Arch Neurol Chicago
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The current developments in the availability of new antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are unprecedented. After a period of many years during which no new AED became available, 5 new AEDs were introduced in the United States between 1993 and 1997, and 2 more are expected to be approved soon. These new drugs are a most welcome addition to the therapeutic options in the treatment of epilepsy, but they also create a dilemma for the clinician because their individual places and their optimal use in the treatment of various forms of epilepsy are yet to be determined. This review serves to summarize the main characteristics of the newer AEDs.
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Arch Neurol Chicago · Jun 1998
Neuropsychological impairment from acute low-level exposure to carbon monoxide.
To investigate the effects of acute low-level exposure to carbon monoxide on higher cognitive functions in healthy humans. ⋯ The lower scores on neuropsychological tests indicate dysfunctions in memory, new learning ability, attention and concentration, tracking skills, visuomotor skills, abstract thinking, and visuospatial planing and processing. These dysfunctions correspond with previous reports of carbon monoxide neurotoxic effects in patients with moderate carbon monoxide poisoning. Low-level exposure to carbon monoxide results in impairment of higher cognitive functions. Neuropsychological testing appears to be sensitive in the detection of subtle neurologic dysfunctions resulting from carbon monoxide poisoning.
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Arch Neurol Chicago · May 1998
Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical TrialSubclinical cerebral complications after coronary artery bypass grafting: prospective analysis with magnetic resonance imaging, quantitative electroencephalography, and neuropsychological assessment.
To analyze the frequency and severity of subclinical cerebral complications associated with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). ⋯ Coronary artery bypass grafting causes more QEEG alterations and small ischemic cerebral lesions that are detectable by MRI than does other major vascular surgery. The effect is mainly subclinical, because no statistically significant deterioration in mean neuropsychological test performance was detected.
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Arch Neurol Chicago · May 1998
Cognitive and motor functioning in Parkinson disease: subjects with and without questionable dementia.
The nature of cognitive performance in subjects with Parkinson disease (PD) without dementia is controversial, perhaps because of failure to exclude subjects with unrecognized very mild dementia. ⋯ The PD group without dementia showed global cognitive impairments in comparison with the healthy elderly control group, possibly because the healthy elderly control subjects represented idealized aging. Although the deficits were of small magnitude, this finding suggests that PD may predispose to subclinical cognitive impairment. Longitudinal follow-up is required to determine whether subjects with PD destined to develop overt dementia can be distinguished from those who do not.