Neurology
Article Abstract:
Research in neurology has been aided by the development of advanced imaging techniques such as computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET)> Neurologists have the unprecedented opportunity to examine the living brain, and to learn more about how the anatomy and physiology of the brain are related to functions such as memory, language, and behavior. The study of brain function has also been stimulated by the enthusiasm of computer scientists who have created rudimentary models of primitive learning and perceiving circuitry. However, in the excitement of learning about basic brain function, neurologists cannot forget their basic responsibility to the treatment of patients with neurological diseases. As the American population ages, degenerative brain diseases, primarily diseases of the elderly, will become more and more common. Treatments are improving the survival of patients with Parkinson's disease, but although patients live longer thanks to treatment with levodopa and ancillary drugs, the overall course of the disease is unchanged and there still is no cure. Although the cause of Parkinson's disease is unknown, some researchers suspect an environmental cause. Great advances have been made in determining the pathology of Alzheimer's disease, but there has been virtually no progress in finding an effective treatment. Reports appear from time to time of very modest gains measured on neuropsychological tests, but there is no evidence than any treatment method provides any long-term improvement. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1991
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Neurology
Article Abstract:
A few studies have shown that tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) may reduce disability following stroke. However, the drug was infused within 3 hours of symptoms and it is unlikely that many stroke patients will seek prompt treatment. Patients who received tPA also had a higher risk of intracerebral hemorrhage. Studies on asymptomatic carotid artery disease have concluded that it is probably not cost-effective to screen entire populations for the condition. And the benefits of surgery to remove the atherosclerotic plaques have not been demonstrated. Two promising drugs have reduced the relapse rate in patients with multiple sclerosis. Copolymer 1 and interferon beta-1b both prolong remissions and interferon beta-1b stopped the progression of the brain lesions seen on magnetic resonance imaging. Several genes have been implicated in Alzheimer's disease, including the gene for apolipoprotein E4. Huntington's disease and other movement disorders may be caused by genes that have multiple trinucleotide repeats, which produces a protein with numerous glutamine residues.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Neurology
Article Abstract:
Advances in the practice of neurology include the development of promising therapies for migraine headaches, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis (MS) as well as treatment for optic neuritis. Sumatriptan for migraines has been subjected to clinical trials to establish dose amounts. Chest pain and myocardial infarction have been reported as side effects. Tacrine has been used to treat patients with Alzheimer's but results have been disappointing. Fetal tissue transplants have been used somewhat successfully to treat patients with Parkinson's disease. Research on multiple sclerosis indicates that intravenous immunoglobulin and interferon beta-1b may be effective in preventing exacerbations of relapsing-remitting MS. Intravenous prednisolone, a corticosteroid, seems to be more effective than oral prednisone for treatment of optic neuritis. Surgical treatment for carotid stenosis seems to have little effect on later incidence of stroke or death in asymptomatic patients.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1993
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: