Diseases Commons^™

Examining The Efficacy Of Treatments For Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Michael Podcasy

Capstone Showcase

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a disease that affects the sensory, motor, sudomotor, vasomotor and trophic systems of patients. The pathophysiology is currently unknown and the diagnostic criteria that is used, the Budapest criteria, has its own shortcomings. This had led to hurdles in the research of the disease and well as a lack of high-quality studies on the efficacy of the many treatments currently being used to treat CRPS today. This poster explores those concepts.

Emerging Unconventional Therapies For Glioblastoma Multiforme, Danielle Morang

Capstone Showcase

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most prevalent and aggressive primary malignant brain tumor occurring in adults with a median survival of less than two years. It is a highly invasive tumor characterized by genetic heterogeneity, angiogenesis, and rapid proliferation. Patients undergo a multimodal treatment regimen consisting of surgical resection and chemoradiation therapy, yet GBM tumors almost always recur with a worsening prognosis. The molecular and genetic complexities of GBM pose a significant challenge for developing effective therapeutics. Thus, it is imperative to identify new therapeutic targets and explore novel treatment strategies to improve patients’ overall survival time and quality of …

Considerations In The Management Of Juvenile Absence Epilepsy In Pregnancy And In Females Of Childbearing Age, Casey Brew

Capstone Showcase

JAE is an epilepsy syndrome that typically requires lifelong AED treatment, and valproic acid or lamotrigine is considered first line to manage the spectrum of associated seizures. In females with JAE who become pregnant, there exist risks both from having uncontrolled seizures and from taking AEDs during the pregnancy. Valproic acid carries the highest risks to the fetus but is the most effective in controlling the seizure types seen with JAE. Folic acid supplementation has shown to mitigate some but not all of the fetal risks from valproic acid. Limited guidance from professional organizations exists for management of females of …

The Benefit Of Bdnf Modification In The Treatment Of Post-Stroke Depression, Christine Gordynskiy-Ageyev

Capstone Showcase

Neuroplasticity has been a rapidly expanding area of research, and its findings have elucidated the potential of taking advantage of some of its components for the treatment of various neural pathologies. Stroke is the most common cause of long-term disability, and it is a disease process that affects many people. There are many rehabilitation programs that seek to restore a patient’s motor and cognitive functions after stroke; if not fully, then at least partially. Unfortunately, mental health changes contribute in large part to the overall disability of a patient, but these changes are not always targeted in these programs. In …

Efficacy Of Onabotulinumtoxina (Botox) Injections Compared To Oral Topiramate In Reduction Of Migraines Suffered In Adults, Stephanie Blaha

Capstone Showcase

Abstract

Introduction: Migraines are a leading cause of disability in many people worldwide. There are numerous postulations as to their etiology and various medications that treat them. As crippling as migraines are, it is critical that there are therapies to prevent them rather than just treat them acutely. Both OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) and Topiramate have been shown to be beneficial as prophylaxis for migraines. This review aims to determine if, in adults who suffer from chronic migraines [P], OnabotulinumtoxinA injections [I] are more effective than oral Topiramate [C] in reduction of the amount of migraines suffered [O].

Methods: A literature search …

The Comparative Efficacy Of Amantadine Vs. Lcig Therapy For The Treatment Of Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia In Patients With Advanced Parkinson's Disease, Katelynn Timony

Capstone Showcase

Introduction: Though levodopa-carbidopa therapy remains the gold standard of Parkinson’s disease (PD) treatment to this day, patients often experience increased dyskinetic activity as a result of long-term treatment; known as levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID); the mechanism of which is not completely understood. In this review, the efficacy of two adjunct treatments for LID are compared: 1) the concomitant administration of amantadine, an antiviral medication with antidyskinetic properties; and 2) a new form of levodopa administration in the form of an intestinal gel delivered straight via a device much like an insulin pump.

Methods: Two systematic literature searches of primary, peer-reviewed articles …