Cognitive outcome after surgical clipping versus endovascular coiling in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage due to ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm.

Ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysms are commonly associated with deficits in memory and executive functions. However, little studies are available on the effect of surgical clipping (SC) and endovascular coiling (EC) on cognitive functioning. This study evaluates cognitive functioning in 35 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage after ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm (ACoA) compared to 20 healthy controls (HC) and assesses the effect of SC (n = 19) compared to EC (n = 16) on cognitive performances.

Persistent cognitive deficits after whiplash injury: a comparative study with mild traumatic brain injury patients and healthy volunteers.

In this study, we evaluated persistent cognitive deficits in whiplash injury (WI) patients and compared these to cognitive functioning in mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) patients and healthy controls (HC). Sixty-one patients suffering from a WI were compared with 57 patients suffering from a MTBI and with 30 HC. They were examined with an extensive neuropsychological test battery assessing attention, memory, and visuospatial and executive functions.

Recommendations for the treatment of epilepsy in adult patients in general practice in Belgium: an update.

In 2008, a group of Belgian epilepsy experts published recommendations for antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment of epilepsies in adults and children. Selection of compounds was based on the registration and reimbursement status in Belgium, the level of evidence for efficacy, common daily practice and the personal views and experiences of the authors. In November 2011 the validity of these recommendations was reviewed by the same group of Belgian epilepsy experts who contributed to the preparation of the original paper.

Development of an electronic decision tool to support appropriate treatment choice in adult patients with epilepsy--Epi-Scope(®).

Background: Given the continuous knowledge progression and the growing number of available antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), making appropriate treatment choices for patients with epilepsy is increasingly difficult. While published guidelines help for separate clinical aspects, patients with a combination of specific characteristics may escape proper guidance. This study aimed to determine the appropriateness of AEDs for particular clinical variables and to offer treatment recommendations for adult patients with epilepsy in a user-friendly format for practicing neurologists.

Recommendations for the treatment of epilepsies in general practice in Belgium.

The large choice of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in Belgium complicates the selection of the appropriate product for the individual patient. International guidelines on the treatment of epilepsy have been published, but are not tailored to the Belgian situation. This publication presents recommendations from a group of Belgian epilepsy experts for the practical management of epilepsy in general practice in Belgium.

The use of generic medication in epilepsy: a review of potential issues and challenges.

Changing from brand name to generic antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is increasingly being advocated by the authorities, principally for budgetary reasons. However, caution should be exercised since AEDs may have a narrow therapeutic margin, the regimen with AEDs may be complex, the consequences of uncontrolled seizures may be severe, and risk of side effects is relatively high, particularly when seizures are difficult to control. This article focuses on the possible problems that can arise from the substitution of AEDs formulations, such as loss of seizure control and emergence of new side effects.

Vagus nerve stimulation for refractory epilepsy: a Belgian multicenter study.

Introduction: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a symptomatic add-on treatment for patients with medically refractory epilepsy. It consists of continuous electrical stimulation of the left vagus nerve by means of a helical electrode and an implantable, programmable pulse generator. Currently, over 50,000 patients are treated with VNS worldwide.

Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome: a clinicopathological confrontation.

Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome (OMS), a movement disorder characterised by chaotic eye movements and myoclonus, is a rare clinical entity. We present two cases of opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome of paraneoplastic origin. In the first patient the syndrome was associated with a breast carcinoma and in the second patient with a non small cell lung carcinoma.

Standards of care for non-convulsive status epilepticus: Belgian consensus recommendations.

Non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) makes up around one-third of all cases of SE, affecting approximately 1,000 to 4,000 individuals per year in Belgium. Compared with convulsive SE, NCSE has received considerably less attention, is underdiagnosed and undertreated. However, if recognised, NCSE can however be treated successfully.

Standards of care for adults with convulsive status epilepticus: Belgian consensus recommendations.

Status epilepticus (SE) is a significant health problem, affecting approximately 1,000 to 4,000 individuals per year in Belgium. A workshop was convened by a panel of neurologists from major Belgian centers to review the latest information relating to the definition, diagnosis and treatment of convulsive SE. The panelists sought to make recommendations for practising neurologists, but also primary care physicians and physicians in intensive care units when initiating emergency measures for patients with convulsive SE.

Belgian consensus on recommendations for standards of care for women with epilepsy before, during and after pregnancy.

Women with epilepsy (WWE) have an increased risk of complications during pregnancy, which however can be minimized by optimal, interdisciplinary patient management. The aim of any therapy is to achieve an optimal balance between avoidance of seizures, which may be harmful to both mother and foetus, and minimization of foetal and neonatal exposure to deleterious influences of antiepileptic drugs. Suitable measures include early and regular counselling of the young WWE about contraception and planning of pregnancy, optimisation of drug treatment (choice of the right drug and dosage also in view of altered pharmacokinetics, avoidance of polytherapy, therapeutic drug monitoring etc.

Cytometrical and immunocytochemical investigation of brain nuclei in dementia.

Morphometrical investigation of brain nuclei in dementia of the Alzheimertyme and in other types of dementia has been done for the last 10 years. The N. Basalis of Meynert (Acetylcholine pathway) has been screened rather extensively by several groups.

Congenital elevation of the scapula and Brown-Sequard syndrome.

We describe the case of a 14-year-old boy with a Sprengel deformity and a Brown-Séquard syndrome on the basis of a compression of the spinal cord at level C4. Although there are several publications on anomalies associated with Sprengel's deformity, this is, to our knowledge, the first description of a case with spinal cord compression.