Marco Antonio Araujo Leite - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Marco Antonio Araujo Leite

Research paper thumbnail of Electrophysiological correlates of the BOLD signal for EEG-informed fMRI

Human brain mapping, 2015

Electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) are important tools... more Electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) are important tools in cognitive and clinical neuroscience. Combined EEG-fMRI has been shown to help to characterise brain networks involved in epileptic activity, as well as in different sensory, motor and cognitive functions. A good understanding of the electrophysiological correlates of the blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal is necessary to interpret fMRI maps, particularly when obtained in combination with EEG. We review the current understanding of electrophysiological-haemodynamic correlates, during different types of brain activity. We start by describing the basic mechanisms underlying EEG and BOLD signals and proceed by reviewing EEG-informed fMRI studies using fMRI to map specific EEG phenomena over the entire brain (EEG-fMRI mapping), or exploring a range of EEG-derived quantities to determine which best explain colocalised BOLD fluctuations (local EEG-fMRI coupling). While reviewing stu...

Research paper thumbnail of Parkinson’s Disease Medication Adherence Scale: Conceptualization, Scale Development, and Clinimetric Testing Plan

Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience

BackgroundMedication adherence is a crucial component in the management of patients with chronic ... more BackgroundMedication adherence is a crucial component in the management of patients with chronic diseases needing a long-term pharmacotherapy. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, degenerative disease with complex drug treatment that poses challenging barriers to patient adherence. The adoption of best practices of scale development can contribute to generate solid concepts and, in the long run, a more stable knowledge base on the underlying constructs of medication adherence in PD measured by the items of the first scale to be created for this purpose.PurposeTo present the development process and clinimetric testing plan of the Parkinson’s Disease Medication Adherence Scale (PD-MAS).MethodWe adopted a hybrid approach plan based on the United States Food and Drug Administration and Benson and Clark Guide that will create a patient-reported outcome instrument. We presented an overview of consecutive and interrelated steps, containing a concise description of each one. International...

Research paper thumbnail of The occult patient: Quality of Life of caregivers and patients with diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative illness characterized by a progressive... more Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative illness characterized by a progressive loss of the upper and lower motor neurons, whose mortality fundamentally occurs due to respiratory repercussion. The family exercises a very important role for these sick persons, not only by providing the treatment (clinical and rehabilitative), but also for the personal adjustment of the patient to his incapacity. On the other hand, the caregiver also suffers a stronger pressure, ending-up with the development of significant levels of burden, affecting at the same time his leisure activities, social relations, friendships, intimacy, liberty and emotional equilibrium. Objective. To revise the data of literature regarding the Quality of Life (QL) of patients with ALS and their caregivers. Method. A search for papers was made in the databases Bireme, Scielo and Pubmed with the following keywords: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, quality of life, and caregiver in English, French and Spanish...

Research paper thumbnail of Convulsões relacionadas ao alcoolismo: atualização

Revisao sobre crises convulsivas relacionadas ao alcoolismo, discutindo sua classificacao, fisiop... more Revisao sobre crises convulsivas relacionadas ao alcoolismo, discutindo sua classificacao, fisiopatologia, investigacao diagnostica e seu tratamento. Metodo: Revisao nao sistematica de artigos utilizando-se os unitermos: “alcoholism”, “alcohol”, “seizures” e “withdrawal”. Priorizou-se a utilizacao de artigos que apresentassem associacao desses unitermos no titulo. Foram utilizadas as bases de dados do PubMed, Lilacs e Google Scholar. Resultados: Foram encontrados 2.362 artigos associando os unitermos no titulo, tendo sido escolhidos 26 artigos em ingles, 3 em portugues, 1 manual e 1 tese em ingles para a elaboracao desta revisao. Conclusao: As crises convulsivas relacionadas ao alcool representam uma das mais graves complicacoes do alcoolismo. O diagnostico e o tratamento corretos melhoram o prognostico desses individuos, diminuindo o risco de complicacoes, a recorrencia de crises, a ocorrencia de status epilepticus ou a evolucao para um quadro de delirium tremens.

