Neurology
Article Abstract:
Neurology has traditionally attempted to treat conditions considered untreatable, and performed clinical trials of promising drugs. A recent example is selegiline (Deprenyl), a new drug that appears to delay the point at which levodopa therapy must be started for Parkinson's disease. Another approach to treating this and other degenerative disorders is transplantation of fetal brain tissue (or other tissue, such as adrenal gland) into diseased adult brains to replace damaged cells. The National Institutes of Health has banned the use of fetal tissue in research funded by the Institutes; this issue continues to be debated. Multiple sclerosis research indicates that the extent of debilitation is not related to parity (the number of children borne to a woman) or whether a woman is pregnant at the time of diagnosis, commonly held beliefs in earlier times. One theory is that multiple sclerosis results from a virus. The diagnosis of cerebrovascular neurological disease is easier as a result of new techniques, such as Doppler technology (ultrasound). Cardiogenic brain embolism (small blood clots, originating in the heart, that detach and move to the brain) is a major cause of stroke (sudden loss of blood to part of the brain because of a clot or hemorrhage). Some researchers recommend long-term use of anticoagulants for patients with heart disorders, which increase their risk of developing blood clots. Neurology is also concerned with disorders that cause pain or absence from work. An example is carpal tunnel syndrome, in which the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the wrist. Rest, corticosteroid drugs, and change in work may ameliorate the condition and help the patient avoid surgery. Each year about 100,000 people are disabled as a result of traumatic brain injury, which results in an annual economic burden of $25 billion. The 1990 to 2000 period has been designated the 'Decade of the Brain' by President Bush; understanding the brain will be a high priority of medicine and basic science. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1990
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Neurology
Article Abstract:
Advances in the field of neurology will depend on research on the genetic, molecular, and cellular basis of disease. Enzyme replacement therapy for those with Gaucher's disease is one example. Nervous tissue destruction in multiple sclerosis (MS) is marked by an increase in tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) patients with progressive MS. Sumatriptan succinate is a new drug to treat migraine headache. It causes blood vessel constriction in the brain and reduced pain in 70% of patients and relieved pain in 49%. Aluminum chelating drugs and nerve growth factors may be effective in treating Alzheimer's disease. All states have driving restrictions for those with seizure disorders. But the increased risk of accidents in epileptics does not differ from the increased risk in people with other chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Surgery is being reconsidered for those with some types of epilepsy that have not responded to other treatment.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
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Neurology
Article Abstract:
Carotid endarterectomy, surgical removal of plaque, can extend the survival of asymptomatic patients whose diameter narrowing of the carotid artery is greater than 60%. The incidence of stroke can be reduced by recognizing risk factors such as hypertension, advanced age, diabetes, mitral annular calcification, and atrial fibrillation. Left ventricular mass appears to be an additional risk factor. Betaseron can be used to treat some patients with multiple sclerosis. Pregnancy appears relatively safe in women with MS. No relapses were recorded during pregnancy and six months following delivery. Immunization against poliomyelitis has become more important because of outbreaks of polio in Africa and Europe. Syphilis and HIV infection are occurring together and both are on the rise.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1995
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