Current Journal of Neurology
Volume:6 Issue: 19, 2007

Recently there are many studies about the effects of Vitamin D and MS. It is showed that Vitamin D has potent preventive effects on chronic diseases such as cancers and MS Methods and Materials : 30 MS patients according to Mc Donald criteria were selected 34 normal persons who adjusted by the age, sex, were also selected. The exclusion criteria were CRF, endocrine disorder, the corticosteroids more than 2 times per year and recent corticosteroids consumption and the use of cyclosporine and other drugs which have interaction whit Vitamin D serum level. For assessment of serum Vitamin D level we have checked, the level of 25 Hydroxy vitamin d, serum level of Ca, P, Mg and PTH. The mean age of our patients were 35±7.7 and normal people were 35.4±8.1 The mean serum level of 25 Hydroxy vitamin D in MS patient and normal subjects were 19.05±2.4 and 34.8±8.8 respectively (P=0.050). The frequency of Vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency and sufficiency were 23(76.78%),2(6.7%) and 5(16.7%) respectively.17(56.7%)of patients have serum Vitamin D deficiency. It seems that the level of 25 Hydroxy vitamin D is low in Iranian MS patient (P=0.05).This study has showed again that the level of Vitamin D is low in most of MS patients. According to this study we highly recommend Vitamin D Supplements and sun exposure in MS patients.

Although entry of cell mobile phones to human's life resulted in advanced communications but the worries following the effects of microwave on biological tissues is still one of the most challenging topics. The study is conducted to determine the effects of mobile phones on the cerebellar cortex of the rabbit. 18 male rabbits were selected and were randomly divided into 3 groups (G1, G2 and G3). G1 as control group, G2 and G3 as experimental groups (6 rabbits in each group). The animals in G2 were exposed to microwave for one month and 4 hours every day and in G3 were exposed for one month and 8 hours every day by microwave with frequency 915 MHz and intensity of 3 watt. After the exposure and one week rest, the samples of cerebral and cerebellar cortex in all groups were taken and were processed for light and electron microscopic studies. The numbers and size of purkanji cells nuclei were compared using statistical methods in all groups. The analysis of the size of purkanji cells nuclei in microwave exposed groups (G2, G3) showed significant decrease in compare to control group (P<0.001). The size of purkanji cells nuclei in G1, G2 and G3 were respectly: 63.98 ± 0.57, 58.08 ± 0.91 and 57.82 ± 1.3. However the number of purkanji cells in G2 and G3 didnt show a significant decrease in compare to the control group (P>0.4). The micrographs also confirmed increase in heterochromatin of purkanji cells nucleus in experimental groups. The light and electron microscopy findings show that the microwaves have negative effect s in rabbit cerebeller cortex b y decreasing the nuclear activity and the size of purkanji cells nuclei

