Neurology
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To detect white matter abnormalities in patients with mild Alzheimer disease (AD) by diffusion tensor imaging and to determine their topographic relationship with gray matter atrophy. ⋯ Voxel-wise comparison of whole-brain anisotropy revealed widely distributed disintegration of white matter in mild Alzheimer disease (AD). The white matter shows a different pattern of degeneration from gray matter and may be an independent factor in the progress of AD.
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Surgical decompression at the site of anatomic narrowing has been promoted as an alternative treatment for patients with symptomatic diabetic neuropathy. Systematic review of the literature revealed only Class IV studies concerning the utility of this therapeutic approach. Given the current evidence available, this treatment alternative should be considered unproven (Level U). Prospective randomized controlled trials with standard definitions and outcome measures are necessary to determine the value of this therapeutic intervention.
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To describe the emerging profile of headache frequency following a 2-month drug-free period in patients with medication overuse. ⋯ These data demonstrate the benefit of withdrawal in already established medication overuse and support the existence of medication-overuse headache as a clinical entity.
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To investigate the molecular genetic basis of cluster headache (CH), using a genome-wide scan and candidate gene strategy. ⋯ Cluster headache is a complex genetic disorder, with possible phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity compounding attempts at gene identification.