Objectives: The lack of agreement regarding assessment methods is responsible for the variability in the reported rate of occurrence of spatial neglect after stroke. The aim of this study was to assess the sensitivity of different tests of neglect after right hemisphere stroke. Methods: Two hundred and six subacute right hemisphere stroke patients were given a test battery including a preliminary assessment of anosognosia and of visual extinction, a clinical assessment of gaze orientation and of personal neglect, and paper and pencil tests of spatial neglect in the peripersonal space. Patients were compared with a previously reported control group. A subgroup of patients (n=69) received a behavioural assessment of neglect in daily life situations. Results: The most sensitive paper and pencil measure was the starting point in the cancellation task. The whole battery was more sensitive than any single test alone. About 85% of patients presented some degree of neglect on at least one measure. An important finding was that behavioural assessment of neglect in daily life was more sensitive than any other single measure of neglect. Behavioural neglect was considered as moderate to severe in 36% of cases. A factorial analysis revealed that paper and pencil tests were related to two underlying factors. Dissociations were found between extrapersonal neglect, personal neglect, anosognosia, and extinction. Anatomical analyses showed that neglect was more common and severe when the posterior association cortex was damaged. Conclusions: The automatic rightward orientation bias is the most sensitive clinical measure of neglect. Behavioural assessment is more sensitive than any single paper and pencil test. The results also support the assumption that neglect is a heterogeneous disorder.

Objective-To confirm the apparent effectiveness of botulinum toxin (BTX) in hemiparetic patients with ankle plantar flexor and foot invertor spasticity. Methods-Twenty three hemiparetic patients with spasticity of the ankle plantar flexors and foot invertors were included in a randomised double blind, placebo controlled study with BTX. Patients were examined on days 0, 30, 90, and 120 and received one injection of BTX and one of placebo in a random order at day 0 and day 90. Results-Patients reported a clear subjective improvement in foot spasticity after BTX (P = 0-0014) but not after placebo. Significant changes were noted in Ashworth scale values for ankle extensors (P < 0.0001) and invertors (P = 0.0002), and for active ankle dorsiflexion (P = 0-0001). Gait velocity was slightly but not significantly (P = 0-0731) improved after BTX injections. The severity of spasticity did not modify treatment efficacy, but BTX was less effective in patients with longer duration of spasticity (P = 0-0081). Conclusion-The efficacy of BTX injections in the treatment of spastic foot suggests that BTX may be particularly useful during the first year after a stroke.

Study design: Prospective, randomized clinical trial. Setting: France. Objectives: To evaluate the safety and e ect on neurological outcome of nimodipine, methylprednisolone, or both versus no medical treatment in spinal-cord injury during the acute phase. Method: One hundred and six patients who had spinal trauma (including 48 with paraplegia and 58 with tetraplegia) were randomly separated into four groups: M=methylprednisolone (30 mg×kg 71 over 1 h, followed by 5.4 mg×kg 71 ×h 71 for 23 h), N=nimodipine (0.015 mg×kg 71 ×h 71 for 2 h followed by 0.03 mg×kg 71 ×h 71 for 7 days), MN (both agents) or P (neither medication). Neurological assessment (ASIA score) was performed by a blinded senior neurologist before treatment and at 1-year follow-up. Early spinal decompression and stabilization was performed as soon as possible after injury. Results: One hundred patients were reassessed at 1 year. Neurological improvement was seen in each group (P50.0001), however no additional neurological bene®t from treatment was observed. Infectious complications occurred more often in patients treated with M. Early surgery (49 patients underwent surgery within 8 h of their accident) did not in¯uence the neurological outcome. The only predictor of the latter was the extent of the spinal injury (complete or incomplete lesion). Conclusion: The present study con®rms the absence of bene®t of pharmacological therapy in this indication. Because of the paucity of clinical studies that demonstrate the e cacy of pharmacological treatment in spinal injury during the acute phase, systematic use of pharmaceutical agents should be reconsidered. Spinal Cord (2000) 38, 71 ± 76

The frequency of occurrence of right neglect was, as expected, much lower than that reported in a study using the same assessment battery in right brain damage stroke patients. Nevertheless, neglect was found in a substantial proportion of patients at a subacute stage, suggesting that it should be considered in the rehabilitation planning of left brain damage stroke patients.

Our results strongly argue for the importance of accounting for the role of vanilloid solute when interpreting the efficacy and tolerance of vesical vanilloid instillation in detrusor hyperreflexia cases. They suggest that a glucidic solute is a valuable solvent for vanilloid instillation.

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