Hemodialysis is considered as a routin treatment for end stage renal disease (ESRD). However, several early complications such as headache, nausea & vomiting, seizure, etc. are obserbed. Dementia is also a late and rare but fatal complication. Therefore, we carried out a study to fined out a bether way to reduce these complications. In a cross sectional study 120 patients treated with dialysis were naurologically examined and their blood samples were checked for Sodium (Na) and Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) before and after dialysis. The results of the tests were statistically analysed in SPSS software using X2 & student t-test. Out of 120 patients, 56 (46.7%) had no dialysis complication but the rest of patients had complications as follows: headache 54 (45%) Nausea and vomiting 31 (25.8%), agitation 21 (17.5%), unconsciousness 12 (10%), seizure 5 (4.2%) and dementia 3 (2.8%). The patients with dementia had dialysis experience mor than 52 months. The results showed significant relationship between complications and beginning of dialysis (p<0.05). The mean of dialysis period from beginning of dialysis was 31.75 months and dialysis speed was 220.78ml/min. results also showed that BUN amount decreased in half but Na amount increased in this patients. There were no significant relationship between mean of Na and BUN and neurological complications befor and after dialysis (p>0.05). those patients with tendency to dialysis complications (dialysis disequilibrium syndrome) are recommend have dialysis with lower speed and for the adequacy of dialysis a shorter period but frequent dialysis is sugested. Since aluminum ion is considered as the agent for pathogenesis of dementia, further studies need to be carried out to identify the pathogenesis.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a poorly understood sensory-motor neurological disorder whose prevalence in Caucasian populations ranges from 10-15%. The patient reports unpleasant sensations in the lower limbs with dysesthesia resulting in an urge to move the legs. The symptoms occur during periods of inactivity, increasing in the evening and at night. Moving the legs provides relief. These problems could affect patients’ quality of life and may need to be treated. Although common, RLS often escapes diagnosis and many patients are referred to different clinics. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and associated factors of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in Iranian patients who referred to neurology and orthopedic clinics. Patients & A total of 1103 non-traumatic patients consecutively admitted to the neurology and orthopedic outpatient clinics of Rasoul-e-Akram, Shafa Yahyaeian and Milad hospitals were studied. The diagnosis of RLS was based on the criteria adopted by the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group Rating Scale (IRLS). Also another variables such as demographics, chief complaint, family history of RLS and systemic diseases were recorded in the check list. The data were analyzed using SPSS v.13 software. Chi2 and Independent T-test were used in analysis. Out of 1103, RLS was detected in 116(10.5%) patients. The prevalence of RLS among patients who referred to neurology and orthopedic outpatient clinics was 9.7% and 11%, respectively, whereas, only 3(2.7%) patients were admitted with chief complaint of RLS symptoms. The prevalence of RLS was significantly higher in women than men (15% vs. 4.3%, P<0.001) and the mean age of RLS patients was significantly higher than non-RLS patients [47.9(SD=15.34) years vs. 40.71(SD=17.8) years, P<0.001]. Additionally, Thyroid diseases (11.2% vs. 4.7%, P=0.033), family history of RLS (28.4% vs. 0.6%, P<0.001) and upper limb involvement (15.5% vs. 0.1%, P<0.001) were more reported in RLS patients. The prevalence of RLS in the general population is poorly known and it differs in different countries. The results of our study show the considerable prevalence of RLS in Iranian patients. However, most of them are referred to orthopedic clinics than neurology. In addition, thyroid diseases and family history of RLS are associated with RLS. It seems that increasing both patients and physicians knowledge about RLS may lead to better diagnosis, treatment and improvement of RLS symptoms.

Visual evoked potential (VEP) is a diagnostic procedure being used for determination of damages involving the neural tissues of optic pathway. Nowadays this procedure is applied for diagnosis of different neurological disorders including MS (multiple sclerosis). Considering the presense of possible electrophysiologic changes in the migrainous patients، application of pattern reversal VEP (PRVEP) in these patients have been noted. However for many years different studies have yielded paradoxical results. The goal of this study is to P100 latency and P100 amplitude values in the interictal phase of migrainous patients. Material and Metods : A total of 96 migrainous patients (31 males and 65 females) regardless of migraine type and Mg 2+ serum level were selected based on IHS criterias. Visual evoked potential was performed for all patients by pattern reversal method using Medlec electrodiagnostic machine. After exposing each eye to 200 photic stimulations، P100 latency and P100 amplitude values for each eye were recorded separately. Then collected data were analysed with t-test SPSS software and statistical t-test. Mean P100 latency value was 99. 05 ± 4. 08 msec for right eyes and 99. 06 ± 4. 15 msec for left eyes of 96 migrainous patients. In comparesion with normal subjects studied in the same center with similar tecnique، (mean P100 latency value 100. 73 ± 6. 7 for Rt eye and 100. 77 ± 7. 2 for Lt eye in normal subject) there was no significant difference. In addition، mean P100 amplitude was 9. 15 for Rt eye and 9. 14 for Lt eye and، in comparison with normal subjects with، Lt eye=9. 74 and Rt eye، 9. 65 there was no significant difference. (p< 0. 05) Based on this study، there is no statistical significant difference of P100 Latency and P100 amplitude values between normal population and migrainous interictal phase. And this study is not reliable diagnostic method for Migranours.

