Introduction: Routine conduction studies reflect the summation of all nerve fibers in a peripheral nerve. Nerve fiber groups to distal, small muscles have smaller diameters than the ones to large proximal muscles. There may be minimal differences between the diameters of nerve fiber groups innervating different muscles; even they are all same type of fibers. So, in neuropathic processes some nerve fiber groups may be more seriously affected. Materials and Methods: 14 rats ( 7 diabetic, 7 control) were studied. Tibial nerve was stimulated from two points and while recorded from a distal (foot intrinsic muscles) and a proximal (gastrocnemius) muscle. Results: There was a significant difference between the proximal and distal recorded conduction velocities. Both proximal and distal recorded conduction velocities decreased during the hyperglycemic process. Discussion: Our method successfully demonstrated different nerve fiber groups; but, the neuropathic process seemed to be homogeneous in both fiber groups.

Objective: To study the clinical profile and outcome of surgery for injection nerve palsies. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients with INP who were treated at our institute during May 2000 to May 2009. Clinical, electroneuromyography (ENMG), and operative findings were noted. Intraoperative nerve action potential monitoring was not used in any case. Outcome of patients who were followed was reviewed. Results: INP comprised 92 (11%) of 837 nerve injury patients. Seventy one patients were children less than 16 years. The nerves involved were sciatic in 80 patients, radial in 8, and others in four. Fifty seven patients had power, grade 0/5. ENMG studies revealed absent compound muscle action potential in 64 and absent sensory nerve action potential in 67 patients. Thirty nine (42.3%) of 92 patients underwent surgery. The mean duration since injury in these patients was 5.2 months (3 months to 11 months). All underwent neurolysis. Only 18 patients who underwent surgery had a follow up of more than 3 months. Ten (55.5%) patients had good or fair outcome after surgery. Except for grade of motor deficit prior to surgery, none of the variables were found to significantly affect the outcome. Conclusion: The outcome of INP is generally good and many patients recover spontaneously. The outcome of surgery is dependent on preoperative motor power.

Context: Experience of animal-related neurotrauma at an apex institute, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India. Aims: The aim of this study is to review epidemiology, clinical findings, and outcome of animal-related traumatic brain injury (TBI) evaluated and treated at our institute. Settings and Design: A retrospective study consisting of demographic data, clinical findings, radiological details, and outcomes. Materials and Methods: The clinical and imaging records of 30 patients treated for animal-related TBI at the emergency services, from January to July 2010. Outcome was assessed by Glasgow outcome scale (GOS). Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS 15.0 version, descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 6190 neurotrauma cases were evaluated and treated during the study period. Among them, 30 (0.48%) were animal-inflicted injuries. Of these cases, animal-vehicle collision and directly animal-inflicted injuries were 15 (50%) each. The mean age of patients were 39.46 (6-71 years). Twenty-nine (96.66%) cases were from rural areas. Twenty-three (76.6%) had mild, 6 (20%) had moderate, and 1 (3.3%) had severe head injury (Glasgow coma scale). Four (13.3%) patients had abnormal pupillary reaction. Associated injuries were found in 25 (83.3%) patients. CT scan was abnormal in 50% (15/30), common finding was contusion in 8 (26.6%) patients, followed by edema in 6 (20%). There were 3 (10%) spine injuries, 1 (3.3%) internal carotid artery (ICA) dissection, and 2 (6.6%) brachial plexuses injuries. Three (10%) required surgery, and 1 (3.3%) patient expired. As per the GOS, good recovery was seen in 8 (80%) patients, moderate disability in 1 (10%), and vegetative state in 1 (10%) patient.

Background : Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte abnormality seen in patients with aneurysmal SAH. Clinically significant hyponatremia (Serum Sodium <131 mEq/L) which needs treatment, has been redefined recently and there is a paucity of outcome studies based on this. This study aims to identify the mean Serum Sodium (S.Na+) level and its duration among inpatients with SAH and to identify the relationship between hyponatremia and the outcome status of patients undergoing surgery for SAH. Materials and Methods : This outcome study is undertaken in the department of neurosurgery, The Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, Kerala. Medical records of all patients with SAH from 1 ^st January to 31 ^st July 2010 were reviewed. Preoperative status was assessed using World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grading system. Discharge status was calculated using the Glasgow outcome score scale. Results : Fifty nine patients were included in the study and 53 (89.8%) of them have undergone surgical treatment. Hyponatremia was observed in 22 of 59 patients (37%). The mean Sodium level of hyponatremic patients was 126.97 mEq/L for a median duration of two days. Glasgow outcome score was good in 89.8% of patients. We lost two patients, one of whom had hyponatremia and vasospasm. Conclusion : Hyponatremia is significantly associated with poor outcome in patients with SAH. Anticipate hyponatremia in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, timely detect and appropriately treat it to improve outcome. It is more common in patients who are more than 50 years old and whose aneurysm is in the anterior communicating artery. Our comprehensive monitoring ensured early detection and efficient surgical and nursing management reduced morbidity and mortality.

