Effect of Robot-Assisted Training on Unilateral Spatial Neglect After Stroke: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have shown that robotic devices can effectively improve motor function in stroke patients through limb activation. However, the effects of robot-assisted therapy on perceptual deficits after stroke is unclear. OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of robotic limb activation in patients with unilateral spatial neglect (USN) after stroke. METHODS: In this systematic review, a literature search was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and LILACS databases without language restrictions. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs of robot-assisted therapy for USN after stroke were selected. Two reviewers independently assessed the risk of bias and certainty of the evidence of the included studies. RESULTS: A total of 630 studies were identified, including five studies for qualitative synthesis and four meta-analyses. The results of RCTs comparing robotic limb activation with a control group suggested an improvement in the degree of USN measured by the line bisection test (standardized mean difference [SMD], -0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.13 to -0.15; P = .01). There were no differences between the groups in the motor-free visual perception test 3rd edition (SMD, 0.27; 95% CI, -0.25-0.79; P = .31), star cancellation test (SMD, 0.26; 95% CI, -0.42-0.94; P = .54), Albert's test (SMD, -0.67; 95% CI, -2.01-0.66; P = .32), and Catherine Bergego Scale (SMD, -0.81; 95% CI, -2.07-0.45; P = .21). CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that limb activation through robotic therapy can improve midline perception. However, there was no impact on tasks assessing visual scanning, functionality, or activities of daily living.

Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Can Reduce Unilateral Spatial Neglect after Stroke: ELETRON Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Rehabilitation top-down techniques based on brain stimulation present variable outcomes in unilateral spatial neglect (USN) after stroke. This study aimed to examine the effects of physical therapy after anodal and cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (A-tDCS and C-tDCS, respectively) to improve visuospatial and functional impairments in individuals with USN after stroke. METHODS: This double-blinded, pilot randomized clinical trial enrolled patients with USN after ischemic stroke. Randomization was stratified according to the Behavior Inattention Test-Conventional (BIT-C) and Catherine Bergego Scale (CBS). Outpatient physical therapy was conducted for 7.5 weeks after 20 minutes of tDCS. The primary outcome was the USN degree evaluated by the BIT-C. Secondary outcomes were the difference in CBS score, stroke severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS]), disability (modified Rankin Scale), autonomy (Barthel Index, Functional Independence Measure), and quality of life (EuroQol Group 5-Dimension Self-Report Questionnaire). Outcomes were analyzed using an analysis of covariance model corrected by age, baseline NIHSS, and baseline BIT-C. Pairwise post hoc comparisons were performed using Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: In the primary outcomes, A-tDCS led to greater improvement in BIT-C after intervention (mean difference [MD] = 18.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.9-32.8, p = 0.008) compared to sham. However, no significant differences were observed between A-tDCS and C-tDCS (MD = 13.9, 95% CI = -0.3 to 28.1, p = 0.057), or C-tDCS and sham (MD = 4.5, 95% CI = -9.7 to 18.8, p = 0.99). There were no significant differences between groups in terms of secondary outcomes. INTERPRETATION: A-tDCS associated with physical therapy can decrease the severity of USN after stroke. However, these preliminary findings must be confirmed by collecting additional evidence in a larger phase 3 trial. ANN NEUROL 2022;92:400-410.

Rescue of Neglect and Language Impairment After Stroke Thrombectomy.

Background and Purpose: Although National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores provide an objective measure of clinical deficits, data regarding the impact of neglect or language impairment on outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is lacking. We assessed the frequency of neglect and language impairment, rate of their rescue by MT, and impact of rescue on clinical outcomes. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database from a comprehensive stroke center. We assessed right (RHS) and left hemispheric strokes (LHS) patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion undergoing MT to assess the impact of neglect and language impairment on clinical outcomes, respectively. Safety and efficacy outcomes were compared between patients with and without rescue of neglect or language impairment. Results: Among 324 RHS and 210 LHS patients, 71% of patients presented with neglect whereas 93% of patients had language impairment, respectively. Mean age was 71±15, 56% were females, and median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 16 (12­20). At 24 hours, MT resulted in rescue of neglect in 31% of RHS and rescue of language impairment in 23% of LHS patients, respectively. RHS patients with rescue of neglect (56% versus 34%, P<0.001) and LHS patients with rescue of language impairment (64 % versus 25%, P<0.01) were observed to have a higher rate of functional independence compared to patients without rescue. After adjusting for confounders including 24-hour National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, rescue of neglect among RHS patients was associated with functional independence (P=0.01) and lower mortality (P=0.01). Similarly, rescue of language impairment among LHS patients was associated with functional independence (P=0.02) and lower mortality (P=0.001). Conclusions: Majority of LHS-anterior circulation large vessel occlusion and of RHS-anterior circulation large vessel occlusion patients present with the impairment of language and neglect, respectively. In comparison to 24-hour National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, rescue of these deficits by MT is an independent and a better predictor of functional independence and lower mortality.

