Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a rare, but much taught, autoimmune disorder of the peripheral nerves. Importantly, the variant of GBS are poorly recognized in the Western world, thereby leading to diagnostic and therapeutic delay. In the superb review by Wakerley and Yuki, pharyngeal-cervical-brachial (PCB) variant of GBS is expertly discussed. This must read review will […]
Month: March 2014
Vitamin D and multiple sclerosis: what’s going on?
Most neurologists know very little general medicine. OK, minor correction- I no longer know very much general medicine and it is arrogant for me to assume that all my colleagues are the same (although I am pretty sure that they are…). Anyway, the one minor detail regarding endocrinology that I had managed to tuck away […]
Are the sphingosine wars beginning?: Ponesimod-Promising new oral agent for RRMS
Another oral agent has shown promise in a phase IIb trial for relapsing-remitting MS. Ponesimod, a selective sphingosine 1-Phosphate Receptor 1 Agonist, reduced disease burden and activity as assessed by MRI and clinical measures (annualized relapse rates). Safety and tolerability were also assessed and proven to be good. Larger trials are required to confirm […]
Is one born to develop motor neuron disease?
Motor neuron disease is fatal and rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the human motor system. The disorder peaks in the late 50’s early 60’s and then declines after ager 80, an unusual statistic for a degenerative disease. In addition, familial forms of MND are increasing recognised, although the penetrance of the genotype is at best […]
To fly or not to fly doctor?
The vexing question often posed of an unspepecting neurolgist is whether patients with a recent stroke, or risk of strokes, should fly. The answer is obvious, being “only with a safe airline:))”. However, all humour aside, this can be a difficult magaement questions. In this must read issue of JNNP, Reynolds and colleagues grapple with […]
Another nail in the preverbial coffin for CCSVI theory?
Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) was proposed as a potential pathogenic mechanism in MS. While pathological data to support such a theory were elusive, a world-wide craze was sett-off, mostly amongst patients, some vascular physicians and some (minority) of neurologist. It seamed appealing that a simple vascular problem was responsible for MS, but alas subsequent […]