Epilepsy is a chronic disease, which has a major influence on the quality of life in the epileptic. Considering many aspects of epilepsy one can conclude that it has influential effects in multiple aspects of life in these patients. These aspects include physical and mental health, activities of daily living and social relations, mental capabilities, learning and different type of skills, etc. The aim of this research was to study the quality of life of the epileptic patients in our society, and compare these result with that of similar studies in other centers all around the world. This was a descriptive- cross sectional type of study. One hundred eight nine patients were enrolled according to the criteria of the International league Against Epilepsy (ILAE) for diagnosis of epilepsy. The inclusion criteria were, 1) the age over 18 years old 2) absence of mental or physical disabilities, so that precluding the study. The patients selected accordingly were interviewed using a standard questionnaire, Quality of life in Epilepsy (QOLIE- 31-P). Among 189 patients were 106 males (56.1%) and 83 females (43.9%). Total quality of life according to the score of QOLIE- 31-P was minimally 16.20 and maximally 87.5 with a mean of (50 14.59 SD).the mean score for men was (50 16.11 SD 16.2-85.35) and for females (49.28 14.47 SD 24.14-87.5), which showed no significant difference between sexes cp Value= 0.549). The mean score in the monotherapy group (52.95 16.22 SD) showed a significant difference in comparison to the poly therapy group with a mean score of (46.98 12.07 SD), (P Value=0.005), indicating a favorable profile for the former. There was no significant difference statistically with regard to age groups and educational status, but duration of the epilepsy less than one year had statistically significant better quality of life. The results of this study were compared with similar studies in other centers all over the world. The findings on the role of the sex of the patients was the same as the studies in the India and Georgian University, but were different to that of a European study of 15 countries. This may stem form cultural differences and beliefs. The effect of number of drugs used in treatment was similar to other studies. The care of the epileptic patients must take into account the many factors influencing the quality of life in these patients. Adhering to a monotherapy regimen by the physicians has an important role in improving the quality of life in the epileptics. The epilepsy because of its chronic course has an unfavorable long- term influence on the quality life of the patients.

The natural electricity in the body carries signals back and forth between central and peripheral nervous systems. The signals carry the electrical commands that cause voluntary muscle to contract. In spinal cord injury (SCI) that these motor signals are missed، electrical stimulation applied near the muscle or nerve can be substitute artificially. It is estimated that the annual incidence of SCI is approximately forty cases per million populations. In SCI، damage to spinal cord result in complete or partial loss of movement (paralysis) and feeling. The amount of paralysis depends on where and how severe the damage is. The application of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in patients with spinal cord injury is categorized as functional or therapeutic and is called functional electrical stimulation (FES). Sometimes the primary purpose of FES does not involve moving muscles. In such cases، the primary purpose may be to prevent or treat problems that arise because of SCI. These problems are called secondary complications. Generally، applications of electrical stimulation in SCI include: 1- cardiovascular exercise 2- breathing assistance 3- Cough assistance 4- grasping 5- bladder & bowel control (incontinence) 6- Transfer & standing 7- stepping and walking 8- erection & electro ejaculation 9- improving circulation 10- preventing or treating pressure sores 11- controlling spasticity 12- preventing or treating contractures 13- preventing or treating osteoporosis 14- treating weak muscles 15- restoring sensation 16- regaining voluntary functions

Extramedulary hematopoiesis i common sequelae in thalassemic patients but extramedullary hematopoiesis in the spinal epidural space that lead to paraparesis in pregnancy in very rare. We managed a thalassemic patient with extramedullary hematopoiesis and spinal cord compression during pregnancy. The diagnosis was made on clinical features and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)showing a paravertebral mass infiltrating the epidural space. She was treated with repeated blood transfusion but her symptom worsened and paraparesis progressed to paraplegic state. Surgical decompression of the spine and the removal of the culprit lesion compressing the spine were performed. Improving of the symptoms and control of the lesion could be obtained

Schizophrenia is a disorder of thinking where a person’s ability to recognize reality, his or her emotional responses, thinking processes, judgment and ability to communicate deteriorates so much that his or her functioning is seriously impaired. Symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions are common. Usual antipsychotic drugs for treatment of this disease including, Phenothiazine and thioxanthine derivatives. There are many reports regarding the correlation between hypotension and extrapyramidal syndromes and the usage of these drugs. In this article, we report one case of myopathy induced by perphenazine. Case report: A 27 old man suffering from schizophrenia refer to neurologic clinic with quadriplegia, was treated with perphenazine 8 mg/tid. The positive signs including severe muscle weakness in four limbs, which the proximal muscle force were II/IV and distal III/IV, hypotonia and decrease in tendon reflexes. AST، ALT، CPK, aldolase, CBC, ESR, biochemical tests, UA, and thyroid function tests were done. Regarding of neurological disease rejection, elevated CPK and abnormal EMG, myopathy was suggested for this patient. In addition, we did not find any reason for other myopathies (e. g. inflammatory myopathies and muscular dystrophies), therefore the patient myopathy was related to perphenazine and the perphenazine dose was reduced. After four weeks, the signs of recovery observe and the patient was able to move and the muscle force in proximal limb was increased to IV/V and in distal to V/V.