Cómo enseñar neurología con el método de aprendizaje basado en equipo / How to Teach Neurology Using the Team-Based Learning Method

Introducción: La enseñanza de la neurología se ha enfrentado a dificultades hoy en día, por lo que ha surgido el término neurofobia, que caracteriza la dificultad y el miedo que los estudiantes de medicina refieren en todo el mundo cuando se trata del contenido de la neurología. Los estudios han demostrado que las estrategias elegidas tradicionalmente para la enseñanza son las principales causas de este fenómeno. La opción de metodologías como el aprendizaje basado en equipo representa una solución en este contexto. Objetivo: Argumentar cómo se implementa el Aprendizaje Basado en Equipo, sus características y cómo puede desarrollarse la enseñanza de neurología mediante este método. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión integradora, a través de la base de datos ERIC, MEDLINE, PUBMED y EBSCO, y mediante las palabras Aprendizaje, Estrategias de enseñanza, Aprendizaje en Equipo, neurología y Examen neurológico, entre 2002 y 2019. Los estudios se incluyeron si trataban sobre el beneficio del método de Aprendizaje Basado en Equipo de neurología, sus características y principios. Resultados: Se encontraron 14 artículos y revisiones sistemáticas, en los cuales el método se definió en cuanto a sus principios y beneficios para el Aprendizaje en neurología, lo que reiteró su papel como una solución para contextos en los que resultaba difícil aprender estos contenidos. Conclusiones: La aplicación de este método requiere, según la revisión, una adecuada planificación y desarrollo de instrumentos de evaluación. Los beneficios del método son evidentes, incluso, como una opción en la lucha contra la neurofobia(AU)

Introduction: Neurology teaching has faced difficulties nowadays, the reason why the term neurophobia has emerged, used to characterize any difficulty and fear that medical students worldwide report when it comes to Neurology-related content. Studies have shown that traditionally chosen teaching strategies are the main causes for this phenomenon. Methodological choices, such as team-based learning, represents a solution in this context. Objective: To argue how team-based learning is implemented, its characteristics and how Neurology teaching can be developed using this method. Methods: An integrative review was carried out, between 2002 and 2019, in the ERIC, MEDLINE, PUBMED and EBSCO databases, using the words aprendizaje [learning], estrategias de enseñanza [teaching strategies], aprendizaje en equipo [team learning], neurología [neurology] and examen neurológico [neurological examination]. The studies were included if they dealt with the benefit of the neurology team-based learning method, its characteristics and principles. Results: Fourteen articles and systematic reviews were found, in which the method was defined in terms of its principles and benefits for neurology learning, which reinforced its role as a solution for settings in which it was difficult to learn these contents. Conclusions: The application of this method requires, according to the literature review, adequate planning and development of evaluation instruments. The benefits of the method are evident, even as an option in the fight against neurophobia(AU)

No todo dolor de codo es epicondilitis / Not every elbow pain is epicondylitis

Pain located in the lateral aspect of the elbow is a common cause of consultation in the trauma consultation. The most common cause is "lateral epicondylitis," however there are several differential diagnoses that may require different management. There is a case of radial tunnel syndrome secondary to extrinsic compression, with an emphasis on its diagnosis and surgical technique.

Evaluation of clinical, epidemiological and electrophysiological variables for early diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis / Avaliação de variáveis clínicas, epidemiológicas e eletrofisiológicas para diagnóstico precoce da esclerose lateral amiotrófica

Motor neuron disease (MND) is a systemic disease with a broad clinical spectrum. It is characterized by primary involvement of the lower or upper motor neuron (UMN), or both, simultaneously, represented by the most common form, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is rapidly progressive and fatal disease that evolve to death due to respiratory failure, on average, in three to five years since the onset of symptoms. This fact attends to the early and correct diagnosis of the disease. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical, epidemiological and electrophysiological variables for the early diagnosis of ALS. METHODS: This is an observational, descriptive and retrospective study, conducted from the collect of the database, in which the variables were submitted to statistical analysis: Mann-Whitney test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: When correlating clinical, epidemiological and electrophysiological findings of patients with ALS and other forms of MND, the variables: age of onset of symptoms (P=0,02) hyperreflexia (P=0,001), presence of bulbar symptoms/signs (P<0,001), pathological reflexes (P=0.001), and presence of fasciculation in electromyography (P=0,001) presented statistical significance for the diagnosis of ALS. CONCLUSION: Despite the small sample size, the findings reinforce the importance of well- done neurological examination, to search for signs of involvement of the UMN, in the first evaluation of patients with suspected MND. And that more research is needed to better understand the different phenotypes of the disease in order to obtain an increasingly early diagnosis to offer improvements in the quality of life of these patients

