Neurology
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To assess cognitive and affective functioning in patients with essential tremor (ET). ⋯ Patients with ET have deficits in specific aspects of neuropsychological functioning, particularly those thought to rely on the integrity of the prefrontal cortex, which suggests involvement of frontocerebellar circuits in this disease.
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To characterize the specificity of anti-GAD(65) antibodies in patients with stiff person syndrome (SPS), quantify antibody titers, and examine antibody production within the CNS. ⋯ In patients with SPS, there is marked intrathecal antibody response against neuronal GAD(65) epitopes, indicating a clonal B cell activation in the CNS. Anti-GAD(65) antibodies at high titers, when confirmed with immunoblots, are highly specific for SPS and appear to impair GABA synthesis.
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In treating PD, deep brain stimulation (DBS) has shown great promise in a series of uncontrolled studies. ⋯ The results suggest that DBS may be cost effective in treating PD if QOL improves 18% or more compared with those receiving best medical management. This underscores the need for randomized, controlled, prospective DBS experiments including QOL and economic components.