There is a potential lateralization of vegetative influences at the cerebral level. We sought to understand the impact of these influences in the setting of ischemic stroke. We conducted a prospective study on 110 who presented with acute ischemic stroke (symptom onset maximum 24 hours before admission). We investigated correlations between stroke subtype, insular location or lateralization, stroke severity, hospital mortality, and the dynamic of enzymes (Tn, TnT, CK, CK-MB). We demonstrated that a higher cardiac enzyme value is associated either with stroke severity or with a higher risk of death in the short term, this growth being a marker for a more severe prognosis of a large stroke rather than an independent cause of mortality. Cardiac monitoring in the acute phase of ischemic stroke can prevent cardiac morbidity and mortality, which is why it is important to identify patients at high risk of heart complications after stroke.
Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between mental adjustment mechanisms and somatic symptoms in cancer survivors, a topic with limited research in Psycho-oncology. Methods: In this exploratory cross-sectional study, 88 cancer patients were surveyed using the Somatic Symptoms Scale (SSS-8), the Somatic Symptom Disorder Scale (SSD-12), and the MiniMental Adjustment to Cancer Scale (MINI-MAC). Additional questions were asked regarding cancer stage, treatment, and illness relapses. Data collection occurred over one month at a local oncology unit. Results: Several significant correlations were observed between the scales and subscales of the instruments applied during this study. The most important results showed that maladaptive adjustment mechanisms were significantly associated with somatic symptoms, while adaptive mechanisms were not. However, "fighting spirit," an adaptive mechanism, acted as a moderator between somatic symptoms and their psychological impact (effect size t = 0.157, p < 0.05). Lower "fighting spirit" scores correlated with higher SSS-8 and SSD-12 scores, indicating its potential protective role. Conclusion: A more specific assessment of somatic symptoms and their link to mental adaptation to cancer is needed. Psycho-oncological interventions should address both adaptive and maladaptive adjustment mechanisms due to their significant influence on patient outcomes.
Background: Patients with Lyme disease often suffer from neuro-motor sequelae following Borrelia infection, leading to impairments in balance, posture, and spinal musculoskeletal functionality. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of physical therapy in addressing these impairments. Methods: Initial assessments were conducted using the GPS Posture-test System to evaluate static bipodal balance and posture, and BACKFIX Technology for unipedal balance and spinal functionality. Disturbances in balance, postural asymmetries, and a forward-shifted center of gravity were observed. The patient then underwent two 10 sessions (each during two weeks) of computer-assisted physical therapy focused on neuro-muscular movement and balance control. Results: Post-therapy evaluations showed significant improvements in both bipodal and unipedal static balance, segmental and overall body posture, and spinal musculoskeletal functionality. The therapy effectively addressed the postural asymmetries and shifted the center of gravity closer to the optimal vertical posture point. Conclusion: Computer-assisted physical therapy with visual feedback significantly improved posture, balance, and spinal functionality in patients with Lyme disease-related neuro-motor sequelae. This approach facilitated the restoration of muscle coordination and enhanced motor control, aligning with findings from the existing literature.
