Showing papers by "Alan Leviton published in 1981"

Use of a Computerized Data Base in a Headache Clinic

Abstract: SYNOPSIS We have designed and are using an interactive computer-based headache interview in which patients sit in front of a terminal and answer questions posed by the computer. Data entered are summarized and printed for use by the patient's physician. Preliminary data obtained by the computer interview can be used to generate and test hypotheses. We compared patient-entered data to physicians' diagnoses for 26 patients with the diagnosis of common migraine and 20 with the diagnosis of muscle contraction headache. Contrary to common beliefs, we found that almost equal numbers in each group acknowledged (1) visual changes before some headaches, (2) headaches precipitated by alcohol, and (3) headaches that coincided with change in the weather. Furthermore, patients seemed more likely to acknowledge more than one kind of headache to the computer than to the physician.

Does lead at low dose affect intelligence in children

Abstract: Ernhart et al, on the basis of their own follow-up data and an incorrect critique of a single study, find reason to question the entire literature documenting the adverse effects of low levels of lead. They assert that, if effects exist, they are minimal. To reach this sweeping conclusion, they contradict or ignore the findings of the earlier study by Perino and Ernhart, misread a table from the one study they single out for criticism, and draw debatable conclusions from their own data. We conclude by calling the readers9 attention to this sentence: "While the effects of subclinical lead intoxication may not be noted in the individual cases seen in a pediatric clinic, analysis of group data indicate quite clearly (emphasis added) that performance on an intelligence test is impaired."