Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Reduces Leg Cramps in Patients of Lumbar Degenerative Disorders: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: The extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has been fully utilized in orthopedics, but there are few studies in the treatment of lower limb spasm and pain caused by lumbar degenerative disorders (LDD). This study assesses the influence of ESWT in patients with LDD. METHODS: From October 2017 to June 2019, 126 patients with LDD were enrolled. All patients received shock wave therapy, once every two days for four weeks in total. Each treatment consisted of 2,000 shocks with a frequency of 8-10 shocks per second. To analyze the therapeutic progress, the following tests were performed (before and after therapy; 1- and 3-month follow-up) to assess pain and functional efficiency: (1) Visual Analog Scale (VAS), (2) the frequency and duration of muscle cramps, and (3) Fugl-Meyer (LL). RESULTS: Mean BMI of the participants was 26.1 ± 3.0 kg/m2. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of age or BMI between the groups (p > 0.05). Although all scoring parameters improved in both groups, the improvement in the ESWT group was more pronounced in pain (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). A review of the LMA scores of our patients demonstrated moderate functional limitations before treatment and increased functional status after treatment in all patients, while overall functional status was fully improved in patients of the ESWT group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The ESWT is particularly effective effect for patients with LDD. The use of ESWT has a significant long-term influence on the reduction of pain, leg cramps, and the improvement of the general functional state in relation to the conventional motor improvement program.

Parent survey of sleep problems among children with CHARGE syndrome.

Sleep problems are common among children, especially those with developmental disabilities, visual impairments, and behavioral problems. Past research has indicated a particularly high prevalence of clinically-relevant sleep problems for children with CHARGE syndrome, who often possess all three of these qualities. To gather additional information regarding the nature of these sleep problems and how they are most commonly treated amongst parents, an explorative survey was conducted with 30 parents of children with CHARGE syndrome with comorbid sleep problems using the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children, as well as demographic and sleep questionnaires developed for use in this study. Our findings indicated that problems of sleep initiation and maintenance were most commonly reported, consistent with previous research. Parents most often reported the following factors suspected of contributing to sleep problems: self-regulation difficulties, teeth grinding, hormonal imbalance, problem behaviors, and anxiety. The most commonly administered treatments were reported to be the use of positive bedtime routines, melatonin treatment, the use of a weighted blanket, and prescription medications, respectively. While parents reported overall that they felt all three of these intervention strategies were slightly effective at improving their child's sleep problem, the use of positive bedtime routines and melatonin treatment were perceived as more effective by parents. These results aid professionals in the selection of future research and intervention strategies to recommend for parents of children with CHARGE syndrome.

Calidad del sueño, estrés y somnolencia diurna en profesionales de urgencias hospitalarias y extrahospitalarias / Quality of sleep, stress and diurnal somnolence of hospital and outpatient emergency professionals

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Physical therapy for nocturnal lower limb cramping: A case report.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Nocturnal lower limb cramps are sudden, intensely painful, and can decrease sleep, increase anxiety, and reduce quality of life. The purpose of this case report is to describe the effectiveness of an evidence-based physical therapy intervention for a person with lower limb cramps. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient was a 34-year-old female who presented with idiopathic bilateral lower limb foot pain and cramps. INTERVENTION: Rehabilitation addressed muscle strength, joint mobility, soft tissue extensibility, and biomechanical influences during functional movement, for a total of seven sessions over seven weeks. OUTCOMES: The frequency and severity of cramps decreased from three to four times/night, lasting several minutes down to one episode/week, lasting less than a minute. Her Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) score at worst decreased from 6/10 at the initial examination to 0/10 upon discharge. Lower extremity strength and functional mobility outcomes also exhibited improvement over the course of care. The patient's Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) score decreased from 87.5% to 80.0%, indicating greater disability, though this did not reach minimal detectable change levels. DISCUSSION: While her cramping and resulting pain improved, perceived participation restrictions persisted. Lack of improvement in the participation measure may have been related to the lack of a structured biopsychosocial approach to the rehabilitation process.

Treatment of nocturnal leg cramps by primary care patients over the age of 60.

Background: Approximately one out of two individuals over the age of 60 suffers from nocturnal leg cramps. These often have an important impact on the person's quality of life. Different drug and non-drug treatments are proposed to treat these cramps, but none to date have been shown to be both safe and effective. The objective of this study was to describe the drug and non-drug treatments used by primary care patients suffering from cramps. Methods: We used data collected as part of two cross-sectional surveys of patients aged 60 years and older attending general practices in the French region of Alsace. We asked the participants suffering from cramps if they were currently using a treatment for their cramps. We distinguished potentially harmful from unharmful treatments. Results: Overall, 632 patients suffering from cramps were included in our study. Only 133 patients (19.5%) were taking a treatment for cramps. 82 patients used one or several of 17 different drug treatments. 58 patients used one or several of 13 different types of non-drug treatments. Potentially harmful treatments, mostly Quinine made up 16,7% (n = 25) of all treatments used for cramps. Conclusions: This study sheds light on the great diversity of therapeutic practices for cramps in outpatient care. Many of the treatments reported by patients have not previously been described in the medical literature. We recommend GPs to ask their patients about the treatments they take for cramps in order to make sure that they are safe.

