Neurology
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Short latency somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) (N20) is a good predictor of poor outcome in postanoxic coma. It has been suggested that the long latency response (N70) may increase the sensitivity of SSEPs for predicting poor outcome. ⋯ Determination of presence or absence of the N70 in patients with postanoxic coma gives additional information about the likelihood of poor outcome, but it is not precise enough to base treatment decisions solely on its absence.
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To systematically review outcomes in comatose survivors after cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). ⋯ Pupillary light response, corneal reflexes, motor responses to pain, myoclonus status epilepticus, serum neuron-specific enolase, and somatosensory evoked potential studies can reliably assist in accurately predicting poor outcome in comatose patients after cardiopulmonary resuscitation for cardiac arrest.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A double-blind, controlled study of botulinum toxin A in chronic myofascial pain.
Recent studies have reported a potential analgesic effect of botulinum toxin A (BTXA) in musculoskeletal pain. The present double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel clinical trial studied the effect of BTXA on pain from muscle trigger points and on EMG activity at rest and during voluntary contraction. ⋯ The results do not support a specific antinociceptive and analgesic effect of botulinum toxin A.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Sodium valproate vs phenytoin in status epilepticus: a pilot study.
Sixty-eight patients with convulsive status epilepticus (SE) were randomly assigned to two groups to study the efficacy of sodium valproate (VPA) and phenytoin (PHT). Seizures were aborted in 66% in the VPA group and 42% in the PHT group. ⋯ The side effects in the two groups did not differ. Sodium valproate may be preferred in convulsive SE because of its higher efficacy.