Of the four most commonly prescribed antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in the UK, carbamazepine wasn’t significantly associated with Parkinson’s, but three AEDs did have a significant relationship, including lamotrigine, levetiracetam, and sodium valproate.

The amount owed on medical student loans keeps growing. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the average debt held by 2019 graduates, which includes loans for both medical school and undergraduate study, is a staggering $201,490. In 1978, the average debt for medical school was $13,500, which is equivalent to $54,000 now.

This meticulous study shows that SARS-CoV-2 infection is systemic and involves many organ systems, including the brain. But are the findings relevant to today’s public? None of the patients had been vaccinated and all were older with significant comorbidities.

This 10-year study is the first large, population-based assessment of spasticity treatment in MS. It reveals that younger, newly diagnosed people are prescribed baclofen more their older peers. This is the first study to show high rates of baclofen discontinuation among all patients with MS, with more than 50% of patients discontinued treatment within 6 months.

Misuse of prescription stimulants was associated with prior year treatment for depression, ADHD, and substance use disorder. Identified risk factors for stimulant misuse include use of prescription drugs in the past month (5.5 times increased risk) and use of illegal drugs in the past month (8 times higher risk).

Chronic pain affects more than 20% of the US population. More than a dozen new medical therapies are being developed to improve quality of life and reduce the risk of addition. This report summarizes the status of 17 new pain management medications in the pipeline: 16 in phase 3 trials and one newly approved.