Medscape NeurologyHeadlines

High Salt Intake Boosts Stroke, CVD Risk

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:26:45 EST

These findings from a new meta-analysis support efforts toward a substantial populationwide reduction in salt intake, authors say.

Creating Empathy for Pain

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:37:31 EST

"How to Cope With Pain" is a Web-based resource for those with chronic pain, their families and friends, and those who treat patients with chronic pain.

Chronic Pain Linked to Risk for Falls in Older Adults

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST

A study shows that chronic pain in 1 or more locations that is severe or that interferes with daily activities is associated with a greater risk for falls in older adults.

High-Impact Exercise Reduces Stroke Risk

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:43:40 EST

The intensity of the activity is important, and the effect is independent of the improvement exercise has on hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia.

Clinical Features in Early Parkinson's Disease Predict Mortality

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:53:24 EST

Both motor and non-motor features in early Parkinson's disease - including impairments in balance, walking, and cognition, as well as hallucinations - predict mortality risk, according to a report in the November Archives of Neurology.

Frequency and Severity of Adverse Effects of Iodinated and Gadolinium Contrast Materials: Retrospective Review of 456,930 Doses

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST

Both iodinated and gadolinium contrast agents are associated with a very low rate of adverse effects, and most adverse effects can be managed in the radiology department.

Heart Disease Evident in Mummies 3500 Years Old

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:08:30 EST

Contrary to views that heart disease is the result of modern man’s poor lifestyle, new research shows that even ancient Egyptians might have needed a stent or two.

FDA Reports Apparent Excess of CV Events With Sibutramine in SCOUT

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:54:11 EST

An early analysis for the randomized placebo-controlled trial's primary end point, a composite of cardiovascular events, found a "higher than expected" rate of increase among those getting the appetite suppressant. The trial enrolled a population with a high CV risk, many of whom would not generally be recommended for the drug according to its current labeling.

Examining the Fingernails When Evaluating Presenting Symptoms in Elderly Patients

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:22:53 EST

Determine your patient's condition by looking at the fingernails -- another important review in this series on geriatric assessment.

Investigators Point to Unethical Reporting in Gabapentin Studies

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:47:46 EST

Internal company documents obtained during litigation suggest Pfizer influenced outcomes in published trials, report researchers.

Sen Grassley Questions Top Medical Schools About Ghostwriting

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:48:39 EST

As part of his mission to see more financial transparency in medicine, Sen Grassley has asked eight top US medical schools about their policies on ghostwriting.

Stroke Incidence Related to PCI Steady for 15 Years

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:47:55 EST

Stroke rates related to PCIs have stayed steady for the last 15 years, which is good news given that substantially older, sicker patients with more complex disease are now undergoing PCI.

Psychostimulant Medication Safe in Adolescents With ADHD and Substance Use Disorders

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:04:21 EST

Psychostimulant medication for ADHD appears to be safe and well tolerated with low abuse potential in adolescents in treatment for co-occurring substance abuse.

Low Back Pain: Evaluating Presenting Symptoms in Elderly Patients

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:08:27 EST

This review launches a new series on the evaluation of presenting symptoms in geriatric patients.

Heart Rate Characteristics and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST

Neurodevelopmental outcome can be hard to predict in very low birth weight infants - - this noninvasive marker is one more piece of evidence for clinicians.

House Passes Medicare SGR Fix

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:11:22 EST

The House passed a bill that would rewrite the controversial sustainable growth rate formula and eliminate a 21.2% Medicare pay cut for physicians scheduled for 2010.

No Adverse Events Reported So Far With H1N1 Influenza Vaccine

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:58:39 EST

US officials are keeping a close watch for adverse events from H1N1 influenza vaccinations; nothing has been reported yet, but it's early, and the data are insufficient to assess the safety just yet.

H1N1 Vaccine as Safe as Seasonal Vaccine, WHO Says

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:52:39 EST

The WHO emphasizes that the pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine appears to be as safe as the seasonal influenza vaccine, with few reports of adverse events.

Women With Multiple Sclerosis or Epilepsy Have Safe Pregnancies

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:27:49 EST

New national data suggest that the 2 most common neurologic disorders affecting women of childbearing age are not stopping families, and the obstetric outcomes are good.

ALLHAT Investigators Report 10-Year Follow-up and Stand by Diuretics as First-Step Antihypertensive Treatment

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:00:28 EST

New data confirm the original conclusions: although amlodipine and lisinopril are not superior to chlorthalidone on any outcome, chlorthalidone is superior to them on 1 or more secondary endpoints.