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Showing posts from October, 2020

Neuron-Based Gene Expression Study Reveals Insights on Fear and Its Regulation

The expression of the CREB gene may function as a switch to regulate fear and extinction learning. The findings could provide a new avenue of treatment for PTSD and other mental health disorders. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3mKbRBb

New ‘Epigenetic’ Clock Provides Insight Into How the Human Brain Ages

Using brain tissue samples, researchers have identified a new epigenetic clock for brain aging. The study reveals how the epigenetic clock could provide insight into accelerated brain aging and neurodegenerative disorders. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3eeoXU1

Study Highlights Link Between Depressive Symptoms and Stroke Risk

The risk of stroke is 54% higher in those who experience symptoms of depression, a news study reports. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3oHyQhT

Hikikomori: Understanding the People Who Choose to Live in Extreme Isolation

Researchers explore the "sociocultural mental health phenomena" of Hikikomori, a disorder in which people socially isolate for extended periods of time. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/34Lxta2

Should I Run, or Should I Not? The Neural Basis of Aggression and Flight

Study reveals a key role for the ventromedial hypothalamus in fight or flight behaviors. Findings suggest the ventromedial hypothalamus alters in response to social experiences. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3mIafrI

Systematic review and evaluation of predictive modeling algorithms in spinal surgeries

In order to better educate patients, predictive models have been implemented to stratify surgical risk, thereby instituting greater uniformity across surgical practices and prioritizing the safety and outcomes of patients. The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic review summarizing the major predictive models used to evaluate patients as candidates for spinal surgery. A search was conducted for articles related to predictive modeling in spinal surgeries using PubMed, MEDLINE, and Scopus databases. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/34KbbFz

What are the 695 topics that make up neurology?

The goal of Neurochecklists is to bring everything even remotely neurological under one roof. It set out to be a practical, comprehensive, easily searchable, on-the-go database. Sourcing information from reliable textbooks and journals, the database has slowly grown to peak today at >3,000 checklists spread across precisely 695 topics. These topics, in turn, are grouped […] What are the 695 topics that make up neurology? — Neurochecklists Blog from The Neurology Lounge https://ift.tt/3kWDJBi

A Malformation Illustrates the Incredible Plasticity of the Brain

Researchers discover how the brain adapts in a study of children born without a corpus callosum. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3enTAXv

Haunted House Researchers Investigate the Mystery of Playing With Fear

Haunted house experiment shows "just the right" amount of fear is key to maximizing enjoyment. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3ebL51g

It's tricky: Rating alleviating maneuvers in cervical dystonia

To investigate hypothesized sources of error when quantifying the effect of the sensory trick in cervical dystonia (CD) with the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS-2), test strategies to mitigate them, and provide guidance for future research on the sensory trick. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/3ebgJfn

Patient-centred management of Parkinson’s disease – Authors’ reply

Congratulations to Dr Michael Okun and his colleagues on their publication “ Patient-centred management of Parkinson’s disease – Authors’ reply ,” in the correspondence section of the November 1, 2020 issue of The Lancet Neurology.   from Department of Neurology » College of Medicine » University of Florida https://ift.tt/3jJxfVb

Studies Link Some Autism to Brain Cells That Guide Sociability and Platonic Love

Mouse study links specific autism types to abnormal parvocellular oxytocin neurons in the hypothalamus. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3jGadP0

Nucleus Accumbens Neuron Ensembles Recruited by Cocaine and Sugar Are Different

Cocaine and sucrose neuron ensembles in the nucleus accumbens are mostly non-overlapping. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3kHrW9Y

Brainstem Neurons Control Both Behavior and Misbehavior

Study reveals how gene control mechanisms determine the identity of neurons in the embryonic brainstem. A failure in differentiation in developing brainstem neurons can lead to behavioral abnormalities, including ADHD. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3mCEfVw

Why Diabetes Matters to the Neurodiagnostic Technologist

Skin safety is a hot-button issue for neurodiagnostic technologists, because EEG placement requires skin abrasion. Even this small amount of disruption to the skin’s protective barrier can increase infection risk. And November, which is American Diabetes Month , is a great time to learn the special measures you need to take to protect diabetic patients who are more prone to skin infection. Diabetes impairs blood flow and sensation in the skin, decreasing pain response. That means once a wound forms, it can remain open for long periods, increasing infection risk. Approximately 34 million people in the U.S. have diabetes and another 88 million adults have been diagnosed as prediabetic. The Standards and Practices Committee of ASET-The Neurodiagnostic Society recently created a Skin Safety Task Force  to address the increased infection risk for diabetics. Resources provided by the task force include: Position Paper on Skin Safety During EEG Procedures Skin Safety During EEG Proc

