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  • 1.
    Andersson, Kennet
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiation Physics.
    Manchester, I. R.
    Laurell, Katarina
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Cesarini, K. Giuliana
    Malm, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Eklund, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiation Physics. Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Centre for Biomedical Engineering and Physics (CMTF).
    Measurement of CSF dynamics with oscillating pressure infusion2013In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 128, no 1, p. 17-23Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Introduction Infusion tests are used to diagnose and select patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) for shunt surgery. The test characterizes cerebrospinal fluid dynamics and estimates parameters of the cerebrospinal fluid system, the pressure-volume index (PVI) and the outflow conductance (Cout). The Oscillating Pressure Infusion (OPI) method was developed to improve the test and reduce the investigation time. The aim of this study was to evaluate the new OPI method by comparing it with an established reference method. Methods Forty-seven patients (age 71.2 +/- 8.9years) with communicating hydrocephalus underwent a preoperative lumbar infusion investigation with two consecutive infusion protocols, reference (42min) and new (20min), that is, 94 infusion tests in total. The OPI method estimated Cout and PVI simultaneously. A real-time analysis of reliability was applied to investigate the possibility of infusion time reduction. Results The difference in Cout between the methods was 1.2 +/- 1.8l/s/kPa (Rout=-0.8 +/- 3.5mmHg/ml/min), P<0.05, n=47. With the reliability analysis, the preset 20min of active infusion could have been even further reduced for 19 patients to between 10 and 19min. PVI was estimated to 16.1 +/- 6.9ml, n=47. Conclusions The novel Oscillating Pressure Infusion method produced real-time estimates of Cout including estimates of reliability that was in good agreement with the reference method and allows for a reduced and individualized investigation time.

  • 2.
    Behrens, Anders
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Lenfeldt, Niklas
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Qvarlander, Sara
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiation Physics.
    Koskinen, Lars-Owe
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Malm, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Eklund, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Are intracranial pressure wave amplitudes measurable through lumbar puncture?2013In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 127, no 4, p. 233-241Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

     Objective The aim of this study was to investigate whether pulsations measured in the brain correspond to those measured in lumbar space, and subsequently whether lumbar punctures could replace invasive recordings. Methods In ten patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus, simultaneous recordings of the intracranial pressure (ICP; intraparenchymal) and lumbar pressure (LP; cerebrospinal fluid pressure) were performed. During registration, pressure was altered between resting pressure and 45mmHg using an infusion test. Data were analyzed regarding pulsations (i.e., amplitudes). Also, the pressure sensors were compared in a bench test. Results The correlation between intracranial and lumbar amplitudes was 0.98. At resting pressure, and moderately elevated ICP, intracranial pulse amplitudes exceeded that of lumbar space with about 0.9mmHg. At the highest ICP, the difference changed to 0.2mmHg. The bench test showed that the agreement of sensor readings was good at resting pressure, but reduced at higher amplitudes. Conclusions Compared to intracranial registrations, amplitudes measured through lumbar puncture were slightly attenuated. The bench test showed that differences were not attributable to dissimilarities of the sensor systems. A lumbar pressure amplitude measurement is an alternative to ICP recording, but the thresholds for what should be interpreted as elevated amplitudes need to be adjusted.

  • 3. Bolin, Kristian
    et al.
    Berggren, F
    Forsgren, Lars
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology.
    Lacosamide as treatment of epileptic seizures: cost utility results for Sweden2010In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 121, no 6, p. 406-412Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The estimated cost per QALY gained falls within the range of reported estimates of the willingness-to-pay for an additional QALY. The results imply that lacosamide is cost-effective in the treatment of uncontrolled partial-onset seizures (1 euro approximately 9.6 SEK).

  • 4.
    Bäckström, David
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Eriksson Domellöf, Magdalena
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Granåsen, Gabriel
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Linder, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Mayans, Sofia
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Microbiology.
    Elgh, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology.
    Zetterberg, H.
    Blennow, K.
    Forsgren, Lars
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Polymorphisms in dopamine-associated genes and cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease2018In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 137, no 1, p. 91-98Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objectives: Cognitive decline is common in Parkinson's disease (PD), but the underlying mechanisms for this complication are incompletely understood. Genotypes affecting dopamine transmission may be of importance. This study investigates whether genotypes associated with reduced prefrontal dopaminergic tone and/or reduced dopamine D2-receptor availability (Catechol-O-methyltransferase [COMT] Val(158)Met genotype and DRD2 (CT)-T-957 genotype) affect the development of cognitive deficits in PD.

    Materials and methods: One hundred and 34 patients with idiopathic PD, participating in a regional, population-based study of incident parkinsonism, underwent genotyping. After extensive baseline investigations (including imaging and biomarker analyses), the patients were followed prospectively during 6-10 years with neuropsychological evaluations, covering six cognitive domains. Cognitive decline (defined as the incidence of either Parkinson's disease mild cognitive impairment [PD-MCI] or dementia [PDD], diagnosed according to published criteria and blinded to genotype) was studied as the primary outcome.

    Results: Both genotypes affected cognition, as shown by Cox proportional hazards models. While the COMT(158)Val/Val genotype conferred an increased risk of mild cognitive impairment in patients with normal cognition at baseline (hazard ratio: 2.13, P=.023), the DRD2(957)T/T genotype conferred an overall increased risk of PD dementia (hazard ratio: 3.22, P<.001). The poorer cognitive performance in DRD2(957)T/T carriers with PD occurred mainly in episodic memory and attention.

    Conclusions: The results favor the hypothesis that dopamine deficiency in PD not only relate to mild cognitive deficits in frontostriatal functions, but also to a decline in memory and attention. This could indicate that dopamine deficiency impairs a wide network of brain areas.

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  • 5.
    Cedergren Weber, Gustav
    et al.
    Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Department of Neurology, Rehabilitation, Memory and Geriatrics, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
    Timpka, Jonathan
    Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Department of Neurology, Rehabilitation, Memory and Geriatrics, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
    Bergquist, Filip
    Department of Pharmacology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Neurology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden.
    Bäckström, David C
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Neurosciences.
    Dizdar, Nil
    Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Sweden.
    Gunnarsson, Karin
    Department of Neurology, Örebro University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Sweden.
    Nyholm, Dag
    Department of Medical Sciences, Neurology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
    Svenningsson, Per
    Section of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Academic Specialist Center Torsplan, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Odin, Per
    Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Department of Neurology, Rehabilitation, Memory and Geriatrics, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
    The impact of COVID-19 on Parkinson's disease: a case-controlled registry and questionnaire study on clinical markers and patients' perceptions2023In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 2023, article id 8025566Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease with motor and nonmotor symptoms. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Objectives. To explore how COVID-19 affects motor, nonmotor, and general health aspects of PD and to map how PD patients perceive their change in symptoms since falling ill with COVID-19. Method. The study was descriptive, case-controlled, and based on both registry and questionnaire data. At baseline, the controls were matched on age, sex, and disease severity. Information on the severity of the disease, nonmotor symptoms, motor symptoms, and general health was retrieved from the Swedish Registry for PD. Registry data from a COVID-19 group (n=45) and a control group (n=73), as well as questionnaires from a COVID-19 group (n=24) and a control group (n=42), were compared. Results. We did not find that SARS-CoV-2 infection affects any major aspect of nonmotor symptoms, motor symptoms, general health, and perception of change in PD patients' post-COVID-19. Compared to controls, the COVID-19 group reported a more positive subjective experience of pain and quality of life and a perception of change post-COVID-19 regarding general motor function, sleep quality, and mood (all p<0.05). Conclusion. Although SARS-CoV-2 infection does not seem to affect PD symptoms in any major respect, the subjective experience of several aspects of life in PD patients might be slightly improved post-COVID-19 compared to a control group. The findings warrant further investigations due to the small sample size and possible survivorship bias.

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  • 6. Darehed, David
    et al.
    Blom, Mathias
    Glader, Eva-Lotta
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Niklasson, Johan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Geriatric Medicine.
    Norrving, Bo
    Bray, Benjamin D.
    Eriksson, Marie
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Umeå School of Business and Economics (USBE), Statistics.
    Diurnal variations in the quality of stroke care in Sweden2019In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 140, no 2, p. 123-130Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    OBJECTIVES: A recent study of acute stroke patients in England and Wales revealed several patterns of temporal variation in quality of care. We hypothesized that similar patterns would be present in Sweden and aimed to describe these patterns. Additionally, we aimed to investigate whether hospital type conferred resilience against temporal variation.

    MATERIALS & METHODS: We conducted this nationwide registry-based study using data from the Swedish Stroke Register (Riksstroke) including all adult patients registered with acute stroke between 2011 and 2015. Outcomes included process measures and survival. We modeled time of presentation as on/off hours, shifts, day of week, 4h and 12 h time blocks. We studied hospital resilience by comparing outcomes across hospital types.

    RESULTS: 113862 stroke events in 72 hospitals were included. The process indicators and survival all showed significant temporal variation. Door-to-needle (DTN) time within 30 minutes was less likely during nighttime than daytime (OR 0.50; 95% CI 0.41-0.60). Patients admitted during off-hours had lower odds of direct stroke unit (SU) admission (OR 0.72; 95% CI 0.70-0.75). 30-day survival was lower in nighttime versus daytime presentations (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.84-0.96). The effects of temporal variation differed significantly between hospital types for DTN time within 30 minutes and direct SU admission where university hospitals were more resilient than specialized non-university hospitals.

    CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that variation in quality of care and survival is present throughout the whole week. We also found that university hospitals were more resilient to temporal variation than specialized non-university hospitals.

  • 7.
    de Flon, Pierre
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Laurell, Katarina
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Sundström, Peter
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Blennow, Kaj
    Söderström, Lars
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Zetterberg, Henrik
    Gunnarsson, Martin
    Svenningsson, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience. Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institute Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Comparison of plasma and cerebrospinal fluid neurofilament light in a multiple sclerosis trial2019In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 139, no 5, p. 462-468Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objective: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the axonal component neurofilament light protein (NFL) in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as an outcome measure in a clinical trial on disease-modifying treatments in multiple sclerosis.

    Materials and methods: Seventy-five patients with clinically stable relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) participating in the clinical trial "Switch-To RItuXimab in MS" (STRIX-MS) were switched to rituximab from first-line injectable therapy and then followed up for 2 years. Thirty patients from the extension trial (STRIX-MS extension), accepting repeated lumbar punctures, were followed up for an additional 3 years. Plasma and CSF samples were collected yearly during the follow-up. NFL concentration in plasma was measured by an in-house NF-light assay on the Simoa platform with a Homebrew kit. NFL concentration in CSF was measured by sandwich ELISA.

    Results: The mean levels of NFL, in both CSF and plasma, were low. The reduction of CSF-NFL was 25% during the first year of follow-up (from a mean of 471 [SD 393] to 354 [SD 174] pg/mL; P = 0.006) and was statistically significant. The corresponding reduction in plasma NFL was 18% (from 9.73 [SD 7.04] to 7.94 [SD 3.10] pg/mL; P = 0.055) and did not reach statistical significance.

    Conclusion: This study indicates that NFL in plasma is less sensitive as an endpoint in group comparisons than NFL in CSF. Given that plasma NFL is far easier to access, it is a promising and awaited method but further studies are needed to optimize the use in clinical trials.

  • 8.
    Domellöf, Magdalena E
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Ekman, Urban
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB). Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Umeå Centre for Functional Brain Imaging (UFBI). Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Forsgren, Lars
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Elgh, Eva
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Geriatric Medicine.
    Cognitive function in the early phase of Parkinson's disease, a five-year follow-up2015In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 132, no 2, p. 79-88Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Presence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) as a predictor for Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) has been discussed from a clinical perspective. Recently, a Movement Disorder Society (MDS) commissioned Task Force published guidelines for PD-MCI. However, long-term follow-ups of the PD-MCI guidelines for the prediction of PDD have been sparse.

    METHOD: In a community-based cohort of PD, the MDS guidelines for PD-MCI and consensus criteria for PDD were applied on 147 subjects. The predictive ability of PD-MCI for PDD was investigated. Additionally, baseline comparisons were conducted between MCI that converted to PDD and those who did not, and evolvement of motor function was investigated.

    RESULTS: One fourth of the population developed PDD. MCI and age at baseline predicted later occurrence of PDD, and baseline results of tests measuring episodic memory, visuospatial function, semantic fluency, and mental flexibility differed between MCI converters and non-converters. Postural instability/gait (PIGD) phenotype and education did not predict later occurrence of PDD, but increased postural/gait disturbances were shown across time in those developing dementia.

    CONCLUSION: The new PD-MCI guidelines are useful to detect patients at risk for developing PDD. The PIGD phenotype at diagnosis was not a predictor of PDD within 5 years, but the study supports a temporal association between postural/gait disturbances and PDD. Older patients with PD-MCI at baseline with decline in episodic memory, semantic fluency, and mental flexibility need to be carefully monitored regarding cognition and likely also for fall risk.

  • 9.
    Ekman, Urban
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB). Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Umeå Centre for Functional Brain Imaging (UFBI). Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience. Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Fordell, Helena
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Eriksson, Johan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Umeå Centre for Functional Brain Imaging (UFBI). Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Integrative Medical Biology (IMB).
    Lenfeldt, Niklas
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Wåhlin, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiation Physics.
    Eklund, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiation Physics. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Umeå Centre for Functional Brain Imaging (UFBI).
    Malm, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Increase of frontal neuronal activity in chronic neglect after training in virtual reality2018In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 138, no 4, p. 284-292Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objectives: A third of patients with stroke acquire spatial neglect associated with poor rehabilitation outcome. New effective rehabilitation interventions are needed. Scanning training combined with multisensory stimulation to enhance the rehabilitation effect is suggested. In accordance, we have designed a virtual-reality based scanning training that combines visual, audio and sensori-motor stimulation called RehAtt((R)). Effects were shown in behavioural tests and activity of daily living. Here, we use fMRI to evaluate the change in brain activity during Posners Cuing Task (attention task) after RehAtt((R)) intervention, in patients with chronic neglect.

    Methods: Twelve patients (mean age=72.7years, SD=6.1) with chronic neglect (persistent symptoms >6months) performed the interventions 3 times/wk during 5weeks, in total 15hours. Training effects on brain activity were evaluated using fMRI task-evoked responses during the Posners cuing task before and after the intervention.

    Results: Patients improved their performance in the Posner fMRI task. In addition, patients increased their task-evoked brain activity after the VR interventions in an extended network including pre-frontal and temporal cortex during attentional cueing, but showed no training effects during target presentations.

    Conclusions: The current pilot study demonstrates that a novel multisensory VR intervention has the potential to benefit patients with chronic neglect in respect of behaviour and brain changes. Specifically, the fMRI results show that strategic processes (top-down control during attentional cuing) were enhanced by the intervention. The findings increase knowledge of the plasticity processes underlying positive rehabilitation effects from RehAtt((R)) in chronic neglect.

  • 10.
    Eljas Ahlberg, Eva
    et al.
    Department of Surgery, Östersund Hospital, Östersund, Sweden.
    Axelsson, Bertil
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Oncology.
    End-of-life care in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A comparative registry study2021In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 143, no 5, p. 481-488Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease requiring palliative care. End‐of‐life care has been well studied in patients with incurable cancer, but less is known about the quality of such care for patients with ALS.

    Aim: To study whether the quality of end‐of‐life care the last week in life for patients dying from ALS differed compared to patients with cancer in terms of registered symptoms, symptom management, and communication.

    Design: This retrospective comparative registry study used data from the Swedish Registry of Palliative Care for 2012–2016. Each patient with ALS (n = 825) was matched to 4 patients with cancer (n = 3,300).

    Results: Between‐group differences in assessments for pain and other symptoms were significant (p < 0.01), and patients with ALS had fewer as‐needed injection drugs prescribed than patients with cancer. Patients with ALS also had dyspnea and anxiety significantly more often than patients with cancer. There was no significant difference in communication about transition to end‐of‐life care between the two groups. Patients dying from ALS received artificial nutrition on their last day of life significantly more often than patients with cancer.

    Conclusions: The results indicate that patients with ALS receive poorer end‐of‐life care than patients dying from cancer in terms of validated symptom assessments, prescription of as‐needed drugs, and timely cessation of artificial nutrition. Educational efforts seem needed to facilitate equal care of dying patients, regardless of diagnosis.

  • 11.
    Fordell, Helena
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Bodin, Kenneth
    Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, High Performance Computing Center North (HPC2N).
    Bucht, Gustaf
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Geriatric Medicine.
    Malm, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    A virtual reality test battery for assessment and screening of spatial neglect2011In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 123, no 3, p. 167-174Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background – There is a need for improved screening methods for spatial neglect.

    Aim – To construct a VR-test battery and evaluate its accuracy and usability in patients with acute stroke.

    Method –  VR-DiSTRO consists of a standard desktop computer, a CRT monitor and eye shutter stereoscopic glasses, a force feedback interface, and software, developed to create an interactive and immersive 3D experience. VR-tests were developed and validated to the conventional Star Cancellation test, Line bisection, Baking Tray Task (BTT), and Visual Extinction test. A construct validation to The Rivermead Behavioral Inattention Test, used as criterion of visuospatial neglect, was made. Usability was assessed according to ISO 9241-11.

    Results –  Thirty-one patients with stroke were included, 9/31 patients had neglect. The sensitivity was 100% and the specificity 82% for the VR-DiSTRO to correctly identify neglect. VR-BTT and VR-Extinction had the highest correlation (r2 = 0.64 and 0.78), as well as high sensitivity and specificity. The kappa values describing the agreement between traditional neglect tests and the corresponding virtual reality test were between 0.47–0.85. Usability was assessed by a questionnaire; 77% reported that the VR-DiSTRO was ‘easy’ to use. Eighty-eight percent reported that they felt ‘focused’, ‘pleased’ or ‘alert’. No patient had adverse symptoms. The test session took 15 min.

    Conclusions –  The VR-DiSTRO quickly and with a high accuracy identified visuospatial neglect in patients with stroke in this construct validation. The usability among elderly patients with stroke was high. This VR-test battery has the potential to become an important screening instrument for neglect and a valuable adjunct to the neuropsychological assessment.