Restless legs syndrome and nocturnal leg cramps: a review and guide to diagnosis and treatment.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) and nocturnal leg cramps (NLCs) are common disorders affecting 7.0% and 24.1% of the population in some European countries, respectively. Patients suffering from RLS experience uncomfortable nocturnal sensations in the legs with the urge to move that dissipates while moving. NLC is characterized by abrupt muscle contraction, most often in the gastrocnemius or foot muscles, which occurs at night and may result in significant sleep disturbances. The diagnosis of these disorders has presented a challenge to health care providers because of symptom overlap with other sensory and motor disturbances with nocturnal predominance. Treatment options and approaches are lacking, partially because of our currently incomplete understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these conditions. We reviewed the medical literature to provide a comprehensive assessment of RLS and NLC with a focus on improved diagnostic accuracy and treatment approaches.

A review of nocturnal leg cramps in older people.

Nocturnal leg cramps are common and troublesome, especially in later life, and have a significant impact on quality of life, particularly sleep quality. This article reviews the current state of knowledge regarding the diagnosis, frequency, pathophysiology and management of cramps. Recent evidence suggests that diuretic and long-acting beta-agonist therapy predispose to leg cramps. There is conflicting evidence regarding the efficacy of prophylactic stretching exercises in preventing cramps. Quinine remains the only medication proven to reduce the frequency and intensity of leg cramps. However, the degree of benefit from quinine is modest and the risks include rare but serious immune-mediated reactions and, especially in older people, dose-related side effects. Quinine treatment should be restricted to those with severe symptoms, should be subject to regular review and requires discussion of the risks and benefits with patients.

Parasomnia Overlap Disorder with Sexual Behaviors during Sleep in a Patient with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

ABSTRACT: Sleep-related abnormal sexual behaviors (sexsomnia) are classified as a subtype of NREM sleep parasomnias. Sexsomnia has been reported as part of parasomnia overlap disorder (POD) in two other patients. We present the case of a 42-year-old male patient with video-polysomnography (vPSG) documented POD. The patient had sleepwalking, sleep-related eating, confusional arousals, sexsomnia, sleeptalking, and REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD). Confusional arousals and RBD were documented during the vPSG. This case had the added complexity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) playing a role in sleepwalking and sleep related eating, with good response to nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP). The sexsomnia did not respond to nCPAP but responded substantially to bedtime clonazepam therapy.

The effects of myofascial trigger point injections on nocturnal calf cramps.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effects of injection at trigger points on pain and sleep disturbance in patients with nocturnal calf cramps (NCCs). METHODS: Patients with NCCs that occurred at least once per week and who had myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) on the gastrocnemius muscles were enrolled in the study for 9 months. At the first visit (T0), we measured the intensity of NCC pain on an 11-point numeric rating scale, recorded the frequency of NCCs, and calculated the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). We then checked for MTrPs on the gastrocnemius muscles and injected 1-2 mL of 0.25% lidocaine into each of the trigger points. At 1 (T1), 2 (T2), and 4 (T3) weeks after the first visit, we repeated the process performed at T0. RESULTS: Twelve patients completed the treatment schedule and attended the follow-up visits. Mean values of the numeric rating scale pain score, frequency of cramps, and ISI declined significantly at T1, T2, and T3 compared with baseline (all P < .01). Of 12 patients, 10 had clinical insomnia before treatment, and this number decreased significantly to 3 patients at T2 and 1 patient at T3 (P = .012 and P = .001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary data show that injection at MTrPs in patients with NCCs not only alleviated pain and reduced the frequency of cramps but also lessened the severity of insomnia as measured by the ISI. A larger randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm these findings and determine whether the effect lasts over the long term.

A Case of Successful Use of Hypnosis in the Treatment of Parasomnia Overlap Disorder.

A young male patient was successfully treated for parasomnia overlap disorder (POD) using hypnosis. In 2006, this 16-year-old patient underwent a clinical evaluation for episodes of sleep talking, sleepwalking, and dream enactment. This initial assessment was followed by polysomnographic evaluation, a brain MRI, and three sessions of treatment using hypnosis. From the beginning, until the last contact in December 2011, benefits from the hypnotic suggestions were noted and documented.

