Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jun 2019
Meta Analysis Comparative StudyPhenytoin versus levetiracetam as prophylaxis for postcraniotomy seizure in patients with no history of seizures: systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVEDe novo seizure following craniotomy (DSC) for nontraumatic pathology may adversely affect medical and neurological outcomes in patients with no history of seizures who have undergone craniotomies. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are commonly used prophylactically in patients undergoing craniotomy; however, evidence supporting this practice is limited and mixed. The authors aimed to collate the available evidence on the efficacy and tolerability of levetiracetam monotherapy and compare it with that of the classic AED, phenytoin, for DSC. ⋯ However, the discontinuation rate of AEDs due to ADR was 53/297 in the phenytoin group and 6/196 in the levetiracetam group (POR 0.266, 95% CI 0.137-0.518, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONSLevetiracetam is superior to phenytoin for DSC prevention for nontraumatic pathology and has fewer serious ADRs that lead to discontinuation. Further high-quality studies that compare levetiracetam with placebo are necessary to provide evidence for establishing AED guidelines.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jun 2019
ReviewSequelae and management of radiation vasculopathy in neurosurgical patients.
The term "radiation vasculopathy" defines a heterogeneous and poorly defined complex of vessel injury due to radiation. Radiation vasculopathy remains underrecognized and poorly treated with respect to head and neck radiotherapy. Distinct injury patterns to small (≤ 100-μm), medium (> 100-μm), and large (> 500-μm) vessels can occur, resulting in carotid stenosis, intracranial stenosis, and vascular anomalies (e.g., cavernous malformations, aneurysms). ⋯ A review of 4 patients with prior head and neck tumors in whom delayed radiation vasculopathy developed after radiotherapy demonstrates the application of various treatment options in a case-by-case manner. Earlier recognition of radiation vasculopathy disease patterns may enable earlier initiation of treatment and monitoring for complications. Standardized terminology and treatments may assist with improving clinical outcomes.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jun 2019
Imaging alone versus microelectrode recording-guided targeting of the STN in patients with Parkinson's disease.
The clinical results of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) are highly dependent on accurate targeting and target implantation. Several targeting tactics are in current use, including image-only and/or electrophysiologically guided approaches using microelectrode recordings (MERs). The purpose of the present study was to make an appraisal of imaging only-based versus imaging with the addition of intraoperative MER-guided STN electrode targeting. ⋯ According to the present analysis, approximately 80% of electrodes were appropriately targeted using imaging alone. In the other 20%, imaging alone led to suboptimal targeting that could be corrected by a trajectory course correction guided by the acquired MER data. The authors' results suggest that preoperative imaging is insufficient to obtain optimal results in all patients undergoing STN DBS.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jun 2019
Bleeding risk of cerebral cavernous malformations in patients on β-blocker medication: a cohort study.
Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are frequently diagnosed vascular malformations of the brain. Although most CCMs are asymptomatic, some can be responsible for intracerebral hemorrhage or seizures. In selected cases, microsurgical resection is the preferred treatment option. Treatment with the unselective β-blocker propranolol has been presumed to stabilize and eventually lead to CCM size regression in a limited number of published case series; however, the underlying mechanism and evidence for this effect remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk for CCM-related hemorrhage in patients on long-term β-blocker medication. ⋯ In this retrospective cohort study, β-blocker medication does not seem to be associated with a decreased risk of CCM-related hemorrhage at presentation or during follow-up.
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Stereotactic radiosurgery emerged as a neurosurgical discipline in order to utilize energy for the manipulation of brain or nerve tissue, with the goal of minimal access and safe and effective care of a spectrum of neurosurgical disorders. Perhaps no other branch of neurosurgery has been so disruptive across the entire discipline of brain tumor care, treatment of vascular disorders, and management of functional problems. Radiosurgery is mainstream, supported by thousands of peer-reviewed outcomes reports. This article reviews current practice with a focus on challenges, emerging trends, and areas of investigation.