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Biomedical subjects

V Fialka

Publications and source records attributed to V Fialka.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1994

[Neural therapy in the light of recent data].

In German-speaking countries, local injection of anesthetic is a popular form of treatment, either as "neural therapy", a complementary method intended to stimulate adaptive body functions, or as pure analgesia. While the latter is unquestionably effective, neither the rationale nor the individual mechanisms, nor its therapeutic efficacy have been investigated scientifically. Recent data show that the analgesic effect does not depend on the injection of local anesthetic. It is conceivable that this form of treatment acts via a mechanism known as diffuse noxious inhibition control.

Acupuncture Analgesia↗
PubMed1994

Ice freezes pain? A review of the clinical effectiveness of analgesic cold therapy.

Among the physical treatments to reduce pain, ice has had its place for many years. Experience tells us that ice has a strong short-term analgesic effect in many painful conditions, particularly those related to the musculoskeletal system. Serial applications may also be helpful. The scientific evidence from clinical trials is, however, fragmentary. This applies both for acute and serial cold-induced analgesia. The mechanisms by which cryotherapy might elevate pain threshold include an antinociceptive effect on the gate control system, a decrease in nerve conduction, reduction in muscle spasms, and prevention of edema after injury. It is concluded that ice may be useful for a variety of musculoskeletal pains, yet the evidence for its efficacy should be established more convincingly.

Analgesia↗
PubMed1994

[Cryotherapy].

Cryotherapy is defined as cooling of definitive parts of the body by means of ice packs, ice cubes, ice water or ethylchloride sprays. It is used in the treatment of a range of conditions including spasticity and hypertonus of the muscles, soft tissue lesions, arthritises, edema and pain. The known physiological effects and clinical efficacy associated with cooling are considered. Further research i.e. randomized, controlled studies in the field of clinical application is high-lighted.

Cryotherapy↗
PubMed1993

A review of the clinical effectiveness of exercise therapy for intermittent claudication.

BACKGROUND: Intermittent claudication is both frequent and disabling. Conservative treatment consists of the elimination of risk factors, particularly smoking, drug treatment, and physical exercises. This review represents an attempt to define how effectively exercise prolongs the walking ability of claudicants. METHODS: A computerized literature search was done to identify all controlled trials on the subject. In addition, other studies were admitted if they were in accordance with certain quality criteria. RESULTS: Without exception, these studies showed that exercise can prolong the pain-free walking distance of claudicants. Even though this message seems uniform and convincing, one should point out that all trials are burdened with methodological flaws. The variability of increase in walking ability demonstrated in these studies is impressive and cannot be fully explained. A multitude of possible mechanisms could be involved in bringing about the clinical effect; at present it is impossible to define their relative importance. CONCLUSIONS: The optimal exercise program should be supervised, performed regularly for at least 2 months, and of high intensity. Appropriate steps to guarantee patients' compliance must be taken. Even though many fundamental questions remain unanswered, it is justified to prescribe exercise therapy for intermittent claudication more generally than is realized in today's practice.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗
PubMed1993

[Conservative therapy of backache. Part 5: TENS, acupuncture, biofeedback, traction, cryotherapy, massage and ultrasound].

In addition to the major therapeutic modalities for use in back pain already discussed, a number of other forms of treatment are also available and in common use some of which at least have a solid scientific basis. Recent data suggest that subthreshold TENS is no effective treatment for low back pain. Whether this is also true of higher-dose TENS is not yet clear. Electro-acupuncture, in contrast, does appear to be effective, but not biofeedback or traction. Other commonly employed treatment modalities, such as cryotherapy, heat, massage or ultrasound cannot definitively be assessed at present, since controlled trials have not been carried out.

Acupuncture Points↗
PubMed1993

[Personality markers in patients with Sudeck's disease. A psychoanalytic study].

We examined 22 patients suffering from reflex sympathetic dystrophy with psychoanalytic interviews. In all 22 patients we found a common psychological structure corresponding to Balint's basic fault (Balint, 1970). For people with this structure the accident that preceded the reflex sympathetic dystrophy and the following pain, immobilisation and need to help are promoting the patient's regression in a specific way ending in the developing of reflex sympathetic dystrophy. The dispair of the patients about their reflex sympathetic dystrophy expresses unsolved fears of early childhood.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Sympathetic reflex dystrophy. Effectiveness of physical therapy treatment of Sudeck's syndrome].

To investigate the impairment of patients with reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS) and to establish the effectiveness of two physiotherapeutic regimens in the treatment of this entity, 54 RSDS patients were examined clinically, radiologically and scintigraphically an average of 112 days after the triggering event. The patients were assigned to either of two treatment groups in accordance with the results of preliminary scintigraphic examinations. After physiotherapy comprising exercises and cryotherapy either with or without galvanic stimulation, a significant therapeutic effect on clinical and scintigraphic parameters was found in both treatment groups. Scanning, in combination with clinical diagnostic measures proved a valuable tool in the diagnostic evaluation, selection of treatment and follow-up in patients with RSDS.