The DIY Guide to Professional Looking Images on Your Practice Website

Images create visual interest on your website and social media posts, and they can help you tell a great story. Images also are essential these days if you want your content to be noticed in an increasingly crowded web space. There are plenty of professional web designers and social media experts that will happily take your money and help you with this. But, if you run a small neurology practice and have more of a do-it-yourself budget, there’s a lot you can do to optimize your own images and get that professional look. With a little knowledge and some tricks of the trade you can deliver a high-quality and effective visual presence online . Know About Image Use Liability Running a medical practice comes with a lot of rules around liability and using images for marketing is no exception. Obviously, violating HIPAA laws using unauthorized pictures of patients will get you in trouble. What you may not know, though, is that violating copyright laws can also lead to huge fines – even

Deep Brain Stimulation Reduces Midline Tremor During a Static Postural Balance Task in Essential Tremor Patients

Congratulations to Drs. Yoon Jin Choi, Stefan Delmas, Basma Yacoubi, David Vaillancourt, Michael Okun, and Evangelos Christou on the publication of “ Deep Brain Stimulation Reduces Midline Tremor During a Static Postural Balance Task in Essential Tremor Patients ,” in the November issue of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Article information:  To determine the effect of deep brain stimulation (DBS) on midline tremor during a static balance in Essential Tremor patients. from Department of Neurology » College of Medicine » University of Florida https://ift.tt/37Tf0KO

Recent Advances in Electrical Neural Interface Engineering: Minimal Invasiveness, Longevity, and Scalability

In this review, Luan et al. discuss the latest advances in engineering electrical neural interfaces that expand the spatiotemporal resolution and extent of mapping and manipulating brain circuits, covering implanted devices, integrated circuits, and signal transmission and processing. from journals https://ift.tt/3jzdVtx

Elevated hydroxycholesterols in Norwegian patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia SPG5

Spastic paraplegia type 5 (SPG5/HSP-CYP7B1) is an autosomal recessive hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) caused by biallelic variants in the CYP7B1 gene, resulting in dysfunction of the enzyme oxysterol-7-α-hydroxylase. The consequent accumulation of hydroxycholesterols in plasma seems to be pathognomonic for SPG5, and represent a possible target for treatment. We aimed to characterize Norwegian patients with SPG5, including clinical examinations, genetic analyses, measurements of hydroxycholesterols, electrophysiological investigations and brain imaging. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/2HB5pxy

Researchers Link Poor Memory to Attention Lapses and Media Multitasking

A new study reveals a correlation between multimedia multitasking, memory loss, and difficulties in maintaining attention. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3mxnFXq

Small Brain Device Proves Big Game Changer for Severely Paralyzed Patients

A tiny neural implant dubbed the Stentrode, allows people with upper limb paralysis to regain motor function. The device wirelessly restores the transmission of brain impulses. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2G7Razj

Social Isolation Puts Women at Higher Risk of Hypertension

Women aged 45 to 85 without partners and who didn't engage in frequent social activities had a higher rate of hypertension. Widowed women were most likely to exhibit symptoms of hypertension. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2HIDBqE

Cancer Cells Mediate Immune Suppression in the Brain

Myeloid cells can suppress the immune response, allowing breast cancer cells to metastasize in the brain and form secondary tumor sites. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2Twr7oq

Why Motivation to Learn Declines With Age

The decline of striosomal activity in the brain may explain why people lose the motivation to learn as they age. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3e5A8ON

Spotlight on Neurotechnology: Interacting with Networks

This third and final special issue in our series on neurotechnology focuses on tools for modulating neural circuits. The first part of this series explored methods used to build and map networks, while the second part covered approaches to reading activity at different spatiotemporal scales. Here, in this final installment, we discuss large-scale electrode systems for recording, neural implants for manipulating central and peripheral signals, and considerations for translation of these technologies to the clinic. from journals https://ift.tt/2TB0vmc

