New Advances in the Prevention and Treatment of Neurological Diseases

A special issue of Journal of Personalized Medicine (ISSN 2075-4426). This special issue belongs to the section "Mechanisms of Diseases".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 July 2025 | Viewed by 12903

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Kiel, Germany
Interests: neurology; neuroepidemiology; multiple sclerosis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The aim of this Special Issue is to address the advances in the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases in the era of personalized medicine. Undoubtedly, the knowledge on neurological diseases has been substantially improved in the last few years, giving space for a more mature discussion about the prevention and treatment of diseases of the nervous system. Clinical decisions also tend to be even more personalized, and the patient's individual characteristics are at the heart of clinical reasoning. In this context, the articles in this Special Issue should provide new perspectives on how we can optimize preventive and therapeutic strategies in patients with neurological diseases. We welcome clinical studies on stroke, movement disorders, dementia, epilepsy, demyelinating diseases, headaches, sleep disorders, infectious diseases of the nervous system and neuromuscular disorders. Works on the following topics are particularly welcome:

  • Molecular and genetic mechanisms of neurological diseases;
  • The use of technological devices in clinical neurology;
  • Real-world evidence of currently available treatments for neurological diseases;
  • Refining the clinical indication of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions in neurology;
  • The biopsychosocial context in the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases;
  • End-of-life care for people with neurological diseases.

We look forward to receiving your contribution.

Dr. Bruno Kusznir Vitturi
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • neurological diseases
  • personalized medicine
  • stroke
  • movement disorders
  • dementia
  • epilepsy
  • demyelinating diseases
  • headaches
  • sleep disorders
  • infectious diseases of the nervous system
  • neuromuscular disorders

