1/2. Differentiation of conversive sensory loss and malingering by P300 in a modified oddball task.We applied the methodology of evoked potentials (EP) to reveal the functional level of abnormality in a patient with circumscribed complete anaesthesia due to conversion disorder. EP components related to sensory and perceptual processing of both innocuous electrical and noxious laser stimuli were normal. However, a P300 component indicating cognitive processing failed to appear when using a modified oddball task with rare stimuli applied to the anaesthetic right hand. P300 was present with this paradigm stimulating the healthy left hand, as well as in a 'malingerer' - a healthy subject who was instructed to feign the same deficit. These results suggest cognitive deficits underlying sensory loss as conversion symptom which can be differentiated from malingering by use of P300.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = anaesthesia (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/2. Closed reduction of bilateral locked facets of the cervical spine under general anaesthesia.BACKGROUND: Bilateral facet interlocking of the cervical spine is a relatively uncommon type of cervical spinal injury. It is frequently associated with devastating neurological symptoms and signs. Early reduction of the locked facets is thought to be critical in preventing progressive secondary spinal cord injury. Whereas skull tong traction remains our primary option for closed reduction of bilateral locked facets of the cervical spine, it is not always successful, even with heavy traction weights. Other more aggressive measures may occasionally be required. The authors report their experience in reducing bilateral locked facets of the cervical spine by manual closed reduction. methods: This small series consists of six cases of cervical spinal injury with bilateral locked facets in which manual closed reduction under general anaethesia and muscle relaxation was used. Three of them presented with complete quadriplegia (Frankel class A). One case presented with incomplete but severe neurological deficits (Frankel class B). After unsuccessful closed reduction with skull traction, these patients were treated by manual closed reduction under general anaesthesia and muscle relaxation, followed by anterior discectomy, interbody fusion and stabilization. RESULTS: All cases made neurological improvement after the procedures. Even in cases with initial severe neurological deficits, the recovery was remarkable. The recovery was dramatic in two cases. Case 1 improved from Frankel class B to E; and Case 5 from Frankel class A to D. No case deteriorated neurologically after the procedures. pneumonia occurred in Case 3; and stress ulcer accompanied by haemorrhage was noted in Case 4. None of these complications was directly related to the procedures. CONCLUSION: The potential for improvement of neurological function following early and successful reduction and fixation of the dislocated spine is emphasized. With meticulous techniques, manual closed reduction may be an effective alternative to skull tong traction when the latter fails.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 5keywords = anaesthesia (Clic here for more details about this article) |