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Biomedical subjects

M Sivak

Publications and source records attributed to M Sivak.

30 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1984

Computerized video tasks as training techniques for driving-related perceptual deficits of persons with brain damage: a pilot evaluation.

This pilot study investigated the modifiability of perceptual deficits by training which consisted of performing microcomputer-generated video tasks. These commercially available remedial programs tapped a range of skills, such as right/left discrimination, color matching, visual scanning, judgment of line orientation, visual search, shape discrimination, visual memory, eye tracking, visuomotor coordination, and visual imagery. Four subjects with acquired brain damage were given 10 hours of training. Perceptual skills were assessed with a battery of seven paper-and-pencil tests administered both before and after the training. Following the training two subjects showed some improvement on several of the perceptual tests used, while two other subjects showed improvement on only a limited number of tests. Based on these results and on the performance changes on the video tasks themselves, a comprehensive evaluation of the potential benefits of this type of training on driving performance is recommended.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Improved driving performance following perceptual training in persons with brain damage.

This study investigated (1) the modifiability of perceptual deficits by simple paper-and-pencil exercises, and (2) the effects of such exercises on driving performance. Eight subjects with acquired brain damage were given 8 to 10 hours of perceptual training. The training was preceded and followed by repeated evaluations of perceptual skills and in-traffic driving performance. Results indicated that (1) perceptual skills improved following such training, (2) the training was associated with improved driving performance, and (3) the degree of driving-performance improvement was directly related to the degree of improvement of perceptual skills.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Isaacs' syndrome with muscle hypertrophy reversed by phenytoin therapy.

A 16-year-old boy was seen for severe episodic muscle cramps and generalized myokymia, consistent with Isaacs's syndrome. Bilateral calf hypertrophy (46-cm calf circumference) and ankle areflexia were noted. He was treated with phenytoin sodium, 300 mg/day. Within three months there was marked decrease in myokymia, total relief of cramps, return of ankle reflexes, and 6-cm reduction in calf circumference. We suggest that the excess muscle activity in Isaacs's syndrome may be responsible for the associated phenomena of muscle hypertrophy and areflexia.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

Automotive headlighting: effect of foreground illumination.

Described are studies of the relationship between the level of foreground illumination provided by automotive headlamps and the driver's eye-fixation pattern and ability to identify objects ahead of the car. Analysis indicates that the driver's eye fixations tended to move further from the car at high levels of foreground illumination. There were no differences in distance of target identification as a function of level of foreground illumination.

Automobile Driving↗
PubMed1981

Driving and perceptual/cognitive skills: behavioral consequences of brain damage.

This study investigated the effects of brain damage on perceptual/cognitive skills and driving. The subjects included 23 persons with brain damage, 18 persons with spinal-cord damage, and 10 able-bodied persons. Each subject was evaluated using a battery of perceptual and cognitive tests, a set of driving tasks in a parking lot, and actual in-traffic driving over a fixed route. The results indicate that (1) while persons with brain damage, as a group, exhibited impaired perceptual/cognitive skills and also impaired driving, those who scored well on certain perceptual/cognitive tests tended to show good driving performance as well, (2) different perceptual/cognitive tests are good predictors of driving performance by persons with and without brain damage, and (3) the driving problems exhibited by some of the persons with brain damage likely result, in part, from the deficits in their perceptual and cognitive skills.

Adult↗
PubMed1975

Congenital duodenal diaphragms in adults: a delayed cause of intestinal obstruction.

Congenital duodenal diaphragms in the adult are uncommon, unsuspected lesions that infrequently cause intestinal obstruction. The diaphragms may be single or multiple and are usually located near the ampulla of Vater. Three cases are summarized and the recent literature reviewed. At least 35 cases have been reported. Treatment most often consisted of duodenotomy,excision of the web and duodenal closure.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The regional curare test and electrophysiologic diagnosis of myasthenia gravis: further studies.

Five hundred consecutive patients were evaluated for myasthenia gravis with repetitive stimulation of the median and ulnar nerves. Axillary nerve stimulation and repeated stimulation of wrist nerves following regional curare administration to the hand were performed when necessary. Abnormal responses were seen in 95% of 297 patients with generalized disease and in 35% of 54 patients with ocular disease, all of whom were clinically responsive to anticholinesterases. Identical responses were also seen in 32% of 124 patients with possible generalized disease, all of whom lacked clinical responsiveness to anticholinesterases. Abnormalities occurred following regional curare administration in 29% of 224 patients with normal responses during repetitive stimulation alone. This program for evaluating patients with suspected myasthenia gravis continues to be successful, safe, and practical.

Curare↗