Publications by authors named "Pierpaolo Rizzo"

Objective: Total sleep time and slow-wave sleep (SWS) are frequently reported to be reduced in anorectics. A preliminary study showed that slow-wave activity (SWA, 0.5-4.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background And Purpose: Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) is frequently accompanied by awakenings or signs of EEG arousal. However, it is matter of debate whether EEG arousals trigger leg movements or both EEG arousal and leg movements are separate expressions of a common pathophysiological mechanism. Previous studies showed that cardiac and cerebral changes occur in association with periodic limb movements (PLMs), and that a combining increase in delta activity and in heart rate (HR) occurs before the onset of PLMs.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of chronic vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) on sleep/wake background EEG and interictal epileptiform activity (IEA) of patients with medically refractory epilepsy.

Methods: From a broader sample of 10 patients subjected to baseline and treatment polysomnographies, spectral analysis and IEA count have been performed on 6 subjects' recordings, comparing the results by means of statistical analysis.

Results: An overall increase in EEG total power after VNS has been observed, more marked in NREM sleep; collapsing EEG power spectra into 5 frequency bands, we have found a statistically significant increase in delta and theta in NREM sleep, and of alpha in wakefulness and REM sleep.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objective: Our study aimed to evaluate the existence and entity of changes in sleep structure following vagus nerve stimulation in patients with refractory epilepsy.

Method: A polysomnographic study was performed on the nocturnal sleep of 10 subjects with refractory epilepsy. Subjects were recorded both in baseline conditions and after chronic vagus nerve stimulation.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF