Learning | Neurological conditions

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Epilepsy: review what you know (part 2)

This second part of an article on epilepsy (PJ, 4 June 2011, pp663–6) looks at special considerations and counselling needed for certain groups of patients.…

Published: 1 June 2011

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How to limit antipsychotic use in dementia

It is estimated that only a fifth of people with dementia and who are prescribed an antipsychotic actually benefit. And considering the mortality risks, it is time for action by pharmacists, say Vanessa Redmond and Jonathan Cavan. They describe a new service reviewing antipsychotic prescribing for n…

Published: 7 May 2011

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Stroke: classification and diagnosis

Slurred speech, facial droop and arm weakness — it is critical that all healthcare professionals are alert for these signs of stroke to ensure that patients displaying them receive treatment quickly.…

Published: 1 January 2011

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Delirium: a guide to a common condition

Delirium is not a benign condition — its presence predicts significantly increased morbidity and mortality, often in already vulnerable patient groups. Mark Borthwick and Nina Barnett give an overview of delirium, its prevention, detection and treatment, highlight the latest NICE guidance, and sug…

Published: 7 August 2010

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Epilepsy: pharmacological treatment and monitoring

Although treatment with antiepileptic drugs can stop seizures recurring, close monitoring of side effects is crucial.…

Published: 1 March 2010

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Epilepsy: clinical features and diagnosis

When an individual experiences a seizure it is important to identify the underlying cause. Repeated seizures may constitute a diagnosis of epilepsy. The type of seizures will dictate how the epilepsy is treated.…

Published: 1 March 2010

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Different types of dementia

In this article, Andrew Husband and Alan Worsley describe some different dementias and their treatments.…

Published: 11 November 2006

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Alzheimer’s disease

In 1978, Lishman defined dementia as “an acquired global impairment of intellect, memory and personality but without impairment of consciousness.”1 Dementia is now more appropriately considered as a syndrome of acquired loss of cognitive function, behavioural changes and loss of soc…

Published: 3 June 2000

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Multiple sclerosis: the disease and its treatment

By Ahmed Toosy, MRCP, MA (Cantab) and Alan Thompson, FRCP, FRCPI Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, demyelinating condition of the central nervous system. It is the commonest cause of neurological disability in young adults, with a female to male preponderance of two to one. I…

Published: 6 May 2000

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Parkinson’s disease: treatment

By David Burn, FRCP, MD The treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD) was revolutionised by the introduction of levodopa in 1967. In the relatively short period of time that has followed, the limitations of levodopa have been recognised and an increasing number of alternative drugs have been develope…

Published: 25 March 2000