Neuro News Roundup: Parkinson & Cognitive Function
Orthostatic hypotension’s effect on cognition in Parkinson disease, testing patients with epilepsy who can drive safely, and carotid web are covered.
Three new neurology studies show that orthostatic hypotension appears to cause cognition disturbances in Parkinson disease; video testing with electroencephalograph monitoring may determine which epilepsy patients can drive safely, and carotid web may be an underappreciated risk factor for stroke.
Neurology News Roundup: Parkinson & Cognitive Function. January 2017
Orthostatic Hypotension Affects Cognition in Parkinson Disease Abstract link.
Cognitive deficits in Parkinson disease have been widely reported with assessments performed in the supine position, but patients may also need to be tested in an upright position.
Parkinson disease patients should be screened whether or not they report common symptoms of lightheadedness, and clinicians should be cognizant that some patients may develop delayed-onset orthostatic hypotension.
Testing Safe Driving Among Epilepsy Patients Abstract link.
The duration of seizures and length of impaired consciousness are potentially important factors influencing safe driving performance in epilepsy patients.
Testing of driving inpatient video/EEG monitoring may be a useful way to determine factors that influence driving safety, including seizure duration and impaired consciousness, and may allow some epilepsy patients to drive safely.
Carotid Web: Source of Undiagnosed Stroke Abstract link.
Carotid artery web may be an important factor in ischemic stroke in young patients who do not seem to have an alternative cause of stroke.
Clinical Implications