Context: Experience with elderly pedestrian neurotrauma at a major neurotrauma tertiary center. Aims: To highlight the specific injuries and outcome of the elderly pedestrian neurotrauma patients within the city of Bangalore and its surrounding districts. Settings and Design: A retrospective study consisting of demographic data, clinical findings, radiological details, and outcomes. Materials and Methods: A study was conducted at the casualty services, in which 143 consecutive elderly pedestrian (age >60 years) head injury victims were studied from June to September 2009. The records from the hospital mortuary were analyzed from 2007 to 2009. An analysis of 77 elderly patients who died as a pedestrian in accidents during this period was performed. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS 15. Results: The elderly pedestrians constituted 27% (143/529) of all pedestrian traumas. Two wheelers were the most common accident vehicle (56.6%, 81/143). Most of the injuries (38.5%, 55/143) occurred during peak traffic hours, that is, 4 pm to 9 pm. Majority sustained moderate to severe head injury (61%, 87/143). More than three-fourths of patients required a computed tomography (CT) scan (77%, 110/143), in which there was a higher frequency of contusion (31.5%, 45/143), and subdural hemorrhage (23.1%, 33/143). Most of the injured (43.3%, 13/30) underwent surgery for intracranial hematoma. The mortality rate was 22.8% (8/35). Nearly one-fourth of conducted postmortems among pedestrians belonged to the elderly age group (77/326, 23.6%). Conclusions: Elderly pedestrian neurotrauma patients sustain a more severe injury as evident by poorer Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) scores and CT scan findings, and hence have a higher mortality rate.

Healthcare workers in the rural setting face unique problems when dealing with head injured patients however the basic principle of medical management are the same in any situation. The key initial elements remain aggressive early resuscitation followed by a comprehensive assessment of conscious level and either early consultation or transfer to a neurosurgical facility. What has improved considerably over recent years is the understanding of the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury and as such some of the medical management strategies have changed. A basic understanding of some of these concepts is useful in the clinical setting and serves to emphasis the importance of effective early medical management. Thereafter consideration must be given to which patients require radiological investigations and possible discussion with or transfer to a neurosurgical facility.

A pregnant woman, who had been suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, presented with alteration of consciousness, ocular nystagmus and ataxia. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the brain showed typical findings of Wernicke's encephalopathy and central pontine myelinolysis. The clinical features responded dramatically to thiamine supplementation.

Vasospasm following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) occurs in the extraparenchymal vessels in the subarachnoid space at the base of the brain. Ischemia/ Infarction affecting primarily the perforator vessels in isolation, following aneurysmal SAH is uncommon. A 28-year-old man with a ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm underwent clipping of the aneurysm. He developed delayed bilateral deep seated infarcts involving both internal capsular regions, the thalamus and basal ganglia without any major vessel infarct. The patient was managed with triple H (hypertensive hypervolemic hemodilutional) therapy and calcium channel antagonists but did not show any improvement and remained in poor neurological status. Perforator vasospasm occurring secondary to aneurysmal SAH, though documented in experimental animal studies, has rarely been reported in humans in a clinical setting. The present case provides evidence, albeit indirect, of isolated perforator vasospasm, which possibly should be the target of future therapeutic strategies.

Acute viral myositis is a rare condition that occurs during the recovery phase of an illness, most commonly influenza. It is characterized by muscle pain and weakness with an isolated laboratory finding of elevated serum creatine kinase (CK). We describe three previously healthy patients who were hospitalized after developing myositis following influenza-like illness during the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus pandemic. All experienced myalgias and weakness in all four extremities, including distal upper extremities, associated with an elevated CK level that resolved along with their myalgias and weakness within one week with supportive care. These cases serve as a reminder that influenza-related myositis may have atypical characteristics depending on the strain of influenza, and clinicians should be open to this possibility when new outbreaks occur.

Limb shaking Transient Ischemic Attack is a rare manifestation of carotid-occlusive disease. The symptoms usually present with seizure like activity and often misdiagnosed as focal seizures. Only on careful history the important clinical clues-which may help in differentiating from seizure-are revealed: Lack of Jacksonian march or aura; precipitation by maneuvers that lead to carotid compression. We present the case of an elderly gentleman with recurrent limb shaking transient ischemic attacks that was initially diagnosed as a case of epilepsy. His symptoms responded to optimization of blood pressure. The case report highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis as the treatment of the associated carotid artery occlusion may not only abolish the attacks but also reduce the risk of future stroke.

