Subject(s)
Brain Diseases/genetics , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Muscular Diseases/genetics , Tendons , Xanthomatosis/genetics , Adult , Brain/pathology , Brain Diseases/diagnosis , Brain Diseases/pathology , Humans , Male , Muscular Diseases/diagnosis , Muscular Diseases/pathology , Peripheral Nerves/pathology , Xanthomatosis/diagnosis , Xanthomatosis/pathologyABSTRACT
Brain stem auditory evoked potentials in subjects with transient ischemic attacks of the vertebro-basilar system and a high "vascular index" (based on clinical and paraclinical criteria) show an abnormal elevation of the intervals I-III, III-V and I-V compared to the values obtained in normal subjects under the same conditions. In subjects with functional signs of vertebro-basilar ischemic attacks without an abnormal "vascular index", the intervals I-III and I-V are slightly raised, however the interval III-V is not significantly modified. These results stress the value of recording early auditory evoked potentials in the objective evaluation of transient ischemic attacks of the vertebro-basilar system.
Subject(s)
Brain Ischemia/physiopathology , Brain Stem/physiopathology , Evoked Potentials, Auditory , Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency/physiopathology , Adult , Aged , Humans , Middle AgedABSTRACT
Cerebellar hematomas constitute an emergency as emphasized by a study of 28 personal and 189 published cases. Accounting for 10 per cent of the total of cerebral hemorrhages, they occur mainly in patients after 40 years of age essentially as a complication of hypertension. An evocative stereotyped triad characterizes their sudden onset: severe headache, repeated vomiting, vertigo and imbalance. In their subacute and acute forms, a rapid impairment of consciousness occurs. Death is constant in such cases. Computerized axial tomography is the essential mean of accurate diagnosis and shows the subsequent consequences on other brain structures. Surgical evacuation of hematomas preceded or not by ventricular drainage is the useful procedure in most cases. Results depend on a timely decision and on the conscious level. In other cases, the spontaneous course is more favorable. Brain herniation is however possible and the presence of a vascular posterior fossa malformation must be kept in mind.