Modulating inhibitory synaptic plasticity to restore basal ganglia dynamics in Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease is characterized, in part, by hypoactivity of direct pathway inhibitory projections from striatum to the globus pallidus internus (GPi) and indirect pathway inhibitory projections from globus pallidus externus (GPe) to the subthalamic nucleus (STN). In people with Parkinson's disease (n=32), we explored the potential use of intracranial stimulation for eliciting long-term potentiation (LTP) of these underactive pathways to produce improvement of symptoms that persists beyond stimulation cessation. During GPi deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery, we found strong evidence (p<.

Noninvasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review.

Background: While pharmacologic interventions remain the mainstay of Parkinson's disease (PD) treatment, alternative approaches such as vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) have drawn attention for their potential in managing PD symptoms.

Objective: We aimed to conduct a systematic review to comprehensively evaluate the safety and efficacy of VNS for motor and nonmotor symptoms of PD.

Materials And Methods: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for relevant journal articles published up to October 2024.

Standardizing the large-volume "tap test" for evaluating idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus: a systematic review.

Introduction: Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is characterized by the clinical triad of gait, cognitive, and urinary dysfunction associated with ventriculomegaly on neuroimaging. Clinical evaluation before and after CSF removal via large volume lumbar puncture (the "tap test") is used to determine a patient's potential to benefit from shunt placement. Although clinical guidelines for iNPH exist, a standardized protocol detailing the procedural methodology of the tap test is lacking.

What is idiopathic in normal pressure hydrocephalus?

Introduction: Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) can be caused by acquired events - e.g. subarachnoid hemorrhage, meningitis, or trauma - or can be "idiopathic" (iNPH) when no clear cause is identifiable.