Clusterlike Headache as a First Sign of Brain Metastases of Lung Cancer

We report on a patient with clusterlike headache and multiple brain metastases of lung cancer. Initially, cluster headache was suggested clinically by characteristic symptoms without any focal central nervous system signs. However, magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated multiple brain metastases. It is possible that tumor necrosis factor may have played a role in initiating the clusterlike headache.     

Hybridization of Aedes (protomacleaya) zoosophus with Ae. (Pro.) triseriatus group species: hybrid morphology

Morphology of hybrids between Aedes (Protomacleaya) zoosophus and Ae. (Pro.) triseriatus group species is described. Adult females of hybrids key to Ae. zoosophus. Hybrids are differentiated from Ae. zoosophus by the dark longitudinal medial or submedial lines on the thorax and by the reduced width of the light tarsal and abdominal bands. The transverse band of light scales on the anterior scutum is complete in Ae. hendersoni/Ae. zoosophus hybrids and incomplete in Ae. triseriatus/Ae. zoosophus hybrids. Aedes brelandi/Ae. zoosophus hybrids are similar to Ae. hendersoni/Ae. zoosophus hybrids. However, due to the allopatric distributions of Ae. brelandi and Ae. zoosophus, such hybrids are not expected.     

Inherited Neurodegenerative Disorders Caused by CAG/Polyglutamine Tract Expansions: Symposium Introduction

At the beginning of this decade, the American Association of Neurology decided that the 1990's should be labelled "the decade of the brain" for expected advances in our understanding of neurological disorders and neuroscience. By the end of this decade, clinicians and researchers who work in the field of inherited neurological disorders might well remember the 1990's as "the decade of the trinucleotide repeat". At the time of writing this introduction, eleven inherited neurological disorders have been found to be caused by expansions of trinucleotide repeats, and a twelfth trinucleotide repeat expansion mutation has been identified (6), although the gene containing this mutant triplet repeat has not been cloned to our knowledge (Table 1).     

Spinal cord stimulation in the treatment of failed back surgery syndrome

A significant number of patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery do not obtain pain relief. Such patients with chronic low back or lower extremity pain may be difficult to treat. A frequent component of therapy is the use of spinal cord stimulation to help control pain. With careful patient selection, many patients can achieve reasonable levels of pain relief. We review recent clinical reports, including prospective and randomized studies, that demonstrate up to three quarters of patients implanted with a spinal cord stimulator for the treatment of failed back surgery syndrome may benefit from its use. This technology must not be indiscriminately applied. Careful patient selection and a period of trial stimulation are vital to the successful use of spinal cord stimulation as treatment for chronic pain.     

How are nations trying to prevent suicide? An analysis of national suicide prevention strategies

Recent increases in suicide rates internationally have focused attention on suicide as an important area of public health concern. In this review, strategies developed by various countries to halt this trend are compared. Nine out of 15 countries respond to enquiry about the state of development of suicide prevention strategies and programmes. Comprehensive strategies have been or are being developed by Finland, Norway, Australia, New Zealand and Sweden. The organization of these strategies differs between countries. The interventions have similar targets and are presented in detail. There are some similarities in strategy content but evident differences in organization. Further developments should not only be based on research, but also consider the diverse experiences of other countries, and they should incorporate appropriate structures for monitoring and evaluation.     

Acute cardiac and pulmonary arrest after infusion of vancomycin with subsequent desensitization

J Allergy Clin Immunol 1997;100:853-4.