Vestibular Migraine Linked to Lower Thinking-Test Scores, Small Review Finds

Vestibular Migraine Linked to Lower Thinking-Test Scores, Small Review Finds

TL;DR: Across four small studies, adults with vestibular migraine, a type that causes dizzy spells, scored noticeably lower on thinking tests than healthy people, even between attacks. The review was small and could not rule out anxiety, poor sleep or medicines as causes. Key Findings 6 studies found; 4 pooled: 208 people with vestibular migraine, …

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Grammar and Math Share Some Brain Regions, but Each Has Its Own Network

Grammar and Math Share Some Brain Regions, but Each Has Its Own Network

TL;DR: Pooling 114 brain-scan studies, researchers found that grammar and arithmetic both lit up four spots on the left side of the brain, all part of a general problem-solving network. Beyond that, each skill leaned on its own separate regions. Key Findings 114 fMRI studies: 48 on grammar, 66 on arithmetic, in healthy children and …

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Daytime Sleepiness Rose Over 5 Years in Parkinson’s While Insomnia Held Steady

Daytime Sleepiness Rose Over 5 Years in Parkinson's While Insomnia Held Steady

TL;DR: Among 183 people with Parkinson’s in Finland, daytime sleepiness, napping, restless legs, sleep talking and nightmares all became more common over five years. Insomnia stayed about the same. Key Findings Daytime sleepiness: 31% to 39%. Daily naps: 21% to 32%. Sleep talking at least weekly: 17% to 30%. Restless legs and nightmares also rose. …

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Psychological and Job Stress Linked to Higher Risk of a First Stroke

Psychological and Job Stress Linked to Higher Risk of a First Stroke

TL;DR: In a review of 84 studies covering 4.1 million people, those with psychological distress or job strain had roughly 30% higher risk of a first stroke. The studies were observational, so they cannot show that stress itself causes strokes. Key Findings 84 studies, 4.1 million people: All stroke-free when first assessed. Psychological distress: 27% …

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Work-Focused CBT Linked to Modestly Higher Return to Work After Mental-Health Sick Leave

Work-Focused CBT Linked to Modestly Higher Return to Work After Mental-Health Sick Leave

TL;DR: Across 24 studies of adults with depression, anxiety or stress, talk therapy built around getting back to work was linked to a modestly higher chance of fully returning. Its edge over other care for symptoms was small and faded by later follow-up. Key Findings 24 studies, 3,279 treated: Adults with common mental disorders, mostly …

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Diabetes Before Pregnancy Linked to Higher Epilepsy Risk in Children

Diabetes Before Pregnancy Linked to Higher Epilepsy Risk in Children

TL;DR: In 3 large birth studies covering 5.3 million children, kids whose mothers had type 1 or type 2 diabetes before pregnancy were about a third more likely to develop epilepsy. Diabetes that first appears during pregnancy showed no clear link, and none of this proves diabetes is the cause. Key Findings 3 studies, 5.3 …

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Daily Self-Acupressure May Ease Fatigue, Sleep and Mood Problems After Breast Cancer

BrainASAP cover illustration: a thumb pressing a glowing point on an open forearm and hand, with other glowing points along a dotted line, on a dark green background. Text reads Self-Acupressure May Ease Fatigue After Cancer: 108 breast cancer survivors; beat pressing fake points; sleep and mood improved too.

TL;DR: In a Chinese trial of 108 breast cancer survivors, 7 weeks of daily self-acupressure eased a combined score for fatigue, poor sleep and low mood more than pressing fake points or usual care. The gains held 12 weeks later, though all results were self-reported. Key Findings 108 survivors, 3 groups: Real acupressure, fake-point pressing …

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Urdu-Adapted Therapy for Anxiety and Depression Proved Feasible in a Small Pakistan Pilot Trial

Urdu-Adapted Therapy for Anxiety and Depression Proved Feasible in a Small Pakistan Pilot Trial

TL;DR: In a small Pakistan pilot, 23 of 25 adults given an Urdu version of a talk therapy for anxiety and depression finished all 14 weeks. The trial was too small to show the therapy works. Key Findings Signed up and stayed: 51 adults were randomly assigned to therapy or a waitlist. 42 of 51 …

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PTSD Therapy Tied to Large Symptom Gains in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, but the Evidence Is Weak

PTSD Therapy Tied to Large Symptom Gains in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, but the Evidence Is Weak

TL;DR: Across 55 trials in low- and middle-income countries (5,041 adults), people who got therapy had much lower PTSD symptoms than people on a wait-list or other comparison. The evidence was very low certainty because many trials were weakly run. Key Findings Big gap after treatment: PTSD symptoms 1.31 standard deviations lower in therapy groups …

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