BackgroundThe current study aimed to investigate the correlation between psychological factors, general jealousy, and rumination, and the progression of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). The increasing awareness of non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s patients, especially more severe ones, led us to assess how emotional states might be associated with the severity of the disease. Drawing on somewhat conflicting prior work and our own clinical intuitions, we hypothesized that patients reporting higher jealousy and rumination levels would tend to present at more advanced disease stages. MethodsOur study included 40 participants with PD for this cross-sectional investigation. To gauge general jealousy, we administered the Multidimensional Jealousy Scale; for rumination, we used the Rumination Response Scale; and disease stage was determined via the well-established Hoehn and Yahr classification system. Pearson’s correlation coefficients tested relationships between general jealousy, rumination, and disease stage, while multiple linear regression analysis examined whether rumination could predict disease stage, controlling for age and disease duration. ResultsOur hypothesis found support in the data. A strong positive correlation emerged between general jealousy and disease stage (r = 0.544, p < 0.01); in other words, patients with higher jealousy scores tended to be at more advanced stages of disease. A moderate positive correlation emerged between rumination and disease stage (r = 0.377, p < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis further revealed that rumination significantly predicted disease stage (standardized β = 0.473, p < 0.01; adjusted R2 = 0.20, F(3,36) = 4.12, p < 0.05), suggesting that higher rumination is associated with greater disease severity. Descriptive statistics: General jealousy mean = 32.6 (SD = 7.1); rumination mean = 45.6 (SD = 8.0); disease stage mean = 2.7 (SD = 1.3). DiscussionThese findings highlight how important emotional states could be and their interplay with PD severity, suggesting that addressing general jealousy and rumination could improve patient outcomes. In a broader context, this supports integrating psychological interventions into neurodegenerative disease management, potentially influencing global care models for chronic illnesses. ConclusionThe findings indicate the relevance of psychological factors in the management of Parkinson’s disease. Importantly, the significant associations between general jealousy, rumination, and disease stage demonstrate the importance of care approaches that include emotional and physical well-being. Further research is needed to confirm these associations longitudinally. Increased knowledge should be developed about interventions targeting general jealousy and rumination as a way to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Introduction Recent research has demonstrated the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in both systemic sclerosis (SSc) and other neurological disorders. These molecules are central to neuroinflammation, synaptic plasticity, and neurovascular function, all of which are fundamental to the pathophysiology of these diseases. Given the apparent overlap, this study was designed to investigate the relationship between psychological symptoms and serum VEGF and MMP-9 levels in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods This study employed a cross-sectional design and recruited patients with SSc. Serum levels of VEGF and MMP-9 were measured in the blood using certified immunoassays. Psychological symptoms were assessed using the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). Correlation analysis was performed to examine associations between biomarker levels and psychological data obtained from the SCL-90-R. A mediation analysis was conducted to explore potential indirect relationships between biomarkers (VEGF, MMP-9) and psychological symptoms. Results Among 34 SSc patients (mean age 49.65 years), psychological distress was prevalent, with somatization and psychoticism showing the highest symptom scores on the SCL-90-R. VEGF and MMP-9 levels were within normal ranges but showed important associations: VEGF correlated with psychological symptoms, particularly paranoid ideation (r = 0.6, p = .01), while MMP-9 was linked to pulmonary artery pressure (r = 0.4, p = .03). Mediation analyses confirmed that VEGF significantly mediated the relationship between MMP-9 and multiple psychological domains. Discussion This study demonstrates significant psychological distress in SS patients and reveals meaningful associations between VEGF levels and psychological symptoms, even within clinically normal ranges, suggesting subclinical biomarker variations may contribute to emotional distress through neurovascular pathways. The findings align with existing literature while extending understanding by identifying VEGF as a mediator between matrix metalloproteinase-9 and psychological domains. However, the cross-sectional design limits causal interpretation, and the sample size was limited; therefore, findings should be interpreted with caution. Conclusion These results suggest that dysregulated VEGF and MMP-9, both crucial for vascular and fibrotic functions, can also influence or reflect psychological well-being in individuals with SSc. Further studies are needed to identify the psychobiological pathways involved. Thus, a more integrated, physiological–psychological health-based treatment strategy might improve clinical outcomes and quality of life for SSc patients.
