Robotic Arm Used by Longstanding Tetraplegics

Employing a 96-channel microelectrode array implanted in the motor cortex of tetraplegics, without rigorous training , two patients were able to control a robotic arm over a broad space performing reach and grasp movements . One patient was even able to drink coffee ! This neural interface system-based control transmitted signals from a small population of cerebral cortical motor neurons to manipulate the robotic arm. This study shows that years after injury to the CNS that such a system may be employed to recreate useful multidimensional control of complex devices directly from a small sample of neural signals.

Nature may 16,2012

Possible New Predictive Test for PD

Tissue obtained during colonoscopy showed immunostaining for alpha-synuclein years before the declaration of first motor symtoms consistent with disease onset. Additional study is required to determine if this will be a useful biomarker of pre-motor Parkinson's disease.

Movement Disorders May 1,2012

Alemtuzumab in MS

In patients with relapsing-remitting MS, alemtuzumab was found to be superior to interferon beta 1-a . Patients were randomized to 12 mg of alemtuzumab for 5 days at month 0 and 3 days at month 12 by infusion or 44 mcg qod with interferon beta 1-a.

Neurology 2012;78:(14):1069-1078

Lancet Neurology 2011;10(4):338-348

Rest in Peace Dad..We'll Miss You Pop

Chester Joseph Prusinski, DO 
October 5, 1938 - August 6, 2012

Donations to the American Brain Foundation
www.curebraindisease.org

Coffee To Improve Movement In Parkinson's Disease

Coffee ingestion has been shown to decrease risk of Parkinson's disease and now a new study from McGill University in Montreal suggests it actually improves movement of those with the disease.

Neurology August 1,2012

Watch You Tube For Treatment of Vertigo

A very successful treatment for "Benign" paroxysmal positional vertigo ( a common cause of dizziness ) called the Epley maneuver can be found on You Tube for physicians and the afflicted alike.

Neurology July 24,2012

New Blood Biomarker May Help Predict Alzheimer's

A fat called ceramide at high levels may increase a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's.

Neurology July 18,2012