Raymond W. Waggoner

Visually evoked responses in migraine

Abstract Visually evoked responses from the central and occipital areas were compared between 50 patients with migraine (during the headache-free period) and 46 control subjects. The findings suggest that migraine might be associated with altered cerebral responses to visual stimulation. Of three occipital surface negative components studied, the second (“intermediate” cluster) tended to appear slightly earlier in the migrainous individuals whereas the third (OIII) appeared later. Average amplitude of the second major surface positive wave (OIV) was lower. These differences were significant for the total experimental population and the female subgroup. Latency of the OII component (surface positive) was longer for females with migraine, a finding not present for the total population. No significant differences emerged between male experimental and control groups. Vertex responses were similar in migrainous and normal subjects. The routine EEG was abnormal in eleven of 50 (22%) patients. Average pupil size of the patients with migraine was significantly smaller than that of the controls.

II. Stroke Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation offers means by which persons disabled after a stroke can be returned to patterns of daily living as close to normal as possible. Often simple and readily available restorative techniques suffice, but sophisticated methods and facilities may be needed in many cases. Certain complex problems require specialized attention by persons with detailed knowledge and specific training. Among these are rehabilitation of language and the management of incontinence, sensory loss, pain, spasticity, and psychosocial problems. High-quality rehabilitation is best delivered by a closely cooperating team, including the family physician, medical specialists, nurses, allied health professionals (physical therapist, occupational therapist, social worker, dietitian, rehabilitation counselor, speech therapist, psychologist), the patients family, and also the patient. To accomplish these ends, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, extended care facilities, and nursing homes should give specific attention to the special needs of stroke patients. Careful discharge planning and follow-up are necessary in all cases. The home environment and the family attitudes may require considerable revision to meet the patients individual needs. The family physician can offer many rehabilitation services in his office, and additional education in medical school and on a postgraduate level will belp him to reach his full potential in aiding both the acutely ill and the chronically disabled stroke patient.

Training Dual Sex Teams for Rapid Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction: A Pilot Program

In this chapter, the authors describe the training program for sex therapists developed by the Reproductive Biology Research Foundation in 1971. A number of the difficulties that were encountered as the program progressed are described. The relationship between the cotherapist trainees and the relationship between the trainees and their staff supervisors were both crucial elements in the training process.