Can J Neurol Sci
-
Stroke incidence has fallen since 1950. Recent trends suggest that stroke incidence may be stabilizing or increasing. We investigated time trends in stroke occurrence and in-hospital morbidity and mortality in the Calgary Health Region. ⋯ Although age-adjusted stroke occurrence rates were stable from 1994 to 2002, this is associated with both a sharp increase in the absolute number of stroke admissions and decline in proportional in-hospital mortality. Further research is needed into changes in stroke severity over time to understand the causes of declining in-hospital stroke mortality rates.
-
Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Comparison of monitoring techniques for intraoperative cerebral ischemia.
To prospectively compare somatosensory evoked potentials, electroencephalography (EEG) and transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) for detection of cerebral ischemia during carotid endarterectomy (CEA). ⋯ A >50% decrease in the cortically generated P25 amplitude of the median somatosensory evoked potentials, which persisted during the entire period of internal carotid artery occlusion, appears to be the most reliable method of monitoring for intraoperative ischemia in our hands because it accurately detected both intraoperative strokes with no false positive or false negative results.
-
Clinical Trial
Thalamic deep brain stimulation for essential tremor: recommendations for long-term outcome analysis.
Determine the efficacy of thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) for tremor control among individuals with essential tremor (ET). ⋯ Thalamic DBS is generally a well-tolerated and effective treatment for ET. Methodological and analytical recommendations are provided for the evaluation of long-term outcome.
-
Determine relative frequency of recurrent headache (HA) types in children and adolescents referred to a pediatric neurologist. ⋯ Tension-type headache and migraine frequently co-exist and may represent a distinct headache type, at least in children; the association will likely influence response of affected children and adolescents to specific migraine treatments in clinical trials or practice.
-
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is increasingly used to treat a variety of neurological conditions (e.g. movement disorders and chronic pain). This prospective study was designed to detect electrocardiogram (ECG) artifacts induced by deep brain stimulation and to investigate which factors (patient disease, electrode position within the brain or type of stimulation) produced these artifacts. ⋯ Deep brain stimulation can cause ECG artifacts when monopolar settings are used. These artifacts are not present with bipolar settings or when the DBS is turned 'off'. Knowledge of these potential ECG artifacts and how to avoid them is essential to facilitate accurate ECG interpretation.