Anemia and outcome of patients with ischemic stroke in a referral hospital in Cameroon

Yacouba Njankouo Mapoure, Elodie Dorothée Ebogo Fouda, Daniel Gams Massi, Caroline Kenmegne, Bertrand Hugo Ngahane Mbatchou

• Article 100560
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2025.100560
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Abstract

Stroke and anemia are major public health concerns in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, few data are available on anemia and acute ischemic stroke in our setting.

Cutting-edge stroke prevention strategies

Lisa Kaindl, Julian Frederic Hotz, Julia Ferrari

• Article 100561
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2025.100561
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Abstract

Stroke represents a major public health problem, ranking as a leading cause of death and long-term disability worldwide (1–3). The goal of prevention strategies is to avoid the occurrence of stroke by educating both healthcare professionals and patients about the reduction of risk factors. Despite increasing improvements in acute revascularization therapies, preventive measures remain more effective in decreasing the burden of stroke, as evidenced by the fact that over 75 % of strokes are first events (2). This paper attempts to provide a comprehensive approach by outlining risk factors and new therapeutic approaches. Understanding these is essential for healthcare providers and the general public to develop effective prevention strategies and ultimately reduce the overall incidence of stroke.

Neurophobia among students and interns at the Abidjan Faculty of Medicine (Côte d'Ivoire)

Kadjo Claude Valery Cedric Aka, Essoin-de Souza Tamia Nancy, Amon-tanoh Muriel, Agbo-Panzo Cedric, ... Assi Berthe

• Article 100566
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2025.100566
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Abstract

As defined by Jozefowicz in 1994, neurophobia is the fear of neuroscience and clinical neurology. We carried out this study, the first on neurophobia in the Ivory Coast, in order to assess its prevalence among medical students and interns in the Ivorian environment, to identify the factors involved and to propose solutions.

This was a prospective cross-sectional study carried out during the 2022–2023 academic year at the Abidjan UFR of Medical Sciences. The study population consisted of all students in years 3^ème to 6^ème and hospital interns. The Schon questionnaire, transcribed using google form software, was sent to students using the "wathsapp" social network.

Area postrema syndrome as the only sign of medullary infarction adjacent to area postrema

Patrick Stancu, Nicolae Sanda, Karl-Olof Lovblad, Nils Guinand, ... José Bernardo Escribano Paredes

• Article 100563
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2025.100563
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Abstract

Area postrema syndrome (APS) is characterized by acute or subacute intractable nausea, vomiting, and/or hiccups lasting for at least 48 h. These symptoms can occur individually or in combination and are typically linked to periventricular brainstem lesions, particularly involving the area postrema (AP). The AP, a highly vascularized circumventricular organ located in the dorsal medulla oblongata, is supplied by the anterior spinal artery and perforating branches of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA), making it susceptible to pathological processes that can lead to APS. APS rarely occurs in stroke patients, but has been seen with ischemic lesions in the medial brachium pontis. The underlying pathophysiology of APS remains unclear, but remote lesions from the AP suggest involvement of an autonomic network of neuronal structures. This article reports a rare case of APS caused by ischemic stroke near the area postrema, without accompanying neurological impairments. The case highlights the importance of vascular investigation in intractable APS cases, even without focal neurological symptoms, and supports the role of neuronal structures connected to the AP in APS development.

An invisible enemy. Echoacousis and aphasia as a rare presentation of a non convulsive status epilepticus. Clinical case

Yuliia Solodovnikova, Anatoliy Son, Tetiana Marusich, Asel Jusupova

• Article 100565
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2025.100565
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Abstract

Status epilepticus is not always an easily recognised condition, which can become a cause of serious consequences, and even death. It can present in two clinical forms: convulsive and nonconvulsive. The clinical symptoms representing nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) can vary a lot and sometimes be very misleading. We present here a case of a woman, who is a carrier of 6 platinum spirals as a result of endovascular aneurysm embolisation and has undergone a surgery for the removal of the left temporal lobe meningioma. The patient showed the signs of sensorimotor aphasia and echoacusis in the early postoperative period. Taking into account the past history of a tonic-clonic seizure and inability to perform EEG during the clinical manifestations, the diagnosis of NCSE was done clinically, and the treatment started immediately with the IV diazepam and valproic acid administration, leading to complete resolution of aphasia and echoacusis.

Negative neurological clinical symptoms are rare in the presentation of epilepsy, and echolalia is not yet described as a symptom of a NCSE. In our case the patient presents with the combination of these two symptoms, which can make the diagnosing even more challenging. This case report aims to highlight the variety of clinical symptoms which can represent NCSE and prompt early diagnosis and treatment, avoiding life threatening consequences.

Effects of immunotherapy on isolated optic neuritis associated with ozoralizumab, a novel anti-tumor necrosis factor α NANOBODY® compound: A case report

Masato Okitsu, Keizo Sugaya, Yuya Shiotani, Kazushi Takahashi

• Article 100567
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2025.100567
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Abstract

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitors rarely cause optic neuritis as a side effect although the disease associated with ozoralizumab, a novel anti-TNF-α NANOBODY® compound, has not been reported. A 76-year-old female with rheumatoid arthritis, medicated with ozoralizumab, was hospitalized with a two-day history of extending partial visual field loss in the left eye. Campimetry revealed top horizontal hemianopia in the left eye. Swelling and abnormally high intensity of the left optic nerve were observed in magnetic resonance imaging. Visual evoked potential tests revealed delayed latency and reduced amplitude on the left side. She was diagnosed with ozoralizumab-associated isolated optic neuritis and cured with two courses of high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone, followed by oral prednisolone. Ozoralizumab may be associated with optic neuritis although early diagnosis and immunotherapy possibly achieve a good outcome.

Phosphorylated TDP-43 and tau deposition around the tip of deep brain stimulation leads

Goichi Beck, Yuki Yonenobu, Kenichiro Maeda, Satoru Oshino, ... Shigeo Murayama

• Article 100568
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2025.100568
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Abstract

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established and effective surgical treatment for movement disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD). However, postmortem studies of patients with PD have revealed the presence of gliosis and inflammatory responses around the tracts of DBS electrodes. The objective of this study was to investigate the deposition of abnormal proteins, including phosphorylated tau (p-tau) and transactivation response DNA-binding protein 43 kDa (p-TDP-43), around the tips of DBS electrodes. Neuropathological examination was performed in two Japanese patients with PD: Case 1 describes a patient who underwent DBS lead placement into the left ventral intermediate nucleus of the thalamus at 79 years of age, and died at 88 years of age; Case 2 describes a patient who underwent DBS lead placement into the bilateral subthalamic nuclei at 70 years of age, and died 14 years after surgery. Postmortem neuropathological examination revealed fibrous gliosis, mild infiltration of lymphocytes, and hemosiderin deposition around the DBS lead tip-associated defects. Moreover, p-TDP-43 and p-tau deposits were visible around the electrode termination sites in both cases. These findings suggest that p-TDP-43 and p-tau accumulated around the DBS lead tip in response to chronic DBS. This is the first study to report the deposition of p-TDP-43 around the tip of a DBS electrode.

Erratum to "Cerebral syphilitic gumma mimicking a brain tumor that enlarged temporarily after commencing antibiotic treatment" [eNeurologicalSci 29 (2022) 100436]

Yoshiaki Takahashi, Nobutoshi Morimoto, Mizuki Morimoto, Shunsuke Mori, ... Toru Yamashita

• Article 100564
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2025.100564
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