The contributions of the right and left hemispheres of the brain to the polymorphism and heterogeneity of pyramidal syndrome.

This study was conducted to address the clinical and neurophysiological features of pyramidal syndrome in patients with lateralized hemispheric lesions. A total of 52 patients were studied, all with hemiparesis following acute cerebrovascular accidents of the ischemic type in the right (24 patients) or left (28 patients) hemispheres of the brain. Clinical neurological analysis was performed, along with transcranial magnetic stimulation, evoked abdominal reflexes, movement-associated motor potentials, and somatosensory evoked potentials.

[Contribution of right and left brain hemispheres to pyramidal syndrome polymorphism and heterogeneity].

The study aimed at investigation of clinical and neurophysiologic peculiarities of pyramidal syndrome in lateralized hemispheric lesion. Fifty-two patients with hemi-paresis caused by acute ischemic attack in the right (24 patients) and left (28 patients) brain hemispheres have been studied, using clinico-neurological analysis, transcranial magnetic stimulation, evoked abdominal reflexes, movement-related method of motor potential and somatosensory evoked potentials. In right hemispheric lesion, significant reduction of activating influences both on hemispheric and descending movement structures, pronounced damage of afferent flow from both body sides and excessive disorganizing activity in the left "relatively healthy" hemisphere were observed.

[Motor asymmetry and hemisphere interactions in Parkinson's disease].

About 90% of the people in general population are right-handed. Such right-side motor lateralization is presumed to be, at least partially, related to higher brain functions, especially to presentation of speech areas in the left hemisphere. Although lateralization may be predetermined genetically, the investigations into this problem have not yielded the equivocal results.

[Gender dimorphism in Parkinson's disease].

The article addresses the gender differences in Parkinson's disease. Neurohumoral mechanisms of protective action of estrogen are discussed. An analysis of 159 patients with parkinsonism revealed definite differences in symptoms presentation and autonomic appearances in men and women that suggested a role of gender dimorphism in the development and course o Parkinson's disease.

[Motor, cognitive and affective disorders in Parkinson's disease].

The study aimed at investigating the ratio of movement disorders to cognitive and affective ones. The group of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD, n = 42) compared with those with brain tumors (n = 14), neurotic depression (n = 15) and normals (n = 20). Clinical, psychological and neurophysiologic (motor evoked potentials--MP) methods were used.