A doença do neurônio motor (DNM) é uma doença sistêmica com amplo espectro clínico. É caracterizada pelo envolvimento primário do neurônio motor inferior ou superior (NMS), ou ambos, simultaneamente, representados pela forma mais comum de esclerose lateral amiotrófica (ELA). A ELA é uma doença rapidamente progressiva e fatal que evolui para óbito devido à insuficiência respiratória, em média, em três a cinco anos desde o início dos sintomas. Esse fato atenta ao diagnóstico precoce e correto da doença. OBJETIVO: Avaliar variáveis clínicas, epidemiológicas e eletrofisiológicas para o diagnóstico precoce de ELA. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional, descritivo e retrospectivo, realizado a partir da coleta do banco de dados, no qual as variáveis foram submetidas a análises estatísticas: teste de Mann-Whitney e teste exato de Fisher. RESULTADOS: Ao correlacionar achados clínicos, epidemiológicos e eletrofisiológicos de pacientes com ELA e outras formas de DNM, as variáveis: idade de início dos sintomas (P=0,02) hiperreflexia (P=0,001), presença de sintomas/sinais bulbares (P<0,001), reflexos patológicos (P=0,001) e presença de fasciculação na eletromiografia (P=0,001) apresentaram significância estatística para o diagnóstico de ELA. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar do pequeno tamanho da amostra, os achados reforçam a importância do exame neurológico bem feito, na busca de sinais de envolvimento da NMS, na primeira avaliação de pacientes com suspeita de DMN. E que são necessárias mais pesquisas para melhor entendimento dos diferentes fenótipos da doença, a fim de obter um diagnóstico cada vez mais precoce para oferecer melhorias na qualidade de vida desses pacientes

Predictive value of the general movements assessment in preterm infants: a meta-analysis / Valor preditivo da general movements assessment na avaliação neurológica de recém-nascidos pré-termo: uma metanálise

ABSTRACT Objective: To discuss the predictive value of the General Movements Assessment for the diagnosis of neurodevelopment disorders in preterm newborns. Data source: We conducted a systematic literature review using the following databases: Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health (PubMed), and Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE). The articles were filtered by language, year of publication, population of interest, use of Prechtl's Method on the Qualitative Assessment of General Movements, and presence of variables related to the predictive value. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 was used to assess the methodology of the included studies. Sensitivity, specificity, Diagnostic Odds Ratio, positive and negative likelihood ratio, and parameter of accuracy were calculated. Data synthesis: Six of 342 articles were included. The evaluation of Writhing Movements is a good indicator for recognizing cerebral palsy, as it has high values for the sensitivity and accuracy parameters. The evaluation of Fidgety Movements has the strongest predictive validity for cerebral palsy, as it has high values in all measures of diagnostic accuracy. The quality assessment shows high risk of bias for patient selection and flow and timing of the evaluation. Therefore, the scale has potential to detect individuals with neurodevelopment disorders. However, the studies presented limitations regarding the selection of subjects and the assessment of neurological outcomes. Conclusions: Despite the high predictive values of the tool to identify neurological disorders, research on the subject is required due to the heterogeneity of the current studies.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar o valor preditivo da General Movements Assessment para o diagnóstico de alterações do neurodesenvolvimento em recém-nascidos pré-termo. Fonte de dados: Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática da literatura utilizando as bases de dados: Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health (PubMed) e Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE). Os artigos foram filtrados por idioma, ano de publicação, população de interesse, utilização do Método Prechtl de avaliação e presença das variáveis relacionadas ao valor preditivo da escala. O Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 foi utilizado para avaliar a metodologia dos artigos. Foi realizado o cálculo de sensibilidade, especificidade, Diagnostic Odds Ratio, razão de verossimilhanças positiva e negativa e parâmetro de acurácia. Síntese dos dados: Foram incluídos seis artigos dentre os 342 encontrados. A escala, quando realizada no período Writhing Movements, possui bom poder discriminativo para o desfecho paralisia cerebral, com valores elevados de sensibilidade e acurácia. Quando realizada no período Fidgety Movements, possui maior valor preditivo para paralisia cerebral, com valores elevados em todas as medidas de acurácia diagnóstica. O risco de viés foi considerado elevado na seleção de pacientes e no fluxo e momento da avaliação. Desse modo, a escala tem potencial para detectar indivíduos que evoluíram com alterações do neurodesenvolvimento, porém, os artigos apresentaram limitações quanto à seleção dos sujeitos e à forma de avaliação do desfecho neurológico. Conclusões: Apesar dos altos valores preditivos descritos para identificação de alterações neurológicas, novas pesquisas são necessárias, devido à heterogeneidade dos estudos e ao método de avaliação a longo prazo do neurodesenvolvimento.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder in a patient with SCA type 1 / Transtorno obsessivo compulsivo em um paciente com SCA tipo 1

For many years, the cerebellum was thought to be only responsible for balance, movement, planning and execution. Nowadays, it is well accepted that most cerebellar connections are involved in non-motor functions. Herein, we provide a case report in which a 27-year-old Brazilian male, diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), has demonstrated cerebellar features that could be connected to Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA-1), an autosomal dominant polyglutamine neurodegenerative disorder that had been previously ruled out. Since obsessive compulsive symptoms (OCS) are known to correlate with alterations in the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuitry, we propose a possible association between OCS and SCA onset.

