Effects of photobiomodulation on pain, lactate and muscle performance (ROM, torque, and EMG parameters) of paretic upper limb in patients with post-stroke spastic hemiparesis-a randomized controlled clinical trial.

The objective of the study was to investigate the impact of photobiomodulation (PBM) on the paretic upper limb in post-stroke patients with spastic hemiparesis and to understand the potential of PBM as a long-term non-invasive therapy for reducing the side effects caused by spasticity in the hemiparetic upper limb after a stroke. This is a double-blind randomized clinical trial constituted of 27 participants, being Control group (CG = 12 healthy individuals) and PBM group (PBMG = 15 post-stroke individuals). In the CG, the baseline blood lactate (BL) was evaluated, followed by the evaluation of the IC torque of the biceps and triceps muscles, with the isokinetic dynamometer associated with surface electromyography (EMG) and, subsequently, a new measurement of BL. The PBMG received 10 sessions of treatment with PBM (780 nm, Power: 100 mV, Power Density: 3.18 W/cm2, Energy: 4 J, Fluency: 127.4 J/cm2, Time: 40 s per point and 1.280 s total, Spot: 0.0314 cm2, 32 Points: 16 points (brachial biceps) and 16 points (brachial triceps) applied with contact at 90°, Total Energy: 64 J), which in the pre-treatment evaluation measured BL, the visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain; torque and EMG of the same muscles in the IC, subsequently, a new measurement of VAS and BL, and measurement of range of motion (ROM) during the reaching movement. At the conclusion of the ten sessions, all participants underwent a reassessment, wherein all tests originally administered during the initial evaluation were repeated. Subsequently, the data were analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk normality test. For related data, the paired t-test was used for normal distributions and the Wilcoxon test for non-normal data. For unrelated data, the t test was used for normal distributions and the Mann-Whitney test for non-normal data. Muscle torque was higher for the CG, with a significant difference (CGxPBMG = p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference between the EMG values of the CG in relation to the Pre-PBM phase and with the Post-PBM phase of the PBMG (p > 0.05). On the other hand, there was a 38% reduction in pain reported by hemiparetic patients (p = 0.0127) and a decrease in BL in the PBMG. Post-PBM ROM increased by 46.1% in the elbow extension of the paretic limb. In conclusion, Photobiomodulation (PBM) demonstrated significant improvements in muscle performance, reducing fatigue and pain levels, and enhancing range of motion in post-stroke patients with spastic hemiparesis. These findings support the potential integration of PBM into rehabilitation protocols, but further research and clinical trials are needed to validate and expand upon these promising outcomes.

Cerebral hemiatrophy and hemiparesis following hemiclonic status epilepticus in Dravet syndrome.

Dravet syndrome is currently considered as an developmental and epileptic encephalopathy and, recently, mandatory, alert, and exclusionary criteria have been proposed. Here, we describe three patients with Dravet syndrome with the typical early presentation including febrile and afebrile alternating hemiclonic seizures due to loss-of-function SCN1A variants. Subsequently, they developed episodes of febrile focal status epilepticus (SE) associated with hemiparesis and cerebral hemiatrophy with posterior focal seizures, as a consequence of Dravet syndrome. This sequence of events has been previously published in patients with Dravet syndrome and does not contradict the recent classification by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). The ILAE guidance identifies "Focal neurological findings" as alert criteria and "MRI showing a causal focal lesion" as exclusionary criteria for making an initial diagnosis of Dravet syndrome at presentation. Our three patients would correspond to a severe phenotype, similar to the well-known presentation of generalized atrophy following prolonged status epilepticus. Common genetic findings in cases of diffuse and unilateral brain involvement may help explain these clinical presentations. Further genotype-phenotype studies may provide additional insights into this electroclinical behavior.

