Journal of the neurological sciences
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This article reviews the definition, epidemiology, and current evidence on pathophysiology, neuroanatomy, clinical features, and treatment of central post-stroke pain.
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To identify the main determinants of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Brazilian stroke survivors. ⋯ Post-stroke depression and disability are consistent determinants of HRQoL in Brazilian stroke patients.
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Perihematomal edema and secondary brain injury may influence the clinical course after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The role of blood pressure (BP) in edema formation in ICH has not been studied sufficiently. We hypothesize that impaired blood pressure regulation (as measured by baroreflex sensitivity) leading to excessive BP fluctuations may enhance perilesional edema. The aims of our study were therefore to explore the effects of impaired baroreflex on edema in acute ICH and to evaluate the effects of perihematomal edema on early neurologic deterioration. ⋯ We found an independent association between decreased baroreflex sensitivity with increased blood pressure fluctuations and relative perihematomal edema in ICH. Moreover, independent effects of relative edema on early neurologic deterioration have been observed.
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Non-linguistic cognitive impairments may limit rehabilitation efficacy in patients with aphasia. The aim of this study was to determine whether post-stroke aphasia was associated with impairments of visuo-spatial working memory and abstract thinking and whether these deficits adversely affected language recovery. ⋯ Even though the patients' non-linguistic cognitive abilities were impaired in general, the patients were heterogeneous with regard to their deficits. Linguistic and non-linguistic deficits appeared to be distinct, although they could be concurrent. Visuo-spatial working memory was associated with the degree of improvement in two functions crucial to language communication: naming and comprehension. No relationship was found between language therapy outcome and abstract thinking ability.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
New approach to the rehabilitation of post-stroke focal cognitive syndrome: effect of levodopa combined with speech and language therapy on functional recovery from aphasia.
Few studies confirm that pharmacological treatments support post-stroke recovery. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the combination of levodopa with language therapy improves aphasia rehabilitation. ⋯ Supplementing language therapy with levodopa may improve recovery from aphasia in patients with frontal lesions.