Adaptação de uma Escala de Avaliação de Anomalias Perceptuais para o Brasil / Adaptation a Scale of Evaluation of Perceptual Anomalies for Brazil / Adaptación de una Escala de Evaluación de Anomalías Perceptuales para Brasil

Resumo O objetivo desta pesquisa foi adaptar a Structured Interview for Assessing Perceptual Anomalies (SIAPA) para o Brasil para ser utilizada como instrumento de autorrelato. Utilizou-se uma amostra não probabilística de 854 universitários, a maioria do sexo masculino (51,4 %) e com idades entre 16 e 65 anos (M = 23,7; DP = 6,8). Após a tradução e validação semântica da SIAPA, testaram-se os parâmetros de validade e precisão por meio de análises fatoriais, coeficientes alfa de Cronbach e análises via Teoria de Resposta ao Item (TRI). Os resultados confirmaram a adequação psicométrica da medida, apontando uma solução unidimensional com altas cargas no fator geral e alta consistência interna (α = 0,88; Ω = 0,88). Acredita-se que o objetivo proposto tenha sido satisfeito, de modo que, ao final da pesquisa, contou-se com uma medida válida e fidedigna que pode ser utilizada, tanto para rastreio quanto para pesquisa, para compreender e diagnosticar anomalias perceptuais. (AU)

Abstract The purpose of this research was to adapt the Structured Interview for Assessing Perceptual Anomalies (SIAPA) for use in Brazil as a self-report tool. A non-probabilistic sample of 854 undergraduate students was used, mostly men (51.4%) and aged between 16 and 65 years (M = 23.7, SD = 6.8). After the translation and semantic validation of SIAPA, the validity and precision parameters were tested by means of factor analysis, Cronbach's alpha coefficients, and Item Response Theory (IRT) analysis. The results confirmed the psychometric adequacy of the measure, pointing to a one-dimensional solution with high loads on the general factor and high accuracy (α = 0.88; Ω = 0.88). It is believed that the proposed objective was satisfied, so that at the end of the investigation there was a valid and reliable measure that can be used, both for screening and research, to understand and diagnose perceptual anomalies. (AU)

Resumen El objetivo de esta investigación fue adaptar la Structured Interview for Assessing Perceptual Anomalies (SIAPA) para Brasil para utilizarla como instrumento de autoinforme. Se utilizó una muestra no probabilística con 854 universitarios, la mayoría del sexo masculino (51,4%) y con edades entre 16 a 65 años (M = 23,7, DP = 6,8). Después de la traducción y validación semántica de la SIAPA, se probaron los parámetros de validez y precisión por medio de análisis factoriales, coeficientes alfa de Cronbach y análisis vía Teoría de Respuesta al Ítem (TRI). Los resultados confirmaron la adecuación psicométrica de la medida, apuntando una solución unidimensional con altas cargas en el factor general y alta precisión (α = 0,88; Ω = 0,88). Se cree que el objetivo propuesto ha sido satisfecho, de modo que al final de la investigación se contó con una medida valida y fidedigna que se puede utilizar, tanto para detección como investigación, para comprender y diagnosticar anomalías perceptuales. (AU)

Consideraciones sobre las condiciones neuropsiquiátricas del Quijote de la Mancha / Considerations about the Neuropsychiatry Conditions of Quixote of La Mancha

RESUMEN Don Quijote de la Mancha, el pintoresco personaje creado por Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra en su obra inmortal El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha, presenta varias condiciones neuropsiquiátricas que incluyen tremor, trastornos del sueño, síntomas neuropsiquiátricos, síncope, trastornos de la percepción y traumatismo craneoencefálico. A lo largo de la obra, se presentan episodios en los que se hacen evidentes los diferentes trastornos mencionados. El artículo hace un recuento de ellos a través de la novela y un análisis a la luz de los conocimientos actuales sobre dichas condiciones.

