Can J Neurol Sci
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Pregabalin for the management of cervicogenic headache: a double blind study.
The primary objective was to evaluate the effects of pregabalin relative to placebo in patients with chronic unilateral cervicogenic headache. Primary and secondary end points: To assess the change from baseline in the frequency of cervicogenic headache days per 28-day period between placebo and treatment group. To assess the change from baseline in the intensity of headache, and health outcome measures. ⋯ In this study, primary objectives were achieved with a statistically significant change of ten days in frequency of headache days; with minor side effects that were well tolerated.
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The recent guidelines on management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) advise pharmacological thromboprophylaxis (PTP) after aneurysm obliteration. However, no study has addressed the safety of PTP in the aSAH population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the safety of early PTP after aSAH. ⋯ The initiation of PTP within 24 hours may be safe after the treatment of a ruptured aneurysm or in angiogram-negative SAH patients with diffuse aneurysmal hemorrhage pattern. We suggest caution with concomitant use of PTP and dual antiplatelet agents, because it possibly increases the risk for intracerebral hemorrhage.
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Observational Study
Nonmotor Symptoms and Cognitive Decline in de novo Parkinson's Disease.
Cognitive impairments are common in Parkinson's disease (PD). Despite its clinical importance, the development of dementia is still difficult to predict. In this study, we investigated the possible associations between non-motor symptoms and the risk of developing dementia within a 2-year observation period in PD. ⋯ We suggest that depression, vivid dreaming, REM sleep behavior disorders, hyposmia and abnormal stereopsis are closely associated with cognitive decline, and that presence of these nonmotor symptoms predict the subsequent development of Parkinson's disease dementia.
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To evauluate our novel ultrasound model for measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) and determine the intra- and inter-operator variability associated with this technique. ⋯ Utilizing a novel model for ONSD ultrasonography, we have determined the intraoperator reliability of ONSD measurement to be moderate, with no appreciable difference amongst multiple operators. Improvement in measurement reliability has been demonstrated between expert and novice operators with our model, indicating the potential benefit of simulation platforms for teaching the technique of ONSD ultrasound.
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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the single largest cause of death and disability following injury worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the demographic, clinical, medical and accident related trends for patients with TBI hospitalized in an urban level 1 Trauma Centre. ⋯ These results will help to understand the impact of TBI in an urban Canadian level 1 Trauma Centre. This information should be used to develop public prevention strategies and to educate the community about the risk of TBI especially the risk of falls in the ageing population. These findings can also provide information to help health policy makers plan for future resources.