Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep [JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Update on Genetic Chorea.
Ostrozovicova M, Skorvanek M
Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep · 2026 Jul · PMID 42400823 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Chorea is a symptom of numerous pathophysiologically and clinically heterogeneous genetic conditions. A number of developments have been made in this field over the last years linked to improved genomi...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Chorea is a symptom of numerous pathophysiologically and clinically heterogeneous genetic conditions. A number of developments have been made in this field over the last years linked to improved genomic testing, large cohort collaborations and improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms. This review aims to provide an update on the new genetic conditions and phenotypes linked to chorea disorders, their modification factors and pathophysiological background. RECENT FINDINGS: Several novel genetic conditions have been linked to chorea over the last 3 years, including mutations in FTH1, NAA60, ACBD6 or TOR1AIP2. Also, novel phenotypes have been established and linked to chorea, such as Adult-onset Neurodegeneration in Nucleotide Excision Repair Disorder (NERD-ND). Major advances have been made in understanding of the pathophysiological role of somatic instability in HD. Striatal pallidal neurons (SPNs) with 150-500 + CAG repeats seem to lose positive and then negative features of neuronal identity, de-repress senescence/apoptosis genes, ultimately leading to cell death. Improved recognition of the genetic background of chorea leads to more effective diagnostic processes, better prognostication and improved personalized treatment. The findings on somatic instability in HD suggest that neurodegeneration in HD is an asynchronous DNA process for >95% of a neuron's life, with majority of neurons in all disease stages having a HTT gene which is not biologically harmful. This has potential major therapeutic implications not only in HD but also in other neurological repeat expansion disorders.
Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in Critically Ill Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury: Clinical Implications and Putative Mechanisms: a Narrative Review.
Lieberman OJ, Rojas-Valencia L, Amorim E … +2 more , Ferguson AR, Hinson HE
Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep · 2026 Jul · PMID 42400761 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) requiring intensive care is associated with high morbidity, mortality and long-term disability. In addition to neurologic sequelae, TBI causes a syst...
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) requiring intensive care is associated with high morbidity, mortality and long-term disability. In addition to neurologic sequelae, TBI causes a systemic disease with associated injury to other organ systems, including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Here, we review the evidence that GI tract dysfunction occurs after TBI and discuss the clinical implications of GI tract dysfunction on the clinical care of TBI patients, including inadequate nutritional support, elevated risk of pneumonia, and a hyperactive inflammatory response. RECENT FINDINGS: We highlight recent findings that highlight putative mechanisms through which GI tract pathology may arise after TBI, including vagal nerve and enteric nervous system dysfunction, gut microbiome dysbiosis, sympathetic hyperactivity and iatrogenic injury. Finally, we highlight future approaches to target the GI tract that could improve outcomes in this critically ill patient population. In summary, we review the evidence supporting a role for GI tract dysfunction in the pathophysiology of critically ill TBI patients and highlight potential mechanisms through which GI tract dysfunction may worsen outcomes in this population.
The Potential of Rehabilitation to Amplify Experience-Induced Myelin Plasticity and Remyelination in Multiple Sclerosis: A Narrative Review.
