Neurologic Disorders

Mild cognitive impairment: The transition to Alzheimer's disease

Andrea Pace, MSBS, PA-C; Karen Graham, MPAS, PA-C July 13, 2010

Cholinesterase inhibitors are the most promising agents for slowing progression to Alzheimer's disease. But for how long can this progression be delayed?

Diabetes, high LDL speed Alzheimer's decline

July 13, 2010

A history of diabetes or high cholesterol (especially LDL) can speed cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

New drug options for neurologic disorders

May 11, 2010

A thorough understanding of the therapies available to patients with dementia or Parkinson's disease is essential to improving outcomes.

New aspirin guidelines stress gender differences

By Myra Dembrow April 06, 2009

Men and women don't respond the same to prophylactic aspirin therapy. Updated recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services addresses this aspect of heart disease prevention.

Antidepressants ease fibromyalgia complaints

By Myra Dembrow February 05, 2009

Antidepressants are effective against most symptoms, a meta-analysis of clinical trials reports.

Recognizing bacterial meningitis

By Cedric W. Spak, MD, MPH January 06, 2009

Bacterial infection of the meninges is potentially treatable if diagnosed early, making rapid diagnostics essential and increasing pressure on the clinician.

Treating Bell's palsy in pregnancy

Asked by Shailendra K. Saxena, MD, PhD, Omaha; answered by Daniel R. Mishell Jr, MD, and Jay E. Selman, MD November 21, 2008

I recently saw a 26-year-old woman in my clinic with right-sided Bell's palsy. However, the patient was three weeks pregnant. What are the options for treating Bell's palsy in early pregnancy? Is it safe to use steroids or acyclovir in the first trimester?

Atypical GI symptoms with zoster

Question raised by Frank S. Sutton, MD, Encinitas, Calif. and answered by Cedric W. Spak, MD, MPH May 15, 2008

An 81-year-old man experienced five days of prodromic GI symptoms (distension, hyperactive peristalsis but no diarrhea, no emesis) prior to the onset of left lower-quadrant herpes zoster. The pain, which was unrelated to food intake, appeared to be the result of distension and was relieved by....