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Journal of Neurosurgery. Spine Apr 2023Postoperative C5 palsy (C5P) is a well-recognized and often-delayed complication of cervical spine surgery. Most patients recover within 6 months of onset, but the... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Postoperative C5 palsy (C5P) is a well-recognized and often-delayed complication of cervical spine surgery. Most patients recover within 6 months of onset, but the prognosis of severe cases is poor. The clinical significance and natural history of mild versus severe C5P appear to differ substantially, but palsy severity and recovery have been poorly characterized in the literature.
METHODS
Owing to the varying prognoses and expanding treatment options such as nerve transfer surgery to reconstruct the C5 myotome, this systematic review attempted to describe how C5P severity is classified and how C5P and its recovery are defined, with the aim of proposing a postoperative C5P scale to support clinical decision-making. PubMed was searched for articles in English published since 2000 that offer a clear definition of postoperative C5P or its recovery. Only articles reporting exclusively on C5 palsy for patients undergoing surgery for degenerative disease were included. A single reviewer screened titles and abstracts and reviewed the full text of relevant articles, with consultation as needed from a second reviewer. Data collected included postoperative C5P definitions, classification of C5P severity, and definition and/or classification of C5P recovery. Qualitative analysis was performed.
RESULTS
Full-text reviews were conducted of 98 of 272 articles identified and screened, and 43 met the inclusion criteria. Postoperative C5P was most commonly defined as a reduction in deltoid muscle strength by ≥ 1 grade using manual muscle testing (MMT), with potential biceps involvement also noted by some studies. The few studies that stratified C5P on the basis of severity unanimously characterized severe C5P as MMT grade ≤ 2. Nine studies reported on C5P recovery. Deltoid muscle strength improvement of MMT grade 5 commonly defined complete recovery, with no MMT improvement considered partial recovery.
CONCLUSIONS
This review identified clear discrepancies in the definitions of C5P and its recovery, leading to heterogeneity in its evaluation and management. With the emergence of therapeutic procedures for severe C5P, standardization of the definitions of C5P and its recovery is critical. The authors propose MMT grades of 4, 3, and ≤ 2 to classify C5P as mild, moderate, and severe, respectively, and grades of 5, 4, and 3 to classify recovery as complete, sufficient, and useful, respectively.
Topics: Humans; Decompression, Surgical; Cervical Vertebrae; Paralysis; Neurosurgical Procedures; Spinal Fusion; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 36585862
DOI: 10.3171/2022.11.SPINE221067 -
Journal of Neurology May 2023To evaluate the difference of tau burden between patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and healthy controls (HCs) or other neurodegenerative diseases using... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the difference of tau burden between patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and healthy controls (HCs) or other neurodegenerative diseases using tau-positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.
METHODS
A systematic search on PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases was performed for tau-PET studies in PSP patients, up to April 1, 2022. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) of tau tracer uptake were calculated using random-effects models. Subgroup analysis based on the type of tau tracers, meta-regression, and sensitivity analysis were conducted.
RESULTS
Twenty-seven studies comprising 553 PSP, 626 HCs, and 406 other neurodegenerative diseases were included. Compared with HCs, PSP patients showed elevated tau binding in basal ganglia, midbrain, dentate nucleus, cerebellar white matter, and frontal lobe with decreasing SMD (SMD: 0.390-1.698). Compared with Parkinson's disease patients, increased tau binding was identified in the midbrain, basal ganglia, dentate nucleus, and frontal and parietal lobe in PSP patients with decreasing SMD (SMD: 0.503-1.853). PSP patients showed higher tau binding in the subthalamic nucleus (SMD = 1.351) and globus pallidus (SMD = 1.000), and lower binding in the cortex and parahippocampal gyrus than Alzheimer's disease patients (SMD: - 2.976 to - 1.018). PSP patients showed higher midbrain tau binding than multiple system atrophy patients (SMD = 1.269).
CONCLUSION
Tau PET imaging indicates different topography of tau deposition between PSP patients and HCs or other neurodegenerative disorders. The affinity and selectivity of tracers for 4R-tau and the off-target binding of tracers should be considered when interpreting the results.
Topics: Humans; Supranuclear Palsy, Progressive; tau Proteins; Basal Ganglia; Parkinson Disease; Positron-Emission Tomography
PubMed: 36633672
DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11556-3 -
Journal of Neurology Nov 2023To systematically review the published cases of bilateral facial palsy (BFP) to gather evidence on the clinical assessment and management of this pathology. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review the published cases of bilateral facial palsy (BFP) to gather evidence on the clinical assessment and management of this pathology.