Ploughman M, Cattaneo D, Marazzini F … +2 more , Bray NW, Fritz NE
Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep · 2026 Jul · PMID 42400702 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This narrative review synthesizes emerging evidence on experience-dependent myelin plasticity and its relevance for neurorehabilitation in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Building on foundational...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This narrative review synthesizes emerging evidence on experience-dependent myelin plasticity and its relevance for neurorehabilitation in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Building on foundational work demonstrating motor learning-induced neuroplasticity, we highlight growing recognition that myelination remains adaptable across the lifespan and may be harnessed to support motor relearning, neuroprotection, and remyelination in MS. RECENT FINDINGS: Preclinical and human studies demonstrate that neuronal activity, especially that induced by motor learning, regulates oligodendrocyte behavior and myelin remodeling. Rodent models show that skilled training enhances oligodendrocyte precursor cell proliferation and myelin thickness, while human neuroimaging confirms training-related increases in myelin-sensitive metrics within task-relevant systems. In MS, early evidence from exercise and motor training studies suggests task-specific white matter plasticity, though sample sizes remain small and imaging outcomes heterogeneous. Additional work points to synergistic potential between behavioral training, neuromodulation, and pharmacologic remyelinating agents. Notably, the combination of exercise and clemastine produces robust remyelination in preclinical models. With MS patients now living longer, aging introduces additional vulnerabilities-including inflammation, microglial dysfunction, and reduced regenerative capacity-but myelin retains responsiveness to behavioral and environmental enrichment. Experience-dependent myelin plasticity represents a promising but underexplored mechanism for enhancing neurorehabilitation outcomes. Motor learning, physical exercise, and multimodal interventions may support adaptive myelination, though optimized dosing, timing, and biomarkers remain undefined. Future research should employ targeted, multimodal imaging approaches and integrate behavioral, neuromodulatory, and pharmacologic strategies, in addition to following patients longitudinally post-intervention, to clarify the therapeutic potential of activity-driven remyelination.
The Noradrenergic Brain in Parkinson's Disease.
Pasquini J, Palermo G, Pavese N … +1 more , Ceravolo R
Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep · 2026 Jun · PMID 42301334 · Full text
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cerebral noradrenergic activity modulates physiological functions of behaviour, cognition, movement, arousal and sleep. This review aims to provide an accurate summary of the current knowledge on the i...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cerebral noradrenergic activity modulates physiological functions of behaviour, cognition, movement, arousal and sleep. This review aims to provide an accurate summary of the current knowledge on the involvement of the noradrenergic system in Parkinson's Disease (PD) and its clinical correlations based on neuroimaging studies. RECENT FINDINGS: Studies in PD highlight neuromelanin MRI signal loss in the locus coeruleus (LC), and positron emission tomography shows noradrenergic denervation across subcortical and cortical areas. More severe phenotypes of PD, manifesting with cognitive decline, apathy, REM sleep behaviour disorder and autonomic dysfunction, are associated with more severe noradrenergic dysfunction. Conversely more preserved noradrenergic transmission is common in tremulous PD. Furthermore, noradrenergic dysfunction, is also involved in transient motor manifestations such as tremor and freezing of gait. Recent neuroimaging advances greatly expanded the knowledge about noradrenergic dysfunction pathophysiology in PD. However, pharmacological treatment of its several associated manifestations is still lacking and needs further investigation.
Mapping the Silent Onset of Parkinson's Disease: Monoamine Imaging in the Era of the Race for Preclinical Intervention.
Leta V, Kaasinen V, Ballanger B … +1 more , Cilia R
Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep · 2026 Jun · PMID 42223564 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: The main unmet need of Parkinson's disease (PD) is the lack of a therapy able to slow progression. The field is shifting from syndromic diagnosis toward biologically anchored definitions and stagin...
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: The main unmet need of Parkinson's disease (PD) is the lack of a therapy able to slow progression. The field is shifting from syndromic diagnosis toward biologically anchored definitions and staging, enabling PD identification before motor onset. In this context, imaging biomarkers provide in vivo measures to identify subtypes, enrich cohorts, and track changes in disease-modifying trials. This review focuses on the role of monoaminergic imaging for preclinical intervention. RECENT FINDINGS: Monoaminergic imaging captures both the core substrate of motor phenoconversion and extranigral mechanisms underlying early non-motor symptoms. Presynaptic dopaminergic imaging remains the most robust marker of conversion risk in prodromal cohorts, while noradrenergic and serotonergic imaging delineate early brainstem and limbic involvement. Peripheral autonomic imaging further extends biomarker coverage, with cardiac sympathetic imaging detecting early extracerebral denervation in prodromal stages. Together, harmonised monoaminergic imaging provides a unifying framework for staging and clinical trial readiness.
Functional and Structural Brain Imaging Correlates of Treatment Response in Functional Movement Disorder.
