Clinical neurophysiology : official journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology
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To investigate whether cool-evoked potentials (CEP) elicited by brisk innocuous cooling of the skin could serve as an alternative to laser-evoked potentials (LEP), currently considered as the best available neurophysiological tool to assess the spinothalamic tract and diagnose neuropathic pain. ⋯ CEPs can be a complementary tool to the recording of LEPS for assessing the function of small-diameter Aδ-fibers and the spinothalamic tract.
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To assess inter-rater agreement on EEG-reactivity (EEG-R) in comatose patients and compare it with a quantitative method (QEEG-R). ⋯ Clinicians should be cautious when using the traditional, qualitative method, in particular in end-of-life decisions. Implementation of the quantitative method in clinical practice may improve reliability of reactivity assessments.
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To investigate test-retest reliability of contact heat evoked potentials (CHEPs) from lower extremities using two different stimulation protocols, i.e., normal and increased baseline temperature. ⋯ This study highlights the usability of CHEPs as a viable diagnostic method to study small fiber integrity.
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To determine the comparative diagnostic characteristics of neuropathy measures in an obese population. ⋯ Specific combinations of tests should be used for research studies to maximize diagnostic performance in obese cohorts.
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We assessed sleep patterns in 85 patients with chronic disorders of consciousness (DOC) in order to reveal any relationship with the degree of the impairment. ⋯ PSG is a simple and effective technique, and sleep patterns may reflect the degree of impairment in chronic DOC patients.