Durante muitos anos, o cerebelo foi considerado responsável exclusivamente pelo controle das funções de equilíbrio, movimento, planejamento e execução. Atualmente, já está consagrada a participação das conexões cerebelares em funções não-motoras. Apresentamos um relato de caso de um paciente de 27 anos de idade, diagnosticado com Transtorno Obsessivo-Compulsivo (TOC). O paciente apresentava sintomas cerebelares compatíveis com o diagnóstico de ataxia espinocerebelar tipo 1 (SCA-1), um distúrbio da poliglutamina, autossômico dominante neurodegenerativo, que havia sido previamente descartado. Como os sintomas obsessivos compulsivos (SOC) são conhecidos por correlacionar-se com alterações nos circuitos cortico-estriato-tálamo-cortical, propomos uma possível associação entre o SOC e o início da SCA.

Utilização de monofilamentos para avaliação sensorial em pacientes com sequela de Acidente Vascular Encefálico (AVE) - uma revisão sistemática / Use of monofilaments for sensory evaluation in patients with sequelae of stroke - a systematic review

FUNDAMENTO: A estesiometria é um teste quantitativo para avaliar o desempenho tátil sensorial, verificar o grau de sensibilidade cutânea por meio dos monofilamentos de nylon ao toque leve e à pressão. OBJETIVO: Verificar a utilização dos monofilamentos como instrumento de avaliação da sensibilidade de pacientes com sequela de AVE na literatura. MÉTODO: Estudo de revisão sistemática, realizado com artigos indexados na base de dados PubMed, Lilacs e Scielo, sem limitação por data de publicação, sendo a busca realizada no mês de outubro de 2018. RESULTADOS: Foram elencados dezessete estudos, após análise destes, nove foram excluídos por não preencherem os critérios de inclusão, e oito foram lidos na íntegra. Após leitura dos artigos, foram obtidos os dados referentes a: número da amostra, instrumentos de avaliação, se houve ou não intervenção, e a conclusão do estudo. CONCLUSÃO: Por mais promissor que seja o uso dos monofilamentos para avaliação sensorial, esta revisão mostrou que existem poucos estudos avaliando os pacientes com sequela de AVE com este método de avaliação, principalmente estudos clínicos.

BACKGROUND:The esthesiometry is a quantitative test to evaluate the tactile sensory performance, to verify the degree of cutaneous sensitivity through nylon monofilaments to light touch and pressure. OBJECTIVE: To verify the use of monofilaments as a tool to assess the sensitivity of patients with a sequel to stroke in the literature. METHOD: A systematic review study was carried out with articles indexed in the PubMed, Lilacs and Scielo database, without limitation by date of publication. The search was carried out in October 2018. RESULTS: Seventeen studies were analyzed, after analyzing nine were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria, and eight were read in full. After reading the articles, data were obtained regarding: sample number, evaluation instruments, whether or not there was intervention, and the conclusion of the study. CONCLUSION: As promising as it may be the use of monofilaments for sensory evaluation, this review showed that there are few studies evaluating patients with sequelae of stroke with this method of evaluation, mainly clinical studies.

Associação de meningite e pericardite na doença pneumocócica invasiva: um caso raro / Association of meningitis and pericarditis in invasive pneumococcal disease: a rare case

RESUMO Objetivo: Relatar um caso raro de uma criança com meningite associada a pericardite na doença pneumocócica invasiva. Descrição do caso: Este relato descreve uma evolução clínica desfavorável de um lactente feminino de 6 meses de idade, previamente hígido, que apresentou inicialmente sintomas respiratórios e febre. A radiografia de tórax revelou um aumento da área cardíaca sem alterações radiográficas nos pulmões. Após a identificação do derrame pericárdico, o paciente apresentou convulsões e entrou em coma. Pneumonia foi descartada durante a investigação clínica. Contudo, foi identificado Streptococcus pneumoniae nas culturas de líquor e sangue. O exame neurológico inicial foi compatível com morte encefálica, posteriormente confirmada pelo protocolo. Comentários: A pericardite purulenta tornou-se uma complicação rara da doença pneumocócica invasiva desde o advento da terapia antibiótica. Pacientes com pneumonia extensa são primariamente predispostos e, mesmo com tratamento adequado e precoce, estão sujeitos a altas taxas de mortalidade. A associação de meningite pneumocócica e pericardite é incomum e, portanto, de difícil diagnóstico. Por isso, uma alta suspeição diagnóstica é necessária para instituir o tratamento precoce e aumentar a sobrevida.