Amlang CJ, Espay AJ, Perez DL
Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep · 2026 Apr · PMID 42033649 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Functional movement disorder (FMD) is a biopsychosocially-complex condition with diverse neurologic, physical, and psychiatric manifestations. Converging neuroimaging evidence demonstrates abnormalitie...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Functional movement disorder (FMD) is a biopsychosocially-complex condition with diverse neurologic, physical, and psychiatric manifestations. Converging neuroimaging evidence demonstrates abnormalities in networks supporting self-agency, attention, sensorimotor processing, multimodal integration, salience/threat detection, and interoception. This review summarizes recent work on the prognostic and therapeutic relevance of these findings. RECENT FINDINGS: Baseline functional neuroimaging predictors of outcome implicate cingulo-insular, frontolimbic, and subcortical circuits involved in attention, emotion regulation, and salience processing. Clinical improvement has been associated with activity changes in frontal premotor and regulatory regions, as well as in paralimbic areas. Preliminary studies of transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct-current stimulation, and neurofeedback suggest that targeted modulation of dysfunctional networks may alleviate symptoms. Neuroimaging features in FMD may inform outcome prediction, elucidate treatment-response mechanisms, and guide neuromodulation strategies. However, the field remains early in development, and larger, longitudinal studies are needed to translate these insights into routine clinical care.
Astrocytopathy in Wernicke Encephalopathy and Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder. Pathogenic Differences With Occasional Clinical and Neuroimaging Overlap. A Review.
Zhang X, Kattah JC
Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep · 2026 Apr · PMID 42033535 · Full text
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: There is an increasing number of single case reports describing patients with findings compatible with thiamine deficiency, in whom rapid replacement of thiamine fails to induce improvement. Furthe...
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: There is an increasing number of single case reports describing patients with findings compatible with thiamine deficiency, in whom rapid replacement of thiamine fails to induce improvement. Further work-up identifies positive aquaporin-4 antibodies (AQP-4) leading to a final diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Occasionally, NMOSD is the initial diagnosis, but it turns out that the patient has thiamine deficiency. Similarly, these two diagnoses may overlap, particularly with area postrema lesions and in other cases of protracted vomiting. RECENT FINDINGS: We reviewed the literature to attempt further clarification for this clinical overlap. The common denominator is the astrocyte, as cytotoxic edema due to impaired mitochondrial dysfunction and lactic acidosis in instances of thiamine deficiency causes downregulation of the AQP-4 receptor leading to vasogenic edema and breakdown of the blood-brain-barrier (BBB). Similar dysfunction of the AQP-4 receptor occurs because of IgG binding antibodies in NMOSD. Impaired glutamate transport in the astrocytic podocytes regardless of the AQP4 receptor etiologic mechanism causes excitotoxicity. Awareness of this clinical overlap is critical to initiate timely treatment in thiamine deficiency states and NMOSD
When is the Radiologically Isolated Syndrome already Multiple Sclerosis According to the 2024 McDonald Criteria?
Van Horebeek L, Das A, Neufeld J … +1 more , Schneider R
Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep · 2026 Apr · PMID 42029833 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The McDonald criteria assist neurologists in making accurate and timely diagnoses of multiple sclerosis (MS). The 2024 revision of these criteria aims to enable a more timely diagnosis by including add...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The McDonald criteria assist neurologists in making accurate and timely diagnoses of multiple sclerosis (MS). The 2024 revision of these criteria aims to enable a more timely diagnosis by including additional biomarkers and alternative diagnostic approaches. They also extend to individuals with MRI findings typical of multiple sclerosis that lack classic MS symptoms, as they would previously have been classified as having radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS). This review examines the scientific foundation of the novel biomarkers used and how the revised criteria influence individuals undergoing diagnostic evaluation, clinical practice, and society. RECENT FINDINGS: Most research concentrates on the scientific foundation for the updates rather than their impact. Benefits and potential disadvantages of the revised criteria can be identified for individuals undergoing diagnostic evaluation, clinical practice, and society. Additional guidelines for real-life application to guide management decisions are advisable.