ABSTRACT Don Quixote of La Mancha, the picturesque character created by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra in his immortal book The Ingenious Nobleman Sir Quixote of La Mancha, presents several neuropsychiatric conditions, including tremor, sleep disturbances, neuropsychiatric symptoms, syncope, perception disorders and traumatic brain injury. Throughout the masterpiece, there are episodes where the aforementioned disorders are evident. This paper makes a list of them and analyses them in the light of the current knowledge of those conditions.

Norm scores of cancelation and bisection tests for unilateral spatial neglect: data from a Brazilian population.

OBJECTIVE: Unilateral spatial neglect (USN) results in a consistent and exaggerated spatial asymmetry in the processing of information about the body or space due to an acquired brain injury. There are several USN tests for clinical diagnosis, but none of them are validated in Brazil. The aim was to obtain normative values from a healthy sample in Brazil and to evaluate the effects of demographic variables on USN tests. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study performed with 150 neurologically healthy individuals. USN was evaluated using the line cancelation (LC), star cancelation (SC), and line bisection (LB) tests in the A3 (29.7 x 42.0 cm) sheet format. RESULTS: In LC, 143 participants had 0 omissions, and the occurrence of failure was significantly associated with aging (OR=1.1[1.02-1.2]; p=0.012). In SC, 145 participants had fewer than 1 omission, and the occurrence of failure was significantly associated with aging (OR=1.07[1.03-1.11]; p<0.001). In LB, deviations were the lowest for those with the highest level of education (r=0.20; p=0.015), and the deviation was 9.5 mm. CONCLUSION: The cutoff points presented in this study may be indicative of USN, but due to performance differences based on age, we suggest using different norm scores for different age groups. These norm scores can be used in the clinic immediately for USN diagnosis.

Localization of Early-Stage Visual Processing Deficits at Schizophrenia Spectrum Illness Onset Using Magnetoencephalography.

Impairments in early-stage visual processing are observed in chronic psychosis. However, their presence, localization within the brain, and contribution to cognitive symptoms remain less well established early in disease course. The present study utilized magnetoencephalography (MEG) to examine sensory responses within primary visual cortex (V1). MEG was recorded from 38 individuals diagnosed with a schizophrenia spectrum illness at first psychotic episode (FESz) and 38 matched healthy controls (HC) during visual search tasks. The inverse solution for cortical activity contributing to the M100 visual evoked field was derived. Task performance and V1 activation were compared between groups. FESz exhibited a reduced V1 response relative to HC. This group deficit, however, was selective for the left hemisphere (LH). A similar interaction was observed for response time with FESz exhibiting slower responses to right visual field targets, a difference not observed among HC. Among FESz, larger LH V1 activity was associated with larger hallucination subscale scores on the Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms. Early-stage visual processing deficits localized to V1 are present at disease onset in the schizophrenia spectrum. This impairment appears to be restricted to the LH, consistent with previous reports detailing a predominantly LH disease process in early psychosis, and activity within this region was associated with an increased experience of hallucinations. These findings detail the cortical responses contributing to visual processing impairments and their relationship with symptoms at disease onset, advancing our understanding of their developmental trajectory over the course of psychotic illness.

Norm scores of cancelation and bisection tests for unilateral spatial neglect: data from a Brazilian population

OBJECTIVE: Unilateral spatial neglect (USN) results in a consistent and exaggerated spatial asymmetry in the processing of information about the body or space due to an acquired brain injury. There are several USN tests for clinical diagnosis, but none of them are validated in Brazil. The aim was to obtain normative values from a healthy sample in Brazil and to evaluate the effects of demographic variables on USN tests. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study performed with 150 neurologically healthy individuals. USN was evaluated using the line cancelation (LC), star cancelation (SC), and line bisection (LB) tests in the A3 (29.7 x 42.0 cm) sheet format. RESULTS: In LC, 143 participants had 0 omissions, and the occurrence of failure was significantly associated with aging (OR=1.1[1.02-1.2]; p=0.012). In SC, 145 participants had fewer than 1 omission, and the occurrence of failure was significantly associated with aging (OR=1.07[1.03-1.11]; p<0.001). In LB, deviations were the lowest for those with the highest level of education (r=0.20; p=0.015), and the deviation was 9.5 mm. CONCLUSION: The cutoff points presented in this study may be indicative of USN, but due to performance differences based on age, we suggest using different norm scores for different age groups. These norm scores can be used in the clinic immediately for USN diagnosis.

