Neurology News and Research

Latest Neurology News and Research

Targeting noradrenergic system combats gait freezing in Parkinson’s patients

Methylphenidate may be a useful treatment for patients with advanced Parkinson's disease receiving subthalamic nucleus stimulation who experience gait hypokinesia and freezing, show findings from a randomized trial.

14 Jun 2012

AB Science announces results from masitinib phase 2 study on MS

AB Science SA, a pharmaceutical company specializing in the research, development and commercialization of protein kinase inhibitors, announces the publication of results from the human phase 2 study of masitinib carried-out in the treatment of progressive multiple sclerosis.

14 Jun 2012

Exome sequencing may also improve diagnoses and guide individual patient care

In the June 13 issue of Science Translational Medicine, an international team led by researchers from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine reports that the new technology of exome sequencing is not only a promising method for identifying disease-causing genes, but may also improve diagnoses and guide individual patient care.

14 Jun 2012

Roseola virus accounts for one third of febrile status epilepticus cases

New research shows that human herpesviruses (HHV)-6B and HHV-7, commonly know as roseola virus), account for one third of febrile status epilepticus (FSE) cases. Results of the FEBSTAT prospective study now available in Epilepsia, a journal published by Wiley-Blackwell on behalf of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), suggest that HHV-6B may be involved in the development of epilepsy and further research is urgently needed.

14 Jun 2012

RNA-binding proteins accumulate in the brains of patients with AD

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have identified a novel group of proteins that accumulate in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. These findings, which appear online in the Journal of Neuroscience, may open up novel approaches to diagnose and stage the progression likelihood of the disease in Alzheimer patients.

14 Jun 2012

Siemens receives FDA clearance for SOMATOM Perspective CT system

Siemens Healthcare has announced that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the SOMATOM Perspective – an advanced 128-slice computed tomography (CT) scanner engineered to drive efficiency and reduce costs.

From Siemens Healthineers 14 Jun 2012

Controlled blood sugar in diabetes can prevent painful nerves: but at what cost?

Aggressive control of blood sugar levels in diabetes can help to prevent a painful condition affecting patients’ nerves, according to a new systematic review in The Cochrane Library. However, the review suggests that optimal target levels need to be established to prevent serious complications.

13 Jun 2012

Ischemic stroke on the rise among N.J. children

Stroke is one of the top 10 causes of death among children according to the National Stroke Association. A new study published today shows that in New Jersey, the diagnosis of ischemic stroke in children, resulting from a loss or obstruction of blood to the brain, is on the rise.

13 Jun 2012

Changes in walking speed in late life may signal MCI

A new study shows that changes in walking speed in late life may signal the early stages of dementia known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

12 Jun 2012

Updated AAN guideline outlines treatments for infantile spasms

The American Academy of Neurology has issued an updated guideline outlining the best treatments for infantile spasms, a rare type of seizure that can occur in infants and young children.

12 Jun 2012

IVF linked to increased relapse rate among MS patients

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is linked to an increased rate of relapse among women with multiple sclerosis (MS), suggests a small study published online in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry.

12 Jun 2012

Genzyme files LEMTRADA sBLA and MAA with FDA, EMA for treatment of RMS

Genzyme, a Sanofi company, today announced that the company has submitted a supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and a marketing authorization application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) seeking approval of LEMTRADA (alemtuzumab) for treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS).

12 Jun 2012

Mutation responsible for rare, hereditary motor neuron disease disrupts vital links

Studying how nerve cells send and receive messages, Johns Hopkins scientists have discovered new ways that genetic mutations can disrupt functions in neurons and lead to neurodegenerative disease, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

11 Jun 2012

$27 million received to speed new treatments for disabling neurological disorder

The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine has announced receipt of a five-year, $27 million gift earmarked to fast-track the development of therapies to treat tumors associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a common and often debilitating neurogenetic disorder that causes tumors called plexiform neurofibromas to grow on nerves anywhere in the body.

11 Jun 2012

Piramal to present data on several molecular imaging compounds at SNM annual meeting

Piramal Imaging SA, a subsidiary of Piramal Healthcare Limited, will present data on several compounds from its molecular imaging portfolio at the Society of Nuclear Medicine's 59th annual meeting in Miami Beach, Fla., from June 9 - 13.

10 Jun 2012

Clinical study shows positive effects of CAD106 vaccine against AD

A study led by Karolinska Institutet in Sweden reports for the first time the positive effects of an active vaccine against Alzheimer's disease. The new vaccine, CAD106, can prove a breakthrough in the search for a cure for this seriously debilitating dementia disease. The study is published in the distinguished scientific journal Lancet Neurology.

7 Jun 2012

Boehringer Ingelheim updates U.S. prescribing information for Pradaxa with FDA

Boehringer Ingelheim has today announced that it has updated the US prescribing information for Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate) in alignment with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to affirm that "Pradaxa 150mg twice daily was superior in reducing ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes relative to warfarin."

7 Jun 2012

Follow-up study finds seizure freedom in 68% of patients with JME

A 25-year follow-up study reveals that 68% of patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) became seizure-free, with nearly 30% no longer needing antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment. Findings published today in Epilepsia, a journal of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), report that the occurrence of generalized tonic-clonic seizures preceded by bilateral myoclonic seizures, and AED polytherapy significantly predicted poor long-term seizure outcome.

6 Jun 2012

Transgenomic introduces ICE COLD-PCR mutation detection technology

Transgenomic, Inc. today announced the commercial launch of its ICE COLD-PCR mutation detection technology, a breakthrough technology enabling unmatched sensitivity and complete DNA mutation detection using the standard sequencing equipment already installed in laboratories around the world.

6 Jun 2012

Bayer announces updated data from radium-223 dichloride Phase III trial on CRPC

Bayer HealthCare today announced updated data from the pivotal Phase III ALSYMPCA (ALpharadin in SYMptomatic Prostate CAncer) trial for its investigational drug radium-223 dichloride in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and symptomatic bone metastases.

6 Jun 2012