Olfactory dysfunction in patients with narcolepsy with cataplexy is restored by intranasal Orexin A (Hypocretin-1).

Until recently, olfactory dysfunction was an unknown feature of narcolepsy. Orexin A, also called hypocretin-1, is abnormally decreased or undetectable in the cerebrospinal fluid of narcoleptic patients with cataplexies. As hypothalamic orexin-containing neurons project throughout the entire olfactory pathway, from the olfactory mucosa to the olfactory cortex, disturbed orexinergic transmission may crucially be involved in impaired olfactory performance of narcolepsy patients.

Neuropsychological findings in patients with intraventricular tumors.

Background: Intraventricular tumors are quite rare and become symptomatic with hydrocephalus-related signs such as headache, double vision, and seizures. Also, most of the patients show neuropsychological deficits, especially memory problems and lack of attention.

Methods: We reviewed the charts and computed tomographic/magnetic resonance images of 15 patients with tumors of the lateral and third ventricle, who were also examined by a neuropsychologist pre- and postoperatively.

Clinical experiences with oligoastrocytomas WHO grade II and III.

Between April 1991 and June 2002, 39 patients with an histologically proven oligoastrocytoma WHO grade II and III were operated on in our department. Twenty-two patients were male and 17 female. Mean age was 42 years (20-67 years).

Does the cerebellum contribute to specific aspects of attention?

We present data on attentional and neuropsychological functions of 16 patients with focal cerebellar lesions (13 tumours, 3 haematomas) compared to normative test data, and to 11 control subjects matched for age, gender, and years of education. Patients showed distinct deficits in qualitative aspects of a divided attention task, and in a working memory task. Performance in selective attention was unimpaired.

Psychological, allergic, and toxicological aspects of patients with amalgam-related complaints.

Background: To deepen the understanding of the numerous unspecific complaints which are related to the dental material amalgam both in patients and physicians, an interdisciplinary case-control study regarding toxicological, allergic, psychological and psychiatric aspects was conducted. Forty patients with amalgam-associated complaints were compared to a well-matched group of 40 amalgam bearers without complaints.

Methods: Patients and controls underwent a dental examination, which included recording of the quantity, surface area and quality of amalgam fillings, a determination of the mercury load in blood and urine, an allergy examination including patch testing with amalgam and a psychometric assessment with questionnaires noting coping strategies (ABI-UMW-P), interpersonal problems (Inventory of Interpersonal Problems) and self-consciousness (SAM), the NEO Five-Factor Inventory, Symptom Checklist-90-R, Beck Depression Inventory and a screening instrument for somatoform disorders.