literature on HDLS and the relation of this disorder to other conditions with giant neuroaxonal swellings.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Sep 2003
Clinical TrialFocused high frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for localisation of the unexposed primary motor cortex during brain tumour surgery.
To investigate if intraoperative focused high frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can localise the primary motor cortex without exposure of the cortical surface. ⋯ Intraoperative focused rTMS is highly sensitive for localisation of the primary motor cortex. Focused rTMS as a localising instrument alleviates the need of motor cortex exposure and, thereby, can contribute to minimise the surgical approach to brain tumours in the rolandic area.