CPAP treats muscle cramps in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

We describe a case series of 4 patients with varying degrees of obstructive sleep apnea who incidentally had a history of nocturnal leg cramps. None of the patients had periodic limb movements during the study and denied symptoms consistent with restless legs syndrome. In 3 of the 4 patients, nocturnal leg cramps resolved with CPAP treatment for OSA, while the fourth patient noted near-resolution of cramping after starting CPAP. In patients presenting with muscle cramps, obstructive sleep apnea should be considered.

Exploding head syndrome.

Exploding head syndrome is characterized by the perception of abrupt, loud noises when going to sleep or waking up. They are usually painless, but associated with fear and distress. In spite of the fact that its characteristic symptomatology was first described approximately 150 y ago, exploding head syndrome has received relatively little empirical and clinical attention. Therefore, a comprehensive review of the scientific literature using Medline, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and PubMed was undertaken. After first discussing the history, prevalence, and associated features, the available polysomnography data and five main etiological theories for exploding head syndrome are summarized. None of these theories has yet reached dominance in the field. Next, the various methods used to assess and treat exploding head syndrome are discussed, as well as the limited outcome data. Finally, recommendations for future measure construction, treatment options, and differential diagnosis are provided.

Relaciones entre el sueño y la adicción / Relationships between sleep and addiction

La interacción entre los trastornos del sueño y el abuso de sustancias es ya conocida, pero seguramente más compleja de lo que se pensaba. Existe tanto una relación positiva entre tener un trastorno por uso de substancias y sufrir un trastorno de sueño, como viceversa. Los efectos sobre el sueño dependen de la substancia utilizada, pero se ha demostrado que tanto durante su uso como en período de abstinencia los consumidores tienen diferentes problemas de sueño y fundamentalmente un sueño más fragmentado. Sabemos que hay que tener en cuenta los problemas de sueño para evitar recaídas en la adicción. Investigaciones recientes indican que el sistema hipocretinérgico definido por el neuropéptido hipocretina/orexina (Hcrt/ox), localizado en el hipotálamo lateral e implicado entre otros en la regulación del ciclo sueño- vigilia, jugaría un papel importante en las conductas adictivas. Diferentes estudios han demostrado interacciones entre el sistema hipocretinérgico, los circuitos de respuesta aguda al estrés y los sistemas de recompensa. También sabemos que la activación optogenética selectiva del sistema hipocretinérgico incrementa la probabilidad de la transición del sueño a la vigilia, y también es suficiente para iniciar un comportamiento compulsivo de recaída adictiva. La activación del sistema hipocretinérgico podría explicar la hipervigilia asociada al estrés y a la adicción. El mayor conocimiento de esta interacción permitiría entender mejor los mecanismos de la adicción y encontrar nuevas estrategias para el tratamiento de las adicciones(AU)

While it is well known that there is an interaction between sleep disorders and substance abuse, it is certainly more complex than was previously thought. There is a positive relationship both between having a substance use disorder and suffering from a sleep disorder, and vice versa. The effects on sleep depend on the substance used, but it has been shown that both during use and in withdrawal periods consumers have various sleep problems, and basically more fragmented sleep. We know that sleep problems must be taken into account to prevent addiction relapses. Recent research shows that the hypocretinergic system defined by neuropeptide hypocretin / orexin (Hcrt / ox), located in the lateral hypothalamus and involved in, among other things, the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle, may play an important role in addictive behaviors. Different studies have demonstrated interactions between the hypocretinergic system, acute response to stress circuits and reward systems. We also know that selective optogenetic activation of the hypocretinergic system increases the probability of transition from sleep to wakefulness, and is sufficient for initiating an addictive compulsive behavior relapse. Hypocretinergic system activation could explain the hyperarousal associated with stress and addiction. Improved knowledge of this interaction would help us to understand better the mechanisms of addiction and find new strategies for the treatment of addictions(AU)

Tratamiento de los efectos adversos de la apomorfina en infusión: nódulos subcutáneos y complicaciones neuropsiquiátricas / Treatment of apomorphine infusion adverse effects: subcutaneous nodules and neuropsychiatric complications

Los nódulos subcutáneos y las complicaciones neuropsiquiátricas son los efectos adversos más relevantes durante el tratamiento con apomorfina en infusión. Los nódulos subcutáneos aparecen casi en la totalidad de los pacientes, y es imprescindible la correcta información y entrenamiento del paciente y su cuidador para minimizar su repercusión en el tratamiento. Las complicaciones neuropsiquiátricas, aunque no son más frecuentes que con otras terapias dopaminérgicas, se relacionan con una mayor dificultad de tratamiento y el empeoramiento de la calidad de vida del paciente (AU)

Subcutaneous nodules and neuropsychiatric complications are the most relevant adverse effects during apomorphine infusion treatment. Subcutaneous nodules appear in almost all the patients and accurate information and training of both patient and caregiver is essential to minimise their impact on the treatment. Although neuropsychiatric complications are not more frequent than with other dopaminergic treatments, they are linked with increasing difficulty of treatment and worsening of patient’s quality of life (AU)

Nocturnal leg cramps.

