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To investigate how sensory symptoms impact the motor control of hands, in this study we examined the differences in conventional sensibility assessments and pinch force control in the pinch-holding-up activity (PHUA) test between carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patients and healthy controls. CTS patients (n = 82) with 122 affected hands and an equal number of control subjects were recruited to participate in the threshold, discrimination, and PHUA tests. The patients showed significantly poorer hand sensibility and lower efficiency of force adjustment in the PHUA test as compared with the control subjects. Baseline pinch strength and the percentage of maximal pinch strength for the PHUA were significantly higher for the subgroup of sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) of 3 16 μV. Using a PHUA perspective to analyze the efficiency of force-adjustment could assist the clinical detection of sensory nerve dysfunction.

Dystonia is a rare manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS), but it always interferes with the functional performance and quality of life. We report a rare case of long-lasting paroxysmal dystonia associated with MS. The patient was a 40-year-old woman with relapsing- remitting MS for 6 years. During the latest attack of MS, she suffered from long-lasting paroxysmal dystonia in her left hand. Despite treatment with pulse high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone, interferon, and baclofen, along with occupational therapy, the dystonia persisted and significantly bothered her daily activities. Finally, she was treated with oral acetazolamide (250 mg, three times a day for 4 days), which was very effective for the control of her dystonia. The dystonic movement subsided without recurrence in a follow-up of 17 months. We advocate this effective and safe treatment for patients with paroxysmal dystonia associated with MS.

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) syndrome is a hereditary disease resulting from NOTCH3 gene mutation. The clinical presentations include migraine, recurrent stroke, and cognitive impairment. The severity of cognitive impairment varies in different stages, and early recognition poses a challenge. A 47-year-old lady presented with chronic migraine and sudden onset of hemiparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed compatible findings of CADASIL, which was confirmed by mutation analysis of NOTCH3 gene. Early cognitive impairment was detected by her score of 3 in Ascertain Dementia 8 (AD8) questionnaire and confirmed by detailed neuropsychological assessments. After 21 months of follow-up, deterioration in her cognition and ability to perform instrumental activities of daily living were significant with a follow-up AD8 score of 7. Ascertain Dementia 8 questionnaire is an easy and valid screening tool for early cognitive impairment in patients with CADASIL syndrome.

The aim of this study was to compare topical 5% lidocaine patch with placebo patch in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome of the upper trapezius.In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 60 participants were randomly assigned, placing 31 subjects in the 5% lidocaine patch group and 29 subjects in the placebo patch group. We used the Verbal Rating Scale (VRS), the Pressure Pain Threshold, the ranges of motion of the neck, and the Neck Disability Index to evaluate the subjective pain intensity, objective pain intensity, ranges of motion, and disability of the neck, respectively. Outcome measures were performed before (day 0) the treatment course, 12 hrs after removal of the final patch on the seventh day (day 7), and 1 wk (day 14) and 3 wks (day 28) after the completion of treatment course.The characteristics of the participants did not differ at baseline. Pain intensity assessed by the VRS decreased at day 7 in both the lidocaine patch and placebo patch groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the VRS, the Pressure Pain Threshold, the ranges of motion, and the Neck Disability Index. At day 14, the experimental group continued to improve in the VRS (1.06), but the pain of the placebo group aggravated (VRS, 1.5). The difference is significant (P = 0.03). In addition, the Neck Disability Index in the lidocaine patch group decreased significantly as compared to that in the placebo group. The pain-relieving effect of the lidocaine patch attenuated, and it was not significantly different between the two groups at day 28 in the VRS and the Neck Disability Index. Neither the Pressure Pain Threshold nor the ranges of motion were significantly different through the periods of this study.The application of the 5% lidocaine patch is probably superior to the placebo patch in relieving pain and in reducing associated neck disability for a period of longer than 1 wk for treating patients with myofascial pain syndrome of the upper trapezius.