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Traumatic Brain Injury – Clazosentan May Block Harmful Effects

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Danzig

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Main Category: Neurology / Neuroscience
Article Date: 22 Feb 2012 - 5:00 PST

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A study in rats has found that a new medication called clazosentan, may be effective in blocking the harmful effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 64th Annual Meeting in New Orleans April 21 to April 28, 2012.

Michael Kaufman, study author, a second year medical student at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, and member of the American Academy of Neurology, explained:

"There are currently no primary treatments for TBI, so this research provides hope that effective treatments can be developed."

Christian Kreipke, MD, also with Wayne State University School of Medicine, is lead researcher on the study.

TBI results in restricted blood flow in the cerebrum of the brain, which can ultimately cause permanent cell dysfunction and death. As early as four hours following a brain injury, a receptor in the brain called endothelin receptor A (ETrA) contributes to decreasing blood flow. Scientists believe that the new drug clazosentan specifically blocks ETrA.

Through an intravenous (IV) line, the team administered clazosentan to brain-injured rats at multiple time periods after TBI. The researchers then used an MRI brain scan to measure the rat's blood flow in the hippocampus and sensory motor cortex and examined their behavior in learning a maze.

Four hours after TBI, results showed that the drug lowered the effects of the TBI on blood flow to the hippocampus by 25% and 23% at 48 hours. The researchers found that some rats improved when given the drug 12 hours post-TBI, while others remained the same or worsened. Results showed that the most effective time to administer clazosentan was 2 hours post-injury and again at 24 hours. When the medication was given at 2 and 24 hours post-injury, the rats also performed better on the maze test.

Kaufman, said:

"This research is the foundation for future clinical trials that will investigate the possibilities of using clazosentan in the treatment of TBI."

The study was funded by the American Academy of Neurology, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the National Institutes of Health.

To learn more about traumatic brain injury, click here.

Written by Grace Rattue
Copyright: Medical News Today
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February 22, 2012 Claris first visit by an Neurologist – Video

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Danzig

21-02-2012 21:48 On February 22 2012 Claris has got its first doctor examining by doctor Labaguis specialist for neurology. The first opinion showed that the improvement may be achieved by therapy medicines and a subsequent Physio. We still need donations to further medical examinations to credit such as CT scan and EEG. It can be donated at Better Place, the faster away by an account transfer. For a bank account transfers please take contact with me.

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February 22, 2012 Claris first visit by an Neurologist - Video

February 22th, 2012; Claris first appointment at the Neurologist (short version) – Video

Posted on February 25, 2012 by Danzig

23-02-2012 11:44 On February 22 2012, Claris has had her first doctor examination by doctor Labaguis a neurology specialist. The first opinion showed that the improvement may be achieved by therapy medicines and a subsequent Physiological exams and treatment. We still need donations for further medical examinations and for clinical credit towards treatments such as CT scan and EEG. How can you help Claris? Funds can be donated at Better Place, the fastest way by an account transfer. For a bank account transfers please make contact with me. Help Health Foundation says Thank You for Helping Claris.

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February 22th, 2012; Claris first appointment at the Neurologist (short version) - Video

Tokyo Neurologist Wins $100,000 Potamkin Prize for Alzheimer's Research

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Danzig

Newswise — NEW ORLEANS – The American Academy of Neurology is awarding its 2012 Potamkin Prize for Research in Pick’s, Alzheimer’s and Related Diseases to Takeshi Iwatsubo, MD, PhD, with the University of Tokyo School of Medicine. Iwatsubo will receive the award during the Academy’s 64th Annual Meeting, April 21-28, 2012, in New Orleans. The Annual Meeting is the world’s largest gathering of neurologists with more than 10,000 attendees and more than 2,300 scientific presentations on the latest research advance in brain disease.

The Potamkin Prize honors researchers for their work in helping to advance the understanding of Pick’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. The $100,000 prize is an internationally recognized tribute for advancing dementia research.

Iwatsubo is receiving the Potamkin Prize for his research leading the Japanese Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative Project to discover imaging and biochemical markers that are useful in clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease treatments.

“Winning the Potamkin Prize is the highlight of my career as a researcher,” said Iwatsubo. “It is my hope that my research will contribute to the development of new therapies to prevent and cure Alzheimer’s disease and related neurodegenerative disorders.”

