1/11. Treatment of major depression complicated by bilateral foot drop and double incontinence with ECT.This report describes a 56-year-old man with severe depression who developed bilateral foot drop, dual incontinence, and swallowing difficulties, which required several physical investigations and consultations before an excellent response to electroconvulsive therapy occurred with reversal of all symptoms.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/11. spinal cord stimulation facilitates functional walking in a chronic, incomplete spinal cord injured.DESIGN: This paper describes a treatment paradigm to facilitate functional gait in a quadriplegic, asia C spinal cord injured (SCI), wheelchair-dependent subject who presented with some large fiber sensation, sub-functional motor strength in all lower limb muscles, and moderate spasticity. The study utilizes partial weight bearing therapy (PWBT) followed by epidural spinal cord stimulation (ESCS) with the assumption that both treatments would be necessary to elicit a well organized, near effortless functional gait with a walker. Function is defined in terms of accomplishing task-specific activities in the home and community. OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of combined PWBT and ESCS therapies aimed at promoting functional gait in a wheelchair-dependent asia C SCI subject. SETTING: The Clinical neurobiology and bioengineering research laboratories at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, Phoenix, arizona, USA, and the Department of bioengineering, arizona State University, Tempe, arizona, USA. methods: The study began with the application of PWBT. The subject walked on the treadmill until a plateau in gait rhythm generation was reached. Subsequently, ESCS, applied to the lumbar enlargement, was utilized to facilitate PWBT and, later, over-ground walking for a standard distance of 15 m. gait performance was analyzed by measuring average speed, stepping symmetry, sense of effort, physical work capacity, and whole body metabolic activity. RESULTS: PWBT led to improved stereotypic stepping patterns associated with markedly reduced spasticity, but was insufficient for over-ground walking in terms of safety, energy cost, and fatigue. ESCS with PWBT generated immediate improvement in the subject's gait rhythm when appropriate stimulation parameters were used. When compared to the non-stimulated condition, over-ground walking with ESCS across a 15 m distance was featured by a reduction in time and energy cost of walking, sense of effort, and a feeling of 'lightness' in the legs. After a few months of training, performance in speed, endurance, and metabolic responses gradually converged with/without ESCS at this short distance, suggesting a learned response to these conditions. However, at longer distances (eg, 50-250 m), performance with ESCS was considerably superior. The subject was able to perform multiple functional tasks within the home and community with ESCS. CONCLUSION: We propose that ESCS augments the use-dependent plasticity created by PWBT and may be a valuable adjunct to post-SCI treadmill training in asia C subjects. We also conclude that ESCS elicits greater activation of an oxidative motor unit pool, thereby reducing the subject's sense of effort and energetic cost of walking.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |
3/11. Correlation between physical functioning and gait measures in children with cerebral palsy.The primary aim of this investigation was to assess the correlation between the POSNA Musculoskeletal Functional health Questionnaire (POSNA) and gait analysis in children with cerebral palsy (CP). POSNA and computerized gait analysis were used to evaluate individuals with CP. Correlations were investigated between POSNA scales, gait parameters, and the Gillette Functional Assessment Questionnaire (FAQ) in 63 children (31 males, 32 females; mean age 9.17 years [SD 3.06], age range 3.75 to 16.44 years) with spastic CP. Twelve participants had hemiplegia, 29 diplegia, 12 quadriplegia, and 10 triplegia. The result of backwards stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that the Log normalcy index (NI) was a significant predictor of the POSNA Global Function and Comfort scale. Energy expenditure (EE) did not add significantly to the prediction. The POSNA scales differentiated between the different topographical types of CP. The POSNA scale is a valid and useful clinical measure. Used in conjunction with the NI, EE, and FAQ, the POSNA scale provides a more complete appraisal of change in functioning.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 4keywords = physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |
