Fortschritte der Neurologie-Psychiatrie
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Fortschr Neurol Psychiatr · Jul 2006
Review[Isolated pareses of the terminal branches of the facial nerve: clinical findings, etiology and differential diagnosis].
Clinical findings from 35 patients with isolated paralyses of distinct branches of the facial nerve are demonstrated. Presumably because of its position, the mandibular marginal ramus has most often been affected (n = 21) followed by buccal (n = 6) and temporal branches (n = 4). ⋯ Causes for the facial nerve branch lesions were iatrogenic (n = 25), tumor (n = 4), trauma (n = 2), inflammatory (n = 1), idiopathic (n = 1) and congenital (n = 2). The impact of the clinical investigation to distinguish supranuclear lesions is emphasized.
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Fortschr Neurol Psychiatr · Jan 2006
Review[Obsessive-compulsive disorder and schizophrenia. A critical review].
Co-occurrence of psychotic and obsessive-compulsive symptoms has been recognized for decades. This paper reviews published reports from five perspectives: schizophrenia with obsessive-compulsive symptoms, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with psychotic symptoms, schizophrenia-spectrum-personality disorder with obsessive-compulsive symptoms, obsessive-compulsive symptoms induced by atypical antipsychotics and similarities of functional neural circuits theory in OCD and schizophrenia. A MEDLINE search was conducted to identify relevant articles from 1960 until 2004. ⋯ Exploring the interface of schizophrenic and obsessive-compulsive symptoms is important for diagnostic clarity and could have important implications for treatment and long-term prognosis. The review emphasizes the different origins and natural course of co-occurrence of schizophrenic and obsessive-compulsive symptoms and their various outcome under atypical antipsychotics and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). Further double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled investigations in larger cohorts of schizophrenic and OCD patients are needed in order to identify a schizo-obsessive schizophrenia and a schizotypal subtype of obsessive compulsive disorder and to substantiate the algorithm for treatment.
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Fortschr Neurol Psychiatr · Dec 2005
Review[Recent advances in pathogenesis and therapy of multiple sclerosis].
In this article, recent advances in the research on pathogenesis and therapy of multiple sclerosis (MS) will be summarized. New evidence from clinical studies, imaging, histopathology and experimental models are discussed with a focus on neurodegenerative aspects and evidence from recent therapeutic studies. ⋯ The pathogenetic insights presented here may open new avenues for innovative immunomodulatory approaches and lead to an individualized MS therapy in the future. Neuroprotective treatment strategies aim at the protection of glial and neuronal cells.
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Fortschr Neurol Psychiatr · Aug 2005
Review[Cannabinoids in multiple sclerosis -- therapeutically reasonable?].
For centuries extracts from the Cannabis sativa plant have been used for recreational use and as remedies. Anecdotal reports from patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) experiencing relief of their spasticity and pain after smoking marihuana have prompted discussions about a potential therapeutic application of cannabis preparations in MS. Only recently the first large, multicenter, double-blind, placebo controlled study was conducted evaluating the use of cannabinoids for treatment of spasticity and other symptoms related to MS. ⋯ Furthermore, data are arising that cannabinoids have immunomodulatory and neuroprotective properties. However, results from clinical trials do not allow the recommendation for the general use of cannabinoids in MS. This article summarizes the present knowledge of clinical and experimental research regarding the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for the treatment of MS.