Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Mar 1992
Neurology and rehabilitation in the United Kingdom: a view.
The relationship between neurology and rehabilitation medicine is discussed. The question "Does rehabilitation work?" is not useful. ⋯ It is argued that the management of most neurological diseases would be improved if neurologists were more familiar with the principles of rehabilitation medicine. Two possible avenues for future development would be the appointment of neurologists with a specific commitment to rehabilitation, and the establishment of academic centres for restorative neurology.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Jan 1992
Weighted needle pinprick sensory thresholds: a simple test of sensory function in diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
A simple device is described, consisting of 12 weighted 23 gauge disposable needles (0.2 to 5.2 g), for testing sensation in busy diabetic clinics. The pinprick sensory threshold (PPT) is the lightest weighted needle which consistently elicits a sharp sensation. The subjects were 48 healthy controls (hospital staff), 44 diabetic patients without neuropathic symptoms, and 35 diabetic patients with chronic painful neuropathy. ⋯ Marstock thermal limen in diabetic patients with painful neuropathy correlated significantly with PPT determinations. PPT and thermal thresholds probably give comparable information on small fibre dysfunction in diabetic patients with symptomatic neuropathy. Compared with thermal threshold determinations however, the weighted needle apparatus is inexpensive, simple, and rapid to use.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Oct 1991
The effect of posture on the normal and pathological auditory startle reflex.
The effect of posture on the EMG pattern of the normal auditory startle reflex was investigated. The startle response to an unexpected auditory tone was studied in eleven normal subjects when standing, and in six normal subjects when sitting relaxed or tonically plantar flexing both feet. Reflex EMG activity was recorded in the tibialis anterior and soleus about twice as frequently when standing, than when sitting relaxed. ⋯ This short latency component was not recorded when sitting relaxed. It is concluded that the EMG pattern of the physiological and pathological auditory startle response is not fixed, but may change with the postural stance of the body. This finding supports the theory that the normal startle reflex and the abnormal startle reflex in hyperekplexia have a common brainstem origin.