Autosomal recessive cortical myoclonic tremor and epilepsy: association with a mutation in the potassium channel associated gene CNTN2.

We characterize a consanguineous Egyptian family with an autosomal recessively inherited familial cortical myoclonic tremor and epilepsy. We used multipoint linkage analysis to map the causative mutation to a 12.7 megabase interval within 1q31.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation at 1Hz and 5Hz produces sustained improvement in motor function and disability after ischaemic stroke.

Background: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a simple and non-invasive method of augmenting motor recovery after stroke, probably mediated by restoring inter-hemispheric activation balance. This placebo-controlled pilot study examined the possible benefit of stimulating the lesioned hemisphere (5-Hz rTMS) or inhibiting the contra-lesional hemisphere (1-Hz rTMS) on clinical recovery of motor function in patients with ischaemic stroke and assessed the sustainability of the response.

Methods: Sixty patients with ischaemic stroke (>1 month from onset) with mild-to-moderate hemiparesis were randomized to receive 10 daily sessions of either sham rTMS, 5-Hz ipsi-lesional rTMS or 1-Hz contra-lesional rTMS, in addition to a standard physical therapy protocol.

The effect of botulinum toxin type-A injection on spasticity, range of motion and gait patterns in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy: an Egyptian study.

Spasticity is defined as increased resistance to passive movement, secondary to hyperreflexia after an upper motor neuron lesion. In children with cerebral palsy (CP), it can interfere with mobility and self-care and can contribute to development of fixed myostatic contractures. This study investigated the efficacy of botulinum toxin type-A, a neuromuscular blocking agent that reduces muscle tone, in a variety of neuromuscular disorders, injections in a prospective, 3-month, controlled study involving 40 children with spastic diplegic CP.