Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Feb 2025
Functional mapping of movement and speech using task-based electrophysiological changes in stereoelectroencephalography.
Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) has become the predominant method for intracranial seizure localization. When imaging, semiology, and scalp EEG findings are not in full agreement or definitively localizing, implanted SEEG recordings are used to test candidate seizure onset zones (SOZs). Discovered SOZs may then be targeted for resection, laser ablation, or neurostimulation. If an SOZ is eloquent, resection and ablation are both contraindicated, so identifying functional representation is crucial for therapeutic decision-making. The authors present a novel functional brain mapping technique that utilizes task-based electrophysiological changes in SEEG during behavioral tasks and test this in pediatric and adult patients. ⋯ Task-based electrophysiological mapping using broadband changes in the SEEG signal reliably identifies movement and speech representation in pediatric and adult epilepsy patients.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Feb 2025
A management algorithm for idiopathic intracranial hypertension in skull base meningoencephaloceles.
In this study, the authors assessed an algorithm for the diagnosis and management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) in patients who had undergone surgical repair of skull base meningoencephaloceles presenting with spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (sCSF) leakage. ⋯ Utilizing an algorithm of direct meningoencephalocele repair and selective shunting, acute and remote CSF leak recurrence rates were each 3.8%, and the VPS rate was 15.0%. These data provide further insight into CSF dynamics in this population and argue against the theoretical concern that CSF pressure will increase postrepair. Significant intraindividual variability suggests multiple LPs may be necessary before committing to invasive IIH treatment. Further work is necessary to determine the optimal IIH management strategy.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Feb 2025
Efficacy of subcutaneous sumatriptan in postcraniotomy pain and opioid consumption.
Traditional pain management pathways following craniotomy are predicated on opioids. However, narcotics can confound critical neurological examination, contribute to respiratory depression, lower the seizure threshold, and lead to medication habituation, dependence, and/or abuse. Alternative medications to better address postoperative pain while mitigating opioid-related adverse effects remain insufficiently studied. Preliminary studies suggest sumatriptan, a 5-HT (1B/1D) receptor agonist known to regulate dural vasoactivity and inflammation, may moderate pain following trigeminal microvascular decompression and chronic postcraniotomy headache. In this study, the authors evaluated the efficacy of sumatriptan to modulate pain and opioid requirements following craniotomy surgery. ⋯ Postoperative single-dose subcutaneous sumatriptan following elective craniotomy may reduce pain scores and opioid requirements. Additional studies are needed to better understand nuanced differences in opioid modulation and optimal patient selection.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Feb 2025
Observational StudyImpact of standardized care guidelines featuring next-day discharge on outcome, healthcare consumption, and patient healthcare experience in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus receiving ventriculoperitoneal shunts.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of standardized care guidelines featuring next-day discharge on hospital length of stay (LOS), outcomes, patient experience, and healthcare consumption in patients receiving ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPSs) for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). ⋯ Standardized discharge guidelines featuring next-day discharge are safe for iNPH patients undergoing VPS surgery, maintain the quality of the patient experience, and are an effective method for mitigating healthcare consumption in an expanding patient group.