Introduction Functional Neurological Disorders (FNDs) are involuntary, disabling conditions often linked to biopsychosocial factors. There is a gap in the literature regarding the clinical characteristics of patients suffering from FNDs. This study aimed to describe and compare the clinical profiles of the most common FND subtypes (seizures and motor). Methods This cross-sectional study included data collection from semi-structured interviews, medical records, and the Hamilton scales. Results Among 105 patients, 60 participants were found to be eligible. Statistically differences were found in mean age of symptom onset (seizures: 25 years vs . motor: 36 years, p <0.001), mean time to diagnosis (seizures: 14 years vs . motor: 3 years, p <0.001), symptom frequency ( p =0.003), psychological violence (32% in seizures vs . 10% in motor, p =0.039), sexual trauma (76% in motor vs . 26% in seizures, p <0.001), sexual complications (41% in motor vs . 13% in seizures, p =0.013), loss of close relatives (48% in seizures vs . 10% in motor, p <0.001), and number of hours of sleep per night ( p =0.009). Differences were also found in family history of epilepsy (48% in seizures vs . 21% in motor, p =0.023), movement disorders (31% in motor vs . 10% in seizures, p =0.040), and schizophrenia (31% in motor vs . 7% in seizures, p =0.016). The seizure subtype had slightly higher HAM-A (38.6) and lower HAM-D (29.5) scores compared to the motor subtype (37.3 and 30.3, respectively), with statistically significant differences in agitation, weight loss, and genitourinary and somatic symptoms ( p <0.05). Discussion The affinities and variations between the two subgroups were correlated with the state-of-the-art literature, providing valuable insights into the theoretical and clinical understanding of FNDs. Conclusion Patients with FNDs exhibit a consistent clinical profile with variations according to their subtypes, allowing for the refinement of knowledge about subtype-specific characteristics.
Background and Purpose Clopidogrel, a commonly used antiplatelet agent for stroke prevention, requires CYP2C19-mediated metabolism for efficacy. Loss-of-function alleles reduce clopidogrel’s antiplatelet effect, potentially leading to treatment failure. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CYP2C19 polymorphisms in a Thai population and the association of these polymorphisms with recurrent cardiovascular events. Methods This retrospective chart review included patients who presented to Bangkok Hospital, Thailand (January 2014–December 2023), for whom CYP2C19 genetic testing results were available. Patients were categorized as carriers or noncarriers of loss-of-function alleles. The Essen Stroke Risk Score (ESRS) was used to stratify patients at high risk (≥3) or low risk (<3) for recurrent stroke. The primary outcome was either recurrent ischemic stroke or myocardial infarction. Log-rank test was used to assess differences in event rates between groups. Results Among the 126 patients (mean age 70.45 ± 12.48 years, 74.6% male), the CYP2C19 phenotypes were distributed as follows: normal metabolizers (31%), intermediate metabolizers (48.4%), poor metabolizers (12.7%), and ultrarapid metabolizers (7.9%). All recurrent cardiovascular events occurred in the carriers. Compared to noncarriers, carriers exhibited significantly greater rates of recurrent stroke (p=0.028) and recurrent myocardial infarction (p=0.04). Recurrent stroke and myocardial infarction were significantly more frequent in carriers only within the high ESRS group. Conclusion Loss-of-function CYP2C19 alleles were prevalent in more than half of the studied population. Carriers demonstrated a significantly increased risk for recurrent cardiovascular events. Pretreatment CYP2C19 genotyping should be considered to prevent adverse outcomes in clopidogrel-treated patients, particularly those with high ESRS (≥3).