The Potamkin Prize is made possible by the philanthropic contributions of the Potamkin family of Colorado, Philadelphia and Miami. The goal of the prize is to help attract the best medical minds and most dedicated scientists in the world to the field of dementia research. The Potamkin family has been the Academy’s single largest individual donor since 1988, providing more than $2 million to fund the Potamkin Prize.

Learn more about Alzheimer’s disease at http://www.aan.com/patients.

The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 25,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.

For more information about the American Academy of Neurology, visit http://www.aan.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.

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Tokyo Neurologist Wins $100,000 Potamkin Prize for Alzheimer's Research

Mother's migraine may increase baby's risk of colic

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Danzig

Public release date: 20-Feb-2012
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Contact: Rachel Seroka
rseroka@aan.com
651-695-2738
American Academy of Neurology

NEW ORLEANS ? New research suggests that mothers who experience migraine may be more likely to have a baby with colic than mothers without a history of migraine. Colic is defined as excessive crying in an otherwise healthy infant. The research was released today and will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 64th Annual Meeting in New Orleans April 21 to April 28, 2012.

"Since migraine is a highly genetic disorder, our study suggests that infant colic may be an early sign that a child may be predisposed toward migraine headache later in life," said study author Amy Gelfand, MD, child neurologist with the Headache Center at the University of California, San Francisco, and a member of the American Academy of Neurology. "Colic may be another example of a childhood periodic syndrome, which is often a precursor to migraine."

For the study, researchers analyzed information about 154 mothers and their babies. Colic was reported by parents based on questions developed by study researchers using standard criteria for colic.

The study found that babies whose mothers had a history of migraine were two-and-a-half times more likely to have colic than infants whose mothers did not have a history of migraine. Overall, 29 percent of infants whose mothers had migraine had colic compared to 11 percent of those babies whose mothers did not have migraine.

"This may be helpful in more accurately identifying children who have childhood periodic syndromes by asking about a history of infant colic. In addition, this study helps to advance our understanding about the different expressions of migraine across a person's lifetime," said Gelfand.

###

Learn more about migraine at http://www/aan.com/patients.

The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 25,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.

For more information about the American Academy of Neurology, visit http://www.aan.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.

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Mother's migraine may increase baby's risk of colic

Guideline: Monitoring spinal cord during surgery may help prevent paralysis

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Danzig

Public release date: 20-Feb-2012
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Contact: Rachel Seroka
rseroka@aan.com
651-695-2738
American Academy of Neurology

ST. PAUL, Minn. ? The American Academy of Neurology is issuing an updated guideline that recommends monitoring the spinal cord during spinal surgery and certain chest surgeries to help prevent paralysis, or loss of muscle function, related to the surgeries. The guideline, which was developed with the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society, is published in the February 21, 2012, print issue of Neurology?, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology and also in the Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology.

According to the guideline, strong evidence shows that monitoring the spinal cord during spinal surgery and certain chest surgeries, such as those performed to repair narrowing of the walls of the aorta, can help prevent paralysis that can be related to the surgery. Also known as intraoperative monitoring, the procedure can alert the surgeon in time to find and address the problem before damage occurs.

"Paraparesis, paraplegia, and quadriplegia are potential serious complications of surgeries where the spinal cord is at risk," said guideline lead author Marc R. Nuwer, MD, PhD, of UCLA and a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. "Monitoring can help prevent damage by identifying problems early enough to allow for interventions. If intraoperative monitoring raises warnings, surgeons and anesthesiologists can modify the surgery to reduce the risk of these complications."

Intraoperative monitoring of the spinal cord involves monitoring of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) and motor evoked potentials (MEPs). The guideline found that in all cases where paralysis occurred, the patients had changes in their evoked potentials during the surgery, while there were no cases of paralysis in patients without any changes in their evoked potentials.

"The best way to treat paralysis is to prevent it in the first place," said Nuwer. "Spinal cord monitoring supervised by a neurologist can help meet this goal."

###

Learn more about this latest guideline and spinal cord injury at http://www.aan.com/patients.

The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 25,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, migraine, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, Parkinson's disease and epilepsy.

For more information about the American Academy of Neurology, visit http://www.aan.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.

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Rachel Seroka, rseroka@aan.com, (651) 695-2738
Angela Babb, APR, ababb@aan.com, (651) 695-2789 [ | E-mail | Share ]

AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.

