Sympathetic Nerves, Salivary Secretion, and the Parched Mouth of Fear: Unraveling Historical Perspectives on Persistent Contradiction in Physiology Textbooks.

We have observed two starkly contradictory notions regarding the sympathetic influence on the salivary outflow in discussions with our students. Most of them believe that sympathetic nerves decrease salivation and are antagonistic to parasympathetic nerves. Some students, however, show awareness of the cooperative stimulatory action of both types of autonomic fibers.

Current Patient Management for Bacterial Meningitis Simultaneously Affected by Stroke.

Bacterial meningitis (BM) is a critical central nervous system infection characterized by increased risks of complications and potentially fatal outcomes. The chances of full recovery are significantly reduced in the presence of concomitant neurovascular complications such as ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, intracerebral hemorrhage, and cerebral sinus thrombosis. Effective treatment of BM requires a targeted approach that simultaneously addresses the causative pathogen and manages the neurologically related complications.

Epiphora and Hyperlacrimation as Paradoxical Manifestations of Facial Nerve Injury: Mechanistic Insights.

The incidence of facial nerve paralysis is approximately 30 per 100,000 persons annually. Although it is often idiopathic, as in Bell's palsy, it can also result from infections, trauma, or neoplasms. Facial nerve paralysis may present with partial or total facial paresis, lagophthalmos, denervation of the lacrimal gland, and other ocular abnormalities.

Stroke, music, and creative output: Alfred Schnittke and other composers.

Alfred Schnittke (1934-1998), a celebrated Russian composer of the twentieth century, suffered from several strokes which affected his left cerebral hemisphere. The disease, however, did not diminish his musical talent. Moreover, he stated that his illness in a way facilitated his work.

Meningitis, a whirlpool of death: literary reflections and Russian cultural beliefs.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the central nervous system. The most frequent causes of the disease are viruses and bacteria. In the past, the disease was commonly referred to as "brain fever" or "brain inflammation," and extreme temperatures, sun, rain, mental distress, and other factors were believed to be its potent triggers.