Analgesic efficacy of a portable, disposable, and self-applied transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation device during migraine attacks: A real-life randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of a portable, disposable, and home self-applied transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) device during migraine attacks. BACKGROUND: TENS has been used as a noninvasive treatment for migraine, but there are no reports on the outcomes following use of this treatment option for use at home during migraine attacks. DESIGN AND METHODS: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted over 3 months, with monthly assessments. Active placebos (sham group) were in place and were allocated at a 1:1 ratio. Adult patients who had been diagnosed with migraine by a specialist were included. Pain intensity levels and functional disability were measured before and after the 20-min self-applied TENS intervention during the migraine attacks. RESULTS: Seventy-four participants were randomly allocated to the sham and intervention groups. Although both groups of subjects reported lower pain scores, the intervention group showed a statistically significant reduction in pain scores compared to the sham group. CONCLUSION: In our controlled trial, the use of a self-applied, TENS device is safe and effective in relieving pain associated with migraine attacks. Participants in the intervention group showed a statistically significant improvement in pain and functional disability scores. TENS has been used as a noninvasive treatment for migraine, but there are no reports on the outcomes following use of this treatment option for use at home during migraine attacks. This double-blind, randomized controlled trial had 2 groups: active-placebo and intervention. Seventy-four participants were randomly allocated. Participants in the intervention group showed a statistically significant improvement in pain and functional disability scores.

Analysis of patients with obstructive sleep apnea with and without pharyngeal myopathy using brain neuroimaging.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Elements impairing upper airway anatomy or muscle function (e.g. pharyngeal neuromyopathy) contribute to obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Structural brain imaging may differ in patients with OSAS according to dilator muscle dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and surface-based morphometry (SBM) was used to investigate this hypothesis. METHODS: Eighteen patients with OSAS and 32 controls underwent 3T brain MRI. T1 volumetric images were used for structural analysis. Pharyngeal electroneuromyography was performed; patients with OSAS were classified as with or without neuromyopathy. VBM and SBM analyses were conducted using SPM12 and CAT12 software. Image processing was standard. Cortical surface parameters and gray and white matter volumes from participants with OSAS with and without neuromyopathy were compared with those from controls. RESULTS: Eleven patients had OSAS with neuromyopathy and seven patients had OSAS without neuromyopathy (normal pharyngeal electroneuromyography). Comparing these groups to the controls, VBM revealed: four clusters (total volume 15,368 mm3) for patients with neuromyopathy, the largest cluster in the left cerebellum (9,263 mm3, p = 0.0001), and three clusters (total 8,971 mm3) for patients without neuromyopathy, the largest cluster in the left cerebellum (5,017 mm3, p = 0.002). Patients with OSAS with neuromyopathy showed increased proportion of atrophy (p < 0.0001). SBM showed abnormalities in patients without neuromyopathy (decreased cortical thickness, left precentral gyrus [672 vertices, p = 0.04]; increased cortical complexity, right middle temporal gyrus [578 vertices, p = 0.032]). CONCLUSION: Damaged areas were larger in patients with OSAS with than in those without neuromyopathy, suggesting differences in brain involvement. Patients with OSAS and neuromyopathy may be more susceptible to cerebral damage.

Intercostal nerve mononeuropathy: study of 14 cases.

This retrospective study describes 14 cases of intercostal nerve mononeuropathy (INM) found in 5,560 electromyography (EMG) exams performed between January 1991 and June 2004 in our University Hospital. Medical charts of all patients with history of thoracic pain and EMG diagnosis of intercostal mononeuropathy were reviewed. INM was detected in 14 patients; etiology was thoracic surgery in 6 (43%), post-herpetic neuropathy in 4 (28%), probable intercostal neuritis in 2 (14%), lung neoplasia in 1 (7%), and radiculopathy in 1 (7%). From this study, trauma and infection were the main etiologies in intercostal neuropathic pain development. Tricyclic antidepressants and anticonvulsants were the most common therapeutic drugs used.