Probing Olfaction in Space and Time

In this issue, Gill et al. apply holographic optogenetic stimulation in the olfactory bulb to control select neuronal ensembles in 3D. This approach allows them to dissociate the contribution of temporal spike features and spike rate to stimulus detection. from journals https://ift.tt/35EAqsl

Keith Kirkland

In an interview with Neuron, Keith Kirkland, cofounder of a start-up building products that communicate information through touch, shares his path, passions, and life philosophy that brought him to launch a company. He also discusses the crucial need for representation in science and the value of self-empowered exploration and self-recovery from failure. from journals https://ift.tt/2HDjA4G

Deblina Sarkar

In an interview with Neuron, physicist and electrical engineer by training, Deblina Sarkar shares how her passion for the brain—“the ultimate example of a low-power computer”—inspires her research. She describes her work developing novel nanoelectronics devices and new biomolecular mapping methods to gain access to ultra-structures in the brain and discusses how she navigates across disciplines. from journals https://ift.tt/35I3GOF

Guidelines to Study and Develop Soft Electrode Systems for Neural Stimulation

Schiavone et al. describe the use of current characterization techniques to study electrode systems for neural stimulation, with focus on the specificities of soft technology. The authors provide guidelines to design complete in vivo characterization studies and interpret characterization data. from journals https://ift.tt/327o8rB

Challenges for Large-Scale Cortical Interfaces

In this Perspective, Nurmikko provides an overview of the progress in cortical interfaces over the years. He considers the engineering challenges for chronic human use and discusses current strategies to scale electrical recording and stimulation up to thousands of neuronal targets at near-cellular-level resolution. from journals https://ift.tt/327o6jt

Recent Advances in Electrical Neural Interface Engineering: Minimal Invasiveness, Longevity, and Scalability

In this review, Luan et al. discuss the latest advances in engineering electrical neural interfaces that expand the spatiotemporal resolution and extent of mapping and manipulating brain circuits, covering implanted devices, integrated circuits, and signal transmission and processing. from journals https://ift.tt/3jzdVtx

Brain Atrophy Following Deep Brain Stimulation: Management of a Moving Target

Congratulations Drs. Shannon Y. Chiu , Wissam Deeb , Pamela Zeilman , Adolfo Ramirez-Zamora , Addie Patterson , Bhavana Patel , Kelly D. Foote , Michael S. Okun , and Leonardo Almeida on the publication of “ Brain Atrophy Following Deep Brain Stimulation: Management of a Moving Target ” in the October 21, 2020 issue of Tremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements.   Abstract Clinical vignette:  A 51-year-old man with essential tremor (ET) had bilateral ventralis intermedius nucleus deep brain stimulation (VIM-DBS) placed to address refractory tremor. Despite well-placed DBS leads and adequate tremor response, he subsequently experienced worsening. Re-programming of the device and reconfirming the electrical thresholds for benefits and side effects were both performed. Six years following DBS implantation, repeat imaging revealed brain atrophy and a measured lead position change with a coincident change in clinical response. Clinical dilemma:  What do we know about brain atrophy affectin

How a Common Mutation Leads to ‘Night Owl’ Sleep Disorder

A mutation in a gene associated with circadian rhythm extends the clock period, causing people to stay up late at night and sleep late in the mornings. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3jsLYnm

Empathy May Be in the Eye of the Beholder

People don't tend to like those who show empathy to morally questionable individuals. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/324Yzr9

Postpartum Depression May Persist Three Years After Giving Birth

Study reveals one in four women experience symptoms of depression up to three years after giving birth. The risks are greater for women with a history of mood disorders and gestational diabetes. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2Tu4v8d

Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration Training Program

Please join us for the  Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration Training Program 2020 Joint T32 & Movement Fellows Research Symposium Via Zoom Friday, October 30, 2020 9:00 am – 11:15 am   Zoom ID:  956 5339 9648 Passcode:  189370 See agenda here! from Department of Neurology » College of Medicine » University of Florida https://ift.tt/2G4qPCn

Study of Reaching and Grasping With Hand or Foot Reveals Novel Brain Insights

The brain processes motor commands, not just through fine muscle contractions, but also via higher-level motor areas that provide a blueprint for performing more complex motor functions, such as grasping, no matter if the toes or fingers are used. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/34wGa83

Cause of Alzheimer’s Disease Traced to Mutation in Common Enzyme

Mutations to the MARK4 gene causes the properties of tau to change, making them more likely to aggregate and become more insoluble. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3otjcXm