Validation of the Catherine Bergego Scale in patients with unilateral spatial neglect after stroke / Validação da Escala Catherine Bergego em pacientes com negligência espacial unilateral após acidente vascular cerebral

ABSTRACT: The Catherine Bergego Scale (CBS) is a scale to evaluates the impact of unilateral spatial neglect (USN) on everyday life of patients after stroke. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and comprehension of the Portuguese version of the CBS for patients with USN after stroke. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in patients with stroke and USN. The CBS was translated, culturally adapted and applied by two independent investigators. The patients were also evaluated by the Behavioural Inattention Test (BIT), NIHSS, mRS and Barthel scale to assess USN severity, neurological function, disability and autonomy consecutively. Consistency and coherence were analysed using Cronbach's α, inter-observer reliability by Kappa, and the correlation between the CBS, BIT, NIHSS, mRS, and Barthel was determined using Pearson correlation. Results: Twenty-two patients were evaluated and the observed Cronbach's α=0.913. For intra-observer reproducibility, the 10 items showed a reasonable and high reliability between evaluators. The CBS showed a negative correlation with the BIT. There was a low correlation between the BIT and NIHSS, mRS and Barthel index. Conclusion: The CBS is an adequate and validated scale for assessing patients with USN after stroke in a Brazilian population.

RESUMO: A Escala de Catherine Bergego (CBS) é uma escala para avaliar o impacto da negligência espacial unilateral (USN) no cotidiano de pacientes após AVC. Objetivo: Não há validação da CBS para população brasileira e o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a confiabilidade e compreensão da versão em português da CBS para pacientes com USN após AVC. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal em pacientes com AVC e USN. A CBS foi traduzida, adaptada culturalmente e aplicada por dois investigadores independentes. Os pacientes também foram avaliados pelo Behaviour Innatention Test (BIT), NIHSS, mRS e Barthel para avaliar a gravidade da USN, função neurológica, incapacidade e autonomia consecutivamente. A consistência e a coerência foram analisadas pelo coeficiente α de Cronbach, a confiabilidade interobservador foi avaliada pelo coeficiente kappa e a correlação entre o CBS, BIT, NIHSS, mRS e Barthel foi avaliada pela correlação de Pearson. Resultados: Vinte e dois pacientes foram avaliados e observaram-se consistência e coerência pelo coeficiente α de Cronbach=0,913. Na análise da reprodutibilidade intraobservador, os 10 itens da escala apresentaram confiabilidade razoável e alta entre os avaliadores. O CBS mostrou correlação negativa com o BIT. Houve baixa correlação entre BIT e NIHSS, mRS e índice de Barthel. Conclusão: A CBS é uma escala adequada e validada para avaliar pacientes com USN após AVC em uma população brasileira e de língua portuguesa.

Fatores associados a alteração da percepção sensorial tátil nos pés de pacientes com diabetes mellitus / Facrors associated with altered tactile sensory perception in the feet of patients with diabetes mellitus

A alteração na percepção sensorial tátil é a complicação neurológica e microvascular mais prevalente da diabetes mellitus, sendo frequentemente subnotificada e subtratada, o que pode levar a um aumento no risco de morbidade e mortalidade. É um problema que antecede a neuropatia diabética, uma das principais causas de ulcerações e amputações. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar sinais, sintomas e fatores etiológicos da alteração da percepção sensoril tátil em pacientes com diabetes mellitus. Foi conduzido estudo metodológico em duas etapas: revisão integrativa da literatura e validação clínica com estudo transversal de abordagem quantitativa. A revisão integrativa da literatura foi realizada no período de agosto a setembro de 2016, nas principais bases de dados nacionais e internacionais, utilizando os descritores: neuropatias diabéticas, tato, percepção tátil, transtornos da percepção, distúrbios somatossensoriais e enfermagem. De 1371 publicações identificadas, obteve-se uma amostra de 23 estudos que subsidiaram, com as variáveis pertinentes, o instrumento de coleta de dados da etapa clínica. As publicações ocorreram entre 1992 e 2015, com maior produção nos Estados Unidos, com 17,3%. Os estudos (56,5%) foram do tipo transversal, prevalecendo nível de evidência IV (56,5%). A pesquisa clínica foi desenvolvida no ambulatório de endocrinologia do hospital de referência no Município de Campina Grande/PB, no período de maio a outubro de 2017. Foi realizado estudo piloto para determinar a confiabilidade entre avaliadores na coleta de dados utilizando na análise o coeficiente Kappa. O instrumento de coleta de dados continha aspectos sociodemográficos, dados clínicos gerais, a história clínica do diabetes mellitus e avaliação clínica dos pés através de teste do monofilamento de Semmes-Weinstein, teste de sensibilidade dolorosa, teste de sensibilidade vibratória com o diapasão e reflexo aquileu. Foram incluídos no estudo 224 pacientes. A prevalência global de alteração da percepção sensorial tátil foi de 53,1%. Na análise multivariada foi identificado que sexo feminino (p=0,019), diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (p=0,002), úlcera prévia (p=0,001), sensação de queimação (p=0,003), rachaduras e fissuras (p=0,017), calosidades (p=0,033) e pé de Charcot (p=0,019) foram associados à presença de alteração da percepção sensorial tátil. Constatou-se uma alta prevalência de alteração na percepção sensorial tátil entre os diabéticos. A identificação precoce de sinais, sintomas e fatores etiológicos podem subsidiar o enfermeiro no planejamento de intervenções baseadas em evidência na prevenção de ulcerações e amputações futuras.(AU)

