Acta neurologica Scandinavica
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Acta Neurol. Scand. · Jun 2009
Case ReportsPost-stroke tactile allodynia and its modulation by vestibular stimulation: a MEG case study.
There is behavioural evidence that caloric vestibular stimulation (CVS) can alleviate central pain. Several such patients have also noted that it reduces tactile allodynia, an especially ill-understood phenomenon in these patients. ⋯ We suggest that the unexpected primary motor cortex activation in response to light touch in the allodynic area arises from inappropriate activation of a normal mechanism, which may occur when a threat to homeostasis is present, to lower motor thresholds and allow for more rapid performance of corrective actions. We propose this may be mediated by the interoceptive cortex in the dorsal posterior insula.
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Acta Neurol. Scand. · Jun 2009
Clinical TrialTongue weakness is associated with respiratory failure in patients with severe Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Swallowing impairment may worsen respiratory weakness and conduct to respiratory complications such as aspiration pneumonia in Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). We prospectively evaluate how tongue weakness could be associated to bulbar dysfunction and respiratory weakness in severe GBS patients. ⋯ This study confirms the strong association between bulbar and respiratory dysfunction in GBS admitted to ICU. Tongue weakness may be present in GBS, especially during the phase of increasing paralysis, and resolves during the recovery phase. Tongue strength and indices of global and respiratory strength vary in parallel throughout the course of GBS. Further studies are needed to assess if, when used in combination with other respiratory tests, tongue strength measurement could contribute to identify patients at high risk for respiratory complications.