Combined Modality Therapy↗
PubMed1991

[Sudeck's disease--MRT as a new diagnostic procedure].

In this prospective study, we determined the value of MR as an imaging technique in diagnosis and therapy with the option of simultaneous assessment of bone and soft tissue. 20 patients with clinical diagnosis of reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS) and positive results in radiogram and three-phase radionuclide bone scanning were examined by MR, using T1- and T2-weighted images before and after Gadolinium-DTPA i.v. Soft tissue and bone signal intensity changes can be classified in our diagnostic-therapeutic scheme and proven by histopathological changes. The differentiation between clinical stages is possible and allows an evaluation of course and therapy. The higher costs are justified by shorter examination time without using radiation.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

[Comparative clinical, roentgenologic, scintigraphic and nuclear magnetic resonance tomography studies in sympathetic reflex dystrophy].

The results of clinical, radiological, three phase bone scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations in 17 patients with reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) are reported. Characteristic clinical symptoms, positive radiographic and scintigraphic findings were compared with the MRI. Soft tissue and bone signal intensity changes in MRI as well as bone scan demonstrated significant correlation to the duration of RSD. In conjunction with scintigraphy soft tissue diagnostic sensitivity and specificity are 1, 0.67 or 0.71 respectively. Bone signal diagnostic sensitivity and specificity are 0.5 or 0.67 respectively and 0.93 or 0.87 respectively. According to the results MRI appears to be of much value in establishing the diagnosis of RSD. In consequence a diagnostic schedule is evaluated.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[Postoperative physical rehabilitation. Therapeutic goals and procedures in head and neck cancer].

The objective of postoperative physical rehabilitation of patients with head and neck carcinoma is to re-establish their physical, emotional, and social capabilities as far as possible. It is the task of the specialist in physical medicine to diagnose on musculoskeletal system-related problems, to establish concepts for rehabilitation treatment, and to define the aims of therapy. Depending on the clinical situation, pain has to be reduced, edemas eliminated, muscle balance re-established and endurance improved. Special emphasis must be put on correct breathing and to the training of the activities of daily living.

Combined Modality Therapy↗
PubMed1988

Investigations into shoulder function after radical neck dissection.

In order to determine shoulder function after radical neck dissection, and to evaluate the outcome of postoperative physical treatment, 43 patients were investigated 10 days up to 1 month after this procedure. Shoulder function was judged by means of (a) clinical investigation of the shoulder girdle and by (b) electromyographic testing of the trapezius muscle. Our results demonstrated a correlation between the extent of atrophy and clinical parameters such as abduction and lateral displacement of the scapula. Electromyography revealed damage present mainly in the descending part of the trapezius, while in the majority of patients the ascending part was only slightly damaged or normal. Electromyography proved a valuable tool for the determination of the clinical state after neck dissection. There was also evidence supporting the efficacy of physical therapy in case of irreversible shoulder disability.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

[Sudeck syndrome--a combined clinico-roentgenologic-nuclear medicine study].

147 patients with clinical suspicion of a Sudeck syndrome were submitted to X-ray and nuclear medical examinations. The clinical suspicion was confirmed in 122 patients. In six cases showing no X-ray symptoms, the diagnosis could only be confirmed by scintigraphy. A new classification of stages was necessary for therapeutic reasons: I = early stage, II = acute/subacute stage, III = healing stage, IV = defective recovery. Modifications due to therapy were demonstrated early by 100 scintigraphic check-up examinations, whereas the evidence of such modifications in X-ray pictures was delayed. The study describes the X-ray morphology as well as the scintigraphic manifestations of the Sudeck syndrome. The study shows that scintigraphy is a valuable examination method. It is useful in diagnosing early stages often not detected in X-ray examination, in the assessment of the evolution of a disease, and in the classification of stages.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Physiotherapy and diagnosis of shoulder lesions after radical neck dissection].

We examined 43 patients to study the influence of postoperative physiotherapy of shoulder disfunctions after radical neck dissection. We also wanted to elucidate the problem of the controversially documented multiple supply of this area by the cervical plexus. Shoulder function was examined clinically and by electrophysiology. Our results demonstrate that the degree of shoulder disfunction correlated well with clinical parameters like abduction in the frontal plane and lateral scapular movements. In all three muscular segments lesions were detected by electrophysiological tests. The majority of patients showed only minor impairment or normal results in the lower segment, which would point to a double or single enervation from the branches of the cervical plexus. These results confirm the value of postoperative physiotherapy for the treatment of shoulder disfunction. The study parameters are also important to assess the success of physiotherapy and to confirm its efficacy in cases of postoperative accessory nerve palsy.

Head and Neck Neoplasms↗