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Neurologia I Neurochirurgia Polska Jun 2024Trigeminal autonomic cephalgias (TACs) are a well-defined subset of uncommon primary headaches that share comparable onset, pathophysiology and symptom patterns. TACs...
Trigeminal autonomic cephalgias (TACs) are a well-defined subset of uncommon primary headaches that share comparable onset, pathophysiology and symptom patterns. TACs are characterised by the presentation of one-sided and high-intensity trigeminal pain together with unilateral cranial autonomic signs, which can include lacrimation, rhinorrhea, and miosis. The International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd Edition recognises four different headache entities in this group, with cluster headache as the most recognised among them. Hemicrania continua (HC) and paroxysmal hemicrania (PH) are both distinctive cephalgias of which the diagnostic criteria include an absolute response to indomethacin. Consequently, for this reason they are often referred to as 'indomethacin-responsive' TACs. The main focus of this review was to discuss the state of knowledge regarding the pathophysiology and key characteristics of PH and HC. Given the limited understanding of these conditions, and their exceptionally uncommon prevalence, a correct diagnosis can pose a clinical challenge and the search for an effective treatment may be prolonged, which frequently has a serious impact upon patients' quality of life. The information provided in this review is meant to help physicians to differentiate indomethacin-sensitive cephalgias from other distinct headache disorders with a relatively similar clinical presentation, such as cluster headache, trigeminal neuralgia, and various migraine conditions.
PubMed: 38935422
DOI: 10.5603/pjnns.99747 -
Social Cognitive and Affective... Jun 2024Gaze direction and pupil dilation play a critical role in communication and social interaction due to their ability to redirect and capture our attention and relevance...
Gaze direction and pupil dilation play a critical role in communication and social interaction due to their ability to redirect and capture our attention and relevance for emotional information. The present study aimed to explore whether the pupil size and the gaze direction of the speaker affect language comprehension. Participants listened to sentences that could be correct or contain a syntactic anomaly, while the static face of a speaker was manipulated in terms of gaze direction (direct, averted) and pupil size (mydriasis, miosis). Left anterior negativity (LAN) and P600 linguistic ERP components were observed to syntactic anomalies for all conditions. The speaker's gaze did not impact syntactic comprehension. However, the amplitude of the LAN component for mydriasis (dilated pupil) was larger than for miosis (constricted pupil) condition. Larger pupils are generally associated with care, trust, interest, and attention, which might facilitate syntactic processing at early automatic stages. The result also supports the permeable and context-dependent nature of syntax. Previous studies also support an automatic nature of syntax (fast and efficient), which combined with the permeability to relevant sources of communicative information, such as pupil size and emotions, is highly adaptive for language comprehension and social interaction.
PubMed: 38918898
DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsae047 -
Clinical Case Reports Jun 2024Although it is rare, physicians should be familiar with the presentation of lateral medullary syndrome (LMS). Urgent neuroimaging is crucial to distinguish LMS from...
KEY CLINICAL MESSAGE
Although it is rare, physicians should be familiar with the presentation of lateral medullary syndrome (LMS). Urgent neuroimaging is crucial to distinguish LMS from other causes of stroke. The majority experience significant improvement within months.
ABSTRACT
Lateral medullary syndrome is a rare type of stroke resulting from a vascular event in the lateral part of the medulla oblongata. Loss of pain and temperature in the ipsilateral side of the face, and contralateral side of the body along with ipsilateral ataxia, vertigo, nystagmus, dysphagia, and hiccups are the hallmark clinical presentation. We reported a case of a 51-year-old male with a long history of smoking and newly discovered hypertension who presented complaining of vomiting, regurgitation, and hiccups for 1 month; tingling and numbness sensation in the left side of the face and the right side of the body, and unsteady gait for 2 weeks. Neurological examinations revealed left-sided ptosis and miosis, diminished sensation of the three divisions of the trigeminal nerve, deviated uvula to the right side, absent gag reflex, and intention tremors. The patient received the appropriate treatment; showed a good recovery with his symptoms, was able to walk unsteady, and was discharged after 10 days in a good condition.
PubMed: 38803327
DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8976 -
Indian Journal of Ophthalmology Apr 2024We describe and assess the efficiency of a novel technique of placing implantable collamer lens (ICL) footplates in the sulcus in poorly dilated pupils utilizing...