Biopsychosocial factors associated with the state of disability after hemiparesis in the chronic phase of stroke: exploratory analysis based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the main biopsychosocial factors associated with disability level after stroke using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with chronic stroke survivors. Disability was assessed using the World Health Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0. The independent variables were: Body functions: emotional functioning and whether the dominant upper limb was affected. For the Activities & Participation component, satisfaction regarding the execution of activities and participation were assessed using the SATIS-Stroke, as well as the locomotion ability for adults (ABILOCO), manual ability (ABILHAND) and the return to work. For environmental factors, income and facilitators and obstacles were assessed using the Measure of the Quality of the Environment (MQE). Personal factors: age and sex. Multiple Linear Regression was employed. RESULTS: Limited locomotor ability (ß = -0.281; t = -3.231 p = 0.002), dissatisfaction regarding activities and participation (ß = -0.273; t = -3.070 p = 0.003), and the non-return to work (ß = 0.162; t = 2.085 p = 0.04) were associated with disability. CONCLUSION: The reduction in locomotor ability, dissatisfaction regarding activities and participation and the non-return to work were associated with disability in the chronic phase following a stroke.

The reduction in locomotion ability, dissatisfaction regarding activities and participation, and the non-return to work were associated with disability in the chronic phase following a stroke.Clinicians will be able to develop rehabilitation strategies focused on diminishing locomotor limitations, increasing satisfaction with activities and participation, and improving vocational planning for the return to work after a strokeThese findings underscore the importance of assessments and intervention strategies based on the individual rather than the disease as well as focusing on social and personal issues to guide clinical decision making.

Aphasia improvement without logotherapy during motor neurorehabilitation of post-stroke hemiparesis using virtual reality or modified constraint-induced movement therapy: A retrospective cohort.

BACKGROUND: Some research suggests that post-stroke aphasia can recover "on its own", however, there is evidence of a common neural substrate for motor and language systems. We hypothesize, that motor neurorehabilitation of hemiparesis could be related to simultaneous improvement in aphasia. OBJECTIVE: To measure changes in post-stroke aphasia and its relation with hemiparesis treated with different therapies. METHODS: Database information (n = 32) on post-stroke hemiparesis (Fugl-Meyer Scale evaluated) managed with virtual reality (VR) versus modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) or regular therapy (rPT/OT) was analyzed. None received logotherapy (LT) by appointment at four months. INCLUSION CRITERIA: < 3 months after the stroke, aphasia severe (Boston Aphasia Intensity Scale), and all three evaluations. RESULTS: Twenty-one patient records met inclusion criteria (71,4% women and mean age 66,67±3,13 years) who received VR, mCIMT, or rPT/OT (n = 6, 8, and 7, respectively). There was continuous intra-groups improvement in aphasia (p < 0.05), but inter-groups the greater aphasia recovery (p = 0.05) and hemiparesis (p = 0.02) were in VR, with a high correlation in evolution between them (r = 0.73; p = 0.047). CONCLUSION: High clinical correlation between aphasia, without LT, and hemiparesis evolution during motor neurorehabilitation would support common neural connections stimulation. We will conduct a clinical trial, with a larger sample size to contrast our hypothesis.

Relationship between inspiratory muscle strength and balance in women: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: There is scarce evidence on changes at the functional level associated with the respiratory area in women. This study aims to analyse the relationship between inspiratory muscle strength and balance in women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional observational study, the sample consisted of groups according to the results obtained in the balance test. Inspiratory muscle weakness was defined as maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) ≤ 80% of the predictive value. MIP was carried out using through a mouthpiece, with an electronic manometer. Logistic regression model was used to examine if MIP predicts balance. RESULTS: 159 women participated in the study. Approximately 20% of them achieved balance ≤ 2 seconds and 18% presented MIP≤80%. MIP was associated with the time achieved in the one-leg support test. Subjects with MIP ≤ 80% of the predictive value show 3 times more risk of having a lower performance in the balance test (OR = 3.26). CONCLUSIONS: Inspiratory muscle weakness is associated with deficient balance in this sample. It shows the need for multidimensional assessment and rehabilitation strategies for patients identified as having MIP weakness and/or balance disorders.

