Multicentre registry of brain-injured patients with disorder of consciousness: rationale and preliminary data.
Authors: Pascarella A, Fiorenza S, Masotta O, Tibollo V, Vella D, Nardone AM, Rossi M, Volanti P, Madonia F, Cstronovo G, De Cicco D, Guarnaschelli C, Achilli MP, Chiapparino C, Angelillo MT, Tommasi MA, Pisano F, Grioni G, Vezzadini G, Ferriero G, Salvaderi S, Bellazzi R, Estraneo A
Abstract
Diagnostic accuracy and reliable estimation of clinical evolution are challenging issues in the management of patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC). Longitudinal systematic investigations conducted in large cohorts of patients with DoC could make it possible to identify reliable diagnostic and prognostic mark...
Source: Functional Neurology - April 12, 2018 Category: Neurology Tags: Funct Neurol Source Type: research
Apathy in Parkinson's disease: differences between caregiver's report and self-evaluation.
Authors: Valentino V, Iavarone A, Amboni M, Moschiano F, Picillo M, Petretta V, Cicarelli G
Abstract
Apathy is a state of diminished goal-directed speech, motor activity and emotions. The prevalence of apathy in Parkinson's disease (PD) ranges from 16 to 62%. Several studies have investigated the relationships between apathy and other dimensions of PD, but little is known about possible discrepancies between self-evaluation (SE) and caregiver reporting (CR) of this symptom. The aim of this study is twofold: 1) to investigate the differences in apathy evaluations according to the point of view from which ap...
Source: Functional Neurology - April 12, 2018 Category: Neurology Tags: Funct Neurol Source Type: research
Management of spasticity with onabotulinumtoxinA: practical guidance based on the italian real-life post-stroke spasticity survey.
Authors: Sandrini G, Baricich A, Cisari C, Paolucci S, Smania N, Picelli A
Abstract
The present paper provides practical guidance on the management of adult spasticity with OnabotulinumtoxinA. Advisory Board members reviewed the available evidence and discussed their personal experiences in order to address the unmet needs in the management of spasticity with botulinum toxin type A identified by the recent Italian Real-Life Post-Stroke Spasticity Survey. Stroke patients should be referred to spasticity services that have adequate facilities and multidisciplinary teams with the necessary training, competenc...
Source: Functional Neurology - April 12, 2018 Category: Neurology Tags: Funct Neurol Source Type: research
A role for accelerometry in the differential diagnosis of tremor syndromes.
Authors: Bove F, Di Lazzaro G, Mulas D, Cocciolillo F, Di Giuda D, Bentivoglio AR
Abstract
Accelerometry is a reliable tool for gauging the occurrence, amplitude and frequency of tremor. However, there is no consensus on criteria for accelerometric diagnosis of tremor syndromes. We enrolled 20 patients with essential tremor (ET), 20 with dystonic tremor (DT), and 20 with classic parkinsonian tremor (PD-T), all meeting accepted clinical criteria. All the patients underwent dopamine transporter imaging (by means of single-photon emission computed tomography) and triaxial accelerometric tremor analysis. The l...
Source: Functional Neurology - April 12, 2018 Category: Neurology Tags: Funct Neurol Source Type: research
Effectiveness of a digital platform for sharing knowledge on headache management: a two-year experience.
Authors: Raieli V, Correnti E, Sandullo A, Romano M, Marchese F, Loiacono C, Brighina F
Abstract
It is crucial that all headache specialists receive adequate training. Considering the unsatisfactory results obtained with standard updating courses and the growing need for continuing professional education, a digital platform was developed as a training tool. The platform has been active since 1 October 2014. It is readily accessible to doctors by free registration. Users have access to all the material available on the platform, which includes scientific articles, e-books, presentations and images. Users ca...
Source: Functional Neurology - April 12, 2018 Category: Neurology Tags: Funct Neurol Source Type: research
If you want to understand what it really means to live with cluster headache, imagine... fostering empathy through European patients' own stories of their experiences.
Authors: Rossi P, Little P, De La Torre ER, Palmaro A
Abstract
Cluster headache (CH) is arguably the most severe pain condition that afflicts humans. The severity of the pain has earned it the nickname "suicide headache". Understanding how CH impacts on those who suffer from it is essential, because this understanding creates empathy, which is so valuable to these patients. On the occasion of Cluster Headache Day 2017, we asked CH patients from different European countries to share their experiences, in order to help people to imagine what it means to live with the condition. Here, we look at some extracts...
Source: Functional Neurology - April 12, 2018 Category: Neurology Tags: Funct Neurol Source Type: research
Add-on perampanel and aggressive behaviour in severe drug-resistant focal epilepsies.
This study aimed to investigate the incidence of aggressiveness in patients with severe drug-refractory focal epilepsy (DRE) who started perampanel (PER) as add-on treatment, and to identify possible predisposing factors. Data on 49 consecutive patients with severe DRE who initiated PER were retrospectively collected. Twelve of the 49 patients experienced aggressiveness as adverse event related to PER treatment, one third of them on low (2-4 mg/day) PER dosages. PER was discontinued in 10/12 patients because of aggressive behaviors. Aggressiveness could appear after several months or even more than one year of PER treatmen...