Here, we report a case of serotonergic toxicity due to combination of essitalopram and isoniazid, which was rarely reported before. Moreover, we observed transient neurogenic denervation potentials in needle electromyography, which disappeared with the treatment of serotonergic toxicity. As to our best knowledge, this is the first case, reporting transient electromyographic changes probably due to serotonergic toxicity.

Quadrigeminal lipoma is a rare tumor that has been categorized as developmental malformation rather than a hamartoma or true neoplasm, due to its origin from abnormal persistence and mal-differentiation of meninx primitiva during the development of the subarachnoid cisterns. Reported admixture of adipose tissue with heterotopic elements also supports a developmental origin. Quadrigeminal lipomas are frequently asymptomatic and detected incidentally. Though a favorable clinical course is usually expected, recurrences may occur due to partial removal of lesions in close relation to vital structure. We describe the role of intraoperative squash smear cytology as a diagnostic aid in quadrigeminal cistern lipoma and an alternative to frozen sections that are technically difficult to obtain due to presence of lobules of fibro-adipose tissue. With radiological correlation, squash cytology can be an economical method for intraoperative diagnosis, pending subsequent histopathological confirmation.

Charles Bonnet syndrome occurs in visually impaired but cognitively normal individuals. This report describes a condition of vivid visual hallucination (phantom images) in an 85-year-old conscious man, who had been blind by bilateral progressively worsening glaucoma. This common, but rarely reported, condition was managed by behavioral approach of repeated blinking, intermittent eyes closure, and reassurance. While emotional, mood and cognitive disorders need to be ruled out, the condition, though frightening to the afflicted, is benign and remediable with simple, inexpensive approach. Health workers managing people with terminal blindness should always ask for the presence of hallucinations from their patients to forestall a preventable distress resulting from wrong perception without visual stimulus.

Simultaneous occurrence of Neurocysticercosis (NC) along with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is a very rare presentation. We herein describe a case report of treated case of NC 2 years back who presented with secondary GBM. The brief report highlights that there may be some associated factors which may lead to development of secondary GBM in preexisting helminthic infection.

Wilson's disease, an autosomal recessive disorder of copper metabolism, most commonly presents either with hepatic or neurological features. But, it may sometimes have certain atypical presentations posing diagnostic difficulties. We report here a case of Wilson's disease presenting with generalized hyperpigmentation of skin who also developed neurological manifestations subsequently. We aim to highlight the importance of keeping Wilson's disease as one of the differentials in patients who present with hyperpigmentation and neurological symptoms compatible with copper deposits in the central nervous system and proceed for investigations accordingly.

Isolated acquired macroglossia of tongue rarely reported. It occurs due to causes like hereditary angioedema, localized angioedema, etc., Here we describe an 8-year-old boy developing life threatening localized angioedema of tongue due to phenytoin without any association with drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome or pseudolymphoma encountered in rural medical college. Anticonvulsants, that is, phenytoin induced this isolated peculiar complication, which was not described before.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) rarely affects the upper limb during the initial course of disease. We present a patient who complained of symptoms suggesting RLS in the right upper limb as the sole manifestation of illness. Bilateral cervical ribs and depression were co-incidental findings. Patient responded well to dopaminergic therapy.

Ulcerative colitis has been reported to show hyper coagulation leading to peripheral and rarely central thrombosis. A 35-year-old female was admitted with chief complaints of increased frequency of bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss for 2 months. The patient was diagnosed to have ulcerative colitis after sigmoidoscopy and biopsy and she was started on treatment. Two days later, the patient developed headache and seizures. Magnetic resonance imaging of brain showed cerebral venous thrombosis with venous infarcts. A high index of clinical suspicion is needed to diagnose this uncommon condition so that appropriate treatment can be initiated.

A rare case of a 42-years old man presented with repeated hydrocephalus due to the neurocysticercosis cyst (NCC) in the lateral ventricle. Patient was operated previously 2½ years back for a similar lesion at same site. Both times he was treated endoscopically with removal of the cyst. Interestingly there was no parenchymatous lesion at any stage of follow up. Isolated recurrent intraventricular NCC is a rare condition that has never been reported in the literature.

In a landmark judgment, the supreme court of India laid down guidelines in cases of alleged negligence against medical practitioners in India. It clearly stated that there is a need for protecting doctors from frivolous or unjust prosecution.