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Biomedical subjects

E C H Lim

Publications and source records attributed to E C H Lim.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Symptoms associated with electrophysiologically verified carpal tunnel syndrome in Asian patients.

Sensory symptoms are crucial for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). We have studied the spectrum of sensory symptoms in 67 cases of neurophysiologically confirmed CTS in Singapore and investigated the correlation of semi-quantitative clinical ('Historical-Objective') and neurophysiological ('Bland') scales. The range of sensory symptoms was large. The more frequent use of the terms 'woodenness' and 'aching' rather than 'pins and needles' suggests racial and cultural differences in symptom expression, or recognition of previously ignored descriptors. 'Numbness' (97%) was the most common descriptive symptom, followed by 'tingling' (81%), 'tightness' (60%), 'aching' (45%), 'woodenness' (39%) and 'pins and needles' (33%). Less common were 'deadness' (27%), prickling (24%), and cramp-like pain (18%). Uncommon sensations included 'jabbing' (10%), 'shooting pain' (10%), 'stabbing' (9%), 'tight-band like pressure' (9%), 'cold' (8%), 'crushing' (6%) and 'burning' (6%). The semi-quantitative clinical and neurophysiological scales correlated well (Pearson 0.645, P<0.001).

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Headaches and the N95 face-mask amongst healthcare providers.

BACKGROUND: During the 2003 severe acute respiratory distress syndrome epidemic, healthcare workers mandatorily wore the protective N95 face-mask. METHODS: We administered a survey to healthcare workers to determine risk factors associated with development of headaches (frequency, headache subtypes and duration of face-mask wear) and the impact of headaches (sick days, headache frequency and use of abortive/preventive headache medications). RESULTS: In the survey, 212 (47 male, 165 female) healthcare workers of mean age 31 years (range, 21-58) participated. Of the 79 (37.3%) respondents who reported face-mask-associated headaches, 26 (32.9%) reported headache frequency exceeding six times per month. Six (7.6%) had taken sick leave from March 2003 to June 2004 (mean 2 days; range 1-4 days) and 47 (59.5%) required use of abortive analgesics because of headache. Four (2.1%) took preventive medications for headaches during this period. Multivariate logistic regression showed that pre-existing headaches [P = 0.041, OR = 1.97 (95% CI 1.03-3.77)] and continuous use of the N95 face-mask exceeding 4 h [P = 0.053, OR = 1.85 (95% CI 0.99-3.43)] were associated with development of headaches. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare providers may develop headaches following the use of the N95 face-mask. Shorter duration of face-mask wear may reduce the frequency and severity of these headaches.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

The NORSE (new-onset refractory status epilepticus) syndrome: defining a disease entity.

INTRODUCTION: To characterise a homogeneous group of patients with new-onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE syndrome). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a descriptive, semiprospective review of all cases of NORSE syndrome seen between 2000 and 2004 at a tertiary care public hospital in Singapore. A review of the literature was performed to identify possible additional similar cases for comparison. RESULTS: Seven patients with NORSE syndrome were identified. Characterising features were female gender, young age, previous good health, cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis (in 4), antecedent febrile illness (in 5), extraordinarily prolonged status epilepticus (average 32 days), failure of extensive investigations to reveal an underlying cause, catastrophic outcome as well as temporal lobe and leptomeningeal abnormality on brain magnetic resonance imaging. A review of the literature identified 12 similar patients, comprising both adults and children. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our patients and those described in the literature, we characterise the NORSE syndrome. Increased recognition of this clinical entity is needed to help delineate the underlying aetiology of this unique severe illness.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Adult-onset re-emergent stuttering as a presentation of Parkinson's disease.

INTRODUCTION: The basal ganglia-thalamocortical motor circuits are postulated to play a key role in the aetiopathogenesis of stuttering. The main dysfunction is thought to be an impairment in the ability of the basal ganglia to produce timing cues for the initiation of the next motor segment of speech, explaining the association of acquired and re-emergent stuttering with diseases such as dystonia and Parkinson's disease. CLINICAL PICTURE: We describe a 61-year-old man presenting with re-emergent stuttering and mild hypomimia, only to develop unilateral rest tremors, hypo- and bradykinesia, rigidity and gait difficulties one year later. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: His parkinsonism responded well to treatment with bromocriptine, but he continued to stutter. DISCUSSION: This case illustrates the association between acquired or re-emergent stuttering and basal ganglia disorders, and highlights the need to assess such patients for an underlying aetiology.

Age of Onset↗