Practical neurology
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Practical neurology · Aug 2014
Case ReportsTakotsubo cardiomyopathy following subarachnoid haemorrhage.
A 67-year-old woman was admitted with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage and a 12-lead ECG showed ST segment elevation. Transthoracic echocardiography confirmed akinesis of the left ventricular mid-apical segment, with an ejection fraction of 26%, features characteristic of takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Five days later, we identified thrombus in the apex of the left ventricle. ⋯ Clinicians should suspect takotsubo cardiomyopathy in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage who have an ECG abnormality. Echocardiography is needed to detect the distinctive regional wall motion abnormality. Despite its severity in the acute phase, takotsubo cardiomyopathy is self-limiting and its management is conservative.
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Practical neurology · Aug 2014
ReviewPractical approach to freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease.
Freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease and related disorders is common and very disabling. It usually occurs in the advanced stages, although mild forms may develop earlier. Freezing can occur on turning, in narrow spaces, immediately before reaching a destination, and in stressful situations. ⋯ Assistive devices, such as a wheeled walker sometimes help. Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus may alleviate freezing in the 'off' state. Because of the complexity of freezing, individual patients need a careful assessment-particularly in relation to motor fluctuation-to optimise their treatment.