Background/Objective: Malnutrition and sarcopenia are common complications after ischemic stroke and have a negative impact on prognosis. The C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR) reflects both inflammation and nutritional status, but its predictive role in this setting has not been widely studied. This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of CAR (C-reactive protein/albumin ratio) for malnutrition risk and probable sarcopenia in patients with ischemic stroke. Methods: In this prospective observational study, 197 patients with acute ischemic stroke were evaluated. Patients with chronic renal or hepatic failure, malignancy, active infection, and hand disability preventing grip strength measurement were excluded. Demographic data (age, sex), vascular risk factors, the NIHSS score, and laboratory parameters were recorded. The nutritional status of patients was assessed using the Nutritional Risk Screening-2002 (NRS-2002), and sarcopenia risk was evaluated with the SARC-F questionnaire. Handgrip strength was measured in patients with high SARC-F scores to define probable sarcopenia. CAR was calculated from serum CRP and albumin levels. Logistic regression was applied to identify independent predictors, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed to determine the discriminatory ability and cut-off values of CAR. The nutritional status of patients admitted to the neurology clinic with acute ischemic stroke was assessed using the Nutritional Risk Screening-2002 (NRS-2002), and sarcopenia risk was evaluated with the SARC-F questionnaire. Handgrip strength was measured in patients with high SARC-F scores to define probable sarcopenia. CAR was calculated from serum CRP and albumin levels. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed. Results: Malnutrition risk was identified in 32.5% of patients, and probable sarcopenia was identified in 19.3% of patients. ROC analysis showed that CAR had acceptable discriminatory power for both conditions. In multivariate analysis, CAR was consistently identified as an independent predictor of malnutrition risk and possible sarcopenia. ROC analysis for malnutrition risk showed an AUC of 0.750 (cut-off: 0.306; sensitivity 68.8%; specificity 75.2%). In regression analysis, CAR (OR = 2.13; 95% CI: 1.39–3.26; p < 0.001), age (OR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02–1.09; p = 0.003), and NIHSS (OR = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.01–1.23; p = 0.026) were independent predictors. For probable sarcopenia, ROC analysis revealed an AUC of 0.814 (cut-off: 0.320; sensitivity 81.6%; specificity 71.7%). Multivariate analysis identified CAR (OR = 1.73; 95% CI: 1.19–2.52; p = 0.004), age (OR = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.05–1.18; p < 0.001), and NIHSS (OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.05–1.35; p = 0.007) as independent predictors. Conclusions: CAR was identified as an independent predictor of both malnutrition risk and probable sarcopenia in ischemic stroke patients. CAR may serve as a reliable biomarker for early nutritional and functional risk stratification in clinical practice.

In the elderly population, Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and is associated with morphological changes in the basal ganglia, especially the substantia nigra (SN). This study aimed to evaluate the volume and signal intensity (SI) of SN using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to detect structural changes and investigate the relationship between the onset side and disease severity of PD. Clinical features and imaging data of 58 patients with PD were retrospectively analyzed from their medical records. Axial T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequences of 3 Tesla (T) MRIs were used for the measurements. The right and left SN volumes and SI measurements were calculated in duplicate by 2 blinded and qualified neuroradiologists. The side of disease onset, disease duration, levodopa equivalent daily dose, Movement Disorder Society-sponsored Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS III) motor score, and modified Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) scale scores were recorded and compared with SN volume and SI measurements. No statistically significant difference was found between the disease onset side and contralateral SN volume or SI measurements (P > .05). Despite high inter- and intra-rater reliability rates, there was no significant difference in the volume and SI of the contralateral SN according to H&Y stages (P > .05). Furthermore, SN volume and SI measurements were not significantly correlated with disease duration and MDS-UPDRS III motor score (P > .05). SN volume and SI values measured using axial FLAIR 3T MRI are not correlated with the side of onset or disease severity in PD. New imaging methods are required to detect preclinical or early-stage PD.

Objective: Postural deformities such as camptocormia affect over 30% of Parkinson’s disease patients, impairing balance, gait, and quality of life. This study evaluated a vibratory-feedback posture brace versus conventional exercises in Parkinson’s disease. Design: In this pilot randomized controlled trial, 28 individuals with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (Hoehn & Yahr stage 2–3) and stooped posture were assigned to either a 6-wk daily exercise program (posture exercise group, n = 13) or a wearable brace (sensor brace group, n = 15), worn around 8 hrs/d. The brace delivered vibration cues when forward flexion exceeded a set threshold. Primary outcomes were craniovertebral and cranio-horizontal angle (APECS); the secondary was static balance (Tetrax fall index). Group × time effects were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (α = 0.05). Results: Groups were similar at baseline. At 2 wks, only the sensor brace group showed significant improvement in cranio-horizontal angle (~ −2°, P = 0.046), indicating a short-term, localized benefit. By 6 wks, both groups had modest head posture improvements. Trunk sagittal angle and fall index showed no significant change. Conclusions: The sensor-based brace improved upper cervical posture in the short-term and was well tolerated. Longer training or combined strategies may yield greater functional gains.

Objective: The incidence of epileptic seizures after a stroke falls within a range of 2.3-43%. Varying opinions exist in the literature concerning the association between thrombolytic therapy, endovascular interventions, and the development of epileptic seizures post-stroke. Material and Methods: Seizure rates were compared based on the treatment method (thrombolytic therapy, endovascular intervention, or conventional therapy) in patients experiencing acute ischemic stroke within a two-year period in the neurology and neurology intensive care unit. Patients were categorized into three groups: the first group received IV thrombolytic therapy, the second group underwent mechanical thrombectomy, and the third group received conventional therapy. The occurrence of epileptic seizures from hospitalization to discharge was compared. Results: IV thrombolytics were administered to 1.5% of patients, mechanical thrombectomy to 3.6%, and 94.9% received medical treatment. Epileptic seizures were observed in 0.9% of patients. No statistically significant relationship was found between the development of epileptic seizures and the treatment method for ischemic stroke. Furthermore, no statistically significant correlation was identified between the development of epileptic seizures and the modified Rankin score at discharge. Conclusion: Our findings align with existing studies. In conclusion, this retrospective study aimed to assess how the treatment method applied in acute ischemic stroke might influence the background of epileptic seizures.