METHODS
Following PRISMA statement recommendations, 338 abstracts were screened independently by two authors. Inclusion criteria were research articles of human patients affected by BFP, either central or peripheral; English, Italian, French or Spanish language; availability of the abstract, while exclusion criteria were topics unrelated to FP, and mention of unilateral or congenital FP. Only full-text articles reporting the diagnostic work-up, the management, and the prognosis of the BFP considered for further specific data analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 143 articles were included, resulting a total of 326 patients with a mean age of 36 years. The most common type of the paralysis was peripheral (91.7%), and the autoimmune disease was the most frequent aetiology (31.3%). The mean time of onset after first symptoms was 12 days and most patients presented with a grade higher than III. Associated symptoms in idiopathic BFP were mostly non-specific. The most frequently positive laboratory exams were cerebrospinal fluid analysis, autoimmune screening and peripheral blood smear, and the most performed imaging was MRI. Most patients (74%) underwent exclusive medical treatment, while a minority were selected for a surgical or combined approach. Finally, in more than half of cases a complete bilateral recovery (60.3%) was achieved.
CONCLUSIONS
BFP is a disabling condition. If a correct diagnosis is formulated, possibilities to recover are elevated and directly correlated to the administration of an adequate treatment.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Facial Paralysis; Facial Nerve Diseases; Causality; Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PubMed: 37523065
DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11897-7 -
The Journal of Headache and Pain Jun 2022Several preclinical and clinical lines of evidence suggest a role of neuroinflammation in migraine. Neuroimaging offers the possibility to investigate and localize... (Review)
Review
Several preclinical and clinical lines of evidence suggest a role of neuroinflammation in migraine. Neuroimaging offers the possibility to investigate and localize neuroinflammation in vivo in patients with migraine, and to characterize specific inflammatory constituents, such as vascular permeability, and macrophage or microglia activity. Despite all imaging data accumulated on neuroinflammation across the past three decades, an overview of the imaging evidence of neuroinflammation in migraine is still missing.We conducted a systematic review in the Pubmed and Embase databases to evaluate existing imaging data on inflammation in migraine, and to identify gaps in the literature. We included 20 studies investigating migraine without aura (N = 4), migraine with aura (N = 8), both migraine with and without aura (N = 3), or hemiplegic migraine (N = 5).In migraine without aura, macrophage activation was not evident. In migraine with aura, imaging evidence suggested microglial and parameningeal inflammatory activity. Increased vascular permeability was mostly found in hemiplegic migraine, and was atypical in migraine with and without aura. Based on the weight of existing and emerging data, we show that most studies have concentrated on demonstrating increased vascular permeability as a marker of neuroinflammation, with tools that may not have been optimal. In the future, novel, more sensitive techniques, as well as imaging tracers delineating specific inflammatory pathways may further bridge the gap between preclinical and clinical findings.
Topics: Epilepsy; Hemiplegia; Humans; Migraine with Aura; Migraine without Aura; Phenotype
PubMed: 35650524
DOI: 10.1186/s10194-022-01430-y -
Clinical Rehabilitation Nov 2017To examine the effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for the management of shoulder subluxation after stroke including assessment of short (1 hour... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
To examine the effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for the management of shoulder subluxation after stroke including assessment of short (1 hour or less) and long (more than one hour) daily treatment duration.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, WOS, KoreaMed, RISS and reference lists from inception to January 2017 Review methods: We considered randomized controlled trials that reported neuromuscular electrical stimulation for the treatment of shoulder subluxation post-stroke. Two reviewers independently selected trials for inclusion, assessed trial quality, and extracted data.
RESULTS
Eleven studies were included (432 participants); seven studies were good quality, four were fair. There was a significant treatment effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation for reduction of subluxation for persons with acute and subacute stroke (SMD:-1.11; 95% CI:-1.53, -0.68) with either short (SMD:-0.91; 95% CI:-1.43, -0.40) or long (SMD:-1.49; 95% CI:-2.31, -0.67) daily treatment duration. The effect for patients with chronic stroke was not significant (SMD:-1.25; 95% CI:-2.60, 0.11). There was no significant effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on arm function or shoulder pain.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis suggests a beneficial effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation, with either short or long daily treatment duration, for reducing shoulder subluxation in persons with acute and subacute stroke. No significant benefits were observed for persons with chronic stroke or for improving arm function or reducing shoulder pain.
