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Biomedical subjects

R Lesser

Publications and source records attributed to R Lesser.

34 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1982

Chronic cortical electrode array for seizure investigation.

Localization of seizure focus if surgical extirpation is contemplated is critical. It is routine to use cortical recording and stimulation for this purpose but the limited time available in the operating room limits what can be learned. We report a flexible electrode array of four 0.05 disc which can be banked to larger sizes, and left in place subdurally as well as epidurally. It can be used for stimulation as well as recording.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1982

Surgical monitoring of spinal cord function: cauda equina stimulation technique.

Spinal cord and subcortical brain stem evoked potentials had an amplitude at least 2 times higher when the cauda equina rather than bilateral peripheral nerves was stimulated. Cauda equina stimulation is indicated when potentials to peripheral nerve stimulation are absent or are too low in amplitude to permit reliable surgical monitoring. The technique is essentially without risks, but should be performed with a small lumbar puncture needle (21 to 22 gauge), and is contraindicated in patients with general infections, increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure, or a hemorrhagic tendency (thrombocytopenia or anticoagulant therapy).

Cauda Equina↗
PubMed1981

Simple technique for monitoring intraoperative spinal cord function.

Interference with normal spinal cord functioning is an important, although uncommon, complication of spinal surgery. Spinal evoked potentials have been advocated as a means of monitoring spinal cord transmission during operative procedures. We have developed a simple technique using electrodes inserted into the interspinal ligaments for monitoring purposes. This has produced stable and reproducible recordings with obvious clinical benefit in the first 50 cases in which it has been used.

Evoked Potentials, Somatosensory↗
PubMed1978

Untrained community help in the rehabilitation of stroke sufferers with language disorder.

The Newcastle Speech-After-Stroke Project is one of many schemes in Britain that have used untrained helpers to set up community clubs and home visiting for dysphasic stroke sufferers. To examine the contribution to rehabilitation made by such activities, patients' language abilities and social confidence were assessed when they entered the project and after about six months. Formal tests of language showed no significant improvement after six months, but social confidence increased. Such projects can make a valuable contribution in helping dysphasic people to regain a role in the community. Nevertheless, too much should not be expected of them in the way of direct help in the patients' recovery of language.

Cerebrovascular Disorders↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Knowledge and opinions of speech therapy in teachers, doctors and nurses.

Three types of professionals who were potential referers to the speech therapy service were questioned about their knowledge and opinions of speech therapy. The responses of qualified teachers, doctors and health visitors were compared with those of students at or near to the beginning of vocational training for these professions. The responses of practising and intending speech therapists were used as a baseline. Between 70% and 100% questionnaires were returned for each group, and a random sample of 33 from each (total 264) was analysed. The answers showed that teachers were the least well informed about many aspects of speech therapy, including the nature and location of the work and the range of disorders for which such therapy is available. In view of recent recommendations that teachers should cooperate with other professionals in working with those children with special needs who are now being educated in mainstream schools, there would seem to be a strong need for teacher training to include more information about speech therapy.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Intracarotid amobarbital (Wada) test for language dominance: correlation with results of cortical stimulation.

Eighty-eight patients had bilateral intracarotid amobarbital (Wada) testing to determine hemispheric dominance for language in preparation for epilepsy surgery, as well as unilateral extraoperative cortical electrical stimulation using subdural electrode arrays. In none of the patients with left dominance by Wada testing were language areas found with right-sided stimulation, but two patients with right dominance by Wada testing had language areas mapped on the left side. These findings suggest that left dominance by Wada testing is strong evidence for exclusive lateralization of language function in the left hemisphere, but there is concern about the ability of the Wada test to exclude the possibility of some left-sided language function despite apparent right-sided dominance. Patients with left dominance on Wada testing do not need cortical stimulation before extensive right temporal lobectomy, but we believe that patients with right or bilateral dominance on Wada testing should have cortical stimulation for localization of language areas if extensive left or right temporal or frontal resection is planned.

Amobarbital↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Managing aphasia: then and now.

The nature and attitudes of the professionals who 'manage' aphasia have changed significantly over the 75 years the IALP has existed. This review shows how IALP publications have reflected this, and considers recent developments, particularly in respect of the role played by the cognitive neuropsychological approach in evidence-based healthcare and by conversational approaches in the empowerment of aphasic people.

Aphasia↗