In order to assess the effect of spinal clonidine on tourniquet pain, 30 patients scheduled to undergo orthopaedic surgery under spinal anaesthesia were allocated randomly to two groups. Patients in group I (n = 15) received 0.5% isobaric bupivacaine 15 mg plus isotonic saline 1 ml. Patients in group II (n = 15) received 0.5% bupivacaine 15 mg plus clonidine 1 ml (150 micrograms). Sensory block...

Many variations to the axillary approach to the brachial plexus have been described. However, the success rate varies depending on the approach used and on the definition of success. Recent work describes a new approach to regional anaesthesia of the upper limb at the humeral/brachial canal using selective stimulation of the major nerves. This report outlines initial experience with this block,...

Twenty patients undergoing transurethral prostatectomy under spinal anaesthesia were allocated randomly in one of two groups. After operation dermatomal levels to cold were measured every 30 min until they had receded to T10. Patients in group 1 were then given diamorphine 5 mg in 0.9% saline 5 ml i.v. and in group 2 0.9% saline 5 ml i.v. Block level to cold and degree of motor block were asses...

Cortical representation of swallow-related motor tasks has not been systematically investigated. In this study, we elucidated and compared these cortical representations to those of volitional swallow using block-trial and single-trial methods. Fourteen volunteers were studied by functional magnetic resonance imaging. Cortical activation during both swallowing and swallow-related motor tasks th...

Injection of the neurolytic agents into motor points of the biceps brachii or brachialis muscles is an effective treatment of spasticity of the elbow flexors in many stroke survivors. Accurate localization of the motor points of each muscle is necessary for enhancing the efficacy of motor point blocks. To identify the precise locations of the motor points (terminal nerve endings) of the biceps ...

BACKGROUND The objective ofthe present study was double fold; to compare the characteristics of spinal blocks produced by 0.5% levobupivacaine with and without fentanyl in transurethral resection and to test the hypothesis that, fentanyl added to levobupivacaine, may be used as an alternative to pure levobupivacaine solution, in spinal anesthesia. METHODS Forty males, aged >60 years, ASA I-II...