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 1394 KiB  
Article
Prognostic Impact of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Ischemic Stroke
by Santhiago Calvelo Graça, Tainá Mosca, Vivian Dias Baptista Gagliardi, Wilma Carvalho Neves Forte and Rubens José Gagliardi
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(12), 1149; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14121149 - 10 Dec 2024
Viewed by 784
Abstract
Background/objective: Studies suggest that the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) may be a prognostic marker for different diseases with inflammatory components. This study aimed to quantify the NLR in individuals affected by different subtypes and severities of ischemic stroke and associated it with risk [...] Read more.
Background/objective: Studies suggest that the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) may be a prognostic marker for different diseases with inflammatory components. This study aimed to quantify the NLR in individuals affected by different subtypes and severities of ischemic stroke and associated it with risk factors and treatment, and compared the results with data from healthy individuals. Methods: Clinical and laboratory data from medical records of patients over 18 years of age, victims of ischemic stroke, were collected. Data included leukocyte count and subtype, topography, risk factors, treatment and severity of stroke. For comparison, the number of leukocytes in healthy individuals was also quantified. NLR was determined by dividing the number of neutrophils by the number of lymphocytes. Results: A total of 218 patients were included, 194 stroke patients and 24 healthy individuals. Among all stroke patients, 45% had NLR values > 4 and 35% had values between 2 and 4; otherwise, 71% of healthy individuals had NRL < 2. The data also showed that the greater the severity of the stroke, measured by the NIHSS scale, the higher the NLR, at 24 and 72 h after the stroke. Among the stroke subtypes evaluated, the one with the lowest NLR values was small vessel stroke. Finally, the risk factors for stroke, its topography and treatment were not associated with NLR values. Conclusions: NLR is associated with stroke severity but does not correlate with stroke risk factors, topography, and treatment. The NLR may serve as a marker of stroke severity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in the Prevention and Treatment of Neurological Diseases)
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15 pages, 876 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Lacosamide Combined with NOACs in Post-Stroke Epilepsy and Atrial Fibrillation: A Prospective Longitudinal Study
by Marilena Mangiardi, Francesca Romana Pezzella, Alessandro Cruciani, Michele Alessiani and Sabrina Anticoli
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(12), 1125; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14121125 - 27 Nov 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1327
Abstract
Background and Aims: Stroke is the leading cause of seizures and epilepsy in adults; however, current guidelines lack robust recommendations for treating post-stroke seizures (PSSs) and epilepsy (PSE). This study aims to demonstrate the long-term safety and efficacy of lacosamide combined with non-vitamin [...] Read more.
Background and Aims: Stroke is the leading cause of seizures and epilepsy in adults; however, current guidelines lack robust recommendations for treating post-stroke seizures (PSSs) and epilepsy (PSE). This study aims to demonstrate the long-term safety and efficacy of lacosamide combined with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in patients with PSE and atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: In this prospective longitudinal single-center study, 53 patients with concomitant PSE and AF, admitted between 2022 and 2023, received NOACs for AF management and lacosamide for seizure control. A control group of 53 patients with cardioembolic stroke, receiving NOACs (but without PSE), was matched by age, sex, and NIHSS scores to ensure comparability. Results: Over 24 months, 16 patients in the study group and 15 in the control group experienced new embolic events, with no significant difference between groups (p = 0.82). Seizure control improved significantly in the study group, with reduced frequency and severity. No severe adverse events from lacosamide were observed. Conclusions: The combination of NOACs and lacosamide is a safe and effective treatment for patients with AF and PSE and does not increase the risk of recurrent ischemic or hemorrhagic events. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-ups are needed to confirm these findings and optimize treatment protocols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in the Prevention and Treatment of Neurological Diseases)
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14 pages, 1182 KiB  
Article
Effects of Dry Needling on Active Myofascial Trigger Points and Pain Intensity in Tension-Type Headache: A Randomized Controlled Study
by Sofía Monti-Ballano, Sergio Márquez-Gonzalvo, María Orosia Lucha-López, Loreto Ferrández-Laliena, Lucía Vicente-Pina, Rocío Sánchez-Rodríguez, Héctor José Tricás-Vidal and José Miguel Tricás-Moreno
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(4), 332; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14040332 - 22 Mar 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3293
Abstract
Tension-type headache is the most prevalent type of headache and is commonly associated with myofascial pain syndrome and the presence of active myofascial trigger points. This randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the impact of dry needling on the total number of active [...] Read more.
Tension-type headache is the most prevalent type of headache and is commonly associated with myofascial pain syndrome and the presence of active myofascial trigger points. This randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the impact of dry needling on the total number of active trigger points, pain intensity, and perceived clinical change in tension-type headache subjects. Thirty-two subjects were randomly assigned to the control and dry needling groups. The presence of active trigger points in 15 head and neck muscles, the headache intensity, and the perceived clinical change were evaluated. A single dry needling technique was administered at each active trigger point across three sessions. Significant differences were observed in the post-treatment measures favouring the dry needling group, including reductions in the headache intensity scores (p = 0.034) and the total number of active trigger points (p = 0.039). Moreover, significant differences in the perception of clinical change were found between the control and treatment groups (p = 0.000). Dry needling demonstrated positive effects in reducing the number of active trigger points and improving the short-term headache intensity in tension-type headache patients. A single dry needling session applied in the cranio-cervical area resulted in a self-perceived improvement compared to the control subjects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in the Prevention and Treatment of Neurological Diseases)
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15 pages, 336 KiB  
Review
Revolutionizing Sleep Health: The Emergence and Impact of Personalized Sleep Medicine
by Sergio Garbarino and Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(6), 598; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14060598 - 4 Jun 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4687
Abstract
Personalized sleep medicine represents a transformative shift in healthcare, emphasizing individualized approaches to optimizing sleep health, considering the bidirectional relationship between sleep and health. This field moves beyond conventional methods, tailoring care to the unique physiological and psychological needs of individuals to improve [...] Read more.
Personalized sleep medicine represents a transformative shift in healthcare, emphasizing individualized approaches to optimizing sleep health, considering the bidirectional relationship between sleep and health. This field moves beyond conventional methods, tailoring care to the unique physiological and psychological needs of individuals to improve sleep quality and manage disorders. Key to this approach is the consideration of diverse factors like genetic predispositions, lifestyle habits, environmental factors, and underlying health conditions. This enables more accurate diagnoses, targeted treatments, and proactive management. Technological advancements play a pivotal role in this field: wearable devices, mobile health applications, and advanced diagnostic tools collect detailed sleep data for continuous monitoring and analysis. The integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence enhances data interpretation, offering personalized treatment plans based on individual sleep profiles. Moreover, research on circadian rhythms and sleep physiology is advancing our understanding of sleep’s impact on overall health. The next generation of wearable technology will integrate more seamlessly with IoT and smart home systems, facilitating holistic sleep environment management. Telemedicine and virtual healthcare platforms will increase accessibility to specialized care, especially in remote areas. Advancements will also focus on integrating various data sources for comprehensive assessments and treatments. Genomic and molecular research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding individual sleep disorders, informing highly personalized treatment plans. Sophisticated methods for sleep stage estimation, including machine learning techniques, are improving diagnostic precision. Computational models, particularly for conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, are enabling patient-specific treatment strategies. The future of personalized sleep medicine will likely involve cross-disciplinary collaborations, integrating cognitive behavioral therapy and mental health interventions. Public awareness and education about personalized sleep approaches, alongside updated regulatory frameworks for data security and privacy, are essential. Longitudinal studies will provide insights into evolving sleep patterns, further refining treatment approaches. In conclusion, personalized sleep medicine is revolutionizing sleep disorder treatment, leveraging individual characteristics and advanced technologies for improved diagnosis, treatment, and management. This shift towards individualized care marks a significant advancement in healthcare, enhancing life quality for those with sleep disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in the Prevention and Treatment of Neurological Diseases)
13 pages, 1020 KiB  
Review
Analysis of the Factors Intervening in the Prehospital Time in a Stroke Code
by Álvaro Astasio-Picado, Yolanda Cruz Chueca, Miriam López-Sánchez, Rocio Ruiz Lozano, María Teresa González-Chapado and Vanesa Ortega-Trancón
J. Pers. Med. 2023, 13(10), 1519; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm13101519 - 23 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1826
Abstract
Introduction: Strokes continue to be considered public health problems due to the great social and health impact they entail. They are the second cause of death in the world, with a high incidence and prevalence. They are time-dependent diseases, and more than 80% [...] Read more.
Introduction: Strokes continue to be considered public health problems due to the great social and health impact they entail. They are the second cause of death in the world, with a high incidence and prevalence. They are time-dependent diseases, and more than 80% of cases could be avoidable with greater management of risk factors. Objective: to analyze the factors that influence prehospital time in a stroke code. Assess the population’s knowledge of stroke symptoms and teach them how to act when a case is suspected. Document the continued training of health professionals for the early identification of patients with a suspected stroke. Demonstrate the importance of calling EMS as the first contact to reduce delays in prehospital time in a stroke. Methodology: A bibliographic review was carried out focusing on articles published between December 2014 and August 2023. The following databases were consulted: Pubmed (Medline), Dialnet, Google Scholar, Web of Science (WOS), Scielo, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. Results: After applying the article selection criteria and evaluating the quality of the methodology, a total of 18 articles were obtained. The results affirm that the importance of achieving a reduction in prehospital time is based mainly on knowledge of the symptoms and the use of new technologies. Conclusions: The evidence supports that the prehospital time of action in the stroke code is affected by numerous factors. These factors are determining factors in the time of action to achieve good effectiveness in the treatment of the pathology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in the Prevention and Treatment of Neurological Diseases)
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