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Background Prehospital delay remains an important reason for low intravenous tissue plasminogen activator administration rates. Study of ischemic stroke patients' responses to stroke onset may be hampered by lack of a questionnaire designed specifically to examine their cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses to symptoms. Methods We provide evidence for content validity and reliability for the Responses to Ischemic Stroke Symptoms Questionnaire (RISQ) through, expert panel review and calculation of a content validity index and a study to examine stability reliability among hospitalized acute ischemic stroke patients. Results Expert panel review demonstrated agreement on the relevance of questionnaire items and an overall content validity index of 0.97. The study to examine stability reliability demonstrated acceptable stability of the items on the RISQ over the short term in a sample of white and black stroke patients. Conclusion Preliminary evidence was gathered to support the content validity and stability reliability of the RISQ. Study of the RISQ with other population groups is needed.

BackgroundAlthough the importance of secondary prevention after transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke is recognised, research is sparse regarding novel, effective ways in which to intervene in a primary care context.AimTo pilot a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of a novel home-based prevention programme (The Healthy Brain Rehabilitation Manual) for patients with TIA or ‘minor’ stroke.Design and settingPilot RCT, home-based, undertaken in Northern Ireland between May 2017 and March 2018.MethodPatients within 4 weeks of a first TIA or ‘minor’ stroke received study information from clinicians in four hospitals. Participants were randomly allocated to one of three groups: standard care (control group) (n = 12); standard care with manual and GP follow-up (n = 14); or standard care with manual and stroke nurse follow-up (n = 14). Patients in all groups received telephone follow-up at 1, 4, and 9 weeks. Eligibility, recruitment, and retention were assessed; stroke/cardiovascular risk factors measured at baseline and 12 weeks; and participants’ views were elicited about the study via focus groups.ResultsOver a 32-week period, 28.2% of clinic attendees (125/443) were eligible; 35.2% of whom (44/125) consented to research contact; 90.9% of these patients (40/44) participated, of whom 97.5% (39/40) completed the study. After 12 weeks, stroke risk factors [cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure and measures of physical activity] improved in both intervention groups. The research methods and the programme were acceptable to patients and health professionals, who commented that the programme ‘filled a gap’ in current post-TIA management.ConclusionFindings indicate that implementation of this novel cardiac rehabilitation programme, and of a trial to evaluate its effectiveness, is feasible, with potential for clinically important benefits and improved secondary prevention after TIA or ‘minor’ stroke.

Preventing burnout and promoting resiliency are important for health professionals' well-being and quality of patient care, as individuals with high levels of burnout are more likely to self-report suboptimal patient interactions. The purpose of this study was to characterize resiliency and burnout among health care professionals in the neurosciences critical care unit (NCCU) at a tertiary care center.All NCCU clinical staff were invited to participate in a QualtricsA total of 65 participants (65/70, 93%) were included in the final analysis. Of respondents, 49 (75%) were nurses, 49 (75%) were female, and mean age was 34 years. Median emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment scores were as follows: 8 (IQR 6-11), 3 (IQR 0-6), and 15 (IQR 13-16). High emotional exhaustion scores and high depersonalization scores were reported in 45% (n = 29) and 28% (n = 18) of participants, respectively. Longer time working in the NCCU (1-5 years vs. less than 1 year) was independently associated with higher emotional exhaustion scores (p = 0.012). When compared to agnostic/atheist backgrounds, Catholicism was independently associated with higher personal accomplishment scores (p = 0.026). The median resiliency score was 31 (IQR 28-36). Older age was independently associated with higher resiliency scores (p = 0.044).This study is the first to characterize levels of burnout and resiliency among NCCU providers. A significant minority of participants reported high levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, with those working longer in the NCCU more likely to experience emotional exhaustion. Efforts to improve the current work environments to optimally support the emotional needs of staff are needed to allow care providers to thrive and to promote longevity among NCCU providers.

Epilepsy is a complex neurologic disease that requires both medical management and self-management. People with epilepsy and their families complete many transitions throughout the health care system in managing this disease. This article reviews key transitions for people with epilepsy and discusses strategies for improving these transitions.

Acute flaccid myelitis is a poliolike illness affecting mainly children, which seems to occur every 2 years in the late summer and early fall. The 2018 outbreak was alarming to parents and healthcare providers because the etiology is still under investigation and long-term outcomes are unclear. Becoming familiar with what is known about the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of acute flaccid myelitis enables neuroscience nurses to disseminate accurate information and recognize and report suspicious symptoms.

