{"title":"Rechallenge following seizure in a patient receiving continuous theta burst stimulation for alcohol dependence","authors":"Venkata Lakshmi Narasimha , Varsha Udupa , Huded Swarna Rekha , Siddharth V , Jayant Mahadevan , Lekhansh Shukla , Urvakhsh Meherwan Mehta , Prabhat Kumar Chand","doi":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100266","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100266","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a promising treatment for alcohol dependence, but rare side effects, such as seizures, necessitate careful monitoring. We report the case of a 40-year-old man with alcohol dependence who received sequential bilateral TMS - intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), followed by continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) over the right DLPFC alongside Baclofen 120 mg. He experienced a seizure during cTBS targeting the right DLPFC at 100 % of the resting motor threshold (RMT). The seizure occurred during the 22nd session, following recent disulfiram initiation and sleep deprivation. Magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalogram results were normal. TMS was discontinued, but the patient relapsed on alcohol within five days due to cravings. A carefully considered rechallenge with intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) at 90 % RMT to the left DLPFC was initiated, excluding disulfiram and ensuring adequate sleep before sessions. The patient successfully completed 14 iTBS sessions without recurrence of seizures and achieved six months of abstinence. This case underscores the importance of regular RMT monitoring, cautious dosing, and addressing modifiable risk factors, such as sleep deprivation and medication interactions, to enhance the safety of TMS in clinical practice. A rechallenge with an adjusted TMS protocol can be a viable option after a seizure, offering significant benefits for relapse prevention in alcohol dependence.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72447,"journal":{"name":"Brain disorders (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100266"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144723711","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Luana dos Santos de Oliveira , Claudia Eunice Neves de Oliveira , Layla Cupertino Salloum e Silva , Emanuele Los Angeles , Nathalia Mendes Pellegrino , Vanessa Milanese , João Ricardo Sato , Fabio Augusto Barbieri , Daniel Boari Coelho
{"title":"Parkinson’s disease and anticipatory postural adjustments: Decreased cortical activity during step initiation","authors":"Luana dos Santos de Oliveira , Claudia Eunice Neves de Oliveira , Layla Cupertino Salloum e Silva , Emanuele Los Angeles , Nathalia Mendes Pellegrino , Vanessa Milanese , João Ricardo Sato , Fabio Augusto Barbieri , Daniel Boari Coelho","doi":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100248","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100248","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Step initiation is a critical movement that combines motor and cognitive elements, notably in individuals with Parkinson's Disease (PD) who experience marked difficulties due to disrupted anticipatory postural adjustments (APA). This study investigated the involvement of the Supplementary Motor Area (SMA) and the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC) associated with step initiation that requires high cognitive processing (e.g., cognitive-motor conflicts) in individuals with PD compared to healthy controls.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to assess the cortical hemodynamic responses of 33 individuals with PD and 17 healthy controls as they performed step initiation in both congruent (all cues aligned) and incongruent (conflicting cues) conditions. The study sought to analyze variations in the hemodynamic responses related to these conditions, hypothesizing that PD individuals would exhibit reduced cortical activation in the SMA and DLPFC due to motor cortex inefficiencies affecting APA.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Individuals with PD exhibited significant deficits in biomechanical performance (e.g., increased APA delays and errors) and altered hemodynamic responses in the SMA and DLPFC compared to controls, particularly under incongruent conditions. These observations indicate diminished cortical efficiency in PD during motor execution coupled with cognitive demands.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings suggest that PD involves impairments in cortical areas linked to movement planning and cognitive control. These findings suggest potential avenues for targeted rehabilitation strategies that enhance cognitive-motor integration, possibly improving mobility and reducing fall risk in PD.