ABSTRACT Objective: To report a rare case of a child with invasive pneumococcal disease that presented meningitis associated with pericarditis. Case description: This report describes the unfavorable clinical course of a previously healthy 6-months-old female infant who initially presented symptoms of fever and respiratory problems. A chest X-ray revealed an increased cardiac area with no radiographic changes in the lungs. After identifying a pericardial effusion, the patient experienced seizures and went into coma. Pneumonia was excluded as a possibility during the clinical investigation. However, Streptococcus pneumoniae was identified in the cerebrospinal fluid and blood cultures. An initial neurological examination showed that the patient was brain dead, which was then later confirmed according to protocol. Comments: Purulent pericarditis has become a rare complication of invasive pneumococcal disease since the advent of antibiotic therapy. Patients with extensive pneumonia are primarily predisposed and, even with early and adequate treatment, are prone to high mortality rates. The association of pneumococcal meningitis and pericarditis is uncommon, and therefore difficult to diagnose. As such, diagnostic suspicion must be high in order to institute early treatment and increase survival.

Dementia and behavioral disorders in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) ­ case report / Demência e alterações comportamentais na leucoencefalopatia multifocal progressive (LEMP) ­ relato de caso

Psychiatric disturbances in Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) are rarely adressed and its study can offer insights into the neurobiology of psychosis. The authors report a case of male patient, 42 years old, HIV positive, with PML and psychotic symptoms. The present case shows the need for regular neurological and neuropsychological evaluations of HIV positive patients and the importance of studying diseases that cause lesions in the white matter,such as PML, to elucidate the neurobiology of psychosis.(AU)

Os distúrbios psiquiátricos na Leucoencefalopatia Multifocal Progressiva (LEMP) raramente são abordados e seu estudo pode oferecer insights sobre a neurobiologia da psicose. Os autores relatam caso de paciente do sexo masculino, 42 anos, HIV positivo, com LEMP e sintomas psicóticos. O caso apresentado evidencia a necessidade de realização regular de avaliações neurológicas e neuropsicológicas de pacientes HIV positivos e a importância de se estudar doenças que causam lesões na substância branca, como a LEMP, para elucidar a neurobiologia da psicose.(AU)

The general movement assessment in non-European low- and middle-income countries

ABSTRACT Abnormal general movements are among the most reliable markers for cerebral palsy. General movements are part of the spontaneous motor repertoire and are present from early fetal life until the end of the first half year after term. In addition to its high sensitivity (98%) and specificity (91%), the assessment of general movements is non-invasive and time- and cost-efficient. It is therefore ideal for assessing the integrity of the young nervous system, most notably in lowresource settings. Studies on the general movements assessment in low- and middle-income countries such as China, India, Iran, or South Africa are still rare but increasing. In Brazil, too, researchers have demonstrated that the evaluation of general movements adds to the functional assessment of the young nervous system. Applying general movements assessment in vulnerable populations in Brazil is therefore highly recommended.

Polineuropatia periférica na doença de Parkinson: prevalência e fatores de risco em uma amostra na cidade de Campina Grande - PB / Peripheral neuropathy in Parkinson's disease: prevalence and risk factors in a sample of Campina Grande city - Paraíba

Polineuropatia periférica (PNP) tem sido descrita na doença de Parkinson idiopática (DP), porém a prevalência e os fatores de risco não estão bem definidos. Objetivo: Investigar a prevalência e os fatores de risco para PNP na DP, em comparação com a população geral. Método: Participaram 36 pacientes com DP recrutados no ambulatório de Neurologia do Hospital Universitário Alcides Carneiro (HUAC) da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Paraíba, e 30 sujeitos controles. Todos os participantes foram submetidos a caracterização clínica da PNP, ao estudo de neurocondução (ENC) dos nervos peroneal e sural bilateral e as dosagens de vitamina B12, homocisteina, ácido metilmalônico e ácido fólico. A Escala Unificada de Avaliação da Doença de Parkinson - III e a de Hoehn-Yahr foram utilizadas na avaliação motora do grupo Parkinson (GP). Resultados: Sinais e sintomas neuropáticos foram mais frequentes no GP (61%). Alterações nos parâmetros do ENC foram observadas em 44,4% do GP e 26,7% do grupo controle, sendo a PNP confirmada em três pacientes e um controle. Análise de regressão revelou associação significativa entre os sintomas neuropáticos e a DP, sem associação com aspectos clínicos e bioquímicos. Conclusão: Pacientes com DP possuem maiores escores neuropáticos e maior prevalência de PNP que controles. Os dados sugerem a própria DP como fator de risco para o desenvolvimento da PNP, minimizando o papel da vitamina B12 e de seus metabólitos neste processo.(AU)