Polineuropatia motora em cão adulto / Motor polyneuropathy in an adult dog

Background: Nonambulatory flaccid tetraparesis can be the result of diseases of the peripheral nervous system and it is characterized by generalized lower motor neuron (LMN) signs, as weakness, tetraparesis/tetraplegia, decreased muscle tone and reflexes. The term polyneuropathy is used for dysfunction of multiple peripheral nerves. In Brazil, there are several etiologies for polyneuropathy in dogs, such as acute idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis, botulism and myasthenia gravis. Toxoplasma gondii is an uncommon cause of LMN diseases in dogs. The aim of this report was to describe a case of flaccid tetraplegia toxoplasmosis in an adult dog with a Toxoplasma gondii serology with a markedly elevated IgG titer of 1:4096. Case: A 4-year-old intact mongrel male dog, weighing 19.6 kg, was referred to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of the Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL) with a 5-day history of weakness that progressed to tetraparesis. Physical examination revealed no significant changes other than the dull and unkempt coat. Neurologic examination revealed severe tetraparesis that was worse in the pelvic limbs, with decreased muscle tone in all four limbs. Postural reactions and the interdigital reflex were absent in all four limbs, as was the patellar reflex, but pain perception was present. There were no clinical signs of dysfunction on examination of the cranial nerves. Laboratory tests were performed, and creatine kinase was elevated (819 U/L). Blood was drawn to look for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum class IgG using the indirect immunofluorescence technique. The antibody titer for Toxoplasma gondii (IgG) was 1:4096. A chest radiograph was performed to look for megaesophagus, and a pulmonary pattern suggestive of mild diffuse pneumonia was observed. Treatment was performed with sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, and the dog's condition improved slightly. Discussion: Based on lower motor neuron findings, the neurologic lesion was localized in the nerve roots, peripheral nerves, neuromuscular junctions, or muscles. The most important diseases in the list of differential diagnoses were immune-mediated or infectious polyradiculoneuritis (toxoplasmosis, neosporosis), myasthenia gravis, toxic polyneuropathy (botulism, chronic organophosphate poisoning), and paraneoplastic polyneuropathy. Among these differential diagnoses, polyradiculoneuritis is one of the most common. It is an idiopathic inflammatory disease. Exposure to raccoon saliva (in the U.S.), vaccination, or infection have been proposed as precipitating causes, but the triggers of this disease remain unknown. Serology for neosporosis was negative, while IgG titers for toxoplasmosis were 1:4096. In a previous study, dogs with acute polyradiculoneuritis were more likely to have T. gondii IgG serum antibody titers than dogs without neurologic signs. Infection with the protozoa T. gondii and N. caninum can cause intense polyradiculoneuritis in dogs accompanied by myositis, especially in puppies. One treatment trial was based on the administration of sulfonamide-trimethoprim with pyrimethamine, whose efficacy in the treatment of toxoplasmosis in dogs has also been reported in the literature. Neurologic deficits improved slightly, and there is a possibility that certain signs may not disappear completely because of the permanent damage caused by inflammation of the nervous system, as observed in the present case. The case had the limitation that it was not possible to perform other laboratory tests to demonstrate histopathologically the presence of Toxoplasma gondii organisms in muscles or nerves. Recovery of normal function is less likely in protozoan polyradiculoneuritis than in noninfectious polyradiculoneuritis. Thus, in the present case, the main suspicion was polyradiculoneuritis secondary to toxoplasmosis. Although it is a rare condition, it is important to consider toxoplasmosis in dogs with LMN-type tetraparesis or tetraplegia.

Accuracy of machine learning algorithms for the assessment of upper-limb motor impairments in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of motor function is vital in post-stroke rehabilitation protocols, and it is imperative to obtain an objective and quantitative measurement of motor function. There are some innovative machine learning algorithms that can be applied in order to automate the assessment of upper extremity motor function. OBJECTIVES: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of machine learning algorithms for assessing upper limb motor function in post-stroke patients and compare these algorithms to clinical assessment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database. The review was carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The search was performed using 6 electronic databases. The meta-analysis was performed with the data from the correlation coefficients using a random model. RESULTS: The initial search yielded 1626 records, but only 8 studies fully met the eligibility criteria. The studies reported strong and very strong correlations between the algorithms tested and clinical assessment. The meta-analysis revealed a lack of homogeneity (I2 = 85.29%, Q = 48.15), which is attributable to the heterogeneity of the included studies. CONCLUSION: Automated systems using machine learning algorithms could support therapists in assessing upper extremity motor function in post-stroke patients. However, to draw more robust conclusions, methodological designs that minimize the risk of bias and increase the quality of the methodology of future studies are required.