  • 12.
    Georgiev, Dejan
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Occupational Therapy. Department of Neurology, University Clinical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.
    Hamberg, Katarina
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Family Medicine.
    Hariz, Marwan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience. Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.
    Forsgren, Lars
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Hariz, Gun-Marie
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation.
    Gender differences in Parkinson's disease: a clinical perspective2017In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 136, no 6, p. 570-584Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Available data indicate that there are gender differences in many features of Parkinson's disease (PD). Precise identification of the gender differences is important to tailor treatment, predict outcomes, and meet other individual and social needs in women and men with PD. The aim of this study was to review the available clinical data on gender differences in PD. Original articles and meta-analyses published between 1990 and 2016 systematically exploring gender differences in PD were reviewed. There is slight male preponderance in incidence and prevalence of PD. PD starts earlier in men. Women tend to be more prone to develop tremor-dominant PD but are less rigid than men. Motor improvement after deep brain stimulation is equal in both sexes, but women tend to show better improvement in activities of daily living. Furthermore, women with PD show better results on tests for general cognitive abilities, outperform men in verbal cognitive tasks, show more pain symptoms, and score higher on depression scales. It seems, however, that the differences in cognition, mood, and pain perception are not disease specific as similar gender differences can be found in healthy subjects and in other neurological conditions. Despite PD being the most frequently studied movement disorder, studies investigating gender differences in PD are still scarce with most of the studies being cross-sectional. Good-quality, prospective, longitudinal studies analyzing gender differences in PD and comparing them to matched healthy controls are needed in order to properly address the issues of gender differences in PD.

  • 13.
    Glader, Eva-Lotta
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Jonsson, B.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Norrving, B.
    Eriksson, Marie
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Umeå School of Business and Economics (USBE), Statistics.
    Socioeconomic factors' effect on return to work after first stroke2017In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 135, no 6, p. 608-613Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    OBJECTIVE: The objective of this nationwide study was to analyze how functional status and socioeconomic status affect return to work (RTW) among younger patients with first-time stroke in a Sweden.

    MATERIAL AND METHODS: This register-based cohort study included employed patients aged 25-55 with first-time stroke between 2008 and 2011 and primary outcome was RTW within 1 year after stroke. Data regarding functional status and employment status were retrieved from the Swedish Stroke Register, Riksstroke, and socioeconomic data (income, education, and country of birth) from Statistics Sweden.

    RESULTS: We included 2539 patients who had answered the question on RTW, and 1880 (74.0%) had RTW within 12 months. Patients with low income (69.9% in lowest income group vs 79.9% in highest group, P<.001), patients born in countries outside the Nordic countries (Sweden 75.5%, Nordic countries 74.3%, European countries 61.7%, other countries 57.3%, P<.001), and the youngest patients (25-34, 63.1%; 35-44, 75.9%; 45-55, 74.3%; P=.008) were less likely to RTW. Pain, low mood, and answering the questionnaire with help were more common in low socioeconomic groups, and when adjusting for these variables, together with age and sex, income and country of birth were no longer independent predictors for RTW.

    CONCLUSION: Patients with low socioeconomic status less often RTW 1 year after stroke.Impaired functional status after stroke is more common in patients with lower socioeconomic status and mediates socioeconomic differences in RTW. Improvement of functional status should be targeted to facilitate RTW among stroke patients with low socioeconomic status.

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  • 14.
    Hariz, Gun-Marie
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Occupational Therapy. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Blomstedt, Patric
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Neurosurgery.
    Koskinen, Lars-Owe D
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Neurosurgery.
    Long-term effect of deep brain stimulation for essential tremor on activities of daily living and health-related quality of life2008In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 118, no 6, p. 387-394Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    OBJECTIVES: To report long-term effects of thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) on activities of daily living (ADL) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with essential tremor (ET).

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen consecutive patients were evaluated at baseline, at a mean of 1 year, then at a mean of 7 years after DBS using Tremor Rating Scale, Mini Mental Test, ADL Taxonomy, Nottingham Health Profile, Life Satisfaction Checklist, Visual Analogue Scale and interview.

    RESULTS: There was a decrease of DBS efficacy on tremor between 1 and 7 years post-operatively. The marked improvement in ADL at 1 year was no longer sustained at long-term, except for the ability to eat. Social life remained improved.

    CONCLUSION: Although there is a decrease of DBS effect on tremor at 7 years, and even though further ageing and co-morbidities may impact on the well-being of patients, there is still relevant benefit of DBS on few aspects of ADL and HRQoL in patients with ET.

  • 15.
    Hariz, Gun-Marie
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Occupational Therapy.
    Forsgren, Lars
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Activities of daily living and quality of life in persons with newly diagnosed Parkinson's disease according to subtype of disease, and in comparison to healthy controls.2011In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 123, no 1, p. 20-27Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    OBJECTIVE:

    To describe activity of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QoL) at first visit to a neurological centre, in patients subsequently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD), according to subtype of disease and compared to healthy controls.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS:

    99 patients and 31 controls were included. Patients were classified into three groups according to predominant symptoms: 50 Postural instability-gait difficulties (PIGD), 37 tremor dominant, 12 indeterminate. Evaluations included ADL-taxonomy, SF-36, and the Parkinson disease questionnaire (PDQ-39).

    RESULTS:

    Patients experienced early on limitations in ADL and QoL compared to controls. Patients with PIGD subtype had already at first visit a worse status, clinically and in ADL and QoL, than patients with tremor dominant type.

    CONCLUSIONS:

    Already at first visit to a neurological centre, patients who will eventually receive the diagnosis of PD exhibited restrictions in ADL and QoL. Patients with axial symptoms were affected most.

  • 16.
    Hariz, Gun-Marie
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Occupational Therapy. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience. UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK.
    Limousin, P.
    Zrinzo, L.
    Tripoliti, E.
    Aviles-Olmos, I.
    Jahanshahi, M.
    Hamberg, Katarina
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Family Medicine.
    Foltynie, T.
    Gender differences in quality of life following subthalamic stimulation for Parkinson's disease2013In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 128, no 4, p. 281-285Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objectives - Surveys of subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's disease (PD) have shown that this procedure is roughly twice more common in men than in women. Here, we investigate possible differences between women and men undergoing STN DBS, with respect to health-related quality of life.

    Materials and methods - Forty-nine consecutive patients (18 women) received STN DBS. The impact of PD and its surgical treatment was compared between women and men, before and at mean of 19 +/- 11months after surgery, using the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39).

    Results - Duration of disease at surgery and off-medication scores of the motor part of the UPDRS were similar in women and men. At baseline, women had lower doses of dopaminergic medication than men, experienced more disability due to dyskinesias, had more sensory symptoms and perceived more difficulties in mobility. Following DBS, both men and women showed equal and significant (P<0.001) improvement in off-medication scores on the UPDRS III. On the PDQ-39, women expressed improvement in ADL to a greater extent than men. Moreover, women but not men showed a positive effect on mobility, stigma and cognition as well as on the summary score of PDQ-39.

    Conclusions - Although STN DBS results in equal degree of motor improvement between women and men, health-related quality of life seems to improve to a greater extent in women.

  • 17.
    Hariz, Gun-Marie
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Neurosurgery. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Occupational Therapy.
    Lindberg, Margareta
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Occupational Therapy.
    Hariz, Marwan I
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Neurosurgery.
    Bergenheim, A Tommy
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Neurosurgery.
    Gender differences in disability and health-related quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease treated with stereotactic surgery2003In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 108, no 1, p. 28-37Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    OBJECTIVES:

    To investigate eventual differences between women and men with Parkinson's disease (PD) before and after surgery, with respect to clinical status, disability and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

    MATERIAL AND METHODS:

    Twenty-four men and 14 women with PD received a total of 46 surgical procedures (pallidotomy, thalamotomy and deep brain stimulation of the thalamus, pallidum or subthalamic nucleus). The impact of PD on disability and other aspects of HRQoL was analysed separately in men and women before and at a mean of 11 months after surgery, using the following assessment tools: The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), the ADL Taxonomy, the Nottingham Health Profile, the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire and a Visual Analogue Scale.

    RESULTS:

    At surgery, women had a significantly longer duration of disease than men (mean: 15 vs. 10 years, P < 0.01). They had a higher stage on the Hoehn and Yahr scale and worse scores on UPDRS parts II (ADL) and IV (complications), as well as on the Schwab and England scale and on the ADL Taxonomy. Following surgery, both men and women showed improvement, but women experienced greater benefit than men in ADL, in emotions, and in social life.

    CONCLUSIONS:

    Perhaps women with PD should be offered surgery more often and earlier in the course of their disease.

  • 18.
    Israelsson, Hanna
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Birgander, Richard
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Diagnostic Radiology.
    Ambarki, Khalid
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiation Physics.
    Eklund, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiation Physics.
    Malm, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Ventriculomegaly and balance disturbances in patients with TIA2012In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 125, no 3, p. 163-170Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objectives -  Dilated ventricles and gait disturbances are common in the elderly, and these are also features of the treatable syndrome idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH). Many studies report an association between hypertension, vascular disease and INPH. The objective of this study was to study the frequency of ventriculomegaly, with or without hydrocephalic symptoms, in patients who had suffered from a transitory ischaemic attack (TIA).

    Methods -  Gait, Romberg sign, tandem standing and one-leg stance were consecutively evaluated in elderly >24 h after a TIA. Ventricular size, white matter lesions and atrophy were assessed on computed tomography scans. Exclusion criteria were conditions possibly influencing the balance tests.