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) has been described in idiopathic Parkinson disease (PD) however the prevalence and the risk factors are not well established. Objective: To assess the prevalence of PN and the risk factors for neuropathy in PD against the general population. Method: Participated in the study 36 PD patients recruited from Neurology Outpatient Unit of Hospital Universitário Alcides Carneiro of the Federal University of Campina Grande, Paraíba, and 30 controls. All the participants were submitted to clinical characterization of PN, nerve conduction study (NCS) and biochemical dosages (B12 vitamin, homocysteine, methylmalonic acid and folic acid). Results: Neuropathic signs and symptoms were more frequent in PD (61%). Alterations in parameters of NCS were observed in 44.4% of Parkinson group and 26.7% of control group, and PN was confirmed in 3 PD patients and 1 control. Regression analyses showed a significant association between symptoms of PN and PD, without association with clinical and biochemical features. Conclusion: PD patients have higher neuropathic scores and frequency of PN than controls. Data suggests the PD by itself as a risk factor for development of PN, reducing the role of B12 vitamin and its metabolites in this process.(AU)

Alteraciones del neurodesarrollo en pacientes con hipotiroidismo congénito: Recomendaciones para el seguimiento / Neurodevelopmental assessment of patients with congenital hypothyroidism

Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is the most common cause of preventable cognitive disability worldwide. Generally, it is produced by an alteration in the embryogenesis of the thyroid gland or by an alteration in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which determine that affected patients have low or absent thyroid hormone concentrations. The importance of this fact is that brain development during the first three years of life is highly dependent on thyroid hormones. Prior to the implementation of national neonatal screening programs around the world, 8 to 27% of children with CH had an IQ lower than 70. Nowadays, this percentage is close to 0 in countries that have implemented the program. In Chile, CH neonatal screening program achieved national coverage in 1996. Currently, the incidence of the disease in our country is 1: 3163. The degree of disability produced by CH not only depends on the time of detection of the disease and the prompt start of therapy, but also on an adequate monitoring. Despite screening programs, neurocognitive impairment in schoolchildren and teenagers with CH is still observed, reflected in lower scores in cognitive, language and gross motor assessments, receptive communication, expressive communication, fine motor and gross motor skills compared to healthy children. Also, lesser achievements in learning and language disorders are observed. The objective of this review is to update the information available on neurodevelopment of patients with CH.

Paralisia da mirada lateral relacionada a cavernoma da ponte / Horizontal gaze palsy due to pontine cavernous malformation

Paralisia da mirada lateral por hemorragia pontina, secundária a cavernoma, o qual apresenta prevalência estimada de 0,4% a 0,6%. O risco de sangramento de tal entidade é considerado baixo (0,1 a 3,1% ao ano). Relatamos o caso de paciente feminino, 38 anos, admitida no setor de emergência com quadro de cefaleia, vertigem, hipertensão (PA 200/120mmHg), rebaixamento do nível de consciência (Glasgow 13) e paralisia do olhar conjugado lateral à direita, com 24 horas de evolução. A tomografia de crânio revelou hemorragia pontina e a angiorressonância evidenciou a presença de cavernoma no tegmento pontino. Foi optado por tratamento conservador e a paciente evoluiu com síndrome do encarceramento (Locked-in syndrome) por piora da hemorragia e edema perilesional. Os cavernomas são malformações vasculares que podem cursar assintomáticas e passar despercebidas pelos exames de imagem até o evento hemorrágico. Apesar de raro, quando este ocorre no tronco encefálico pode apresentar alta morbimortalidade. Isso reforça a importância de se avaliar a chance de sangramento dessas lesões e instituir a melhor abordagem para cada caso. (AU)

Horizontal gaze palsy due to hemorrhage of a pontine cavernous malformation, which prevalence ranges from 0.4% to 0.6%. The risk of bleeding is considered low (0.1 to 3.1% per year). It is reported a case of a 38-year-old woman admitted to the emergency department with headache, vertigo, hypertension (200/120mmHg), decreased level of consciousness (Glasgow 13) and horizontal gaze palsy to the right side, that started suddenly 24h before admission. CT scan revealed a pontine hemorrhage and MRI showed the presence of a cavernous malformation in the pontine tegmentum. Conservative treatment was chosen and the patient developed locked-in syndrome due to worsening bleeding and perilesional edema. Cavernoma are vascular malformations that can be asymptomatic and remain undetected by imaging until the hemorrhagic event. Although rare, when bleeding occurs in the brain stem, it can cause high morbidity and mortality. This report reinforces the importance of evaluation these injuries' bleeding risk and establish the best approach for each case. (AU)

Two-point discrimination values vary depending on test site, sex and test modality in the orofacial region: a preliminary study

