Current opinion on laryngeal electromyography.

PURPOSE: This study evaluates expert opinion on laryngeal electromyography (LEMG). METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used to conduct an online survey of LEMG experts in 2021. They were questioned about the number LEMG performed annually, type of electrodes used, sector worked in, pain during the test, placement of the needle electrodes, interpretation of electrical muscle parameters, diagnosis of neuromuscular injury, prognostic sensitivity in vocal fold paralysis (VFP), laryngeal dystonia, tremor and synkinesis and quantifying LEMG. RESULTS: Thirty-seven professionals answered (23 Spanish and 14 from other countries), with a response rate of 21.56%. All physicians used LEMG. 91.9% had one- or two-years' experience and 56.8% performed 10-40 LEMG per year. 70.3% were otolaryngologists and 27%, neurologists. In 89.1% of cases, a team of electrodiagnostic physician and otolaryngologist performed LEMG. 91.3% of Spanish respondents worked in Public Health, 7.14% of other nationalities; 37.8% in a university department. Bipolar concentric needles electrodes were used by 45.9% and monopolar concentric by 40.5%. 57% professionals considered good patients' tolerance to the test. LEMG sensitivity was regarded as strong, median and interquartile range were 80.0 [60.0;90.0] to diagnose peripheral nerve injuries, less for other levels of lesions, and strong to evaluate prognosis, 70.0 [50.0;80.0]. Respondents believe locate the thyroarytenoid and the cricothyroid muscles with the needle, 80.0 [70.0;90.0], as opposed to 20.0 [0.00;60.0] the posterior cricoarytenoid. The interpretation of the electrical parts of the LEMG was strong, 80.0 [60.0;90.0]. LEMG identify movements disorders, 60.0 [20.0;80.0], and synkinesis, 70.0 [30.0;80.0]. The professionals prefer quantitative LEMG, 90.0 [60.0;90.0]. CONCLUSIONS: The experts surveyed consider LEMG that is well tolerated by patients. The insertional and spontaneous activity, recruitment and waveform morphology can be assessed easily. LEMG is mainly useful in the study of peripheral nerve injuries, and its value in VFP prognosis is considered strong.

Parálisis facial alternobárica: a propósito de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Alternobaric facial palsy: case report and literature review

La parálisis o paresia facial alternobárica es una neuropraxia del séptimo nervio cra-neal debido a cambios de presión. Se produce en el contexto de una disfunción de la trompa de Eustaquio, una dehiscencia canal del nervio facial y cambios en la presión atmosférica. Se considera una rara complicación de barotrauma. Su prevalencia es difícil de estimar y, probablemente, se encuentre subreportada. La forma de presentación más habitual incluye paresia facial, plenitud aural, hipoacusia, otalgia, parestesias faciales y linguales. La mayoría de los episodios son transitorios, con una duración entre minutos y algunas horas, con recuperación posterior completa. Entre los diagnósticos diferenciales se encuentran causas periféricas y centrales de paresia facial, las cuales hay que sospechar ante la persistencia de los síntomas en el tiempo o ante la presencia de otros signos o síntomas neurológicos. La evaluación inicial debe incluir un examen otoneurológico completo. La tomografía computarizada de hueso temporal favorece la visualización de posibles dehiscencias del canal del facial. La prevención de nuevos episodios incluye la práctica de ecualización efectiva, la resolución de la disfunción de la trompa de Eustaquio y en algunos casos específicos, métodos alternativos de ventilación del oído medio como la colocación de tubos de ventilación. Una vez instalada la parálisis facial, si no se produce recuperación espontánea, el uso de corticoides es una opción. Se presenta un caso de paresia facial alternobárica recurrente y una revisión de literatura.

Alternobaric facial palsy or paralysis is a neuropraxia of the seventh cranial nerve due to pressure changes. It occurs in the context of Eustachian tube dysfunction, facial nerve canal dehiscence, and changes in atmospheric pressure. It is considered a rare complication of barotrauma. Its prevalence is difficult to estimated, and this condition is probably underreported. The most common form of presentation includes facial weakness, ear fullness or pressure, hearing loss, otalgia, facial and lingual paresthesias. Most episodes are transient, lasting from minutes to a few hours, with a subsequent complete recovery. Among the possible differential diagnoses are peripheral and central causes of facial paralysis, which must be suspected due to the persistence of symptoms over time or the presence of other neurological signs or symptoms. The initial evaluation should include a complete otoneurological examination. Computed tomography of the temporal bone is useful for the visualization of facial canal dehiscence. Prevention of further episodes includes practicing effective equalization, Eustachian tube dysfunction treatment, and in certain specific cases, alternative middle ear ventilation methods such as tympanostomy tubes. Once facial paralysis is established, if spontaneous recovery does not occur, the use of corticosteroids is considered an option. A case of recurrent alternobaric facial paresis and a review of the literature are presented.

