Patient Age and Outcome in Ischemic Stroke

Background: Age is the most important prognostic factor in ischemic stroke. Thisstudy was carried out in patients with ischemic stroke to describe the association of age of the patients with stroke severity at presentation and at three months. Materials and Methods: The data, which were collected retrospectively from hospital records, we reanalyzed by using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Age was divided into younger (≤ 50 years) and older (> 50 years) based on standard definition. Age was also divided into younger (< 60 years) and older (≥ 60 years) based on the Senior Citizens Act of Nepal. The associations were analyzed by using Chi-square test. Results: One hundred and fifty-three patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 60.9 years. There was no statistically significant association between baseline stroke severity and the age groups defined both ways. More younger patients had good outcomes (44.4% good outcome vs 25.6% poor outcome in patients ≤ 50 years, p= 0.03; 52.8% good outcome vs 31.6% poor outcome in patients 50 years, p = 0.03; 68.4% poor outcome vs 47.2% good outcome in patients ≥ 60 years, p= 0.02). Conclusion: There was no significant association between young and old patients and the baseline stroke severity; however, more younger patients had good outcomes compared to older patients at three months, the differences being significant

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of central nervous system infections in a tertiary center: A retrospective study

Abstract Background and Aims Central nervous system (CNS) infection is one of the most common causes of morbidity, mortality, and hospital admission worldwide. The natural history of CNS infection is quite fatal. Early diagnosis and treatment have been proven to have a crucial role in patients' survival. The aim of this study was to identify the epidemiological and clinical patterns of patients diagnosed with CNS infections. Methods This study is a retrospective study conducted in a tertiary level hospital in Nepal in which patient diagnosed with CNS infections (September 2019 to 2021) were included. Data were collected and analyzed in SPSS. Results The mean age of the 95 patients included in the study was 45.18 ± 19.56. Meningoencephalitis (n = 44, 46.30%) was the most common infection diagnosed. Patients belonging to the age group 30−60 years had a higher frequency of focal neurological deficit, and other classical clinical features. All the patients who died during the treatment had associated comorbidities but no concurrent infections. Altered sensorium, fever, and headache were the common presenting symptoms in all the recovered patients. Conclusion To ensure optimum disease outcome, early diagnosis and prompt management are crucial. For this, recognizing the local disease patterns in terms of disease distribution, commonly implicated aetiologies, presenting symptoms, and prognostic factors is of utmost importance

Chorea hyperglycemia basal ganglia syndrome: A case report from Nepal

A rare case of chorea hyperglycemic basal ganglia syndrome in a 56-year-old woman who presented with left-sided hemichorea in the setting of uncontrolled, non-ketotic, type II diabetes mellitus is reported. Early blood glucose control could lead to complete resolution of symptoms. Despite an excellent prognosis, delayed recognition and management can lead to prolong disability due to movement disorder

Stiff person syndrome in a Nepalese man with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and ketonuria: A rare case report

Abstract Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), a progressive Central Nervous System disorder is accompanied by progressive muscle rigidity, hyperreflexia, and spasms mainly in truncal and proximal leg muscles mainly associated with autoimmune disorders. Here, we report a rare case of SPS in a middle‐aged Nepalese man with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and ketonuria

Clinical spectrum and management of dystonia in patients with Japanese encephalitis: A systematic review

Abstract Background Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a potentially fatal viral infection with a wide range of manifestations and can also present with a variety of movement disorders (MD) including dystonia. Dystonic features in JE are uncommon. Here, we have tried to summarize the clinical features and management of dystonia among JE patients with a comprehensive literature search. Methods Various databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar, were searched against the predefined criteria using suitable keywords combination and boolean operations. Relevant information from observational and case studies was extracted according to the author, dystonic features, radiological changes in the brain scans, treatment options, and outcome wherever provided. Result We identified 19 studies with a total of 1547 JE patients, the diagnosis of which was confirmed by IgM detection in serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid in the majority of the patients (88.62%). 234 (15.13%) of JE patients had dystonia with several types of focal dystonia being present in 131 (55.98%) either alone or in combination. Neuroimaging showed predominant involvement of thalami, basal ganglia, and brainstem. Oral medications including anticholinergics, GABA agonists, and benzodiazepines followed by botulinum toxin were the most common treatment modalities. Conclusion Dystonia can be a disabling consequence of JE, and various available medical therapies can significantly improve the quality of life. Owing to insufficient studies on the assessment of dystonia associated with JE, longitudinal studies with a larger number of patients are warranted to further clarify the clinical course, treatment, and outcome of dystonia

Painful tonic spasms in a patient with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: A case report.

Painful tonic spasms initially described in association with multiple sclerosis are actually more common in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Characterized by fierce pain and tonic posture of limbs, painful tonic spasms are common in patients during the recovery phase after the first episode of myelitis. A 68-year-old man presented with painful tonic spasm after 2 months of diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Eventual use of eslicarbazepine resulted in significant control of spasms. Early recognition of painful tonic spasms and appropriate therapeutic medications can significantly decrease the impact it can have on the quality of life among neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder patients