Quantitative EEG evaluation in patients with acute encephalopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of quantitative EEG (qEEG) in patients with acute encephalopathies (AEs) and EEG background abnormalities. METHOD: Patients were divided into favorable outcome (group A, 43 patients) and an unfavorable outcome (group B, 5 patients). EEGLAB software was used for the qEEG analysis. A graphic of the spectral power from all channels was generated for each participant. Statistical comparisons between the groups were performed. RESULTS: In group A, spectral analysis revealed spectral peaks (theta and alpha frequency bands) in 84% (38/45) of the patients. In group B, a spectral peak in the delta frequency range was detected in one patient. The remainder of the patients in both groups did not present spectral peaks. Statistical analysis showed lower frequencies recorded from the posterior electrodes in group B patients. CONCLUSION: qEEG may be useful in the evaluations of patients with AEs by assisting with the prognostic determination.

New guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of insomnia.

The Brazilian Sleep Association brought together specialists in sleep medicine, in order to develop new guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of insomnias. The following subjects were discussed: concepts, clinical and psychosocial evaluations, recommendations for polysomnography, pharmacological treatment, behavioral and cognitive therapy, comorbidities and insomnia in children. Four levels of evidence were envisaged: standard, recommended, optional and not recommended. For diagnosing of insomnia, psychosocial and polysomnographic investigation were recommended. For non-pharmacological treatment, cognitive behavioral treatment was considered to be standard, while for pharmacological treatment, zolpidem was indicated as the standard drug because of its hypnotic profile, while zopiclone, trazodone and doxepin were recommended.

Quantitative EEG evaluation in patients with acute encephalopathy / Analise quantitativa do EEG em pacientes com encefalopatias agudas

Objective To investigate the use of quantitative EEG (qEEG) in patients with acute encephalopathies (AEs) and EEG background abnormalities. Method Patients were divided into favorable outcome (group A, 43 patients) and an unfavorable outcome (group B, 5 patients). EEGLAB software was used for the qEEG analysis. A graphic of the spectral power from all channels was generated for each participant. Statistical comparisons between the groups were performed. Results In group A, spectral analysis revealed spectral peaks (theta and alpha frequency bands) in 84% (38/45) of the patients. In group B, a spectral peak in the delta frequency range was detected in one patient. The remainder of the patients in both groups did not present spectral peaks. Statistical analysis showed lower frequencies recorded from the posterior electrodes in group B patients. Conclusion qEEG may be useful in the evaluations of patients with AEs by assisting with the prognostic determination. .

Objetivos Investigar o uso do EEG quantitativo (qEEG) em pacientes com encefalopatias agudas (EAs ) e anormalidades da atividade de base no EEG. Método s pacientes foram divididos em prognóstico favorável (grupo A, 43 pacientes) e desfavorável (grupo B, 5 pacientes). O programa EEGLAB foi utilizado para a análise do qEEG. Um gráfico da potência espectral de todos os canais foi gerado para cada participante. Os dois grupos foram comparados estatisticamente. Resultados No grupo A, a análise espectral revelou picos (frequências teta e alfa) em 84% (38/45) dos pacientes. No grupo B, um pico espectral na frequência delta foi detectado em um paciente. Os pacientes remanescentes dos dois grupos não apresentaram picos espectrais. A análise estatística mostrou menores frequências registradas nos eletrodos posteriores dos pacientes do grupo B. Conclusão O qEEG pode ser útil na avaliação de pacientes com EAs auxiliando na determinação do prognóstico. .

New guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of insomnia / Novas diretrizes no diagnóstico e tratamento das insônias

The Brazilian Sleep Association brought together specialists in sleep medicine, in order to develop new guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of insomnias. The following subjects were discussed: concepts, clinical and psychosocial evaluations, recommendations for polysomnography, pharmacological treatment, behavioral and cognitive therapy, comorbidities and insomnia in children. Four levels of evidence were envisaged: standard, recommended, optional and not recommended. For diagnosing of insomnia, psychosocial and polysomnographic investigation were recommended. For non-pharmacological treatment, cognitive behavioral treatment was considered to be standard, while for pharmacological treatment, zolpidem was indicated as the standard drug because of its hypnotic profile, while zopiclone, trazodone and doxepin were recommended.