Assessment and Management of Post-traumatic Headache.
Aguirre AS, Elhefnawy Y, Torres AR
Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep · 2026 Apr · PMID 41999567 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The goal of this narrative review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of Post-Traumatic Headache (PTH), addressing its epidemiology, pathophysiology, and multidisciplinary management. The paper seek...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The goal of this narrative review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of Post-Traumatic Headache (PTH), addressing its epidemiology, pathophysiology, and multidisciplinary management. The paper seeks to explore the diagnostic controversies surrounding the timing of symptom onset and evaluates current assessment methods and treatment paradigms for this prevalent sequela of traumatic brain injury. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent research highlights that while current diagnostic criteria require headache onset within seven days of injury, delayed-onset symptoms are common, creating a significant diagnostic dilemma. Pathophysiologically, PTH is understood to be multifaceted, driven by neuroinflammation, neurometabolic cascades, and central sensitization. These processes result in clinical phenotypes that often mirror primary migraine or tension-type headaches. Additionally, while clinical history remains the gold standard for assessment, emerging blood biomarkers are showing promise as objective tools for evaluation. The review concludes that PTH management currently requires a multimodal approach, combining non-pharmacological interventions with pharmacological treatments adapted from primary headache protocols. A major takeaway is the lack of high-quality, PTH-specific randomized controlled trials, which currently forces a reliance on expert opinion rather than robust clinical evidence. To improve patient outcomes, future research must shift toward a more multi-disciplinary, patient-centered paradigm and focus on generating high-quality data to move beyond diagnostic controversies and empiric treatment.
Redefining Stroke Care with Artificial Intelligence: Recent Advances.
Mendiratta S, Parsons M, Garcia-Esperon C … +1 more , Mehndiratta A
Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep · 2026 Apr · PMID 41961180 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to provide an overview of how artificial intelligence (AI) is being integrated into stroke care across the full clinical spectrum with emphasis on its applications in diagnosis, manage...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to provide an overview of how artificial intelligence (AI) is being integrated into stroke care across the full clinical spectrum with emphasis on its applications in diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation. The focus is on recent advances (2020–2025), addressing key questions on clinical utility and implementation challenges. RECENT FINDINGS: AI has shown promise in enhancing stroke diagnosis through imaging analysis, wearable sensors, and remote monitoring. In stroke management, it supports decision-making and therapy optimization. AI-enabled tools are also improving rehabilitation via robotics and computer vision, and aid prevention through risk prediction and community screening. However, challenges remain in model generalizability, acceptance by the community, and ethical concerns. AI is reshaping stroke care by enabling personalized, timely, and data-driven approaches which can significantly improve quality of life. Future progress will depend on transparent multimodal, globally validated models, supported by interdisciplinary collaboration.
The Effects of Adenosine A1/A3 Receptors Agonist on Improving the Outcomes of TBI and Stroke: Focus on AST-004.
Howard A, Di Napoli M, Raihane AS … +7 more , Ortiz M, Bacchin G, Maez S, Jaiswal N, Cáceres E, Jafarli A, Divani AA
Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep · 2026 Mar · PMID 41910860 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review explores the therapeutic potential of dual adenosine A1 and A3 receptor (A1R/A3R) agonism as a neuroprotective treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Cu...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review explores the therapeutic potential of dual adenosine A1 and A3 receptor (A1R/A3R) agonism as a neuroprotective treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Current AIS treatments, tissue plasminogen activator and mechanical thrombectomy, are limited by narrow therapeutic windows and strict eligibility criteria. In contrast, TBI management remains primarily supportive, with no Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies targeting the underlying molecular pathology. Dual A1R/A3R agonists offer a new approach by modulating injury pathways at the cellular level, potentially serving as an adjunct or alternative to existing therapeutic options. RECENT FINDINGS: A1R and A3R are G protein-coupled receptors that control neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity, and metabolic balance. Preclinical studies using rodent and non-human primate models of AIS and TBI have shown that dual A1R/A3R agonists reduce infarct size, slow lesion growth, preserve penumbral tissue, and enhance neurological recovery. These effects are mediated through astrocyte activation, support of mitochondrial function, and suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The neuroprotective effects follow a U‑shaped dose–response pattern, where only intermediate doses provide benefit, whereas lower and higher doses are less effective. Compared to monotherapies, A1R/A3R agonists activate multiple overlapping pathways, including neurotransmitter regulation, apoptosis control, and blood-brain barrier function. Dual A1R/A3R agonists are a promising and adaptable neuroprotective strategy for both AIS and TBI. Their wide-ranging mechanism offers benefits beyond current revascularization options, especially for patients ineligible for tPA or thrombectomy. Early-phase data indicate strong translational potential, and ongoing trials will determine whether these results translate into improved clinical outcomes. Given the urgent need for effective neuroprotectants, A1R/A3R agonists could become an essential component of neurocritical care. AST-004 has recently advanced into a Phase II clinical evaluation, with ongoing assessments of its safety and effectiveness in humans.