The change in tactile sensory perception is the most prevalent neurological and microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus, often under-reported and under-treated, which may lead to an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. It is a problem that predates diabetic neuropathy, a major cause of ulceration and amputation. The objective of this study was to analyze the signs, symptoms and etiological factors of altered tactile sensory perception in patients with diabetes mellitus. A methodological study was conducted in two stages: integrative literature review and clinical validation with a cross - sectional quantitative approach. The integrative literature review was carried out from August to September 2016, in the main national and international databases, using the descriptors: diabetic neuropathies, touch, tactile perception, perceptual disorders, somatosensory disorders and nursing. Of 1371 publications identified, a sample of 23 studies was obtained that subsidized, with the pertinent variables, the instrument of data collection of the clinical stage. The publications occurred between 1992 and 2015, with higher production in the United States, with 17.3%. The studies (56.5%) were of the transverse type, with a level of evidence IV (56.5%). The clinical research was carried out in the endocrinology outpatient clinic of the reference hospital in the city of Campina Grande / PB, from May to October 2017. A pilot study was conducted to determine the reliability among raters in the data collection using the Kappa coefficient . The data collection instrument contained sociodemographic aspects, general clinical data, clinical history of diabetes mellitus and clinical evaluation of the feet through the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test, pain sensitivity test, vibration sensitivity test with tuning fork, and aquileu reflex . A total of 224 patients were included in the study. The overall prevalence of altered tactile sensory perception was 53.1%. In the multivariate analysis, the female gender (p = 0.019), type 2 diabetes mellitus (p = 0.002), previous ulcer (p = 0.001), burning sensation (p = 0.003), cracks and fissures (p = 0.033) and Charcot's foot (p = 0.019) were associated with the presence of altered tactile sensory perception. There was a high prevalence of alteration in the tactile sensorial perception among diabetics. Early identification of signs, symptoms, and etiological factors may support nurses in the planning of evidence-based interventions for the prevention of future ulcerations and amputations.(AU)

Impact of unilateral spatial neglect on chronic patient's post-stroke quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Unilateral spatial neglect (USN) is the prevalent feature in patients with right-sided stroke. It is diagnosed through the behavior inattention test (BIT) and has a negative impact on patients affecting both their functional capacity and quality of life. OBJECTIVE: Here, we aimed to evaluate the impact of USN on the quality of life of patients in the chronic phase of stroke. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with stroke patients with USN. After confirming the presence of stroke through neuroimaging examinations and of USN through the BIT, patients' quality of life was evaluated by using the EUROQOL scale. Spearman's correlation was used to validate the correlation between patients' USN and quality of life, with a p < .05 representing significant results. RESULTS: Eighteen individuals were included. When correlating the value of each domain of the EUROQOL scale with the results of the BIT, we observed a negative correlation between mobility (r = -0.97; p = .000), self-care (r = -0.82; p = .013), usual activities (r = -0.87; p = .005); pain or discomfort (r = -0.88; p = .004), anxiety or depression (r = -0.97; p = .000), and EUROQOL total score (r = -0.97, p = .000). CONCLUSION: After a correlation between the overall EUROQOL and BIT scores, we suggest that the higher the USN degree is in stroke patients, the worse their perceived quality of life tends to be.

Noninvasive Brain Stimulations for Unilateral Spatial Neglect after Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized and Nonrandomized Controlled Trials.