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Guideline: Monitoring spinal cord during surgery may help prevent paralysis

Cleveland Clinic Neurologist Awarded Dystel Prize for MS Research

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Danzig

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Newswise — NEW ORLEANS – The American Academy of Neurology and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society are awarding the 2012 John Dystel Prize for MS Research to Richard M. Ransohoff, MD, with the Cleveland Clinic. Ransohoff, a member of the American Academy of Neurology and Associate Editor of Neurology®, the Academy’s medical journal, will receive the award at the Academy’s 64th Annual Meeting in New Orleans, April 21-28, 2012. The Annual Meeting is the world’s largest gathering of neurologists with more than 10,000 attendees and more than 2,300 scientific presentations on the latest research advance in brain disease.

The John Dystel Prize recognizes a significant contribution to research in the understanding, treatment or prevention of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Ransohoff’s research has focused on the central nervous system, which includes the brain, optic nerves and spinal cord.

“This award recognizes the superb research done by my colleagues in my laboratory, and I'm proud to receive it on their behalf. Support by the National Institutes of Health, the National MS Society and generous individual donors showed confidence in our research and inspired our work,” said Ransohoff. “During the past 15 years, we’ve identified several new molecules as potential targets for MS treatments by studying how MS lesions begin in the central nervous system. Our research fortifies the rationale for developing new MRI techniques to visualize brain damage in MS and will help us to identify new treatments to address inflammation in the central nervous system.”

The award is presented by the American Academy of Neurology and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. It is made possible through a special contribution from the John Dystel Multiple Sclerosis Research Fund at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Learn more about Ransohoff’s contributions to MS research and the Dystel Prize at http://www.nationalmssociety.org/news/news-detail/index.aspx?nid=5975.

“Professor Ransohoff’s research has uncovered far-reaching insights on immune activity at work in the brain and spinal cord during the MS disease process,” said Timothy Coetzee, PhD, Chief Research Officer for the National MS Society. “He’s a distinguished thought leader whose discoveries could pave the way for totally new approaches to treating the disease.”

Learn more about multiple sclerosis at http://www.aan.com/patients.

For more information about the American Academy of Neurology, visit http://www.aan.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.

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Cleveland Clinic Neurologist Awarded Dystel Prize for MS Research

London Neurologist Wins $25,000 Sheila Essey Award for ALS Research

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Danzig

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Newswise — NEW ORLEANS – The American Academy of Neurology and the ALS Association are awarding the 2012 Sheila Essey Award: An Award for ALS Research to Christopher Shaw, MBChB, MD, FRACP, with the Institute of Psychiatry at King’s College London. Shaw will receive the award during the Academy’s 64th Annual Meeting, April 21-28, 2012, in New Orleans. The Annual Meeting is the world’s largest gathering of neurologists with more than 10,000 attendees and more than 2,300 scientific presentations on the latest research advance in brain disease.

The Essey Award recognizes individuals who have made significant research contributions in the search for the cause, prevention of and cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The $25,000 prize is to be used toward continuing ALS research. ALS is a motor neuron disease which is characterized by the gradual degeneration and death of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord leading to muscle weakness. People with ALS eventually become paralyzed and die from respiratory failure on average three years after symptoms first appear.

Shaw is receiving the award for his research investigating mutated genes for answers as to how and why some people get ALS. Many mutated genes increase disease risk by causing toxic proteins to form clumps in the brain, which causes neurodegeneration. Shaw’s research has focused on a specific toxic protein called TDP-43, which is found in about 95 percent of all people with ALS.

“Only through a better understanding of the event underlying the ALS disease process can we identify new therapies and discover drugs to alter the course of this terrible disease,” said Shaw.

Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology and the ALS Association, this award is supported through the philanthropy of the Essey family.

Learn more about ALS at http://www.aan.com/patients.

For more information about the American Academy of Neurology, visit http://www.aan.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.

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London Neurologist Wins $25,000 Sheila Essey Award for ALS Research

Questcor Recognized by Child Neurology Foundation for Outstanding Corporate Responsibility and Leadership

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Danzig

HAYWARD, Calif., Feb. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Questcor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: QCOR - News) announced that it has been named the recipient of the Child Neurology Foundation's first-ever Corporate Citizenship Award. The Award honors Questcor's long-term commitment to support the child neurology community as well as its specific efforts to fund education and research related to infantile spasms (IS), a very rare but potentially catastrophic childhood seizure disorder.

"One out of four children has a neurological problem, and it will take everyone's advocacy to ensure the best quality of life for all affected children," said Lawrence W. Brown, MD, Associate Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and President of the Child Neurology Foundation (CNF).

