Neurology

A quantum life

Quantum theory explains how you create your life through what you choose to think, then intend and, ultimately, do.

Challenging nursing’s sacred cows

Do you routinely instill normal saline solution into endotracheal tubes before suctioning? Use only the Glasgow Coma Scale for neurologic assessment? Evidence on these and other sacred cows…

Changes on MRI predict Alzheimer disease

Cortical thinning on MRI predicts Alzheimer disease dementia within 10 years in cognitively normal adults according to a study in Neurology. Read more at http://www.neurology.org/content/76/16/1395.abstract.
dementia quiet thief nurse forgetful

Dementia: The quiet thief

The nurse’s note read, “not orientated to place and time due to dementia.” Several hours of general anesthesia for a knee replacement and then morphine via a patient-controlled…
Detecting long-term concussion in athletes

Detecting long-term concussion in athletes

Researchers develop method that could one day be used in brain trauma lawsuits Lawyers representing both sides in concussion lawsuits against sports leagues may eventually have a new…

Easing the anguish of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease afflicts not just the person who has it but everyone in that person’s orbit. Learn how to help family members caring for patients with this nursing…

Exercise is key part of stroke recovery

Exercise should be prescribed for stroke survivors because it can significantly reduce disability and the risk of recurrent stroke, according to “Physical Activity and Exercise Recommendations for Stroke…

Exercise reduces silent brain infarctions

Moderate to heavy physical activity is associated with a lower risk of silent brain infarctions in older adults according to a study published online by Neurology. Read more.

FDA approves medical device for epilepsy

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a device to help reduce the frequency of seizures in epilepsy patients who have not responded well to medications.…

FDA approves new daily treatment for RLS

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Horizant Extended Release Tablets (gabapentin enacarbil) as a daily treatment for moderate-to-severe restless legs syndrome (RLS). Read more at http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm250188.htm.

FDA approves new drug for severe drooling

On July 28, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Cuvposa (glycopyrrolate) Oral Solution to treat chronic severe drooling caused by neurologic disorders in children ages 3…

FDA approves new MRI agent

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Dotarem (gadoterate meglumine) for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, spine and associated tissues of patients…

FDA approves new MS drug

On Sept. 12, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Aubagio (teriflunomide), a once-a-day tablet for the treatment of adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).…

FDA approves new multiple sclerosis drug

On March 27, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) capsules to treat adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. Read more.

Improving the care of stroke patients

Is your facility doing enough to help stroke patients survive and regain functional independence? Find out how a national evidence-based initiative helps hospitals deliver better stroke care.

Letters to the Editor – February 2008

Lack of evidence-based care for spinal cord injuries In your September article “Cervical spine injuries: Preserving function, improving outcomes,” the author describes as “aggressive care” the administration of…

New guidelines for dementia and driving

Researchers have developed a new clinical pathway that provides guidance for healthcare providers to help dementia patients who drive. The pathway was presented at the Annual Conference of…

Participate in National Memory Screening Day

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is seeking nurses to help with their free, confidential memory screenings during its 8th annual National Memory Screening Day (NMSD) on November…

Pediatric stroke

Learn more about this rare but dangerous condition.

Peripheral neuropathy gene identified

A study in the Annals of Neurology found that 28.6% of patients with peripheral neuropathy had a mutation in the same gene (SCN9A). Read more.

Quiz Time

Which of the following patient assessment findings are consistent with the diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer’s disease? a. The patient has multiple cognitive impairments, including memory impairment and aphasia.…

Readers Respond

Is it syncope—or something worse? “A nice article on vasovagal syncope. Unfortunately the author omitted an important trigger—food sensitivities. I know very well because I have this problem…

Respiratory failure from a myasthenic crisis

Nina Robbins, age 36, is admitted to the medical unit with pyelonephritis. She states she has had a fever above 102° F, back pain, vomiting, and painful urination…

Rewards of neuro nursing

I am a nurse at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV, on the Neuro Intensive Care Unit. I work with some of the most critically ill patients. Neurology…

Spotting trouble after spinal surgery

The rapid response team makes all the right moves when a patient experiences neck swelling and difficulty swallowing after an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.

Stroke in a child with sickle cell anemia

Adrienne Johnson, age 5, is admitted to the general pediatric unit. She has sickle cell anemia (hemoglobin SS subtype) and recently was discharged after being hospitalized for acute…

Stroke in pregnancy on the rise

A study published by Stroke found that the number of strokes in pregnant women has risen, especially for those in the postpartum period. Read more.

Study: New delirium severity measure

A study in the Annals of Internal Medicine reports on an effective new delirium severity measure (CAM-S) based on the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM), Read more and read…

Study: Playing football and effects on brain

College football players with and without a history of concussions have less volume in the hippocampal region of the brain that relates to memory and emotion, according to…

Take Note – August 2008

Web exclusive! A monthly round-up of clinical and practice news and alerts at www.AmericanNurseToday.com
lymes disease tick

Take Note – January 2007

Controversy over new Lyme disease guidelines The new guidelines released by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (ISDA) have run into some criticism. In fact, the International Lyme…
kid eating healthy child girl veggies vegetable

Take Note – July 2008

Measles outbreak       Between January 1 and April 25, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention received reports of 64 measles cases in nine states—the highest number for the…
alzheimer disease brain testing

Take Note – March 2007

Previous hospital-room occupants may spread MRSA and VRE The risk of acquiring methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infections increases if the prior hospital-room occupant tested…
breast feeding breastfeeding baby

Take Note – November 2006

American Diabetes Association releases food guidelines for specific medical categories “When you’re talking about diabetes, there is no ‘one size fits all’ diet,” said Ann Albright, PhD, RD,…
depression effects health black white note

Take Note – November 2007

Medical illiteracy can kill A 6-year study of 3,260 patients ages 65 and older found that almost 40% of those considered medically illiterate died during the study. Only…

Understanding seizures in children

Although seizures are scary for the child, parents, and bystanders, most pediatric seizures can be controlled or eliminated.

Vagus nerve stimulation may reduce HF symptoms

A global, multicenter randomized clinical trial called INOVATE-HF (INcrease Of VAgal TonE in chronic Heart Failure) is investigating the safety and efficacy of an implantable vagus nerve electrical…

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Test Your Knowledge

Which of the following is correct about the stages of sleep?