Mayo Clinic proceedings
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Mayo Clinic proceedings · Feb 2003
ReviewNeurostimulation therapy for epilepsy: current modalities and future directions.
Neurostimulation is a recent development in the treatment of epilepsy. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), the only approved neurostimulation therapy for epilepsy to date, has proved to be a viable adjunctive treatment option. The exact mechanism of action of VNS is not fully understood. ⋯ Vagus nerve stimulation is best viewed as an option for patients who are not surgical candidates or who hesitate to take the risk of surgery yet continue to have seizures despite maximal medical therapy. Stimulation of other regions of the central nervous system for treating epilepsy, including the anterior and centromedian nuclei of the thalamus, the hippocampus, the subthalamic nucleus, and the cerebral neocortex, is currently under investigation. We review the history, proposed mechanisms of action, clinical trials, adverse effects, and future direction of VNS and other modalities of neurostimulation therapy for epilepsy.
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Mayo Clinic proceedings · Feb 2003
Biography Historical ArticleRichard J. Roberts--Nobel Laureate for discovery of split genes.
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Mayo Clinic proceedings · Feb 2003
ReviewTwo words to improve physician-patient communication: what else?
The medical interview is the physician's initial and perhaps most important diagnostic procedure, but physicians vary in their abilities and skills in physician-patient communication. Information gathering, relationship building, and patient education are the 3 essential functions of the medical interview. ⋯ This, in turn, can improve health outcomes, patient compliance, and patient satisfaction and may decrease malpractice claims. Physicians can improve their communication skills through continuing education and practice.