Some antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been reported to aggravate generalized seizures. We have seen three children whose myoclonic seizures increased on starting treatment with Levetiracetam. In all seizures aggravation was temporally associated to the introduction of the drug. All became seizure-free on withdrawal of levetiracetam with a switch to an alternative antiepileptic drug and this pers...

The effect of cinnarizine on motor function in Parkinson's disease was evaluated in a randomised double-blind parallel study of 20 patients. Both groups were comparable in age, duration of the disease, dose of levodopa and degree of disability. A significant worsening of mobility was observed in patients treated with cinnarizine (75 mg bd), whilst no change was recorded in patients receiving pl...

BACKGROUND The relationship between current concentrations of ambient air pollution and adverse health effects is controversial. We report a meteorological index of air stagnation that is associated with daily visits to the emergency department for asthma in two urban areas. METHODS Data on daily values of a stagnation persistence index and visits to the emergency department for asthma were c...

A 65-year-old man presented with recurrent generalized itching since 1 year. Examination revealed lichenified skin over the face and extensors of both extremities. He gave a history of rubbing the pulp of Aloe vera leaves on to his lesions whenever his itching worsened. Clinically, we suspected allergic contact dermatitis, possibly aggravated with Aloe vera. He was patch tested with the plant s...

Sympathectomy may provide temporary pain relief, but after a few weeks to months it loses its effect. Sympathectomy and the application of Chemical Sympathectomy (neurolytic agents e.g., phenol, alcohol, etc.) should be limited to patients with life expectancies measured in weeks or months e.g., cancer patients. Chemical Sympathectomy (e.g., alcohol, phenol or hypertonic saline nerve blocks) ai...