Research paper thumbnail of Manifestações neurológicas e COVID19

Revista Pesquisa em Fisioterapia, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Respiratory Physiotherapy in ALS Patients in Brazil During COVID-19 Pandemic

Nursing & Primary Care, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Danos psíquicos durante pandemia por COVID-19 no Brasil

Enfermagem Brasil, 2020

Introdução: Em 11 de março de 2020 a COVID-19 foi caracterizada pela Organização Mundial de Saúde... more Introdução: Em 11 de março de 2020 a COVID-19 foi caracterizada pela Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) como uma pandemia atrelada a diversos transtornos psíquicos, relacionados à impotência, ao medo, ao pânico e, principalmente, à falta de organização política e de liderança. Métodos: A proposta do presente artigo será, com base na literatura vigente, atualizar e produzir discussões provocativas acerca do atual contexto de pandemia. Para tal, foi realizada uma busca nas principais bases de dados Lilacs, Bireme e Pubmed, nos idiomas português e inglês, de artigos compreendidos no ano vigente. A escolha ocorreu de forma aleatória, obviamente, seguindo uma linha de reflexão. As palavras-chave pesquisadas foram: COVID-19, saúde mental, pandemia, SARS-COVID-19, Brasil. Discussão: Além dos males à integridade física, a COVID-19 também traz prejuízos desastrosos à saúde mental da população. O isolamento social é a principal medida estabelecida até o momento para retardar a propagação da C...

Research paper thumbnail of Is there a Low Risk of Multiple Sclerosis in HIV Patients?

Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research, 2018

Objectives: Discuss the hypothesis of HIV infection to reduce the risk of Multiple Sclerosis. Met... more Objectives: Discuss the hypothesis of HIV infection to reduce the risk of Multiple Sclerosis. Method: Non-systematic review using a Google Scholar platform of articles with the keywords: "HIV" or "Human Immunodeficiency Virus" associated with the term "multiple sclerosis" in the title of the journal. Results and Discussion: 44 articles were used in English language for this manuscript. Conclusion: There are few cases of patients with HIV and multiple sclerosis. The HIV infection may decrease risks of multiple sclerosis. The study of this association may contribute to the understanding of the physiopathology in inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system and the use of drugs for HIV infection in multiple sclerosis.

Research paper thumbnail of Probable Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease: Case Report

American Medical Journal, 2014

Prion diseases are associated with the accumulation of an abnormal isoformof cellular prion prote... more Prion diseases are associated with the accumulation of an abnormal isoformof cellular prion protein (PrP Sc), which is the principal constituent of prions. Prions replicate in lymphoreticular tissues before neuroinvasion, suggesting that lymphoreticular biopsy samples may allow early diagnosis by detection of PrP Sc. Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) is the most frequent prion disease in humans. Clinical diagnosis of sporadic (CJD) is based on the evaluation of rapidly progressive dementia, ataxia, myoclonus, changes on the electroencephalogram and other neurological signs. We report a problable (CJD) case in Santa Barbara surgical center, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. From our clinical case, we decided to do a brief review about (CJD) researching at Medline and Pubmed, using terms Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and Prion diseases. A definite diagnosis, however, is confined to cases that have been evaluated neuropathlogically or by equivalent diagnostic techniques. The range in clinical expression of the disease is better appreciated and the existence of "atypical" cases of CJD is increasingly recognized. The clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, differential diagnosis, mechanisms of transmission and the actual therapeutic approach are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Cervical spondylotic myelopathy: what the neurologist should know

Neurology International, 2016

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is a wellknown cause of disability among older people. A signific... more Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is a wellknown cause of disability among older people. A significant amount of these patients is asymptomatic. Once the symptoms start, the worsening may follow a progressive manner. We should suspect of spondylotic myelopathy in any individual over 55 years presenting progressive changes in gait or losing fine motor control of the upper limbs. Despite its frequent prevalence, this condition is still neglected and many times confused with other supratentorial lesions regarding diagnostic. Here we address some of most important aspects of this disease, calling attention to pathophysiology, the natural history, presentation, differential diagnosis, clinical assessment, and treatment.

Research paper thumbnail of Two atypical cases of stiff-person syndrome

Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Motor imagery and its effect on complex regional pain syndrome: an integrative review

Neurology International, 2015

The motor imagery (MI) has been proposed as a treatment in the complex regional pain syndrome typ... more The motor imagery (MI) has been proposed as a treatment in the complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS-1), since it seems to promote a brain reorganization effect on sensory- motor areas of pain perception. The aim of this paper is to investigate, through an integrative critical review, the influence of MI on the CRPS-1, correlating their evidence to clinical practice. Research in PEDro, Medline, Bireme and Google Scholar databases was conducted. Nine randomized controlled trials (level 2), 1 non-controlled clinical study (level 3), 1 case study (level 4), 1 systematic review (level 1), 2 review articles and 1 comment (level 5) were found. We can conclude that MI has shown effect in reducing pain and functionality that remains after 6 months of treatment. However, the difference between the MI strategies for CRPS-1 is unknown as well as the intensity of mental stress influences the painful response or effect of MI or other peripheral neuropathies.

