Volume 14 Issue 5, May 2018

Autoantibodies against the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) are known to cause encephalitis; however, a new study has identified anti-NMDAR antibodies in the absence of encephalitis in various mammalian species. These chronically produced natural antibodies might function in physiological target protein modulation and contribute to the symptoms of non-immune diseases.

Delayed treatment of status epilepticus is known to increase seizure duration, but new research shows that a delay of more than 10 minutes from seizure onset increases morbidity and risk of death. The findings emphasize the importance of time and suggest that status epilepticus should be treated as a medical emergency.

In this Review, Ahmed et al. look at the changes in physiological function that occur in neurodegenerative syndromes, consider the similarities and differences in these changes across conditions, and discuss the clinical utility of detecting these changes.

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a persistent pain condition that usually affects a single limb, often following an injury. In this article, the authors review the latest advances in CRPS research, focusing on risk factors for the condition as well as biomarkers for diagnosis, treatment and clinical course prediction.

Globally, access to neurological care remains limited for many people. However, technologies such as smart phones are now facilitating unprecedented access to remote care and specialist expertise. Here, Dorsey and colleagues discuss evidence of the benefits and risks of teleneurology for chronic disorders, including Parkinson disease, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis, as well as future trends and barriers to adoption.

Japanese encephalitis remains the most commonly diagnosed epidemic encephalitis in the world despite the availability of vaccines, and new therapeutic strategies are sorely needed. Here, Turtle and Solomon summarize the epidemiology, clinical features, prevention and treatment of Japanese encephalitis and discuss the emerging challenges and opportunities for tackling the disease in humans.