A Associação Brasileira de Sono reuniu especialistas em medicina do sono com o objetivo de desenvolver novas diretrizes no diagnóstico e tratamento das insônias. Nós consideramos quatro níveis de evidência: padrão, recomendado, opcional e não recomendado. Os tópicos abordados foram: conceito, avaliação clínica e psicossocial, indicação da polissonografia, tratamento farmacológico, terapia comportamental cognitiva, comorbidades e insônia na infância. Para o diagnóstico da insônia, foi recomendada uma avaliação psicossocial e a realização da polissonografia, enquanto que no que se refere ao tratamento, foi estabelecido como padrão a indicação da terapia comportamental cognitiva, e, quanto ao tratamento farmacológico, foi indicado o uso do zolpidem como hipnótico padrão, e sendo recomendado o zopiclone, a trazodona e a doxepina.

Síndrome das pernas inquietas: diagnóstico e tratamento: opinião de especialistas brasileiros / Restless legs syndrome: diagnosis and treatment: opinion of Brazilian experts

Este artigo contém as conclusões de reunião de 17-18 de novembro de 2006 do Grupo Brasileiro de Estudo em Síndrome das Pernas Inquietas (GBE-SPI) sobre diagnóstico e tratamento de SPI. Reiterou-se que se trata de condição de diagnóstico exclusivamente clínico, caracterizada por sensação anormal localizada, sobretudo, mas não exclusivamente, em membros inferiores, com piora noturna e alívio por movimentação da parte envolvida. Agentes terapêuticos com eficácia comprovada por estudos classe I são agonistas dopaminérgicos, levodopa e gabapentina enquanto que ácido valpróico de liberação lenta, clonazepam, oxicodona e reposição de ferro têm eficácia sugerida por estudos classe II. As recomendações do GBE-SPI para manejo de SPI primária são medidas de higiene do sono, suspensão de agentes agravantes de SPI, tratamento de comorbidades e agentes farmacológicos. Para estes as drogas de primeira escolha são agentes dopaminérgicos; segunda escolha são gabapentina ou oxicodona; e terceira escolha são clonazepam ou ácido valpróico de liberação lenta.

This article contains the conclusions of the November 17-18, 2006 meeting of the Brazilian Study Group of Restless Legs Syndrome (GBE-SPI) about diagnosis and management of restless legs syndrome (RLS). RLS is characterized by abnormal sensations mostly but not exclusively in the legs which worsen in the evening and are improved by motion of the affected body part. Its diagnosis is solely based on clinical findings. Therapeutic agents with efficacy supported by Class I studies are dopamine agonists, levodopa and gabapentine. Class II studies support the use of slow release valproic acid, clonazepan and oxycodone. The GBE-SPI recommendations for management of SPI are sleep hygiene, withdrawal of medications capable of worsening the condition, treatment of comorbidities and pharmacological agents. The first choice agents are dopaminergic drugs, second choice are gabapentine or oxycodone, and the third choice are clonazepan or slow release valproic acid.

Estudo vídeo-polissonográfico em recém-nascidos de termo pequenos para a idade gestacional / Video-polygraphi-EEg study in the full-term newborn with low birthweight for their gestational age

Analisamos o exame video-polissonográfico de 26 recém-nascidos de termo (RNT) com 24 horas de vida. Os RN tinham exame neurológico e ultrassonográfico cerebral normais e apresentaram período perinatal isento de complicações. Foram subdivididos em dois grupos, um controle constituído de 11 RNT com peso adequado para a idade gestacional; e um grupo de 15 RN com peso abaixo do esperado para o termo (RNT-PIG). Do segundo grupo, 13 RN apresentaram algum tipo de alteração ao exame video-polissonográfico. As alterações mais frequentes foram na arquitetura do sono, 11 casos, e no comportamento, em que oito RN apresentaram número excessivo de sobressaltos ("startle") em relação ao grupo controle e dois RN uma atividade motora reduzida. Os resultados deste estudo demonstram a utilidade da video-polissongrafia quando aplicada a RNT-PIG. O exame mostrou-se sensível em detectar diferenças no comportamento, arquetetura do sono e padrão eletroenfelográfico dos RNT-PIG quando comparados ao grupo controle.

