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In-depth medical articles and news on conditions of the nervous system—brain, spinal cord, nerves, muscles

Medical News

Researchers find far-reaching, microvascular damage in uninjured side of brain after stroke
May 20, 2013
Although the effects of acute stroke have been widely studied, brain damage during the subacute phase of stroke has been a neglected area of research. Now, a new study by the University of South Florida reports that within a week of a stroke caused by a blood clot in 1 side of the brain, the opposite side of the brain shows signs of microvascular injury.
Use of antiepileptic drug during pregnancy associated with increased risk of autism
Apr 24, 2013
Maternal use of valproate during pregnancy was associated with a significantly increased risk of autism in offspring, according to a study in the April 24 issue of JAMA. The authors caution that these findings must be balanced against the treatment benefits for women who require valproate for epilepsy control.
Low incidence of venous insufficiency in multiple sclerosis
Mar 08, 2013
Results of a study using several imaging methods showed that CCSVI (chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency) occurs at a low rate in both people with multiple sclerosis and non-multiple sclerosis volunteers, contrary to some previous studies. The research was published in a recent early online edition of the Annals of Neurology.
Propping open the door to the blood-brain barrier
Feb 03, 2013
The treatment of central nervous system diseases can be particularly challenging because many of the therapeutic agents such as recombinant proteins and gene medicines are not easily transported across the blood-brain barrier. Focused ultrasound can be used to "open the door" of the blood brain barrier, and the anticoagulant heparin may help.
Regulating single protein prompts fibroblasts to become neurons
Jan 09, 2013
Repression of a single protein in ordinary fibroblasts is sufficient to directly convert the cells – abundantly found in connective tissues – into functional neurons. The findings could have far-reaching implications for the development of new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington, Parkinson, and Alzheimer disease.
A new type of nerve cell found in the brain
Dec 21, 2012
Scientists have identified a previously unknown group of nerve cells in the brain. The nerve cells regulate cardiovascular functions such as heart rhythm and blood pressure. It is hoped that the discovery, which is published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, will be significant in the long term in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in humans.