Neurology

Viruses that have been linked to Bell's palsy include those that cause cold sores and genital herpes (herpes simplex); Chickenpox and shingles (herpes zoster); and infectious mononucleosis.

Those who are younger than aged 40 years tend to regain these senses at higher rates than those who are older.

Nusinersen (Spinraza) is indicated for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in pediatric and adult patients.

Glatiramer acetate modifies immune processes that are believed to be responsible for the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.

Significant reductions in mean monthly migraine days compared with placebo were seen as early as weeks 1 through 4 in the clinical trial program for atogepant.

Approximately 5.8 million people in the United States 65 years of age and older live with Alzheimer disease.

Although frontotemporal dementia is the leading cause of the disease for those under 65 years of age, far fewer people are familiar with it than with Alzheimer disease.

ALS results in muscles that are reduced in size (atrophic), weak, and soft, or muscles that are stiff, tight, and spastic.

Migraine headaches can be caused by triggers such as hormonal changes, drinks, stress, sensory stimuli, sleep changes, physical factors, weather changes, medications, foods, and food additives.

In MS, the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers, causing deterioration of the nerves.

Research results show a possible link between herpesviruses and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer disease, ALS, and glaucoma.

The nasal spray bypasses the gut and potential absorption issues associated with it, and offers consistent relief even when administered hours after the onset of a migraine attack.

A greater proportion of atogepant-treated participants achieved at least a 50% reduction in mean monthly migraine days.

The study authors note that they cannot conclude that there is a causal relationship between the COVID-19 vaccines and any of the individual incidents of Bell palsy reviewed.

The FDA's green light for the Alzheimer medication is worrisome, as clinical trials proved inconclusive.

Peptides that cause migraine pain can influence insulin production in mice, possibly by regulating the amount of secreted insulin or by increasing the number of pancreatic cells that produce it.

This is the first time that the intravenous (IV) formulation of brivaracetam will be available for pediatric patients and is the only IV formulation approved for partial-onset seizures and this age group in nearly 7 years.

It is the responsibility of the pharmacist to remain informed of all existing and new drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer disease, especially because novel and investigational drugs may target the pathophysiology of the disease.

Ten quiz questions to assess your knowledge on common multiple sclerosis treatments.

Erenumab was found to have a sustained efficacy as a monotherapy treatment for episodic migraine that was found to not respond to 2 to 4 prior preventive treatments.

Although there was a numerical difference between the mean number of new or newly enlarging T2 hyperintense lesions at week 72 of 0.05 (Q4W) and 0.20 (Q6W), this difference was not clinically meaningful in the context of the full data, according to the investigators.

Donanemab induced rapid amyloid plaque reduction at 24 weeks in patients with early symptomatic Alzheimer disease, with the most rapid clearance in patients with the most severe plaque burden at baseline.

Because there are no other available treatment options, Pamela Spicer said the approval of aducanumab gives much-needed hope to patients with Alzheimer disease and their families.

This recurring condition can require more firepower than OTC pain medications offer.

Although she said it is unlikely that the FDA will retract the approval, prescribers could be reluctant to administer aducanumab to patients.

Patients treated with berubicin in clinical trials appeared to demonstrate positive responses, including 1 durable complete response in a phase 1 human clinical trial.

Advice to community pharmacists and patients who suffer from migraine on strategies that can improve quality of life and be used to navigate the care continuum.

Red flags that would prompt a pharmacist to refer a patient with migraine to be evaluated by a physician.

What community pharmacists need to know about migraine treatment and their role in educating and managing patients.

In addition to concerns about the data supporting the FDA approval of aducanumab for patients with Alzheimer disease, FDA advisory committee members raised some unique concerns when they rejected the application in November 2020.