Neurorrehabilitación funcional de miembro superior tras ictus en lobulo parietal derecho. Revisión / Functional neurorehabilitation of the upper limb after stroke in the right parietal lobe. Review

Objetivos: profundizar en las diferentes técnicas de rehabilitación funcional de los miembros superiores afectados por una lesión neurológica en el lóbulo parietal tras un ictus, empleando métodos y/o abordajes que estén apoyados por diferentes marcos teóricos de referencia, dentro de la Neurorrehabilitación y la Terapia ocupacional. Métodos: en total han sido seleccionados 30 documentos para llevar a cabo la revisión bibliográfica, en inglés y español, utilizando buscadores como PubMed, Dialnet, Scielo, páginas web. Resultados: se muestran diferentes intervenciones terapéuticas que abordan de forma integral al paciente (función cognitiva, sensitiva y motora). Se diferencian terapias convencionales y modernas, existiendo dentro de estas últimas otras clasificaciones dependiendo de si utilizan dispositivos externos para lograr la reorganización cortical o métodos internos inherentes al paciente. Conclusiones: el inicio del tratamiento tras un daño parietal en hemisferio derecho debe ser lo más temprano posible y la mejor evidencia recae sobre el reaprendizaje orientado a tareas, que aumenta si a ésta se suman otras terapias, para abordar de forma integral las distintas áreas afectadas del paciente.(AU)

Objective: To delve into the different functional rehabilitation techniques of the upper limbs affected by a neurological lesion in the parietal lobe after a stroke, using methods and/or approaches that are supported by different theoretical frameworks of reference, within Neurorehabilitation and Therapy. occupational. Methods: A total of 30 documents have been selected to carry out the bibliographic review, in English and Spanish, using search engines such as PubMed, Dialnet, Scielo, web pages. Results: Different therapeutic interventions are shown that comprehensively address the patient (cognitive, sensory and motor function). Conventional and modern therapies are differentiated, existing within the latter other classifications depending on whether they use external devices to achieve cortical reorganization or internal methods inherent to the patient. Conclusions: The start of treatment after parietal damage in the right hemisphere should be as early as possible and the best evidence relies on task-oriented relearning, which increases if other therapies are added to it, to comprehensively address the different affected areas. of the patient.(AU)

A pessoa com compromisso na deglutição por paresia facial central pós-AVC? Desenvolvimento de um programa de enfermagem de reabilitação? / The person with impaired swallowing due to post-stroke central facial paresis? Development of a rehabilitation nursing program?

Introdução: O AVC constitui uma das principais causas de morte e incapacidade a nível mundial. Das alterações decorrentes do AVC, destacam-se o compromisso da deglutição e a Paresia Facial Central. Estes dois tipos de afeções, ocorrem, na maioria das vezes, em simultâneo na pessoa pós-AVC, levando a que sejam foco de atenção por parte do Enfermeiro de Reabilitação. O compromisso da deglutição pela sua relação com o risco de pneumonia, desidratação e desnutrição, influencia, a recuperação funcional da pessoa, tal como a paresia facial central, pela relação direta das alterações na motricidade facial no processo de deglutição. Objetivos: Desenvolver um programa de Enfermagem de Reabilitação para a pessoa com disfagia por paresia facial central pós-AVC. Métodos: Utilizada uma revisão do tipo scoping para mapear a evidência científica existente e conhecer quais os programas de reabilitação e outcomes dos mesmos. Com base na revisão enunciada anteriormente, foi elaborado um programa de Enfermagem de Reabilitação assente na Teoria das Transições de Afaf Meleis, analisado e discutido através de um grupo focal, constituído por 7 enfermeiros de reabilitação. De acordo, com os dados obtidos no grupo focal foi elaborado um projeto de melhoria continua da qualidade. Resultados: São poucos os estudos que evidenciam programas de reabilitação neste âmbito. Estes demonstram ganhos, com o uso de um dispositivo de treino neuromuscular, tipo tela acrílica intraoral, que estimula e promove o aumento da força muscular dos lábios, cavidade oral língua, vias aéreas superiores e esófago, ou o treino através um conjunto de exercícios musculares a nível orofacial de determinados grupos musculares. A apresentação do programa de enfermagem de reabilitação, ao grupo focal, aferiu dados de avaliação, e monitorização quer da deglutição como da paresia facial permitindo uma maior efetividade prática na sua implementação. Conclusões: Existe uma relação direta entre o compromisso da deglutição e a paresia facial central pós-AVC, levando a que o plano de reabilitação seja concebido e implementado de forma interligada, com o objetivo de obter ganhos nestes focos de atuação da enfermagem de reabilitação.

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)

Visual acuity loss and sixth nerve palsy as the only manifestations of slit ventricle syndrome.

