Acta neurologica Scandinavica
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Acta Neurol. Scand. · Feb 2019
Non-invasive ventilation and hypercapnia-associated symptoms in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
During the course of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), progressive weakness of respiratory muscles leads to chronic hypercapnia which causes various symptoms like sleep disturbances, daytime fatigue, and depression. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) improves survival and quality of life, but little is known about its effect on these specific symptoms, in particular during the later course of disease. Our aim was to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of NIV on hypercapnia-associated symptoms in ALS. ⋯ Our data show that NIV improves hypercapnia-associated symptoms within the first 3 months after initiation in spinal as well as bulbar patients, and that beneficial effects are long-lasting.
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Acta Neurol. Scand. · Dec 2018
Long-term progression of white matter hyperintensities in ischemic stroke.
Studies on long-term progression of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) after ischemic stroke are scarce. Here, we sought to investigate this progression and its predictors in a cohort presenting with ischemic stroke before 70 years of age. ⋯ Age and marked WMH at index stroke, but not stroke subtype, predicted long-term WMH progression after ischemic stroke before 70 years of age, whereas age and hypertension predicted acquisition of marked WMH in those with no or only mild WMH at baseline.
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Acta Neurol. Scand. · Nov 2018
Effect of providing sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) information to persons with epilepsy (PWE) and their caregivers-Experience from a tertiary care hospital.
The primary objective of present study was to observe the effect of providing SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy) information on drug adherence in persons with epilepsy (PWE). We also looked at impact of disclosing SUDEP information on patient's quality of life and mood. ⋯ The present study suggests that providing information on SUDEP to PWE and their caregivers may increase drug adherence without adverse effect on quality of life or mood. Well-designed studies with high methodological quality are required to determine the precise effect size associated with disclosure of SUDEP information on drug adherence in PWE.
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Acta Neurol. Scand. · Sep 2018
Randomized Controlled TrialThe effectiveness of greater occipital nerve blockade in treating acute migraine-related headaches in emergency departments.
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a greater occipital nerve (GON) blockade against a placebo and classical treatments (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs + metoclopramide) among patients who were admitted to the emergency department (ED) with acute migraine headaches. ⋯ A GON blockade was as effective as an IV dexketoprofen + metoclopramide treatment and superior to a placebo in patients with acute migraine headaches. Despite being an invasive procedure, a GON blockade might be an effective option for acute migraine treatment in the ED due to its rapid, easy, and safe application.
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Acta Neurol. Scand. · Jul 2018
Review Meta AnalysisPrehospital stroke scales and large vessel occlusion: A systematic review.
Time sensitivity for pharmacological and mechanical arterial recanalization in acute ischemic stroke influences the choice of the reference hospital. The accurate selection and identification of patients with high probability of a large vessel occlusion (LVO) in the prehospital setting improve the rationalization of the transport in the more suitable centers. Aim of this analysis was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of prehospital stroke scales detecting LVO. ⋯ This meta-analysis suggests that some prehospital scoring systems including cortical signs showed better accuracy to predict stroke due to LVO. However, the assessment of these signs could be difficult to investigate by paramedics and personnel of Emergency Medical Services, and for this reason, further prospective evaluations are needed.