Hypertonic central nervous system complications from the viewpoint of the pathologist

Based on 2130 autopsies with a hypertension it is reported on the hypertensive CNS-lesions. The frequency of encephalomalacia was 12%. By 9.7% was founded brain haemorrhages. The relapse rate of haemorrhages was about 5%. The encephalomalacia existed by way of secondary finding in 24.7%, and the haemorrhage in 2.2%. The investigations showed an important arteriosclerosis by 39.8% in haemorrhages and by 51.6% in brain infarct. It was remarkable by the hypertensive brain haemorrhages a dominant right hemisphere.     

EEG findings as a principle of military medicine disability evaluation in conditions following craniocerebral injuries

295 expert opinans of the NVA (National People's Army) in conditions after craniocerebral traumas for which an EEG findings was present were subjected to an retrospective analysis to determine the importance of EEG for export opinion. In 59.3% of cases EEG was significant for expert opinion, but was of prime importance only in 1.3%. In 161 expert opinions the total damage of the body was determined. This gave the possibility of a statistical correlation of individual EEG findings with the extent of the body damage. Mean percentage values of the individual degrees of severity of EEG changes could be calculated on the basis of these data. The great importance of EEG for military medical opinion could also be confirmed in comparison with 8 other clinical data and findings.     

Some problems of genetic counseling in schizophrenic psychoses

The authors sum up the most important basic principles of diagnostics and genetics of the schizophrenic psychoses from the viewpoint of genetic counseling for the practising psychiatrist and medical geneticist. Regarding genetic counselling strategy, in addition to nosological considerations, they stress the importance of socio-cultural and social psychological factors and of the emotional atmosphere in the family, which should all be taken into account together. Because of the special situation of schizophrenic (and in general, psychiatric) patients and their families, they regard it as advisable to set up a separate psychiatric genetic counselling service.     

Ulnar sulcus syndrome--a contribution to course and prognosis

Of 1028 patients with 1138 peripheral nerve lesions, 142 suffered from an electrophysiologically proven SUS. At follow-up, 93 patients could be restudied. Spontaneous regressions were observed in patients below the age of 40 years and in case of a history under 6 months. So-called late pareses receded in no case without operative displacement of the ulnar nerve. However, if the etiology is unknown, the present results of investigation require reserve towards operative therapy.     

Stomatologic studies in schizophrenic patients--contributions to the problem of medical and social integration of psychiatric patients

Stomatological examination was carried out on 173 patients with schizophrenia (IKK-Nr. 295). It was observed that this group of patients showed a diminished dental and oral care in comparison to the average population of the same region. The close cooperation of dentists with the institutions for chronic patients will be as prophylactic measure in favour of the patients encouraged.     

Results of neurophysiologic studies in ophthalmic migraine

The influence in 8 of our patients with ophthalmic migraine of photic driving with sine-like flashing lights on EEG background activity was checked and the visually evoked potentials following the application of diffused simple light stimuli were analyzed using the recovery cycle technique. The results indicate a slightly increased tonic activity of the structures of the mesencephalic formatio reticularis, such as may be produced by slight functional disturbances. Some vegetative secondary symptoms of migraine attacks and some of the changes in EEG observed in patients with ophthalmic migraine are explicable by such an abnormality.     

Communication-promoting exercise therapy in a closed male psychiatric ward

The use of the communication-promoting gesture therapy in a locked psychiatric men's ward led to the result, that a part of the restlessness and aggression potential of the patients could be commuted into a constructive social behaviour. Simultaneous increased frankness and confidence of patients in physicians and male nurses. A tied group doesn't seem to be a condition for that.     

Occupational therapy in neurology--report of experiences from a university clinic

Starting from particularities in rehabilitation of neurological patients and by means of special criterions, the authors report on their own experiences in organizing occupational therapy in the neurologic department of a Medical Academy. Beside the requisite of a "therapy maintaining and restoring function", problems of resistance to stress and condition of the patient play a substantial part. Operational therapy within the group-specific situation provides necessary social communication to the neurologic patient, too.     

Treatment of atypical and neurotic depression

Hitherto it has not been usual to talk in the German language about the therapy-oriented concept of two forms of the progress of atypical depression (Type A and Type V). The characteristic symptom of Type A is angst, together with phobias, physical complaints, etc. In Type V there are vegetative symptoms, often towards evening (Hypersomnia, difficulty in getting to sleep, increased appetite, increased weight, increased libido), accompanied by hysterical extrovert personality traits, and of intermittent occurrence. These clinical pictures are amenable to psychopharmalogical therapy. In conformity with the assumption of "somatic accommodation" treatment with antidepressives is recommended in the case neurotic depression, too, at least in the initial stages of treatment.     

Aspects of process diagnosis in the psychotherapy of psychosomatic diseases

15 patients with psychosomatic diseases and the phenomenon of alexithymia, together with neurotic patients are treated psychotherapeutically in half-open groups. Contrary to the neurotics the patients show some special features regarding the process diagnostics. In assessing the wished and really experienced nearness to the group members there is a deficient ability to differentiate. During the therapeutic process the intrapsychic tension (EMI - Inventory of Emotionalities) is subject to great fluctuations or doesn't change. The occurrence of fluctuations in the EMI and of greater differentiations in the N-D-Test (Nearness-Distance-Test) suggest a good prognosis. A therapy of psychosomatic patients together with neurotic patients seems to be more effective than the treatment in homogeneous groups.