Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Dec 2008
Posttraumatic stress disorder in the family and friends of patients who have suffered spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Significant others (SOs), such as spouses and life partners, of patients who have survived subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) can experience psychiatric symptoms and psychosocial disability. The cause of such symptoms has not been established. Authors of the present study analyzed whether posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) subsequent to a loved one's SAH is a plausible explanation for these symptoms. ⋯ The elevated incidence of PTSD in SOs helps to explain why these persons report concerning levels of psychiatric symptomatology and psychosocial disability. Greater attention must be given to an SO's adjustment to the experience of having a loved one suffer an SAH. This need is all the more pertinent given that SOs often act as informal caregivers and that PTSD could interfere with their ability to effectively minister. Because bad coping skills seem to be the main cause of PTSD, teaching SOs better strategies might prevent the disorder and any resulting psychosocial disability.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Dec 2008
Neuroimaging and quality-of-life outcomes in patients with brain metastasis and peritumoral edema who undergo Gamma Knife surgery.
Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) has been shown to be effective for treating many patients with brain metastasis. Some brain metastases demonstrate significant peritumoral edema; radiation may induce cerebral edema or worsening preexisting edema. This study was conducted to evaluate the imaging and neurobehavioral outcomes in patients with preexisting peritumoral edema who then undergo GKS. ⋯ Patients demonstrating a reduction in the BCM-20 score > 6, age < 65 years, and KPS score >or= 70 exhibited longer survival. Significant preexisting edema did not influence the tumor response or clinical outcome. The resolution of edema was related to better quality of life but not to longer survival.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Dec 2008
Conversion of external ventricular drains to ventriculoperitoneal shunts after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: effects of site and protein/red blood cell counts on shunt infection and malfunction.
The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of shunt infection in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) after converting an external ventricular drain (EVD) to a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt using the existing EVD site. The second purpose was to assess the risk of shunt malfunction after converting the EVD to a permanent shunt irrespective of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein and red blood cell (RBC) counts. ⋯ In adult patients with aneurysmal SAH, conversion of an EVD to a VP shunt can be safely done using the same EVD site. In this defined patient population, protein and RBC counts in the CSF do not seem to affect shunt survival adversely. Thus, conversion of an EVD to VP shunt should not be delayed because of an elevated protein or RBC count.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Dec 2008
Gamma Knife surgery of vestibular schwannomas: longitudinal changes in vestibular function and measurement of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory.
Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) is one of the methods available to treat vestibular schwannomas (VSs), in addition to microsurgical resection; however, clear information regarding balance function outcomes and the impact of treatment on patients' quality of life over time remains an important clinical need. The purpose of this study was to assess the longitudinal balance outcomes and Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) following GKS for VSs. ⋯ Longitudinal changes in vestibular function occur over time, with the largest changes seen in the first 6 months after treatment. Potential for clinical intervention, such as vestibular rehabilitation therapy, exists during this interval; however, larger cohorts must be studied to determine the timing and efficacy of this intervention. The statistically significant improvement in the DHI score in the patient cohort > 65 years old treated with GKS suggests that this group may benefit from this option when considering the symptom of dizziness.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Dec 2008
Staged radiosurgery for extra-large cerebral arteriovenous malformations: method, implementation, and results.
The effectiveness and safety of radiosurgery for small- to medium-sized cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) have been well established. However, the management for large cerebral AVMs remains a great challenge to neurosurgeons. In the past 5 years the authors performed preplanned staged radiosurgery to treat extra-large cerebral AVMs. ⋯ These preliminary results indicate that staged radiosurgery is a practical strategy to treat patients with extra-large cerebral AVMs. It takes longer to obliterate the AVMs. The observed high signal T2 changes after the radiosurgery appeared clinically insignificant in 6 patients followed up for an average of 28 months. Longer follow-up is necessary to confirm its long-term safety.