Dr. Brown, who is also the president of the CNF Board of Directors, noted that in addition to specific initiatives focused on infantile spasms, Questcor also supports the Swaiman Medical Scholarship Program, a mentoring program funded by CNF that provides up to 10 summer clinical research scholarships. He also praised the company for making a 10-year commitment to funding the Child Neurology Society's Phillip R. Dodge Young Investigator Award.

"Questcor has shown outstanding corporate responsibility and leadership, demonstrating how industry can be full partners with physicians, scientists, and parents," Dr. Brown said. "The Child Neurology Foundation is pleased to recognize Questcor's comprehensive scope and extraordinary efforts toward this goal with the first CNF Corporate Citizenship Award. Questcor has been creative and extremely generous with projects from Infantile Spasms Awareness Week to the restoration of the Swaiman Medical Student Summer Scholarship Program and the signature commitment that will go far to endow the Child Neurology Society's Dodge Young Investigator Award."

Steve Cartt, Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer for Questcor, accepted the Corporate Citizenship Award on behalf of the company this past Saturday at CNF's annual fundraiser in Minneapolis.

"We are honored to receive this recognition from the Child Neurology Foundation," Cartt said. "Further research into infantile spasms is imperative and we feel strongly about supporting initiatives that will advance the knowledge and treatment of this devastating condition. We also feel very strongly about supporting the child neurology community in general and to help advance the cause of research and education related to pediatric neurological disorders, including infantile spasms."

For the past three years, Questcor has supplied CNF an unrestricted educational grant to help fund Infantile Spasms Awareness Week. The goal of IS Awareness Week is to provide pediatricians, child neurologists, parents, and caregivers with objective educational tools that will help increase awareness and understanding of infantile spasms.

As part of this education effort, CNF has developed a website, http://www.infantilespasmsinfo.org, an educational IS brochure and DVD that provides information on IS from leading child neurologists and shares stories from families coping with this devastating condition. Questcor also provided CNF a grant for the IS Hero Award that recognizes a deserving child neurologist and medical institution, nominated by a parent, for making a positive difference in the life of a child with IS. In addition, the company funds a yearly grant which supports basic research into IS.

Infantile Spasms

Infantile Spasms is a severe, ultra-rare form of epilepsy that affects infants, with onset typically occurring during the first year of life in about 90 percent of cases. IS incidence is estimated at approximately 2,000 new cases in the U.S. per year, which can be classified as an ultra-orphan disease. For comparison, orphan disease designation pertains to diseases that affect fewer than 200,000 people in the US. IS patients experience rapid, characteristic muscular contraction or extensions lasting one to two seconds and occurring in clusters ranging from a few spasms to more than 100 spasms per cluster. Often, in the beginning, the attacks are brief, infrequent and not typical, so it is quite common for the diagnosis to be delayed. Frequently, due to the pattern of the attacks and the cry that an infant gives during or after an attack, the attacks are sometimes initially thought to be due to colic or gastric distress.

About the Child Neurology Foundation

Founded in October 2000, the Child Neurology Foundation was created as the outreach and philanthropic arm of the Child Neurology Society. Members of the CNS include more than 1,300 child neurologists from the United States, Canada, as well as more than 30 other countries around the world.

The Foundation's mission is to advocate for children and adolescents with neurologic and developmental disorders; fund neurologic research of young investigators; promote awareness of career opportunities in child neurology; provide public, professional, and patient education programs; and support the activities and mission of the CNS.

For more information on the CNF, please visit http://www.childneurologyfoundation.org.

About Questcor Pharmaceuticals

Questcor is a biopharmaceutical company whose products help patients with serious, difficult-to-treat medical conditions. Questcor's specific areas of focus are in the fields of neurology and nephrology and the company is currently supporting research efforts in a variety of conditions having significant unmet medical need. Questcor was recently selected by Forbes as the #1 rated small company in America. For more information, please visit http://www.questcor.com.

Veteran Astronaut Receives AAN's Public Leadership in Neurology Award

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Danzig

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Newswise — ST. PAUL, Minn. – The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and the American Academy of Neurology Foundation (AAN Foundation) have announced that Rich Clifford, former NASA astronaut, is the recipient of the 2012 Public Leadership in Neurology Award. He is being recognized for his strong leadership and commitment to raising awareness about Parkinson’s disease after being diagnosed with the disease himself.

