Neurological and Head/Eyes/Ears/Nose/Throat Manifestations of COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background/objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with various neurological and atypical head/eyes/ears/nose/throat (HEENT) manifestations. We sought to review the evidence for these manifestations.

Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we compiled studies published until March 31, 2021 that examined non-respiratory HEENT, central, and peripheral nervous system presentations in COVID-19 patients.

Long-term persistence with injectable therapy in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: an 18-year observational cohort study.

Disease modifying therapies (DMTs) reduce the frequency of relapses and accumulation of disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). Long-term persistence with treatment is important to optimize treatment benefit. This long-term, cohort study was conducted at the Calgary MS Clinic.

The promise of futility trials in neurological diseases.

Double-blinded randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have contributed much important evidence to guide treatment decisions in neurology. RCTs are relatively straightforward to conduct, provided that they investigate common diseases, have clearly defined outcome measures, and are of short duration. In neurology, however, many diseases are uncommon, have no consensus outcome measures, and develop over decades.

Utility of the Canadian Treatment Optimization Recommendations (TOR) in MS care.

Objectives: Criteria for Treatment Optimization Recommendations (TOR) for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) identify suboptimal response to disease-modifying treatment (DMT). The Canadian TOR (CanTOR) were used to indicate recommendations for treatment switches or treatment maintenance based on relapse, disease progression and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) criteria in patients. We assessed concordance between the TOR and clinicians' decisions regarding treatment response and identified prevalence of patients with MS receiving DMT meeting medium/high levels of concern according to TOR.

Herpes encephalitis presenting with an opercular syndrome and epilepsia partialis continua.

Objectives: The opercular syndrome is a rare form of pseudobulbar palsy that is characterized by automatic-voluntary dissociative weakness of the face in addition to weak masticatory and pharyngeal muscles. It is typically seen in the setting of an acute stroke or in association with various congenital malformations of the cortex. It has also been described rarely in association with herpes encephalitis but with an abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cell count.

Pilot study of minocycline in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Background: Current multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment is only partially effective and not all patients respond well. The goal in this study was to evaluate minocycline for its safety, tolerability, and MRI impact as a potential therapy over 36 months after a three month run-in in ten relapsing-remitting (RR) MS patients.

Methods: Clinical assessments were at three month intervals until six months, then at six month intervals.

Treatment optimization in multiple sclerosis.

The treatment of multiple sclerosis has finally become possible with the advent of the current disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) that have had a significant impact on those living with this disease. Though demonstrating clear efficacy on a number of short-term outcome measures, unfortunately, these agents are not "cures" and many patients with multiple sclerosis continue to experience disease activity in spite of treatment. Clinicians are becoming more comfortable initiating therapy with DMTs, but it is now important to focus attention on monitoring the results of the chosen therapy and deciding whether or not a patient is responding well to treatment.