Ataxia and ophthalmoplegia: an atypical case of Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) with anti-GAD antibody.

Background: Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) is frequently encountered variant of Gillian Barre Syndrome (GBS). It has distinct clinical and serological features. Here we describe an atypical GQ1b seronegative case with significantly elevated anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (GAD-Ab).

Effects of aging on action-intentional programming.

Background: Action-intentional programs control "when" we initiate, inhibit, continue, and stop motor actions. The purpose of this study was to learn if there are changes in the action-intentional system with healthy aging, and if these changes are asymmetrical (right versus left upper limb) or related to impaired interhemispheric communication.

Methods: We administered tests of action-intention to 41 middle-aged and older adults (61.

Factors associated with increased felt stigma among individuals with epilepsy.

Purpose: The aim of the study is to determine whether certain demographic, clinical, and psychosocial traits are associated with higher levels of felt stigma among persons with epilepsy (PWE) patients followed at a level 4 epilepsy center.

Methods: We performed a direct survey of 182 consenting patients that included the Epilepsy Stigma Scale.

Results: On univariate analysis, higher levels of perceived stigma were associated with age, marital status, race, driving, work status, seizure etiology, Quality of Life in Epilepsy-10 (QOLIE-10) scores, and health literacy.

Factors associated with superior self-management skills among individuals with epilepsy.

Purpose: This study aimed to determine whether the self-management skills of patients with epilepsy are associated with certain demographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables.

Methods: A direct survey of 182 patients, including the Epilepsy Self-Management Scale, was conducted.

Results: On univariate analysis, higher age, the occurrence of convulsions, and the use of religion as a coping mechanism were associated with higher self-management scores.

Tumor-induced osteomalacia caused by primary fibroblast growth factor 23 secreting neoplasm in axial skeleton: a case report.

We report the case of a 66-year-old woman with tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) caused by fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) secreting mesenchymal tumor localized in a lumbar vertebra and review other cases localized to the axial skeleton. She presented with nontraumatic low back pain and spontaneous bilateral femur fractures. Laboratory testing was remarkable for low serum phosphorus, phosphaturia, and significantly elevated serum FGF-23 level.

Comparison of three risk assessment methods for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major problem for hospitalized patients. Nevertheless, adherence to VTE prophylaxis guidelines is suboptimal, partly because of physicians' neglect due to excessive workload. Simplified risk assessment methods (RAMs) facilitate timely risk stratification and thromboprophylaxis.