Neurology
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Insular and anterior cingulate cortex deep stimulation for central neuropathic pain: Disassembling the percept of pain.
To compare the analgesic effects of stimulation of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) or the posterior superior insula (PSI) against sham deep (d) repetitive (r) transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in patients with central neuropathic pain (CNP) after stroke or spinal cord injury in a randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled, 3-arm parallel study. ⋯ NCT01932905.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Photosensitive epilepsy: Robust clinical efficacy of a selective GABA potentiator.
The objective of this phase 2a study was to assess the activity of PF-06372865, a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of α2/3/5 subunit-containing GABAA receptors with minimal activity at α1-containing receptors, which are believed to mediate many of the adverse events associated with benzodiazepines, in the epilepsy photosensitivity model as a proof-of-principle of efficacy. ⋯ This study provides Class II evidence that for people with a stable photoparoxysmal response to intermittent photic stimulation, PF-06372865 reduces the SPR.
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To determine the influence of apathy, impulsivity, and behavioral change on survival in patients with frontotemporal dementia, progressive supranuclear palsy, and corticobasal syndrome. ⋯ The relationship between apathy and survival highlights the need to develop more effective and targeted measurement tools to improve its recognition and facilitate treatment. The prognostic importance of apathy suggests that neurobehavioral features might be useful to predict survival and stratify patients for interventional trials. Effective symptomatic interventions targeting the neurobiology of apathy might ultimately also improve prognosis.
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Review
Imaging outcome measures of neuroprotection and repair in MS: A consensus statement from NAIMS.
To summarize current and emerging imaging techniques that can be used to assess neuroprotection and repair in multiple sclerosis (MS), and to provide a consensus opinion on the potential utility of each technique in clinical trial settings. ⋯ Imaging biomarkers of neuroprotection and repair are an unmet need in MS. There are a number of promising techniques with different strengths and limitations, and selection of a specific technique will depend on a number of factors, notably the question the trial seeks to answer. Ongoing collaborative efforts will enable further refinement and improved methods to image the effect of novel therapeutic agents that exert benefit in MS predominately through neuroprotective and reparative mechanisms.