Neurology
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Verapamil in the prophylaxis of episodic cluster headache: a double-blind study versus placebo.
The authors performed a double-blind, double-dummy study to compare the efficacy of verapamil with placebo in the prophylaxis of episodic cluster headache. After 5 days' run-in, 15 patients received verapamil (120 mg tid) and 15 received placebo (tid) for 14 days. ⋯ Side effects were mild. These findings provide objective evidence for the effectiveness of verapamil in episodic cluster headache prophylaxis.
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To determine the predictors of outcome of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) surgery in a population-based cohort of injured workers. ⋯ The outcome of TOS surgery among injured workers is worse than has generally been reported. The nonspecific neurogenic TOS diagnosis, the complexity of workers' compensation cases, and the adverse event profile are likely substantial contributors to the worse outcomes reported here. Well-designed prospective studies and randomized trials are required to elucidate any role of TOS surgery in nonspecific TOS.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
A phase II trial of nerve growth factor for sensory neuropathy associated with HIV infection. AIDS Clinical Trials Group Team 291.
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF) in HIV-associated sensory neuropathy (SN) within a multicenter, placebo-controlled, randomized trial (ACTG 291). ⋯ We found a positive effect of recombinant human nerve growth factor on neuropathic pain and pin sensitivity in HIV-associated sensory neuropathy. rhNGF was safe and well tolerated, but injection site pain was frequent.
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To determine the validity of a clinical diagnosis of probable or possible dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) made using International Consensus criteria. ⋯ The Consensus criteria for DLB performed as well in this prospective study as those for AD and VaD, with a diagnostic sensitivity substantially higher than that reported by previous retrospective studies. DLB occurs in the absence of extrapyramidal features and in the presence of comorbid cerebrovascular disease. Fluctuation is an important diagnostic indicator, reliable measures of which need to be developed further.