Topics: Electric Stimulation Therapy; Hemiplegia; Humans; Shoulder Dislocation; Shoulder Pain; Stroke
PubMed: 28343442
DOI: 10.1177/0269215517700696 -
European Archives of... Apr 2023Synkinesis is defined as involuntary movements accompanying by voluntary movements and can occur during the aftermath of peripheral facial palsy, causing functional,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Synkinesis is defined as involuntary movements accompanying by voluntary movements and can occur during the aftermath of peripheral facial palsy, causing functional, aesthetic and psychological problems in the patient. Botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) is frequently used as a safe and effective treatment; however, there is no standardized guideline for the use of BTX-A in synkinesis. The purpose of this article is to review and summarize studies about the BTX-A treatment of synkinesis in patients with a history of peripheral facial palsy; including given dosages, injection sites and time intervals between injections.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A multi-database systematic literature search was performed in October 2020 using the following databases: Pubmed, Embase, Medline, and The Cochrane Library. Two authors rated the methodological quality of the included studies independently using the 'Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale' for non-randomised studies' (NOS).
RESULTS
Four-thousand-five-hundred-and-nineteen articles were found of which 34 studies met the inclusion criteria, in total comprising 1314 patients. Most studies were assessed to be of 'fair' to 'good' methodological quality. The Cohen's kappa (between author FJ and AS) was 0.78. Thirty-one studies investigated the reported dosage injected, 17 studies reported injection location and 17 studies investigated time intervals. A meta-analysis was performed for three studies comprising 106 patients, on the effects of BTX-A treatment on the Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) scores. The mean difference was 11.599 (range 9.422-13.766), p < 0.01. However, due to inconsistent reporting of data of the included studies, no relationship with the dosage and location could be assessed.
CONCLUSIONS
Many treatment strategies for synkinesis exist, consisting of varying BTX-A brands, dosages, time intervals and different injection locations. Moreover, the individual complaints are very specific, which complicates creating a standardized chemodenervation treatment protocol. The BTX-A treatment of long-term synkinesis is very individual and further studies should focus on a patient-tailored treatment instead of trying to standardize treatment.
Topics: Humans; Botulinum Toxins, Type A; Facial Paralysis; Synkinesis; Bell Palsy; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36544062
DOI: 10.1007/s00405-022-07796-8 -
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons... Jan 2021Parotid masses causing facial palsy are highly indicative of malignancy. A significant number of cases describing benign parotid disease causing facial palsy have been...
INTRODUCTION
Parotid masses causing facial palsy are highly indicative of malignancy. A significant number of cases describing benign parotid disease causing facial palsy have been reported.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We performed a systematic review of the literature to establish the aetiology, clinical features, investigations and management undertaken during these presentations to assess how these factors differed from malignant presentations and to establish an evidence-based algorithm for their management.
RESULTS
A total of 85 cases were identified from 78 articles. Cystadenolymphomas were the most common histopathological type ( = 0.034). Mean facial palsy recovery duration in neoplastic aetiology was longer than for infective aetiology ( = 0.033). A significant association existed between uncommon infective organisms and development of facial palsy ( = <0.0001).
CONCLUSION
Uncommon benign aetiologies are associated with facial palsy. Investigations and management should be guided by patients' clinical presentations, avoiding excessive treatment. Complete facial palsy recovery rates are high, although not immediate.
Topics: Algorithms; Cystadenoma; Diagnosis, Differential; Evidence-Based Medicine; Facial Paralysis; Humans; Lymphoma; Parotid Gland; Parotid Neoplasms
PubMed: 32969265
DOI: 10.1308/rcsann.2020.0194 -
Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012) Oct 2022Reports of facial palsy occurring after the receipt of COVID-19 vaccines have raised concerns but are rare. The purpose of this study is to systematically assess the... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Reports of facial palsy occurring after the receipt of COVID-19 vaccines have raised concerns but are rare. The purpose of this study is to systematically assess the association between COVID-19 vaccination and facial palsy.
