Feasibility of a standardized protocol for respiratory training with intermitted positive pressure breathing ventilator application in dysphonia and dysarthria.

Background: Brain damage can affect several functions related to speech production leading to dysphonia and dysarthria. Most rehabilitation treatments focus on articulation training rather than on pneumophonic coordination and respiratory muscle strength. Respiratory training using an intermitted positive pressure breathing (IPPB) ventilator can be used for this last purpose; no agreement on a standard protocol has been reached to date.

Ultrasound-guided periradicular oxygen-ozone injections as a treatment option for low back pain associated with sciatica.

Background: The social impact and economic burden of low back pain are well known among the medical community. A novel therapeutic approach is represented by oxygen-ozone therapy, whose anti-inflammatory effects could be especially useful in patients with herniated discs. The most common administration is through a palpation-guided injection technique, although the use of ultrasound guidance could allow a more precise delivery of the therapeutic substance close to the nerve root.

Parameters Influencing Tracheostomy Decannulation in Patients Undergoing Rehabilitation after severe Acquired Brain Injury (sABI).

 Tracheostomy weaning in patients who suffered a severe acquired brain injury is often a challenge and decannulation failures are not uncommon.  Our study objective is to describe the decannulation failure rate in patients undergoing rehabilitation following a severe acquired brain injury (sABI); to describe the factors associated with a successful tube weaning.  We conduct a retrospective analysis of charts, consecutively retrieved considering a 3-year window.