Background Thrombocytosis is a condition characterized by a platelet count higher than 450,000/μl. In instances of severe thrombocytosis, the number of platelets reaches 1,000,000 per microliter. Thrombocytosis is commonly identified as an unexpected aberration in laboratory tests, as the majority of patients do not show any symptoms. Thrombocytosis can be categorized into two types: essential thrombocytosis (primary) and reactive thrombocytosis (secondary). Reactive thrombocytosis is the predominant form of thrombocytosis. Within the population of persons with thrombocytosis, around 80% to 90% are specifically identified as having reactive thrombocytosis. Case Presentation This is a case report of a 73-year-old man who arrived at the emergency room with symptoms, including loss of consciousness, weakness on the right side of his body, high blood pressure, and difficulty breathing. Further investigations have revealed the patient to have a high platelet count (1,186,000/µL), a hemorrhagic stroke, and pneumonia. Discussion This case report describes the presence of thrombocytosis in a patient who has experienced a hemorrhagic stroke. The patient displayed a condition of extreme thrombocytosis, marked by a platelet count exceeding 1,000,000 per microliter (µL). The brain CT scan showed a 42 cc intracerebral haemorrhage in the right temporal lobe, resulting in impending obstructive hydrocephalus. The patient also reported experiencing dyspnoea and fever one week prior to hospitalisation, and his sputum culture revealed the presence of Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria. Conclusion This case report demonstrates the clinical presentation of a hemorrhagic stroke accompanied by reactive thrombocytosis, with pneumonia being the major infection linked with reactive thrombocytosis.
Introduction Drug-resistant Epilepsy (ERO) is a complex problem, both in diagnosis and management, and carries a high risk of death and risk of cognitive and behavioral problems. This study aims to determine the relationship between EEG recording results and structural abnormalities from MRI examination results in Drug-Resistant Epilepsy (DRE). Methods Quantitative comparative analysis was conducted to study focal epilepsy recorded in the pediatric neurology outpatient of Dr. Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung, 2018-2023. Data collected from medical records included patient demographics and clinical data, EEG recording results, and MRI examination results. Data were subjected to Chi-square analysis with the alternative Fisher's exact test in SPSS 26. A p-value <0.05 was declared significant. Results From 67 samples, 34 DRE subjects and 33 drug-sensitive focal epilepsy (DSFO) subjects were obtained. More significant comorbidities were found in DRFO with a p-value of 0.027 and OR 8.88 (1.03-76.84). There was a significant difference in the results of EEG recordings in the two groups with p <0.001. The different EEG features were significant including slowing, polyspike, and frequency>1/60s. The MRI images were not found to be significantly different. The most common structural lesion found was focal cortical dysplasia in both groups. There was no correlation between MRI and EEG in DRE. Conclusion EEG recordings' results were better than MRI images' for predicting DRFO, including images of slowing, polyspike, and frequency >1/60. Both EEG and MRI had their respective values for predicting DRE.
Nrf2 is a major transcriptional factor that controls gene expression in normal health and pathological conditions. It regulates and controls the manifestation of various major elements of oxidative stress, neuro-inflammation, autophagy, and mitochondrial bioenergetics in the centre and periphery. Besides, Nrf2 activity is also controlled at various stages, such as protein degradation, transcription, and post-translation. Growing evidence suggests changes in the levels of Nrf2 in degenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is characterised by elevated oxidative stress, neuro-inflammation, synaptic dysfunction, and proteinopathies, which lead to the progressive loss of memory. A decrease in the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream target genes was identified in AD. Recent studies have shown that Nrf2 interferes with various main pathogenic processes in AD, including amyloid and tau pathologies. The current review focuses on brief in the regulation of Nrf2 and the association of Nrf2 with AD, along with the currently available Nrf2 activators.
