Neurological research
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Neurological research · Jan 2015
Alterations in the gray matter volume in transient ischemic attack: a voxel-based morphometry study.
Several studies have emphasized that transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients suffered functional impairments, but whether underlying morphological alterations exist remains unclear. This study aims to detect possible gray matter volume (GMV) alterations in patients with TIA using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) method. ⋯ Transient ischemic attack patients showed widespread morphology atrophy in DMN, suggesting that, despite the absence of a cerebral infarction, ischemic injury may induce structural abnormalities and eventually contribute to functional impairments in TIA patients. Our results may provide a valuable basis for the pathophysiological mechanism related to the cognitive dysfunction of TIA from the view of brain morphology.
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Neurological research · Jan 2015
The association of HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 alleles with genetic susceptibility to multiple sclerosis in the Slovak population.
The aim of the present study was to assess the association between HLA-DRB1 and -DQB1 allele groups with the genetic predisposition to multiple sclerosis (MS) in the Caucasian Central European Slovak population. ⋯ This is the first study performed to analyse the association of HLA-DRB1/DQB1 with susceptibility to MS in Slovakia. The results of our study confirm that HLA class II alleles, genotypes and haplotypes are associated with MS risk.
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Neurological research · Dec 2014
Alteration in the lower limit of autoregulation with elevations in cephalic venous pressure.
Recent studies suggest that elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), created by hydrocephalus, can alter the lower limit of cerebrovascular autoregulation (LLA). Our objective in the present study was to determine if ICP elevation from cerebral venous outflow obstruction would result in comparable alterations in the LLA. ⋯ Elevated ICP from cephalic venous engorgement leads to an increase in the LLA. These findings suggest that pathologic processes resulting in cephalic venous outflow obstruction and intracranial venous congestion can acutely elevate ICP and may place the brain at risk for impaired cerebrovascular autoregulation.
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Neurological research · Dec 2014
Randomized Controlled TrialNeurosurgical tactile discrimination training with haptic-based virtual reality simulation.
To determine if a computer-based simulation with haptic technology can help surgical trainees improve tactile discrimination using surgical instruments. ⋯ Virtual computer-based simulators with integrated haptic technology may improve tactile discrimination required for microsurgical technique.
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Neurological research · Dec 2014
Clinical TrialGabapentin versus pregabalin in relieving early post-surgical neuropathic pain in patients after lumbar disc herniation surgery: a prospective clinical trial.
The roles of gabapentin and pregabalin are well established in the management of chronic neuropathic pain. Here, we investigated the effectiveness of pregabalin and gabapentin for treating acute neuropathic pain following lumbar discectomy. ⋯ Many patients may suffer from neuropathic pain in the early post-surgical period after lumbar discectomy. Gabapentin and pregabalin are anticonvulsant agents that may decrease perioperative central sensitization and early post-surgical neuropathic pain. Gabapentin and pregabalin effectively relieved neuropathic pain and prevented the conversion of acute pain to chronic pain at the 1-year follow-up after lumbar discectomy.