Time-Keeping Brain Protein Influences Memory

Pigment-dispersing factor, a signalling protein that helps the brain keep track of time, also helps to regulate memory formation. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/35FXQ0r

Hard Physical Work Significantly Increases the Risk of Dementia

Those who work in physically demanding jobs have a 55% higher risk of developing dementia than those who have more sedentary careers. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/37Iuzoi

Reperfusion Therapy Frequency and Outcomes in Mild Ischemic Stroke in the United States

Stroke, <a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/toc/str/51/11">Volume 51, Issue 11</a>, Page 3241-3249, November 1, 2020. Background and Purpose:More than half of patients with acute ischemic stroke have minor neurological deficits; however, the frequency and outcomes of reperfusion therapy in regular practice has not been well-delineated.Methods:Analysis of US National Inpatient Sample of hospitalizations with acute ischemic stroke and mild deficits (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score 0–5) from October 1, 2016, to December 31, 2017. Patient- and hospital-level characteristics associated with use and outcome of reperfusion therapies were analyzed. Primary outcomes included excellent discharge disposition (discharge to home without assistance); poor discharge disposition (discharge to facility or death); in-hospital mortality; and radiological intracranial hemorrhage.Results:Among 179 710 acute ischemic stroke admissions with recorded NIHSS duri

HEADS-UP: Understanding and Problem-Solving

Stroke, <a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/toc/str/51/11">Volume 51, Issue 11</a>, Page 3375-3381, November 1, 2020. There are substantial and longstanding inequities in stroke incidence, prevalence, care, and outcomes. The Health Equity and Actionable Disparities in Stroke: Understanding and Problem-Solving (HEADS-UP) symposium is an annual multidisciplinary scientific and educational forum targeting major inequities in cerebrovascular disease, with the ultimate objective of helping to bridge major inequities in stroke, and promptly translating scientific results into routine clinical practice, for the benefit of vulnerable and underserved populations. HEADS-UP is a collaborative undertaking by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the American Stroke Association and is held the day before the annual International Stroke Conference. In 2020, the HEADS-UP focused on the topic of racial/ethnic disparities in stroke and comprised invited

Inaugural Health Equity and Actionable Disparities in Stroke: Understanding and Problem-Solving Symposium

Stroke, <a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/toc/str/51/11">Volume 51, Issue 11</a>, Page 3382-3391, November 1, 2020. Race/ethnic minorities face significant inequities in stroke incidence, prevalence, care, and outcomes. The Health Equity and Actionable Disparities in Stroke: Understanding and Problem-solving symposium, a collaborative initiative of the American Heart Association and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, was the first-ever annual multidisciplinary scientific forum focused on race/ethnic inequities in cerebrovascular disease, with the overarching goal of reducing inequities in stroke and accelerating the translation of research findings to improve outcomes for race/ethnic minorities. The symposium featured esteemed invited plenary speakers, lecturing on determinants of race/ethnic inequities in stroke and interventions aimed at redressing the inequities. The Edgar J. Kenton III Award recognized Ralph Sacco, MD, MS, for his lif

Stroke Disparities: From Observations to Actions

Stroke, <a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/toc/str/51/11">Volume 51, Issue 11</a>, Page 3392-3405, November 1, 2020. Numerous epidemiological studies have demonstrated stroke disparities across race and ethnic groups. The goal of the NOMAS (Northern Manhattan Study) was to evaluate race and ethnic differences in stroke within a community with 3 different race-ethnic groups. Starting as a population-based incidence and case-control study, the study evolved into a cohort study. Results from NOMAS have demonstrated differences in stroke incidence, subtypes, risk factors, and outcomes. Disparities in ideal cardiovascular health can help explain many differences in stroke incidence and call for tailored risk factor modification through innovative portals to shift more diverse subjects to ideal cardiovascular health. The results of NOMAS and multiple other studies have provided foundational data to support interventions. Conceptual models to address health disparitie

Mystery Case: Clinical Reasoning: Recurrent cerebral ischemia during pregnancies

A 29-year-old G6P3023, left-handed woman presented with acute onset left-sided weakness and expressive aphasia. She was in her normal state of health while driving home from work when her mother noted symptom onset. She was taken immediately to the emergency department for further evaluation. On presentation, she was afebrile with blood pressure 136/99 mm Hg, regular heart and respiratory rates, and oxygen saturation 88% on room air. Neurologic examination was notable for left-sided hemiparesis and sensory disturbance. The aphasia had resolved. Emergent head CT did not demonstrate any abnormalities. from Neurology recent issues https://ift.tt/35yBGND

