Der Nervenarzt
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The German BMBF (German Ministry of Education and Research) has decided to establish an Integrated Center for Research and Treatment of Vertigo, Balance and Ocular Motor Disorders (IFB(LMU)) in Munich in 2010. After funding over a 10-year period, the long-term continuation of the IFB(LMU) by the medical faculty and the hospital is envisioned. Vertigo is one of the most common complaints in medicine. ⋯ This should promote the principles of efficiency and self-reliance; to supplement the existing excellence with up to eight groups of young scientists and up to eight professorships (tenure track). This should also be seen as an incentive that will attract the best young scientists; to incorporate IFB(LMU) competence into the existing medical and biological graduate schools. The IFB(LMU) is a unique reference center worldwide.
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Practice Guideline
[Deep brain stimulation for essential tremor. Consensus recommendations of the German Deep Brain Stimulation Association].
In Germany, deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the thalamic ventralis intermedius nucleus (VIM) is licensed for treatment of essential tremor in cases unresponsive to pharmacotherapy. Especially a bothersome hand tremor interfering with activities of daily living will improve, whereas head, tongue or vocal tremor shows less response. DBS was proven to be superior to lesional thalamotomy with better functional outcome and less adverse effects. The consensus statement presented here reflects the current recommendations of the German Deep Brain Stimulation Study Group for inclusion and exclusion criteria as well as for peri-, intra- and postoperative neurological management.
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Practice Guideline
[Deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease. Consensus recommendations of the German Deep Brain Stimulation Association].
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been shown to be effective for levodopa-responsive symptoms and tremor in Parkinson's disease (PD). The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is the preferred target for most patients suffering from late stage motor complications of the disorder. STN DBS is superior to best medical treatment concerning the control of motor fluctuations and the increase of on-time without dyskinesias. ⋯ DBS of the thalamic ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) is an alternative target in older PD patients with severe PD tremor refractory to medication. In order to minimize potential risks and side effects, the use of DBS needs careful adherence to inclusion and exclusion criteria for eligible PD patients. This paper summarizes the current consensus recommendations of the German Deep Brain Stimulation Association for DBS in PD.
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The central nervous system (CNS) is the second most frequently affected organ in mitochondrial disorders (MD). In the majority of the cases, clinical CNS manifestations correlate with the CNS lesions on imaging and vice versa. The most important method to demonstrate CNS abnormalities in MD is the MRI. ⋯ Abnormlities of the intracerebral vessels can also be documented by MRI. Calcification and bleeding, however, are still more easily accessible by CT. Differentiation between disseminated, focal MD lesions of the white matter from nonactive MS plaques requires inclusion of the individual and family history and all instrumental investigations which are usually necessary to establish the diagnosis of a MD.