Muscle Weakness and Walking Slowness for the Identification of Sarcopenia in the Older Adults from Northern Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of sarcopenia in elderly people from Northern Brazil according to muscle weakness or walking slowness. Methods: The sample consisted of 312 elderly people (72.6 ± 7.8 years). For walking slowness, a gait speed ≤ 0.8 m/s was used as a cut-off value, and for muscle weakness the following handgrip strength criteria were used for men and women, respectively: CI: <27.0/16.0 kg; CII: <35.5/20.0 kg; CIII: grip strength corrected for body mass index (BMI) < 1.05/0.79; CIV: grip strength corrected for total fat mass: <1.66/0.65; CV: grip strength corrected for body mass: <0.45/0.34. Results: Walking speed was reduced in 27.0% of women and 15.2% of men (p < 0.05). According to grip strength criteria, 28.5% of women and 30.4% of men (CI), 58.0% of women and 75.0% of men (CII), 66.0% of women and 39.3% of men (CIII), 28.8% of women and 19.6% of men (CIV), and 56.5% of women and 50.0% of men (CV) were identified as having sarcopenia. Conclusions: Walking slowness is more prevalent in women and muscle weakness is more prevalent in men in Northern Brazil. Walking slowness proved to be more concordant with muscle weakness in both sexes when the CI for handgrip strength was adopted.

Bicephalic Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation Does Not Add Benefits to a Footdrop Stimulator for Improving Functional Mobility in People With Chronic Hemiparesis After Stroke: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of applying transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS), a footdrop stimulator (FDS), and gait training simultaneously on functional mobility in people with chronic hemiparesis after stroke. METHODS: In this double-blind controlled trial, 32 individuals with mild, moderate, and severe chronic hemiparesis after stroke were randomized to tDCS plus FDS or sham tDCS plus FDS groups. Both groups underwent 10 concurrent tDCS and FDS gait training sessions 5 times per week for 2 weeks. Functional mobility was evaluated by the Timed "Up & Go" test (TUG). Secondary outcomes included spasticity of plantarflexors, knee extensors, and hip adductors; quality of life; and walking endurance (distance covered during each treadmill gait training session). Clinical assessments were performed before treatment, after treatment, and at a 1-month follow-up. A generalized estimating equation was used to compare the effects of time, group, and time × group interaction. RESULTS: No difference between groups was observed during performance of the TUG or other outcomes. TUG performance was improved in both the tDCS plus FDS group (before treatment = 24.29 [95% CI = 17.72-33.28]; after treatment = 21.75 [95% CI = 15.75-30.08]) and the sham tDCS plus FDS group (before treatment = 19.63 [95% CI = 16.06-23.0]; after treatment = 18.45 [95% CI = 15.26-22.3]). This improvement remained at the follow-up evaluation. Both groups also showed reduced spasticity of plantarflexors and knee extensors, increased quality of life, and increased total distance walked. CONCLUSION: This study provided no evidence that bicephalic tDCS improves functional mobility, spasticity, quality of life, or walking endurance in people with chronic hemiparesis after stroke. IMPACT: Bicephalic tDCS does not add relevant benefits to FDS and gait training in people who have chronic hemiparesis after stroke. Given that tDCS has few additional effects and given its costs for clinical practice, tDCS for rehabilitation in people with chronic hemiparesis after stroke is discouraged. FDS and gait training improve functional mobility, walking resistance, and quality of life in people with chronic hemiparesis after stroke.

