Clinical neurophysiology : official journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology
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In cochlear implant recipients, the threshold of the electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP) has been shown to correlate with the perceptual detection threshold and maximum comfortable loudness levels (respectively, T- and C-levels) used for implant programming. Our general objective was to model the relationship between ECAP threshold and T/C-levels by taking into account their relative changes within each subject. In particular, we were interested in investigating further the validity of ECAP threshold as a predictor of psychophysical levels, depending on intra-cochlear electrode location and time of testing (from 1 to 18 months post-implantation). ⋯ The results suggest that covariation between ECAP thresholds and psychophysics plays a decisive role in the relationship of ECAP threshold with T-, but not with C-level. Therefore, our regression model and the parallel profiles method should both be used for predicting, respectively, the T- and the C-levels. Although the predictability of our regression model seems to be better for middle and apical electrodes, its utilization should be extended to basal electrodes after 6 months' implant use.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Improvement of motor performance and modulation of cortical excitability by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the motor cortex in Parkinson's disease.
To assess the effects of focal motor cortex stimulation on motor performance and cortical excitability in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). ⋯ The present study gives some clues to appraise the role of the primary motor cortex in PD. Clinical improvement induced by rTMS was too short-lasting to consider therapeutic application, but these results support the perspective of the primary motor cortex as a possible target for neuromodulation in PD.
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To study temporal and spatial development of EEG patterns in sporadic and iatrogenic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease patients. ⋯ FIRDA occur at an early stage of CJD and are progressively replaced by the classical PSWC. The EEG patterns of CJD are sensitive to midazolam. The initial EEG changes in iatrogenic CJD are seen at the site of prion exposure.
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To describe a case with night terrors (NT) symptomatic of a thalamic lesion. ⋯ A thalamic dysfunction, disrupting at this level the arousal system, may play a role in provoking NT.
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To disclose a possible effect of duration of pulsed laser heat stimuli on Adelta nociceptor responses, skin temperature profiles, brain evoked potentials and pain perception. ⋯ The shorter stimulus duration shortens receptor activation times and yields a more synchronous afferent volley, thus providing a stronger spatial-temporal summation at central synapses that enhances intensity of first pain and brain potentials. This may prove useful in clinical applications.