Publications by authors named "Dereje Melka"

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by degeneration of motor neurons, with the tongue often involved in clinical presentation. In this case, a 60-year-old female presented with progressive choking episodes and speech slurring over 9 months, exhibiting dysarthria, prominent tongue atrophy, fasciculations, and hyperreflexia. Needle electromyography (EMG) showed diffuse chronic neurogenic changes with signs of active denervation changes prominent on the tongue and right arm with normal sensory nerve studies.

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Background: Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae). Leprosy is believed to have originated initially in Eastern African regions and spread worldwide through the migration of people.

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Background: Post-stroke delirium, a frequent and significant complication of stroke, manifests as a sudden onset of confusion, altered consciousness, and cognitive decline. Various factors contribute to its occurrence, including old age, multiple comorbidity, electrolyte abnormalities, and infections. The impact of post-stroke delirium on stroke recovery is substantial.

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Background: Interprofessional learning is an important approach to preparing residents for collaborative practice. Limited knowledge and readiness of residents for interprofessional learning is considered one of the barriers and challenges for applying Interprofessional learning. We aimed to assess the perceptions of readiness of medical residents for interprofessional learning in Ethiopia.

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Article Synopsis
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a serious disease causing muscle weakness, with limited research on its impact in low- and middle-income countries like Ethiopia.
  • A study in Ethiopia analyzed clinical records from 2016 to 2021, revealing a younger average age of onset at 51.9 years and a higher prevalence of spinal region involvement at diagnosis.
  • Findings indicated that 31% of patients used the medication Riluzole, while many experienced significant disabilities, highlighting the need for further research to explore the genetic and environmental factors influencing ALS in this region.
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Background: Harlequin syndrome is a rare disorder caused by autonomic nervous system dysfunction. It manifests as asymmetric facial flashing and sweating with contralateral anhidrosis. It may be primary (idiopathic) with a benign course or can occur secondary to structural abnormalities or iatrogenic factors.

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Background: Available data on the burden of Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I/II infection for eastern Africa, limited to Ethiopia, Mozambique, and Rwanda, show prevalence lower than elsewhere in Africa (0% - 1.8%). Even if Tropical Spastic Paraparesis occurs in an endemic form in Ethiopia, its seroprevalence is low.

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Background: Neuromyelitis Optica spectrum disorder is an inflammatory disorder affecting the central nervous system), most commonly attacking the spinal cord or optic nerves. Limited cases of neuromyelitis optica have been reported in east Africa. Based on my review, if published, this would be the second published case of Neuromyelitis Optica spectrum disorder and the first published case of seropositive Neuromyelitis Optica spectrum disorder reported from Ethiopia.

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Background: Non motor symptoms (NMS) of Parkinson's disease (PD) are common and can be more disabling than motor symptoms. Sleep disorders can be seen in up to 98% of patients with Parkinson disease. Poor sleep quality has been associated with poverty and race, and yet there has been no prior report on sleep disorders in those with PD living in sub Saharan Africa.

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