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72447,"journal":{"name":"Brain disorders (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100248"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144240925","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Systemic lupus erythematosus complicated by brain abscess: A case report and literature review","authors":"Peijing Li , Cuiping Li , Xipeng Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100247","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100247","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated by brain abscess is fatal. In this article, we present a 58-year-old woman who presented to the neurosurgery department with a 1-week history of headache and 3-day history of intracranial space-occupying lesions. Cranial magnetic resonance (MR) enhancement imaging revealed abnormal signal shadowing in the right frontal lobe, raising suspicion for brain abscess and gliotic herniation. A right frontal abscess was drained, and a subsequent pus smear identified <em>Staphylococcus</em>. The case illustrate significant enhancements in both diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, markedly improving the management of brain abscesses compared to lupus encephalitis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72447,"journal":{"name":"Brain disorders (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100247"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144240926","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Diagnosis and treatment of hydrocephalus caused by intracranial Nocardia infection: a case report and review of the literature","authors":"Shuang-Qi Gao , Jian-Wei Huang , Ying Guo","doi":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100251","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100251","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Nocardia</em> infections typically occur in the lungs and skin, with pulmonary involvement being the most common. However, dissemination to other body parts, including the central nervous system (CNS), is not uncommon. <em>Nocardia</em> is generally considered an opportunistic pathogen, primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals. Nevertheless, it can also infect immunocompetent individuals. In this study, we present a case of an immunocompetent patient who developed hydrocephalus due to intracranial <em>Nocardia</em> infection.</div></div><div><h3>Case presentation</h3><div>A 66-year-old male with no signs of immunodeficiency and a healthy immune system underwent surgical resection of a brain mass after presenting with gait instability, headache, and vomiting. Postoperatively, next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed to confirm <em>Nocardia</em> infection. The patient was treated with a standard antibiotic regimen. Following surgery, the patient's hydrocephalus significantly improved, and no signs of infection or complications were observed during a one-month follow-up period.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Intracranial infections induced by <em>Nocardia</em> are rare but can lead to complications such as hydrocephalus if not managed appropriately. Long-term ventricular drainage and appropriate antibiotic therapy are effective treatment strategies for such patients. This case highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and comprehensive management in immunocompetent individuals with <em>Nocardia</em>-related CNS infections.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72447,"journal":{"name":"Brain disorders (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100251"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144501815","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Blood brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in patients with sequelae of carbon-monoxide poisoning 60 years after a coal-dust explosion: A cross-sectional study","authors":"Eriko Baba , Ryuki Hashida , Yoshio Takano , Yuji Maki , Hiroshi Tajima , Makiko Motooka , Hiromichi Motooka , Hiroo Matsuse","doi":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100264","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100264","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in patients with long-term sequelae of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning are unknown. We examined the blood BDNF levels in patients long after CO poisoning, controlling for aging. We included 14 patients (median [range] age, 83 [80–90] years) affected by a coal-dust explosion 60 years prior (CO group) and 22 unaffected colleagues (82 [76–86] years). The Mini–Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, Trail Making Test (TMT)-A time, TMT-B time, and their difference (TMT-B-A) were compared between groups via the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. BDNF levels were compared via analysis of covariance, adjusted for age and MMSE score. The MMSE score was lower in the CO group (23.5 (17.0–28.0) vs. 28.0 (21.0–30.0), <em>p</em> = 0.0005). The TMT-A time was longer in the CO group (92.0 [42.0–216.0] s vs. 65.5 [26.0–150.0] s, <em>p</em> = 0.0373), as were the TMT-B (220.5 [93.0–409.0] s vs. 129.0 [52.0–336.0] s, <em>p</em> = 0.0025) and TMT-B-A (125.0 [30.0–329.0] s vs. 63.5 [16.0–186.0] s, <em>p</em> = 0.009) times. The BDNF level was lower in the CO group (mean±standard error: 18,387.9 ± 8129.6 vs. 23,673.6 ± 8205.9 pg/mL, <em>p</em> = 0.01887). Although assessed at a single time point, this exploratory study suggests that blood BDNF levels may reflect neurocognitive impairments in patients with long-term sequelae of CO poisoning. While these findings indicate the potential utility of BDNF as a biomarker for cognitive monitoring and treatment evaluation, longitudinal studies are essential to