Neurology
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The objective of this study is to estimate the risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage produced by oral contraceptive use. ⋯ This meta-analysis of observational studies suggests that oral contraceptive use produces a small increase in the risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage.
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We evaluated myoblast implantation therapy in three subjects with Becker muscular dystrophy who received 60 million myoblasts in one tibialis anterior (TA) muscle 2 months after beginning cyclosporine immunosuppression (5 to 10 mg/kg) that continued for 1 year. Strength of the implanted and control TA muscles was measured before and after treatment using a gauge to record TA contraction force. Our protocol controlled for the effects of cyclosporine and myoblast injections. In this pilot study, myoblast implantation did not improve strength of the implanted TA muscles.
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To describe cognitive functions and functional outcome in young patients with isolated infratentorial infarcts. ⋯ Cerebellar damage impairs central aspects of attention and visuospatial skills. In contrast, intelligence and episodic memory remain unchanged. When the lesion involves large portions of the cerebellar hemispheres, changes concerning broad areas of intelligence may occur. The prognosis is favorable for neurologic dysfunction, but cognitive deficits may prevent return to work.
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This report describes the effectiveness of gabapentin, a recently approved anticonvulsant, in seven patients with MS experiencing trigeminal neuralgia refractory to treatment with conventional medical therapy. Gabapentin relieved pain completely in six and significantly in the seventh patient. Gabapentin may be a valuable addition to pharmacologic therapy in trigeminal neuralgia, particularly in patients with MS and in refractory cases.