    Results -  Seventy-six patients with TIA out of 105 were included. Ventriculomegaly [Evans Index (EI) > 0.30] was observed in 19.7% and very large ventricles (EI > 0.33) in 7.9%. Ventriculomegaly was found in 58% of the patients with a previous 'history of balance or gait disturbance', but only in 12% of those without any prior disturbance (chi-square test; P = 0.0009). Three out of 76 patients with TIA (3.9%) fulfilled both radiological and clinical criteria for 'possible INPH'.

    Conclusion -  Ventriculomegaly is a common finding in elderly. One out of 20 patients with TIA may suffer from INPH, existing before and independent of the TIA diagnosis. Therefore, patients presenting with ventriculomegaly and gait/balance disturbances not attributable to other causes should be referred to a hydrocephalus centre or a neurologist with special interest in INPH.

  • 19. Jons, D
    et al.
    Sundström, Peter
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Andersen, O
    Targeting Epstein-Barr virus infection as an intervention against multiple sclerosis2015In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 131, no 2, p. 69-79Article, review/survey (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    We here review contemporary data on genetic and environmental risk factors, particularly Epstein-Barr virus infection, for multiple sclerosis. There is an important immunogenetic etiological factor for multiple sclerosis. However, a general assumption is that immune defense genes are activated by the environment, basically by infections. We contend that the relationship between infectious mononucleosis and multiple sclerosis cannot be completely explained by genetics and inverse causality. Epstein-Barr infection as indicated by positive serology is an obligatory precondition for multiple sclerosis, which is a stronger attribute than a risk factor only. Data on events in the early pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis are cumulating from bio-banks with presymptomatic specimens, but there is only little information from the critical age when Epstein-Barr infection including infectious mononucleosis is acquired, nor on the detailed immunological consequences of this infection in individuals with and without multiple sclerosis. We discuss how focused bio-banking may elaborate a rationale for the development of treatment or vaccination against Epstein-Barr virus infection. A cohort in which intervention against Epstein-Barr infections was performed should be the object of neurological follow-up.

  • 20. Jons, Daniel
    et al.
    Zetterberg, Henrik
    Malmeström, Clas
    Bergström, Tomas
    Axelsson, Markus
    Blennow, Kaj
    Thulin, Måns
    Sundström, Peter
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Neurosciences.
    Andersen, Oluf
    Intrathecal immunoreactivity in people with or without previous infectious mononucleosis2020In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 142, no 2, p. 161-168Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objectives: The risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) increases (OR: 3.1) after infectious mononucleosis (IM). However, the nature of this link is obscure. We tested the hypothesis that IM might incur long-term sequelae, including low-key inflammatory activity, with characteristics of an MS endophenotype (or presymptomatic trait) and that assays of MS-relevant cyto-/chemokines in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) post-IM may show a trend in this direction.

    Materials and methods: We selected seven CSF cytokines (IL-1b, IL-6, YKL-40, TNF-alpha) or chemokines (IL-8, CCL2, IP-10), representing pro-inflammatory factors previously associated with MS. We assayed the CSF levels of these seven cyto-/chemokines in healthy individuals with a median follow-up time of 10 years after serologically confirmed IM (post-IM group, n = 22), and in healthy controls without a history of IM (n = 19). A group of MS patients (n = 23) were included as reference.

    Results: The CSF levels of IP-10, YKL-40, and CCL-2 were higher in the post-IM group than in our IM unexposed controls (P = .021, .049, .028). Seven of seven cyto-/chemokine assays showed a trend in the predicted direction (Pof binomial ratio = .008). However, this trend was non-significant in a multivariate test (P = .22). A power analysis indicated that similar studies including a larger cohort would be numerically realistic.

    Conclusions: These results do not reject the hypothesis that the established epidemiological association between IM and MS results from a stepwise inflammatory propagation from IM sequelae to an MS endophenotype (or presymptomatic trait) in a proportion of IM patients, pending confirmation with adequate power.

  • 21.
    Koskinen, Lars-Owe D
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Neurosurgery.
    Blomstedt, Patric
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Neurosurgery.
    Sympathicotomy affects cutaneous blood flow, temperature, and sympathicus-mediated reflexes2008In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 118, no 6, p. 402-406Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    OBJECTIVE: To study the sympathetically mediated effects of transthoracic endoscopic sympathicotomy (TES) in the treatment of severe primary palmar hyperhidrosis.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of TES, on sympathetic ganglia at the thoracic level of 2-3, finger blood flow, temperature, and on heat and cold provocation were investigated. Middle cerebral artery (MCA) blood flow velocities were studied by transcranial Doppler.

    RESULTS: The finger blood flow increased by about 700% after TES and finger temperature by 7.0 +/- 0.5 degrees C. Several autonomic reflexes were dramatically affected. A finger pulp-shrinking test showed a major decrease after surgery. MCA mean blood flow velocities were not affected by TES.

    CONCLUSIONS: Besides the high success rate of good clinical effect of TES on palmar hyperhidrosis, major effects on local blood flow and temperature are elicited by TES. Complex autonomic reflexes are also affected. The patient should be completely informed before surgery of the side effects elicited by TES.

  • 22.
    Koskinen, Lars-Owe D.
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Blomstedt, Patric
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Sjöberg, Rickard L.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Predicting improvement after surgery for palmar hyperhidrosis2012In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 126, no 5, p. 324-328Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objectives Endoscopic transthoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is a surgical procedure used to improve Quality of Life (QoL) in patients with treatment resistant palmar hyperhidrosis (PHH). The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that low preoperative scores on The Everyday Life Questionnaire (EDLQ) would predict QoL improvement after surgery. Materials and methods Pre- and post-operative QoL scores from a series of 30 consecutive patients who underwent ETS at our institution were analyzed. Results Preoperative QoL scores was a significant predictor of post-operative improvement across all dimensions covered by the questionnaire. Conclusion Preoperative low QoL can be used as a guide in selecting patients with most improved QoL after ETS.

  • 23. Kristian, B.
    et al.
    Wachtmeister, K.
    Stefan, F.
    Forsgren, Lars
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Retigabine as add-on treatment of refractory epilepsy a cost-utility study in a Swedish setting2013In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 127, no 6, p. 419-426Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objectives To calculate comparative incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (cost per quality-adjusted life year, QALY) and net marginal benefits for retigabine as add-on treatment for patients with uncontrolled focal seizures as compared to add-on lacosamide treatment and no add-on treatment, respectively. Materials & Methods Calculations were performed using a validated decision-tree model. The study population consisted of adult patients with focal-onset epilepsy in published randomized placebo-controlled add-on trials of retigabine or lacosamide. Healthcare utilization and QALY for each treatment alternative were calculated. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was performed using the specification of this model as a basis for Monte Carlo simulations. 2009 prices were used for all costs. Results Results were reported for a 2-year follow-up period. Retigabine add-on treatment was both more effective and less costly than lacosamide add-on treatment, and the cost per additional QALY for the retigabine no add-on (standard) therapy comparison was estimated at 2009Euro 15,753. Using a willingness-to-pay threshold for a QALY of Euro 50,000, the net marginal values were estimated at 2009Euro 605,874 for retigabine vs lacosamide and 2009Euro 2,114,203 for retigabine vs no add-on, per 1,000 patients. The probabilistic analyses showed that the likelihood that retigabine treatment is cost-effective is at least 70%. Conclusions The estimated cost per additional QALY, for the retigabine vs no add-on treatment comparison, is well within the range of newly published estimates of willingness to pay for an additional QALY. Thus, add-on retigabine treatment for people with focal-onset epilepsy with no/limited response to standard antiepileptic treatment appears to be cost-effective.

  • 24.
    Kulneff, Linda
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Speech and Language Therapy.
    Sundstedt, Stina
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Speech and Language Therapy.
    Olofsson, Katarina
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Otorhinolaryngology.
    van Doorn, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Speech and Language Therapy.
    Linder, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology.
    Nordh, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neurophysiology.
    Blomstedt, Patric
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Neurosurgery.
    Deep brain stimulation: effects on swallowing function in Parkinson's disease2013In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 127, no 5, p. 329-336Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objective: In patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), deep brainstimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN DBS) is well recognizedin improving limb function, but the outcome on swallowing functionhas rarely been studied. The aim of this work was to evaluate theeffect of STN DBS on pharyngeal swallowing function in patientswith PD using self-estimation and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation ofswallowing.

    Methods: Eleven patients (aged 41–72, median 61 years)were evaluated preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months after STN DBSsurgery. All patients were evaluated with self-estimation on a visualanalogue scale, and eight of them with a fiberoptic endoscopicexamination with a predefined swallowing protocol includingRosenbek’s Penetration-Aspiration Scale, Secretion Severity Scale,preswallow spillage, pharyngeal residue, and pharyngeal clearance.

    Results: The self-assessments of swallowing function revealed asubjective improvement with STN DBS stimulation, whereas the datafrom the swallowing protocol did not show any significant effect ofthe STN DBS treatment itself. The prevalence of aspiration was notaffected by the surgery.