The case is presented of a girl diagnosed with obstructive hydrocephalus due to pilomyxoid astrocytoma, which required a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) at the age of 5 years and 10 months. Two months later, magnetic resonance imaging of the brain did not show ventriculomegaly or other signs of increased intracranial pressure. At the age of 6 years and 2 months, a rapid onset of bilateral visual acuity loss developed and she was diagnosed with slit ventricle syndrome. Despite valve revisions of the VPS, she developed an abrupt decline of visual acuity to hand motion at 10 cm. Fundus examination revealed bilateral optic atrophy. She did not report any other systemic symptoms suggesting increased intracranial pressure, such as headache, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, irritability, or altered levels of consciousness.

Pérdida de agudeza visual y parálisis de VI nervio craneal como únicas manifestaciones de un síndrome de colapso ventricular / Visual acuity loss and sixth nerve palsy as the only manifestations of slit ventricle syndrome

Se describe una niña con hidrocefalia obstructiva por un astrocitoma pilomixoide, que requirió implantar una derivación ventrículo-peritoneal (DVP) a los 5 años y 10 meses de edad. Dos meses después, la resonancia magnética cerebral no mostró ventriculomegalia ni otros signos de aumento de la presión intracraneal. A la edad de 6 años y 2 meses desarrolló una rápida disminución de la agudeza visual bilateral siendo diagnosticada de síndrome de colapso ventricular. A pesar de las revisiones valvulares de la DVP, se produjo una disminución abrupta de la agudeza visual a movimientos de mano a 10cm. El examen del fondo de ojo reveló atrofia óptica bilateral. No refirió otros síntomas sistémicos que sugirieran un aumento de la presión intracraneal, como dolor de cabeza, náuseas, vómitos, letargia, irritabilidad o niveles alterados de conciencia.

The case is presented of a girl diagnosed with obstructive hydrocephalus due to pilomyxoid astrocytoma, which required a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) at the age of 5 years and 10 months. Two months later, magnetic resonance imaging of the brain did not show ventriculomegaly or other signs of increased intracranial pressure. At the age of 6 years and 2 months, a rapid onset of bilateral visual acuity loss developed and she was diagnosed with slit ventricle syndrome. Despite valve revisions of the VPS, she developed an abrupt decline of visual acuity to hand motion at 10cm. Fundus examination revealed bilateral optic atrophy. She did not report any other systemic symptoms suggesting increased intracranial pressure, such as headache, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, irritability, or altered levels of consciousness.

Tuberculosis espinal: diagnóstico y manejo / Spinal tuberculosis: diagnosis and treatment

RESUMEN La tuberculosis espinal representa el 50 % de los casos de tuberculosis osteoarticular y, sin un tratamiento oportuno, puede ocasionar discapacidad (por complicaciones neurológicas) y deformidad. Se sospecha de esta enfermedad con base en los antecedentes del paciente, la clínica y los hallazgos radiológicos. El diagnóstico se establece con la identificación de Mycobacterium tuberculosis, las características histopatológicas y/o hallazgo de bacilos ácido-alcohol resistentes (BAAR) en el frotis. El diagnóstico diferencial más importante de la tuberculosis espinal es la espondilodiscitis piógena. La resonancia magnética es la prueba de imagen indicada para la valoración del compromiso neurológico y el estudio diagnóstico diferencial. El tratamiento principal es la quimioterapia antituberculosa, y la cirugía puede ser coadyuvante en los casos de tuberculosis espinal complicada, luego de evaluar el déficit neurológico y la deformidad resultante. Está contraindicado realizar solamente una laminectomía, y los implantes para la artrodesis se pueden utilizar en la infección activa. El 8 % de los pacientes con déficit neurológico no logra recuperarse, aun con el tratamiento.

ABSTRACT Spinal tuberculosis accounts for 50 % of all cases of osteoarticular tuberculosis, causing disability (due to neurological complications) and deformity if left untreated. This disease is suspected based on the patient's medical history, clinical manifestations and radiological findings. It is diagnosed by positive cultures for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the histopathological characteristics of the condition and/or acid-fast bacilli (AFB)-positive smear tests. The main differential diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis is pyogenic spondylodiscitis. Magnetic resonance imaging is the appropriate imaging test to assess the neurological involvement and study the differential diagnosis of the disease. The main treatment is antituberculous chemotherapy, but surgery can be adjunctive in cases of complicated spinal tuberculosis. The decision of which treatment to implement depends on the neurological deficit and the resulting deformity. Laminectomy alone is contraindicated and arthrodesis implants can be used during the active infection. Despite treatment, 8 % of the patients with neurological deficit do not recover.

