Neurological conditions

Shortage of epilepsy medicine to continue until end of October, manufacturer says

All strengths of the epilepsy medicine Gabitril will be out of stock in the UK until the end of October 2019, the drug’s manufacturer has said.…

NHS guidance on progressive neurological conditions calls for more input from specialist pharmacists

Including specialist pharmacists in multidisciplinary care teams for patients with Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis could help to avoid up to 2,500 emergency admissions to hospital each year, according to NHS England.…

Cannabis-derived medicine for treatment of two rare forms of epilepsy approved by EMA committee

A European Medicines Agency committee has given a positive opinion for what could be the first plant-derived cannabis-based medicine to be approved in Europe for the treatment of any form of epilepsy.…

Everything you need to know about medical cannabis

Medical cannabis was legalised in the UK on 1 November 2018, but the regulations around its use and supply remain strict. Here is a quick update about how it is being used in the NHS and what benefits it may or may not offer.…

Effect of statin on MS progression not related to cholesterol reduction

A previously demonstrated effect of simvastatin in delaying progression of an advanced form of multiple sclerosis is not related to its effect on cholesterol levels, a study published in PNAS has shown.…

Daily isradipine is ineffective at slowing Parkinson’s disease

The blood pressure therapy isradipine does not slow disease progression in people with early-stage Parkinson’s disease, findings presented at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting have shown.…

Beta interferons improve survival in people with MS

Beta interferons improve survival in patients with relapsing-onset multiple sclerosis when used for at least three years, research has shown.…

Motor neurone disease: management of common symptoms

There is no cure for motor neurone disease, but symptom control is achievable and can improve quality of life.…

Early intensive therapy may delay MS progression

Early aggressive therapy for multiple sclerosis is associated with improved long-term outcomes compared with an escalation approach, a study in JAMA Neurology has shown.…

Parkinson’s disease: management and guidance

An overview of Parkinson’s disease management, including discussion of the updated National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.…