    Conclusions: The results show thatswallowing function was not negatively affected by STN DBS and therisk of aspiration did not increase. Self-estimation of swallowingfunction showed a subjective improvement due to stimulation.

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  • 25.
    Lenfeldt, Niklas
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Holmlund, Henny
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Larsson, Anne
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences.
    Birgander, Richard
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences.
    Forsgren, Lars
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Frontal white matter injuries predestine gait difficulties in Parkinson's disease2016In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 134, no 3, p. 210-218Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objectives: This study applies diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to determine differences in neuronal integrity between motor phenotypes in Parkinson's disease. Material and Methods: One hundred and twenty-two patients (47 females, mean age = 70.3 years) were included at baseline. Forty patients were tremor dominant (TD), 64 had postural imbalance and gait difficulty (PIGD), and 18 patients were indeterminate. The DTI was repeated after one, three and 5 years, including reassessment of phenotype. DTI was quantified using fractional anisotropy (FA), and mean, radial and axial diffusion. Targeted white matter involved six regions of interests (ROIs) in prefrontal cortex (PFC), the entrance to the external capsule (EEC) and lateral to the horn of the anterior ventricle (LVAH). Grey matter involved the basal ganglia. Data were analysed using mixed linear models with P < 0.05 (Bonferroni corrected) as significance threshold. Results: PIGD and Indeterminate had reduced FA and axial diffusion in PFC, EEC and LVAH compared to Tremor dominant (P < 0.05). Basal ganglia showed no differences. Post hoc analysis showed that FA correlated negatively, and mean and radial diffusion positively, to PIGD symptoms in EEC, LVAH and four ROIs in PFC (P < 0.05). Tremor symptoms showed no correlations. Patients converting to PIGD and Indeterminate had lower FA, and higher mean and radial diffusion, at baseline in EEC, LVAH and four areas in PFC compared to non-converting patients (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Degeneration in frontal white matter is connected to PIGD symptoms in Parkinson's disease and if present at an early stage, the risk for conversion to the PIGD phenotype increases.

  • 26.
    Linder, Jan
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Libelius, Rolf
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Nordh, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Holmberg, Björn
    Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology/Neurology Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden..
    Stenlund, Hans
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health.
    Forsgren, Lars
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Anal sphincter electromyography in patients with newly diagnosed idiopathic parkinsonism2012In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 126, no 4, p. 248-255Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objectives The differential diagnosis of patients with idiopathic parkinsonism is difficult, especially early in the course of the disease. External anal sphincter electromyography has been reported to be of value in the differential diagnosis between Parkinson’s disease and multiple system atrophy. Patients with multiple system atrophy are reported to have pathological external anal sphincter electromyography and patients with Parkinson’s disease are reported to have significantly less pathological external anal sphincter electromyography results. Comparisons between patients with parkinsonian disorders have usually been made many years into the disease, and thus it is largely unknown if the results of external anal sphincter electromyography can be used to distinguish the different diagnoses in the early phase of the disease.

    Material and methods We investigated 148 newly diagnosed patients with idiopathic parkinsonism from a population-based incidence cohort (100 definite Parkinson’s disease, 21 probable Parkinson’s disease, 16 multiple system atrophy, eleven progressive supranuclear palsy, and 40 controls) with external anal sphincter electromyography within three months of their first visit and, in the majority of patients, before start of treatment with dopaminergic drugs. The clinical diagnoses were made using established clinical diagnostic criteria after a median follow-up of three years.

    Results All patient groups had more pathological external anal sphincter electromyography results than controls. No external anal sphincter electromyography differences were found between the patient groups, especially not between Parkinson’s disease and multiple system atrophy.

    Conclusions External anal sphincter electromyography examination cannot separate the different parkinsonian subgroups from each other in early course of the diseases.

  • 27.
    Lindgren, Cecilia
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Söderberg, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Koskinen, Lars-Owe
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Hultin, Magnus
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Edvardsson, L.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Naredi, S,
    Anestesiologi, Sahlgrenska Akademin, Göteborg.
    Long-term subarachnoid haemorrhage survivors still die due to cerebrovascular causes2015In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 132, no 6, p. 410-416Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    OBJECTIVE: Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is associated with sympathetic nervous activation and inflammation. SAH could therefore theoretically be a risk factor for development of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate whether long-term (>/=1 year) SAH survivors had an increased risk of death due to cardiovascular causes. MATERIAL & METHODS: SAH patients >/=18 years treated at Umea University Hospital between 1986 and 2006 were eligible for inclusion. Deceased patients were identified in the Swedish population register. Death certificates from long-term SAH survivors and causes of death in the general population were obtained from the National Board of Health and Welfare, Sweden. The prevalence of comorbidities at the time of SAH was compared with the distribution of cardiovascular risk factors in the northern Sweden MONICA (Multinational Monitoring of Trends and Determinants in Cardiovascular Disease) health survey. Analyses were stratified for age and sex. RESULTS: In the SAH patients, the median year of SAH was 1992 and the median year of death was 2001. The MONICA survey in 1994 and the distribution of deaths in the general population in 2001 were used for comparison. Long-term SAH survivors had, compared to the general population, a significantly increased risk for death due to cerebrovascular disease (P < 0.0001), but not for death due to cardiovascular disease. Hypertension was more common in SAH patients compared to survey participants (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Cerebrovascular causes of death were significantly more common in long-term survivors after SAH compared to the general population.

  • 28.
    Lindvall, Peter
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Hariz, Gun-Marie
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Occupational Therapy.
    Blomstedt, Patric
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Overall self-perceived health in Restless legs treated with intrathecal morphine2013In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 127, no 4, p. 268-273Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objectives Restless legs syndrome (RLS) has a high prevalence in the general population. Treatment with intrathecal morphine has been shown to be successful in a small number of patients. Our aim was to quantify the effect on RLS-related symptoms, health and quality of life in three patients treated with intrathecal morphine. Materials and Methods Three patients with medically refractory RLS received an implanted pump for delivery of intrathecal morphine. Severity of RLS and self-assessed health were rated using the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) rating scale and the Short Form health survey (SF-36). Assessments were made preoperatively and after 6months of follow-up. Results Preoperatively two patients had very severe RLS, scoring 35 and 36 on the IRLSSG rating scale, and one patient had severe RLS (score, 26). All three patients were free of symptoms of RLS post-operatively and also at the 6-month follow-up. The daily doses of intrathecal morphine ranged from 73 to 199 mu g. Results from the SF-36 health survey showed that all three patients had a better physical health compared to before surgery. Conclusion Intrathecal morphine may be efficient in the treatment for medically refractory RLS. All three patients became completely free of symptoms, and there was also improvement in self-perceived overall health.

  • 29. Liu, KRY
    et al.
    Chan, CCH
    Chu, MML
    Ng, TYL
    Chu, LW
    Hui, FSL
    Yuen, HK
    Fisher, Anne G
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Occupational Therapy.
    Activities of daily living performance in dementia2007In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 116, no 2, p. 91-95Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objective: To explore the activities of daily living ADL performance profile of community-living people with dementia and to investigate its relationship with dementia severity.

    Materials & Methods: ADL performance of 86 subjects were evaluated using Barthel Index (BI), Lawton and Brody's Instrumental Activities Daily Living (IADL) and Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS). Dementia severity was measured by Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR).

    Results: Subjects were able to perform most basic ADL (BI mean = 16.4) and some IADL (Lawton and Brody's IADL mean = 4.3). The AMPS process ability measure and the Lawton and Brody's IADL were significantly correlated with CDR (P < 0.01).

    Conclusions: Subjects with mild dementia were able to perform mostly all basic ADL and some IADL. The AMPS process ability measure and the Lawton and Brody's IADL could provide useful information on their ability to live independently in the community.

  • 30.
    Louise, Johansson
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Speech and Language Therapy.
    Sofia, Möller
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Speech and Language Therapy.
    Olofsson, Katarina
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Otorhinolaryngology.
    Linder, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology.
    Nordh, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neurophysiology.
    Blomstedt, Patric
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Neurosurgery.
    Doorn, Jan van
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Speech and Language Therapy.
    Karlsson, Fredrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Arts, Department of language studies. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Speech and Language Therapy.
    Word-level intelligibility after caudal zona incerta stimulation for Parkinson’s disease2014In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 130, no 1, p. 27-33Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objectives – To investigate the effect of caudal zona incerta-deep brain stimulation (cZi-DBS) on word-level speech intelligibility in patients with Parkinson’s disease, under both an optimal listening condition and a simulated more naturalistic listening condition.

    Materials and methods – Spoken single words were extracted from read samples collected from 10 bilaterally implanted patients with PD pre- and post-cZi-DBS. Intelligibility was assessed through a transcription task performed by 32 naive listeners under two listening conditions: (i) with low-amplitude conversational speech added as background and (ii) with no added background noise. The listeners′ responses were scored in terms of agreement with the intended words.

    Results – Post-operatively, the total intelligibility score was significantly lower when cZi stimulation was switched on compared with off, for both listening conditions (with and without added background noise). Intelligibility was also significantly lower on stimulation compared with preoperative recordings, but only when assessed in the listening condition without background noise. The listening condition with added background noise resulted in significantly lower intelligibility scores compared with the no added noise condition for all stimulation conditions.

    Conclusions – The results of this study indicate that cZi-DBS in patients with PD can be detrimental to word-level speech intelligibility. 