A Experiência da Comissão de Apoio Pedagógico na Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu UNESP / The Experience of the Teaching Support Committee at Botucatu Medical School (UNESP)

Resumo: A Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, dentro de um processo de reforma curricular, organizou a partir de 1989 uma ampla avaliação através de seus docentes, alunos e ex-alunos. Como resultado, integrar disciplinas, introduzir metodologias inovadoras e estender o ensino para outros níveis de atenção médica do município foram as propostas mais contundentes. No início dos anos 90, a parceria da escola com o Programa UNI contribuiu para que a proposta se concretizasse. Em 1995, foi criada a Comissão de Apoio Pedagógica (CAP) para prestar apoio pedagógico aos órgãos colegiados na implementação do novo currículo, referente às inovações metodológicas em ensino, integração de disciplinas e produção de material didático. Para somar às avaliações Já desenvolvidas, a CAP coordenou o Projeto Cinaem. Como estratégia para integração das disciplinas, membros da CAP e docentes do ciclo básico organizaram dois módulos do atual primeiro ano de Medicina, introduzindo o método de ensino baseado em problemas (PBL). A filosofia do ensino ativo, centrado no aluno, norteou a proposta.

Abstract: Since 1989, as part of a process of curricular reform, Botucatu Medical School has been conducting extensive evaluation by way of faculty members, students and alumni: The most conspicuous outcomes are decisions to integrate subjects, introduce new and innovative methodologies and extend teaching to other levels of medical care in the municipality. This program was made possible partly by a partnership set up in the early nineties between the Medical School and the UNI Program. In 1995 the Teaching Support Committee (CAP) was set up to provide teaching support to the groups involved in implementing this new curriculum, as regards innovation in teaching methodology, integration among disciplines and production of teaching materials. To complement the existing evaluations, the CAP coordinated the Cinaem Project. As a strategy for integrating displines, members of the committee and professors of the foundation course, organized two modules of the present first year of Medicine, introducing Problem Basie Learning. The proposal was informed by the notion of active student-centered learning.

Estudo cefalométrico em pacientes com distúrbios ventilatórios obstrutivos do sono / Cephalometric study of patients with respiratory sleep disorders

O presente estudo visa a analisar aspectos cefalométricos de pacientes com diagnóstico polissonográfico de roncopatia e Síndrome da Apnéia-Hipopnéia Obstrutiva do Sono (SAHOS), identificar as características craniofaciais potencialmente predisponentes e estudar padrões cefalométricos eventualmente associados à severidade desses distúrbios. Participaram 46 pacientes do sexo masculino. Foram tomadas telerradiografias de perfil de todos os pacientes, sobre as quais se procedeu análise cefalométrica que permitiu avaliar as posições de partes ósseas (maxila, mandíbula e osso hióide) e tecidos moles (palato mole, base de língua e parede posterior da faringe). Os traçados cefalométricos foram estudados quanto a medidas lineares e angulares significativas para avaliação das vias aéreas superiores. Para comparação entre os achados cefalométricos e quadro clínico, de forma a permitir análise estatística, os pacientes foram divididos em 3 grupos: SAHOS acentuada (Grupo 1), SAHOS leve e moderada (Grupo 2) e roncopatia (Grupo 3). As variações anatômicas mais observadas relacionaram-se a aumento no comprimento do palato mole, posicionamento rebaixado do osso hióide e tendência a crescimento vertical excessivo. Não foi possível identificar diferenças no padrão cefalométrico de pacientes com diferentes níveis de severidade de distúrbios ventilatórios obstrutivos do sono.

Miopatia do multicore: análise histoquímica de uma família / Multicore disease: histochemical analysis of a family

Neste trabalho os autores descrevem três casos de miopatia do multicore na mesma família. O caso 1 corresponde a um paciente de 77 anos, com fraqueza e atrofias proximais, hipotonia e hiporreflexia profunda globais. Estudos da cnduçäo nervosa sensitiva e motora foram normais nos quatro membros. A eletromiografia revelou padräo miopático, com atividade espontânea frequênte, tipo fibrilaçöes e ondas agudas positivas. As reaçöes histoquímicas mostraram alteraçöes oxidativas típicas de miopatia do multicore. Os casos 2 e 3 correspondem a filho e filha do paciente 1, respectivamente. Estes dois casos eram assintomáticos, mas apresentavam discretas alteraçöes eletromiográficas e à biópsia de músculo. Os três pacientes ilustram a grande variabilidade clínica desta entidade