OBJECTIVE To review the metabolic encephalopathies and neuromuscular abnormalities commonly found in the critically ill patient in a two-part presentation. DATA SOURCES A review of articles reported from 1980 to 2002 and identified through a MEDLINE search on metabolic encephalopathy, polyneuropathy and myopathy in critical illness. SUMMARY OF REVIEW An alteration in the conscious state can...

Thirteen patients with confusional state and cerebral infarction were studied. Seven patients had optic pathway alterations. On computed tomographic scan, 2 patients had multiple infarctions and 10 had single infarctions, predominantly located in the temporo-occipital associative cortex. One patient had a normal scan. Reduction of 'selective attention', 'release' hallucinations, amnesic syndrom...

Seven cases of intracerebral haemorrhage were identified following the use of thrombolytic therapy in a total of 710 patients with acute myocardial infarction. Each case was reviewed in detail with particular attention to the presenting symptoms. A confusional state was the commonest initial feature. Increased age and male sex were associated with increased risk of cerebral bleed. The possible ...

position of such nutrient arteries is reasonably predictable. On the nerve a series of epineural vessels is formed, whose branches pass into the perineurium and, finally, there is produced within the fasciculi a longitudinally disposed capillary plexus which is continuous throughout the length of the nerve and is not dominated by local nutrient vessels. Experimental. The intraneural plexus form...

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Hypercortisolism is common in stroke patients. The aim of this study was to investigate possible disturbances at different sites within the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. We also studied possible associations between hypercortisolism and clinical manifestations of brain dysfunction. METHODS Patients with an acute ischemic stroke (n = 16; mean +/- SD age, 71 +/- 11...