confirm its clinical relevance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72447,"journal":{"name":"Brain disorders (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100264"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144687364","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"From transverse myelitis to Conus Medullaris Syndrome: A pediatric case report of progressive neurological complications of Ventriculus Terminalis","authors":"Reza Nejad Shahrokh Abadi , Farrokh Seilanian Toosi , Ahmadreza Mashreghi , Mehran Beiraghi Toosi , Hamid Khalesi , Narges Hashemi","doi":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100258","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100258","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Acute idiopathic Transverse Myelitis (TM) is a rare inflammatory spinal cord disorder distinguished with sensory deficits, autonomic dysfunction, and rapid onset muscle weakness, in the absence of direct infection, autoimmune disorders, or mass lesions. Conus Medullaris Syndrome (CMS) is another rare neurological condition affecting the distal segment of the spinal cord, seen as a rare complication of persistent cystic dilation of the Ventriculus Terminalis. In this report, we document the clinical and paraclinical findings of a seronegative patient initially presenting with TM, with incidental finding of Ventriculus Terminalis in Lumbar MRI, later complicating as CMS.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72447,"journal":{"name":"Brain disorders (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100258"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144595767","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effect of environmental enrichment on brain-derived neurotrophic factor activity for mitigating behavioral manifestations in an autism spectrum disorder model: A systematic review","authors":"Oussama Duieb , Soufiane Boumlah , Majda Laboudi , Aboubaker Elhessni , Abdelhalem Mesfioui","doi":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100259","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100259","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that has been associated with altered Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels. Environmental Enrichment (EE), a non-pharmacological intervention, has been proposed to modulate BDNF levels and improve ASD-related behaviors. This systematic review seeks to evaluate the current literature on the impact of EE on BDNF levels and its potential to alleviate ASD-related behaviors in rodent models. This systematic search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus in April 2024. Primary inclusion criteria encompassed animal intervention studies examining the effects of EE on BDNF levels in ASD models. The review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Quality assessment of studies was conducted using the S<strong><u>Y</u></strong>stematic Review Centre for Laboratory <strong>a</strong>nimal Experimentation (SYRCLE) Risk of Bias tool. The data were extracted and synthesized on molecular BDNF levels and ASD-related behavioral outcomes. Out of 1,588 unique records, seven articles met the inclusion criteria. These studies have utilized various approaches to model ASD and different EE protocols. Six of the seven studies reported a positive effect of EE on BDNF levels and behavioral outcomes. However, the variability in findings underscores the influence of factors such as the specific EE protocol, ASD modulation approaches, sex, and possibly brain region examined, in modulating the effects of EE. The high heterogeneity complicated the comparison between the studies and the conduct of a meta-analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Registration</h3><div>The systematic review protocol was registered in PROSPERO under registration number CRD42024517384.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72447,"journal":{"name":"Brain disorders (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100259"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144657283","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Progestogens reduce tau phosphorylation via ERK 1/2 in a tau overexpression cell model","authors":"Taysa Bervian Bassani , Rafaela Brito Oliveira , Giulia Ventura Portella , Michelle Sayuri Nishino , Angelica Jardim Costa , Rodrigo Portes Ureshino","doi":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100236","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100236","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Several studies have suggested the neuroprotective effects of progestogens in neurodegenerative diseases. Among the most common neurodegenerative diseases are tauopathies. Tauopathies are characterized by the formation of neurofibrillary tangles within neurons, resulting from the aggregation of hyperphosphorylated tau protein, cytoskeleton impairment and, ultimately, cell death. However, the effect of progestogens on those processes needs to be further explored. Thus, this work aims to investigate the effect of progesterone and allopregnanolone on tau hyperphosphorylation in a cellular model of tau overexpression. We used a neuronal cellular model overexpressing the human tau protein (isoform 0N4R) fused with EGFP. The data showed that progesterone effectively decreased the accumulation of overexpressed EGFP-tau. In addition, both compounds reduced tau phosphorylation in different sites, as progesterone reduced at the AT8 and allopregnanolone at AT180 site. The attenuation of its phosphorylation appears to be related to inhibiting the kinase activity of enzymes involved in tau phosphorylation, such as ERK 1/2. Thus, the progestogens tested showed promising neuroprotective potential for the treatment of tauopathies, especially by attenuating hyperphosphorylated forms that give rise to paired helical filaments and neurofibrillary tangles, probably due to modulation of intracellular pathways.