Clifford, a veteran of three space shuttle missions with 665 hours in orbit as a Mission Specialist, will be honored at the AAN and AAN Foundation Annual Meeting Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, April 25, 2012, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.

The Public Leadership in Neurology Award honors an individual or group outside of the medical profession. Honorees are known for advancing public understanding and awareness of neurologic disease, being effective advocates for neuroscience research, and making significant contributions to improve patient care.

During his missions with NASA, Clifford served as flight engineer and logged a six-hour spacewalk on a Space Shuttle Atlantis docking at the Russian MIR Space Station. Clifford was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1994 and considers raising public awareness an extension of his treatment.

“I am honored to have been chosen by the Academy to receive the 2012 Public Leadership in Neurology Award,” said Clifford. “My message to people with Parkinson’s is simply ‘Living with Parkinson’s is living. Changes in lifestyle will progress, but you are the director of your life. Live it to the fullest.’”

Clifford is the recipient of many distinguished awards for his achievements in space flight and engineering. He lives in Houston with his wife, Nancy. They have two sons.

Clifford will be featured on the cover of the April/May issue of Neurology Now®.

For more information about Parkinson’s disease, visit http://patients.aan.com/patients.

The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 25,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, migraine, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.

For more information about the American Academy of Neurology, visit http://www.aan.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.

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Footage of a real TBI Patients recovery using Glutathione Nebulization and Functional Neurology – Video

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Danzig

19-02-2012 09:27 http://www.GlutaSource.com and http://www.FunctionalCranialRelease.com This approach is the most effective and unique to drastically improve brain function through raising brain oxygen and Glutathione levels. The dramatic and amazing footage of this real life TBI patients speaks for itself. We rate located in Sarasota Florida (941) 330-8553

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Footage of a real TBI Patients recovery using Glutathione Nebulization and Functional Neurology - Video

American Academy of Neurology Announces 2012 Research Award Winners

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Danzig

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Newswise — NEW ORLEANS – Nearly two dozen scientific research awards are being bestowed on researchers around the world this year by the American Academy of Neurology, the world’s largest association of neurologists. The awards will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 64th Annual Meeting in New Orleans April 21-28, 2012, at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

This year’s recipients include:

Founders Award
Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology Alliance.
Amer Ghavanini, MD, PhD / Toronto

S. Weir Mitchell Award
Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology Alliance.
Nandakumar Narayanan, MD, PhD / New Haven, Conn.

Dreifuss-Penry Epilepsy Award
Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology and endowed by members of the Academy’s Epilepsy Section; Abbott Laboratories, Inc.; Cephalon, Inc.; Cyberonics, Inc.; Elan Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; GlaxoSmithKline; Novartis Pharmaceuticals; Ortho-McNeil Neurologics; Pfizer Inc; Shire US, Inc; and UCB Pharma.
Tobias Loddenkemper, MD / Boston

John Dystel Prize for Multiple Sclerosis Research
Presented by the American Academy of Neurology and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and made possible through a special contribution from the John Dystel Multiple Sclerosis Research Fund at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Richard Ransohoff, MD / Cleveland

Sheila Essey Award: An Award for ALS Research
Presented by the American Academy of Neurology and the ALS Association and supported through the philanthropy of the Essey Family Fund and the ALS Association.
Christopher Shaw, MBChB, MD, FRACP / London

Norman Geschwind Prize in Behavioral Neurology
Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology and the Academy’s Behavioral Neurology Section and endowed through Dr. Geschwind's family, friends and colleagues; Pfizer Inc; and the Society for Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology.
Marco Catani, MD / London

Mitchell B. Max Award for Neuropathic Pain
Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology and endowed by the United States Cancer Pain Relief Committee, the Mayday Fund and friends of Dr. Mitchell Max.
Howard Fields, MD, PhD / Emeryville, Calif.

Jon Stolk Award in Movement Disorders for Young Investigators
Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology and endowed by Kyowa Pharmaceutical, Inc., Lineberry Research, Quintiles and Dr. Dennis Gillings.
Pedro Gonzalez-Alegre, MD, PhD / Iowa City, Iowa

Medical Student Essay Awards
Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology.

Extended Neuroscience Award
Matthew Elrick / Ann Arbor, Mich.

G. Milton Shy Award in Clinical Neurology
Tenneille Loo / Toronto

Roland P. Mackay Award
Jessica Shields / New Orleans

Saul R. Korey Award in Experimental Neurology
Mark Ziats / Houston

Movement Disorders Research Award
Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology, the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation and the Academy’s Movement Disorders Section and endowed by the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation.
Caroline Tanner, MD, PhD / Sunnyvale, Calif.