Up to 60 percent of adults report that they have had nocturnal leg cramps. The recurrent, painful tightening usually occurs in the calf muscles and can cause severe insomnia. The exact mechanism is unknown, but the cramps are probably caused by muscle fatigue and nerve dysfunction rather than electrolyte or other abnormalities. Nocturnal leg cramps are associated with vascular disease, lumbar canal stenosis, cirrhosis, hemodialysis, pregnancy, and other medical conditions. Medications that are strongly associated with leg cramps include intravenous iron sucrose, conjugated estrogens, raloxifene, naproxen, and teriparatide. A history and physical examination are usually sufficient to differentiate nocturnal leg cramps from other conditions, such as restless legs syndrome, claudication, myositis, and peripheral neuropathy. Laboratory evaluation and specialized testing usually are unnecessary to confirm the diagnosis. Limited evidence supports treating nocturnal leg cramps with exercise and stretching, or with medications such as magnesium, calcium channel blockers, carisoprodol, or vitamin B(12). Quinine is no longer recommended to treat leg cramps.

Manejo del SAHS mediante dispositivos de avance mandibular. Estudio preliminar / Sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome management using a mandibular advancement device. Preliminary study

El tratamiento que ha demostrado mayor eficacia en los pacientes con síndrome de apneas-hipopneas del sueño (SAHS) es la presión positiva continua de la vía aérea (CPAP). Los mayores inconvenientes son la incomodidad y la sensación de claustrofobia, que en algunos pacientes provoca rechazo o intolerancia. Una alternativa son los dispositivos de avance mandibular (DAM), que insertados en las arcadas dentarias producen el avance de la mandíbula y de la lengua, aumentando el volumen de la vía aérea. Objetivo: Presentar nuestra experiencia en el tratamiento del SAHS mediante dispositivos de avance mandibular tipo Herbst. Metodologia: Estudio de seguimiento prospectivo desde junio de 2006 hasta enero de 2009 de 7 pacientes del Área Hospitalaria Virgen Macarena con SAHS que rechazan el tratamiento con CPAP y a los que se ofrece tratamiento con DAM. Las variables analizadas son: índice de apneas-hipopneas por hora, índice de desaturaciones por hora, intensidad subjetiva del ronquido y el test de somnolencia de Epworth, antes del tratamiento y al menos 6 meses después desde el inicio de su uso. Utilizamos el test de Wilcoxon para detectar diferencias estadísticas significativas (p<0,05). Resultados: Se observó una reducción estadísticamente significativa del índice de apneahipopneas por hora (p<0,018) y del índice de desaturaciones por hora (p<0,018), así como una reducción no significativa del ronquido y de la somnolencia. Conclusiones: El uso de DAM tipo Herbst en pacientes afectos de SAHS que rechazan el uso de la CPAP podría ser útil, mejorando clínica y funcionalmente su situación(AU)

The most effective treatment in patients with sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (SAHS) is CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure). The main drawback of CPAP is the discomfort and claustrophobic sensation that it causes, which elicits rejection or intolerance by some patients. A non-surgical alternative to CPAP is the mandibular advancement device (MAD), which consists of a plastic splint inserted between the dental arches to shift the jaw and tongue forward and thus increase airway volume. Objective: Report our experience with the treatment of SAHS using the Herbst mandibular advancement device. Material and method: A prospective follow-up study was carried out from June 2006 until January 2009 at the Virgen Macarena University Hospital with 7 patients with SAHS who refused treatment with CPAP and were treated with the mandibular advancement device. The outcome variables analyzed were: apnea-hypopnea disruptions per hour index, desaturations per hour index, subjective intensity of snoring, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Variables were evaluated pre-treatment and at least once 6 months after initiation MAD use. The Wilcoxon test for paired samples was used to detect statistically significant differences (p<0.05). Results: A statistically significant reduction in the hourly indices of apnea-hypopnea disruptions (p<0.018) and desaturations (p<0.018) was observed, as well as a statistically nonsignificant reduction in snoring and sleepiness. Conclusions: Use of the Herbst mandibular advancement device in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome who refuse CPAP may be helpful as it improves the clinical and functional parameters of the condition(AU)