Research paper thumbnail of Following the Natural History Of A Probable Adrenoleukodystrophy Case And Literature Review

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY AND BRAIN DISORDERS, 2015

Leukodystrophies compass a wide range of genetic disorders that compromise the white matter. Some... more Leukodystrophies compass a wide range of genetic disorders that compromise the white matter. Some of them exhibit different phenotypes with late and slow onset. The present work reports an unusual case of probable X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy that could be classified in adrenomyeloneupathy, but there were no signs of adrenal insufficiency and the cognitive decline developed fast. MRI evinced classical symmetrical parieto-occipital pattern of lesion, although dosage of very long chain fatty acids was normal.

Research paper thumbnail of Previous acute polio and post-polio syndrome: recognizing the pathophysiology for the establishment of rehabilitation programs

Neurology International, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Man-in-the-barrel syndrome, a symmetrical proximal brachial amyotrophic diplegia related to motor neuron diseases: a survey of nine cases

Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira, 2009

Objective. To report on 9 patients presenting with sporadic motor neuron disease , who over a lon... more Objective. To report on 9 patients presenting with sporadic motor neuron disease , who over a long period of time evolved with a symmetrical proximal brachial amyotrophic diplegia. methOdS. Nine patients were followed-up who , displayed, since onset, a progressive limitation of arm flexion/abduction resulting in a peculiar posture with both hands hanging loosely beside the trunk. Electrophysiological test results were consistent with lower motor neuron disease. Cervical MRI was performed in all patients. reSultS. Nine male subjects with ages ranging from 38 to 73 years at onset of symptoms, developed bilateral and symmetric paresis and atrophy of upper limb muscles. Proximal muscles were more involved than the distal groups. In most patients tendon reflexes were absent or hypoactive in the upper limbs. Needle electromyography (EMG) revealed positive sharp waves and fibrillations and high amplitude polyphasic potentials with an incomplete recruitment pattern in most upper limb muscles. EMG of lower limb muscles was normal in some cases while abnormal in others. MRC did not disclose cervical spinal cord abnormalities from C5-T1. cOncluSiOn. Attention is called to the Man-in-the-Barrel syndrome in some motor neuron diseases, especially in patients with progressive spinal atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Research paper thumbnail of Neuromuscular diseases: revisiting the "overtraining

Fisioterapia e Pesquisa, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on the initiation of voluntary movement and motor evoked potentials in upper limb muscles

Human Movement Science, 2002

To better understand the mechanisms behind proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), an im... more To better understand the mechanisms behind proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), an important method in motor rehabilitation, we investigated the effects of assuming a PNF posture relative to a neutral posture on the initiation of voluntary movement (Experiment 1) and the excitability of the motor cortex (Experiment 2) using a wrist extension task. The initiation of voluntary wrist movement was operationalized in terms of the electromyographic reaction time (EMG-RT), and the excitability of the motor cortex in terms of motor evoked potentials (MEPs). Compared to the neutral position, we found that (1) the facilitation position changed the muscle discharge order enhancing the movement efficiency of the joint, (2) the facilitation position led to a reduction in EMG-RT, the magnitude of which depended on the proximity of the muscle to the movement joint, and (3) MEP amplitude increased and MEP latency decreased in the facilitation position as a function of the proximity of the muscle to the joint. These findings corroborate the presumed effects of PNF and provide insights into the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the PNF method.

Research paper thumbnail of Late onset presentation of Leigh syndrome on two cases

Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria, 2010

Research paper thumbnail of Atrofia Muscular Distal Bilateral dos Membros Superiores (Síndrome de O'Sullivan-McLeod)

Revista Brasileira de …, 2010

As amiotrofias espinhais progressivas (AEP) são um grupo de desordens geneticamente determinadas ... more As amiotrofias espinhais progressivas (AEP) são um grupo de desordens geneticamente determinadas marcadas pela depleção dos neurônios da ponta anterior da medula espinhal e, frequentemente, núcleos de nervos cranianos (bulbares). A forma mais comum de AEP ...

