Changes in the retina of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) appear to be associated with visual dysfunction, according to Spanish researchers. Reuters Health Information
Tag: Neurology & Neurosurgery
Near-Vision Loss Linked to Increased Dementia
Data from the Three City study show that moderate-to-severe loss of near vision, but not distance vision, was associated with increased dementia. Medscape Medical News
Retinal Degeneration Ongoing in Pediatric MS
Children with multiple sclerosis showed more progressive ganglion cell layer thinning than healthy kids or those with monophasic demyelination — and there was more retinal atrophy in girls than in boys. Medscape Medical News
‘Transient Smartphone Blindness’ Misdiagnosed as MS?
Temporary vision loss after using a smartphone while lying in bed is a real phenomenon and highlights that symptom misinterpretation ‘can lead one down the wrong diagnostic path,’ say researchers. Medscape Medical News
Retinal Thinning a Marker for Cognitive Decline?
Thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer is associated with poor cognitive function and may be a clinical marker for cognitive decline, a large study shows. Medscape Medical News
Choosing Between Two Doctors: One Physician’s Experience
Dr Andrew Wilner recounts a personal story about two very different experiences in the healthcare system. Medscape Neurology
A Biomarker for Multiple-System Atrophy?
Retinal changes on high-definition optical coherence tomography may help differentiate multiple-system atrophy from Parkinson’s disease, a new study suggests. Medscape Medical News
Anti-LINGO Agent Promotes Remyelination in Optic Neuritis
New research shows an investigational monoclonal antibody may have a positive effect not only on the affected eye but also the unaffected eye in patients with acute optic neuritis. Medscape Medical News
Visual Outcomes in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
A new study looks at risk factors for poor visual outcome in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Medscape Neurology
Re-evaluating the Treatment of Acute Optic Neuritis
This article reviews emerging technologies for the assessment of optic nerve structure and function in MS-associated optic neuritis. What new treatments might hold promise? Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
Medical Licensing: Piles of Paperwork and Much-Needed Reform
Dr Andrew Wilner discusses the bureaucracy involved in medical credentialing and how — hopefully — paperwork reform lies ahead. Medscape Neurology
Eye-Tracking Technology Shows Concussion Severity
A neuroscientist seeks FDA approval for a system that can track pupil movement to assess brain injury, and give results in minutes. Medscape Medical News
Some Children See Well Despite Severe Optic Nerve Damage
Understanding how this subset of patients with demyelinating disease recover functionally after optic nerve damage could lead to new acute treatment options, researchers say. Medscape Medical News
Retinal Thinning Parallels Neurodegeneration in MS
Changes in the retina measured with optical coherence tomography correlate closely with brain atrophy and may be used as a reliable assessment of neurodegeneration, a new longitudinal study suggests. Medscape Medical News
Vitamin D and Acute Optic Neuritis in Multiple Sclerosis
A study examines the link between vitamin D levels and attacks of acute optic neuritis in patients with multiple sclerosis. Medscape Neurology
Drug Improves Vision in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
This is the first strong evidence that acetazolamide works in this condition, lead author of the NORDIC IIH study says. Medscape Medical News
Neuromyelitis Optica: What Immunosuppressive Agent Is Best?
Rituximab and mycophenolate are superior to azathioprine for treatment of neuromyelitis optica (NMO), a comparative analysis shows. Reuters Health Information
A New Tool for Neurologists
Common in ophthalmology practice, OCT is increasingly being used in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Medscape Neurology
Brain-Injured Veterans Report Poor Vision-Related QOL
Vision-related quality of life is significantly worse for veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) compared to their peers who have not sustained TBI, new research shows. Reuters Health Information
Low-Contrast Visual Tests Reveal Better Alemtuzumab Efficacy
Standard visual acuity testing misses some visual dysfunction in patients with MS. Sloan low-contrast acuity testing revealed superior efficacy for alemtuzumab over interferon beta-1a in CARE-MS I. Medscape Medical News