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), an immune-mediated peripheral neuropathy, is frequently treated with long-term maintenance intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). However, disadvantages of IVIG are the systemic adverse reactions, lengthy infusions, and need for vascular access. Subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) addresses many of the issues encountered by those unable, or unwilling, to tolerate the treatment burden of long-term IVIG. Subcutaneous immunoglobulin, a 20% solution stabilized with L-proline, is US Food and Drug Administration-approved for CIDP maintenance therapy in patients after being stabilized with IVIG. Approval was based on a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial where SCIG demonstrated superiority over placebo and was safe and efficacious in maintaining function. In addition to reviewing the primary efficacy results from the clinical trial, this article aims to update the neurology nursing community on a new option for long-term management of CIDP, including the practicalities of initiating and maintaining patients on SCIG therapy.

Background: Post–intensive care syndrome (PICS) is a constellation of cognitive, physical, emotional, or psychiatric impairments that begins during or immediately after intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization and persists beyond discharge. This executive review summarizes literature on PIC

Aims and Objectives\ud To evaluate nurses' application, understanding and experience of applying painful stimuli when assessing components of the Glasgow Coma Scale.\ud \ud Background\ud The Glasgow Coma Scale has been subjected to much scrutiny and debate since its publication in 1974. However, criticism, confusion and misunderstandings in relation to the use of painful stimuli and its application remain. An absence of evidence informed guidance on the use and duration of application of painful stimuli remains, with the potential to negatively impact on decision‐making, delay responsiveness to neurological deterioration and result in adverse incidents.\ud \ud Design and Methods\ud This international study used an online self‐reported survey design to ascertain neuroscience nurses' perceptions and experiences around the application of painful stimuli as part of a GCS assessment (n=273). STROBE checklist was used.\ud \ud Results\ud Data revealed varied practices and a sense of confusion from participants. Anatomical sites for the assessment of pain varied, but most respondents identified the trapezius grip/pinch in assessing eye opening and motor response. Most respondents identified they assess eye opening and motor responses together and apply pain for less than 6 seconds to elicit a response. Witnessed complications secondary to applying a painful stimulus were varied and of concern.\ud \ud Conclusion\ud Neuroscience nurses in this study clearly required evidence informed guidelines to underpin practice in both applying painful stimuli and in managing the experience of the person in their care and the family response. A standardised approach to education is necessary to ensure greater interrater reliability of assessment not only within nursing but across professions.\ud \ud Relevance to Practice\ud Results of this study illustrate inconsistency and confusion when using the Glasgow Coma Scale in practice; this has the potential to compromise care. Clarity around the issues highlighted is necessary. Moreover, these results can inform future guidelines and education required for supporting nurses in practice.

Purpose The provision of conscientious nursing care is at the forefront of health quality. Unfortunately, a lack of standardization in the assignment of patients to nurses can lead to care inequities. Rehab MATRIX is a nursing-led tool that equitably assigns patients using select acuity variables. Design and methods In this initial study, we asked focus groups of 19 registered nurses and 8 patient care assistants to identify medical interventions that increase the effort of nursing care at a 24-bed inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF). This IRF is affiliated with a comprehensive heart and vascular institute, a level I trauma center, and a The Joint Commission (TJC) Comprehensive Stroke Center. Findings Thirteen acuity variables were included in the Rehab MATRIX patient assignment grid. High-acuity patients with greater than 6 variables were color-coded "red," medium-acuity patients with 3 to 5 variables were color-coded "yellow," and low-acuity patients with less than 3 variables were color-coded "green." Each registered nurse and patient care assistant were assigned an equitable number of red-, yellow-, and green-coded patients per shift. New admissions were Rehab MATRIX color-coded during nursing report and assigned objectively. Conclusions Nursing staff at a wide-ranging IRF created Rehab MATRIX, an equitable patient assignment tool, representative of nursing effort needed to provide quality care. Clinical relevance Nursing-led patient assignment tools increase autonomy and provide the opportunity for all nursing staff to influence healthcare practice. These factors may lead to increased nursing satisfaction and decreased burnout.

A young nurse reflects on her first year of practice, with its challenges and rollercoaster of emotions.chaLLenges and roLercoaster of emotions.

