Neurological research
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Neurological research · Apr 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialLocal infiltration of gonyautoxin is safe and effective in treatment of chronic tension-type headache.
Gonyautoxin are phycotoxins, whose molecular mechanism of action is a reversible block of the voltage-gated sodium channels at axonal level, impeding nerve impulse propagation. ⋯ The therapeutic properties of gonyautoxin local infiltration in chronic tension-type headache patients are shown to be safe and effective. This report describes a new therapy for chronic tension-type headache involving local infiltrations of gonyautoxins. The immediate headache pain relief effect shown only minutes after toxin infiltrations were the most remarkable feature of this protocol. This is the first gonyautoxins testing report in the treatment of chronic tension-type headache.
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Neurological research · Apr 2009
Clinical TrialInitial experience with silver-impregnated polyurethane ventricular catheter for shunting of cerebrospinal fluid in patients with infected hydrocephalus.
Infection is a major complication and risk factor of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting procedures. Recently, antibiotic-impregnated shunt systems have been developed in an attempt to prevent or reduce the CSF infection. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of silver-impregnated polyurethane ventricular catheter for shunting of CSF in patients with infected hydrocephalus. ⋯ Silver-impregnated polyurethane ventricular catheters appear to be safe and well tolerated in patients who sustained infected hydrocephalus. Preliminary results suggest a complete improvement of infection. Longer follow-up and large number of patients are needed to more accurately assess the efficacy of these catheters.