Preclinical Models of Traumatic Brain Injury: Advances in In Vitro Models.
Zeng D, Morrison B
Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep · 2026 Mar · PMID 41903078 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In vitro traumatic brain injury (TBI) models are invaluable tools for elucidating cellular injury mechanisms and enabling preclinical drug screening. This review discusses recent advances in two main a...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In vitro traumatic brain injury (TBI) models are invaluable tools for elucidating cellular injury mechanisms and enabling preclinical drug screening. This review discusses recent advances in two main areas: neural culture systems and mechanical injury models. RECENT FINDINGS: The adoption of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neural cells in 3D cultures, including cerebral organoids and scaffold-based constructs, has substantially improved species and structural relevance of in vitro TBI models. However, future development of functional vascularization and mature synaptic circuitry remains necessary. Mechanical injury models, including stretch, compression, and blast, are well established. Tissue tolerance thresholds (i.e. tissue strain and strain rate) for injury outcomes (i.e. cell death and electrophysiological deficits) have been extensively characterized in rodent studies, but comparable benchmarks for human neural cultures are lacking. With the growing use of human iPSC-derived neural cells, a critical next step is to recalibrate established mechanical injury models for human neural cultures to define human-specific tolerance thresholds, thereby enabling more mechanistically grounded preclinical therapeutic testing.
Amyloid and Tau Co-pathology in Parkinson Disease and Atypical Parkinsonism.
Angel Pinto MJ, García Cordero I, Dorman G … +4 more , Mizraji G, Anastassiadis C, Gershanik O, Couto B
Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep · 2026 Mar · PMID 41880022 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We performed a narrative review of the literature of amyloid and tau co-pathology in Parkinson Disease and atypical parkinsonism in Pubmed database, including articles published between January 2020 to...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We performed a narrative review of the literature of amyloid and tau co-pathology in Parkinson Disease and atypical parkinsonism in Pubmed database, including articles published between January 2020 to July 2025. RECENT FINDINGS: In the last decade, different multicenter research efforts have worked to improve the accuracy of clinical-pathological diagnosis in neurogenerative disease. In this search, growing evidence from neuropathology, neuroimaging and fluid biomarkers have highlighted the role of Alzheimer's disease (AD) co-pathology in Parkinson's disease (PD) and atypical parkinsonism (AP) disorders potentially affecting progression, motor phenotype and cognitive status. Regarding studies of structural and functional imaging evidencing the presence of Amyloid-β (Aβ), tau, as co-pathologies contribute to α-synuclein-related profile of cortical atrophy, network disruption, as well as clinical heterogeneity in PD and AP disorders. In AP fluid biomarkers have shown limited diagnostic accuracy. Neuropathological evidence from systematic post-mortem surveys confirmed that diffuse and neuritic Aβ plaques are uncommon in non-demented PD (10%), intermediate in PD-dementia (30-40%), and frequent in Dementia with Lewy Bodies (60-80%). The evidence in PD and DLB showed that Aß fluid biomarkers may predict clinical trajectory and cognitive decline, while Aβ-imaging would help stratifying patients and directing therapeutic pipeline designs. In AP disorders, including progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration, a combined multimodal assessment of molecular imaging, structural and functional magnetic resonance with fluid biomarkers shall guarantee future differential diagnosis and prediction of clinical outcomes. Although there are no currently accepted biomarkers for PD or AP, the recent design of plasma tau biomarkers and seed-amplification assays are promising approaches which are also reviewed here.
