Fiabilidad y validez de la Escala de valoración del estilo de vida saludable adquirido (E-VEVSA) en adultos de Albacete y Murcia (España) / Reliability and validity of the Acquired healthy lifestyle assessment scale (E-VEVSA) in adults from Albacete and Murcia (Spain)

Fundamentos El estilo de vida es un constructo teórico que está formado por los hábitos de vida de un sujeto. El análisis y la cuantificación objetivable del estilo de vida, puede tener un gran impacto sobre la salud de las personas, así como en la evolución del estado de la misma con el transcurso de los años. El objetivo de la presente investigación ha sido la validación de la Escala de valoración del estilo de vida saludable adquirido (E-VEVSA) en adultos españoles. Métodos Sobre una muestra inicial para las pruebas exploratorias de 248 sujetos y final para las pruebas confirmatorias de 780 sujetos, de edades comprendidas entre los 22 y 72 años de edad, se realizaron pruebas psicométricas exploratorias y confirmatorias basadas en el estadístico alfa de Cronbach (fiabilidad) y análisis factorial exploratorio con rotación oblicua (oblimin) y confirmatorio con rotación varimax (validez de constructo), que dieron lugar a un instrumento definitivo formado por 52 ítems y estructurado en siete dimensiones: Responsabilidad individual en el cuidado de la salud (nueve ítems), hábitos de práctica físico-deportiva (seis ítems), hábitos de salud en las relaciones sociales (10 ítems), hábito de consumo de tabaco y alcohol (nueve ítems), hábito de alimentación saludable (siete ítems), hábito de salud psicológica (seis ítems) y hábito de descanso y sueño diario (cinco ítems). Resultados Todos los ítems explicaron una varianza total de 66,87% y un alfa de Cronbach de 0,894, estando por encima de 0,700 el alfa parcial de cada dimensión o factor. Conclusiones Los resultados arrojan pruebas psicométricas que confirman la validez de la escala E-VEVSA como un instrumento útil para medir el estilo de vida saludable adquirido en personas adultas (AU)

Background Lifestyle is a theoretical construct that is formed by the life habits of a subject. The analysis and objective quantification of lifestyle can have a great impact on people's health, as well as on the evolution of its status over the years. The objective of this research has been the validation of the Acquired Healthy Lifestyle Assessment Scale (E-VEVSA) in Spanish adults. Method On an initial sample for the exploratory tests of 248 subjects and a final sample for the confirmatory tests of 780 subjects, aged between 22 and 72 years of age. Exploratory and confirmatory psychometric tests were carried out based on the Cronbach's alpha statistic (reliability) and exploratory factorial analysis with oblique rotation (oblimin) and confirmatory with varimax rotation (construct validity), which resulted in an instrument made up of 52 items and structured in 7 dimensions: individual responsibility in health care (9 items), habits of physical-sports practice (6 items), health habits in social relationships (10 items), habit of tobacco and alcohol consumption (9 items), habit of healthy eating (7 items), psychological health habits (6 items) and daily rest and sleep habits (5 items). Results All the items explained a total variance of 66.87% and a Cronbach's alpha of .894, with the partial alpha of each dimension or factor being above .700. Conclusions The results show psychometric tests that confirm the validity of the E-VEVSA scale as a useful instrument to measure the healthy lifestyle acquired among adults (AU)

[Reliability and validity of the Acquired healthy lifestyle assessment scale (E-VEVSA) in adults from Albacete and Murcia (Spain)]. / Fiabilidad y validez de la Escala de valoración del estilo de vida saludable adquirido (E-VEVSA) en adultos de Albacete y Murcia (España).

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle is a theoretical construct that is formed by the life habits of a subject. The analysis and objective quantification of lifestyle can have a great impact on people's health, as well as on the evolution of its status over the years. The objective of this research has been the validation of the Acquired Healthy Lifestyle Assessment Scale (E-VEVSA) in Spanish adults. METHOD: On an initial sample for the exploratory tests of 248 subjects and a final sample for the confirmatory tests of 780 subjects, aged between 22 and 72 years of age. Exploratory and confirmatory psychometric tests were carried out based on the Cronbach's alpha statistic (reliability) and exploratory factorial analysis with oblique rotation (oblimin) and confirmatory with varimax rotation (construct validity), which resulted in an instrument made up of 52 items and structured in 7 dimensions: individual responsibility in health care (9 items), habits of physical-sports practice (6 items), health habits in social relationships (10 items), habit of tobacco and alcohol consumption (9 items), habit of healthy eating (7 items), psychological health habits (6 items) and daily rest and sleep habits (5 items). RESULTS: All the items explained a total variance of 66.87% and a Cronbach's alpha of .894, with the partial alpha of each dimension or factor being above .700. CONCLUSIONS: The results show psychometric tests that confirm the validity of the E-VEVSA scale as a useful instrument to measure the healthy lifestyle acquired among adults.