Diagnostic evolution of vestibular neuritis after long-term monitoring / Evolução diagnóstica da neurite vestibular após monitoração de longo prazo

Abstract Introduction The diagnosis of vestibular neuritis is based on clinical and laboratory findings after exclusion of other disease. There are occasional discrepancies between clinical impressions and laboratory results. It could be the first vertigo episode caused by other recurrent vestibular disease, other than vestibular neuritis. Objective This study aimed to analyze the clinical features and identify the diagnostic evolution of patients with clinically suspected vestibular neuritis. Methods A total of 201 patients clinically diagnosed with vestibular neuritis were included in this study. Clinical data on the symptoms and signs of vertigo along with the results of vestibular function test were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were categorized in terms of the results of caloric testing (CP - canal paresis) group; canal paresis ≥25%; (MCP -minimal canal paresis) group; canal paresis <25%). Clinical features were compared between the two groups and the final diagnosis was reviewed after long-term follow up of both groups. Results Out of 201 patients, 57 showed minimal canal paresis (CP < 25%) and 144 showed definite canal paresis (CP ≥ 25%). A total of 48 patients (23.8%) experienced another vertigo episode and were re-diagnosed. Recurring vestibular symptoms were seen more frequently in patients with minimal canal paresis (p = 0.027). Repeated symptoms were observed on the same affected side more frequently in the CP group. The proportion of final diagnosis were not different between two groups. Conclusions Patients with minimal CP are more likely to have recurrent vertigo than patients with definite CP. There was no significant difference in the distribution of the final diagnoses between two groups when the vertigo recurs.

Resumo Introdução O diagnóstico de neurite vestibular é baseado em achados clínicos e laboratoriais após exclusão de outra doença. Existem discrepâncias ocasionais entre a impressão clínica e os resultados laboratoriais. Pode ser o primeiro episódio de vertigem causado por outra doença vestibular recorrente, além da neurite vestibular. Objetivo Analisar as características clínicas e identificar a evolução diagnóstica de pacientes com suspeita clínica de neurite vestibular. Método Foram incluídos neste estudo 201 pacientes com diagnóstico clínico de neurite vestibular. Os dados clínicos sobre os sintomas e sinais de vertigem e os resultados dos testes de função vestibular foram analisados retrospectivamente. Os pacientes foram categorizados de acordo com os resultados das provas calóricos (Grupo PC: paresia do canal ≥ 25%; Grupo PMC: paresia mínima do canal < 25%). As características clínicas foram comparadas entre os dois grupos e o diagnóstico final foi revisado após o acompanhamento de longo prazo de ambos os grupos. Resultados De 201 pacientes, 57 apresentaram paresia mínima do canal (PC < 25%) e 144 apresentaram paresia definitiva do canal (PC ≥ 25%). Quarenta e oito pacientes (23,8%) apresentaram outro tipo de vertigem e foram diagnosticados novamente. Sintomas vestibulares recorrentes foram observados com mais frequência nos pacientes com paresia mínima do canal (p = 0,027). Sintomas recorrentes no mesmo lado afetado foram observados com mais frequência no Grupo PC. A proporção de diagnóstico final não foi diferente entre os dois grupos. Conclusão Os pacientes com paresia mínima do canal foram mais propensos a apresentar vertigem recorrente que os pacientes com paresia do canal definitiva. Não houve diferença significante na distribuição dos diagnósticos finais entre os dois grupos quando houve recorrência da vertigem.

Influencia del tratamiento de los puntos gatillo miofasciales en pacientes con ictus isquémico agudo: estudio piloto aleatorizado, doble ciego / Influence of the treatment of miofascial trigger points in acute ischaemic stroke patients: Randomized pilot study, double blind

Objetivos Evaluar la influencia del tratamiento de los puntos gatillo miofasciales (PGM) en el balance motor y en la autonomía funcional en pacientes con ictus isquémico agudo. Participantes y métodos Se incluyeron 22 pacientes con ictus isquémico de menos de cinco días de evolución, con paresia braquial y/o crural en un estudio piloto, aleatorizado, a doble ciego, de tratamiento experimental vs. control. Durante la hospitalización, ambos grupos recibieron la fisioterapia. Adicionalmente, al grupo experimental (GE) se le trataron los PGM detectados en hombro y cadera paréticos y al grupo control (GC) se le aplicó un tratamiento sin efectos sobre los PGM. Fueron registrados al alta y a los 90 días postictus el grado fuerza de las extremidades paréticas mediante la National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, y el grado de autonomía funcional mediante la escala de Rankin modificada. Resultados Se detectó una mejoría tanto en la fuerza de las extremidades paréticas (probabilidad al alta de un mejor balance motor del 75,6% en la extremidad superior y del 69% en la extremidad inferior), como en la autonomía funcional (probabilidad de una mejor funcionalidad del 68%) en el GE comparado con el GC. Estos resultados no se mantuvieron a los 90 días de seguimiento. Conclusiones El tratamiento de los PGM como complemento al tratamiento de fisioterapia durante el ingreso hospitalario parece mejorar el balance motor y el grado de autonomía funcional al alta. Son necesarios futuros estudios que permitan confirmar nuestros resultados y evaluar el beneficio de una intervención más allá del ingreso hospitalario (AU)