  • 31.
    Lundkvist, B.
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Eklund, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences.
    Koskinen, Lars-Owe D.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Malm, J.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    An adjustable CSF shunt: advices for clinical use2003In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 108, no 1, p. 38-42Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    OBJECTIVES: The opening pressure and the resistance of a CSF shunt are essential for clinical use in order to set the proper opening pressure and to determine the shunt function in vivo. We find it of vital importance to validate and supplement the product description given by the manufacturer. The in vitro properties of a newly introduced, adjustable differential pressure valve with a siphon-preventing device (Strata valve) was compared with its predecessor (Delta valve).

    METHODS: An automated, computerized experimental set-up based on regulation of pressure, built into an incubator at 37 degrees C, was used. Opening pressure, resistance and siphon preventing properties were determined. Six brand-new shunts of each type with catheters were tested. The Delta valves were at a performance level of 1.5.

    RESULTS: The hydrodynamic properties of the Strata and Delta valves were similar. The anti-siphoning device was functioning for all valves. The estimated mean resistance for Delta and Strata shunts was 2.6 +/- 0.4 and 2.2 +/- 1.0 mmHg/ml/min, respectively. The mean opening pressure for the five performance levels of the Strata shunt are: 3.3, 5.1, 7.7, 10.7 and 13.1 mmHg. There may however, be considerable variations between the shunts.

    CONCLUSIONS: The Strata shunt is a properly working adjustable valve with anti-siphoning device that showed good reproducibility concerning opening pressure and resistance. At performance level 1.5, the new Strata shunt was similar to its predecessor concerning opening pressure and resistance. The given values of the different opening pressures and resistance could be used for in vivo testing of the valve function with a standard lumbar CSF infusion test.

  • 32.
    Lundkvist, Bo
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology.
    Koskinen, Lars-Owe
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Neurosurgery.
    Birgander, Richard
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Diagnostic Radiology.
    Eklund, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiation Physics.
    Malm, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology.
    Cerebrospinal fluid dynamics and long-term survival of the Strata(®) valve in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.2011In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 124, no 2, p. 115-121Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objective -  Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics and long-term shunt survival of the Strata(®) CSF shunt were evaluated in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH). Subjects and methods -  Seventy-two patients with INPH received a Strata(®) valve. A CSF infusion test, neuroimaging and video recording of gait were performed at baseline and at 6 months (n = 68) after surgery. Long-term shunt survivals were obtained from patient records. Results -  The shunt survival at 1 year was 94% and at 3 years 92.5%. Forty-nine patients (72%) had an improved gait. Two patients were improved despite non-functioning shunts, indicating a possible placebo response. Nineteen patients were not improved at the 6-month follow-up. The shunt tests revealed a functioning shunt in 12; thus, unnecessary shunt revisions could be avoided. Seventeen patients showed a siphoning effect. Shunt revisions were made in six patients. Eight hygromas/subdural hematomas were found. Conclusions -  The long-term survival of the Strata(®) valves was good, and a concern of complications is not a reason to exclude elderly with INPH from shunt surgery. Studies are needed to evaluate pros and cons of the anti-siphon device. Using a CSF shunt test, unnecessary shunt revisions may be avoided.

  • 33.
    Malm, J.
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Bergenheim, A. T.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Enblad, P.
    Department of Neuroscience/Neurosurgery, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
    Hårdemark, H.-G.
    Department of Neuroscience/Neurosurgery, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
    Koskinen, L-O D
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Naredi, Silvana
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Nordström, C.-H.
    Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
    Norrving, B.
    Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
    Uhlin, J.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Lindgren, A.
    Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
    The Swedish Malignant Middle cerebral artery Infarction Study: long-term results from a prospective study of hemicraniectomy combined with standardized neurointensive care2006In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 113, no 1, p. 25-30Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objectives: Hemicraniectomy in patients with malignant middle cerebral artery (mMCA) infarct may be life-saving. The long-term prognosis is unknown.

    Methods: Patients with mMCA infarct treated with hemicraniectomy between 1998 and 2002 at three hospitals were included. The criterion for surgical intervention was if the patients deteriorated from awake to being responding to painful stimuli only. All patients were followed for at least 1 year. Outcome was defined as alive/dead, walkers/non-walkers or modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≤2.

    Results: Thirty patients were included (median age at stroke onset 49 years, range 17–67 years). Fourteen patients had mMCA infarct on the left side and 16 patients on the right side. Fourteen patients had pupil dilatation before surgery. Hemicraniectomy was performed at a median of 52 h (range 13–235 h) after stroke onset. Nine patients died within 1 month after surgery because of cerebral herniation (n = 6), myocardial infarction (n = 1) or intensive care complications (n = 2). No further deaths occurred during follow-up, which was at median 3.4 years after surgery. Status for the 21 survivors at the last follow-up was: mRS 2 or less (n = 6) and mRS 3–5 (n = 15). The oldest patient with mRS 2 or less was 53 years at stroke onset. Thirteen patients (43%) could walk without substantial aid.

    Conclusion:  The long-term survival after mMCA infarction treated with hemicraniectomy seems to be favourable if the patient survives the acute phase. The outcome as measured with mRS may be better among younger patients.

  • 34.
    Malm, Jan
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Sundström, Nina
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiation Physics.
    Cesarini, Kristina G
    Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
    Edsbagge, Mikael
    Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden.
    Kristensen, B
    Department of Neurology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
    Leijon, Göran
    Division of Neurology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden.
    Eklund, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Radiation Physics.
    Implementation of a new CSF dynamic device: a multicenter feasibility study in 562 patients2012In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 125, no 3, p. 199-205Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objectives: The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) infusion test is frequently used when selecting hydrocephalus patients for shunt surgery. Very little has been reported regarding adverse events. We present a prospective feasibility study.

    Methods: Standardized devices for measuring CSF dynamics were built and 562 patients investigated: Needles were placed by lumbar puncture (LP). An automatic CSF infusion protocol was performed. Course of events during the investigation as well as adverse events were registered.

    Results: Preoperative evaluation of normal-pressure hydrocephalus was the most common indication (63%), followed by evaluation of shunt function (23%) and intracranial pressure recordings (14%). The LP was successfully performed in all but nine cases with 24 patients (4.3%) reporting major discomfort. Ringer infusion was performed in 474 investigations, and a valid measurement of the outflow resistance was received in 439 (93%). During the infusion phase, 17 (4%) patients reported severe headache. Infusion volume was significantly higher in patients having subjective symptoms during the infusion phase compared with those without adverse events. During 269 preoperative CSF tap tests, six (2%) patients had severe headache. Post-investigational headache was reported by 83 (15%) patients at the 24-h follow-up. No serious adverse events were observed.

    Conclusion: Infusion testing was safe and without serious adverse events with a high rate of successful procedures. The investigation was associated with expected mild to moderate discomfort.

  • 35. Minthon, L
    et al.
    Wallin, A K
    Eriksson, Sture
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Geriatric Medicine.
    Wattmo, C
    Andreasen, N
    Long-term rivastigmine treatment in a routine clinical setting.2009In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 119, no 3, p. 180-185Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to observe the effects of long-term rivastigmine treatment in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) in a routine clinical setting. METHODS: This was a prospective, open-label, observational, multicentre, non-randomized study. Outcome measures included the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Clinician's Interview-Based Impression of Change (CIBIC) and the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale - cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog). RESULTS: Of 217 patients initiated into rivastigmine treatment, 62% (n = 135) remained on treatment for 24 months. Most patients droped out due to nursing home placement or side effects. Eighty per cent and 67% of completers exhibited a symptomatic attenuation of cognitive decline (< or = 4-point deterioration) as assessed by using the MMSE and ADAS-cog respectively. Forty-four per cent showed an unchanged/improved CIBIC rating. CONCLUSIONS: Over 60% of patients remained on treatment for 2 years in this routine clinical setting. In patients who remained on treatment, rivastigmine appeared to stabilize their condition and prevented or delayed symptomatic decline.

  • 36. Nordanstig, A.
    et al.
    Asplund, Kjell
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Norrving, B.
    Wahlgren, Nils
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine. Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Wester, P.
    Rosengren, L.
    Impact of the Swedish National Stroke Campaign on stroke awareness2017In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 136, no 4, p. 345-351Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Time delay from stroke onset to arrival in hospital is an important obstacle to widespread reperfusion therapy. To increase knowledge about stroke, and potentially decrease this delay, a 27-month national public information campaign was carried out in Sweden.

    Aims: To assess the effects of a national stroke campaign in Sweden.

    Methods: The variables used to measure campaign effects were knowledge of the AKUT test [a Swedish equivalent of the FAST (Face-Arm-Speech-Time)] test and intent to call 112 (emergency telephone number) . Telephone interviews were carried out with 1500 randomly selected people in Sweden at eight points in time: before, three times during, immediately after, and nine, 13 and 21 months after the campaign.

    Results: Before the campaign, 4% could recall the meaning of some or all keywords in the AKUT test, compared with 23% during and directly after the campaign, and 14% 21 months later. Corresponding figures were 15%, 51%, and 50% for those remembering the term AKUT and 65%, 76%, and 73% for intent to call 112 when observing or experiencing stroke symptoms. During the course of the campaign, improvement of stroke knowledge was similar among men and women, but the absolute level of knowledge for both items was higher for women at all time points.