Research paper thumbnail of O paciente oculto: Qualidade de Vida entre cuidadores e pacientes com diagnóstico de Esclerose Lateral Amiotrófica

Revista Brasileira de …, 2009

A Esclerose Lateral Amiotrófica (ELA) é uma doença neurodegenerativa caracterizada pela depleção ... more A Esclerose Lateral Amiotrófica (ELA) é uma doença neurodegenerativa caracterizada pela depleção progressiva dos neurônios motores superiores e inferiores, cuja mortalidade deve-se fundamentalmente à repercussão respiratória. A família exerce um papel muito importante para os que padecem dessa impiedosa doença, tanto no tratamento (clinico e reabilitativo) como no ajuste pessoal do doente à sua situação de incapacidade. Por outro lado, o prestador de cuidados também sofre uma pressão maior, acabando por desenvolver níveis significativos de sobrecarga, afetando ao mesmo tempo as suas atividades de lazer, as relações sociais, as amizades, a intimidade, a liberdade e o equilíbrio emocional. Objetivo. Revisar os dados da literatura a respeito da Qualidade de Vida (QV) de pacientes com ELA e seus cuidadores. Método. Foi feita uma busca de artigos nas bases de dados Bireme, SCIELO e Pubmed com as seguintes palavras-chave: Esclerose Lateral Amiotrófica (ELA), qualidade de vida, cuidador nos idiomas inglês, francês e espanhol. Resultados. Poucos estudos foram desenvolvidos no sentido de avaliar os determinantes da QV na ELA. Em geral, a capacidade física demonstra pouca relação com a QV, enquanto que fatores psicológicos, existenciais e o suporte recebido parecem ser os fatores preponderantes. Um número reduzido de estudos avaliou a QV dos cuidadores familiares, entretanto pode-se concluir que qualquer tratamento que possa reduzir o impacto da doença sobre os pacientes também traz benefícios para os que prestam cuidados. Conclusão. Determinar quais são os fatores que causam impacto na vida dos indivíduos com ELA pode auxiliar na tomada de decisões e na elaboração de planejamentos e de intervenções, tratamento e serviços. Intervenções especificamente desenhadas para aumentar a efetividade da relação entre pacientes e cuidadores podem melhorar o bem-estar psicológico de ambas as partes.

Research paper thumbnail of Electrophysiological correlates of the BOLD signal for EEG-informed fMRI

Human brain mapping, 2015

Electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) are important tools... more Electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) are important tools in cognitive and clinical neuroscience. Combined EEG-fMRI has been shown to help to characterise brain networks involved in epileptic activity, as well as in different sensory, motor and cognitive functions. A good understanding of the electrophysiological correlates of the blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal is necessary to interpret fMRI maps, particularly when obtained in combination with EEG. We review the current understanding of electrophysiological-haemodynamic correlates, during different types of brain activity. We start by describing the basic mechanisms underlying EEG and BOLD signals and proceed by reviewing EEG-informed fMRI studies using fMRI to map specific EEG phenomena over the entire brain (EEG-fMRI mapping), or exploring a range of EEG-derived quantities to determine which best explain colocalised BOLD fluctuations (local EEG-fMRI coupling). While reviewing stu...

Research paper thumbnail of Parkinson’s Disease Medication Adherence Scale: Conceptualization, Scale Development, and Clinimetric Testing Plan

Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience

BackgroundMedication adherence is a crucial component in the management of patients with chronic ... more BackgroundMedication adherence is a crucial component in the management of patients with chronic diseases needing a long-term pharmacotherapy. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, degenerative disease with complex drug treatment that poses challenging barriers to patient adherence. The adoption of best practices of scale development can contribute to generate solid concepts and, in the long run, a more stable knowledge base on the underlying constructs of medication adherence in PD measured by the items of the first scale to be created for this purpose.PurposeTo present the development process and clinimetric testing plan of the Parkinson’s Disease Medication Adherence Scale (PD-MAS).MethodWe adopted a hybrid approach plan based on the United States Food and Drug Administration and Benson and Clark Guide that will create a patient-reported outcome instrument. We presented an overview of consecutive and interrelated steps, containing a concise description of each one. International...