Neumatosis portal tras accidente de buceo / Portal pneumatosis after diving accident

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[Influence of a programme of therapeutic exercise on different clinical indicators related to dyslipidaemia in adult subjects aged between 26 to 73 years with a cardiovascular risk factor]. / Influencia de un programa de ejercicio físico terapéutico en diferentes indicadores clínicos relacionados con la dislipidemia en sujetos adultos de 26 a 73 años con algún factor de riesgo cardiovascular.

INTRODUCTION: A sedentary lifestyle is indicated in the international literature as one of the main causes for the onset of some cardiovascular risk factors. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of a therapeutic physical exercise programme on different clinical indicators related to dyslipidaemia (total cholesterol, HDL and LDL) in sedentary subjects with a cardiovascular risk factor. METHOD: Intervention study with before-and-after evaluation of a sample of 340 patients (132 males and 208 females) referred from the 2 primary care centres of the municipality of Molina de Segura (Murcia), and who participated in a 30-week programme of physical exercise combining muscle-conditioning work circuits with other cardio-respiratory resistance workouts. Regarding the clinical indicators, the health professionals collected in the medical history the health indicators corresponding to the biological evolution of the process for which the subjects studied had started the physical exercise programme. RESULTS: The statistical analyses showed a significant improvement (p<.005) in the LDL indicator and a non-significant improvement in total and HDL cholesterol indicators after a 3-month exercise programme of 3 weekly sessions. CONCLUSIONS: The prescription of physical exercise in dyslipidaemic subjects from primary care centre should be evaluated as a resource for improving the clinical indicators specific to their pathology.

Diagnosis of vascular cognitive impairment and its main categories.

OBJECTIVE: A review of current criteria for the diagnosis of categories related with vascular cognitive impairment, in particular the nomenclature, diagnostic criteria, and differential clinical-radiological findings. DEVELOPMENT: The criteria for the diagnosis of vascular cognitive impairment have evolved, but available criteria were designed basically for differentiating between vascular dementia and dementia due to Alzheimer disease, and for research purposes. Nevertheless, in clinical practice precise elements are required for: 1) Clinical diagnosis of dementia and mild cognitive impairment; 2) Clinical and neuroimaging criteria for identification of the various cerebrovascular lesions associated with cognitive dysfunction, and 3) A formulation of the aetiogenic-pathogenic relationship between cognitive impairment and cerebrovascular lesions. For this reason, a review was carried out on the diagnostic elements of vascular cognitive impairment categories, classification, and their most relevant characteristics. It highlights the characteristic for the diagnosis of multi-infarction dementia, strategic single infarct dementia, small vessel disease with dementia, mixed dementia, and vascular mild cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Standardisation is required, by a multidisciplinary expert team, as regards nomenclature and criteria for the diagnosis of the full spectrum associated with vascular cognitive impairment and especially for vascular dementia and its categories.

Ajuste del tratamiento farmacológico a las guías de práctica clínica en pacientes octogenarios con infarto agudo de miocardio / Drug treatment adjustment to the clinical guidelines in octagenarians with acute myocardial infarction