    Conclusion: The nationwide campaign substantially increased knowledge about the AKUT test and intention to call 112 when experiencing or observing stroke symptoms, but knowledge declined post-intervention. Repeated public information therefore appears essential to sustain knowledge gains.

  • 37. Ozanne, A.
    et al.
    Johansson, D.
    Hällgren Graneheim, Ulla
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Nursing. Department of Health Sciences, University West, Trollhättan, Sweden.
    Malmgren, K.
    Bergquist, F.
    Murphy, M. Alt
    Wearables in epilepsy and Parkinson's disease: A focus group study2018In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 137, no 2, p. 188-194Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objectives: Wearable sensors that measure movement and physiological variables are attractive for clinical evaluation of neurological diseases such as epilepsy and Parkinson's disease (PD). The aim of this study was to explore perceptions regarding the use of wearable technology in disease monitoring and management as reported by individuals with epilepsy and Parkinson's disease as well as health professionals working with these patient groups.

    Materials and Methods: Six patient groups (n=25) and two groups with health professionals (n=15) participated in this qualitative, descriptive study with focus group interviews. A manifest qualitative content analysis was used.

    Results: Four categories and nine subcategories emerged from the analysis. Participants saw possible benefits for improved treatment effect and valued this benefit more than possible inconvenience of wearing the sensors. Discrete design and simplicity were considered as facilitators for improved usability. They emphasized the importance of interactive information between patients and health professionals. However, they were concerned about unclear information and inconclusive recordings and some fears about personal integrity were at odds with the expectations on interactivity.

    Conclusions: Patients need to feel well informed and find an added value in using wearables. Wearables need to be user-friendly, have an attractive design, and show clinical efficacy in improving disease management. Variations in perceptions regarding integrity, benefits, and effectiveness of monitoring indicate possible conflicts of expectations among participants. The engagement of end users, patients, and health professionals, in the design and implementation process, is crucial for the development of wearable devices that enhance and facilitate neurological rehabilitation practice.

  • 38. Palhagen, S. E.
    et al.
    Dizdar, N.
    Hauge, T.
    Holmberg, B.
    Jansson, R.
    Linder, J.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Nyholm, D.
    Sydow, O.
    Wainwright, M.
    Widner, H.
    Johansson, A.
    Interim analysis of long-term intraduodenal levodopa infusion in advanced Parkinson disease2012In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 126, no 6, p. e29-e33Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background - This interim 12-month analysis is a part of an open-label, observational, prospective study on health outcomes and cost impact of levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG, Duodopa) in Parkinson disease (PD). The specific aim was to investigate clinical and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) effects in routine care. Methods - Unified PD rating scale (UPDRS) was the primary efficacy measurement. PD QoL questionnaire 39 (PDQ-39) assessed HRQoL. Subjects were assessed at baseline, >= 3 months after surgery, and then every 3 months. Results - Twenty-seven treatment-naive subjects when started with LCIG showed a decrease in UPDRS score that was statistically significant throughout the year: UPDRS total score (mean +/- SD), baseline = 52.1 +/- 16.1, N = 27, month 0 (first visit; at least 3 months after permanent LCIG) = 43.1 +/- 16.7, N = 27, P = 0.003; month 12 = 42.5 +/- 22.6, n = 25, P = 0.017. PDQ-39 results also showed a tendency for improvement: PDQ-39 (mean +/- SD), baseline = 33.6 +/- 10.8, N = 27, month 0 = 27.1 +/- 11.8, N = 27, P = 0.001; 12 months = 28.8 +/- 12.8, n = 23, P = 0.126. Conclusions - LCIG provides functional improvement beginning at first visit that is sustained for 12 months.

  • 39.
    Qvarlander, Sara
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences. Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Centre for Biomedical Engineering and Physics (CMTF).
    Ambarki, Khalid
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences. Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Centre for Biomedical Engineering and Physics (CMTF).
    Wåhlin, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Umeå Centre for Functional Brain Imaging (UFBI).
    Jacobsson, Johan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Birgander, Richard
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences.
    Malm, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Eklund, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences. Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Centre for Biomedical Engineering and Physics (CMTF).
    Cerebrospinal fluid and blood flow patterns in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus2017In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 135, no 5, p. 576-584Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objectives: Increased aqueduct cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow pulsatility and, recently, a reversed CSF flow in the aqueduct have been suggested as hallmarks of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH). However, these findings have not been adequately confirmed. Our objective was to investigate the flow of blood and CSF in INPH, as compared to healthy elderly, in order to clarify which flow parameters are related to the INPH pathophysiology.

    Materials and Methods: Sixteen INPH patients (73 years) and 35 healthy subjects (72 years) underwent phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Measurements included aqueduct and cervical CSF flow, total arterial inflow (tCBF; i.e. carotid + vertebral arteries), and internal jugular vein flow. Flow pulsatility, net flow, and flow delays were compared (multiple linear regression, correcting for sex and age).

    Results: Aqueduct stroke volume was higher in INPH than healthy (148±95 vs 90±50 mL, P<.05). Net aqueduct CSF flow was similar in magnitude and direction. The cervical CSF stroke volume was lower (P<.05). The internal carotid artery net flow was lower in INPH (P<.05), although tCBF was not. No differences were found in internal jugular vein flow or flow delays.

    Conclusions: The typical flow of blood and CSF in INPH was mainly characterized by increased CSF pulsatility in the aqueduct and reduced cervical CSF pulsatility. The direction of mean net aqueduct CSF flow was from the third to the fourth ventricle. Our findings may reflect the altered distribution of intracranial CSF volume in INPH, although the causality of these relationships is unclear.

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  • 40. Roos, A.-K.
    et al.
    Wiklund, L.
    Laurell, K.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Discrepancy in prevalence of Huntington's disease in two Swedish regions2017In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 136, no 5, p. 511-515Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. The prevalence varies between different geographical regions with an estimated average in Europe of about 6/100 000. Parts of northern Sweden are known to have an accumulation of HD, but no prevalence studies have been undertaken for 50 years. Object: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of HD in the two different Swedish counties of Jamtland and Uppsala and compare them with the reported prevalence in Europe. Method: Patients registered with the diagnosis of HD were identified through medical records in each county. Presymptomatic patients were excluded. We also compared the annual number of individuals with HD registered in the database of the National Board of Health and Welfare in these regions, with all of Sweden. Results: The prevalence of HD was found to be 22.1/100 000 in Jamtland and 4.9/100 000 in Uppsala county. The mean age was 62.2 years and 61.8 years, respectively. The annual average of patients with HD registered at inpatient care was 1.5/100 000 in Jamtland, 0.44/100 000 in Uppsala county, and 0.56/100 000 in all of Sweden. Conclusion: The prevalence of patients with the diagnosis of HD is four times higher in the county of Jamtland than in the county of Uppsala, where the prevalence is more similar to the average in Europe. Our results support earlier findings of regional variations of HD prevalence with an accumulation in certain parts of northern Sweden.

  • 41.
    Salzer, Jonatan
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology.
    Svenningsson, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology.
    Sundström, Peter
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology.
    Season of birth and multiple sclerosis in Sweden2010In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 122, no 1, p. 70-73Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    This study supports previous results suggesting an association between the risk of MS and the season of birth. Decreased exposure to sun in the winter leading to low vitamin D levels during pregnancy is a possible explanation that needs further research.

  • 42.
    Sperens, Maria
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation.
    Georgiev, Dejan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation. Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Computer Sciences and Informatics, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
    Eriksson Domellöf, Magdalena
    Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology.
    Forsgren, Lars
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Hamberg, Katarina
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Family Medicine.
    Hariz, Gun-Marie
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Activities of daily living in Parkinson's disease: Time/gender perspective2020In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 141, no 2, p. 168-176Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objective: The objectives of this study were to explore the changes in the activities of daily living (ADL) in persons with Parkinson's disease (pwPD) over time and to investigate possible differences in ADL performance between men and women with PD.

    Materials & Methods: One hundred twenty‐nine persons (76 men) with a clinically established PD self‐assessed their ADL performance from the time of diagnosis up to 8 years follow‐up using the ADL taxonomy. Other demographic and clinical data (motor state, cognition, depression) were also collected and subjected to further analysis.

    Results: Nine of 12 domains in the ADL taxonomy showed a change over time (Eating and Drinking [P = .009], Mobility [P < .001], Toilet activities [P = .031], Dressing [P < .001], Personal hygiene [P < .001], Communication [P < .001], Cooking [P = .001], Shopping [P < .001] and Cleaning [P < .001]). In addition to time, two domains, (Shopping [P = .007] and Cleaning [P = .027]) also showed an effect of gender with worse scores in women. The nine ADL domains showing effect of time, showed temporary improvement at 12 months follow‐up, most probably due to dopaminergic medication. All nine domains deteriorated at later follow‐up.

    Conclusions: As expected, there was deterioration in self‐assessed performance in the majority od ADL domains over time. Women assessed their ADLs worse in two domains (Shopping and Cleaning) probably reflecting a general gender‐related activity pattern rather than being a PD‐specific finding.

