Neurología : publicación oficial de la Sociedad Española de Neurología
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Editors of scientific publications have, traditionally, been unaware of frauds and misconduct, being more concerned with subjects associated to impact or with editorial review. But, in the last few years they have been checking and reporting that there is misconduct in the scientific field, and furthermore, it is not uncommon. ⋯ Many editors are demanding clear regulations to prevent misconduct. Editorial review and the provision of evaluation tools for reviewers are prevention, but not infallible formulas. What is most important could be that editorial teams be aware of its existence.
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Psychogenic movement disorders are a daily challenge for the neurologist. A mistake in its recognition may have important consequences for the patients. As a result, the diagnosis must be considered very carefully in clinical practice. ⋯ Several tests can be useful in diagnosis, such as: accelerometry, EMG and response to placebo or suggestion. The treatment requires close cooperation between the medical team and patient. The problem must never be minimised and early diagnosis and treatment must be attempted.
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Review Meta Analysis
[Review of the economic evidence on the use of deep brain stimulation in late stage Parkinson's disease].
The purpose of this article is to present the results of a systematic review on the costs and the efficiency of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) on patients suffering advanced Parkinson's disease. ⋯ The available evidence is not strong enough to conclude whether DBS' direct medical costs are higher or lower than the costs of traditional therapy. Key words: Parkinson's disease. Deep brain stimulation. Subthalamic stimulation. Cost analysis. Economic evaluation.
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Evoked Potentials (EP) are a neurophysiological tool that makes it possible for us to make an extensive study of the cerebral cortex, the brainstem and the spinal cord. Different techniques can be applied while performing the EPs, such as Visual Evoked Potentials (VEPs), Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEPs), Long Latency Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (LLSEPs), Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials (BAEPs), Middle Latency Auditory Evoked Potentials (MLAEPs), Long Latency Auditory Evoked Potentials (LLAEP) and Mismatch Negativity (MMN). ⋯ There are also studies that propose using EPs as a monitoring tool of the SNC. We present an up-dated review on the principal aspects of EP neuromonitoring in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients.
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Ultrasound tests are used in the cerebrovascular evaluation of stroke patients. However, the use of Transcranial Doppler (TCD) and carotid duplex ultrasound (CD) within the first hours after stroke onset in the Emergency Service is not a common practice. ⋯ TCD and CD are excellent diagnostic tools that might be used in all acute stroke patients for immediate evaluation of arterial patency. They make it possible to select treatment and enhance reperfusion after tPA. Carotid and transcranial ultrasound are an essential part of vascular neurology training and practice.