Evaluation of visual reaction time in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome.

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) has previously been linked to cognitive dysfunction. The aim of this study was to compare visual reaction time (RT) between FMS patients and healthy subjects. The relationship was examined between RT and clinical parameters in FMS patients, and it was aimed to evaluate the effect of drugs used in the treatment of FMS on RT. A total of 112 FMS patients and 110 healthy volunteers were included in this cross-sectional research. Cognitive performance was evaluated with visual RT measurements. FMS patients were assessed using the Fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The drugs used in the treatment of FMS were recorded. Significantly prolonged visual RT measurements were detected in FMS patients (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in RT measurements between the patients who did not use drugs and those who were treated with serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, gabapentinoid and combination therapy (p > 0.05). RT was significantly correlated with FIQ, BDI and PSQI scores in FMS patients (rho: 0.290, p = 0.002 for FIQ; rho: 0.253, p = 0.007 for BDI and rho: 0.312, p = 0.001 for PSQI). No significant correlation was detected between RT scores and FSS values (p > 0.05). Visual RT measurements were seen to be deteriorated in FMS patients. As the disease severity, depression level, and sleep disturbance increased, so the impairment in visual RT values became more prominent. The drugs used in the FMS treatment did not influence the RT scores. Cognitive performance tests should be incorporated in the physical examination and follow-up courses of FMS patients.

Prevelance of upper extremity lymphedema and risk factors in patients with mastectomy: Single-center, observational, cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Upper extremity complaints are frequently encountered in breast cancer. It was aimed to investigate the pain, extremity pain, and limitation of motion, lymphedema prevalence, severity, risk factors and quality of life in patients with breast cancer followed by mastectomy in our center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 67 patients with mastectomy. The presence of lymphedema, lymphedema duration, and grade of lymphedema were recorded. Grip strength was measured on both hands using a dynamometer; arm, shoulder and hand problems were evaluated using the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand. Quality of life was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life scale-short form. RESULTS: The presence of lymphedema was 23.9%; the most common was international society of lymphology grade 1 (76.1%); the median lymphedema duration was 12 (range, 3-72) months. Radical/modified radical mastectomy (58.2%) was the most common type of surgery. Median pain score in the affected extremity according to the visual analogue scale was 2 (minimum: 0/maximum: 7); the presence of shoulder pain was 40.3%; shoulder movement limitation was 7.5%. CONCLUSION: It was found that lymphedema had a negative effect on quality of life by affecting shoulder, arm, and hand functions even in the early stages. The recognition of risk factors and signs of upper extremity complications in breast cancer survivors will contribute to rehabilitation success.