Although the primary efficacy analysis was negative, time-to-exit analyses that included time-to-first-seizure as a covariate, between-group differences in seizure-free rates, and longer time-to-first-seizure with higher serum concentration provide evidence that topiramate is effective as monotherapy in patients with localization-related epilepsy.

Nordic walking may improve mobility in Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we examined whether the beneficial effects persist after the training period. We included 19 PD patients [14 men; mean age 67.0 years (range 58-76); Hoehn and Yahr stage range 1-3] who received a 6-week Nordic walking exercise program. Outcome was assessed prior to training (T1), immediately after the training period (T2) and-in a subgroup of 9 patients--5 months after training (T3). At T2, we observed a significant improvement in timed 10-m walking, the timed get-up-and-go-test (TUG), the 6-min walking test and quality of life (PDQ-39). All treatment effects persisted at T3. Compliance was excellent, and there were no adverse effects. These preliminary findings suggest that Nordic walking could provide a safe, effective, and enjoyable way to reduce physical inactivity in PD and to improve the quality of life. A large randomized clinical trial now appears justified.

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Horizontal saccades and smooth pursuit eye movements were studied in 26 patients with myotonic dystrophy. Clinical neuro-ophthalmological investigations in 1 patient revealed an inability to achieve a full range of eye movements. Electro-oculography showed a significant decrease of the maximum velocity of the visually-guided saccades in 83% of the patients. Smooth pursuit eye movements were not significantly different from age-matched controls. Visual evoked potential (VEP) latencies (P100) were significantly prolonged compared with controls in 64% of the patients. The saccadic latency of the visually-guided saccades was correlated with the prolonged VEP latencies, indicating that lesions in the primary visual pathways probably contribute to the oculomotor dysfunction. The isolated decrease of the maximum velocity of the saccades in combination with EMG findings favours a peripheral (dystrophic) pathophysiological mechanism.