4/11. Exertional myelopathy in type 2 congenital kyphosis.STUDY DESIGN: A case of lower-extremity myelopathy induced by physical exertion in a patient with Type 2 (failure of segmentation) congenital kyphosis is reported. OBJECTIVE: To describe the uncommon presentation of neurologic sequelae in a patient with Type 2 congenital kyphosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Various reports have described neurologic sequelae in patients with Type 1 (failure of formation) congenital kyphosis. To the authors' knowledge, no case of Type 2 congenital kyphosis leading to neurologic symptoms has been reported. methods: A 17-year-old boy presented with a 3-year history of progressively worsening midthoracic back pain. During exertion, numbness developed along the posterior aspects of his legs, and he experienced a wobbly sensation in his lower extremities that prevented his participation in athletic activities. His static and dynamic neurologic examination was unremarkable. However, he developed a wide-based clumsy myelopathic gait when he was asked to run in the halls of the clinic. magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated that the spinal cord was draped over the posterior vertebral body of T10. Anterior thoracic spinal cord decompression and fusion were performed through a seventh rib thoracotomy using a structural rib graft to fill the defect. The anterior 1 cm of bone was left intact so as not to cause any additional instability. RESULTS: The patient tolerated the procedure well and had complete resolution of his exertionally dependent myelopathic symptoms. At this writing, 3 years after surgery, he is involved in the Navy ROTC program. CONCLUSIONS: Although Type 2 congenital kyphosis is a rare entity, it should be followed carefully and corrected surgically when appropriate. A history of exertional myelopathy may be an early sign of spinal cord impingement and is an indication for surgical decompression.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |
5/11. vincristine-induced neuropathy as the initial presentation of charcot-marie-tooth disease in acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a Pediatric Oncology Group study.PURPOSE: After profound peripheral neurotoxicity during induction chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in the index patient with Charcot-Marie-Tooth hereditary neuropathy (CMT), study coordinators of the Pediatric Oncology Group (POG) front-line ALL protocols reviewed patient registrations to identify any other patients with possible CMT. The goal was to provide preliminary information about patients with undiagnosed CMT who develop ALL. patients AND methods: Five children with ALL who were enrolled in POG B-precursor or T-cell ALL protocols from 1994 to 1999 subsequently were determined to have CMT hereditary neuropathy. Their clinical presentations and treatment records were reviewed in detail. Records of all patients entered on POG 9201 (lesser-risk ALL) were reviewed to identify all cases of significant vincristine toxicity noted in the first 6 months of treatment. RESULTS: The five identified patients all had substantial peripheral neurotoxicity that required alteration in treatment and/or orthopedic/physical therapy evaluation and follow-up. The POG 9201 review identified 25 of 686 patients (3.6%) with significant peripheral neuropathy. Three of 25 were diagnosed with CMT; the others have had no testing reported. CONCLUSIONS: A family history of CMT or other peripheral neuropathy should be sought at the time of diagnosis of ALL. Testing for CMT should be considered in any child with substantial vincristine-induced peripheral neurotoxicity. Treatment of such patients must be individualized. Testing of all patients with significant peripheral neuropathy would be necessary to determine the percentage of such neuropathy explained by underlying CMT.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |
6/11. Improved ambulation and speech production in an adolescent post-traumatic brain injury through a therapeutic intervention to increase postural control.PURPOSE: This case study examined the effectiveness of a programme designed to improve anticipatory postural control in an adolescent over years 2 and 3 post-traumatic brain injury (TBI). It was hypothesized that her difficulty in walking and talking simultaneously was caused by excessive co-activation of extremity, trunk, and oral musculature during upright activities. methods: The participant was treated weekly by physical and speech therapy. Treatment focussed on improving anticipatory postural control during gross motor activities in conjunction with oral-motor function. RESULTS: Initially, the participant walked using a walker at a speed of 23 cm s(-1). Two years later, she could walk without a device at 53 cm s(-1). Initial laryngoscopic examination showed minimal movement of the velum or pharyngeal walls; full movement was present after treatment. The measure of intelligibility improved from no single word intelligible utterances to 85% intelligible utterances after 2 years. DISCUSSION: The results suggest that less compensatory rigidification of oral musculature was needed to maintain an upright position against gravity as postural control improved. CONCLUSION: An adolescent 1-year post-TBI was followed as she underwent additional rehabilitation focussed on improving anticipatory postural control. The functional goal of simultaneously talking while walking was achieved through this intervention.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |
