Neurol Neurochir Pol
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Neurol Neurochir Pol · Jan 2003
[The importance of transcranial Doppler (TDC) in the assessment of cerebrovascular hemodynamics of the acute phase of ischemic stroke].
Most recent studies on transcranial Doppler (TCD) in the acute phase of ischemic stroke are reviewed in this paper. TCD is a highly sensitive and specific method of quick, bedside assessment of cerebrovascular circulation hemodynamics in the acute phase of ischemic stroke. ⋯ Moreover, first clinical reports on an additive effect of TCD on thrombolytic therapy are presented. The main limitations of TCD include the lack of sufficient bone window in 5-15% of patients and the lack of sufficiently trained staff capable of performing the examination a 24 h duty, since results of the examination to a large degree depend on the examiner's skills.
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Neurol Neurochir Pol · Nov 2002
Review[Restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movements in sleep: clinical features, epidemiology, diagnosis].
In this review article we summarise the clinical features, epidemiology and differential diagnosis of the Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and Periodic Limb Movements in Sleep (PLMS). RLS and PLMS belong to the most common causes which disturb sleep, and the RLS prevalence in the general population is estimated to range from 5 to 15%. The RLS is encountered in 10-20% of patients presenting with a problem of initiating and maintaining sleep, and in over 10% of patients with excessive daytime sleepiness. ⋯ PLMS are accompanied by usually short awakenings or transient arousals as demonstrated by sleep LEG resulting in sleep disruption. In establishing the diagnosis of RLS/PLMS idiopathic and secondary forms should be distinguished, and in particular, a number of other conditions (e.g. uremia or iron-deficiency) need to be ruled out. The clinical diagnosis of the RLS is based on the criteria of The International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group, and the most useful laboratory support is gained from all-night polysomnography and high-resolution actography.
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Tumours of the brachial plexus according to present classification are included to soft tissue tumours. Because of rare occurrence of these tumours diagnostic and operative experience is relatively small. There is also a few number of publications regarding tumours of the brachial plexus. ⋯ Benign tumours of the brachial plexus can be effectively surgically treated using microsurgical techniques and, if necessary, nerve grafting. In case of malignant tumours many authors also recommend surgery with optimal sparing of the brachial plexus function and subsequent radio and chemotherapy. Low number A few cases in our series makes impossible to draw any epidemiological conclusions.
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The paper is a review of current experience with use of gabapentin--a new antiepileptic drug--in neurologic conditions others than epilepsy. Mechanism of action of the drug is not fully elucidated yet. ⋯ Clinical studies of gabapentin in movement disorders, such as Parkinson disease, essential tremor and atrophic lateral sclerosis are discussed in the paper. It can be summarized that gabapentin is a valuable medication and the use thereof in neurology is not limited to epilepsy.
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Neurol Neurochir Pol · Sep 2002
[Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients with dysphagia. A preliminary report].
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) has been proposed as symptomatic treatment of dysphagia in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. The aim of our study was to assess the safety and complications and survival after PEG implantations in 13 ALS patients. We discuss the factors related to survival in two groups: dead (6 out of 13 patients) and alive (7 out of 13) after PEG implantations. We demonstrate that the PEG procedure is quite safe and forced vital capacity (FVC) is a major factor related to survival after PEG implantation in studied patients.