Revista de neurologia
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Revista de neurologia · Oct 1999
Case Reports[Cervical epidural abscess as a cause of tetraparesis].
An epidural spinal abscess is a rare clinical condition which may cause rapid, irreversible neurological deterioration. Usually, the patient presents with back pain in the affected spinal segment, but the condition is rarely considered in the differential diagnosis. ⋯ It should not be forgotten that, although rare, one of the causes of spinal compression and neurological deterioration (particularly in a febrile patient) is an epidural spinal abscess. Prompt diagnosis and satisfactory surgical decompression are essential to avoid irreversible neurological sequelae.
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Revista de neurologia · Oct 1999
Review[The stroke chain: from the onset of symptoms to the emergency services].
The treatment of stroke by thrombolysis or other methods (neuroprotection, basic care, etc.) is more effective the sooner it is begun. The main reasons for patients not receiving treatment during the acute phase of their illness are slowness in reaching hospital and delay in emergency assessment once they arrive there. It is necessary to identify the factors involved in these delays so as to modify what can be improved and establish guidelines. ⋯ Programmes of education and improvement in the organization of the different protagonists at the various stages reduce the time lost by delay.