Effects of TENS and methylphenidate in tuberculous meningo-encephalitis.
OBJECTIVE
Beneficial effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on cognition and behaviour were observed in a child with probable Herpes Simplex Encephalitis. Based on these positive findings, it was examined in the present case study whether a child who had been diagnosed to suffer from tuberculous meningitis would benefit from TENS. Furthermore, as aggression and overactive behaviour were also prominent clinical symptoms, the effects of methylphenidate were investigated.


METHODS
Neuropsychological tests were used to assess attention/concentration and visuospatial and visuoconstructive memory. Behaviour, including the level of activity during 24 hours, was assessed by one observation scale and actigraphy.


METHODS
TENS and methylphenidate.


RESULTS
TENS particularly improved overall affective behaviour. Methylphenidate appeared to have the opposite effect on cognition and hardly any effect on patient's behaviour.


CONCLUSIONS
TENS might improve the patient's behavioural functioning. Pros and cons for treatment effects are discussed.
Scherder
E J
EJ
Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. eja.scherder@psy.vu.nl
Van Deursen
S
S
Van Manen
S R
SR
Ferenschild
K
K
Simis
R
R
Vuyk
P J
PJ
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008590:Meningoencephalitis / Q000150:complications*; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D004561:Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014390:Tuberculosis, Meningeal / Q000150:complications*
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008774:Methylphenidate