Neurology

Health expectations and standards of safety in this part of the world are clearly different from what most of us are used to. But it is my impression that “laying on of hands” offers encouragement and hope.

Better understanding of migraine causes and related issues could result in enhanced patient care and prevention, but clinicians face some serious challenges-here are 5.

This adult beverage may actually provide health benefits, specifically for Alzheimer, Parkinson, and other neurological conditions.

Patients with Afib whose CHA2DS2-VASc score is 1 have a lower risk for ischemic stroke than previously thought and are not likely to benefit from anticoagulation therapy.

There is room to improve evidence-based aspirin use for primary prevention of stroke and other cardiovascular risks. Details here.

Cancer may be an under-appreciated, but common risk factor for stroke, which is most common the first month after cancer diagnosis.

The merging of primary psychiatric care with primary medical care is urgently needed. Here’s why.

The risk for major bleeding and GI hemorrhage in patients taking dabigatran was greater than in those taking warfarin; warfarin, however, was associated with a greater risk of intracranial hemorrhage.

In analysis of this randomized controlled trial of apixaban vs warfarin for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, there was an increased risk of stroke and systemic embolism among patients taking amiodarone and warfarin.

New drugs that treat stubborn illness seen often in primary care lead this group of Top 5 Papers for 2014. Type 2 diabetes, cryptogenic stroke, and hep-C are key targets.

Thyroglossal duct cyst; HCV-HIV coinfection; slurred speech and trouble swallowing and chewing . . . see how well you do on the quiz questions this week.

Results of a recent study suggest the presence or absence of CMBs may help refine risk prognostication in patients with AF.

The cost vs the benefit of community screening for disease is often hotly debated. A new study suggests that detection and treatment of asymptomatic AF may be worth that effort.

A 50-year-old man comes to the ED after 2 episodes of loss of consciousness and vomiting. Jaw clenching with a short period of unresponsiveness is observed in the ED. ECG is significant for bradycardia and sinus bradycardia. He had sprayed his home for termites 10 hours earlier. What is the problem here?

Chronic pain and psychological interventions, complex regional pain syndrome, spinal fractures and low back pain, acute gouty arthritis, Chiari I malformation, Dengue fever, erythema nodosum-a look at pain in its many shapes, sizes, and locations.

Hypertension and diabetes, hypertension and stroke/dementia, renal artery stenosis and hypertension in children, pulmonary arterial hypertension, portal hypertensive gastropathy, central retinal vein occlusion-a close look at some common hypertension-related conditions.

Growing evidence suggests a link between obesity and dementia, but risk may be heightened or lowered, depending on age. In this study, early to mid-life obesity was linked with increased risk of later dementia.

A 29-year-old man presented with a 4-year history of headache and severe neck pain. What does the cervical MRI scan without contrast reveal?

Discoid lupus erythematosus; pharmacologic options for “statin-intolerant” patients; treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain . . . questions on these and other topics in this quiz.

Ecstasy ingestion should be high on the list of differential diagnoses for young patients who present with acute, unexplained encephalopathy.

A new study shows that social interaction may offer protection against this leading cause of death among men in the United States.

Test yourself on symptoms of Löfgren syndrome, comorbdities of Down syndrome; complications of diabetes, and more in this week’s quiz.

This week’s quiz questions challenge you to determine the cause of an infant’s “strange breathing” based on a chest film, to come up with the most common cause of chronic cough in children, to be a dermatologic detective, among other things.

Neurofibromatosis, neuroretinitis, neurologic complications of Down syndrome, Lhermitte-Duclos disease, neurosarcoidosis-find insights here for defeating nervous system disorders.

Results from the CRYSTAL-AF study find that nearly one-third of patients who experience cryptogenic stroke may have undetected atrial fibrillation.