Objetivo: Determinar si existe una asociación lineal de la edad y la administración de aspirina ,betabloque antes, inhibidores de la enzima convertidora de la angiotensina y estatinas, en qué medida los pacientes de edad avanzada reciben estos tratamientos y si la edad se asocia de forma independiente a estos tratamientos. Diseño: Estudio de cohortes prospectivo. Ámbito: Unidades Coronarias de 2 hospitales de la Región de Murcia Pacientes: Pacientes consecutivos ingresados con el diagnóstico de infarto agudo de miocardio entre enero de 1998 y enero de 2008.Intervenciones: Ninguna. Variables principales: Las relacionadas con la administración de aspirina, betabloqueantes, inhibidores de la enzima convertidora de la angiotensina y estatinas durante la estancia en la Unidad Coronaria. Resultados: Respecto al resto de pacientes, los octogenarios recibieron en similar proporción inhibidores de la enzima convertidora de la angiotensina (70,8 vs 69,3%, p=0,41) y con menor frecuencia aspirina (90,4 vs 94,6%, p<0,001), betabloqueantes (44,4 vs 69,4%, p<0,001) y estatinas(47,6 vs 64,7%, p<0,001). Solo pudo demostrarse una disminución brusca y significativa en la administración de estatinas a partir de los 80 años. La edad se asoció independientemente con la administración de betabloqueantes (OR 0,59; IC95% 0,47 - 0,73) y estatinas (OR 0,78;IC95% 0,65 - 0,95). La menor administración de estos fármacos también se asoció a una mayor (..) (AU)

Objectives: To determine whether there is a linear association of age and aspirin, beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and statins; the extent to which elderly patients receive these treatments; and whether age is independently associated with these treatments. Design: A prospective cohort study. Setting: Coronary Unit of two hospitals in the Region of Murcia (Spain).Patients: Consecutive patients admitted with the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction between January 1998 and January 2008.Interventions: None. Main outcomes: Those related to the administration of aspirin, beta-blockers, angiotens nconverting enzyme inhibitors and statins during stay in the Coronary Care Unit. Results: Regarding the remaining patients, octogenarians received a similar proportion of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (70.8% vs. 69.3%, p=0.41) and less often aspirin (90.4%vs. 94.6%, p<0.001), beta-blockers (44.4% vs. 69.4%, p<0,001) and statins (47.6% vs. 64.7%,p<0.001). We were only able to demonstrate an abrupt and significant decrease in the use of statins after 80 years of age. Patient age was independently associated with the use of beta blockers (OR 0.59; 95%CI 0.47 - 0.73) and statins (OR 0.78; 95%CI 0.65 - 0.95). The lesser administration of these drugs was also associated with early mortality (OR 0.17, 95%CI 0.09 to0.33 and OR 0.14; 95%CI 0.08 to 0.23, respectively).Conclusions: Octogenarians less often receive aspirin, beta-blockers and statins, though old age was not an independent factor associated with lesser aspirin use (AU)

[Drug treatment adjustment to the clinical guidelines in octagenarians with acute myocardial infarction]. / Ajuste del tratamiento farmacológico a las guías de práctica clínica en pacientes octogenarios con infarto agudo de miocardio.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether there is a linear association of age and aspirin, betablockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and statins; the extent to which elderly patients receive these treatments; and whether age is independently associated with these treatments. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: Coronary Unit of two hospitals in the Region of Murcia (Spain). PATIENTS: Consecutive patients admitted with the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction between January 1998 and January 2008. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOMES: Those related to the administration of aspirin, betablockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and statins during stay in the Coronary Care Unit. RESULTS: Regarding the remaining patients, octogenarians received a similar proportion of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (70.8% vs. 69.3%, p=0.41) and less often aspirin (90.4% vs. 94.6%, p<0.001), betablockers (44.4% vs. 69.4%, p<0,001) and statins (47.6% vs. 64.7%, p<0.001). We were only able to demonstrate an abrupt and significant decrease in the use of statins after 80 years of age. Patient age was independently associated with the use of betablockers (OR 0.59; 95%CI 0.47 - 0.73) and statins (OR 0.78; 95%CI 0.65 - 0.95). The lesser administration of these drugs was also associated with early mortality (OR 0.17, 95%CI 0.09 to 0.33 and OR 0.14; 95%CI 0.08 to 0.23, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Octogenarians less often receive aspirin, betablockers and statins, though old age was not an independent factor associated with lesser aspirin use.

[Diagnosis of delayed cerebral ischaemia and cerebral vasospasm in subarachnoid haemorrhage]. / Diagnóstico de la isquemia cerebral tardía y el vasospasmo cerebral en la hemorragia subaracnoidea.