Research paper thumbnail of The occult patient: Quality of Life of caregivers and patients with diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative illness characterized by a progressive... more Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative illness characterized by a progressive loss of the upper and lower motor neurons, whose mortality fundamentally occurs due to respiratory repercussion. The family exercises a very important role for these sick persons, not only by providing the treatment (clinical and rehabilitative), but also for the personal adjustment of the patient to his incapacity. On the other hand, the caregiver also suffers a stronger pressure, ending-up with the development of significant levels of burden, affecting at the same time his leisure activities, social relations, friendships, intimacy, liberty and emotional equilibrium. Objective. To revise the data of literature regarding the Quality of Life (QL) of patients with ALS and their caregivers. Method. A search for papers was made in the databases Bireme, Scielo and Pubmed with the following keywords: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, quality of life, and caregiver in English, French and Spanish...

Research paper thumbnail of Convulsões relacionadas ao alcoolismo: atualização

Revisao sobre crises convulsivas relacionadas ao alcoolismo, discutindo sua classificacao, fisiop... more Revisao sobre crises convulsivas relacionadas ao alcoolismo, discutindo sua classificacao, fisiopatologia, investigacao diagnostica e seu tratamento. Metodo: Revisao nao sistematica de artigos utilizando-se os unitermos: “alcoholism”, “alcohol”, “seizures” e “withdrawal”. Priorizou-se a utilizacao de artigos que apresentassem associacao desses unitermos no titulo. Foram utilizadas as bases de dados do PubMed, Lilacs e Google Scholar. Resultados: Foram encontrados 2.362 artigos associando os unitermos no titulo, tendo sido escolhidos 26 artigos em ingles, 3 em portugues, 1 manual e 1 tese em ingles para a elaboracao desta revisao. Conclusao: As crises convulsivas relacionadas ao alcool representam uma das mais graves complicacoes do alcoolismo. O diagnostico e o tratamento corretos melhoram o prognostico desses individuos, diminuindo o risco de complicacoes, a recorrencia de crises, a ocorrencia de status epilepticus ou a evolucao para um quadro de delirium tremens.

Research paper thumbnail of Manifestações neurológicas e COVID19

Revista Pesquisa em Fisioterapia, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Respiratory Physiotherapy in ALS Patients in Brazil During COVID-19 Pandemic

Nursing & Primary Care, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Danos psíquicos durante pandemia por COVID-19 no Brasil

Enfermagem Brasil, 2020

Introdução: Em 11 de março de 2020 a COVID-19 foi caracterizada pela Organização Mundial de Saúde... more Introdução: Em 11 de março de 2020 a COVID-19 foi caracterizada pela Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) como uma pandemia atrelada a diversos transtornos psíquicos, relacionados à impotência, ao medo, ao pânico e, principalmente, à falta de organização política e de liderança. Métodos: A proposta do presente artigo será, com base na literatura vigente, atualizar e produzir discussões provocativas acerca do atual contexto de pandemia. Para tal, foi realizada uma busca nas principais bases de dados Lilacs, Bireme e Pubmed, nos idiomas português e inglês, de artigos compreendidos no ano vigente. A escolha ocorreu de forma aleatória, obviamente, seguindo uma linha de reflexão. As palavras-chave pesquisadas foram: COVID-19, saúde mental, pandemia, SARS-COVID-19, Brasil. Discussão: Além dos males à integridade física, a COVID-19 também traz prejuízos desastrosos à saúde mental da população. O isolamento social é a principal medida estabelecida até o momento para retardar a propagação da C...

Research paper thumbnail of Is there a Low Risk of Multiple Sclerosis in HIV Patients?

Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research, 2018

Objectives: Discuss the hypothesis of HIV infection to reduce the risk of Multiple Sclerosis. Met... more Objectives: Discuss the hypothesis of HIV infection to reduce the risk of Multiple Sclerosis. Method: Non-systematic review using a Google Scholar platform of articles with the keywords: "HIV" or "Human Immunodeficiency Virus" associated with the term "multiple sclerosis" in the title of the journal. Results and Discussion: 44 articles were used in English language for this manuscript. Conclusion: There are few cases of patients with HIV and multiple sclerosis. The HIV infection may decrease risks of multiple sclerosis. The study of this association may contribute to the understanding of the physiopathology in inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system and the use of drugs for HIV infection in multiple sclerosis.

