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The case histories of two patients who developed an anterior interosseous nerve palsy apparently as a result of an external pressure injury are reported. Both patients recovered fully without surgical exploration, one 19 months and the other nine months after the onset. It is stressed that complete recovery may occur spontaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electroencephalogram in three patients with Jakob-Creutzfeldt disease showed two separate abnormalities—namely, progressive background suppression and periodic generalized synchronous triphasic sharp wave complexes which evolve to a uniform morphology and periodicity. The abnormalities, when found in the EEG of a patient in middle-age with a dementing illness, should not be confused with other periodic electroencephalographic phenomena. Since the neuropathological abnormalities of Jakob-Creutzfeldt disease are non-specific, the electroencephalogram is essential for the recognition of this disorder, although serial recordings may be necessary to establish the diagnosis. Modification of the electroencephalographic abnormalities occurs with afferent stimuli and with methylphenidate or diazepam, suggesting that the phenomenon of background suppression is independent of the presence of the periodic complexes. Modification of clinical activity with methylphenidate suggests that some degree of reversibility of function exists in this inexorably fatal disorder. Further detailed studies of the electroencephalogram in cases of Jakob-Creutzfeldt disease are indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Peripheral neuropathy and optic neuritis occurring in alcoholics are sometimes due to the toxic effects of disulfiram rather than to alcohol. Unless this is considered in the management of such patients it is likely that administration of the drug will be continued. In the past there have been reports of 16 cases of peripheral neuropathy and six cases of optic neuritis, possibly caused in this way; these reports are reviewed and a further six cases are described. The effects of disulfiram on the nervous system are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Tau Tubulin Kinase 2, Implicated by Tau Phosphorylation, Contains Mutations That Segregate with Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type II," is presented.