Background Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability affecting nearly 800,000 people in the United States every year. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is found in over 60% of patients with stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) and identified as an independent stroke risk factor in large epidemiology studies and Canadian Stroke Prevention Guidelines (SPG) but not in the United States. The 2014 Secondary SPG recommend OSA screening and treatment as a consideration only, not a requirement. The twofold purpose of this article is, first, to present the evidence supporting OSA as an independent stroke risk factor in national SPG with mandatory recommendations and, second, to engage neuroscience nurses to incorporate OSA assessment and interventions into the nursing process and thereby promote excellence in stroke/TIA patient care. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted in Medline, CINAHL, and PubMed to identify research from 2003 through 2013 on the independent risk, mortality, and prevalence relationship between OSA and stroke/TIA including recurrence and recovery outcomes with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Results Twenty-eight research articles were reviewed: 14 observational cohorts, five case-control studies, four cross-sectional studies, and four randomized control trials representing 12 countries and 10,671 subjects. Discussion OSA is highly prevalent in patients with stroke/TIA independently increasing stroke risk. CPAP studies revealed reduced stroke recurrence and improved recovery with feasible initiation in stroke units. Patients with stroke/TIA have less OSA-associated daytime sleepiness and obesity, making the usual screening tools insufficient and CPAP adherence challenging. Treating OSA decreases stroke prevalence and mortality. OSA initiatives empower neuroscience nurses to integrate this OSA evidence into clinical practice and improve stroke/TIA patient outcomes.

The term dysphagia is used to describe difficulties with swallowing food, liquids, saliva and medication; it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates due to lower respiratory tract infections, dehydration and malnutrition. Dysphagia can be a serious consequence of a brain injury or other neurological conditions. It is essential that neuroscience nurses possess the knowledge and skills to detect the signs and symptoms of dysphagia and are sufficiently competent to perform a routine bedside dysphagia screen to minimise recognised complications and optimise patient care. This article reviews what makes a normal and ‘safe’ swallow and identifies some simple management strategies that can be used in the clinical area to improve care.

It is important for neuroscience nurses to have a solid understanding of the instruments they use in clinical practice. Specifically, when reviewing reports of research instruments, nurses should be knowledgeable of analytical terms when determining the applicability of instruments for use in clinical practice. The purpose of this article is to review 3 such analytical terms: sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristic curves. Examples of how these terms are used in the neuroscience literature highlight the relevance of these terms to neuroscience nursing practice. As the role of the nurse continues to expand, it is important not to simply accept all instruments as valid but to be able to critically evaluate their properties for applicability to nursing practice and evidence-based care of our patients.

Trauma to the brain from injury or illness can cause sustained, raised intracranial pressure. In such patients, neurological observations are a fundamental aspect of nursing care and the ability to make and record such observations accurately is an essential nursing skill. Neurological observations are a collection of information on the function and integrity of a patient's central nervous system—the brain and and spinal cord. This article will discuss the tools used in their observation, including the Glasgow Coma Scale tool, pupillary response, and limb power observations, and provide a ‘how-to’ guide on neurological observations

Drug-resistant epilepsy affects 20 to 30% of epileptic children. The paediatric department of the Fondation Adolphe-de-Rothschild has dedicated three rooms to conduct recordings with electrodes placed on the scalp or intra-cerebral, implanted in the operating room. The purpose is to offer intervention that can cure seizures. Designated nurses oversee the proper functioning of the recordings while involving the parents.

Adherence to medication treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is important to increase its effectiveness, reduce patient disability, prevent attacks, and increase the quality of life.This study investigated factors that influence adherence to disease-modifying therapy in patients with MS.This descriptive study was conducted with 198 patients with MS who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate between July 2016 and February 2017. Data were collected using an Individual Identification Form that included sociodemographic characteristics, the Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Adherence Questionnaire, the Fatigue Severity Scale, the Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Brief COPE.We found that 59.6% of the patients were adherent to therapy. Patients were significantly more adherent to Avonex than other treatments, and "memory problems" was the most common reason for missing or forgetting medication in nonadherent patients. There was a significant difference between medication adherence and some sociodemographic characteristics and disease characteristics (P.05). There was no significant difference between coping attitudes, fatigue, and self-efficacy level and medication adherence (P.05).Patients' adherence to medication treatment was low and may be associated with social, physical, and cognitive measures.

