Epidemiology of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis [SSPE] and other encephalitides in Karachi area: a progress note

Relative frequency of neurologic diseases in Karachi, with special reference to inflammatory disorders has been estimated by using the comprehensive data from the Deptt. of Neurology, Dow Medical College, Karachi,The incidence of subacute sclerosing pan-encephalitis has been estimated to be approx. 10 per million. Figures for multiple sclerosis appear comparable to those from India, Turkey and Israel. Rates for active encephalitides and postencephalitic sequelae are unbelievably higher than in the developed countries

Preliminary observations of digit retention in Pakistani population

Test of digit retention was carried out to investigate if the usually accepted norm of 7 forward digit retention holds true in our population. The highest mean score of 8.85 was obtained by executives. Professionals scored a mean of 8.08 followed by students [7.81]. Housewives, skilled workers and unskilled workers scored less than the accepted norm of 7 digit forward retention. A strong influence of vocational and socio-cultural background in ability to score in this test is shown in this study and it must be considered when passing judgement on the patient's mental abilities in clinical assessment