Utilização da fisioterapia na reabilitação de bezerro com poliartrite e paresia neuromuscular: relato de caso / Use of physiotherapy in the rehabilitation of calves with polyarthritis and neuromuscular paresis: case report / Uso de la fisioterapia en la rehabilitación de un ternero con poliartritis y parisia neuromuscular: reporte de caso

A reabilitação animal na medicina veterinária é um campo recente, porém crescente a cada dia. Neste sentido, a fisioterapia veterinária atua trazendo inúmeros benefícios, como melhoria dos movimentos, redução da dor, edema e outras. Interfere ainda no tempo de recuperação, redução de custos para o proprietário, podendo ser hoje utilizada como um tratamento na recuperação pós-cirúrgica. Desta forma, objetivou-se relatar o uso da fisioterapia em uma bezerra com poliartrite e paresia neuromuscular. O animal apresentou um aumento de volume nas articulações cárpicas e társicas após histórico de onfalite, permanecendo em decúbito esternal por vários dias. O proprietário resolveu aplicar ferro dextrano na região glútea do animal, o que causou uma lesão de nervo isquiático. Foram instituídos protocolos medicamentosos e fisioterápicos, que culminaram no estímulo da marcha, propriocepção, além de hipertrofia muscular. Porém, em virtude de complicações resultantes de onfalite, o animal veio a óbito.(AU)

Animal rehabilitation in veterinary medicine is a recent field, but growing every day. In this sense, veterinary physiotherapy works bringing numerous benefits, such as improved movements, reduced pain, edema and others. Reducing the recovery time, reducing costs for the owner, and today it can be used as a treatment in post-surgical recovery. In this sense, the objective was to report the use of physiotherapy in a heifer with polyarthritis and neuromuscular paresis. The animal showed an increase in volume in the carpal and tarsal joints after a history of omphalitis, remaining in sternal decubitus for several days. The owner decided to apply iron dextran to the animal's gluteal region, which caused an injury to the sciatic nerve. Medicinal and physical therapy protocols were instituted, which culminated in the stimulation of gait, proprioception, in addition to muscle hypertrophy. However, due to complications resulting from omphalitis, the animal died.(AU)

La rehabilitación animal en medicina veterinaria es un campo reciente, pero en crecimiento cada día. En este sentido, la fisioterapia veterinaria actúa aportando numerosos beneficios, como mejora de los movimientos, reducción del dolor, edemas y otros. Disminución del tiempo de recuperación, reducción de costos para el propietario, pudiendo ser utilizado hoy en día como tratamiento en la recuperación posquirúrgica. En ese sentido, el objetivo fue reportar el uso de fisioterapia en una vaquilla con poliartritis y paresia neuromuscular. El animal presentó un aumento de volumen en las articulaciones del carpo y del tarso tras un antecedente de onfalitis, permaneciendo en decúbito esternal durante varios días. El propietario decidió aplicar hierro dextrano en la región glútea del animal, lo que provocó una lesión en el nervio ciático. Se instauraron protocolos farmacológicos y de fisioterapia, que culminaron con estimulación de la marcha, propiocepción, además de hipertrofia muscular. Sin embargo, debido a complicaciones derivadas de la onfalitis, el animal falleció.(AU)

Tiempo de evolución y eliminación de la diplopía binocular en pacientes con paresia o parálisis oculomotoras / Evolution Time and Elimination of Binocular Diplopia in Patients with Oculomotor Paresis or Paralysis

Objetivo: Determinar la relación existente entre tiempo de evolución y eliminación de la diplopía binocular en pacientes con paresia o parálisis oculomotoras. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y prospectivo de una serie de casos que acudieron a la consulta del Servicio de Oftalmología Pediátrica del Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología Ramón Pando Ferrer y que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión en el periodo comprendido entre mayo del 2018 a junio del 2019. Se evaluaron las variables: sexo, tiempo de evolución, opciones de tratamiento, eliminación de diplopía, fusión y estereopsis. Resultados: El mayor número de casos acudieron a consulta entre una semana y menos de un mes de evolución de la enfermedad y más de seis meses. No resultó significativo la relación sexo, etiología y tiempo de evolución en acudir los pacientes a consulta externa. El 66,7 por ciento de la muestra estudiada resolvió solo con tratamiento médico, incluidos el 100 por ciento de los pacientes con menos de una semana de evolución. Todos los pacientes con tiempo de evolución menor de seis meses eliminaron la diplopía y se encontró diferencia estadística (p = 0,04) entre estas variables. El 76,7 por ciento logró fusión y el 56,7 por ciento estereopsis. Conclusiones: La mayor parte de los pacientes con tiempo de evolución menor de seis meses eliminaron la diplopía solo con tratamiento médico, incluidos el 100 por ciento de los pacientes con menos de una semana de evolución, observándose una relación entre la recuperación y la cronicidad de la diplopía(AU)

