Neurología : publicación oficial de la Sociedad Española de Neurología
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Headaches (including migraines) and epilepsy have a high level of comorbidity and may be confused during diagnosis. Although physicians have known for centuries that these two conditions are somehow linked, their relationship remains poorly understood. Herein we describe the known associations between them, their underlying physiopathologic and genetic mechanisms, and the treatments recommended for them. ⋯ The terminology and concepts employed to describe possible associations between headaches (mainly migraines) and epilepsy have evolved over time with increasing clinical and physiopathogenic knowledge. Some researchers have suggested eliminating the term migralepsy and using the terms ictal epileptic headache and hemicrania epileptica exclusively and uniformly in all classification systems.
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To update the Spanish Society of Neurology's guidelines for subarachnoid haemorrhage diagnosis and treatment. ⋯ SAH is a severe and complex disease which must be managed in specialised centres by professionals with ample experience in relevant diagnostic and therapeutic processes.
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Chiari type I malformation (CM-I) is characterised by caudal ectopia of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum. This is associated with brain stem, high spinal cord, and cranial nerve compression phenomena. The most frequent symptoms are occipital headaches and dizziness. Less well-known symptoms are sleep disorders and nocturnal respiratory abnormalities. ⋯ CM-I patients show a higher prevalence of sleep disorders than that observed in the general population. Some studies report a 50% prevalence of sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS), probably associated with sudden death in some cases. These results support analysing sleep respiratory parameters in theses patients. Identifying SAHS symptoms may help optimise treatment, thereby improving quality of life and prognosis.
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Observational Study
Clinical experiences with cannabinoids in spasticity management in multiple sclerosis.
Spasticity is a common symptom among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of the combination of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in clinical practice for the treatment of spasticity in MS. ⋯ THC/CBD appears to be a good alternative to standard treatment as it improves refractory spasticity in MS and has an acceptable toxicity profile.
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Observational Study
Workload of on-call emergency room neurologists in a Spanish tertiary care centre. A one-year prospective study.
Population ageing, the rising demand for healthcare, and the establishment of acute stroke treatment programs have given rise to increases in the number and complexity of neurological emergency cases. Nevertheless, many centres in Spain still lack on-call emergency neurologists. ⋯ Emergency neurological care is varied, complex, and frequently necessary. Neurological cases account for a sizeable percentage of both patient visits to the emergency room and the total number of emergency admissions. The current data confirm that on-call neurologists available on a 24-hour basis are needed in emergency departments.