A regional consensus recommendation on brain atrophy as an outcome measure in multiple sclerosis.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes leading to irreversible neurological impairment. Brain atrophy occurs early in the course of the disease at a rate greater than the general population. Brain volume loss (BVL) is associated with disability progression and cognitive impairment in patients with MS; hence its value as a potential target in monitoring and treating MS is discussed.

Neurological manifestation of recreational fatal and near-fatal diethylene glycol poisonings: case series and review of literature.

Diethylene glycol is a common industrial solvent which is responsible for accidental and epidemic poisoning as early as the 1930s. Due to the unavailability and unaffordability of ethanol, people in Qatar among the low income group are consuming household chemicals, some of which contain diethylene glycol, for recreational purposes.The history of ingestion is usually not volunteered and the initial clinical presentation is usually nonspecific, making it difficult to diagnose from the clinical presentation.

Newly diagnosed multiple sclerosis in state of Qatar.

Background: Epidemiologic studies on multiple sclerosis (MS) are well-documented in the western population but to a lesser extent in Arab world.

Objective: To study the demographics, clinical aspects, radiologic and laboratory features along with the degree of disability inflicted, and factors affecting disease progression and outcome of newly diagnosed MS patients at our institution.

Methods: Data from all newly diagnosed MS patients fulfilling McDonald criteria from January 01, 2005 to December 31, 2010 were collected and analyzed.

Prevalence, demographics and clinical characteristics of multiple sclerosis in Qatar.

No published epidemiologic data on multiple sclerosis (MS) in Qatar exist. Our objectives were to determine the prevalence, demographics and clinical characteristics of MS in the Middle Eastern country of Qatar. We analyzed data for Qatari MS patients fulfilling the McDonald diagnostic criteria.

Hypothalamic hamartoma presenting with gelastic seizures, generalized convulsions, and ictal psychosis.

We report a case of hypothalamic hamartoma in an adult female who presented with gelastic seizures, generalized convulsions, and ictal aggressive psychotic behavior. Anticonvulsant treatment was ineffective in controlling the epileptic seizures. Surgical excision after accurate imaging diagnosis 3 decades after the onset of symptoms markedly ameliorated her condition.