Objective: To determine the relationship between time of evolution and elimination of binocular diplopia in patients with oculomotor paresis or paralysis. Methods: A descriptive, longitudinal and prospective study was carried out, from May 2018 to June 2019, of a series of cases that were assisted in consultation of the Pediatric Ophthalmology Service at Ramón Pando Ferrer Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology and that met the inclusion criteria. The variables evaluated were sex, evolution time, treatment options, elimination of diplopia, fusion and stereopsis. Results: The largest number of cases were assisted in consultation between one week and less than one month of evolution of the disease and more than six months. The relationship between sex, etiology and time of evolution in attending the outpatient clinic was not significant. 66.7 percent of the studied sample solved only with medical treatment, including 100 percent of patients with less than one week of evolution. All patients with evolution time of lesser than six months eliminated diplopia and a statistical difference was found (p = 0.04) between these variables. 76.7 percent achieved fusion and 56.7 percent stereopsis. Conclusions: Most of the patients with evolution time of lesser than six months eliminated diplopia only with medical treatment, including 100 percent of patients with less than one week of evolution, observing a relationship between recovery and chronicity of diplopia. Diplopia(AU)

Etiología y evolución de la diplopía binocular en pacientes con paresia o parálisis oculomotoras / Etiology and Course of Binocular Diplopia in Patients with Oculomotor Paresis or Paralysis

Objetivo: Determinar la etiología y evolución de la diplopía binocular en pacientes con paresia o parálisis oculomotoras. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y prospectivo de una serie de casos que acudieron a la consulta del Servicio de Oftalmología Pediátrica del Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología Ramón Pando Ferrer y cumplían con los criterios de inclusión en el periodo comprendido entre mayo del 2018 a junio del 2019. Se evaluaron las variables: edad, sexo, factores de riesgo, etiología, opciones de tratamiento y eliminación de diplopía. Resultados: La edad media de la muestra estudiada fue de 56,8 años y predominó el sexo masculino (56,7 por ciento versus 43,3 por ciento). El factor de riesgo más frecuente fue el microvascular (86,7 por ciento), 14 pacientes con hipertensión arterial y 12 con diabetes mellitus. Predominó también la etiología microvascular en 18 pacientes de 30. El 66,7 por ciento de la muestra estudiada resolvió solo con tratamiento médico y el 86,7 por ciento de los casos eliminaron la diplopía en todas las posiciones diagnósticas de la mirada. Conclusiones: El nervio craneal más frecuente afectado es el sexto y prevaleció la etiología microvascular en el sexto y tercer nervio craneal, sin embargo, para el cuarto es la traumática la única causa encontrada, lo cual concuerdan con la literatura revisada(AU)

Objective: To determine the etiology and evolution of binocular diplopia in patients with oculomotor paresis or paralysis. Methods: A descriptive, longitudinal and prospective study was carried out, from May 2018 to June 2019, of a series of cases that were assisted in the consultation of the Pediatric Ophthalmology Service at Ramón Pando Ferrer Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology and met the inclusion criteria. The variables evaluated were age, sex, risk factors, etiology, treatment options and elimination of diplopia. Results: The mean age of the studied sample was 56.8 years and the male sex predominated (56.7 percent versus 43.3 percent). The most frequent risk factor was microvascular (86.7 percent), fourteen patients with arterial hypertension and 12 with diabetes mellitus. Microvascular etiology also predominated in 18 patients out of 30. The medical treatment only solved 66.7 percent of the studied sample and 86.7 percent of cases eliminated diplopia in all diagnostic gaze positions. Conclusions: The most frequently affected cranial nerve is the sixth and microvascular etiology prevailed in the sixth and third cranial nerves, however, for the fourth traumatic is the only cause found, which is consistent with the literature reviewed(AU)