We describe and assess the efficiency of a novel technique of placing implantable collamer lens (ICL) footplates in the sulcus in poorly dilated pupils utilizing perioptic holes and two instruments simultaneously (Sinskey hook and ICL manipulator). Twelve eyes of 10 patients underwent ICL implantation through this technique. The technique employs a bimanual approach engaging perioptic holes in the eyes with intraoperative miosis. Perioptic holes were engaged with a Sinskey hook and pulled slightly back, while the footplates were tucked under the iris by using an ICL manipulator. All patients had uneventful surgery. At 1 week follow-up, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCDVA) was -0.01 ± 0.04 logMAR with a mean vault of 606.17 ± 108.33 microns. No complications were noted. However, too small a pupil is a limiting factor; this technique can be of use in up to mid-dilated pupils. Bimanual placement of haptics of ICL may represent a safe and effective technique in insufficient mydriasis or intraoperative pupillary miosis.
PubMed: 38634771
DOI: 10.4103/IJO.IJO_3003_23 -
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan) 2024Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) exhibits diverse clinical manifestations. Our patient was a 64-year-old woman with bilateral ptosis as the chief...
Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) exhibits diverse clinical manifestations. Our patient was a 64-year-old woman with bilateral ptosis as the chief complaint. She had bilateral miosis, and the pupil was only slightly dilated 60 min after 1% phenylephrine administration, suggesting autonomic dysfunction secondary to preganglionic sympathetic impairment. A head-up tilt test revealed asymptomatic orthostatic hypotension. She was diagnosed with NIID based on a skin biopsy and genetic testing. This study suggests that blepharoptosis is an early manifestation of NIID. Furthermore, patients with suspected NIID should be examined carefully for autonomic dysfunction.
Topics: Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Blepharoptosis; Autonomic Nervous System Diseases; Biopsy; Genetic Testing; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Intranuclear Inclusion Bodies
PubMed: 38616117
DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.2384-23 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Feb 2024Presbyopia is an age-related ocular condition, typically affecting individuals aged over 40 years, characterized by a gradual and irreversible decline in the eye's...
Presbyopia is an age-related ocular condition, typically affecting individuals aged over 40 years, characterized by a gradual and irreversible decline in the eye's ability to focus on nearby objects. Correction methods for presbyopia encompass the use of corrective lenses, surgical interventions (corneal or lens based), and, more recently, the FDA-approved topical administration of 1.25% pilocarpine. While prior research has demonstrated the efficacy of daily pilocarpine eye drop application in enhancing near visual acuity by increasing the depth of focus leveraging the pinhole effect, limited knowledge exists regarding its influence on visual acuity under varying conditions of contrast and ambient luminance. This study aims to investigate the impact of these variables on visual acuity, employing the VA-CAL test, among 11 emmetropic and 11 presbyopic volunteers who reported subjective difficulties with near vision. This study includes evaluations under natural conditions with a pinhole occluder (diameter of 2 mm), and subsequent administration of 1% pilocarpine (Pilomann, Bausch + Lomb, Laval, Canada). The VA-CAL results demonstrate the expected, statistically significant effects of contrast and ambient luminance on visual acuity in both emmetropic and presbyopic volunteers. Furthermore, in emmetropic individuals, the application of pilocarpine resulted in a statistically significant reduction in visual acuity. In contrast, presbyopes did not exhibit statistically significant differences in the visual acuity space under either the pinhole or pilocarpine conditions when compared to natural conditions. The pharmacological treatment of presbyopia with pilocarpine eye drops, intended to enhance near vision, does not adversely affect visual acuity in presbyopes. This suggests that pilocarpine may offer a viable alternative for individuals averse to wearing corrective eyewear.
PubMed: 38592033
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13051209 -
European Journal of Medical Research Apr 2024There have been no reports on the successful implementation of stellate ganglion block (SGB) in mice.
BACKGROUND
There have been no reports on the successful implementation of stellate ganglion block (SGB) in mice.
OBJECTIVES
This study aims to investigate a new method for implementing SGB in mice by placing them in a supine position with abducted upper limbs and touching the trachea and sternoclavicular joint with the hand.
METHODS
Fifty BABL/C mice, 8-10 weeks, were selected and randomly divided into four groups: control group (n = 5); SGB-R group (n = 15); SGB-L group (n = 15); and SGB-L + R (group n = 15). SGB was administered with 0.15% ropivacaine solution in a volume of 0.1 mL. The control group received equal volumes of saline. Horner's syndrome, heart rate, and complications such as brachial plexus block, vascular injury, pneumothorax, local anesthetic toxicity, and death were observed.
RESULTS
Horner's syndrome developed in 100% of SGB surviving mice; no difference was seen in the time to onset (100.4 ± 13.4 vs 96.7 ± 12.4, mean ± SD, seconds) and duration (264.1 ± 40.5 vs 296.3 ± 48.0, mean ± SD, min) of Horner's syndrome in the left and right SGB (P > 0.05). Compared with the control group (722 [708-726], median [IQR], bpm), the heart rate was significantly slowed down in the right SGB (475 [451.5-491], median [IQR], bpm) (P < 0.05). While the heart rate was slowed down after performing the left SGB, the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The overall complication rate was 18.4%, with a brachial plexus block rate of 12.3%, a vascular injury rate of 4.6%, and a mortality rate of 1.5%, as well as no local anesthetic toxicity (includes bilateral implementation of SGB) or pneumothorax manifestations were found.