Background: Unilateral spatial neglect (USN) is the most frequent perceptual disorder after stroke. Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) is a tool that has been used in the rehabilitation process to modify cortical excitability and improve perception and functional capacity. Objective: To assess the impact of NIBS on USN after stroke. Methods: An extensive search was conducted up to July 2016. Studies were selected if they were controlled and noncontrolled trials examining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and theta burst stimulation (TBS) in USN after stroke, with outcomes measured by standardized USN and functional tests. Results: Twelve RCTs (273 participants) and 4 non-RCTs (94 participants) proved eligible. We observed a benefit in overall USN measured by the line bisection test with NIBS in comparison to sham (SMD -2.35, 95% CI -3.72, -0.98; p = 0.0001); the rTMS yielded results that were consistent with the overall meta-analysis (SMD -2.82, 95% CI -3.66, -1.98; p = 0.09). The rTMS compared with sham also suggested a benefit in overall USN measured by Motor-Free Visual Perception Test at both 1 Hz (SMD 1.46, 95% CI 0.73, 2.20; p < 0.0001) and 10 Hz (SMD 1.19, 95% CI 0.48, 1.89; p = 0.54). There was also a benefit in overall USN measured by Albert's test and the line crossing test with 1 Hz rTMS compared to sham (SMD 2.04, 95% CI 1.14, 2.95; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The results suggest a benefit of NIBS on overall USN, and we conclude that rTMS is more efficacious compared to sham for USN after stroke.

Unilateral spatial neglect in the acute phase of ischemic stroke can predict long-term disability and functional capacity.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the degree of unilateral spatial neglect during the acute phase of stroke and long-term functional independence. METHODS: This was a prospective study of right ischemic stroke patients in which the independent variable was the degree of spatial neglect and the outcome that was measured was functional independence. The potential confounding factors included sex, age, stroke severity, topography of the lesion, risk factors, glycemia and the treatment received. Unilateral spatial neglect was measured using the line cancellation test, the star cancellation test and the line bisection test within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Functional independence was measured using the modified Rankin and Barthel scales at 90 days after discharge. The relationship between unilateral spatial neglect and functional independence was analyzed using multiple logistic regression that was corrected for confounding factors. RESULTS: We studied 60 patients with a median age of 68 (34-89) years, 52% of whom were male and 74% of whom were Caucasian. The risk for moderate to severe disability increased with increasing star cancellation test scores (OR=1.14 [1.03-1.26], p=0.01) corrected for the stroke severity, which was a confounding factor that had a statistically positive association with disability (OR=1.63 [1.13-2.65], p=0.01). The best chance of functional independence decreased with increasing star cancellation test scores (OR=0.86 [0.78-0.96], p=0.006) corrected for the stroke severity, which was a confounding factor that had a statistically negative association with independence (OR=0.66 [0.48-0.92], p=0.017). CONCLUSION: The severity of unilateral spatial neglect in acute stroke worsens the degree of long-term disability and functional independence.

Posterior cortical atrophy: a single case cognitive and radiological follow-up.

Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) is a rare neurodegenerative syndrome characterized by initial predominant visuoperceptual deficits followed by a progressive decline in other cognitive functions. This syndrome has not been as thoroughly described as other dementias, particularly from a neuropsychological evolution perspective with only a few studies describing the evolution of its cognitive progression. In this investigation we review the literature on this rare condition and we perform a 7-year neuropsychological and neuroradiological follow-up of a 64-year-old man with PCA. The subject's deficits initially appeared in his visuoperceptual skills with later affectation appearing in language and other cognitive functions, this being coherent with the patient's parieto-temporal atrophy evolution.

Risk prediction and impaired tactile sensory perception among cancer patients during chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: to estimate the prevalence of impaired tactile sensory perception, identify risk factors, and establish a risk prediction model among adult patients receiving antineoplastic chemotherapy. METHOD: historical cohort study based on information obtained from the medical files of 127 patients cared for in the cancer unit of a private hospital in a city in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data were analyzed using descriptive and bivariate statistics, with survival and multivariate analysis by Cox regression. RESULTS: 57% of the 127 patients included in the study developed impaired tactile sensory perception. The independent variables that caused significant impact, together with time elapsed from the beginning of treatment up to the onset of the condition, were: bone, hepatic and regional lymph node metastases; alcoholism; palliative chemotherapy; and discomfort in lower limbs. CONCLUSION: impaired tactile sensory perception was common among adult patients during chemotherapy, indicating the need to implement interventions designed for early identification and treatment of this condition.