Obesity is a major public health challenge and results from the complex interaction of many etiopathogenetic factors. However, food-related hedonic stimuli and poor inhibitory control often appear to be specific maintenance factors, and conventional treatments are sometimes ineffective. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is emerging as a promising treatment option. Targeting specific brain regions, such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, was found to be effective in modulating acute food craving and improving cognitive control. This review traces the evolution and development of transcranial magnetic stimulation and presents the results of recent randomized clinical trials conducted in obese subjects. These suggest that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and deep transcranial magnetic stimulation may be effective in reducing body weight, BMI and food cravings. The neural circuits involved and the underlying mechanisms of action of this neurostimulation technique are also reviewed. Finally, outstanding questions and future research directions are identified to further understand and develop this promising therapy.
Background Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) is a degenerative condition characterized by progressive loss of language function. Studies on PPA patients in Indonesia are still limited, and none has reported clinical and linguistic profiles of PPA patients who speak Bahasa Indonesia. This study aimed to describe clinical and linguistic profiles and challenges in the diagnosis of PPA patients from referral hospitals in Medan, Indonesia. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of patients diagnosed with PPA based on the 2011 diagnostic criteria during the 2022-2023 period and described clinical characteristics data and linguistic profiles using descriptive analysis. Results We included 6 cases that fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for PPA. There were 3 cases categorized as nfvPPA, 1 case as svPPA, and 2 cases as lvPPA. There was female predominance (83.3%) and the mean age at onset was 59±2.96 years. The first symptom reported in the nfvPPA group was effortful, non-fluent speech; in svPPA, it was impaired naming and single word comprehension, while in lvPPA, it was impairment in word retrieval. Challenges in diagnosis included the availability of a standardized language tool aimed specifically for PPA in Bahasa Indonesia and the expertise needed to make such a diagnosis. Conclusion The main clinical features of the PPA reported were similar to previous findings with specific characteristics of Bahasa Indonesia. Determining language profiles of each variant of PPA in Bahasa Indonesia is crucial to establishing a correct diagnosis. Language assessment tool in Bahasa Indonesia is urgently needed to facilitate better assessment and management planning to improve quality of life.
Background Surgical treatment is the mainstay of management in patients having fractures in fused spines. However, these patients also tend to be older and have comorbidities resulting in increased morbidity and mortality with operative management. Therefore, there has been more recent interest in the risks and benefits of nonoperative treatment in these patients. Objective Extension pattern fractures have an intact posterior element hinge resulting in lower risk of translation. Therefore, we wanted to determine the outcome of nonoperative treatment of extension pattern fractures in patients with fused spines. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of all patients with fused spines having extension thoracolumbar fractures without neurologic deficit treated nonoperatively at a University Health Sciences Centre over an 8-year period. Results We had a complete set of data for 14 patients. There was a morbidity rate of 29% and a mortality rate of 14%. All of our patients had a significant positive change in their Cobb angle, indicating closure of the fracture gap without translation in either the sagittal or coronal planes. Remodelling of the fracture lines was found in all 14 patients and in 11 there were also bridging osteophytes across the fracture. No patients developed neurologic deficits. Conclusion By demonstrating the successful healing of extension fractures treated nonoperatively with morbidity and mortality in keeping with that of reports of patients with fused spines managed operatively, we added support to conducting future randomized studies of operative versus nonoperative treatment in this patient population.
Introduction We report a case of a young child with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB) of the thoracic spine, complicated by myelopathy. Case Report Clinical assessment revealed a lower thoracic gibbus and neurological features of upper motor neuron syndrome conforming to myelopathy. Radiological evaluation revealed a marked kyphosis, contiguous T10-T11 vertebral destruction, paraspinal soft tissue collection, and intraspinal compression with cord signal changes, suggestive of spinal TB. Rapid molecular testing expedited the diagnosis of MDR/RR-TB and guided prompt treatment initiation. Although second-line drugs are the mainstay of treatment, surgery was undertaken due to marked kyphosis, spinal instability, and neurological complications in the growing spine. Conclusion Although the case seems interesting, it, unfortunately, highlights multiple health system failures in developing countries, resulting in premature termination of MDR/RR-TB treatment and loss of kyphosis correction with subsequent recurrence of the kyphotic deformity.