Source: Functional Neurology - January 19, 2018 Category: Neurology Tags: Funct Neurol Source Type: research
Volunteering in hospitals to improve the quality of long stays in rehabilitation units.
Authors: Barbieri M, Malfoni M, Negro S, Maddalena D, Bosone D, Tronconi L
PMID: 29306354 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Functional Neurology)
Source: Functional Neurology - January 9, 2018 Category: Neurology Tags: Funct Neurol Source Type: research
Neurophysiology of the pelvic floor in clinical practice: a systematic literature review.
Authors: Bianchi F, Squintani GM, Osio M, Morini A, Bana C, Ardolino G, Barbieri S, Bertolasi L, Caramelli R, Cogiamian F, Currà A, de Scisciolo G, Foresti C, Frasca V, Frasson E, Inghilleri M, Moderna L, Motti L, Onesti E, Romano MC, Del Carro U
Abstract
Neurophysiological testing of the pelvic floor is recognized as an essential tool to identify pathophysiological mechanisms of pelvic floor disorders, support clinical diagnosis, and aid in therapeutic decisions. Nevertheless, the diagnostic value of these tests in specific neurological diseases of the pelvic floor is not completely clarified. Seeking to...
Source: Functional Neurology - January 9, 2018 Category: Neurology Tags: Funct Neurol Source Type: research
The usefulness of sLORETA in evaluating the effect of high-dose ARA-C on brain connectivity in patients with acute myeloid leukemia: an exploratory study.
Authors: Zarabla A, Ungania S, Cacciatore A, Maialetti A, Petreri G, Mengarelli A, Spadea A, Marchesi F, Renzi D, Gumenyuk S, Strigari L, Maschio M
Abstract
Cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) is one of the key drugs for treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML). High intravenous doses may produce a number of central nervous system (CNS) toxicities and contribute to modifications in brain functional connectivity. sLORETA is a software used for localizing brain electrical activity and functional connectivity. The aim of this study was to apply sLORETA in the evaluation of possible effects of Ara-C on brain connectivit...
Source: Functional Neurology - January 9, 2018 Category: Neurology Tags: Funct Neurol Source Type: research
Apathy in corticobasal degeneration: possible parietal involvement.
Authors: Moretti R, Caberlotto R, Signori R
Abstract
Corticobasal degeneration is a rare disorder, which usually consists of a combination of complex movement disorders, apraxia and cortical changes. Its definition is still evolving and in 2013 an international consortium tried to develop new criteria, based on a systematic literature review. Over a long period of time, we carefully selected 23 patients who fulfilled the criteria for a diagnosis of corticobasal degeneration; all had the so-called corticobasal syndrome phenotype, in accordance with Armstrong et al. (2013). Through a dedicated study, we set ...
Source: Functional Neurology - January 9, 2018 Category: Neurology Tags: Funct Neurol Source Type: research
Foreground and background: an interview with Peter Singer and three arguments against naturalism.
Authors: Loffi A
Abstract
The first part of this paper reports an interview with the philosopher Peter Singer. In the second, we examine Singer's background: naturalism and neurophilosophy, discussing three of its theses, as presented by Patricia Smith Churchland. Finally, we go back to Singer himself, to draw some conclusions.
PMID: 29306358 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Functional Neurology)
Source: Functional Neurology - January 9, 2018 Category: Neurology Tags: Funct Neurol Source Type: research
The culturally adapted Italian version of the Barthel Index (IcaBI): assessment of structural validity, inter-rater reliability and responsiveness to clinically relevant improvements in patients admitted to inpatient rehabilitation centers.
Authors: Castiglia SF, Galeoto G, Lauta A, Palumbo A, Tirinelli F, Viselli F, Santilli V, Sacchetti ML
Abstract
The Barthel Index (BI) is widely used to determine eligibility criteria for inpatient rehabilitation and to monitor patients' recovery, irrespective of the illnesses that affect them. The culturally adapted Italian version of the Barthel Index (IcaBI) was recently validated. This paper reports the structural validity and inter-rater reliability of the IcaBI and its responsiveness to the results of inpatient rehabilitation. The IcaBI was administered to a cohort of 264 patients hospitalized in two...
Source: Functional Neurology - January 9, 2018 Category: Neurology Tags: Funct Neurol Source Type: research
The need for better access to pain treatment: learning from drug consumption trends in the USA.
Authors: Scuteri D, Piro B, Morrone LA, Corasaniti MT, Vulnera M, Bagetta G
Abstract
The Authors of this letter look at consumption of opioids and a2- ligands, also known as "gabapentinoids", in Italy, and specifically in the Provincial Health District of Cosenza, as compared with USA trends of recent decades. Access to analgesic drugs since the introduction of Italian law 38/2010 is also evaluated and possible future measures for better management of chronic pain are proposed.
PMID: 29306360 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Functional Neurology)
Source: Functional Neurology - January 9, 2018 Category: Neurology Tags: Funct Neurol Source Type: research
Rethinking dementias.
Authors: Sinforiani E, Cotta Ramusino M, Costa A
PMID: 29041998 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Functional Neurology)
Source: Functional Neurology - October 20, 2017 Category: Neurology Tags: Funct Neurol Source Type: research