Research paper thumbnail of Probable Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease: Case Report

American Medical Journal, 2014

Prion diseases are associated with the accumulation of an abnormal isoformof cellular prion prote... more Prion diseases are associated with the accumulation of an abnormal isoformof cellular prion protein (PrP Sc), which is the principal constituent of prions. Prions replicate in lymphoreticular tissues before neuroinvasion, suggesting that lymphoreticular biopsy samples may allow early diagnosis by detection of PrP Sc. Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) is the most frequent prion disease in humans. Clinical diagnosis of sporadic (CJD) is based on the evaluation of rapidly progressive dementia, ataxia, myoclonus, changes on the electroencephalogram and other neurological signs. We report a problable (CJD) case in Santa Barbara surgical center, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. From our clinical case, we decided to do a brief review about (CJD) researching at Medline and Pubmed, using terms Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and Prion diseases. A definite diagnosis, however, is confined to cases that have been evaluated neuropathlogically or by equivalent diagnostic techniques. The range in clinical expression of the disease is better appreciated and the existence of "atypical" cases of CJD is increasingly recognized. The clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, differential diagnosis, mechanisms of transmission and the actual therapeutic approach are discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Cervical spondylotic myelopathy: what the neurologist should know

Neurology International, 2016

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is a wellknown cause of disability among older people. A signific... more Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is a wellknown cause of disability among older people. A significant amount of these patients is asymptomatic. Once the symptoms start, the worsening may follow a progressive manner. We should suspect of spondylotic myelopathy in any individual over 55 years presenting progressive changes in gait or losing fine motor control of the upper limbs. Despite its frequent prevalence, this condition is still neglected and many times confused with other supratentorial lesions regarding diagnostic. Here we address some of most important aspects of this disease, calling attention to pathophysiology, the natural history, presentation, differential diagnosis, clinical assessment, and treatment.

Research paper thumbnail of Two atypical cases of stiff-person syndrome

Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Motor imagery and its effect on complex regional pain syndrome: an integrative review

Neurology International, 2015

The motor imagery (MI) has been proposed as a treatment in the complex regional pain syndrome typ... more The motor imagery (MI) has been proposed as a treatment in the complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS-1), since it seems to promote a brain reorganization effect on sensory- motor areas of pain perception. The aim of this paper is to investigate, through an integrative critical review, the influence of MI on the CRPS-1, correlating their evidence to clinical practice. Research in PEDro, Medline, Bireme and Google Scholar databases was conducted. Nine randomized controlled trials (level 2), 1 non-controlled clinical study (level 3), 1 case study (level 4), 1 systematic review (level 1), 2 review articles and 1 comment (level 5) were found. We can conclude that MI has shown effect in reducing pain and functionality that remains after 6 months of treatment. However, the difference between the MI strategies for CRPS-1 is unknown as well as the intensity of mental stress influences the painful response or effect of MI or other peripheral neuropathies.

Research paper thumbnail of Following the Natural History Of A Probable Adrenoleukodystrophy Case And Literature Review

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY AND BRAIN DISORDERS, 2015

Leukodystrophies compass a wide range of genetic disorders that compromise the white matter. Some... more Leukodystrophies compass a wide range of genetic disorders that compromise the white matter. Some of them exhibit different phenotypes with late and slow onset. The present work reports an unusual case of probable X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy that could be classified in adrenomyeloneupathy, but there were no signs of adrenal insufficiency and the cognitive decline developed fast. MRI evinced classical symmetrical parieto-occipital pattern of lesion, although dosage of very long chain fatty acids was normal.

Research paper thumbnail of Previous acute polio and post-polio syndrome: recognizing the pathophysiology for the establishment of rehabilitation programs

Neurology International, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Man-in-the-barrel syndrome, a symmetrical proximal brachial amyotrophic diplegia related to motor neuron diseases: a survey of nine cases

Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira, 2009

Objective. To report on 9 patients presenting with sporadic motor neuron disease , who over a lon... more Objective. To report on 9 patients presenting with sporadic motor neuron disease , who over a long period of time evolved with a symmetrical proximal brachial amyotrophic diplegia. methOdS. Nine patients were followed-up who , displayed, since onset, a progressive limitation of arm flexion/abduction resulting in a peculiar posture with both hands hanging loosely beside the trunk. Electrophysiological test results were consistent with lower motor neuron disease. Cervical MRI was performed in all patients. reSultS. Nine male subjects with ages ranging from 38 to 73 years at onset of symptoms, developed bilateral and symmetric paresis and atrophy of upper limb muscles. Proximal muscles were more involved than the distal groups. In most patients tendon reflexes were absent or hypoactive in the upper limbs. Needle electromyography (EMG) revealed positive sharp waves and fibrillations and high amplitude polyphasic potentials with an incomplete recruitment pattern in most upper limb muscles. EMG of lower limb muscles was normal in some cases while abnormal in others. MRC did not disclose cervical spinal cord abnormalities from C5-T1. cOncluSiOn. Attention is called to the Man-in-the-Barrel syndrome in some motor neuron diseases, especially in patients with progressive spinal atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Research paper thumbnail of Neuromuscular diseases: revisiting the "overtraining

