Journal of neurology
-
Journal of neurology · Sep 2000
Functional role of the limbic system and basal ganglia in motivated behaviors.
It has been suggested that the cortico- and limbic-striatal systems are important in various motor functions such as motivated behaviors. In this paper we review our previous studies to investigate neuronal mechanisms of feeding behaviors. We recorded neuronal activity from the amygdala, caudate nucleus, globus pallidus, and substantia nigra during feeding behavior in monkeys, and compared neuronal responses recorded from these brain areas. ⋯ These neurons were located mainly in the rostral part of the nucleus. More than one-third of the recorded neurons responded during feeding and/or drinking acts and intra- and perioral sensory stimuli, and were located mainly in the caudomedial part of the nucleus. Based upon these responses and known anatomical evidence, various information including that from the amygdala and prefrontal cortex is integrated in the basal ganglia, and converted to coordinated motivated behaviors such as feeding behavior.
-
In contrast to arterial stroke, cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is an infrequent condition which presents with a wide spectrum of signs and with a highly variable mode of onset. The clinician must therefore consider it systematically in all brain syndromes and perform the appropriate neuroimaging investigations: computed tomography (CT) with computed tomography angiography and/or magnetic resonance imaging with magnetic resonance angiography and, if necessary intra-arterial angiography. ⋯ Local thrombolysis is indicated if there is deterioration due to thrombosis extension despite adequate anticoagulation. Diagnosis and treatment of CVT should be considered as an emergency because of the considerable potential for full recovery in this condition.
-
Journal of neurology · Apr 2000
ReviewThalamic, pallidal, or subthalamic surgery for Parkinson's disease?
Levodopa is a highly effective treatment of all motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. However, long-term treatment with levodopa can lead to motor fluctuations and levodopa-induced dyskinesias. Motor side effects can become so disabling as to warrant surgical treatment. ⋯ The efficacy and safety of unilateral pallidotomy is well established. DBS has a lower morbidity and is safe enough to be performed bilaterally. The subthalamic nucleus (STN) presently seems to be the most promising target for DBS in advanced stage PD.
-
Journal of neurology · Apr 2000
Carotid atherosclerosis and cerebral white matter lesions in a population based magnetic resonance imaging study.
Cerebral white matter lesions are frequently observed on magnetic resonance imaging of elderly, nondemented persons. There is evidence that white matter lesions are involved in the pathophysiology of cognitive decline and dementia. White matter lesions can be divided into those in the periventricular and those in the subcortical region. ⋯ With increasing number of plaques in the carotid artery the severity of periventricular white matter lesions increased (Ptrend = 0.03), but not the severity of subcortical white matter lesions (Ptrend = 0.19). In addition, an increase in intima media thickness was borderline significantly associated with an increased severity of periventricular white matter lesions (Ptrend = 0.09), but not of subcortical white matter lesions (Ptrend = 0.68). These findings suggest that partly dissimilar pathogenetic mechanisms are involved in the etiology of periventricular and subcortical white matter lesions.