Diplopía binocular por paresia o parálisis oculomotoras: resultados de las opciones de tratamiento / Binocular Diplopia due to Oculomotor Paresis or Palsies: Outcomes of Treatment Options

Objetivo: Determinar resultados de las opciones de tratamiento para la diplopía binocular en pacientes con paresia o parálisis oculomotoras. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y prospectivo de una serie de casos que acudieron a la consulta del Servicio de Oftalmología Pediátrica del Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología Ramón Pando Ferrer. Se evaluaron las variables: edad, sexo, etiología, opciones de tratamiento, limitación de los movimientos oculares, eliminación de diplopía, fusión y estereopsis. Resultados: La etiología más frecuente fue la microvascular. El 66,7 por ciento de la muestra estudiada se resolvió solo con tratamiento médico, de ellos el 100,0 por ciento con diagnóstico de paresias o parálisis del tercer nervio craneal, seguido por el sexto y cuarto con 63,6 por ciento y 33,3 por ciento, respectivamente. Necesitaron tratamiento médico, quirúrgico y aplicación de toxina botulínica seis pacientes, el 33,3 por ciento del cuarto y el 22,7 por ciento del sexto nervio craneal. El resto de las opciones de tratamiento solo con un paciente. No se halló asociación significativa entre opciones de tratamiento y nervio craneal afectado. El 86,6 por ciento finalizó sin limitación de los movimientos oculares. El 86,7 por ciento de los casos eliminaron la diplopía en todas las posiciones diagnósticas de la mirada. El 76,7 por ciento logró fusión y el 56,7 por ciento estereopsis. Conclusiones: El tratamiento médico y el combinado de médico más inyección de toxina botulínica y cirugía de músculos extraoculares fueron las opciones más utilizadas y permitieron alineamiento ocular y eliminación de la diplopía binocular(AU)

Objective: To determine outcomes of treatment options for binocular diplopia in patients with oculomotor paresis or paralysis. Method: A descriptive, longitudinal and prospective study was carried out of a series of cases that were assisted at the consultation of the Pediatric Ophthalmology Service at Ramón Pando Ferrer Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology. The variables evaluated were age, sex, etiology, treatment options, limitation of ocular movements, elimination of diplopia, fusion and stereopsis. Results: The microvascular etiology was the most frequent. 66.7 percent of the studied sample was resolved only with medical treatment, 100.0 percent of them had a diagnosis of paresis or paralysis of the third cranial nerve, followed by the sixth and fourth with 63.6 percent and 33.3 percent, respectively. Six patients required medical and surgical treatment and application of botulinum toxin, 33.3 percent of the fourth and 22.7 percent of the sixth cranial nerve. The rest of the treatment options with only one patient. No significant association was found between treatment options and affected cranial nerve. 86.6 percent finished without limitation of eye movements. 86.7 percent of cases eliminated diplopia in all diagnostic gaze positions. 76.7 percent achieved fusion and 56.7 percent stereopsis. Conclusions: Medical treatment and combined medical treatment plus botulinum toxin injection and extraocular muscle surgery were the most used options and allowed ocular alignment and elimination of binocular diplopia(AU)

Impacto da realidade virtual na funcionalidade e percepção de melhora de indivíduos com hemiparesia crônica: um estudo piloto / Impact of virtual reality-based therapy on functionality and perception of improvement in individuals with chronic hemiparesis: a pilot study

Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos da realidade virtual sobre a funcionalidade da marcha e percepção de mudança de indivíduos com hemiparesia crônica. Métodos: Estudo clínico piloto do tipo experimental, longitudinal, prospectivo e de braço único. A amostra foi composta por indivíduos hemiparéticos submetidos ao treinamento funcional em ambiente de realidade virtual (RV). Na avaliação inicial (AV1) utilizou-se o Timed Up and Go (TUG) para análise da mobilidade e após 12 sessões de RV, na avaliação final (AV2), acrescentou-se a Escala de Mudança Percebida (EMP). Para verificar a normalidade dos dados utilizou-se o teste de Shapiro-Wilk, o teste T-Student ou de Wilcoxon para comparar os dados (p ≤ 0,05) e o Effect Size (ES) pela fórmula de Cohen (d) para o tamanho do efeito. Resultados: Dez indivíduos hemiparéticos (64,6 ± 9,53 anos) realizaram o TUG (AV1) em 14,59 ± 5,03 segundos e AV2 em 13,96 ± 4,64 segundos (p = 0,18) e o EF teve efeito insignificante (d = 0,14). O jogo Free Step apresentou diferença significativa entre a primeira e última sessão (p = 0,004) e na EMP os valores obtidos foram de 2,57 ± 0,3 de três pontos. Conclusão: A RV não promoveu melhora significante na mobilidade funcional, mas os indivíduos relataram mudanças positivas em alguns componentes da EMP. (AU)

Mielorradiculopatia esquistossomótica: relato de caso em paciente pediátrico / Schistosomal Myeloradiculopathy: case report in a pediatric patient

A esquistossomose é uma endemia parasitária típica das Américas, Ásia e África. A Mielorradiculopatia Esquistossomótica surge como uma evolução severa da infecção por esquistossomose e, apesar de muito comum, sua prevalência em áreas endêmicas vem sendo subestimada. Objetivo: relatar caso de Mielorradiculopatia Esquistossomótica ocorrido em paciente pediátrico. Metodologia: estudo descritivo do tipo Relato de Caso retrospectivo, submetido e aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa do Centro Universitário CESMAC, CAAE: 28835220.0.0000.0039, N.º do Parecer: 3.898.292. Relato de caso: paciente do sexo masculino, previamente hígido, 11 anos, iniciou quadro com história álgica aguda em membros inferiores que piorava no período da noite acompanhada de relato de febre. Quadro clínico evoluiu com lombalgia, disúria, oligúria, posterior anúria e formação de globo vesical. Evoluiu, também, com paresia de membros inferiores. A investigação realizou-se com Exame Parasitológico de Fezes positivo para esquistossomose, além de Ressonância Magnética de coluna lombo-sacra que corroboraram com a hipótese diagnóstica. Instituiu-se tratamento com Albendazol, Praziquantel e pulsoterapia com Metilprednisolona durante internação. Paciente teve alta hospitalar com melhora de quadro neurológico, em uso de prednisona 40 mg/dia. Conclusão: a MRE constitui a forma mais grave dentre as manifestações ectópicas da esquistossomose. A dificuldade do reconhecimento do quadro clínico e a limitação no acesso aos métodos complementares diagnósticos contribuem para o subdiagnóstico da enfermidade, acarretando sequelas graves para os portadores da doença e ocultando sua importância epidemiológica principalmente em pacientes pediátricos e jovens. (AU)

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic endemic typical of the Americas, Asia and Africa. Schistosomal Myeloradiculopathy is a severe evolution of schistosomiasis infection and, although very common, the prevalence in endemic areas has been underestimated. Objective: to report Schistosomal Myeloradiculopathy case in a pediatric patient. Methodology: descriptive study of the type Case Report retrospective, submitted and approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the CESMAC University Center, CAAE: 28835220.0.0000.0039, Opinion N.º: 3.898.292. Case report: a previously healthy 11-year-old boy, started with a history of acute pain in lower limbs that worsened during the night accompanied of fever. Evolved with low back pain, dysuria, oliguria, subsequent anuria, vesical globe formation and lower limbs paresis. The investigation resulted in positive stool examination for schistosomiasis and magnetic resonance imaging of lumbosacral spine that corroborated the diagnostic hypothesis. The treatment included Albendazol, Praziquantel and pulsetherapy with Methylprednisolone during hospitalization. The patient was discharged from the hospital with improved neurological status, using prednisone 40 mg/day. Conclusion: Schistosomal Myeloradiculopathy is the most severe form of the ectopic manifestations of schistosomiasis. The difficulty in recognizing the clinical condition and the limitation of access to complementary diagnostic methods contributes to the underdiagnosis of the disease, causing severe sequels for patients with disease and hiding its epidemiological importance, especially in pediatric and young patients. (AU)