METHODS
Our systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) checklist and compiled all the reported cases of facial palsy post-COVID-19 vaccination. We discussed the probable pathophysiology behind facial palsy as a consequence of COVID-19 vaccination and measures to be taken for future reference. Furthermore, we conducted a detailed assessment of characteristics, clinical courses, treatment, and recovery of patients with facial palsy after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
RESULTS
We included 37 studies providing data on 58 individuals in our review. Over half (51.72%) of the patients complained of facial paralysis following the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccination. Out of 51 cases, most (88.24%) occurred after the 1st dose. The majority (53.45%) of cases had bilateral facial palsy. Intravenous immunoglobin (IVIg), corticosteroids, and plasmapheresis were the first line of treatment with 75.93% of patients partially recovered, including those undergoing treatment or a lack of follow-up till the end while 22.22% had complete symptomatic recovery.
CONCLUSIONS
Our review shows that Bell's palsy can be a plausible non-serious adverse effect of COVID-19 vaccination. However, the association observed between COVID-19 vaccination and Bell's palsy is less threatening than the COVID-19 infection. Hence, vaccination should be encouraged because facial palsy, if it occurs, has shown favourable outcomes with treatment.
PubMed: 36212732
DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104758 -
Journal of Neurology Sep 2023Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal syndrome (CBS) are progressive neurodegenerative syndromes characterised by Parkinsonism with additional features... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal syndrome (CBS) are progressive neurodegenerative syndromes characterised by Parkinsonism with additional features including cognitive dysfunction, falls, and oculomotor abnormalities. Understanding the epidemiology of these conditions is critical to planning for future service provision.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of studies reporting incidence and prevalence of CBS and PSP. A search of the PubMed and EMBASE data bases was conducted from their date of inception to 13th July 2021. Meta-analysis of studies sharing similar methodologies was carried out to generate estimated pooled prevalence and incidence.
RESULTS
We found 32 studies meeting our criteria for inclusion. There were 20 studies with data on prevalence and 12 with incidence data of PSP. Prevalence of CBS was reported in eight studies while seven studies reported incidence. Reported estimates of prevalence for PSP ranged from 1.00 (0.9-1.1) to 18 (8-28) per 100,000 while prevalence rates for CBS ranged from 0.83 (0.1-3.0) to 25 (0-59). Incidence rates for PSP and CBS respectively ranged from 0.16 (0.07-0.39) to 2.6 per 100,000 person-years and 0.03 (0-0.18) to 0.8 (0.4-1.3) per 100,000 person-years. A random effects model meta-analysis of studies with similar methodologies yielded a pooled prevalence estimate for PSP of 6.92 (4.33-11.06, I = 89%, τ = 0.3907) and 3.91 (2.03-7.51, I = 72%, τ = 0.2573) per 100,000 for CBS.
CONCLUSION
Studies of the epidemiology of PSP and CBS report highly heterogeneous findings. There is a need for further studies using rigorous phenotyping and the most recent diagnostic criteria to understand the true burden of these conditions.
Topics: Humans; Supranuclear Palsy, Progressive; Incidence; Corticobasal Degeneration; Prevalence; Syndrome
PubMed: 37289323
DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11791-2 -
Neurologia Jul 2023To estimate the pooled incidence of Bell's palsy after COVID-19 vaccination. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the pooled incidence of Bell's palsy after COVID-19 vaccination.
METHODS
PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched by 2 independent researchers. We also searched the grey literature including references of the references and conference abstracts. We extracted data regarding the total number of participants, first author, publication year, the country of origin, sex, type of vaccines, and the number of patients who developed Bell's palsy after COVID-19 vaccination.
RESULTS
The literature search revealed 370 articles, subsequently deleting duplicates 227 remained. After careful evaluation of the full texts, 20 articles remained for meta-analysis. The most commonly administered vaccines were Pfizer followed by Moderna. In total, 4.54e+07 individuals received vaccines against COVID-19, and 1739 cases developed Bell's palsy. In nine studies, controls (individuals without vaccination) were enrolled. The total number of controls was 1 809 069, of whom 203 developed Bell's palsy. The incidence of Bell's palsy after COVID-19 vaccines was ignorable. The odds of developing Bell's palsy after COVID-19 vaccines was 1.02 (95% CI: 0.79-1.32) (I2 = 74.8%, P < .001).
CONCLUSION
The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis show that the incidence of peripheral facial palsy after COVID-19 vaccination is ignorable and vaccination does not increase the risk of developing Bell's palsy. Maybe, Bell's palsy is a presenting symptom of a more severe form of COVID-19, so clinicians must be aware of this.
PubMed: 37433426
DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2023.06.002