Objectives To assess the influence of treatment of MTrPs on motor balance and functional autonomy in patients with acute ischaemic stroke. Patients and methods 22 patients with ischaemic stroke of less than 5 days’ evolution, with brachial and / or leg paresis were included in a randomized, double-blind, pilot study of experimental versus control treatment. During hospitalization, both groups received physiotherapy. In addition, the MTrPs detected in the paretic shoulder and hip were treated in the experimental group (EG). In contrast, the control group (CG) were given treatment without effects on the MTrPs. At the time of hospital discharge and 90 days post-stroke, we recorded the degree of strength of the paretic limbs using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, and the degree of functional autonomy using the modified Rankin Scale. Results We detected an improvement both in the strength of the paretic limbs (probability at discharge of a better motor balance of 75.6% in the upper limb and 69% in the lower limb) and in functional autonomy (68% probability of better functionality) in the EG compared to the CG. These results were not maintained at 90 days of follow-up. Conclusions Treatment of MTrPs as a complement to physiotherapy treatment during hospital admission seems to improve the degree of strength of paretic limbs and the degree of functional autonomy at hospital discharge. Future studies are necessary to confirm our results and evaluate the benefit of an intervention beyond hospital admission (AU)

Luxaciones puras de codo en pacientes pediátricos: tratamiento conservador y complicaciones asociadas a una patología poco prevalente. Serie de 4 casos / Isolated elbow dislocation in pediatric patients: non-operative treatment and complications associated with an infrequent pathology. Series of 4 cases

Si bien el codo es la articulación más frecuentemente luxada en niños, representa el 3-6 % de las lesiones en ese sitio. Las luxaciones sin fracturas asociadas son muy raras y son producto de una caída con el codo en extensión. El paciente consulta por dolor, impotencia funcional y deformidad evidente. La finalidad del tratamiento es restaurar la congruencia articular, lograr estabilidad y minimizar los riesgos de posibles lesiones neurovasculares.Se presentan 4 pacientes tratados con manejo conservador con excelentes resultados funcionales, incluso aquel que presentó una neuropraxia del mediano con restitución ad integrum.Según nuestra experiencia, suelen ser lesiones con buena evolución. Se destaca la importancia de un rápido y preciso examen neurovascular, optando, de ser posible, por una conducta expectante ante las lesiones nerviosas. Se resalta la indicación de una inmovilización acotada con movilización temprana que evite rigidez del codo.

Even though the elbow is the most often dislocated joint in children, this injury accounts for 3-6 % of elbow pathology. Dislocations without associated fractures are extremely rare. They result from a fall onto an outstretched hand. The patient is always referred with a painful joint, movement impairment and even clinical deformity. Acute treatment aims to achieve quick reduction and adequate joint stability, avoiding neurovascular injuries.We sought to analyze the functional outcomes and the complications after non-operative treatment. Our 4 patien had excellent functional results at the latest follow-up, and one of them suffered from a median nerve palsy without further consequences.In our experience, these injuries presented excellent outcomes and we would like to highlight the importance of a quick and precise neurovascular examination with the possibility of non-surgical management of nerve injuries. A short period of immobilization with early rehabilitation should be indicated to avoid joint stiffness

Miastenia gravis de rápida instauración / Fast onset Myasthenia Gravis

La miastenia gravis es una enfermedad que se caracteriza por fatiga y debilidad muscular de predominio proximal, como son los músculos oculares, funciones bulbares, de las extremidades y de los músculos respiratorios. La evolución de la enfermedad suele ser fluctuante. Es la alteración más común dentro de las enfermedades que afectan a la transmisión neuromuscular. Los síntomas derivan de la agresión inmunológica contra la membrana postsináptica de la unión neuromuscular. Presentamos el caso de un hombre de 36 años que acude a consulta por parestesias al comer, que ceden espontáneamente a los pocos minutos. Dos semanas después es ingresado por diplopía y disfagia. Tras la sospecha de miastenia gravis, se realizan las pruebas complementarias pertinentes, concluyendo en el diagnóstico de miastenia gravis generalizada seronegativa asociada a timoma.(AU)

Myasthenia gravis is a disease characterised by mainly proximal muscle fatigue and weakness. For example, the eye muscles, bulbar function, limb and respiratory muscles. Clinical course of the disease is usually variable. This is the most common abnormality within diseases that affect neuromuscular transmission. Symptoms arise from immunological aggression against the postsynaptic membrane of the neuromuscular junction. We report the case of a 36-year-old man who consulted for paraesthesia whilst eating, which went away spontaneously after a few minutes. Two weeks later he was admitted for diplopia and dysphagia. After suspecting myasthenia gravis the relevant additional tests were performed, which led to a diagnosis of seronegative generalised myasthenia associated with thymoma.(AU)

Visual acuity loss and sixth nerve palsy as the only manifestations of slit ventricle syndrome. / Pérdida de agudeza visual y parálisis de VI nervio craneal como únicas manifestaciones de un síndrome de colapso ventricular.

