Neurological Disorders
Essential Tremor
Patients Misunderstand Written Screening Tests - [10/14/08]
Summary: The majority of physicians require patients to answer written questions while in the waiting room to visit the doctor. However, a new survey has revealed the gap between doctors and patients in the process of answering the written questions. Because of the difference in literacy between patients and physicians, most patients are confused, or don't understand most of the questions. According to Dr. Master, one of the authors of this survey, the predominant reason for this is illiteracy.
Comment: Illiteracy is becoming more common in American which is causing great problems to physicians. Not only is there a problem with illiteracy but also with patients who are innumerate. By answering the surveys to the best of your abilities, you will receive better diagnosis or treatment of essental tremor.
Read article - Medical News TODAY October 14, 2008
New Book Series Aimed at Patients and Caregivers - [08/22/08]
Summary: The American Academy of Neurology, to follow up the success of Neurology Now (an award-winning patient and caregiver magazine), is planning to release, next year, a series of Neurology Now Books. Currently there are titles planned to address multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, and taste and smell disorders. In addition, a fourth publication is planned for later that year.
Comment: The magazine, Neurology Now, offers cutting-edge information on neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, migraines, and Parkinson's disease, among others. These books will offer the same kind of information to an even greater number of the one in six people now affected with a neurological disorder.
Read article - The American Academy of Neurology. August 22, 2008.
Should Volunteers in Studies Receive the Study Results - [06/06/08]
Summary: Many Americans voluntarily participate in clinical trials, from taking health surveys, to allowing analysis of their DNA, or even testing new medicines. Now some researchers are questioning whether they should share the results of the test with the volunteers, and if they should share the overall results, or just the results of the single volunteer.
Comment: There are many sides to the issue, including the ethics, privacy issues, and the financial problems of preparing the results for each individual person. Researchers are unsure, but may possibly study the outcomes of sharing results. They believe that there is a possibility for the NIH and local Institutional Review Boards to require communication plans as a part of each study.
Read article - HealthNewsDigest.com June 6, 2008
New Online Pharmacy Verification Program May Be Misleading - [05/29/08]
Summary: In a list published by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy five low-cost online pharmacies have been labeled "Not Recommended". However, PharmacyChecker.com, the internet's largest independent verification service of online pharmacies, advises consumers that these pharmacies are ethical and meet all verification requirements. It has been suggested that the NABP, which works with the FDA and is sponsored by Pfizer, a drug company, is attempting to scare consumers away from these low-cost pharmacies.
Comment: The NABP's list of verified pharmacy sites only includes 15 members, which consist largely of US based pharmacy chains and benefits managers. It does not even include lower-cost US sites such as Costco.com, while Canadian and other foreign pharmacies are barred entirely from inclusion. Meanwhile PharmacyChecker.com is dedicated to certifying online, low-cost pharmacy options for consumers.
Read article - HealthNewsDigest.com. May 29, 2008.
New Law Protects Patients from Genetic Discrimination - [05/22/08]
Summary: A new law has been passed to protect patients in the US from genetic discrimination by keeping their genetic information secure. This legislation prohibits insurers from denying or canceling coverage based on a patient's genetic information, allowing for patient privacy even as scientific advancements make individualized health care possible for patients.
Comment: Genetic testing has the potential to greatly advance diagnosis and treatment of disease. However, it is important that genetic information be protected to prevent any discrimination based on a patient's genetics. The American Medical Association has expressed their support of the passage of this new law.
Read article - American Medical Association. May 22, 2008.
Botulinum Toxin is Effective Treatment for Neurological Disorders - [05/08/08]
Summary: The drug Botulinum Toxin has been shown to be safe and effective for treating cervical dystonia, a condition of involuntary head tilt or neck movement, and spasticity and other forms of muscle overactivity that interfere with movement in adults and children with an upper motor neuron syndrome. The drug, which is injected into affected muscles, is the most effective treatment for numerous movement disorders.
Comment: Botulinum Toxin may also be effective for treating lower back pain, hemifacial spasm (involuntary facial contractions), blepharospasm, (involuntary eye closure), some voice disorders (adductor laryngeal dystonia), focal limb dystonias (such as writer’s cramp), essential tremor and some forms of spastic bladder disorders.
Read article - American Academy of Neurology. May 5, 2008.
AMA Makes Suggestions for Patient Safety Organizations - [04/11/08]
Summary: The American Medical Association has provided the government with the physicians' viewpoint on how to proceed with the creation of patient safety organizations. The comments submitted by the AMA highlight the organization's strong support for a federal system by which health care professionals could voluntarily report patient safety information. In efforts to ensure the success of their proposed system and rules, the AMA will educate physicians on the reporting system, encourage their active participation and provide input on the system's creation.
Comment: The American Medical Association was a strong advocate for the Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act passed in 2005. They have praised the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality for "capturing the legislation’s intent in the proposed rule." The commentary submitted by the AMA can also be viewed online.
Read article - American Medical Assocation. April 11, 2008.
Read article - Comments Submitted by the AMA.