Revista de neurologia
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Revista de neurologia · Oct 2007
Case Reports[Soya supplements in the treatment of neuropathic pain].
Neuropathic pain is a typical symptom of a number of neurological diseases that is often difficult to treat. Drugs used include antidepressants, opiates, topical agents and antiepileptic drugs and, despite the fact that combination therapy regimens are becoming increasingly frequent, a considerable percentage of cases are pharmacoresistant. In this regard, other therapeutic approaches, such as diet, can play a fundamental role. In spite of the use of soya as treatment for certain situations, such as premenstrual or joint pain, and the fact that it has been shown to be effective in preventing the development of neuropathic pain in animal pain models, no studies have been conducted to examine its role as a possible analgesic in neuropathic pain. ⋯ Soya supplements did not display any analgesic properties to combat neuropathic pain in our study. Nevertheless, given previous findings in other types of pain, the data obtained in animal models and the absence of side effects, we believe it is necessary to carry out further studies in this line.
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In neuropathic pain, as occurs in epilepsy, researchers are striving to find a drug capable of inhibiting the pain-generating ectopic discharges that are produced as a result of neuronal hyperexcitability. This is mediated by ionic exchanges across the channels of the synaptic membrane. This is why the drugs that act on the different types of channels involved in this transmission can regulate neuronal hyperexcitability and therefore have an effect on the pain. ⋯ Zonisamide acts on several types of channels and it is known to have four different mechanisms of action, which means it can be effective in treating these patients, although further studies are required (above all randomised double-blind trials) in order to really evaluate the usefulness of these drugs in the treatment of neuropathic pain.
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Revista de neurologia · Oct 2007
Review[A proposed new target for deep brain stimulation in obsessive-compulsive disorder].
The obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has an incidence in general population of 1.5-3%. If we consider as a positive respond a diminution of the 25-35% in the symptoms of OCD according to the Y-BOCS, and we add the cognitive-behavioral therapy to the pharmacological treatment, only a 40-60% of treated patients would have significant improvement and a 10% of patients with OCD, would be refractory to all type of medical treatment. ⋯ This article has as target the demonstration that bilateral DBS of the limbic part of the subthalamic nucleus is an alternative for the treatment of refractory OCD.
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Revista de neurologia · Oct 2007
Review[Lumbar puncture: its indications, contraindications, complications and technique].
Although first described over 100 years ago, lumbar puncture is still an important tool in the diagnosis of neurological diseases. In this article we review its indications, contraindications, the technique for carrying it out, the analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid and possible complications. ⋯ The lumbar puncture in expert hands is a safe test. The health professional should be suitably familiar with its contraindications, the regional anatomy and the technique used to perform it.