The case is presented of a girl diagnosed with obstructive hydrocephalus due to pilomyxoid astrocytoma, which required a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) at the age of 5 years and 10 months. Two months later, magnetic resonance imaging of the brain did not show ventriculomegaly or other signs of increased intracranial pressure. At the age of 6 years and 2 months, a rapid onset of bilateral visual acuity loss developed and she was diagnosed with slit ventricle syndrome. Despite valve revisions of the VPS, she developed an abrupt decline of visual acuity to hand motion at 10cm. Fundus examination revealed bilateral optic atrophy. She did not report any other systemic symptoms suggesting increased intracranial pressure, such as headache, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, irritability, or altered levels of consciousness.

Uso de prancha de baixo custo para avaliação do equilíbrio de indivíduos hemiparéticos / Use of low-cost plank for balance assessment in patients with chronic hemiparesis

Introdução: Na hemiparesia há uma inadequada descarga de peso nos membros inferiores que geram déficits de equilíbrio, sendo as pranchas de equilíbrio imprescindíveis para avaliação. Objetivo: Verificar a aplicabilidade clínica de uma prancha de baixo custo e da Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg (EEB) na avaliação do equilíbrio e a distribuição de peso nos membros inferiores de pacientes hemiparéticos. Métodos: Estudo piloto, transversal, quantitativo, de inovação tecnológica que realizou avaliação de 21 indivíduos acometidos com Acidente Vascular Encefálico (AVE) por uma prancha de baixo custo. Resultados: Houve predominância de AVE isquêmico e hemiparesia direita. Na avaliação com a prancha, participantes com hemiparesia direita descarregaram maior peso na região do retropé, tanto com os pés juntos quanto na largura do quadril, enquanto os que possuem hemiparesia esquerda houve diferenças nas posições, com os pés juntos, pois a maioria descarregou o peso na região do antepé, enquanto com os pés na largura do quadril descarregaram na região do retropé. Quanto a avaliação pela EEB, as atividades funcionais que necessitavam de maior sustentação obtiveram menores médias, porém não houve correlação estatisticamente significativa com as posições sobre a prancha. Conclusão: A avaliação em saúde por meio da prancha de baixo custo torna-se um instrumento importante para identificar as alterações do equilíbrio e realizar intervenções apropriadas, entretanto não se correlaciona com a Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg. (AU)

Introduction: In hemiparesis the inadequate weight-bearing in the lower limbs generate balance deficits, and balance planks are essential for evaluation. Objective: To verify the clinical applicability of a low-cost board and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) in the assessment of balance and weight distribution in the lower limbs of hemiparetic patients. Methods: A pilot, cross-sectional, quantitative, technological innovation study carried out an evaluation of 21 individuals affected by stroke with a low-cost plank. Results: Ischemic stroke and right hemiparesis were predominant. In the evaluation with the plank, participants with right hemiparesis unloaded more weight in the hindfoot region, with both feet together and hip width, while those with left hemiparesis showed differences in positions, with feet together, as most unloaded the weight in the forefoot region, while with feet hip width unloaded in the hindfoot region. As for the assessment by BBS, the functional activities that needed more support obtained lower averages; however, there was no statistically significant correlation with the positions on the board. Conclusion: Health assessment using the low-cost plank can be an important tool to identify changes in balance and carry out appropriate interventions, however it does not correlate with Berg Balance Scale. (AU)

Síndrome de hombre en barril secundario a trauma raquimedular. Reporte de caso / Man-in-the-barrel syndrome secondary to spinal cord trauma. Case report

Resumen Presentamos caso de un varón de 77 años con antecedentes de alcoholismo, limitación crónica al flujo aéreo, y trauma encéfalo craneano (TEC) antiguo, que ingresa por cuadro de insuficiencia respiratoria global con descompensación aparentemente infecciosa que evoluciona tórpidamente con asistencia de ventilación mecánica no invasiva (VMNI) persistente. Se objetiva diparesia de predominio braquial proximal lo que hace sospechar síndrome de hombre en barril (SHB). Se completa estudio con resonancia nuclear magnética (RNM) de columna cervical que muestra severa atrofia medular desde bulbo distal hasta C4. El paciente se mantiene con VMNI c/ BiPAP y apoyo kinésico, con lo que logra progresiva mejoría ventilatoria.

We present a patient 77-year-old male with a history of alcoholism, chronic airflow limitation, and old brain trauma injury, who is admitted due to a global respiratory insufficiency with apparently infectious decompensation that evolves rapidly dependent on non-invasive mechanical ventilation and with a, Man-in-the-barrel syndrome. A magnetic resonance of cervical spine showed severe spinal atrophy from the distal medulla oblongata to C4. The patient remains with kinesic motor support, thereby achieving progressive ventilatory improvement.

Alterações cardiorrespiratórias em indivíduos hemiparéticos crônicos pós-acidente vascular cerebral / Cardiorespiratory changes in chronic post-stroke hemiparetic patients

Objetivo: Analisar a função cardiorrespiratória em pacientes he- miparéticos crônicos pós-acidente vascular cerebral. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, por meio da análise de dados de prontuários de pacientes submetidos ao teste de caminhada de 6 minutos e manovacuometria em uma clínica de fisioterapia de um centro universitário. Foram analisados os dados de sete prontuários. Re- sultados: A média de metros percorridos pelos participantes no teste de caminhada de 6 minutos foi de 199,5. Os valores percentuais da manovacuometria foram de -41,34 na pressão inspiratória máxima e de 57,85 na pressão expiratória máxima. Conclusão: Os dados desta pesquisa sugerem que indivíduos hemiparéticos crônicos apresentam fadiga respiratória e muscular, diminuição da capacidade funcional durante a marcha e fraqueza dos músculos respiratórios.

