Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Aug 2007
Influence of coffee drinking and cigarette smoking on the risk of primary late onset blepharospasm: evidence from a multicentre case control study.
Prior coffee and smoking habits were investigated in a multicentre case control study involving 166 patients presenting with primary late onset blepharospasm (BSP), 228 hospital control patients with primary hemifacial spasm and 187 population control subjects from five Italian centres. Information on age at disease onset, smoking and coffee drinking status at the reference age and average number of cups of coffee drunk/cigarettes smoked per day reached high and similar test-retest reproducibility in case and control patients. Unadjusted logistic regression analysis yielded a significant inverse association of prior coffee drinking and cigarette smoking with case status for the control groups. ⋯ The strength of the inverse association between BSP and coffee intake tended to increase with the average number of cups drunk per day. There was a significant correlation between age of BSP onset and number of cups per day (adjusted regression coefficient 1.73; p = 0.001) whereas no correlation was found with number of packs of cigarettes per day. Coffee drinking may be inversely associated with the development of primary BSP and this association may partly depend on the amount consumed.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Aug 2007
Towards an integrative approach to the management of myotonic dystrophy type 1.
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common type of muscular dystrophy in adults. Approximately 60% of individuals report either having difficulty performing or being unable to carry out some activities related to home management, mobility and transportation, work and leisure. ⋯ The complexity and variability of disease manifestations in DM1 undoubtedly pose a challenge as regards anticipating all potential problems and developing a plan for health and community management. This article presents a conceptual model for DM1 management as well as a brief discussion of an approach for developing interdisciplinary health and community services.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Aug 2007
Biography Historical ArticleMarie Jean Pierre Flourens (1794 1867): an extraordinary scientist of his time.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Aug 2007
The patient knows best: significant change in the physical component of the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29 physical).
The aims of this study were to determine the reliability, responsiveness and minimally important change score of the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS)-29 physical using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) as an anchor measure. ⋯ The MSIS-29 physical performs well over time, and is suitable for use in trials; a minimal change score of 8 points in the MSIS-29 is clinically significant.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Jul 2007
Randomized Controlled TrialA randomised controlled trial of a home based exercise programme to reduce the risk of falling among people with Parkinson's disease.
To evaluate the effectiveness of a personalised home programme of exercises and strategies for repeat fallers with Parkinson's disease (PD). ⋯ There was a trend towards a reduction in fall events and injurious falls with a positive effect of exercises on near falls and quality of life.