Clinical neurophysiology : official journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology
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Recently, the extended brain symmetry index (BSI) was introduced to assist the visual interpretation of the EEG, in particular to quantify both the spatial (left-right) and the temporal spectral characteristics. The BSI has found application in monitoring during carotid endarterectomy, acute stroke and focal seizure detection. Here, we present additional relevant characteristics and a slightly modified version of this index, simulating its behavior as may occur in various clinical conditions, with an emphasis on the detection of cerebral ischaemia. ⋯ qEEG assists in a more objective interpretation of the EEG, and is relevant in neuromonitoring.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of pinching-evoked pain on jaw-stretch reflexes and exteroceptive suppression periods in healthy subjects.
To investigate the influence of conditioning cutaneous nociceptive inputs by a new "pinch" model on the jaw-stretch reflex and the exteroceptive suppression periods (ES1 and ES2) in jaw muscles. ⋯ The novel observation that high-intensity pinch stimuli applied to the craniofacial region fail to modulate two different brainstem reflexes is in contrast to other experimental pain studies documented facilitation of the jaw-stretch reflexes or inhibition of exteroceptive suppression periods. The clinical implication of the present findings is that only some craniofacial pain conditions could be expected to show perturbation of the brainstem reflex responses.
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Comparative Study
Evaluation of atrophy of foot muscles in diabetic neuropathy -- a comparative study of nerve conduction studies and ultrasonography.
To evaluate the relation between the findings at nerve conduction studies and the size of small foot muscles determined by ultrasonography. ⋯ In diabetic patients motor nerve conduction studies can reliably determine the size of small foot muscles.
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Emergency situations require a rapid and precise diagnostic approach. However, the exact role and value of the electroencephalogram (EEG) in emergent conditions have yet to be clearly defined. Our objective was to determine why clinicians order an emergency EEG, to assess to what extent it helps establish a correct diagnosis and to evaluate the result it has on subsequent patient management. ⋯ After 50 years of development and use in daily practice, the EEG remains a dependable, inexpensive and useful diagnostic tool in a number of clearly-defined emergency situations.
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To explore the significance of intra-operative motor evoked potentials (MEPs) obtained by monopolar and bipolar stimulation in determining the location of the electrode(s) giving most pain relief in chronic motor cortex stimulation (MCS). ⋯ Intra-operative MEP recordings can predict which electrode should be used as the cathode to obtain the best analgesic effect with chronic MCS.