New insights into the physiology and pathophysiology of the atypical sodium leak channel NALCN.

Cell excitability and its modulation by hormones and neurotransmitters involve the concerted action of a large repertoire of membrane proteins, especially ion channels. Unique complements of coexpressed ion channels are exquisitely balanced against each other in different excitable cell types, establishing distinct electrical properties that are tailored for diverse physiological contributions, and dysfunction of any component may induce a disease state. A crucial parameter controlling cell excitability is the resting membrane potential (RMP) set by extra- and intracellular concentrations of ions, mainly Na, K, and Cl, and their passive permeation across the cell membrane through leak ion channels.

Cenobamate in patients with highly refractory focal epilepsy: A retrospective real-world study.

Purpose: To determine the effectiveness and safety outcomes of cenobamate in a cohort of patients with highly refractory focal epilepsy in routine clinical practice.

Methods: Observational, retrospective, phase 4 study on subjects receiving cenobamate in three Spanish centers. The primary endpoint was the retention rate at the last follow-up.

Does the Country Make a Difference in Impulse Control Disorders? A Systematic Review.

Background: Impulse control disorders (ICDs) have an increased frequency in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), mainly because of treatment with dopamine agonists (DA). Factors related with the country of origin (culture, economy, healthcare politics) may impact phenomenology.

Objectives: To explore phenomenology of ICDs depending on the country.

Malignant Left Atrial Appendage Morphology: Current Classification vs H-L System.

Introduction: In previous studies the risk of stroke recurrence has been associated with the left atrial appendage (LAA) morphology (non-chicken wing (NCW)), knowing those with a greater risk as malignant LAA. Recently, a simpler morphological classification has been suggested with two categories: Low-risk (LAA-L) and High-risk (LAA-H); which could be easier to apply and may correlate better with the risk of embolic stroke.

Methods: Retrospective analysis from a registry of patients with recurrent cardioembolic strokes despite appropriate anticoagulant therapy, in which LAA morphology was studied with cardiac CT scan.

Cardioembolic acute cerebral micro-infarcts in the context of atrial fibrillation after low-dose intravenous infusion of lacosamide.

Lacosamide (LCM) is a well-tolerated and increasingly used second-generation AED, and side effects such as atrial fibrillation are rare and poorly characterized. Supported by a literature review, we share our experience of the management of the first reported case of cardioembolic cerebral infarcts in the context of de novo atrial fibrillation, which appeared following a 200-mg intravenous infusion of LCM for the treatment of non-convulsive status epilepticus. Case report and literature review using search items including "atrial fibrillation OR atrial flutter AND LCM" in the thesaurus of Medline.