7/11. Bilateral sacral radiculopathy in a cyclist.OBJECTIVE-PURPOSE: The purpose of this case report is to describe a gait disorder presenting as a bilateral sacral radiculopathy after vigorous cycling. Also, we discuss the pathogenic mechanisms and we revise the bibliography. PATIENT and methods: The patient complained of a rapid painless weakness in legs, after intense and prolonged cycling 4 months ago. The physical and electromyographical examinations revealed important weakness in foot and knee flexors, and signs of acute denervation with mixed reinnervation (active and chronic) in myotomal S1 muscles, respectively. The lumbo-sacral magnetic resonance imaging were normal. The follow-up studies demonstrated gradually improvement in clinical and neurophysiological parameters. DISCUSSION: We established that our patient presented a subacute bilateral S1 radiculopathy and we confirmed the progressive clinical and neurophysiological improvement. The radiculopathy are infrequent in cyclists, and its common origin is the external compressive aggression. In our patient we speculate and discuss that this radicular lesion could present different pathogenic mechanisms: the elongation, the compression and the secondary vasanervorum ischemia. In our knowledge S1 radiculopathy related to compressive lesions in sportsmen has not been previously described.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |
8/11. "fear of falling" gait: a potentially reversible psychogenic gait disorder.OBJECTIVE: To describe "fear of falling" gait. BACKGROUND: "fear of falling" gait is a largely psychogenic gait disorder of the elderly that is often unrecognized. methods: Report of a representative case and clinical experience. RESULTS: "fear of falling" gait usually begins after a fall and is characterized by a shuffling or sliding stride and an intense need to hold on for support. It appears to be most common in elderly women, can be reversed by education, suggestion, and physical therapy, and is often mistaken for parkinson disease. CONCLUSIONS: "fear of falling" gait is a potentially reversible, largely psychogenic gait disorder that occurs mostly in women and must be distinguished from other gait disorders in the elderly.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |
9/11. Orthopaedic shoes improve gait in a Charcot-Marie-Tooth patient: a combined clinical and quantified case study.The aim of this study was to assess the extent to which orthopaedic shoes improved gait in a patient with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease and to show how the latest gait analysis tools available can help to assess and quantify the efficacy of this treatment. The case of a 55-year-old woman with CMT disease is described. She complained mainly of pain and frequent falling. The physical examination and the clinical gait analysis showed the presence of bilateral foot drop, high-stepping and varus. Treatment based on physical therapy and orthopaedic shoes was prescribed. In order to assess the clinical efficacy of the treatment, a complete physical examination was carried out after the patient had been wearing the orthopaedic shoes for one month. The quantified assessment was performed with a Gaitrite system, which can be used to record the spatio-temporal parameters of gait. It was concluded that orthopaedic shoes provide specialists in physical and rehabilitation medicine with an excellent means of treating gait disabilities in patients with CMT disease. With the made-to-measure orthopaedic shoes used, the falling and pain disappeared; the patient's walking speed increased and the foot support base decreased in size. Both the clinical and quantified data confirmed the subjective improvement perceived by the patient. The latest tools available for performing quantified gait analysis in clinical practice provide useful means of objectively assessing the success of treatment.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 5.3626727853746keywords = physical, physical examination (Clic here for more details about this article) |
10/11. Acute fright induces onset of symptoms in vanishing white matter disease-case report.Vanishing white matter disease is a newly recognised leukoencephalopathy of identified genetic background, characterised by cystic degeneration and progressive vanishing of white matter. The characteristic clinical symptoms are spasticity and ataxia with relatively preserved cognitive functions. A characteristic feature of the disease is the occurrence of the symptoms after a physical stress situation such as mild head trauma or febrile infection. We would like to present a case of a 6-year-old girl whose first symptoms of the disease occurred after being frightened by a horse.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physical (Clic here for more details about this article) |
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