Dyslipidemia, elevated LDL cholesterol and reduced nocturnal blood pressure dipping denote lacunar strokes occurring during nighttime.

Previous studies have shown a peak occurrence of ischemic stroke in the morning but no consistent finding has been attributed to this. Focused on lacunar strokes we performed a prospective study with a detailed diagnostic protocol including parameters of recent infection, indicators of sleep apnea and cerebral vasoreactivity (CVR), aimed at defining differences in risk profiles between diurnal and nocturnal strokes. Consecutively we included 33 nocturnal and 54 diurnal strokes.

The quality of acute stroke units on a nation-wide level: the Austrian Stroke Registry for acute stroke units.

Concepts for stroke units that cover the acute phase vary. Therefore, the network of acute stroke units that is being set up in Austria in a uniform way is of general interest. This nationwide network has been established in accordance to evidence-based recommendations and prespecified criteria for available resources.

Acute neurological stroke care in Europe: results of the European Stroke Care Inventory.

Following the 1997 Recommendations of the EFNS Task Force on Acute Neurological Stroke Care (European Journal of Neurology, 1997: 4:435-441) a European Inventory was undertaken to assess the development of acute stroke care in the EFNS member countries and to give an estimate of the needs based on 1997 data. All 30 members of the EFNS Stroke Scientist Panel were asked to complete a questionnaire on acute stroke epidemiology as well as acute stroke care in their country. Data were based either on national surveys, hospital statistics, or estimates given on the basis of extrapolation of regional studies, or other defined sources.

Parkinsonism and dystonia in central pontine and extrapontine myelinolysis.

Parkinsonism as well as dystonic signs are rarely seen in central pontine myelinolysis and extrapontine myelinolysis. A 51 year old woman developed central pontine myelinolysis and extrapontine myelinolysis with parkinsonism after severe vomiting which followed alcohol and drug intake, even though marked hyponatraemia had been corrected gradually over six days. Parkinsonism resolved four months after onset, but she then exhibited persistent retrocollis, spasmodic dysphonia, and focal dystonia of her left hand.