Neuroscience Research Prize
Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology, American Academy of Neurology Foundation and the Child Neurology Society.
Sean Oh / Old Westbury, N.Y.
John Solder / Westport, Conn.
Christie Wang / Roslyn, N.Y.

Child Neurology Neuroscience Research Prize
Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology, American Academy of Neurology Foundation, and the Child Neurology Society.
Vincent Shieh / New York

Michael S. Pessin Stroke Leadership Prize
Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology and endowed by Dr. Pessin's family, friends and colleagues.
Natalia Rost, MD / Boston

Potamkin Prize for Research in Pick’s, Alzheimer’s, and Related Diseases
Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology, the American Academy of Neurology Foundation and funded through the philanthropy of the Potamkin Family.
Takeshi Iwatsubo, MD, PhD / Tokyo

Neuroendocrine Research Award
Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology and supported by friends of Andrew Herzog, MD.
Alison Pack, MD / New York

Research Award in Geriatric Neurology
Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology and the Academy’s Geriatric Neurology Section.
Gil Rabinovici, MD / San Francisco

Bruce S. Schoenberg International Award in Neuroepidemiology
Endowed by GlaxoSmithKline, Inc.
Amir Hadi Maghzi, MD / Isfahan, Iran

Sleep Science Award
Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology and the Academy’s Sleep Section and endowed by Cephalon, Inc.
Beth Malow, MD, MS / Nashville, Tenn.

Harold Wolff-John Graham: An Award for Headache/Facial Pain Research
Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology and endowed by Endo Pharmaceuticals.
Simon Akerman, MD / San Francisco

Wayne A. Hening Sleep Medicine Investigator Award
Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology and endowed by UCB, Inc., Lilly USA, Elite Home Medical & Respiratory, Inc., Raleigh Neurology Associates and friends of Wayne A. Hening, MD.
Jeffery Ellenbogen, MD, MMSc / Boston

Patient Safety Award
Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology.
Justin T. Jordan, MD / Dallas
Katie Wiltshire, MD / Calgary, Canada

Presented by the American Academy of Neurology with financial support from Professional Risk Management Services, Inc.

For more information about the American Academy of Neurology, visit http://www.aan.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.

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Arm Pain Peripheral Neuropathy Doctors Atlanta GA Neurologists Neuropathy Dunwoody GA – Video

Posted on February 19, 2012 by Danzig

17-02-2012 17:13 Arm pain and peripheral neuropathy treatment doctors in atlanta ga Dunwoody Ga Neurologists for Arm pain, and hand pain, carpal tunnel syndrome. For a FREE Consultation, call 404-396-2224 today or go to http://www.perimeterspine.com

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Arm Pain Peripheral Neuropathy Doctors Atlanta GA Neurologists Neuropathy Dunwoody GA - Video

Study: New treatment for traumatic brain injury shows promise in animals

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Danzig

Public release date: 19-Feb-2012
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Contact: Rachel Seroka
rseroka@aan.com
651-695-2738
American Academy of Neurology

NEW ORLEANS ? A new drug is showing promise in shielding against the harmful effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in rats, according to a study that was released today and will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 64th Annual Meeting in New Orleans April 21 to April 28, 2012.

"There are currently no primary treatments for TBI, so this research provides hope that effective treatments can be developed," said study author Michael Kaufman, a second year medical student at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit and a member of the American Academy of Neurology. The principal investigator on the study is Christian Kreipke, MD, also with Wayne State University School of Medicine.

Traumatic brain injury causes a decrease in blood flow in the cerebrum of the brain, which if prolonged, can cause permanent cell dysfunction and death. A receptor in the brain called endothelin receptor A (ETrA) contributes to the restriction of blood flow as early as four hours after a brain injury. The new drug, called clazosentan, is thought to specifically block these receptors.

Researchers gave brain-injured rats the drug clazosentan through an intravenous (IV) line at several different points in time after the injury. Next, they measured the rat's blood flow in the hippocampus and sensory motor cortex with an MRI brain scan and tested their behavior in learning a maze.

