The July issue of the Journal of the Neurological Sciences Vol 488
Issue highlights
Research Article
Epilepsy transition of care: Lessons and insights from an academic adult-based epilepsy transition program in the USZhao et al. Published online: May 3, 2026 This study details the development and retrospective outcome analysis of an adult-based epilepsy transition program (ETP) established at a US academic institution, designed to transition pediatric epilepsy patients into adult care. Led by an adult epileptologist with pediatric expertise, the program evaluated 135 young adult patients (median age of 21) between 2022 and 2025, many of whom presented with drug-resistant epilepsy, multi-medication regimens, and neuropsychiatric comorbidities. While the ETP faced significant structural barriers, care coordination obstacles, and resource limitations, it successfully delivered comprehensive, patient-centred clinical reassessments—including high rates of newly ordered diagnostic testing and specialty referrals—while simultaneously creating valuable educational opportunities for neurology trainees and generating institutional revenue. |
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Research Article (Open Access)
Longitudinal changes in brain volume, cognitive function, and seizure outcomes in cryptogenic new-onset refractory status epilepticusAbe et al. Published online: May 6, 2026 This case series evaluated the long-term structural, cognitive, functional, and seizure outcomes of survivors with cryptogenic new-onset refractory status epilepticus (C-NORSE) based on the timing of intravenous cyclophosphamide (IVCPA) administration. Stratifying five super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) patients and two refractory status epilepticus (RSE) reference patients over a median five-year follow-up, the study found that initiating IVCPA early (within 20 days of seizure onset) was associated with significantly better preservation of brain volume, gradual neurocognitive improvement, and excellent functional outcomes. Conversely, delayed or omitted IVCPA treatment resulted in severe chronic brain atrophy, permanent cognitive impairment, and poorer functional recovery, though all studied patients ultimately developed drug-resistant epilepsy regardless of intervention timing. |
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Research Article (Open Access)
Comparative impact of mental and cardiovascular comorbidities on adverse outcomes in people with MSFrance-Ratcliffe et al. Published online: May 15, 2026 This observational study analysed UK MS Register data to evaluate how cardiovascular and mental health comorbidities affect disease progression and patient-reported outcomes in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). By clustering patients based on their comorbidities, the researchers found that individuals with prominent mental health conditions (especially depression, which had the strongest link to progression) combined with cardiovascular issues had nearly double the odds of transitioning from relapsing-remitting to secondary-progressive MS compared to those with no comorbidities. Ultimately, these findings highlight that mental health and cardiovascular multimorbidities significantly worsen both physical and psychological outcomes, underscoring a critical need for integrated mental health screening and management in standard MS care. |
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Research Article (Open Access)
Unmasking the invisible: Correlates and impact of cognitive complaints in MSElisa et al. Published online: May 27, 2026 This cross-sectional study of 263 people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) evaluated the complex relationships between subjective cognitive complaints, objective cognitive impairment, psychological symptoms, and functional independence. The researchers found that while subjective cognitive complaints are highly prevalent (affecting 76.8% of patients), objective cognitive impairment is relatively rare (present in only 15.2%) and bears no correlation to perceived difficulties. Instead, depressive symptoms emerged as the sole predictor of subjective cognitive struggles like slowed thinking and poor concentration, while physical disability was identified as the main determinant of functional autonomy and dependence. Ultimately, these findings emphasize that perceived cognitive issues are primarily driven by psychological factors rather than measurable cognitive deficits, highlighting the clinical necessity of routine mental health screenings to improve overall patient quality of life. |
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