Single Brain Region Links Depression and Anxiety, Heart Disease, and Treatment Sensitivity

Overactivity in the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex underlies several key symptoms of depression, anxiety, and heart disease. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/35HIZmi

How to Figure Out What You Don’t Know

Testing multiple computational models of the nervous system, researchers discover that just because a model can make accurate predictions about data, this doesn't always translate into the underlying logic of the biological system it represents. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3ouBTtW

Signal intensity of cerebral gyri in corticobasal syndrome on phase difference enhanced magnetic resonance images: Comparison of progressive supranuclear palsy and Parkinson's disease

We evaluated cerebral gyri (CG) on phase difference enhanced imaging (PADRE) of corticobasal syndrome (CBS), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and Parkinson's disease (PD) patients to determine whether it is possible to discriminate among them on an individual basis. Two radiologists reviewed appearance of the normal CG and that of CBS patients on PADRE, and deviations from the appearance of the normal CG were recorded. Next, based on the CG abnormalities, two other reviewers reviewed PADRE images from 12 CBS, 14 PSP, and 30 PD patients. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/3oqTnHC

PTSD and Alcohol Abuse Go Hand-in-Hand, but Males and Females Exhibit Symptoms Differently

Male and female rodents exhibit distinct symptoms and brain features of both PTSD and alcohol use disorder. Following trauma, males show increased GABA receptor function, while females showed increased GABA release. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/31EANBI

Greater intraprocedural systolic blood pressure and blood pressure variability are associated with contrast-induced neurotoxicity after neurointerventional procedures

Contrast-induced neurotoxicity (CIN) is a rare complication of neurointerventional procedures and its understanding remains limited. We evaluated the association of CIN with systemic hemodynamics in patients undergoing neuroendovascular interventions. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/3e1l6d6

The remarkable scope of neurology…in 83 revealing numbers

Exploring Neurochecklists is a revealing experience… It always highlights the expansive range of neurological disorders. To illustrate this extensive breadth and scope of neurology… Here are 83 striking numbers..all linked to their checklists. 83. Numbers in a city: New Haven, CT. See Ming-Lee on Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/seeminglee/142117353 11 neurological complications of aortic dissection 11 causes of […] The remarkable scope of neurology…in 83 revealing numbers — Neurochecklists Blog from The Neurology Lounge https://ift.tt/34r0K9G

Why Low Oxygen Damages the Brain

Dysfunction in brain cells caused by low oxygen is caused by the same responder system that is intended to be protective. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3mby8aC

Workplace Interruptions Lead to Physical Stress

Study reveals the body produces more cortisol when people are interrupted during work. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3oj65rH

Increasing Sleep Time After Trauma Could Ease Ill Effects

Increasing time spent sleeping immediately following a traumatic event can help to significantly reduce the effects of trauma. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3jrycBn

Happiness and the Evolution of Brain Size

Study reveals a new role for serotonin in the development of the human neocortex. Serotonin acts cell-extrinsically as a growth factor for basal progenitors in the developing neocortex. Researchers report placenta-driven serotonin likely contributed to the evolutionary expansion of the neocortex in humans. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2Hwoctz

Brain Mapping and the Important Role Technologists Play

Certain parts of the brain are considered prime real estate. This is how neurologist Dr. Jeffrey Gertsch describes the eloquent cortex, the part of the brain where vital functions like language and motor function originate. Surgeons working in these areas need to carefully map the brain in real time, and neurodiagnostic technologists play an important role. This was the message of Dr. Gertsch’s talk at the recent annual meeting held by ASET-The Neurodiagnostic Society. Intraoperative brain mapping “is manpower- and equipment-intensive,” he said. Many subspecialties need to be coordinated and that includes the technologist. Brain mapping is typically used during epilepsy and tumor removal surgeries in the eloquent cortex. This includes areas near the temporal and frontal lobes where critical functions like speech, movement, hearing, vision, memory, and touch are centered. Most people generally share these locations in common, but there is slight variation from person to person and

Understanding the risk of incidental findings: A qualitative study of people with cognitive symptoms

Incidental imaging findings are abnormalities of potential clinical significance discovered unintentionally that are not related to the symptoms that prompted the test [1]. Their identification frequently leads to adverse psychological and social consequences [2,3]. Knowledge of the concept of incidental findings prior to imaging may enhance patient autonomy and reduce anxiety in the event that an incidental finding is subsequently identified [4]. However, the risk of incidental findings is frequently not discussed in clinical practice. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/2HhHjYw

Is Spirituality a Component of Wisdom?