Preliminary data from the study found that clazosentan decreased the effects of the traumatic brain injury on blood flow to the hippocampus by 25 percent at four hours and 23 percent at 48 hours after TBI. However, giving the rats the drug at 12 hours post-injury caused some to improve, while others worsened or remained the same. In the trial, the drug was most effective when given at two hours post-injury and again at 24 hours after the trauma. The rats also performed better on the maze test when given the drug at two and 24 hours post-injury.

"This research is the foundation for future clinical trials that will investigate the possibilities of using clazosentan in the treatment of TBI," said Kaufman.

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Learn more about traumatic brain injury at http://www.aan.com/patients.

The study was supported by the American Academy of Neurology, the National Institutes of Health, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 25,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. For more information about the American Academy of Neurology, visit http://www.aan.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.

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Study: New treatment for traumatic brain injury shows promise in animals

New Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury Shows Promise in Animals

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Danzig

Newswise — NEW ORLEANS – A new drug is showing promise in shielding against the harmful effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in rats, according to a study that was released today and will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 64th Annual Meeting in New Orleans April 21 to April 28, 2012.

“There are currently no primary treatments for TBI, so this research provides hope that effective treatments can be developed,” said study author Michael Kaufman, a second year medical student at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit and a member of the American Academy of Neurology. The principal investigator on the study is Christian Kreipke, MD, also with Wayne State University School of Medicine.

Researchers gave brain-injured rats the drug clazosentan through an intravenous (IV) line at several different points in time after the injury. Next, they measured the rat’s blood flow in the hippocampus and sensory motor cortex with an MRI brain scan and tested their behavior in learning a maze.

“This research is the foundation for future clinical trials that will investigate the possibilities of using clazosentan in the treatment of TBI,” said Kaufman.

Learn more about traumatic brain injury at http://www.aan.com/patients.

The study was supported by the American Academy of Neurology, the National Institutes of Health, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

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New Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury Shows Promise in Animals

Running Marathons and Staying Injury Free – Mayo Clinic Video

Posted on February 19, 2012 by Danzig

Mayo Clinic Florida sports medicine physician Daniel Montero, M.D., provides tips on avoiding injuries while running in a marathon. He also addresses tips on:

- safely keeping up when running in large crowds
- staying hydrated
- dressing for weather conditions
- running the way you were trained to do

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4 medication classes linked to 67% of drug-related hospitalizations

Posted on February 19, 2012 by Danzig

Adverse drug events are important preventable causes of hospitalization in older adults.

4 medications linked to 67% of drug-related hospitalizations

Four medications or medication classes were implicated alone or in combination in 67% of hospitalizations:

- warfarin, 33%
- insulins, 14%
- oral antiplatelet agents, 13%
- oral hypoglycemic agents, 11%

High-risk medications were implicated in only 1.2% of hospitalizations.

50% of these hospitalizations were among adults 80 years of age or older. 65% of hospitalizations were due to unintentional overdoses.

Classification of adverse reactions to drugs: "SOAP III" mnemonic (click to enlarge the image):

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) affect 10–20% of hospitalized patients and 25% of outpatients.

Rule of 10s in ADR

10% of patients develop ADR
10% of these are due to allergy
10% of these lead to anaphylaxis
10% of these lead to death

Insulin is one of the top 10 high risk medications

Insulin has been identified as one of the top 10 high risk medicines worldwide. Errors are common - the first national audit in England and Wales showed prescribing errors in 19.5% of cases.

Not only are mistakes common, they often lead to harm - 3% of medication errors are related to insulin, but these errors were also twice as likely to cause harm as errors for other prescribed drugs.

Over 20 different types of insulin are in use, in various strengths and forms, and with a range of delivery devices, including insulin syringes (from vials), insulin pens (prefilled or reusable), or infusion pumps.

Top 10 most prescribed medications

According to a report from the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics, the top 10 most-prescribed drugs in the U.S. are:

- hydrocodone (combined with acetaminophen)
- simvastatin
- lisinopril
- levothyroxine
- amlodipine
- omeprazole
- azithromycin
- amoxicillin
- metformin
- hydrochlorothiazide

References:

Emergency Hospitalizations for Adverse Drug Events in Older Americans. Daniel S. Budnitz, M.D., M.P.H., Maribeth C. Lovegrove, M.P.H., Nadine Shehab, Pharm.D., M.P.H., and Chesley L. Richards, M.D., M.P.H. N Engl J Med 2011; 365:2002-2012, November 24, 2011.
Insulin is one of the top 10 high risk medications worldwide for prescription errors
Top 10 Most Prescribed Medications
Drug Allergy: Introduction and Epidemiology
Drug Allergy
Image source: Wikipedia, public domain.

