Oruen CNS Weekly Roundup: Latest Findings Across CNS Medicine

Psychiatry / Schizophrenia

Brain stimulation shows promise for treating negative symptoms of schizophrenia
A double-blind, randomised, sham-controlled trial found that fronto-occipital transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) improved anhedonia and asociality in people with schizophrenia. The findings suggest non-invasive neuromodulation could become a useful adjunctive treatment for negative symptoms, which remain difficult to manage with current therapies.

Hyperlink:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165178126002775

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Neurology / Neuropsychiatry

Neurological disorders frequently masquerade as primary psychiatric illness
A new study found that conditions including autoimmune encephalitis, viral encephalitis and metabolic disorders can initially present with psychiatric symptoms before neurological signs emerge. The authors emphasise the importance of recognising “red flag” features to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Hyperlink:
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2026.1853336/full

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Neuro-oncology / Epilepsy

New review examines seizure risk when prescribing antipsychotics in patients with brain tumours
An open-access clinical review evaluates the seizure risk associated with commonly prescribed antipsychotic medications in patients with primary and metastatic brain tumours. The paper discusses underlying mechanisms, risk modifiers and practical prescribing considerations for neuro-oncology teams.

Hyperlink:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11920-026-01696-y

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Multiple Sclerosis

Disease-modifying therapy discontinuation remains under scrutiny in stable MS
A new editorial in JAMA Neurology reviews emerging evidence surrounding the discontinuation of disease-modifying therapy in clinically stable multiple sclerosis. The discussion highlights the balance between long-term treatment benefit, adverse effects and the need for personalised decision-making.

Hyperlink:
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/newonline/index.aspx

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Dementia

Two decades of data reveal changing dementia prevalence across Latin America and the Caribbean
A large cross-sectional study published in JAMA Neurology analysed dementia trends across five sites in Latin America and the Caribbean over a 20-year period. The findings provide valuable epidemiological insights that may help guide regional prevention strategies and healthcare planning.

Hyperlink:
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/newonline/index.aspx

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Movement Disorders / Lewy Body Disease

New review proposes distinct brain-first and body-first forms of Lewy body disease
A comprehensive review evaluates growing evidence that Lewy body disease may arise via two different pathogenic routes—originating either in the brain or the peripheral nervous system. The model could help explain the marked clinical heterogeneity seen across Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies.

Hyperlink:
https://www.nature.com/subjects/neurological-disorders/nrneurol

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Epilepsy / Neuroradiology

Experts call for wider adoption of low-field MRI to improve epilepsy diagnosis globally
A correspondence in Nature Reviews Neurology argues that modern low-field MRI systems could substantially improve access to neuroimaging for epilepsy in resource-limited settings, helping reduce diagnostic inequity where conventional MRI remains unavailable.

Hyperlink:
https://www.nature.com/nrneurol/news-and-comment?year=2026

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Neurocritical Care / Mental Health

Mental health burden remains high after neurocritical illness
A new systematic review and meta-analysis found that survivors of neurocritical care frequently experience depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress symptoms long after hospital discharge. The authors recommend integrating structured mental health assessment into routine neurological follow-up.

Hyperlink:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12028-026-02576-2