ACNR Review Article: The Diagnosis of Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Rehabilitation Article: Driving cortical plasticity to improve swallowing performance after dysphagic stroke Management Topic: Convulsive status epilepticus

Neuroimaging has proved to be both sensitive and highly effective in detecting dopaminergic dysfunc-tion in Parkinsonian Syndromes. It can help establish the truth of the disorder when clinical features are incomplete or contradictory. Now the truth is out. Nycomed Amersham are proud to announce the first and only approved nuclear imaging product in Europe to help differentiate Essential Tremor from Parkinsonian Syndromes related to idiopathic Parkinson's disease, Multiple System Atrophy and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. The images are easy to read and available the same day. DaTSCAN™ gives you clear diagnostic pictures that provide accurate visual differentiation of Parkinsonian Syndromes from Essential Tremor. Currently, diagnostic methods rely on the use of clinical criteria, with formal confirmation only possible at post mortem. DaTSCAN can reduce the time required to reach a diagnosis.With 97.5% sensitivity † , you can be more confident than ever that your diagnosis is correct and that the medication you prescribe will have the desired effect. DaTSCAN – another major step forward in the partnership of success between Neurology, Geriatrics, Nuclear Medicine and Nycomed Amersham. Abbreviated Prescribing Information Presentation: Vials containing 185 MBq ioflupane (123 I) at reference time. Uses: Detecting loss of functional dopaminergic neuron terminals in the striatum of patients with clinically uncertain Parkinsonian Syndromes in order to help differentiate Essential Tremor from Parkinsonian Syndromes related to idiopathic Parkinson's Disease (PD), Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). DaTSCAN is unable to discriminate between PD, MSA and PSP. Dosage and Administration: DaTSCAN is a 5% (v/v) ethanolic solution for intravenous injection and should be used without dilution. Clinical efficiency has been demonstrated across the range of 111-185 MBq; do not use outside this range. Appropriate thyroid blocking treatment must be given prior to and post injection of DaTSCAN. SPECT imaging should take place 3-6 hours after injection of DaTSCAN. DaTSCAN is not recommended for use in children or adolescents. For use in patients referred by physicians experienced in the management of movement disorders. See SPC. Contraindications: Pregnancy and in patients with hypersensitivity to iodide or any of the excipients. Precautions: Radiopharmaceuticals should only be used by qualified personnel with appropriate government authorisation and should be prepared using aseptic and radiological precautions. DaTSCAN is not recommended in moderate to severe renal or hepatic impairment. Interactions: Consider current medication. Medicines that bind to the dopamine transporter may interfere with diagnosis; these include amphetamine, benzotropine, buproprion, cocaine, mazindol, methylphenidate, …