Unilateral spatial neglect in the acute phase of ischemic stroke can predict long-term disability and functional capacity

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the degree of unilateral spatial neglect during the acute phase of stroke and long-term functional independence. METHODS: This was a prospective study of right ischemic stroke patients in which the independent variable was the degree of spatial neglect and the outcome that was measured was functional independence. The potential confounding factors included sex, age, stroke severity, topography of the lesion, risk factors, glycemia and the treatment received. Unilateral spatial neglect was measured using the line cancellation test, the star cancellation test and the line bisection test within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Functional independence was measured using the modified Rankin and Barthel scales at 90 days after discharge. The relationship between unilateral spatial neglect and functional independence was analyzed using multiple logistic regression that was corrected for confounding factors. RESULTS: We studied 60 patients with a median age of 68 (34-89) years, 52% of whom were male and 74% of whom were Caucasian. The risk for moderate to severe disability increased with increasing star cancellation test scores (OR=1.14 [1.03-1.26], p=0.01) corrected for the stroke severity, which was a confounding factor that had a statistically positive association with disability (OR=1.63 [1.13-2.65], p=0.01). The best chance of functional independence decreased with increasing star cancellation test scores (OR=0.86 [0.78-0.96], p=0.006) corrected for the stroke severity, which was a confounding factor that had a statistically negative association with independence (OR=0.66 [0.48-0.92], p=0.017). CONCLUSION: The severity of unilateral spatial neglect in acute stroke worsens the degree of long-term disability and functional independence.

The painter from Sinaloa: artistic analysis of a case of spatial agnosia and neglect of visual shapes.

Paintings produced spontaneously by patients with neurological lesions represent a fascinating opportunity to analyze some aspects of the underlying disease and involved brain mechanisms. Many cases of artists who have suffered spatial neglect following a neurological disease have been reported in the literature. However, only a few studies evaluating the different subtypes of graphic neglect and aspects related to the construction of perspective (three dimensionality) in works of art have been published. In the present article, we present the case of an artist who, after resection of a central neurocytoma that affected the right thalamo-parietal connections, suffered an impairment of the ability to create perspective in his paintings and involuntary omission of only shapes in the left side of his paintings, although colors and contours were preserved.

Methodological guidelines to investigate altered states of consciousness and anomalous experiences.

Anomalous experiences (AE) (uncommon experiences or one that is believed to deviate from the usually accepted explanations of reality: hallucinations, synesthesia, experiences interpreted as telepathic…) and altered states of consciousness (ASC) have been described in all societies of all ages. Even so, scientists have long neglected the studies on this theme. To study AE and ASC is not necessary to share the beliefs we explore, they can be investigated as subjective experiences and correlated with other data, like any other human experience. This article presents some methodological guidelines to investigate these experiences, among them: to avoid dogmatic prejudice and to 'pathologize' the unusual; the value of a theory and a comprehensive literature review; to utilize a variety of criteria for pathology and normality; the investigation of clinical and non-clinical populations; development of new appropriate research instruments; to be careful to choose the wording to describe the AE; to distinguished the lived experience from its interpretations; to take into account the role of culture; to evaluate the validity and reliability of reports and, last but not least, creativity and diversity in choosing methods.

Risk prediction and impaired tactile sensory perception among cancer patients during chemotherapy / Predição de risco e incidência de percepção sensorial tátil alterada em pacientes oncológicos durante quimioterapia / Predicción de riesgo e incidencia de percepción sensorial táctil alterada en pacientes oncológicos durante quimioterapia

ABSTRACT Objectives: to estimate the prevalence of impaired tactile sensory perception, identify risk factors, and establish a risk prediction model among adult patients receiving antineoplastic chemotherapy. Method: historical cohort study based on information obtained from the medical files of 127 patients cared for in the cancer unit of a private hospital in a city in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data were analyzed using descriptive and bivariate statistics, with survival and multivariate analysis by Cox regression. Results: 57% of the 127 patients included in the study developed impaired tactile sensory perception. The independent variables that caused significant impact, together with time elapsed from the beginning of treatment up to the onset of the condition, were: bone, hepatic and regional lymph node metastases; alcoholism; palliative chemotherapy; and discomfort in lower limbs. Conclusion: impaired tactile sensory perception was common among adult patients during chemotherapy, indicating the need to implement interventions designed for early identification and treatment of this condition.

