MMW Fortschr Med
· 2026 Jun · PMID 42262465
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BACKGROUND: The term brainworm or earworm means a phenomenon of musical hallucination (involuntary musical imagery, INMI). Brainworm is also a term for different types of nematodes and describes worms, which can cause ne...BACKGROUND: The term brainworm or earworm means a phenomenon of musical hallucination (involuntary musical imagery, INMI). Brainworm is also a term for different types of nematodes and describes worms, which can cause neurocysticercosis of the human brain. METHODS: Literature research on the musical and medical-historical origins of the brainworm, its neuronal representations and cases of parasitic brainworm caused by nematode infestation of the human brain. RESULTS: Both types of earworms play a role in neurosurgery and neurology, share common characteristics, and require specific medical treatment. While hydatid cysts are treated neurosurgically, the treatment of a musical earworm (INMI) requires both medical and music education intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Musical earworms (INMI), like anatomical brain lesions or tissue damage, stimulate neuronal plasticity and alter neuronal networks. Earworm melodies could therefore support recovery, for example, after a stroke or brain tumor. When choosing earworm music, it is best to consider the patient's personal musical preferences and their musical background and education.
MMW Fortschr Med
· 2026 Jun · PMID 42262464
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Publisher ↗
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In recent years, both clinical guidelines and therapeutic options have evolved significantly. The aim of the DELFIN COPD 2 stu...Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In recent years, both clinical guidelines and therapeutic options have evolved significantly. The aim of the DELFIN COPD 2 study (Deutsche Expert*innenbefragung: Leitlinien, Fakten, Informationen, Nutzereinschätzungen zur COPD 2), was to provide an up-to-date overview of outpatient care for COPD patients led by pulmonologists in Germany. As part of a nationwide cross-sectional survey, 377 office-based pulmonologists were interviewed using a standardised questionnaire between March and October 2024. Data were analysed descriptively.The results show that fixed combinations of long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA) and long-acting beta-agonists (LABA) are commonly used as the preferred initial therapy in clinical practice. Many pulmonologists consider twice-daily inhalation beneficial, particularly in cases of evening and night-time symptoms. The majority of respondents observe the circadian pattern of COPD symptoms. They attribute this to a combination of physiological changes, waning medication effects and insufficient nocturnal ventilation. International recommendations, especially those from the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), play a key role in therapeutic decision-making, whereas economic factors, such as rebate contracts with health insurance providers, are less influential. Correct inhaler use is typically demonstrated by practice staff. Two-thirds of respondents offer smoking cessation support and half use digital tools to assist with patient care.DELFIN COPD 2 highlights the typical challenges of managing COPD in an outpatient setting, such as underutilisation of digital support options. Key elements of future COPD care include consistent smoking cessation efforts, personalised treatment strategies and greater integration of digital health tools.
MMW Fortschr Med
· 2026 Jun · PMID 42262463
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This overview examines the pathophysiology of weather sensitivity and describes the extent to which meteorological changes can influence well-being and pre-existing conditions. Already in the 5th century BC, Hippocrates...This overview examines the pathophysiology of weather sensitivity and describes the extent to which meteorological changes can influence well-being and pre-existing conditions. Already in the 5th century BC, Hippocrates identified the connection between environmental factors and health, paving the way for modern biometeorological concepts. Current research confirms that patient groups with arthrosis, scar tissue, migraine or chronic pain syndrome are particularly likely to report weather- dependent symptoms. Meteorological stimuli act primarily as amplifiers of existing physiological or pathological processes rather than as primary causes. Overall, it appears that weather-sensitivity is a complex combination of subjective experience and physiological mechanisms, requiring further interdisciplinary research to better understand the underlying processes.