Background Blood viscosity has received increased attention as a potential predictor of ischemic stroke risk, particularly in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Despite the importance of this link, there has been a notable paucity of comprehensive research on the subject. Hence, the major goal of this study was to shed light on the potential importance of blood viscosity in individuals with ischemic stroke and CHF. Case Presentation An 85-year-old male was presented to the emergency department after three days of gradually decreasing consciousness. His medical history included hypertension and CHF. His Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was determined to be E2M5V3, and he displayed evidence of upper motor neuron facial palsy as well as right hemiparesis. The clinical assessment scores, which included the NIHSS and mRS, were 10 and 4, respectively. MRI imaging confirmed the existence of several acute infarctions. Other diagnostic procedures, including an x-ray, revealed cardiomegaly and echocardiographic findings were compatible with grade I diastolic dysfunction. His blood viscosity was 8.19 cP, which was much higher than normal. The patient was diagnosed with ischemic stroke, CHF, and hyperviscosity based on these findings. Despite a small increase in blood viscosity to 8.16 cP after a six-day treatment session, the patient showed significant clinical improvement. Unfortunately, he was readmitted immediately after being discharged and died three days later. Conclusion This case demonstrates the importance of blood viscosity in the evaluation and prognosis of patients with ischemic stroke and CHF.
Background Mirror movement (MM), also known as bimanual synkinesis, is characterized by simultaneous involuntary movements of homologous muscles accompanying voluntary movements of contralateral body regions. MM can be observed in various neurological conditions, including cerebral palsy, corticobasal syndrome, Parkinson's disease, certain types of symptomatic epilepsies, Creutzfeldt-Jakob's disease, Huntington's disease, and others. Case Description A 52-year-old female with a history of epileptic seizures, essential tremors and mild MM was presented to a neurology clinic for seizure management. She had a long-standing history of seizures since childhood. Initial neurological examination revealed mild MM disorder. During the follow up visits, patient’s mirror movements were exacerbated months before she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Multiple antiepileptic drug regiments along with Carbidopa-levodopa were used and dose adjustments were done during follow up visits to help stabilize the patient’s symptoms. Conclusion In conclusion, this case highlights the progressive nature of mirror movement disorder (MMD) and its association with other neurological conditions, such as epilepsy, essential tremors, and Parkinson's disease. The primary aim of this study was to showcase that individuals with early childhood onset of MMD may experience a deterioration of their condition as they acquire additional neurological disorders, such as essential tremors or Parkinson's disease. Moreover, this study seeks to elucidate how the exacerbation of mirror movement symptoms in such cases can serve as an early indicator of the onset of Parkinson's disease. Medication adjustments played a crucial role in managing the patient's symptoms, emphasizing the importance of individualized treatment plans and close monitoring.
Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the role of CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 genetic variations in drug-responsive/drug-refractory epilepsy, thereby facilitating the development of personalised drug strategies for effective treatment. Background: Cytochrome p450 was found to metabolize the drugs either by stimulation or by inhibition of cytochrome enzyme activity. CYP 450 genetic polymorphisms were postulated to influence the patient response to epileptic drugs by means of altered cytochrome enzyme activity resulting in varied therapeutic responses from patient to patient. Objective: The aim of the study is to evaluate the significance of CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 genetic variations in drug-responsive/drug-refractory epilepsy. Methods: A total of 65 subjects, 31 drug-refractory epilepsy cases and 34 drug-responsive epilepsy cases were included in the present study. The genetic analysis of CYP 450 2C9*2 (rs1799853), 2C9*3 (rs1057910), 2C19*2 (rs4244285) and 2C19*3 (rs4986893) polymorphisms was done by Polymerase Chain Reaction followed by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism. Statistical analysis was performed by online Medcalc software to evaluate the association of CYP polymorphisms with drug-responsive/drug-refractory epilepsy cases. Results and Discussion: In the present study, a total of 31 drug-refractory epilepsy and 34 drug-responsive epilepsy patients were enrolled. The clinical parameters like duration of seizures was significantly different in drug-refractory cases (P=0.0001) and the postictal features were significantly associated with drug-refractory cases (p=0.0124). Regarding the genetic analysis, our study results for CYP2C9*2 (rs1799853:C>T) polymorphism did not show a significant association with the drug-refractory cases. The T allele frequency was 0.03 in epileptic drug-responsive cases and was found to be 0.0 in drug-refractory cases. Genotype distribution of CC, CT and TT was found to be 93.7%, 6.3% and 0% in drug-responsive cases and 100%, 0% and 0% in drug-refractory cases, respectively. The CYP2C9*3 (rs1057910) polymorphism C-allele was not observed in both drug-refractory and responsive cases in the present study. AA genotype (100%) was found in both drug-responsive and refractory cases. The study results for CYP2C19*2 (rs4244285) polymorphism did not show a significant association with the drug-refractory cases. The A allele frequency was 0.44 in epileptic drug-responsive cases and was found to be 0.45 in epileptic drug-refractory cases. Genotype distribution of GG, GA and AA was found to be 21.9%, 65.6% and 12.5% in drug-responsive cases and 20.83%, 70.84% and 8.33% in drug-refractory cases, respectively. The CYP2C19*3 (rs4986893) polymorphism did not show a significant association with the drug-refractory cases. The A allele frequency was 0.0 in epileptic drug-responsive cases and was found to be 0.0 in epileptic drug-refractory cases. Genotype distribution of GG, GA and AA was found to be 93.5%, 6.5% and 0% in drug-responsive cases and 100%, 0% and 0% in drug-refractory cases, respectively. Conclusion: In the present study, a significant difference was observed in the duration of seizures in the drug-refractory group and postictal features were significantly associated with the drug-refractory group. The genetic polymorphisms in CYP2C9*2, CYP2C9*3, CYP2C19*2, and CYP2C19*3 did not show any significant association with drug refractory epilepsy. However, the study has to be extended to a large sample for the establishment of the significance of the specified polymorphisms in drug-responsive/drug-refractory epilepsy.
Introduction: Bone fracture after head trauma is common in children. When a fracture happens in the temporal bone, Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) might leak and/or the temporal lobe protrude (named encephalocele) as a mass inside the middle ear or mastoid or both. Case Presentation: Here, a 10 year old presents with an initial diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. Three years ago after head trauma he had a forgotten bone fracture. Incomplete improvement after primary treatment was achieved. Finally, after seeing a bone fracture on the right roof of the tympani and soft tissue mass in brain High-Resolution Compound Tomography (HRCT),surgical exploration determined the CSF leakage from a right lobe temporal meningo encephalocele. The bone defect was repaired and the patient had complete improvement. Conclusion: In this case with forgotten post traumatic temporal bone fracture, temporal bone encephaloceles lead to CSF leakage inside the middle ear cavity and introduce bacterial meningitis. High-Resolution Compound Tomography (HRCT) of the cranial base defined the bone defect. In recent years, Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) has been known as the best method for the diagnosis of brain tissue herniation in the middle ear cavity. Although to differentiate the encephalocele from other masses ( e.g . granulation, cholesteatoma, cholesterol granuloma, etc .) inside the middle ear cavity in an MRI is not easy. Surgical multilayered closure of the dura and simultaneous repair of the bone defect is needed.