RESUMO Objetivos: Estimar a prevalência de percepção sensorial tátil alterada, identificar os fatores de risco e estabelecer modelo de predição de risco para seu desenvolvimento, em pacientes adultos, submetidos à quimioterapia antineoplásica. Método: Coorte histórica realizada a partir de informações obtidas em prontuários de 127 pacientes atendidos em uma unidade oncológica de um hospital privado de um município de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Os dados foram analisados por estatística descritiva, bivariada, com análise de sobrevida e multivariada por regressão de Cox. Resultados: Dos 127 pacientes analisados 57% desenvolveu percepção sensorial tátil alterada. As variáveis independentes que impactaram, de forma significativa e conjunta, com o tempo para ocorrência do desfecho foram: metástases óssea, hepática e de linfonodo regional, alcoolismo, quimioterapia paliativa e desconforto nos membros inferiores. Conclusão: A percepção sensorial tátil alterada foi um achado comum em pacientes adultos durante o tratamento quimioterápico, apontando para a necessidade da implementação de intervenções que visem identificar precocemente e prevenir ou tratar o problema.

RESUMEN Objetivos: estimar la prevalencia de percepción sensorial táctil alterada, identificar los factores de riesgo y establecer un modelo de predicción de riesgo para su desarrollo, en pacientes adultos sometidos a quimioterapia antineoplásica. Método: estudio de cohorte histórica, realizado a partir de informaciones obtenidas de fichas médicas de 127 pacientes atendidos en unidad oncológica de un hospital privado, en municipio de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Los datos fueron analizados con estadística descriptiva, bivariada, con análisis de sobrevivencia y multivariado con la regresión de Cox. Resultados: de los 127 pacientes analizados, 57% desarrollaron percepción sensorial táctil alterada. Las variables independientes que causaron impacto de forma significativa, y conjuntamente con el tiempo para ocurrencia del resultado, fueron: metástasis ósea, hepática y de linfoma regional; alcoholismo; quimioterapia paliativa; e, incomodidad en los miembros inferiores. Conclusión: la percepción sensorial táctil alterada fue un hallazgo común en pacientes adultos durante el tratamiento quimioterápico, lo que apunta para la necesidad de la implementación de intervenciones que objetiven identificar precozmente y prevenir o tratar el problema.

Avaliação da eficácia da terapia de espelho na Síndrome de Pusher e da heminegligência em pacientes pós-acidente vascular encefálico / Evaluation of the effectiveness of mirror therapy in Pusher Syndrome and hemineglect in post-stroke patients

Introdução: Em pacientes com Acidente Vascular Cerebral (AVC) agudo, que experimentam déficits acentuados de equilíbrio, pode-se suspeitar da Síndrome de Pusher. Objetivo: Analisar eficácia do tratamento da Síndrome de Pusher (SP) e heminegligência através da Terapia de Espelho (TE). Material e métodos: Relata-se o caso de um paciente com 6 meses pós-AVC, 55 anos, do sexo masculino, com heminegligência e SP associadas ao quadro clínico de hemiplegia proporcionada à esquerda. O paciente foi avaliado pelas escalas: Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg (EEB), Escala de Fulg-Meyer (FM), Medida de Independência Funcional (MIF), Contraversive Pushing Scale (CPS) e teste do desenho para heminegligência (TDH). Foi realizada a TE de modo que todo o hemicorpo saudável ficava refletido na imagem. Foram realizadas 15 sessões de exercícios, com 50 minutos de duração. Resultados: Observa-se uma melhora considerável nas pontuações da FM - função sensorial e na MIF. A melhora da heminegligência e da SP também foi observada pelos testes aplicados. As pontuações da EEB e FM, seção membro superior e membro inferior obtiveram diferenças mínimas na comparação antes e após o tratamento. Conclusão: A TE aplicada sobre todo o hemicorpo afetado foi capaz de promover melhora na heminegligência e SP de paciente agudo pós-AVE.(AU)

Introduction: In patients with acute stroke, experiencing sharp balance deficits, can be suspected of Pusher syndrome. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of treatment on Pusher Syndrome (PS) and hemineglect through mirror therapy (MT). Methods: A case report of six months post-stroke patient, 55 years-old, male, with hemineglect and PS in the hemiplegic left side. The patient was evaluated by Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Fulg-Meyer Scale (FM), the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Contraversive Pushing Scale (CPS) and Heminegligence Drawing test (HDT). Fifteen mirror therapy sessions, with 50 minutes, were performed. Results: We observed a great improvement in the FM-sensorial section and FIM scores. Hemineglect and PS were also improved after MT training sessions. The scores of EEB and FM, upper limb and lower limb sections, had a minimal change in the comparison before and after the treatment. Conclusion: MT applied in the whole affected side was able to produce an improvement in the hemineglect and PS in acute post-stroke patient.(AU)