Researchers report spirituality may be a component of wisdom, but pro-social behaviors such as empathy and compassion are more critical elements. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/37uBwcE

Bacterial Metabolism of Dietary Soy May Lower Risk Factor for Dementia

Study reports a metabolite produced following the consumption of dietary soy may lower risk factors for dementia. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2Ht1CC2

Humans Are Born With Brains ‘Prewired’ to See Words

Neuroimaging newborns reveals the human brain is born "prewired" to be receptive to words and language. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3kqcnDx

New trial drug combination shows promise for slowing progression of ALS

A new drug combination tested in a multisite human clinical trial shows promise for slowing the progression of ALS, often called Lou Gehrig’s disease, researchers at the University of Florida and partner institutions reported in The New England Journal of Medicine. The oral drug, a combination of sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol, was tested in the Phase 2 CENTAUR trial, a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind trial of 137 ALS patients within 18 months of onset of symptoms. The compounds, which previously were found to reduce neuronal death in preclinical models, resulted in statistically significant slowing of disease progression in the human trial, according to the study. from Department of Neurology » College of Medicine » University of Florida https://ift.tt/2Tjr3Zm

How to Supplement Neurology Income with VA Work

Todd Barnes knows the business of neurology. With an MBA and more than 20 years of experience he has become an expert in navigating the financial travails increasingly faced by this group of physicians. He knows that sometimes neurologists want to supplement their income, and he knows what opportunities are available. He gave a talk on this subject at the last meeting of the American Academy of Neurology. We were fortunate enough to meet him then and more recently ask him more about this issue. The result was a series of articles we published on medical legal work, consulting for insurance companies , and doing intermittent locum tenens . This post is the last of that series and it focuses on doing side work for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Todd Barnes The VA has hospitals and medical centers across the country and “the money can be good, especially for the amount of work you are asked to do,” says Barnes. The VA uses a system of “eighths” to determine the amount

New trial drug combination shows promise for slowing progression of ALS

A new drug combination tested in a multisite human clinical trial shows promise for slowing the progression of ALS, often called Lou Gehrig’s disease, researchers at the University of Florida and partner institutions reported in The New England Journal of Medicine. The oral drug, a combination of sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol, was tested in the Phase 2 CENTAUR trial, a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind trial of 137 ALS patients within 18 months of onset of symptoms. The compounds, which previously were found to reduce neuronal death in preclinical models, resulted in statistically significant slowing of disease progression in the human trial, according to the study. from Department of Neurology » College of Medicine » University of Florida https://ift.tt/2Tjr3Zm

The effects of Cannabis on hallucinations in Parkinson's disease patients

Cannabis use is on the rise both as medical treatment and recreational use. There is evidence that cannabis can cause hallucinations and psychosis especially with heavy and prolonged use. Parkinson's disease (PD) carries an increased risk for development of hallucinations and psychosis. It is possible that cannabis may exacerbate this risk and result in earlier and greater amounts of hallucinations and psychosis in this vulnerable population. A literature review was performed to determine the answer to that question. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/2IVfDJk

Cerebrovascular complications and vasculopathy in patients with herpes simplex virus central nervous system infection

Herpes simplex viruses (HSV) are neurotropic and known to cause central nervous system (CNS) infections. We aimed to describe the clinical and imaging features of cerebrovascular complications in patients with HSV CNS infections. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/34ktH7x

Neural Pathway Crucial to Successful Rapid Object Recognition in Primates

Researchers have identified a brain pathway between the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and the inferior temporal cortex which enables primates to effortlessly identify objects in their field of vision. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2HneBoz

Cannabis Reduces OCD Symptoms by Half in the Short-Term

People with OCD reported a reduction in the symptoms within four hours of smoking cannabis, a new study reports. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3m6jzFp

Gut Hormone Blocks Brain Cell Formation and Is Linked to Parkinson’s Dementia

Parkinson's patients have reduced acylated-ghrelin to unacylated-ghrelin ratios in their blood. Lower levels of unacylated-ghrelin have been associated with a reduced ability to generate new neurons and memory impairments. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/37v3mp8