OBJECTIVE This study focused on gaining insight into the positive changes of stroke survivors. This study aimed to describe the level of posttraumatic growth (PTG) and explore its correlation with rumination and social support in stroke survivors. The impacts of individual characteristics on PTG were also discussed. METHODS A descriptive correlation design was used in this study. Stroke survivors from a tertiary hospital in Guangzhou City were investigated. The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, Chinese version of Event Related Rumination Inventory, and Perceived Social Support Scale were used to assess the level of PTG, rumination, and social support. RESULTS The mean (SD) score of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory was 61.12 (25.41). There were moderate positive correlations between PTG with rumination and social support among stroke survivors (r1 = 0.392, r2 = 0.336, P < .01). The level of education, support from family, and deliberate rumination accounted for 34.6% of the total variance in PTG (F = 11.554, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS The phenomenon of PTG of stroke patients in hospital existed, but it was at a low level. Stroke survivors with a higher level of rumination, social support, and a university level education had a higher level of PTG.

With limited time and resources in the acute care hospital, the most effective methods of stroke education are crucial. A combination of methods of one-on-one counseling or teaching, print, and video has been shown to have the greatest effect. Video education is a component of a combination educational approach. This evaluation from a large integrated system comprising 21 medical facilities compared patient satisfaction data with stroke education from 5 facilities that have video educational services and print materials and 17 facilities that provide print materials only. All 21 facilities provided additional teaching by the nurse. From this evaluation, it seems that there may be no relationship between video or kiosk equipment on patient satisfaction scores for this integrated system.

Navigation seeks to assess and address barriers that hinder a patient's access to care. With the success of the nurse navigation program at Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center, leadership expanded navigation to neuro-oncology. The purpose of this article is to describe this population's unique needs and the effect of nurse navigation. Although the navigation role maintains integrity with regard to scope of practice, specialized navigation strategies are tailored to the neuro-oncology population and are different from other disease sites.

During the past 50 years, there have been more than 100 articles published in the Journal of Neuroscience Nursing covering the topic of neuro-oncology. This article will explore the historical implications and milestones from these articles. The analysis highlights the scope and depth of the many articles as they relate to the advancements in neuro-oncology.

Background: Variance from guideline-directed care for glucose and temperature control remains unknown in the United States at a time when priorities have shifted to ensure rapid diagnosis and treatment of acute stroke patients. However, protocol-driven nursing surveillance for control of hyperglycemia and hyperthermia has been shown to improve patient outcomes. Methods: We conducted an observational pilot study to assess compliance with American guidelines for glucose and temperature control and association with discharge outcomes in consecutive acute stroke patients admitted to 5 US comprehensive stroke centers. Data for the first 5 days of stroke admission were collected from electronic medical records and entered and analyzed in SPSS using descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test, Student t tests, and logistic regression. Results: A total of 1669 consecutive glucose and 3782 consecutive temperature measurements were taken from a sample of 235 acute stroke patients; the sample was 87% ischemic and 13% intracerebral hemorrhage. Poor glucose control was found in 33% of patients, and the most frequent control method ordered (35%) was regular insulin sliding scale without basal dosing. Poor temperature control was noted in 10%, and 39% did not have temperature recorded in the emergency department. Lower admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score and well-controlled glucose were independent predictors of favorable outcome (discharge modified Rankin Scale score, 0–2) in reperfusion patients. Conclusion: Glucose and temperature control may be overlooked in this era of rapid stroke diagnosis and treatment. Acute stroke nurses are well positioned to assume leadership of glucose and temperature monitoring and treatment.

Objective The logistics involved in administration of IV tPA for acute ischemic stroke patients are complex, and may contribute to variability in door-to-needle times between different hospitals. We sought to identify practice patterns in stroke centers related to IV tPA use. We hypothesized that there would be significant variability in logistics related to ancillary staff (i.e. nursing, pharmacists) processes in the emergency room setting. Methods A 21 question survey was distributed to attendees of the AHA/ASA Southwest Affiliate Stroke Coordinators Conference to evaluate potential barriers and delays with regards to thrombolysis for acute strokes patients in the Emergency Department setting. Answers were anonymous and aggregated to examine trends in responses. Results Responses were obtained from 37 of 67 (55%) stroke centers, which were located mainly in the Southwest United States. Logistical processes differed between facilities. Nursing and pharmacy carried stroke pagers in only 19% of the centers, and pharmacy responded to stroke alerts only one-third of centers. Insertion of Foley catheters and nasogastric tubes prior to tPA was routine in some of the sites. Other barriers to IV tPA administration included physician reluctance and inadequate communication between health care providers. Conclusion Practices regarding logistics for giving IV tPA may be variable amongst different stroke centers. Given this potential variability, prospective evaluation to confirm these preliminary findings is warranted.

