Current opinion in neurology
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Septic encephalopathy is a frequent complication in severe sepsis, the pathogenesis and mechanisms of which are not fully understood. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of septic encephalopathy, from molecular mechanisms to behavioral alterations, from diagnostic tools to potential therapeutic agents. ⋯ Septic encephalopathy is a dynamic disease caused by a complex network of systems and pathways going awry. More insights into the pathogenesis of septic encephalopathy are expected to lead to new cellular and molecular targets, which in turn will permit design of specific septic encephalopathy-alleviating drugs and prevent its negative influence on survival.
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Curr. Opin. Neurol. · Jun 2009
ReviewNeuroimaging in trigeminal autonomic cephalgias: when, how, and of what?
Trigeminal autonomic cephalgias (TACs) are characterized by frequent, short-lasting headache attacks with ipsilateral facial autonomic features. They include cluster headache, paroxysmal hemicrania, and short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing. The pathogenesis of TACs is largely unknown, but many case reports in the literature suggest that TACs are secondary to structural lesions. Thus, the question arises whether TAC patients should undergo neuroimaging. Here, we review the recent literature on secondary TACs and attempt to formulate guidelines for neuroimaging. ⋯ Even clinically typical TACs can be caused by structural lesions. There are no 'typical' warning signs or symptoms. Neuroimaging should be considered in all patients with TAC or TAC-like syndromes, notably in those with atypical presentation. Depending on the degree of suspicion, additional imaging should be considered assessing intracranial and cervical vasculature, and the sellar and paranasal region.
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Conventional management options in medically intractable chronic-headache syndromes, such as chronic migraine, chronic cluster headache and hemicrania continua, are often limited. This review summarizes the current concepts, approaches and outcome data of invasive device-based neurostimulation approaches using occipital-nerve stimulation and deep-brain stimulation. ⋯ These findings will help to further elucidate the clinical potential of neurostimulation in chronic headache.
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Curr. Opin. Neurol. · Jun 2009
ReviewPediatric central nervous system inflammatory demyelination: acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, clinically isolated syndromes, neuromyelitis optica, and multiple sclerosis.
We review the recent consensus definitions for acute disseminated encephalomyelitis,clinically isolated syndromes, neuromyelitis optica, and multiple sclerosis (MS) in children. We also discuss the importance of clinically defined consistency, the need for biomarker-based patient delineation, the likelihood of subsequent MS diagnosis following acute demyelination, and current therapeutic options. ⋯ Although clinical definitions, increased awareness, and MRI have contributed to the increasing identification of acute demyelination and MS in children, challenges remain in predicting MS risk. Identification of reliable biomarkers or application of more advanced neuroimaging techniques would serve as invaluable tools to distinguish monophasic demyelination from the first attack of MS.
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Curr. Opin. Neurol. · Jun 2009
ReviewImproving the role of intraventricular antimicrobial agents in the management of meningitis.
The aim is to review the role of intraventricular administration of antimicrobial agents in the treatment of patients with bacterial and fungal meningitis. ⋯ Intraventricular administration of antimicrobials may be necessary in certain difficult- to- eradicate central nervous system infections. There is a significant need for clinical trials and management guidelines in this area.