US Neurology – Volume 15 Issue 1 – Spring 2019

Welcome to the spring edition of US Neurology. This journal aims to address topical subjects in the field of neurology to stimulate discussion focused on these issues. Articles have been chosen for their evaluation of current practices and research and their discussion of future innovations that directly affect neurologists and other practitioners involved in the care […]

In the last decade, our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease has advanced considerably. Thanks to evolving biomarker research, it is now recognized that a preclinical stage occurs before the occurrence of symptoms.¹ This preclinical phase has become the focus of considerable research efforts as early intervention is likely to offer the best chances of a cure. […]

Alzheimer’s disease was first described in 1906, and yet we have still not fully elucidated the pathogenesis of the condition. It is known that the disease is characterized by the polymerization of amyloid β-peptide (Aβ), leading to the formation of plaques.^1,2 The cascade of events initiated by Aβ polymerization eventually leads to progressive neurodegeneration and […]

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopamine production in the substantia nigra. While oral therapies can effectively augment the dopaminergic pathway, their effect lessens as the disease progresses, and patients require multiple adjustments to their medication regimen. Neuromodulation using deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a powerful tool to […]

The American Epilepsy Society Annual Meeting is the largest gathering on epilepsy in the world. The 2018 meeting, which was held in New Orleans, Louisiana, from November 30–December 4, 2018, featured symposia, workshops, and lectures aimed at healthcare practitioners involved in all aspects of the care of patients with epilepsy. In a number of expert […]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, unpredictable disease for which we do not yet have a cure or fully effective treatment.¹ The available disease-modifying therapies reduce inflammatory activity and progression of disability for many people. However, some individuals experience physical, cognitive, and/or emotional changes over the disease course that severely compromise function, independence, safety, participation, and […]

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is an immune-mediated disorder of the peripheral nervous system, of unknown etiology.¹ The condition usually presents as weakness in the arms and legs, balance/gait impairment, tingling, numbness, and loss of tendon reflexes.^2–4 It can be relapsing or progressive and the available treatments have variable efficacy in different patients.^5,6 The symptoms of CIDP cause […]

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene that disrupt the production of functional dystrophin protein, resulting in progressive muscle damage and loss of contractile function. Currently, multiple therapeutic agents that aim to restore dystrophin expression are being evaluated in clinical trials (clinicaltrials.gov identifiers: NCT02310906, NCT02740972, NCT03368742, NCT03508947, NCT03769116, and NCT03362502). […]