Comments from Google Plus and Twitter:

Wendy Hemken - I noticed that opioids weren't on that list. All the talk seems to be about how deadly they are. Is this not the case?

Aaron Sparshott @IVLINE: An important one for #medstudents

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New departments have come to USAF Hospital

Posted on February 18, 2012 by Danzig

On the third floor of U.S. Air Force Hospital Langley, a new clinic operates out of vacant patient rooms helping those with disorders that affect the nervous system, until it finds a more permanent residence. The Neurology Department opened for business Dec. 28, 2011. The growing in- and out-patient clinic provides consults, and diagnostic and treatment options for general neurological disorders, such as migraines and seizures.

The clinic only sees adult patients by referral from their primary care providers, so appointments cannot be made directly through the appointment line. The clinic is opened Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

With one neurologist, Dr. Jane Peng, two neurology technicians, two nurses and one administrative assistant, anywhere from six to eight patients with a variety of symptoms are seen daily. Routine procedures, such as tests using an electromyography machine to evaluate the electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles, and consultations are completed to determine the neurological disorder and the best course of treatment.

Due to its limited space and capacity at this time, the Neurology Department cannot service acute neurological disorders, such as stroke or spinal cord injury. According to Col. Jerry Wizda, 633rd Medical Operations Squadron commander, the clinic does have plans to develop, and able to treat all neurological disorder conditions.

"This is a growing service," said Wizda. "Once space becomes available, equipment becomes available, the services will expand."

According to Lt. Col. Maria Melendez, 633rd Medical Operations Squadron Internal Medicine and Specialty Clinics flight commander, the establishment of the Neurology Department helps to re-capture patients in the USAF Hospital Langley system, providing continuity and saving time for the patient.

"We want the patient to be able to come back to the Neurology Department and get feedback," said Melendez. "We want to be able to focus on patient satisfaction and customer service."

Editor's Note: U.S. Air Force Hospital Langley has been identified by the Air Force Surgeon General as one of seven Air Force Medical Service currency platforms, a full-spectrum location to receive and provide for patient needs in an encompassing medical environment. To fulfill the currency platform plan, USAF Hospital Langley is adding new specialty departments to cover all conditions in patient care. Throughout 2012, The Peninsula Warrior will feature these new departments as they become operational.

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New departments have come to USAF Hospital

UCLA Stroke Center researcher honored

Posted on February 19, 2012 by Danzig

Dr. Jeffrey L. Saver of Thousand Oaks, professor of neurology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and director of the UCLA Stroke Center, received the William Feinberg Award for Excellence in Clinical Stroke at the American Stroke Association's 2012 International Stroke Conference in New Orleans on Feb. 2.

The Feinberg Award recognizes a Stroke Council Fellow actively involved in patient-based research who has made significant contributions to clinical stroke research.

Saver, a stroke physician and scientist for nearly 20 years, has been a principal investigator or co-investigator in numerous national and international trials spanning a spectrum of stroke care.

In addition, Saver has trained more than 20 neurology fellows and created the UCLA Visiting Scholars Program for international vascular neuroscientists to perform clinical research within the UCLA Stroke Center.

Founded in 1994, the UCLA Stroke Center is designated as a certified Primary Stroke Center by the national Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.

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UCLA Stroke Center researcher honored

100-year-old doctor, still practicing, shares longevity secret: "Fall in love and get married"

Posted on February 19, 2012 by Danzig

Even though he recently turned 100, Dr. Engleman still sees arthritis patients regularly at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). He has some rather unconventional longevity secrets to share:

"I think exercise is mostly overrated. And the use of vitamins, forget it. And I don't encourage a lot of doctors.

Fall in love and get married. Sex is to be encouraged. Children are a priority."

His two sons are physicians. His daugher, a lawyer, is a married to a doctor, and their son is a physician.

From NBC’s Nightly News:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

The extended 17-minute version of the report is embedded below:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

References:

100-year-old doctor still practicing at UCSF, shares unconventional longevity secrets

Comments from Twitter:

Mauna @MissMauna: How many times? RT @DrVes: 100-year-old doc, still practicing, shares longevity secret: "Fall in love and get married" goo.gl/fb/cw0ge

Jamie Carracher @JamieCa: That might be the hardest doctor's orders to follow of them all!

Michelle Kane @mishysmosh: I'm doomed.

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