Journal of neurosurgery
-
We reviewed our experience with pineal cysts to define the natural history and clinical relevance of this common intracranial finding. ⋯ Follow-up imaging and neurosurgical evaluation are not mandatory for adults with asymptomatic pineal cysts.
-
Journal of neurosurgery · Dec 2011
Review Meta AnalysisVagus nerve stimulation for epilepsy: a meta-analysis of efficacy and predictors of response.
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) was approved by the US FDA in 1997 as an adjunctive treatment for medically refractory epilepsy. It is considered for use in patients who are poor candidates for resection or those in whom resection has failed. However, disagreement regarding the utility of VNS in epilepsy continues because of the variability in benefit reported across clinical studies. ⋯ Furthermore, posttraumatic epilepsy and tuberous sclerosis were positive predictors of a favorable outcome. In conclusion, VNS is an effective and relatively safe adjunctive therapy in patients with medically refractory epilepsy not amenable to resection. However, it is important to recognize that complete seizure freedom is rarely achieved using VNS and that a quarter of patients do not receive any benefit from therapy.
-
Journal of neurosurgery · Dec 2011
Randomized Controlled TrialInterobserver variability in the interpretation of computed tomography following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Numerous abnormal findings may be evident on CT scans after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Here, the authors assess the interobserver variability in the radiological interpretation of the initial CT scan following SAH. ⋯ The authors' findings suggest that there is considerable interobserver variability in the interpretation of CT scans after SAH. Quantitative measures may reduce interobserver variability in comparison with qualitative or categorical scales. Variability in interpretation of CT scans has implications for patient care and conduct of clinical trials. It may be beneficial to develop standardized assessments to ensure consistent evaluation of measured variables.
-
Journal of neurosurgery · Dec 2011
Reversal of cerebral vasospasm via intravenous sodium nitrite after subarachnoid hemorrhage in primates.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)-induced vasospasm is a significant underlying cause of aneurysm rupture-related morbidity and death. While long-term intravenous infusion of sodium nitrite (NaNO(2)) can prevent cerebral vasospasm after SAH, it is not known if the intravenous administration of this compound can reverse established SAH-induced vasospasm. To determine if the intravenous infusion of NaNO(2) can reverse established vasospasm, the authors infused primates with the compound after SAH-induced vasospasm was established. ⋯ These findings indicate that the intravenous infusion of NaNO(2) can reverse SAH-induced vasospasm in primates. Further, these findings indicate that a similar treatment paradigm could be useful in reversing cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal SAH.
-
Journal of neurosurgery · Dec 2011
Biography Historical ArticleA meningioma and its consequences for American history and the rise of neurosurgery.
The case of General Leonard Wood is notable both for its contribution to the field of neurosurgery and its historical significance. As one of Harvey Cushing's first successful brain tumor operations in 1910, Wood's surgery was part of the case series that culminated in Cushing's monograph Meningioma. ⋯ The authors discuss the effects the tumor may have had on Wood's life and career, explore an alternate explanation for the cause of Wood's death, and provide a brief account of the life of General Wood, highlighting events in his military and administrative career juxtaposed against the progression of his illness. Furthermore, the case history of the General is reviewed, using information drawn from the original patient notes and recently discovered images from the Cushing Brain Tumor Registry that elucidate more details about General Wood's story, from the injury that caused his first tumor to his final surgery, leading to his demise.