Fisioterapia e Pesquisa, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on the initiation of voluntary movement and motor evoked potentials in upper limb muscles

Human Movement Science, 2002

To better understand the mechanisms behind proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), an im... more To better understand the mechanisms behind proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), an important method in motor rehabilitation, we investigated the effects of assuming a PNF posture relative to a neutral posture on the initiation of voluntary movement (Experiment 1) and the excitability of the motor cortex (Experiment 2) using a wrist extension task. The initiation of voluntary wrist movement was operationalized in terms of the electromyographic reaction time (EMG-RT), and the excitability of the motor cortex in terms of motor evoked potentials (MEPs). Compared to the neutral position, we found that (1) the facilitation position changed the muscle discharge order enhancing the movement efficiency of the joint, (2) the facilitation position led to a reduction in EMG-RT, the magnitude of which depended on the proximity of the muscle to the movement joint, and (3) MEP amplitude increased and MEP latency decreased in the facilitation position as a function of the proximity of the muscle to the joint. These findings corroborate the presumed effects of PNF and provide insights into the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the PNF method.

Research paper thumbnail of Late onset presentation of Leigh syndrome on two cases

Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria, 2010

Research paper thumbnail of Atrofia Muscular Distal Bilateral dos Membros Superiores (Síndrome de O'Sullivan-McLeod)

Revista Brasileira de …, 2010

As amiotrofias espinhais progressivas (AEP) são um grupo de desordens geneticamente determinadas ... more As amiotrofias espinhais progressivas (AEP) são um grupo de desordens geneticamente determinadas marcadas pela depleção dos neurônios da ponta anterior da medula espinhal e, frequentemente, núcleos de nervos cranianos (bulbares). A forma mais comum de AEP ...

Research paper thumbnail of O paciente oculto: Qualidade de Vida entre cuidadores e pacientes com diagnóstico de Esclerose Lateral Amiotrófica

Revista Brasileira de …, 2009

A Esclerose Lateral Amiotrófica (ELA) é uma doença neurodegenerativa caracterizada pela depleção ... more A Esclerose Lateral Amiotrófica (ELA) é uma doença neurodegenerativa caracterizada pela depleção progressiva dos neurônios motores superiores e inferiores, cuja mortalidade deve-se fundamentalmente à repercussão respiratória. A família exerce um papel muito importante para os que padecem dessa impiedosa doença, tanto no tratamento (clinico e reabilitativo) como no ajuste pessoal do doente à sua situação de incapacidade. Por outro lado, o prestador de cuidados também sofre uma pressão maior, acabando por desenvolver níveis significativos de sobrecarga, afetando ao mesmo tempo as suas atividades de lazer, as relações sociais, as amizades, a intimidade, a liberdade e o equilíbrio emocional. Objetivo. Revisar os dados da literatura a respeito da Qualidade de Vida (QV) de pacientes com ELA e seus cuidadores. Método. Foi feita uma busca de artigos nas bases de dados Bireme, SCIELO e Pubmed com as seguintes palavras-chave: Esclerose Lateral Amiotrófica (ELA), qualidade de vida, cuidador nos idiomas inglês, francês e espanhol. Resultados. Poucos estudos foram desenvolvidos no sentido de avaliar os determinantes da QV na ELA. Em geral, a capacidade física demonstra pouca relação com a QV, enquanto que fatores psicológicos, existenciais e o suporte recebido parecem ser os fatores preponderantes. Um número reduzido de estudos avaliou a QV dos cuidadores familiares, entretanto pode-se concluir que qualquer tratamento que possa reduzir o impacto da doença sobre os pacientes também traz benefícios para os que prestam cuidados. Conclusão. Determinar quais são os fatores que causam impacto na vida dos indivíduos com ELA pode auxiliar na tomada de decisões e na elaboração de planejamentos e de intervenções, tratamento e serviços. Intervenções especificamente desenhadas para aumentar a efetividade da relação entre pacientes e cuidadores podem melhorar o bem-estar psicológico de ambas as partes.