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72447,"journal":{"name":"Brain disorders (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100236"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144147768","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Moneera O. Aldraihem , Ghadah Shareefi , Walaa AlYami , Othman O. Aldraihem , Rana AlDosari , Ahmad AlMutlaq
{"title":"Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder-like presentation following semaglutide therapy: A case report","authors":"Moneera O. Aldraihem , Ghadah Shareefi , Walaa AlYami , Othman O. Aldraihem , Rana AlDosari , Ahmad AlMutlaq","doi":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100249","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100249","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have emerged as effective treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 receptors are also expressed on astrocytes and in regions commonly affected by neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), suggesting that GLP-1 signaling could influence astrocyte function and potentially be associated with NMOSD attacks. Here, we report a case of a 29-year-old woman who developed seronegative NMOSD coinciding with the use of the GLP-1RA semaglutide (Ozempic) for weight loss. The patient initially presented with gastroenteritis-like symptoms, followed by severe flaccid, areflexic quadriparesis. An extensive diagnostic workup, including lumbar puncture and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, confirmed the NMOSD diagnosis.</div><div>We propose two potential mechanisms for this association. The first hypothesis suggests that semaglutide-induced alterations in the gut microbiome may trigger the activation of proinflammatory cytokines and dysregulate immune homeostasis, contributing to the development of NMOSD. The second hypothesis posits a direct effect of GLP-1RAs on GLP-1 receptors expressed on astrocytes and in central nervous system regions commonly affected by NMOSD. Although this case does not establish a definitive causal relationship, it underscores the need for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and ensure the safe use of GLP-1RAs in patients at risk for autoimmune conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72447,"journal":{"name":"Brain disorders (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100249"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144366729","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Cornichons: Evolution, AMPA receptor modulation, and emerging roles beyond the nervous system","authors":"Pratibha Bharti , Anshul Assaiya , Bhavya K Dawath , Janesh Kumar","doi":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100245","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.dscb.2025.100245","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cornichons are auxiliary proteins that regulate the functions of AMPA receptors (AMPARs), which mediate fast excitatory transmission in the central nervous system. Initially discovered in lower organisms, cornichons have since been found across various species, including mammals and plants, indicating their conserved and broader roles beyond the nervous system. In mammals, cornichons, particularly CNIH2 and CNIH3, modulate the trafficking, gating, and biophysical properties of AMPARs, often working alongside other auxiliary proteins such as TARPs.</div><div>Recent structural studies have provided detailed insights into the topology of cornichons, revealing their integration into AMPAR complexes and highlighting their critical role in slowing AMPAR deactivation and desensitization. Their functional impact on excitatory synaptic transmission is subunit-specific and includes the modulation of conductance and ligand affinity. Beyond their role in the central nervous system, cornichons are implicated in intracellular trafficking processes, acting as cargo receptors for various membrane proteins.</div><div>This review synthesizes current knowledge on cornichon proteins, from their evolutionary origins and structural properties to their roles in AMPAR regulation and cargo transport. The emerging understanding of cornichons in non-neuronal systems and their potential involvement in neurological diseases opens new avenues for research with potential therapeutic applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72447,"journal":{"name":"Brain disorders (Amsterdam, Netherlands)","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100245"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144231269","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}