Stress Score (stress + score)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Auditory Brainstem Implantation in Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 2,

THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 12 2004
Seth J. Kanowitz MD
Abstract Objectives: Multichannel auditory brainstem implants (ABI) are currently indicated for patients with neurofibromatosis type II (NF2) and schwannomas involving the internal auditory canal (IAC) or cerebellopontine angle (CPA), regardless of hearing loss (HL). The implant is usually placed in the lateral recess of the fourth ventricle at the time of tumor resection to stimulate the cochlear nucleus. This study aims to review the surgical and audiologic outcomes in 18 patients implanted by our Skull Base Surgery Team from 1994 through 2003. Study Design: A retrospective chart review of 18 patients with ABIs. Methods: We evaluated demographic data including age at implantation, number of tumor resections before implantation, tumor size, surgical approach, and postoperative surgical complications. The ABI auditory results at 1 year were then evaluated for number of functioning electrodes and channels, hours per day of use, nonauditory side effect profile and hearing results. Audiologic data including Monosyllable, Spondee, Trochee test (MTS) Word and Stress scores, Northwestern University Children's Perception of Speech (NU-CHIPS), and auditory sensitivity are reported. Results: No surgical complications caused by ABI implantation were revealed. A probe for lateral recess and cochlear nucleus localization was helpful in several patients. A range of auditory performance is reported, and two patients had no auditory perceptions. Electrode paddle migration occurred in two patients. Patient education and encouragement is very important to obtain maximum benefit. Conclusions: ABIs are safe, do not increase surgical morbidity, and allow most patients to experience improved communication as well as access to environmental sounds. Nonauditory side effects can be minimized by selecting proper stimulation patterns. The ABI continues to be an emerging field for hearing rehabilitation in patients who are deafened by NF2. [source]


Testing the stress-vulnerability hypothesis in ICD-10-diagnosed acute and transient psychotic disorders

ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2001
S. K. Das
Objective: ,To examine if family-history-positive (FHP) vis-à-vis family-history-negative (FHN) probands with ICD-10-diagnosed acute and transient psychotic disorders (ATPD) differ significantly with respect to number of life events and cumulative stress score prior to the onset of ATPD. Method: ,Forty probands with ICD-10-based clinical diagnosis of acute and transient psychotic disorders were studied with respect to: (a) history of psychiatric disorders in first-degree relatives, and (b) antecedent life events and cumulative stress. The FHP and FHN probands were compared on the latter variables using Mann,Whitney U -test. Results: ,FHP probands reported significantly less number of total life events compared to FHN probands (P=0.006). Similarly, FHP probands had significantly less stress score than FHN probands (P=0.002). There were no significant demographic or clinical differences between the two groups. Conclusion: ,The findings support the stress-vulnerability hypothesis in the aetiology of ATPD. [source]


Effects of psychological stress on the cerebral processing of visceral stimuli in healthy women

NEUROGASTROENTEROLOGY & MOTILITY, Issue 7 2009
C. Rosenberger
Abstract, The aim of the study was to analyse effects of psychological stress on the neural processing of visceral stimuli in healthy women. The brain functional magnetic resonance imaging blood oxygen level-dependent response to non-painful and painful rectal distensions was recorded from 14 healthy women during acute psychological stress and a control condition. Acute stress was induced with a modified public speaking stress paradigm. State anxiety was assessed with the State-Trait-Anxiety Inventory; chronic stress was measured with the Perceived Stress Questionnaire. During non-painful distensions, activation was observed in the right posterior insular cortex (IC) and right S1. Painful stimuli revealed activation of the bilateral anterior IC, right S1, and right pregenual anterior cingulate cortex. Chronic stress score was correlated with activation of the bilateral amygdala, right posterior IC (post-IC), left periaqueductal grey (PAG), and right dorsal posterior cingulate gyrus (dPCC) during non-painful stimulation, and with activation of the right post-IC, right PAG, left thalamus (THA), and right dPCC during painful distensions. During acute stress, state anxiety was significantly higher and the acute stress , control contrast revealed activation of the right dPCC, left THA and right S1 during painful stimulation. This is the first study to demonstrate effects of acute stress on cerebral activation patterns during visceral pain in healthy women. Together with our finding that chronic stress was correlated wit the neural response to visceral stimuli, these results provide a framework for further studies addressing the role of chronic stress and emotional disturbances in the pathophysiology of visceral hyperalgesia. [source]


The psychological impact of genital anomalies on the parents of affected children

ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 3 2007
A Duguid
Abstract Background: There is scarce information on how parents cope with children with genital anomalies. Participants & methods: Twenty-six parents of 25 children with a median age of 0.5 years (r, 5 days,10.8 years) were recruited through the Scottish Genital Anomaly Network and had a quantitative assessment of parenting stress and coping patterns; a qualitative assessment by a semi-structured interview was also performed in19 parents. Results: In five parents, the total stress score was above the 85th centile, denoting clinical levels of stress. Three parents showed reduced coping pattern scores for social support, self-esteem and psychological stability and three showed a reduction in utilization of communication with medical professionals. The scores did not correlate with each other or the extent of genital anomaly in the child. Semi-structured interview analysis revealed parents' need for more knowledge about the imminent surgery, post-operative care and their desire for written information that could complement the time-restricted contact with the clinical team. Conclusion: In the majority of cases, parents did not display abnormal levels of stress or coping on quantitative assessment. The semi-structured interview provided further information about the parents' level of coping and potential for stress and highlighted the need for more effective exchange of clinical information at a critical period of the parent,child relationship. [source]


Experiences of Students in Pediatric Nursing Clinical Courses

JOURNAL FOR SPECIALISTS IN PEDIATRIC NURSING, Issue 2 2001
Marilyn H. Oermann
ISSUES AND PURPOSE. Learning may be inhibited if students experience undue stress in the clinical setting. This study described the stresses, challenges, and emotions experienced by pediatric nursing students. DESIGN AND METHODS. Students (n = 75) completed a modified Pagana Clinical Stress Questionnaire at the end of their pediatric nursing clinical course. The comparison group of students (n = 383) was enrolled in nonpediatric clinical courses in the same nursing programs. RESULTS. The most stressful aspect of clinical practice was giving medications to children. High stress scores were related to more fear and disappointment in clinical practice. Students who experienced high stress were less stimulated by their clinical activities and developed less confidence in practice. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Knowledge of students' perceptions of clinical stress can help educators and clinicians promote a positive and rewarding clinical atmosphere. [source]


Senior house officers' experience of a six month post in a hospice

MEDICAL EDUCATION, Issue 1 2002
M Lloyd Williams
Background Hospices provide care for patients with a terminal prognosis , a very small number of hospices employ Senior House Officers. Method A survey was carried out to determine the experiences of SHOs working in hospices and their perceptions of the learning opportunities available. Perceived stress was measured by a Visual Analogue scale and psychological distress by the GHQ 12. Results Of the 38 posts identified 23 SHOs (60%) responded and the majority had qualified during the last five years. Formal teaching was limited, but experiential teaching was very positively described. Many SHOs described their posts as stressful and cited staff conflict and caring for young patients as particularly stressful. Median stress scores as measured on the VAS was 55 mm (range 0,98 mm). Five respondents 22% scored for identifiable psychological distress on the GHQ 12. Conclusion Conclusions include the need to acknowledge the important learning opportunities provided within hospices but also the need for consultant staff to be aware of the sources of stress for SHOs and their need for support. [source]