The aim of this study was to create a model of workload that could be used to manage workload and increase satisfaction of workload for nurses on a neuroscience care unit.No study was found that delineated a model of workload that could be used to manage or improve satisfaction with workload for a neuroscience care unit at either the individual nurse or unit level.Staff, management, and a researcher collaboratively developed a model to examine workload on a neuroscience care unit. Forty-three independent variables of workload and the dependent variable of satisfaction with workload were studied over 28 days using stepwise regression. Stepwise regression is appropriate for model building. Criteria to enter any independent variable into a regression equation included correlating with the dependent variable of satisfaction with workload, validation of central tendency assumptions, and good data fit using residual diagnostics.Independent variables of workload that explained the variance of satisfaction with workload included time (15.9%), undelegated work (4.0%), number of isolation patients (2.9%), individual employees (2.1%), number of patients (1.3%), and number of postoperative neurosurgical patients (1.1%). On the unit level, satisfaction with workload was predicted by time (42.5%) and the number of nurses on duty (7.7%).Satisfaction with workload as reported by staff nurses is predicted by both individual- and unit-level factors of workload. Staff input is crucial to the development of a model of workload on clinical specialty units like neuroscience care. Staff nurses identify key variables, otherwise overlooked, affecting workload and satisfaction and satisfaction with workload.It is vital to develop unit-specific models of workload and consider both individual- and unit-level factors. Such models have potential for deeper research into both management and increasing satisfaction of workload at the level of clinical specialty/unit.

Stroke in association with pregnancy is an infrequent occurrence, but there is evidence that the incidence is rising. The physiological changes of pregnancy are thought to increase stroke risk, and several conditions specific to pregnancy further increase risk. The provision of optimal care to pregnant and postpartum women who experience stroke requires awareness of how the physiological changes of pregnancy may affect the course of stroke and nursing actions. This article provides an overview of current knowledge about pregnancy-related stroke including underlying pathophysiology, risk factors unique to pregnancy, and treatment issues when stroke is a complication of pregnancy. Implications for the nursing care of women with pregnancy-related stroke and maternal child considerations are discussed.

Resulting from a system-wide launch of an academic-service partnership that united a research-intensive School of Nursing and a tertiary healthcare system, neuroscience nurses used a team-based approach in mentoring undergraduate nursing students in neuroscience nursing. They linked their team approach to the Institute of Medicine's Future of Nursing report and American Association of Neuroscience Nurses' (2012) strategic plan to prepare neuroscience nurses for the future. Using case reports containing both the mentors' and students' perspective, we showcase sophomore nursing students' development in neuroscience nursing with focus on their developing skills in competency, leadership, and collaboration. Results from this implementation phase include improved reliability in performing undergraduate neurological assessments; developing competency in collaborating with the health team using a culturally sensitive approach; beginning leadership in managing a patient with seizures; and collaborating with families in patient-family-focused care. Evaluation of the effectiveness of this mentored approach to clinical undergraduate nursing education will focus on confidence building for students and mentors.

