[Involuntary movements].

Any attempt to classify and to understand the basic mechanism underlying the neurological symptoms as pyramidal and/or sensitive, should start from the fundamental laws of nervous system functioning: 1) the law of reciprocal innervation of Sherrington; 2) the law of hierarchy of levels of Jackson and 3) the law of supersensitivity of deafferented structures of Cannon. Paresis on one side, Jacksonian jerks on the other side represent two opposite conditions known respectively as negative and positive symptoms of corticomotor involvement. Unluckly involuntary movements cannot be explained with these three laws.

Musicogenic epilepsy.

The problem of musicogenic epilepsy is reconsidered by the author in the light of a case of temporal lobe seizures with secondary generalization precipitated by any type of music. The inclusion of musicogenic epilepsy in the chapter of reflex epilepsies is discussed and critizised by the author considering that music sets in motion too many structures and cannot be reduced to crude perception of rhythm and melodies. It is considered that three levels of integration are involved in music: a sensory level (the lowest one) an emotional and waking level (the second one) and finally a highest level, allowing aesthetic appreciation.

Randomized double-blind study of flunarizine versus placebo in patients with chronic cerebrovascular disorders.

Chronic cerebrovascular disorders (CCVD), as defined by the 1980 Ad Hoc Committee in Paris, constitute both clinically and pathogenetically an extremely complex entity, characterized by a protean symptom pattern. The effects of a daily dose of 10 mg flunarizine orally on CCVD have been evaluated with a neuropsychological methodology during a three-month treatment period in a randomized double-blind study compared with a placebo. The results confirmed the effectiveness of the drug in the improvement of neurological, amnesic, attentive and behavioural symptoms, without evident side-effects even after a long-term treatment.