Abstract The two-point discrimination (TPD) test is one of the most commonly used neurosensory tests to assess mechanoperception in the clinical settings. While there have been numerous studies of functional sensibility of the hand using TPD test, there have been relatively not enough reports on TPD in the orofacial region. Objective The aims of the present study were to determine the normal values of TPD in the six trigeminal sites (the forehead, cheek, mentum, upper lip, lower lip, and the tongue tip) and to investigate the effect of the site, sex, and test modality on the TPD perception. Material and Methods Forty healthy volunteers consisting of age-matched men (20) and women (20) with a mean age of 27.1 years were recruited. One examiner performed the TPD test using a simple hand-operated device, i.e., by drawing compass with a blunt or sharp-pointed tip. The static TPD with a blunt-pointed tip (STPDB), moving TPD with a blunt-pointed tip (MTPDB), and static TPD with a sharp-pointed tip (STPDS) were measured. The predictors were the site, sex, and test modality, and the outcome variable was the TPD value. Three-way ANOVA was used for statistics. Results The analysis showed a significant effect of the site, sex and test modality on the TPD values. Significant differences between the test sites were observed with the descending order from the forehead and cheek>mentum>upper lip and lower lip>tongue tip and index finger. Women showed lower TPD values than those of men. The STPDS measurements were consistently lower than those of the STPDB and MTPDB. Conclusions The normal values of TPD in this study suggest that the cheek and forehead were less sensitive than other regions evaluated and women were more sensitive than men. The STPDS was the most sensitive test modality.

Augmented movement strategies for postural control in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 3: a case-control study / Estratégias aumentadas de movimento para controle postural em pacientes com ataxia espinocerebellar tipo 3: caso-controle

INTRODUCTION: This study investigated the movement strategies for postural control in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3). METHODS: This case-control study enrolled 5 patients with SCA3 (aged 41 to 51 years) and 5 healthy participants group-matched by age, body mass and body height.Participants performed 3 trials lasting 30 s each of postural tasks characterized by: feet apart or together; eyes open or closed. Center of pressure (CoP) data was quantified using three-dimensional (3D: number of high-density and high-speed regions, average and maximal distances among regions), two-dimensional (2D: elliptical area, average velocity) and one-dimensional (1D: standard deviation, velocity) parameters. RESULTS: Analysis of variance revealed significant interaction effect between group*task for 1D (F12,238=3.496, p<0.001), 2D (F6,184=11.472, p<0.001), and 3D parameters (F12,238=2.543, p=0.004). Significant univariate effects for postural task were observed for all parameters, with higher body sway values under visual and biomechanical constraints, either separated or combined. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with SCA3 presented augmented movement strategiescompared with healthy subjects, characterized by increasing body sway under more demanding biomechanical and/ or visual constraints. Three-dimensional kinematic mapping revealed either random movement strategies or a unique movement strategy characterized by a stochastic CoP distribution, with high CoP speed to correct for large body sway deviations.

INTRODUÇÃO: Este estudo investigou as estratégias de movimento para controle postural em pacientes com ataxia espinocerebelar tipo 3 (SCA3). MÉTODOS: Este estudo de caso-controle incluiu cinco pacientes com SCA3 (idade 41 a 51 anos) e cinco participantes saudáveis, agrupados por idade, massa corporal e altura corporal. Os participantes realizaram três ensaios 30 s cada uma das tarefas posturais caracterizadas por: pés separados ou juntos; olhos abertos ou fechados. Os dados do centro de pressão (CoP) foram quantificados usando tridimensional (3D: número de alta densidade e alta velocidade regiões, distâncias médias e máximas entre regiões), bidimensional (2D: área elíptica, velocidade média) e unidimensional (1D: Desvio padrão, velocidade). RESULTADOS: Análise de variância Revelou um efeito de interação significativo entre a tarefa * grupo 1D (F12.238 = 3.496, p <0.001), 2D (F6.184 = 11.472, p <0.001) e os parâmetros 3D (F12,238 = 2,543, p = 0,004). Efeitos univariados significativos foram observados para todos os parâmetros, com maiores valores de balanço corporal sob restrições visuais e biomecânicas, separadas ou combinados. CONCLUSÕES: Os pacientes com SCA3 apresentaram estratégias de movimento comparadas com indivíduos saudáveis, aumentando o balanço do corpo sob condições biomecânicas e / ou restrições visuais. O mapeamento cinemático tridimensional revelou estratégias de movimento aleatório ou uma estratégia de movimento caracterizada por uma distribuição estocástica de CoP, com alta velocidade de correção para os grandes desvios.

A tribute to Wartenberg's refined neurological examination / Um tributo ao refinado exame neurológico de Wartenberg

ABSTRACT Robert Wartenberg was a renowned 20th century neurologist who contributed greatly to our understanding of the neurological examination. This article aims to illustrate his legacy by highlighting five seminal neurological signs.

RESUMO Robert Wartenberg foi um renomado neurologista do século XX que contribuíu enormemente para o entendimento do exame neurológico. Este artigo tem como objetivo principal ilustrar seu legado, ressaltando cinco sinais neurológicos seminais.

Alteración de las fibras finas A-delta por entrampamiento del nervio mediano en la muñeca utilizando el período silente cutáneo / The impairment of A-delta fibers in median nerve compression at the wrist, using the cutaneous silent period

El síndrome del túnel carpiano (STC) es una neuropatía por entrampamiento a nivel de la muñeca que cursa con dolor, parestesias y disestesias dolorosas. El diagnóstico electrofisiológico se basa en el estudio de la neuroconducción de las fibras gruesas. Nuestra hipótesis consiste en la existencia del compromiso de las fibras nerviosas finas y que este compromiso se correlaciona con el grado de gravedad. Se evaluaron retrospectivamente 69 manos correspondientes a 47 pacientes, varones y mujeres (edad media 53.8, rango 22-87 años) y como grupo contro, 21 manos correspondientes a los lados asintomáticos de estos casos. Se realizaron estudios de neuroconducción motora, sensitiva y ondas F para clasificar a las manos según el grado de gravedad. Se realizó el período silente cutáneo (PSC) en todas las manos. Se evaluaron latencias medias y duraciones medias del PSC. Las latencias medias se hallaron significativamente prolongadas en las manos con neuropatía (84.3 ± 16.3 mseg) con respecto a las manos sin neuropatía (74.8 ± 11.6 mseg), p < 0.05. Las latencias medias se hallaron más prolongadas en las manos con neuropatía de mayor gravedad (p < 0.05). En los 3 pacientes con neuropatía grado más grave no se halló el PSC. Se demostró el compromiso de las fibras finas A-delta en los pacientes con STC, con mayor compromiso a mayor severidad. El PSC puede usarse como complemento de los estudios de neuroconducción motora y sensitiva.

Carpal tunnel síndrome (CTS) is an entrapment neuropathy of the median nerve at the wrist, that leads to pain, paresthesia and painful dysesthesia. The electrophysiological diagnosis is based upon nerve conduction studies which evaluate thick nerve fibers. Our hypothesis is that there is an additional dysfunction of small fibers in CTS, which correlates with the degree of severity of the neuropathy. A retrospective study of 69 hands that belonged to 47 patients of both sexes (mean age 53.8, years, range 22-87) was performed, and, as a control group, 21 hands which corresponded to the asymptomatic side of those patients were evaluated. Motor and sensory conduction studies, as well as F-waves were performed to classify the neuropathy according to the degree of severity. Cutaneous silent period (CSP) was elicited in all hands. Mean onset latencies and durations of CSP were evaluated. Mean onset latencies were significantly prolonged in neuropathic hands (84.3 ± 16.3 msec) compared to asymptomatic hands (74.8 ± 11.6 msec) (p < 0.05). Mean latencies of the CSP were even prolonged (p < 0.05) in hands affected by a more severe neuropathy. In the 3 hands with most severe neuropathy, a CSP could not be elicited. In CTS an impairment of A-delta fibers was recorded through the CSP. The more severe the neuropathy is, the more impairment of A-delta fibers can be found. CSP may be assessed as a complement of motor and sensory nerve conduction studies in this neuropathy.

Neuroartropatia de Charcot secundária à siringomielia: relato de caso / Charcot neuroarthropathy by syringomyelia: case report

A neuroartropatia de Charcot é uma das complicações da siringomielia, podendo ocasionar deformidades osteoarticulares e incapacidade funcional, com comprometimento das atividades da vida diária. Relatamos um caso de paciente com neuroartropatia de Charcot do ombro associada a siringomielia e malformação de Arnold-Chiari tipo I, acompanhado no Instituto Nacional de Traumatologia e Orto-pedia do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.

Charcot neuroartropathy is one of the complications of syringomyelia and can lead to joint deformity and disability, affecting patients in activities of daily living. We report a case of a patient with shoulder Charcot neuroarthropathy associated with syringomyelia and Arnold-Chiari malformation type I, from the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.