Recent Advances in Targeted Therapies for Adult Gliomas.
Lasica AB, Tang AR, Iqbal A … +2 more , Nakhate V, Wen PY
Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep · 2026 Mar · PMID 41874881 · Full text
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Incorporation of molecular diagnostics has transformed the classification and risk stratification of adult gliomas, revealing a spectrum of therapeutically actionable targets. This review evaluates Foo...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Incorporation of molecular diagnostics has transformed the classification and risk stratification of adult gliomas, revealing a spectrum of therapeutically actionable targets. This review evaluates Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved and investigational targeted therapies and discusses the major challenges and future directions facing the field. RECENT FINDINGS: Landmark FDA approvals, such as vorasidenib for isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-mutant gliomas, dabrafenib and trametinib for BRAF V600E-mutated gliomas, neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) inhibitors for NTRK fusion-positive tumors and dordaviprone for H3K27M-mutant diffuse midline gliomas, underscore a new era of targeted therapies in neuro-oncology. These molecularly-driven therapies deliver tangible clinical benefit to select subsets of patients with molecularly defined tumors. However, they are not curative, and tumors with these targetable alterations constitute a minority of adult gliomas. Novel agents targeting DNA repair and metabolic dependencies, and leveraging immune-based and advanced strategies of drug delivery, are under investigation. Targeted therapies have begun to transform the management of molecularly defined subsets of adult glioma, though their clinical benefits remain limited to date.
Movement Disorders in Tropical Infectious Diseases.
Pan K, Sen BK, Chakravarty A
Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep · 2026 Mar · PMID 41854747 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review various types of movement disorders associated with common tropical infectious diseases produced by viruses, bacteria, rickettsia, protozoa and/or parasites. At times, the offending organism...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review various types of movement disorders associated with common tropical infectious diseases produced by viruses, bacteria, rickettsia, protozoa and/or parasites. At times, the offending organism almost exclusively affects the central nervous system (CNS) without any significant systemic manifestations, as in neurocysticercosis. RECENT FINDINGS: Movement disorders almost invariably result from direct invasion of the CNS by the offending organism. CNS involvement may occur as a result of brain edema, electrolyte abnormalities, hypoxia, ischemia, haemorrhage, liver and kidney malfunction and/or due to liberation of toxic substances like cytokines and enzymes. Such encephalopathies rarely result in prominent movement disorders other than tremors Finding the exact cause and nature of the causative organism is of utmost importance. Nucleic acid in vitro amplification-based molecular methods are increasingly being applied for routine microbial detection. Advantages are a rapid turnaround and higher sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, these molecular methods performed on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples may be considered as the ‘’new gold standard’’ for diagnosis of CNS infection. Commercially available ‘’panels’’ offer various multiplex PCR assays for convenient testing of targets that cause similar clinical scenarios. Pan-omics molecular platforms possess potential for use in this area. Results generated by these methods need to be carefully interpreted in combination with clinical findings. Using a combination of conventional and molecular diagnostic methods, it has been shown that in approximately two thirds of patients with clinical encephalitis, an etiologic organism could not be identified. Current practice is shifting towards development of advanced techniques beyond nucleic acid-based detection. CSF is the ideal specimen for PCR testing in patients with suspected meningitis or meningoencephalitis. Time of testing from symptom onset is essential to understand and rule out false negative results and recommend retesting within a certain time frame (as in cases of HSV encephalitis). Immunocompromised patients are at risk for infection by a much wider strains of opportunistic pathogens, for example HHV-6, JC virus, Toxoplasma encephalitis among bone marrow transplant recipients and patients with HIV. Often, infection can be more severe (e.g., West Nile Virus) and difficult to diagnose. Nucleic acid in vitro amplification-based molecular diagnosis methods have a wider and better application in clinical microbiology practice. Movement disorders including cerebellar ataxias are rare during any acute encephalitic syndrome (AES). Such disorders may develop after the acute infection as transient phenomenon when they resemble the pathogenesis of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) or may result from permanent brain damage during the acute course of the illness. CSF pleocytosis generally favours an infectious etiology, and a normal CSF favors an encephalopathy or non-infectious AES. Geographical and seasonal clustering and other epidemiological characteristics are important in clinical decision making. Clinical markers like eschar, skin rash, myalgias, hepatosplenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, liver and kidney dysfunction, elevated serum CK, frontal-temporal or thalamic involvement, or anterior horn cell involvement are invaluable clues for the etiological diagnosis.