The nursing discipline is vital throughout patients' hospital progression. One of the most critical moments in the hospital stay is the postoperative period. Neurosurgical patients require a high level of nursing care and vigilance and additional postoperative monitoring in intensive care units designed specifically for this demographic. In the postoperative setting, patient care must be transferred from anesthesia to nursing in a manner that is continuous and safe. This article focuses on neurosurgical patients in the postoperative period, the assessment of these patients, and critical care nursing, with emphasis on common issues and interventions for this dynamic patient population.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of processes and guidelines for the patient with acute stroke receiving care in New Jersey acute care hospitals in 2010. Lack of adherence to established protocols for acute ischemic stroke may significantly affect the outcomes of care. The lack of available literature providing evidence of prior practices for stroke care in the state of New Jersey precludes a comparison with current practices. This was a descriptive study utilizing an electronic survey developed by the researcher. A convenience sample was utilized for this study consisting of stroke healthcare professionals (N = 79) within the state of New Jersey. The survey yielded a response rate of 70%. Respondents provided information on level of education, average time in position, duties, issues impeding job performance, information related to hospital practices, and stroke core measure compliance within 30 days before the survey. Study results allow designated and nondesignated centers to address issues identified and change or revise protocols accordingly.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: In August of 2020, the 4th International Neuroscience Nursing Research Symposium was held. The purpose of the symposium was to share neuroscience nursing research from around the world. One of the topics thought most notable that stimulated a crucial conversation was how different countries assessed pain and their use of opioids for pain management. BACKGROUND: Neuroscience nurses are global. What is not known is their experience with and what challenges exist with pain management for human beings in their country. Crossing geographic and cultural boundaries, pain affects all human beings. Each culture has unique values and beliefs regarding pain. Patient barriers, pivotal in this article, included poverty, poor health literacy, opioid phobia, and cultural as well as social beliefs. RESULTS: Neuroscience nurses from Australia, Brazil, Germany, Singapore, India, Ghana, Kenya, Philippines, South Africa, and the United States each collaborated to provide a short summary of assessing pain and use of opioids for pain management for the neuroscience patient. CONCLUSION: Neuroscience patients have varying degrees of pain based on many factors. Various countries have religious, spiritual, and cultural traditions that influence the reporting and management of pain. Pain assessment and management can be challenging, especially for the neuroscience nurses around the world., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2021 American Association of Neuroscience Nurses.)

On 13 September the Neurogenic Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction Conference, organised by the British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, took place in London. To give readers an insight into the procedings, each presentation has been summarised below, with slides available online at: http://tinyurl.com/j7qotzx

There is a growing body of evidence linking vitamin D to more than only bone health. Researchers are discovering connections between low vitamin D levels and increased stroke risk, higher mortality, and poorer outcomes after stroke. Nurses need to be aware of ongoing research regarding vitamin D and include information about this important vitamin with patient education, especially for older patients admitted with stroke symptoms or risks.

Introduction It was observed that women with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) tended to have earlier menses than a typical 21- to 28-day cycle. The goal was to determine whether there is an association between aSAH and early onset of menses. Methods All cases of aSAH in women aged 18 to 55 years who were admitted to our facility's neuroscience intensive care unit from June 1, 2011, to June 30, 2012, were reviewed. The electronic healthcare record for each of these patients was examined for documentation of menses onset, computed tomography of the head, brain aneurysm characteristics, modified Fisher score and Glasgow Coma Scale on admission, presence/absence of vasospasm, medical/surgical history, and use of medications that affect the menstrual cycle. The mean onset of menses in this study population was compared with the mean of 21 to 28 days with the 1-sample t test. Results During the study period, 103 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage were admitted. Sixty-one were women, and 15 were aged 18 to 55 years. Nine of the 15 (60%) had documentation of menses occurring during their initial week of hospitalization; 1 patient had documentation of menses on hospital day 12. There is a significant difference when the mean onset of menses in our patient population is compared with the approximate normal menstrual cycle of 21 to 28 days (P Conclusion Early onset of menses or abnormal uterine bleeding after SAH may occur in women with aSAH and typically within the first 7 to 10 days after intracranial aneurysm rupture. The physiologic cause of early onset of menses after aSAH, whether primary or secondary, remains unknown.

Chronic back pain affects many aspects of everyday life and is a common reason for medical visits, leading to high direct and indirect health care costs. Innovative and cost-effective nonpharmacologic pain management methods should be promoted to ensure adequate treatment.The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the pain-relieving effect of Therapeutic Touch in adult neurologic patients with back pain.A pretest-post-test randomized controlled trial.A university hospital in Austria.Patients with back pain diagnosis (N = 29) on hospital admission.A pilot study was conducted for 3 months. The control group (n = 14) received the pharmacologic pain management recommended by the World Health Organization; patients in the intervention group (n = 15) received additionally four Therapeutic Touch treatments on 4 consecutive days. The Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale were used as outcome measures to evaluate activity domains affected by back pain and pain intensity.Pain improvement was found in the intervention group according to the mean score of the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (day 1: 72.53, standard deviation [SD] ± 14.10; day 4: 39.47, SD ± 8.77; p .001). The Numerical Pain Rating Scale score averaged 4.33 points (SD ± 2.09) on the first day and 2.47 points (SD ± 1.12) on the fourth day. The long-term effect of Therapeutic Touch was significant and indicated a major effect (Pillai's trace = .641, FTherapeutic Touch seems to be a noninvasive nursing intervention for back pain management to provide more professional patient care.