Conjugal amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a report on two couples from southern France.

We report two conjugal cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) occurring between 1977 and 1991 in southern France (Languedoc-Roussillon). Although conjugal ALS may occur by chance, the description of two cases in the same area points to a role of environmental or genetic factors in the etiology of the disease.

[Somatosensory evoked potentials in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and primary lateral sclerosis].

Somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) were studied in 21 cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and 7 cases of primary lateral sclerosis (PLS). Despite the lack of clinical sensory abnormalities, SEPs showed abnormalities in both diseases: lack or delay of some components. In ALS these abnormalities indicate widespread sensory disturbance.

[Electromyographic, histoenzymologic and immunocytochemical aspects of affected muscles in HIV infection. Observations of five cases].

In 5 acquired-immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases without peripheral neuropathy, we observed myogen clinical signs (diffuse amyotrophy of lower limbs or cramps) or an isolated increase in seric enzyme (LDH, CK). EMG abnormalities were observed in all cases: spontaneous activities (fibrillations and positive sharp waves) in 5 cases, myogenic signs in 2 case. Muscular biopsies were normal in 3 cases and showed myopathic changes in 1 case and polymyositis in another case.

Sleep organization and epilepsy.

Sleep is known to facilitate epileptic manifestations but can also protect the sleeper against the recurrence of seizures. This has been demonstrated in studies on sleep deprivation, and is particularly evident in alcoholic epilepsy and matutinal myoclonus epilepsy. Sleep organization in the epileptic patient is permanently altered by frequent awakenings and stage shifts.