Since the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an increasing number of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) cases following the infection has been reported. The aim of our study was to detect patients with GBS treated in our hospital over a 1-year period and to compare the characteristics and outcomes of those triggered by COVID-19 with the rest of GBS patients. Our prospective study included 29 patients who were diagnosed with GBS from March 2020 to March 2021. Based on the preceding event, patients were stratified as post-COVID-19 and non-COVID-19. The GBS disability scale (GDS) was used to assess functional disability. We identified 10 (34.5%) patients with post-COVID-19 GBS and 19 (65.5%) patients with non-COVID-19 GBS. The median time from the preceding event to the symptoms onset was longer in post-COVID-19 than in non-COVID-19 GBS patients (p = 0.04). However, the time from the symptom onset to the nadir did not differ (p = 0.12). GDS at admission, as well as at nadir, did not differ between these two groups. The level of proteinorrachia was higher in post-COVID-19 GBS patients (p = 0.035). The most frequent subtype of GBS in both groups was acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP). GDS score at discharge (p = 0.56) did not differ between two study groups. There was no difference in clinical and electrophysiological features, disease course, and outcome in post-COVID-19 compared with non-COVID-19 GBS patients.

Background: Medication overuse headache (MOH) is a prevalent and potentially preventable secondary headache disorder linked to the excessive use of medications intended for primary headache management, particularly migraine. Aim: The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of MOH among undergraduate students and explore their awareness. Methodology: This observational cross-sectional study included 401 active undergraduate students from the University of Belgrade. Data were collected through an anonymous online questionnaire which was distributed among student groups and via social media. The questionnaire specially designed for this study was developed in accordance with established guidelines for headache epidemiological research. Results: Among the surveyed students, 10 of them (2.5%) met the criteria for the diagnosis of MOH. Awareness of MOH was noted in 149 (37.2%) students, with higher awareness among medical students and those aged 22–25 years. Despite this awareness, there was no significant difference in MOH occurrence between those aware and unaware of the condition (aware 2.7% vs. unaware 2.4%, p = 1.000). Additionally, significant gaps in education and communication about MOH were evident. Limitations: Participants were recruited through convenience sampling from a single university at one time point. The questionnaire was not specifically validated in the student population, and the data relied on self-reporting. Conclusions: Our study highlighted a notable prevalence of MOH among undergraduate students, with a substantial portion exhibiting awareness of its risks. Despite this awareness, our findings suggest ongoing gaps in education and communication regarding MOH, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.

The hemolysis-elevated liver enzymes-low platelet counts (HELLP) syndrome and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) are rare conditions that can complicate pregnancy and the early postpartum period. Although both are closely related to hypertensive pregnancy disorders, their association is rarely described, so the outcome of these patients remains unknown. We present a case report of PRES associated with HELLP syndrome and a review of all previously published cases, including demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome. A previously healthy 31-year-old woman in the 38th week of pregnancy was admitted to the obstetric department due to elevated blood pressure. The first laboratory findings were consistent with HELLP, which is why she was delivered by emergency caesarean section. Forty-four hours after the cesarean section, she presented with a severe headache, blurred vision, and instability, followed by two seizures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed T2-weighted/FLAIR left-sided hyperintensity consistent with PRES. She was treated with antihypertensive, antiedematous, and other symptomatic therapy. The control brain MRI showed complete regression of the previously described changes, and she was discharged without a neurological deficit. So far, 33 cases of HELLP associated with PRES have been reported in the literature, including our case. Our review of 30 cases showed that although most patients have good outcomes, if not treated in time, patients may develop serious somatic complications and permanent neurological deficits, or even fatal outcomes. PRES associated with HELLP syndrome is a rare combination of third trimester/postpartum complications which usually present with seizures, altered sensorium, headache, hypertension, and laboratory disorders. These disorders require mutual neurological, internal and gynaecological treatment, and if timely treated resolve completely in most of the cases. However, caution is required as these patients may develop serious somatic complications and permanent neurological deficits or even fatal outcomes.