Pain Characteristics of Parkinson's Disease Using Validated Arabic Versions of the King's Parkinson's Disease Pain Scale and Questionnaire: A Multicenter Egyptian Study.

Objective: Pain is one of the most common nonmotor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD), with variable characteristics among populations. This multicenter Egyptian study aimed to translate and validate the King's Parkinson's Disease Pain Scale (KPPS) and Questionnaire (KPPQ) into Arabic versions and to investigate the pain characteristics in Egyptian people with PD (PWP).

Methods: A total of 192 PWP and 100 sex- and age-matched controls were evaluated by the KPPS-Arabic and KPPQ-Arabic.

Diagnosing 'transition' to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS): A step-by-step approach for clinicians.

Upon the approval of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for patients with active secondary progressive phase of multiple sclerosis (SPMS), there became an emerging need to prospectively predict and diagnose patients transitioning from the relapsing-remitting to the secondary progressive phase of MS. Whilst several research articles handle the challenges for diagnosing this stage of the disease, a clear step-by-step diagnostic approach remains elusive. This review aims at providing a step-by-step diagnostic approach to patients within 'transitioning' MS based on the currently available research findings and to summarize the gaps in the diagnostic approach and the recommendations for future research in this area of practice.

Using ESN-Smartphone Application to Maximize AIS Reperfusion Therapy in Alexandria Stroke Network: A Stroke Chain of Survival Organizational Model.

In developing countries like Egypt, the clinical workflow of stroke management is poorly established due to the lack of awareness of the stroke patients concerning their need of therapeutic intervention and the poor identification of facilities equipped to treat stroke. Hence, establishing a stroke system of care in developing countries that can efficiently and rapidly triage patients to the appropriate reperfusion therapy center is imperative to improving stroke management and outcomes. To evaluate a pilot experience in stroke hospital identification and expediting decision-making in AIS treatment through the Alexandria stroke network and Egyptian Stroke Network (ESN)-app.

Deciding Thrombolysis in AIS Based on Automated versus on WhatsApp Interpreted ASPECTS, a Reliability and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis in Developing System of Care.

Automated ASPECTS has the potential of reducing interobserver variability in the determination of early ischemic changes. We aimed to assess the performance of an automated ASPECTS vs. ASPECTS interpreted for sent CT images on WhatsApp and to correlate these results with the outcome.

Cognitive functions in Egyptian neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.

Background: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, characterized by optic neuritis and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. Magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities may be observed in various brain regions of NMOSD patients. Only a few studies have addressed the cognitive functions in NMOSD, but none among Egyptian patients.

Factors Associated With Postoperative Confusion and Prolonged Hospital Stay Following Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery for Parkinson Disease.

Background: Several patient and disease characteristics are thought to influence DBS outcomes; however, most previous studies have focused on long-term outcomes with only a few addressing immediate postoperative course.

Objective: To evaluate predictors of immediate outcomes (postoperative confusion and length of postoperative hospitalization) following deep brain stimulation surgery (DBS) in Parkinson disease (PD) patients.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of PD patients who underwent DBS at our institution from 2006 to 2011.

Clinical and radiological characteristics of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in the North Egyptian Nile Delta.

Background: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system that was previously thought to be a subtype of multiple sclerosis (MS). Epidemiology studies of NMOSD are rare in both Middle East and North African countries. To our knowledge, there are no such studies in Egypt.

Predictors of Functional and Quality of Life Outcomes following Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery in Parkinson's Disease Patients: Disease, Patient, and Surgical Factors.

Objective: The primary objective was to evaluate predictors of quality of life (QOL) and functional outcomes following deep brain stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. The secondary objective was to identify predictors of global improvement.

Methods: PD patients who underwent DBS at our Center from 2006 to 2011 were evaluated by chart review and email/phone survey.

Clinical, electrophysiological and immunological study of peripheral nerves in Egyptian patients with monoclonal gammopathies.

Monoclonal antibodies are found in approximately 10% of patients with peripheral neuropathy (PN) of unknown etiology. Several autoantibodies, including anti-MAG (myelin-associated glycoprotein) antibodies, have been reported to induce neuropathy. It has been suggested that over 50% of patients with PN and IgM monoclonal gammopathy (MG) have anti-MAG IgM antibodies in their sera.