Journal of neurology
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Journal of neurology · Mar 1989
Haemodilution with dextran 40 and hydroxyethyl starch and its effect on cerebral microcirculation.
The effect of haemodilution with Ringer's solution, hydroxyethyl starch (HAES) 200/0.5 10% and dextran 40 on cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured in ten cats by means of the hydrogen clearance technique. As expected from theoretical considerations the haemodilution effect was short and not significant with Ringer's solution, but was 25% with HAES and 35% with dextrane 40. The corresponding rise in CBF was significant in both the latter but not with Ringer's solution. ⋯ The different effects of the substances on CBF could all be explained by their different effects on the Hct. Data analysis, together with recent literature, suggests that the dominating factor determining CBF was the O2-transport capacity, which in these experiments was in close relation to Hct. The results support the assumption that the increase of CBF by haemodilution is caused by a regulatory mechanism and not by a change of rheological parameters.
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Journal of neurology · Feb 1989
Case ReportsEffect of cannabinoids on spasticity and ataxia in multiple sclerosis.
The chronic motor handicaps of a 30-year-old multiple sclerosis patient acutely improved while he smoked a marihuana cigarette. This effect was quantitatively assessed by means of clinical rating, electromyographic investigation of the leg flexor reflexes and electromagnetic recording of the hand action tremor. It is concluded that cannabinoids may have powerful beneficial effects on both spasticity and ataxia that warrant further evaluation.
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Journal of neurology · Mar 1988
Case ReportsChronic intractable pain: an atypical presentation of multiple sclerosis.
Both acute paroxysmal pains and a variety of chronic pain syndromes have been described in multiple sclerosis. These usually occur in the setting of well-established disease. ⋯ We report the cases of three patients in whom refractory continuous pain signalled the onset of demyelinating disease. These observations further define the clinical spectrum of multiple sclerosis and have implications for the evaluation of patients with chronic neuropathic pains of unknown etiology.
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Journal of neurology · Apr 1987
Case ReportsSpinal epidural lipomatosis: report of a case secondary to hypothyroidism and review of literature.
Epidural lipomatosis usually occurs as a complication of steroid therapy. This report includes the first description of a case secondary to hypothyroidism. Adults in all age groups can be affected and present with progressive signs and symptoms of spinal cord or cauda equina compression. ⋯ Extensive decompressive laminectomy is useful but the results are variable. Correction of underlying endocrine abnormality can reverse the process. The need for early diagnosis of this disorder is therefore emphasized.
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The case is reported of a patient with a rectus abdominis syndrome. Attention is drawn to the possibility that patients with abdominal pain, in whom no intra-abdominal cause is found, may suffer from this presumed nerve entrapment syndrome. No surgery is required and therapy can be simple.