Neurological sequelae of minor head and neck injuries.

The objective was to determine why some people who are involved in minor motor vehicle accidents, without loss of consciousness, have persisting headaches and neckache, and to suggest management of these symptoms. Between 1954 and 1994, over 4400 cases were referred for medico-legal opinions. A group has been selected for discussion. During the period 1954-1966, 414 cases following closed head injuries were seen with varying periods of post traumatic amnesia (PTA) from nil to greater than 72 h. The average time between the accident and the examination was 21 months. The shortest period was 3 months and the longest 7 years. The age at the time of the accident varied from 2.5 to 72 years. The largest group fell between the ages of 20 and 40 years. The main complaints were headache, giddiness, loss of concentration and poor memory. 380 were reviewed by questionnaire after settlement of the case. 112 cases of extension/flexion injuries of the neck were seen between 1985 and 1989 and their symptoms and resolution were compared with 50 cases seen over the same period following significant head or neck injury. The results showed that the more severe the head or neck injury, the less likely were the cases to suffer symptoms of post-traumatic headaches or persisting neck symptoms. In conclusion, while 70% of minor head and neck injuries settle within a few weeks of a motor vehicle accident, about 30% continue to complain of headaches and/or neck pain. The prolonged management, extensive physiotherapy and slow court settlement lead to excessive introspection and prolongation of symptoms.

The epidemiology of multiple sclerosis in Queensland, Australia.

An epidemiological survey of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the State of Queensland was undertaken with its prevalence day being the national census day on June 30th, 1981, 20 years after a regional survey within the State. The relationship between increasing prevalence of MS and increasing south latitude within the State of Queensland which was suggested by the 1961 study was confirmed in the present study. The prevalence rate had increased significantly over the 20-year period between the studies but the State remained a medium frequency zone for MS (prevalence rate between 5 and 29 per 100,000 of population). Although a real increase in disease frequency could not be excluded as a contributing factor to the rise in prevalence, it was most likely due predominantly to an increase in life expectancy amongst the MS population and also in differential migration of a population at a greater risk of developing MS than the indigenous population. The proportions of Australian-born patients who had migrated to Queensland from the higher risk southern regions of Australia or travelled overseas to countries known to be high-risk for MS prior to disease onset, had fallen between the two surveys thus exerting, if anything, a negative influence on the change in prevalence. Analysis of MS prevalence rates amongst migrant populations in Queensland as compared to the more southerly city of Perth in Western Australia, suggested that the risk of acquisition of MS may extend over a wider age range than is generally accepted. Finally, there was an absence of MS cases amongst the Aboriginal population in Queensland but it can only cautiously be concluded from this study that the disease is rare in these peoples.

IgA nephritis with nephrotic range proteinuria.

Nephrotic range proteinuria is uncommon in patients with IgA nephritis. For this reason we compared the clinical and pathologic features in 63 non-nephrotic patients with those in 8 patients who had nephrotic range proteinuria at the time of biopsy. Both the mean age and the mean duration of the disease at the time of diagnosis were not significantly different in the 2 groups of cases. Significant associations were found between nephrotic range proteinuria and the following: the extent of glomerular hyalinization, the severity of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy and the degree of foot process effacement and mesangial matrix increase. A significant association was also noted with nephrotic range proteinuria had elevated levels of serum creatinine on follow-up compared with 20% of non-nephrotic cases. The results of our study suggest that patients with nephrotic range proteinuria have a more severe type of IgA nephritis from the outset and that a marked degree of proteinuria is not merely a consequence of the duration of disease.

A prospective study of the risk of developing multiple sclerosis in optic neuritis in a tropical and sub-tropical area.

110 cases of optic neuritis were prospectively studied. 62 (56%) developed multiple sclerosis, 13 were lost to survey. However, eight of these had recurrent episodes of optic neuritis. If recurrent episodes of optic neuritis are accorded the same significance as demyelination elsewhere in the CNS, then the incidence of multiple sclerosis in the series rose to 71%, similar to that predicted on an actuarial basis.

Factors likely to affect the development of multiple sclerosis in patients presenting with optic neuritis in a tropical and subtropical area.

The relationship between optic neuritis (ON) and multiple sclerosis (MS) in a subtropical climate is examined. 105 cases of ON were followed for varying periods over 26 years. The factors studied included place of birth, sex, age at onset, presence of recurrent ON, the interval to the onset of MS, and HLA antigen typing. 55% of cases developed evidence of definite MS. The majority of cases who went on to develop MS had their onset of ON between 21 and 40 years of age. The subtropical climate did not cause any significant variation in incidence. However those case who had HLA Bw4 appear to be protected from developing MS.

Herpes simplex encephalitis.

In this paper seven cases of severe viral encephalitis seen over a four year period at the Princes Alexandria Hospital, Brisbane, are presented. Four of these cases were proven cases of Herpes simplex encephalitis on the basis of viral culture, and three were probable cases of Herpes simplex encephalitis on the basis of rising serum antibody titres. A summary of the clinical aspects and laboratory investigations of the cases is followed by a brief discussion of the diagnostic and therapeutic problems of this condition.