OBJECTIVE: A review of current foundations for the medical diagnosis of vasospam and delayed cerebral ischaemia due to spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage. DEVELOPMENT: A review of available tests for the investigation of vasospasm (transcraneal Doppler, angiographic methods) and delayed cerebral ischaemia (clinical exam, computerised tomography by X rays, magnetic resonance, emission computerised tomography, electroencephalography, microdialysis) based on type and quality of information, advantages and limitations. Grading and trends for application were also considered for differential diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: In current clinical practice the most advisable guideline for screening and diagnosis monitoring of vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischaemia is in the first place, based on clinical examination and transcraneal Doppler. The electroencephalographic monitoring, computerised tomography techniques and multi-modal magnetic resonance are justified in specific situations. Digital subtraction angiography is the current gold standard for diagnosis of cerebral vasospasm. There is a need for more and higher quality articles about the utility of diagnostic tests in this context.

Diagnóstico de la isquemia cerebral tardía y el vasospasmo cerebral en la hemorragia subaracnoidea / Diagnosis of delayed cerebral ischaemia and cerebral vasospasm in subarachnoid haemorrhage

Objetivo: Revisar los fundamentos actuales para el diagnóstico, en la práctica médica, del vasospasmo y la isquemia cerebral tardía por hemorragia subaracnoidea espontánea.Desarrollo: Se revisan las pruebas disponibles para investigar el vasospasmo (Doppler transcraneal, métodos angiográficos) y la isquemia cerebral tardía (examen clínico, tomografía computarizada convencional, resonancia magnética, tomografía computarizada de emisión, electroencefalografía, microdiálisis) en cuanto al tipo y calidad de la información que brindan, además de sus ventajas y limitaciones. Se aborda el diagnóstico diferencial, graduación y pautas de aplicación. Conclusiones: En la práctica clínica actual la pauta más recomendable para el diagnóstico y la monitorización del vasospasmo y la isquemia cerebral tardía consiste, en primer lugar, en el examen clínico y por Doppler transcraneal. La monitorización electroencefalográfica, las técnicas de tomografía computarizada y resonancia magnética multimodal son apropiadas en situaciones específicas. La angiografía por sustracción digital es el estándar para el diagnóstico del vasospasmo cerebral. Se insiste en la necesidad de mejorar la calidad de los futuros artículos sobre la utilidad de las pruebas diagnósticas señaladas (AU)

Objective: A review of current foundations for the medical diagnosis of vasospam and delayed cerebral ischaemia due to spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage.Development: A review of available tests for the investigation of vasospasm (transcraneal Doppler, angiographic methods) and delayed cerebral ischaemia (clinical exam, computerised tomography by X rays, magnetic resonance, emission computerised tomography, electroencephalography, microdialysis) based on type and quality of information, advantages and limitations. Grading and trends for application were also considered for differential diagnosis. Conclusions:In current clinical practice the most advisable guideline for screening and diagnosis monitoring of vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischaemia is in the first place, based on clinical examination and transcraneal Doppler. The electroencephalographic monitoring, computerised tomography techniques and multi-modal magnetic resonance are justified in specific situations. Digital subtraction angiography is the current gold standard for diagnosis of cerebral vasospasm. There is a need for more and higher quality articles about the utility of diagnostic tests in this context (AU)

Effects of frequency of static stretching on straight-leg raise in elementary school children.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of different frequencies of a stretching exercise program on lower extremity range of motion (ROM) in prepubertal schoolchildren. METHODS: A total of 62 children were divided into 3 groups (experimental groups: A, B; control group: C). Experimental group A performed hamstring stretches for 5 min during the Physical Education classes over a full school term (9 months), 2 sessions per week (31 weeks, 62 sessions of Physical Education). Experimental group B performed hamstring stretches for 5 min during the Physical Education classes and during a specific extracurricular physical activity, over a full school term (9 months), 4 sessions per week (31 weeks, 62 sessions of Physical Education and 62 sessions of after-school physical activities). Control group followed the standard class program of Physical Education classes. Hamstring flexibility was measured using the straight leg raise test before and after the program. RESULTS: No significant differences were revealed in ROM before and after the Physical Education classes for the control group. However, significant improvements in ROM were shown in the two experimental groups (P<0.001). Four days per week produced a greater rate of gains in ROM (16.9 degrees) than 2 days per week (9.3 degrees). For all groups, the initial and the final ROM between the right and left sides were similar. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that a full school term (9 months) incorporating static stretching as part of the Physical Education classes and the extracurricular physical activities significantly increases the ROM of the hamstrings in prepubertal schoolchildren. The study also suggests that the increase of the frequency of stretching is effective for increasing ROM.

