Biomedical subjects
K Heathfield
Publications and source records attributed to K Heathfield.
Neurological complications of the rheumatic diseases.
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The comparative value of amantadine and levodopa.
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Treatment of polyneuropathy with azathioprine.
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Use of amantadine in Parkinson's disease. Results of a double-blind trial.
In a four-week double-blind trial of 62 patients with Parkinsonism 29 were treated withamantadine and 33 with a placebo. Modest but statistically significant improvement was observed in the first group, optimum benefit occurring after the first two weeks. Patients' reactions to the drug were favourable in 79%, and side effects were insignificant. Though amantadine appears to be a useful additive drug in the treatment of Parkinsonism, its value as a single treatment is as yet undetermined.
Iatrogenic epilepsy due to antidepressant drugs.
AN ANALYSIS OF THE CASE HISTORIES OF NINE PATIENTS WHO DEVELOPED EPILEPTIC FITS SHORTLY AFTER STARTING TRICYCLIC ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUGS SHOWED THAT ALL OF THEM HAD ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING FACTORS: previous or family history of epilepsy, pre-existing brain damage, cerebral arteriosclerosis, alcoholism, withdrawal of barbiturates, and history of previous electric convulsive therapy. Before prescribing antidepressant drugs these factors should be sought for in the history, and if any are present prophylactic anticonvulsant medication is indicated. From a limited experience we do not think that chlordiazepoxide is adequate to counteract the convulsant effect of antidepressant drugs.