Revista de neurologia
-
Revista de neurologia · Jun 2006
[Magnetic resonance imaging with spectroscopy, perfusion and cerebral diffusion in the diagnosis of brain tumours].
We review three of the most important functional techniques in magnetic resonance imaging, it means spectroscopy, perfusion and diffusion; we do emphasize in its applications, particularly in the diagnostic and treatment of brain tumors. First, we discuss the physical principles and results interpretation of each technique. After that, we discuss its major applications. ⋯ Choline containing compounds using contralateral creatine and choline for normalization or ipsilateral N-acetyl-aspartate appeared to correlate best with the degree of tumor infiltration, regardless o tumor histological grade. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging (MRSI) seems more accurate than conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in defining indistinct tumor boundaries and quantifying the degree of tumor infiltration. MRSI is the choice of site within a lesion for biopsy and use in image-guided therapy, including definition of radiation ports. Angiogenesis, and increased vascular permeability, are characteristic of cerebral neoplasms; these processes can be imaged using perfusion MRI. Most commonly, tumor perfusion is measured using rapid gradient T2-weighted imaging during bolus injection of gadolinium dimeglumine gadopentetate. Care has to be taken to avoid blood-brain barrier leakage affecting perfusion results. Pharmacokinetic models are available for estimation of blood-brain permeability. Cerebral blood volume increases with tumor grade, and maybe helpful in identifying tumor recurrence, and peri-tumoral edema, and distinguishing malignant from benign lesions.
-
Revista de neurologia · Jun 2006
Review[Acquired neuromuscular syndrome in critically ill patients].
To analyse the causes and signs of the muscle weakness that critically ill patients develop during their stay in the ICU and to review the literature. ⋯ On many occasions 'polyneuropathy of critically ill patients' and 'acute myopathy in intensive care' can be differentiated and to do so neurophysiological and, if necessary, muscle biopsy studies are a valuable aid. Although some authors prefer to group these conditions under the name 'polyneuromyopathy', we propose the general term 'acquired neuromuscular syndrome in critically ill patients' -a more descriptive expression that does not presuppose a particular mechanism or a single aetiology.
-
Revista de neurologia · Apr 2006
[Treatment of neuropathic pain in neurology units. The PREVADOL study].
Neuropathic pain (NPP) is defined as a pain started or caused by an injury to or dysfunction of the nervous system. Its treatment is different to that of nociceptive pain since it does not respond to conventional analgesics or non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs. ⋯ Most patients with NPP attended in neurology units follow first-order pharmacological treatments (antiepileptics or antidepressants). Over half the patients are controlled with monotherapy, usually with an antiepileptic agent. Non-pharmacological treatments (especially physiotherapy) are used in a third of the patients.
-
Revista de neurologia · Mar 2006
Clinical Trial[Intramuscular midazolam in the initial treatment of status epilepticus].
The status epilepticus a serious complication of the epileptic syndrome with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Treatment is aimed to a fast control of the crisis. ⋯ The use of IM midazolam is suggested as the initial treatment in status epilepticus in adults, especially in a low complexity setting, due to its effectiveness, quick action and security.
-
Revista de neurologia · Feb 2006
Review[Pregabalin: new therapeutic contributions of calcium channel alpha2delta protein ligands on epilepsy and neuropathic pain].
To review and update the contributions of a new class of drugs, named calcium channel alpha2delta protein ligands, on the treatment of epilepsy and neuropathic pain. ⋯ Pregabalin and calcium channel alpha2delta protein ligands showed relevant advances on epilepsy and neuropathic pain treatment. In peripheral neuropathic pain conditions, if the criteria for efficacy are based on both pain relief and quality of life measures, pregabalin/gabapentin are suggested as choice treatment.