Reduced Hormone Supply in Pregnant Mothers Linked to ADHD in Their Children

Maternal hyperthyroidism may contribute to an increased risk of ADHD in their offspring. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2HfKmQW

Community Noise May Affect Dementia Risk

People living in areas with high levels of daytime noise had a 36% higher risk of being diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, and a 30% increased risk of Alzheimer's disease than those living in quieter neighborhoods. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3oezHqc

Rituximab efficacy at different initial and maintenance doses in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: Experience from a national health institute in México

NMOSD is an inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system that primarily affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. Rituximab (RTX) is a monoclonal antibody directed against CD20, an epitope expressed on pre-B and mature B cells. It has of wide use in several antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/2Tek9o3

The effect of head positioning on cerebral hemodynamics: Experiences in mild ischemic stroke

It is generally agreed that optimal head positioning is an important consideration in acute stroke management regime. However, there is limited literature investigating the effect of head positioning changes on cerebrovascular physiology in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We aim to assess cerebral autoregulation (CA) and associated hemodynamic responses during gradual head positioning (GHP) changes, between AIS and controls. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/35hgxHu

Cerebral Microbleeds and Antithrombotic Treatments—Stop Worrying About Bleeding

Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are found in up to one-third of patients with ischemic stroke. Because of their hemorrhagic histopathological substrate, they have been historically associated with a risk of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). This has led to concerns about the safety of anticoagulation use in patients with CMBs even in the context of high risk of recurrent ischemic stroke, such as in atrial fibrillation. However, growing evidence suggests that CMBs are not only markers of bleeding propensity but also markers of future ischemic events. To further evaluate both types of risks, an assessment of the number and anatomic distribution of CMBs might be helpful. Unfortunately, available data are based on observational studies with inherent bias and, to our knowledge, no randomized clinical trial to date has clearly determined the net clinical benefit of anticoagulation in patients with CMBs and a high risk of thromboembolic events. from journals https://ift.tt/2HmWq2B

Anti-Inflammatory Therapy Shows Promise in Slowing Progression of Multiple Sclerosis

A new intranasal delivery system shows promise in reducing neuroinflammation and slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/35l3cxZ

A Fraction of a Second Is All You Need to Feel the Music

Our perception of musical timing is closely linked to the quality of the sound. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3dJM20z

The Role of Sleep Deprivation in Unwanted Thoughts

Sleep deprivation impairs our ability to stop obtrusive thoughts from entering our minds. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2HljTRI

Rethinking the Link Between Cannabinoids and Learning

Disrupted cannabinoid signaling impairs learning by altering behavioral states. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2Hrmr0g

Researcher Proposes New Theory of Consciousness

A new theory suggests electromagnetic energy in the brain enables neurons and brain regions to create consciousness and our ability to critically think. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3dL9wTm

Teaching NeuroImages: Reversible neuroimaging findings during treatment of infantile spasms with vigabatrin

A 10-month-old boy with global developmental delay presented to clinic with a few months of infantile spasms occurring multiple times a day. His seizures continued despite vigabatrin (dosed at 133 mg/kg/d), levetiracetam, and steroid therapy. On vigabatrin, routine follow-up MRI showed abnormal signal change (figure), which may occur in 30.9% of patients. 1 Risk is associated with a high peak dose but not cumulative. 2 These findings are largely asymptomatic although rarely patients can present with hyperkinetic disorders. 2 The imaging findings resolved on 4-month follow-up after tapering vigabatrin. At 18 months of age, the patient continues to have 1 seizure every 2 weeks. from Neurology recent issues https://ift.tt/3dFx0ck

Keeping Weight off Is up to Your Brain, Not Just Willpower

Weight loss isn't simply a matter of willpower, it's actually connected to basic visual and olfactory cues. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3jdls19

Gene That Helps Us Know When It’s Time to Urinate Discovered

Study implicates the PIEZO2 gene in experiencing the urge to urinate. The gene helps at least two cell types in the brain to identify when the bladder is full and needs emptying. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3o5TVCh

What Lies Between Grey and White in the Brain

Researchers have succeeded in making superficial white matter visible in a living human brain. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3dDqXoK

Happy Endings Trip up the Brain’s Decision-Making

How the brain represents and codes a pleasant outcome can have an impact on decision making. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3o8635J