Objective: To analyze the cardiorespiratory function in chronic post-stroke hemiparetic patients. Methods: This is a retrospective study, through data analysis of medical records from patients who underwent the 6-minute walk test and manovacuometry, in a physical therapy clinic of a university center. Results: The mean number of meters walked by participants in the 6-minut walk test was 199.5 meters. The percentage values of manovacuometry were -41,34 in the maximun inspiratory pressure and 57.85 in the maximun expiratory pressure. Conclusion: The data from this survey suggest that chronic hemiparetic individuals have respiratory and muscle fatigue, decreased functional capacity during gait, and respiratory muscle weakness.

Síndrome de Guillain-Barré posterior a vacunación en lactante menor / Guillain-Barré syndrome after vaccination in an infant

Resumen El síndrome de Guillain-Barré es un trastorno autoinmune que se presenta como polineuropatía paralítica flácida rápidamente progresiva y puede ser fatal. Su diagnóstico es clínico y se apoya en la electromiografía. En la mayoría de los casos está precedido por un proceso infeccioso respiratorio o gastrointestinal, pero existen casos excepcionales en los que aparece posterior a vacunación, particularmente contra influenza. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar el caso de un lactante menor diagnosticado con síndrome de Guillain-Barré posterior a la aplicación de vacunas de los seis meses de edad. Es importante para el clínico considerar esta asociación al momento de definir diagnósticos diferenciales, dejando claro que el beneficio de la vacunación siempre superará los riesgos.

Abstract Guillain-Barré syndrome is potentially fatal autoimmune disorder that presents as rapidly progressive flaccid paralytic polyneuropathy. Diagnosis is based on clinical findings and supported by electromyography. In most cases, it is preceded by a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection, but exceptional cases in which it appears after vaccination have been reported. This article aims to present the case of a young infant diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome after influenza vaccination. It is important for the clinician to consider this association when defining differential diagnoses when dealing with similar cases, stating that the benefits of vaccination clearly outweight its risks.

Descrição do coping religioso/espiritual de pacientes neurológicos e sua correlação com a capacidade funcional e depressão / Description of the religious/spiritual coping of neurological patients and correlation with functional capacity and depression

Introdução: A relação entre a espiritualidade/religiosidade e as doenças está cada vez mais em evidência, dessa forma a prática da religião em hospitais tem sido associada a um menor risco de depressão, o que pode favorecer um melhor enfrentamento das dificuldades da doença através do coping religioso e/ou espiritual (CRE). Objetivo: Correlacionar o coping religioso e/ou espiritual com a capacidade funcional e a depressão de hemiparéticos e parkinsonianos submetidos a fisioterapia em grupo no formato de circuito de treinamento. Métodos: Foram analisados 28 indivíduos, participantes de um programa de circuito de treinamento T. Para a avaliação foram utilizadas as escalas Dynamic Gait Index, Inventário de Depressão de Beck, Escala de Depressão Geriátrica e CRE breve (CREb). Resultados: O score médio atingido na Inventário de Depressão de Beck e Escala de Depressão Geriátrica apontou uma depressão leve no grupo hemiparético, já no grupo de Parkinson não apresentou índices de depressão. O Dynamic Gait Index acusou risco de queda no grupo hemiparético, obtendo uma diferença significativa quando comparado ao grupo de Parkinson (p<0,05). Ambos os grupos tiveram índice CRE positivo moderado. Conclusão: Pode-se afirmar que as doenças incapacitantes apresentam maior relação com a espiritualidade/religiosidade que as doenças neurológicas progressivas em atendimento de circuito de treinamento. (AU)

Introduction: The relationship between spirituality/religiosity and diseases is increasingly evident, thus, the practice of religion in hospitals has been associated with a lower risk of depression, which may favor better coping with difficulties of diseases through religious and/or spiritual coping. Objective: To correlate religious and/or spiritual coping with functional capacity and depression of hemiparetic and parkinsonian patients undergoing group physical therapy in training circuit format. Methods: 28 individuals participating in a training circuit format program were analyzed. Dynamic Gait Index, Beck Depression Inventory, Geriatric Depression Scale and Short religious and/or spiritual coping were used for the evaluation. Results: The mean score achieved in Beck Depression Inventory and Geriatric Depression Scale indicated a mild depression in the hemiparetic group, while in the Parkinson's group no depression was found. The Dynamic Gait Index showed a risk of hemiparetic group drop, obtaining a significant difference when compared to the Parkinson Group (p < 0.05). Both groups had moderate positive index positive of religious and/or spiritual coping. Conclusion: The disabling diseases present greater relationship with the spirituality/religiosity than the progressive neurological diseases attended in training circuit. (AU)