Enfermedades cerebrovasculares agudas: un reto actual para los sistemas sanitarios / Acute cerebrovascular diseases: a challenge for today's health care systems

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[Clinical techniques for use in neurological physical examinations. III. Sensory functions]. / Técnicas clínicas para el examen físico neurológico. III. Función sensitiva.

AIMS: The purpose of this work is to focus on the main practical aspects of the techniques used for the neurological physical examination of the sensory functions and to present an approach for the practice of this study. DEVELOPMENT: Despite the difficulty often involved in interpreting its results, today the formal examination of sensation is still an important part of a complete neurological evaluation and remains valid in the search for a correct diagnosis and suitable treatment. We recommend clinicians to carry out a brief but consistent and effective exploration in a systematic, flexible and orderly manner to check for abnormalities in the sensory functions. Should any anomalies be detected, then a more detailed and thorough neurological exploration must be performed selectively. We present a detailed review of the practical aspects of the main techniques used in the physical examination of this neurological category. In addition to the tests used to examine the peripheral and cortical sensory systems, we also describe other techniques designed to trigger pain or other sensory symptoms due to radicular lesions or injury to the median nerve. CONCLUSIONS: We present a detailed description of the main clinical techniques used in the neurological physical examination of the sensory functions, as well as an approach that allows them to be performed on adult patients. In addition, we underline the importance of physically examining the sensory functions in contemporary medicine and the need to continually perfect the way these techniques are performed in order to achieve an efficient clinical practice.

[Clinical techniques for use in neurological physical examinations. II. Motor and reflex functions]. / Técnicas clínicas para el examen físico neurológico. II. Función motora y refleja.

AIMS: The aim of this study is to highlight the chief practical aspects of the techniques used in the neurological physical examination of the motor and reflex functions. DEVELOPMENT: We recommend clinicians to carry out a brief but consistent and effective exploration in a systematic, flexible and orderly manner to check for abnormalities in the motor and reflex functions of the nervous system. Should any anomalies be detected, then a more detailed and thorough neurological exploration must be performed selectively. We present a detailed review of the practical aspects of the main techniques used in the physical examination of these neurological categories. The motor function is explored using techniques that examine muscle tone, muscle strength, muscle fatigability, hypokinesia, tremor, coordination and gait. Lastly, in this category several manoeuvres that are useful in hysterical or mimicking paralyses are also dealt with. Reflexes to examination are usually divided into: 1. Myotatic reflexes; 2. Cutaneomucous reflexes; 3. Spinal cord or defence automatism reflexes; 4. Posture and attitude reflexes. We also add the study of primitive pathological reflexes, remote reflexes, synkinesias and signs of meningeal irritation. CONCLUSIONS: We present a detailed description of the main clinical techniques used in the neurological physical examination of motility and reflexes, as well as an approach that allows them to be performed on adult patients. In addition, we underline the importance of physically examining the nervous system in contemporary medicine and the need to continually perfect the way these techniques are performed in order to achieve an efficient clinical practice.

Técnicas clínicas para el examen físico neurológico, III: función sensitiva / Clinical techniques for use in neurological physical examinations, III: sensory functions

Objetivo. Poner énfasis en los principales aspectos prácticos de las técnicas para el examen físico neurológico de la función sensitiva y presentar un enfoque para la práctica de este estudio. Desarrollo. A pesar de lo difícil que puede resultar su interpretación, el examen formal de la sensación es todavía una parte importante de la evaluación neurológica completa y mantiene su vigencia para el diagnóstico y el tratamiento apropiado. Se recomienda que los médicos apliquen, de forma sistemática, flexible y ordenada, una exploración breve, pero consistente y eficiente, a fin de detectar alteraciones de la función sensitiva. En caso de presentarse anormalidades se indica la ejecución selectiva de una exploración neurológica más detallada e integral. Se revisan detalladamente los aspectos prácticos de las principales técnicas del examen físico de esta categoría neurológica. Además de las pruebas para el examen del sistema sensitivo periférico y cortical, se describen otras técnicas diseñadas para desencadenar dolor u otros síntomas sensitivos por lesión radicular o del nervio mediano. Conclusiones. Se detallan las principales técnicas clínicas del examen físico neurológico de la función sensitiva y se presenta un enfoque para su ejecución en el paciente adulto. Además, se subraya el valor que posee el examen físico de la función sensitiva en la medicina contemporánea y la necesidad de un perfeccionamiento continuo en la ejecución de sus técnicas para lograr una práctica clínica eficiente(AU)