Perfil dos indivíduos com doença de Parkinson atendidos no setor de fisioterapia de um hospital universitário no Rio de Janeiro / Profile of individuals with Parkinson's disease cared in a physical therapy sector of an university hospital in Rio de Janeiro

Na doença de Parkinson (DP), uma desordem neurológica complexa, ocorre depleção de dopamina por degeneração dos neurônios da substância negra, ocasionando perdas motoras e cognitivas. Os quatro principais sintomas que acometem indivíduos com DP são o tremor de repouso, a rigidez, a bradicinesia e a instabilidade postural. Essas alterações podem aumentar o risco de quedas e trazer prejuízos para as atividades e participação social dos indivíduos. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a funcionalidade, incapacidade e qualidade de vida dos pacientes com DP em atendimento fisioterapêutico em um hospital universitário no Rio de Janeiro. Os pacientes foram avaliados por meio dos seguintes instrumentos: escala de Hoehn e Yahr, questionário sobre a qualidade de vida na doença de Parkinson - PDQ-39 -, Miniexame do Estado Mental, Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg, teste de caminhada de 10 metros, timed up and go test, Dynamic Gait Index, Escala Unificada de Avaliação para a Doença de Parkinson e Escala de Schwab e England. Embora a maior parte dos indivíduos estivesse no estágio 3 de Hoehn e Yahr, a maioria apresentou risco de queda diminuído, bom estado cognitivo e emocional, qualidade de vida moderada e pouca dificuldade para a marcha e realização de atividades de vida diária (AVD). Os dados obtidos com este estudo servirão para a orientação da implementação de medidas fisioterapêuticas voltadas para essa amostra de pacientes, orientações de gestores para uma política de saúde efetiva e orientação de profissionais em busca de atendimento mais eficaz.

In Parkinson's disease (PD), a complex neurologic disorder, occurs dopamine depletion by lesions of the neurons that produce it, causing motor and cognitive impairments. The four main symptoms that affect individuals with PD are resting tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia and postural instability. These changes may increase the risk of falls and bring impairments to their activities and social participation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the functioning, disability and quality of life of PD patients cared in a physical therapy sector of an university hospital in Rio de Janeiro. Patients were assessed through the following instruments: Hoehn & Yahr Scale, quality of life questionnaire in Parkinson's disease - PDQ-39 -, Mini-mental, Berg Balance Scale, walk test of 10 meters, timed up and go test, Dynamic Gait Index, Unified Rating Scale for Parkinson's Disease and Schwab and England Scale. Although most of the individuals were on stage Hoehn & Yahr three, most showed decreased risk of fall, good cognitive and emotional state, a moderate quality of life and little difficulty in walking and performing activities of daily living (ADL). The data obtained here will serve to guide the implementation of physiotherapy measures aimed at this group of patients, managers of guidelines for an effective health policy and for the orientation of professionals in search of a more effective service.

Limitações do uso de órteses tornozelo-pé na doença de Charcot-Marie-Tooth: estudo de caso / Limitations of ankle-foot-orthosis use in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: a case study

A paresia distal crural, muito marcante nos pacientes com doença de Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT), provoca inúmeras alterações nos padrõesda marcha. Vários recursos de reabilitação têm sido propostos para gerenciar os problemas de deambulação, entre eles a utilização de órteses tornozelo-pé (OTP). O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar efeitos imediatos do uso de OTP na cinemática da marcha e nos parâmetros estabilométricos em paciente com CMT. Buscou-se avaliar: o equilíbrio e a marcha, por meio da Escala de Avaliação da Mobilidade Orientada pelo Desempenho (POMA); a cinemática da marcha, com o sistema Qualisys Track Manager (QTM); e a estabilometria, utilizando a plataforma de força. As avaliações foram realizadas antes e durante o uso de OTP. Observou-se declínio na escala POMA durante o uso da OTP de 11%. Na cinemática da marcha, verificou-se decréscimo na velocidade e comprimento da passada, assim comoaumento na duração dela. Na estabilometria, observou-se aumento na velocidade médio-lateral e na velocidade média na condição sem restrição visual, e aumento em todos os parâmetros de velocidade e deslocamento na condição com restrição visual durante o uso da OTP. O paciente avaliado não apresentou melhoras imediatas com aplicação de OTP, fato justificado pela presença de contraturas e tempo de evolução da doença. A prescrição de órteses na CMT deve respeitar as particularidades do paciente e a forma de apresentação da patologia.

The distal crural weakness, very striking in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), causes gait impairment. Several rehabilitationapproaches have been proposed to manage the ambulation problems, among them, the use of ankle-foot orthosis (AFO). The objective of this study is to analyze the immediate effects of using AFO in the gait kinematic and stabilometric parameters in a patient with CMT. We evaluated the balance and the gait using Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) Scale, gait kinematics using the Qualisys Track Manager (QTM) system and stabilometry, using a force platform. The evaluations were performed before and during the use of AFO. A decreasing of POMA scores was observed when the patient used AFO (11%). In the gait kinematic a decrease was verified in the speed gait and step length, as an increase in the time. In the stabilometry was observed an increase in the mediolateral velocity and average velocity in the condition without visual restrictionand an increase in all parameters of velocity and displacement in thecondition with visual restriction during the use of the AFO. The assessedpatient didn?t present immediate improvement with the AFO due to contractures presented and the time of the disease course. Prescription of orthosis in the CMT should respect the patient?s particularities and the clinical manifestations, and the way the pathology is presented.