Journal of neurology
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Journal of neurology · Feb 2019
Brain tissue volumes and relaxation rates in multiple sclerosis: implications for cognitive impairment.
Both normal gray matter atrophy and brain tissue relaxation rates, in addition to total lesion volume, have shown significant correlations with cognitive test scores in multiple sclerosis (MS). Aim of the study was to assess the relative contributions of macro- and microstructural changes of both normal and abnormal brain tissues, probed, respectively, by their volumes and relaxation rates, to the cognitive status and physical disability of MS patients. ⋯ In RR-MS the tissue damage in white matter lesions appears the single main determinant of the cognitive status of patients, likely through disconnection phenomena, while the physical disability appears related to the involvement of gray matter.
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Journal of neurology · Feb 2019
Review Meta AnalysisSubthalamic deep brain stimulation and levodopa in Parkinson's disease: a meta-analysis of combined effects.
While subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) and levodopa improve motor symptoms in Parkinson disease (PD) to a similar magnitude, their combined effect remains unclear. We sought to evaluate whether STN-DBS and levodopa yield differential effects on motor outcomes, dyskinesia, and activities of daily living (ADL) when combined compared to when administered alone. ⋯ Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation and levodopa independently lessened motor severity in PD to a similar magnitude, but their combined effect was greater than either treatment alone, suggesting therapeutic synergism.