CONCLUSIONS
This method allows for the successful implementation of SGB in a mouse model.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Anesthetics, Local; Horner Syndrome; Pneumothorax; Stellate Ganglion; Vascular System Injuries
PubMed: 38576012
DOI: 10.1186/s40001-024-01815-6 -
Cureus Feb 2024Horner's syndrome is a rare condition that results when there is an interruption of the sympathetic fibers that run from the stellate ganglion to the eye. The classic...
Horner's syndrome is a rare condition that results when there is an interruption of the sympathetic fibers that run from the stellate ganglion to the eye. The classic triad of Horner's syndrome includes unilateral ptosis, miosis, and anhidrosis. Spontaneous pneumothorax is a rare condition that occurs when there is a sudden collapsed lung without any direct cause. A few cases have been reported of spontaneous pneumothorax associated with iatrogenic Horner's syndrome. A chest thoracostomy is a procedure that can lead to iatrogenic Horner's syndrome. Here, we present the case of a 25-year-old male with a left-sided spontaneous pneumothorax complicated by iatrogenic Horner's syndrome secondary to chest thoracostomy.
PubMed: 38550474
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55033 -
Children (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024Brimonidine, a selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma, has been shown to cause neurological side effects such as...
Brimonidine, a selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma, has been shown to cause neurological side effects such as unresponsiveness, lethargy, hypoventilation, and stupor, mimicking opioid toxicity. We report one case of transient encephalopathy in a toddler, in whom accidental brimonidine toxicity was suspected and then confirmed by a toxicology study. The healthy 8-month-old girl was taken to the pediatric ER since she was drowsy and hypotonic with miosis. The computed tomography scan of her brain and toxicological workup of her blood and urine were negative. Starting from the fourth hour, the child progressively improved, and by the sixth hour, she recovered to a normal state of consciousness. A survey of available drugs within the child's reach showed the presence of brimonidine. Thus, ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was applied to quantify the brimonidine in urine and plasma samples, showing levels of 8.40 ng/mL and 0.79 ng/mL, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first report to determine brimonidine levels in urine and plasma using UPLC-MS/MS. Insufficient knowledge on the part of family members about the potential hazards of an apparently innocuous, topical medication such as eye drops may put children at a greater risk of poisoning. Necessary warnings should be given to parents with greater care when prescribing this medication.
PubMed: 38539352
DOI: 10.3390/children11030317 -
JCI Insight Mar 2024Tubular aggregate myopathy (TAM) and Stormorken syndrome (STRMK) are clinically overlapping disorders characterized by childhood-onset muscle weakness and a variable...
Tubular aggregate myopathy (TAM) and Stormorken syndrome (STRMK) are clinically overlapping disorders characterized by childhood-onset muscle weakness and a variable occurrence of multisystemic signs, including short stature, thrombocytopenia, and hyposplenism. TAM/STRMK is caused by gain-of-function mutations in the Ca2+ sensor STIM1 or the Ca2+ channel ORAI1, both of which regulate Ca2+ homeostasis through the ubiquitous store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) mechanism. Functional experiments in cells have demonstrated that the TAM/STRMK mutations induce SOCE overactivation, resulting in excessive influx of extracellular Ca2+. There is currently no treatment for TAM/STRMK, but SOCE is amenable to manipulation. Here, we crossed Stim1R304W/+ mice harboring the most common TAM/STRMK mutation with Orai1R93W/+ mice carrying an ORAI1 mutation partially obstructing Ca2+ influx. Compared with Stim1R304W/+ littermates, Stim1R304W/+Orai1R93W/+ offspring showed a normalization of bone architecture, spleen histology, and muscle morphology; an increase of thrombocytes; and improved muscle contraction and relaxation kinetics. Accordingly, comparative RNA-Seq detected more than 1,200 dysregulated genes in Stim1R304W/+ muscle and revealed a major restoration of gene expression in Stim1R304W/+Orai1R93W/+ mice. Altogether, we provide physiological, morphological, functional, and molecular data highlighting the therapeutic potential of ORAI1 inhibition to rescue the multisystemic TAM/STRMK signs, and we identified myostatin as a promising biomarker for TAM/STRMK in humans and mice.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Blood Platelet Disorders; Calcium; Dyslexia; Erythrocytes, Abnormal; Ichthyosis; Migraine Disorders; Miosis; Muscle Fatigue; Myopathies, Structural, Congenital; ORAI1 Protein; Spleen
PubMed: 38516893
DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.174866