Avaliação da distribuição do peso corporal em hemiparéticos: medidas posturográficas versus o instrumento Avaliação da Simetria e Transferência de Peso / Evaluación de la distribución del peso corporal en individuos hemiparéticos: medidas posturográficas versus instrumento de Evaluación de Simetría y Transferencia de Peso / Assessment of body weight distribution in hemiparetic patients: posturographic measurements versus the Assessment of Symmetry and Weight-Transfer scale

RESUMO A assimetria na distribuição do peso corporal (DPC) é um achado comum após um acidente vascular cerebral. Embora a posturografia seja considerada o padrão-ouro para a detecção da assimetria da DPC, exige equipamentos e conhecimentos específicos, limitando seu uso na prática clínica. Por outro lado, a Escala de Avaliação da Simetria e Transferência de Peso (ASTP) é um método simples para identificar a assimetria na DPC. Entretanto, não foi testado se seus resultados estão relacionados às medidas posturográficas. Assim, o objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a validade concorrente por meio da identificação do grau de associação entre a ASTP e as medidas posturográficas da DPC em indivíduos com hemiparesia. Sessenta indivíduos, com hemiparesia [mediana (min-max)] 58 (33-86) anos e 24 (6-29) meses desde o primeiro AVC, foram avaliados. zA DPC foi avaliada por meio da ASTP e da posturografia (percentual da DPC sobre o membro não parético). A mediana do escore ASTP foi 23 (14-27), "capacidade parcialmente boa de simetria e transferência de peso". A posturografia revelou 59% de apoio do peso corporal (50-97) sobre o lado não parético. Além disso, identificou uma proporção maior de indivíduos assimétricos do que a ASTP (29 vs. 8; p=0,003). Não houve correlação significativa entre ASTP e %DPC (rho=0,001, p=0,992). Concluiu-se que a ASTP não está relacionada à assimetria na DPC estimada pela posturografia, sugerindo a necessidade de uma reavaliação de sua utilidade clínica.

RESUMEN La asimetría en la distribución del peso corporal (DPC) es un hallazgo común tras el accidente cerebrovascular. Aunque se considera la posturografía el patrón de oro para la detección de asimetrías en la DPC, se requiere equipos y conocimientos específicos, lo que limita su uso en la práctica clínica. Por otro lado, la Escala de Evaluación de Simetría y Transferencia de Peso (ASTP) es un método sencillo para identificar la asimetría en la DPC. Sin embargo, no se ha comprobado si sus resultados están relacionados con las mediciones posturográficas. Así este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la validez concurrente identificando el grado de asociación entre la ASTP y las mediciones posturográficas de la DPC en los individuos con hemiparesia. Se evaluaron a 60 individuos con hemiparesia [mediana (mín-máx)] 58 (33-86) años y 24 (6-29) meses desde el primer accidente cerebrovascular. La DPC se evaluó por medio de la ASTP y la posturografía (porcentaje de DPC en el miembro no parético). La puntuación media de la ASTP fue de 23 (14-27), "capacidad parcialmente buena de simetría y transferencia de peso". La posturografía reveló un 59% de apoyo del peso corporal (50-97) en el lado no parético. Además, identificó una mayor proporción de individuos asimétricos que la ASTP (29 vs. 8; p=0,003). No hubo una correlación significativa entre el ASTP y el %DPC (rho=0,001, p=0,992). Se concluyó que la ASTP no está relacionada con la asimetría en la DPC estimada por la posturografía, lo que sugiere la necesidad de reevaluar su utilidad clínica.

ABSTRACT Asymmetry in body weight distribution (BWD) is a common post-stroke finding. Although posturography is considered the gold standard for detection of BWD asymmetry, it requires specific equipment and knowledge, which limits its use in clinical practice. The Assessment of Symmetry and Weight-Transfer (ASWT) scale is a simpler method to identify asymmetry in body weight distribution. However, it has not been tested whether its scores are related to posturographic measures. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate concurrent validity by the association between ASWT and the posturographic measures of BWD in individuals with hemiparesis. Sixty hemiparetic patients [median (min-max)] 58 (33-86) years-old and with 24 (6-29) months after the first stroke were evaluated. The BWD was assessed through ASWT and BWD percentage over the non-paretic limb by posturography. The median ASWT score was 23 (14-27), "partially good capacity of symmetry and weight transfer". The posturography revealed 59% BWD (50-97), a significant asymmetry to the non-paretic side. Posturography identifies a higher proportion of asymmetric individuals than the ASWT (29 vs. 8, respectively; p=0.003). There was no significant correlation between ASWT and %BWD (ρ=0.001, p=0.992). We concluded that ASWT is not related to asymmetry in the BWD estimated by posturography, suggesting the need of a reassessment of its clinical utility.