AIMS: The purpose of this work is to focus on the main practical aspects of the techniques used for the neurological physical examination of the sensory functions and to present an approach for the practice of this study. DEVELOPMENT: Despite the difficulty often involved in interpreting its results, today the formal examination of sensation is still an important part of a complete neurological evaluation and remains valid in the search for a correct diagnosis and suitable treatment. We recommend clinicians to carry out a brief but consistent and effective exploration in a systematic, flexible and orderly manner to check for abnormalities in the sensory functions. Should any anomalies be detected, then a more detailed and thorough neurological exploration must be performed selectively. We present a detailed review of the practical aspects of the main techniques used in the physical examination of this neurological category. In addition to the tests used to examine the peripheral and cortical sensory systems, we also describe other techniques designed to trigger pain or other sensory symptoms due to radicular lesions or injury to the median nerve. CONCLUSIONS: We present a detailed description of the main clinical techniques used in the neurological physical examination of the sensory functions, as well as an approach that allows them to be performed on adult patients. In addition, we underline the importance of physically examining the sensory functions in contemporary medicine and the need to continually perfect the way these techniques are performed in order to achieve an efficient clinical practice(AU)

[Clinical techniques for use in neurological physical examinations. I. General organisation, cranial and peripheral spinal nerves]. / Técnicas clínicas para el examen físico neurológico. I. Organización general, nervios craneales y nervios raquídeos periféricos.

AIMS: The purpose of this work is to focus on the main practical aspects of the techniques used for the physical examination of the nervous system and to present an approach for the practice of this study in adult patients. DEVELOPMENT: We recommend clinicians to carry out a brief but consistent and effective exploration in a systematic, flexible and orderly manner to check for alterations in the functioning of the nervous system. Should any anomalies be detected, then a more detailed and thorough neurological exploration must be performed selectively. The techniques and data from this examination are organised into five broad categories: mental status, cranial nerves, motor function, reflex function and sensory function. The practical aspects of the main techniques used in the physical exploration are reviewed and we also describe the technique to be employed for palpating the main peripheral nerves. CONCLUSIONS: The study offers a detailed description of the chief clinical techniques used in the physical exploration of the cranial nerves and for the palpation of the peripheral nerves; we also present an approach to performing the neurological examination. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of physically examining the nervous system in contemporary medicine and the need to continually perfect the way these techniques are performed in order to achieve an efficient clinical practice.

Papel del profesor de educación física ante las desalineaciones de la columna vertebral / Role of physical education teachers with regard to spinal misalignments

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[Foundations of the diagnosis of clinical syndromes]. / Bases para el diagnóstico de los síndromes clínicos.

AIMS: The aim of this paper is to offer a reflection on the principles used to define a syndromic entity and for the evaluation of its manifestations and the aetiopathogenesis. METHOD: First, the paper looks at several of the different definitions of syndrome available and examines which are the essential features for this term to be employed in a clinical entity. The topographical and semiological perspectives are then dealt with, so as to be able to sort clinical syndromes and charts are used to offer representative examples. The main deficiencies in the use of terms to describe syndromes and the possible causes of such situations are also investigated. Following that, the chief semiological aspects in the diagnosis of a syndrome are assessed. Emphasis is placed on the factors that influence the variability of clinical behaviour, on the factors that come to bear on the recognition of the manifestations using the research methods available to us, on the rule of iterative confirmation of the symptom and on the characterisation and coordination of the symptom with other related phenomena. Lastly, the aetiopathological foundations of clinical syndromes are evaluated. We highlight the importance of determining the underlying anatomofunctional disorder, the classical distinctions concerning this, and the relation between syndrome and disease. The diagnostic criteria from numerous neurological syndromes are used as examples. CONCLUSIONS: The concept of syndrome has been defined in an attempt to illustrate the presence of inappropriate, incorrect terms with adverse repercussions in the theoretical and practical areas. We also propose ways of resolving the faults found.