Neuro News Roundup: Parkinson or parkinsonian?

March 6, 2017

Studies also include stem cell transplantation for treatment-refractory MS and aspirin use for headache to lessen the need for rescue medication.

The highlights of new studies in neurology include: a single dose of aspirin, from 500 mg to 1000 mg, may reduce the use of rescue medications in adults with frequent episodic tension-type headache; blood neurofilament light chain (NfL) protein can discriminate between Parkinson disease and atypical parkinsonian disorder; and about half of patients with aggressive, treatment-refractory multiple sclerosis (MS) are free from neurological progression five years after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT).

Neuro News Roundup: Parkinson or parkinsonian? March 2017

Aspirin Relieves Tension Headache Abstract link.

A single dose of aspirin between 500 mg and 1000 mg may provide some benefit in adults with tension-type headache in terms of less frequent use of rescue medication.

Simple analgesics, such as aspirin, have some benefit for patients with tension-type headache.

Blood Nfl Levels May Distinguish Parkinson from Other Disorders Abstract link.

Blood-based NfL may be a biomarker for differential diagnosis of parkinsonian disorder.

Blood tests for NfL might be included in the diagnostic workup of patients with parkinsonian symptoms in both primary care and specialized clinics.

Stem Cell Transplant May Halt MS Progression Abstract link.

AHSCT may be an effective treatment for aggressive forms of MS that fail to respond to standard therapies.

Stem cell transplantation may be an option for a younger patient with relapsing MS who has failed no more than two disease-modifying treatments and has not reached high levels of disability.

Clinical Implications