Beyond the Clinic: The Impact of Stroke Support Organizations on Patient Experience and Outcomes.
Nelson MLA, Singh H, Leighton J … +5 more , Belson S, Wu M, Lindsay P, Moni TT, Obviagele B
Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep · 2026 Mar · PMID 41848959 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: To define the role and scope of Stroke Support Organizations (SSOs) in the stroke care pathway and identify strategies to optimize their engagement across the continuum of care. METHODS: A review following Cochr...
PURPOSE: To define the role and scope of Stroke Support Organizations (SSOs) in the stroke care pathway and identify strategies to optimize their engagement across the continuum of care. METHODS: A review following Cochrane protocols searched five databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PubMed, Cochrane) for 2017–2024 literature, supplemented by author expertise. RESULTS: SSOs function across the stroke care pathway, from emergency recognition training to long-term recovery support. SSOs bridge gaps between formal healthcare and community-based care, particularly when clinical rehabilitation services end. Promising integration models include healthcare-community partnerships, coordination frameworks, and service delivery adaptations. Barriers include funding, unclear role definitions, and limited referral pathways. Active collaboration between healthcare institutions and SSOs was a noted facilitator for success. SSOs offer continuity when formal services are limited. Neurologists can optimize patient outcomes by understanding SSO capabilities, establishing formal referral pathways, and integrating community-based support into care planning.
Prevention and Treatment of ICU Delirium in Brain Injured Patients.
Lawson T, Young BC, Reznik ME
Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep · 2026 Mar · PMID 41838297 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Delirium is highly prevalent after acute brain injury and is associated with poor outcomes, yet neurocritically ill patients remain underrepresented in delirium research. This review examines recent ev...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Delirium is highly prevalent after acute brain injury and is associated with poor outcomes, yet neurocritically ill patients remain underrepresented in delirium research. This review examines recent evidence and current challenges in delirium detection, prevention, and treatment in patients with acute neurological injury. RECENT FINDINGS: Commonly used ICU delirium screening tools such as the CAM-ICU and ICDSC demonstrate reduced accuracy in patients with severe neurological deficits, while newer tools like the FMSE show promise in neurocritically ill populations. Multicomponent non-pharmacologic interventions remain central to delirium management, while pharmacological strategies have been aimed at minimizing risks, as clinical trials of most pharmacological delirium treatments have largely shown no benefit. However, data specific to neurocritical care settings remain limited. Delirium management in ICU patients with acute brain injury is often adapted from other patient populations, though there have been recent efforts to harmonize delirium assessment methods in neurocritical care settings. With the increasing awareness of delirium and its clinical implications in patients with acute brain injury, more studies are needed to develop preventive and therapeutic approaches tailored to this highly vulnerable patient population.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Neuroendovascular Procedures: A Comprehensive Review.