  • 43.
    Steensland, Ingrid
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Neurosciences.
    Koskinen, Lars-Owe D.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Neurosciences.
    Lindvall, Peter
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Neurosciences.
    Treatment of Restless legs with a pump: efficacy and complications2020In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 141, no 5, p. 368-373Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    OBJECTIVES: Restless legs (RLS) has a prevalence of 2.5-15 % in the general population.. For those who suffer from a medically refractory RLS, intrathecal morphine treatment has been shown to be effective. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate efficacy, complications and side effects in patients treated over several years with an implantable pump. A comparison was done to a group of patients treated with a similar pump system due to spasticity.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: The charts of ten patients with severe or very severe RLS have been reviewed. These patients have received an intrathecal drug delivery system during 2000 -2016. To compare the rate of complications, a control group of 20 patients treated with intrathecal baclofen due to spasticity was included in the study. Their time of treatment corresponded to the RLS patients'.

    RESULTS: The severity of symptoms related to RLS decreased significantly after treatment. Doses required ranged from 68 to 140 µg/day. Two cases of side effects were detected; one case with nausea and dizziness and one case with headache and fatigue. The rate of mechanical-, infectious- and other complications were similar between the two groups.

    CONCLUSIONS: In light of the decrease in symptom severity and the low rate of side effects, intrathecal morphine can be considered an adequate treatment for those suffering from medically refractory RLS. The occurrence of complications did not differ between subjects with RLS and spasticity.

  • 44.
    Strigård, Karin
    et al.
    Division of Surgery, CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden.
    Holmdahl, Rikard
    Olsson, Tomas
    Oestrogen treatment reduces duration of experimental allergic neuritis in rats and suppresses T cell responses to myelin.1990In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 81, no 5, p. 436-442Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    The effects of oestrogen and pregnancy on the disease course of experimental allergic neuritis (EAN) in rats were investigated. Pregnant rats were totally protected from EAN and long term 17-beta-oestradiol treatment significantly shortened the disease duration. Lymph node cells from oestrogen treated rats had a suppressed proliferative response when stimulated with myelin or PPD, both when the response was measured immediately after cell preparation and after 72 h cell culture in vitro. Serum levels of IgG antibodies against myelin, P2 or PPD did not differ between treated and non-treated rats although oestrogen treated rats had significantly higher levels of total IgG. Immunohistochemical stainings of nerve roots showed less intensive invasion of T lymphocytes in the oestrogen treated group while immunoreactivity to both class I and II major histocompatibility complex antigens did not differ in between the groups. These findings show that oestrogen ameliorates EAN and suggest that this effect is mediated by suppression of T cell dependent immunity. Factors in addition to oestrogen may be operative during pregnancy when a total protection from EAN is obtained.

  • 45.
    Strigård, Karin
    et al.
    Division of Surgery, CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden.
    Holmdahl, Rikard
    van der Meide, P H
    Klareskog, Lars
    Olsson, Tomas
    In vivo treatment of rats with monoclonal antibodies against gamma interferon: effects on experimental allergic neuritis.1989In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 80, no 3, p. 201-207Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    To elucidate the role of gamma interferon in experimental allergic neuritis (EAN) a mouse monoclonal antibody (DB-1) directed against rat gamma interferon was used to treat rats during different phases of the development of experimental allergic neuritis (EAN). The effects of this treatment were followed by clinical evaluation, and in some instances by immunohistochemical analysis of lymphoid organs and affected nerves for presence of MHC class II antigens and various T cell subsets. DB-1 treatment given after onset of clinical symptoms (Day 15 after immuniozation with myelin) shortened disease duration, compared with non-treated EAN controls. Affected nerves of DB-1 treated animals showed reduced expression of MHC class II antigens and lower numbers of T lymphocytes within the affected nerves. In contrast, when DB-1 treatment was given on the day of immunization (Day 0), the disease duration increased, and when given before onset of the disease (Day 9) the clinical course was not significantly affected. The results support an important role for gamma interferon in the pathogenesis of EAN.

  • 46.
    Stålnacke, Mattias
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Neurosciences.
    Solowska, Karolina
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Neurosciences.
    Bergenheim, Tommy
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Neurosciences.
    Sjöberg, Rickard L.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Neurosciences.
    Phenomenology of glioma resection in the dorsal medial frontal cortex2020In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 142, no 3, p. 216-220Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: During the latest decades the hypothesis that the subjective experience of free will is determined by preconscious activity in the dominant dorsal medial frontal cortex (dMFC) has repeatedly challenged our commonly held concepts of moral responsibility.

    AIMS OF THE STUDY: To investigate whether dMFC activity determines the sense of free will and to investigate effects of resections in this area on Quality of life (QoL).

    METHODS: A cohort of nine patients affected by transient declines in speech and movement skills after surgery involving the left dMFC answered questions about their postoperative, subjective experiences of volition in relation to symptoms. In eight cases resections were performed as part of glioma surgery and in the ninth case a meningioma adjacent to the dMFC was resected. In addition, a QoL questionnaire was administrated before and after surgery.

    RESULTS: None of the patients perceived the transient disabilities related to surgery as associated with a loss or absence of volition. No declines in QoL were detected after surgery. Two QoL domains showed improved function (motor dysfunction and future uncertainty).

    CONCLUSIONS:The subjective sense of volition is not contingent on dMFC activity. Surgical resections of this area are not typically associated with declines in QoL.

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  • 47.
    Sundstedt, Stina
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Speech and Language Therapy.
    Olofsson, Katarina
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Otorhinolaryngology.
    van Doorn, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Speech and Language Therapy.
    Linder, Jan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Neurology.
    Nordh, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neurophysiology.
    Blomstedt, Patric
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Neurosurgery.
    Swallowing function in Parkinson’s patients following Zona Incerta deep brain stimulation2012In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 126, no 5, p. 350-356Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objective The purpose of the present study was to examine if there was a negative effect of caudal Zona Incerta deep brain stimulation (cZI DBS) on pharyngeal swallowing function in Parkinson’s patients (PD). There are no former reports on swallowing and cZI DBS.

    Methods Eight patients (aged 49 to 71 years; median 62) were evaluated pre- and postoperatively, at six and 12 months after DBS surgery. Evaluation tools were Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing examinations and patients’ self-assessments of the swallowing function including a visual analogue scale and quality of life related questions. The swallowing protocol included Rosenbeck’s Penetration-Aspiration Scale, Secretion Severity Scale and parameters for pre-swallow spillage, pharyngeal residue and pharyngeal clearance.

    Results There was no clear-cut effect of neurostimulation postoperatively at six and 12 months on any of the swallowing parameters except for pre-swallow spillage which was slightly worsened in the stimulation on condition 12m postoperatively. The answers to the self assessment questions did not vary significantly.

    Conclusions The effect of the stimulation on swallowing function varied among individuals but the overall outcome was that cZI DBS did not seem to have a negative influence on swallowing function in the eight patients studied.

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  • 48.
    Sundstrom, Peter
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Salzer, Jonatan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Vitamin D and multiple sclerosis from epidemiology to prevention2015In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 132, no Supplement 199, p. 56-61Article, review/survey (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    In the present review, we discuss observational and experimental data suggesting a protective effect from sun exposure and/or vitamin D in multiple sclerosis (MS). These data include geographic variations in MS occurrence, temporal trends, genetics, biobank, and questionnaire data. We look more closely at the differentiation between general effects from UV exposure, and those of vitamin D per se, including plausible mechanisms of action. Finally, primary prevention is touched upon, and we suggest actions to be taken while awaiting the results from ongoing randomized controlled trials with vitamin D in MS.

  • 49.
    Sundström, Peter
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Managing Epstein-Barr virus and other risk factors in MS-Future perspectives2017In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 136, p. 31-33Article, review/survey (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Here, we discuss the rationale and feasibility of treatment directed against the modifiable risk factors in multiple sclerosis. The established environmental risk factors vitamin D insufficiency, cigarette smoke exposure, adolescence overweight, and Epstein-Barr virus infection are reviewed. Already available measures to target these risk factors are discussed.

  • 50.
    Svenningsson, Anders
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience. Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
    Salzer, Jonatan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Vågberg, Mattias
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Sundström, Peter
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Clinical Neuroscience.
    Increasing prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Vasterbotten County of Sweden2015In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-6314, E-ISSN 1600-0404, Vol. 132, no 6, p. 389-394Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objectives To update the incidence and prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Vasterbotten County, Sweden, and to compare this to previous investigations in the same area. Background Northern Sweden is a high-risk area for developing MS. Vasterbotten County has previously been surveyed in detail regarding the occurrence of MS. In several countries, increases in MS prevalence and incidence as well as a change in the sex ratio have been reported. Materials and methods Multiple sources were used to identify MS cases in Vasterbotten that either had their onset of the disease from 1998 to 2010 and/or lived in Vasterbotten, the two dates chosen for prevalence calculation: the 31st of December 2005 and 2010. Results The mean yearly incidence of MS in Vasterbotten during the entire period 1998-2010 was 6.0/100,000. The female to male ratio was 2.1. The prevalence of MS in Vasterbotten was 188/100,000 on 31st of December 2005 and 215/100,000 on 31st of December 2010. The MS prevalence increased over time from 1990 to 2010. Conclusions The prevalence of MS in Vasterbotten County has increased between 1990 and 2010, while no statistically significant increase in incidence was seen.

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