Background: Herpes simplex virus type 2 rarely causes encephalitis in humans. Some DNA viruses, such as HSV-1 and HSV-2, can be reactivated by COVID-19 infection. SARS-CoV-2 causes a wide spectrum of neurological deficits, such as stroke, delirium, movement disorders, and neuropathy. Case Presentation: An unusual manifestation of HSV-2 was diagnosed as cerebellitis in our patient. It was concluded that SARS-CoV-2 can reactivate DNA viruses, such as HSV-2. Here, we reported a 1-year-old female infant with cerebellitis due to herpes simplex virus type 2 infection. Conclusion: The patient was treated with intravenous acyclovir and oral prednisolone for three weeks. Finally, during her 9-month neurological follow-up, she was able to walk with minimal ataxia.
Introduction: The purpose of this investigation was to investigate the relationships between cortical excitability and complex reaction times (RT).To carry out this study, we performed transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to test cortical excitability and the Posner paradigm to investigate the RT and errors. Investigation of motor cortex excitability and reaction time. Methods: Twenty male right-handed participants were chosen for this investigation (Age: 23.5±2.1 years; Height 177.1±2.8 cm; Body mass 73.2±3.3 Kg). Results: A significant positive correlation emerged between resting motor threshold (rMT) and RT and between motor evoked potential (MEP) latency and RT(p<0.001). The results also show a significant positive correlation (p<0.001) between rMT and the percentage of errors and a significant positive correlation (p<0.05) between MEP latency (ms) and the percentage of errors. The main results of the study showed that subjects who showed lower motor activation thresholds were able to respond faster and they also showed a significantly lower error rate compared to subjects who showed higher motor activation thresholds. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, our study seems to confirm the presence of a relationship between neuro-physiological parameters (MEP latency and rMT), RT and percentage of correct answers.
Pain is “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described by the patient in terms of such damage”. The origin of every pain syndrome is inflammation. A group of voltage-gated channels that are permeable to calcium ions enhances sensory transduction witnessed during inflammation. Hence, understanding calcium signaling is an essential step towards recognizing neural network activity associated with pain management. In this review, we attempted to understand the impact of calcium-permeable ion channels in the recognition, processing, transduction and modulation of pain signals. Results obtained revealed that calcium being one of the most ubiquitous secondary messengers play a significant role in modulating numerous biological processes, including inflammation and pain. Though almost all subtypes of calcium channels are highly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS), the “N-type calcium ion-channels” play an important function at the time of neurotransmitter release from the afferent terminals within the spinal dorsal. Hence, they serve as a key therapeutic target during the treatment of analgesics. Migraine is also reported to involve neurogenic inflammation. “P/Q-type calcium channels” is suggested to have important role in migraine. The inhibition of these channels through various analgesics serves as a treatment against inflammatory and neuropathic pain. However, few of these inhibitors have numerous side effects, including cancer. Hence, these inhibitors may be consumed under the supervision of medical practitioners. In this review, we revealed the understanding and regulation of ion channels in inflammation causing pain and its treatment.
Introduction: Coronaviruses patients may develop various neurological complications, including loss of smell and taste. Rehabilitation programs should be considered for patients with disabilities lasting longer than two weeks. The present pilot study evaluated photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) as a treatment option for olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions. Case Representation: The study included six patients with coronavirus disease with olfactory and gustatory complaints who were part of a cohort of 172 coronavirus disease patients monitored for late neurological manifestations. Olfactory and gustatory functions were evaluated using visual analog scales applied at baseline, end, and 6 months after treatment. 36-item Short-Form General Health Survey and a questionnaire containing closed questions were also administered. All scales were applied by a researcher blinded to the results of the given intervention. An intranasal PBMT protocol was applied, with 16 laser sessions performed twice a week at a 48-hour interval. Results: A statistically significant difference was observed between the medians of the visual analogue scale scores for olfactory and gustatory disorders before, after, and six months later. The medians of the physical role, social functioning, general health, and emotional role SF-36 domains were higher after treatment, suggesting improved quality of life. Conclusion: The results observed in this study suggest that PBMT can be an effective resource for patients with long-term COVID-19.
