Rev Neurol France
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The most frequent ophthalmologic sign in multiple sclerosis (MS) is optic neuritis (ON), but internuclear ophthalmoplegia, nystagmus, and ocular motor nerve palsies are also observed. This paper describes the most important signs suggesting an inflammatory origin of ON, most particularly MS. We detail new laboratory exams such as optic coherence tomography (OCT), which could be of potential interest for MS patients. Finally, we summarize the prognosis factors for disability in MS after a first episode of ON.
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Tarlov cysts and nerve roots anomalies usually involve lumbosacral roots and are often asymptomatic. MRI has enabled recognition of many conditions that used to be missed by CT or myelography investigations performed for back and leg pain. However, even without additional compressive impingement (disc hernia, spondylolisthesis or lumbar canal stenosis) these anomalies can be responsible for sciatica, motor deficit and bladder sphincter dysfunction. ⋯ We report two cases of sciatica: one caused by Tarlov cysts diagnosed by MRI and the other by nerve root anomalies diagnosed by CT myelography. In both cases, conservative treatment was undertaken. The clinical, radiological and therapeutic aspects of these disorders are discussed.
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Given the current developments of therapeutic strategies in the field of neurodegenerative disorders, exact diagnosis, especially at an early stage, is becoming increasingly crucial for optimal patient care. Importantly, the new diagnosis criteria of dementia include functional imagery as well as CSF biomarkers. ⋯ The interest of CSF analysis resides in the anatomical and pathophysiological characteristics of this fluid. In this article, we will review current proteomics investigations of CSF which have led to the discovery and validation of biomarkers, mainly in the field of neurodegenerative disorders in Alzheimer's disease.
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The association semantic dementia-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis has been rarely reported in the literature. We report a case study of a patient with a severe prosopagnosia in relation with semantic dementia associated, 12 months later, with a motor neuron disease.
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In small-fiber neuropathy, skin biopsy reveals a reduction of intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD), a feature often necessary for diagnosis. In France, this technique has not been widely used for this purpose. ⋯ This work demonstrated the good reproducibility of skin biopsy for analyzing the small-fibers in our cohort. These results require further confirmation in a larger cohort and validation in comparison with controls analyzed on a local level. Nevertheless, these techniques seem to be useful to assess the difficult diagnosis of small-fiber neuropathy.