Journal of neurology
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Journal of neurology · Dec 2018
The clinical features and outcome of scan-negative and scan-positive cases in suspected cauda equina syndrome: a retrospective study of 276 patients.
The majority of patients presenting with suspected clinical cauda equina syndrome (CES) have no identifiable structural cause for their symptoms ('scan-negative' CES). Understanding these patients aids clinical differentiation and management in CES. ⋯ The data support a model in which scan-negative cauda equina syndrome arises as an end pathway of acute pain, sometimes with partly structural findings and vulnerability to functional disorders.
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Journal of neurology · Dec 2018
Comparative StudyEffect of mechanical thrombectomy alone or in combination with intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke.
Whether combining intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is superior to mechanical thrombectomy alone for large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke is still uncertain. Our aim was to compare the safety and the efficacy of these two therapeutic strategies. ⋯ Our study suggests that mechanical thrombectomy alone is effective and safe in patients with contraindications to intravenous thrombolysis. Preceding use of IVT in eligible patients was not associated with increased harm or benefit. Randomized controlled trials are needed to clarify whether intravenous thrombolysis before mechanical thrombectomy is associated with additional benefit.
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Journal of neurology · Dec 2018
Observational StudyCerebral small vessel disease burden and functional and radiographic outcomes in intracerebral hemorrhage.
To examine the effect of individual cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) markers and cumulative CSVD burden on functional independence, ambulation and hematoma expansion in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). ⋯ Our findings suggest that in ICH patients without previous functional dependence, total CSVD burden and particularly presence of CMBs significantly affect functional recovery. The latter is a novel finding and merits further exploration.