Intrathecal baclofen trial using a temporary indwelling intrathecal catheter - A single institution experience.

Intrathecal baclofen infusion trial is a sophisticated tool for selecting patients for permanent intra thecal baclofen infusion therapy We report our clinical experience of fifteen patients with refractory spasticity who underwent a continuous ITB trial using a temporary intraspinal indwelling catheter prior to permanent pump implantation. Patients underwent placement of a temporary intrathecal catheter that was connected to an external pump. Multisource feedback was obtained from the various healthcare professionals involved (Staff Nurse, Specialist nurse, physiotherapist, Doctor, family members, patient) regarding progress of test over 48-72 h.

Safety and efficacy of co-careldopa as an add-on therapy to occupational and physical therapy in patients after stroke (DARS): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Dopamine is a key modulator of striatal function and learning and might improve motor recovery after stroke. Previous small trials of dopamine agonists after stroke provide equivocal evidence of effectiveness on improving motor recovery. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of co-careldopa plus routine occupational and physical therapy during early rehabilitation after stroke.

A proof of concept study investigating the feasibility of combining iPAM robot assisted rehabilitation with functional electrical stimulation to deliver whole arm exercise in stroke survivors.

Rehabilitation robots can provide exercise for stroke survivors with weakness at the shoulder and elbow, but most do not facilitate hand movements. The aim was to combine robotics and functional electrical stimulation to facilitate exercise in stroke survivors with upper limb impairment. iPAM Mk II was used to assist active reaching in combination with an Odstock Pace stimulator to assist hand opening.

Home based computer-assisted upper limb exercise for young children with cerebral palsy: a feasibility study investigating impact on motor control and functional outcome.

Objective: We developed a home-based rehabilitation exercise system incorporating a powered joystick linked to a computer game, to enable children with arm paresis to participate in independent home exercise. We investigated the feasibility and impact of using the system in the home setting.

Methods: Eighteen children with cerebral palsy (median age 7.

Associated reactions after stroke: a randomized controlled trial of the effect of botulinum toxin type A.

Objective: To measure the impact of botulinum toxin A on associated reactions in patients following stroke.

Design: Randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Patients: Forty patients with spasticity in their paretic arm (median time since stroke: 2.

Measuring movement irregularity in the upper motor neurone syndrome using normalised average rectified jerk.

Movement irregularity is a feature of the upper motor neurone (UMN) syndrome which is difficult to measure. Average rectified jerk (ARJ) has been proposed as a measure of this movement irregularity, but ARJ depends upon the duration of movement. Since movements may be slower in UMN patients, duration dependence compromises ARJ as a measure of irregularity.