Bond BJ, Djakovic M, Jani RH … +4 more , Tsiang JT, Kam AW, Pasquale DP, Serrone JC
Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep · 2026 Mar · PMID 41831076 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Infection after neuroendovascular procedures is rare, yet practice around antibiotic prophylaxis varies widely. This review appraises evidence regarding prophylactic antibiotics in diagnostic cerebral...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Infection after neuroendovascular procedures is rare, yet practice around antibiotic prophylaxis varies widely. This review appraises evidence regarding prophylactic antibiotics in diagnostic cerebral angiography and therapeutic neuroendovascular interventions, compares practice patterns with interventional radiology and interventional cardiology, and summarizes major society guidelines. RECENT FINDINGS: Across published series totaling approximately 30,000 neuroendovascular procedures, infection rates ranged from 0 to 0.4%, with no measurable difference between procedures performed with or without prophylactic antibiotics. Infections were predominantly minor and limited to access sites. Comparative data from interventional cardiology and interventional radiology show similarly low infection rates. Professional guidelines uniformly discourage routine antibiotic prophylaxis in clean vascular procedures as well as diagnostic angiography, recommending selective use only in clearly defined high-risk patients. Routine pre-procedural antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended for diagnostic cerebral angiography or for most clean therapeutic neuroendovascular procedures (including coiling/stenting/flow diversion) in the absence of specific high-risk features. Selective prophylaxis may be considered for clearly high-risk patients or situations.
Cognition and Long COVID: a Review.
van der Feltz-Cornelis CM
Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep · 2026 Mar · PMID 41824149 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Provide an overview of current knowledge regarding cognitive issues in patients with long COVID, also termed brain fog or cognitive COVID. RECENT FINDINGS: Subjective cognitive symptoms in long COVID p...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Provide an overview of current knowledge regarding cognitive issues in patients with long COVID, also termed brain fog or cognitive COVID. RECENT FINDINGS: Subjective cognitive symptoms in long COVID patients are common but often go undetected by traditional standardised cognitive test batteries. This discrepancy poses a major clinical and societal problem, given the prevalence, protracted course and impact of cognitive COVID on work functioning. New, online assessment methods for cognitive function are feasible and corroborate subjective self-report symptoms, finding executive function impairments in cognitive COVID. As vaccination protects against brain fog and not against anxiety and depression in long COVID, brain fog can be seen as a core symptom of long COVID, concerning executive functioning, and a direct effect of neurotropic viral brain infiltration. Depression and anxiety are comorbid conditions due to indirect factors associated with the pandemic, such as increased social isolation and loss of work. Ongoing vaccination programs should not only target the elderly, but also working-age people. Online cognitive assessment batteries are recommended for assessment and treatment monitoring in long COVID. Integrated care is recommended given the high rate of multimorbidity. Future research might explore the effects of antiviral medication, modulation of the immune response, and GLP-1 agonists in long COVID.
Digital Technologies for Symptom Monitoring in Parkinson Disease.
Chunga N, Reddy V, Barbosa W … +1 more , Adams JL
Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep · 2026 Mar · PMID 41779298 · Full text
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Digital health technologies (DHT) are promising tools for symptom monitoring in Parkinson disease (PD), offering objective and continuous data in real-life settings. This article reviews recent literat...
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Digital health technologies (DHT) are promising tools for symptom monitoring in Parkinson disease (PD), offering objective and continuous data in real-life settings. This article reviews recent literature on DHT for symptom monitoring in PD, with a focus on remote monitoring devices. RECENT FINDINGS: Research studies have demonstrated that DHT can accurately and reliably monitor both motor and non-motor symptoms of PD, surpassing the limitations of subjective and episodic traditional clinical assessments. Digital measures show promise in predicting PD before clinical diagnosis, differentiating between individuals with and without PD, and detecting subtle symptom changes over time. Portable and non-invasive technologies-such as mobile applications, wearable sensors, and radio wave activity trackers-offer the opportunity to assess symptoms remotely, capturing day-to-day changes and real-world experiences. DHT have the potential to optimize monitoring of PD symptoms in clinical and research settings, which may help advance therapeutic development and tailor treatment interventions. As DHT continue evolving, standardization of the collection methods and selection of clinically relevant digital measures will be crucial for their wide-scale implementation.
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