Current opinion in neurology
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The purpose of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the currently available noninvasive neuromodulation devices for the treatment of migraine and cluster headache. ⋯ Overall, these novel noninvasive devices appear to be safe, well tolerated, and have demonstrated promising results in clinical trials in both migraine and cluster headache. This narrative review will provide a summary and update of the proposed mechanisms of action, evidence, safety, and future directions of various currently available modalities of noninvasive neuromodulation for the treatment of migraine and cluster headache.
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Curr. Opin. Neurol. · Feb 2018
ReviewManaging high blood pressure during acute ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage.
Blood pressure (BP) elevations above premorbid levels are observed in at least 60% of acute ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients, within the first 24 h of symptom onset. A number of potential causes have been hypothesized, and high BP may be associated with poor stroke outcome. This review discusses management strategies of high BP in acute stroke, in the context of current guidelines. ⋯ There are clear national and international guidelines on BP lowering for specific indications, as well as ongoing clinical trials aiming to address common clinical scenarios in which the evidence-base is lacking and uncertain. This is specifically in important stroke subgroups previously excluded from trials, patients requiring mechanical thrombectomy and nonvitamin K antagonist-associated ICH reversal.
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Curr. Opin. Neurol. · Dec 2017
ReviewNeurological toxicities associated with immune-checkpoint inhibitors.
Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) constitute a novel class of agents recently approved to treat a number of human malignancies. Due to their immunomodulatory mechanism of action, ICIs can generate a wide range of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) of which neurological toxicities are of special interest because of their potential severity. The objective of this review is to examine the recent literature describing neurological irAEs and discuss their optimal management. ⋯ ICI-associated irAEs constitute a new group of neurologic complications of systemic anticancer therapies. Although potentially severe, these rare neurologic toxicities are often responsive to immune-modulating therapies. Early recognition and treatment is crucial for timely improvement of functional outcome and requires a multidisciplinary approach.
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Posttraumatic seizures (PTS) and posttraumatic epilepsy (PTE) are common and debilitating consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Early PTS result in secondary brain injury by raising intracranial pressure and worsening cerebral edema and metabolic crisis. PTE is a localization-related epilepsy strongly associated with TBI severity, but risk factors for PTE and epileptogenesis are incompletely understood and are active areas of research. Medical management of PTS in adults and children is reviewed. Surgical options for posttraumatic drug-resistant epilepsy are also discussed. ⋯ PTS occur commonly after TBI and are associated with secondary brain injury and worse outcomes in adults and children. Current medical and surgical management options for PTS and PTE are reviewed.
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Patients with acute life-threatening neuromuscular disease require close cooperation between neuromuscular and intensive care specialists to achieve the best possible outcomes. The problems encountered by these patients are different from those in traditional neuromuscular practice, and neurologists consulting in the ICU need a specific skill set to provide useful guidance. However, outcomes can be very good if treatment is instituted effectively. This review aims to provide an overview of the most important neuromuscular conditions encountered in the ICU and enable a practical approach to patient management. ⋯ Evidence-based algorithms for monitoring and treatment have been developed. These advances enhance the role of the neuromuscular specialist in acute care. The principles of best practice are discussed in this review.