Neurosurgery
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Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Comparison of computed tomographic angiography with digital subtraction angiography in the diagnosis of cerebral aneurysms: a meta-analysis.
To compare a novel diagnostic radiological technique, computed tomographic angiography (CTA), with the standard method, namely digital subtraction angiography (DSA), in the diagnosis of cerebral aneurysms. ⋯ On the basis of this meta-analysis, DSA remains the standard method. However, many who use CTA have reported it to be as good as or better than DSA in the diagnosis and treatment of cerebral aneurysms, as well as being of less risk and discomfort to their patients and easier and less expensive to perform.
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During its course between the brainstem and the lateral rectus muscle, the abducens nerve usually travels forward as a single trunk, but it is not uncommon for the nerve to split into two branches. The objective of this study was to establish the incidence and the clinical importance of the duplication of the nerve. ⋯ Double abducens nerve is not a rare variation. Keeping such variations in mind could spare us from injuring the VIth cranial nerve during cranial base operations and transvenous endovascular interventions.
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Symptomatic unruptured aneurysms have been considered at relatively high risk for future rupture, and the majority of aneurysms that cause symptoms of mass effect are large. Unruptured aneurysms smaller than 1 cm in diameter sometimes cause neurological symptoms, but their clinical aspects remain obscure. In this article, we review our experience with small unruptured aneurysms presenting with oculomotor nerve palsy. ⋯ Unruptured aneurysms smaller than 1 cm can cause neurological symptoms of mass effect. We recommend timely surgery, preferably within 5 days, to avoid not only aneurysm rupture but also functional disability even in patients with unruptured aneurysms smaller than 1 cm.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Automated, patient-interactive, spinal cord stimulator adjustment: a randomized controlled trial.
Programmable, multicontact, implanted stimulation devices represent an important advance in spinal cord stimulation for the management of pain. They facilitate the technical goal of covering areas of pain by stimulation-evoked paresthesiae. Adjustment after implantation requires major investments of time and effort, however, if the capabilities of these devices are to be used to full advantage. The objective of maximizing coverage should be met while using practitioners' time efficiently. ⋯ Automated, patient-interactive adjustment of implanted spinal cord stimulators is significantly more effective and more efficient than traditional manual methods of adjustment. It offers not only improved clinical efficacy but also potential cost savings in extending implanted battery life. It has the additional potential advantages of standardization, quality control, and record keeping, to facilitate clinical research and patient care. It should enhance the clinical application of spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of chronic intractable pain.
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Review Case Reports
Isolated trigeminal nerve sarcoid granuloma mimicking trigeminal schwannoma: case report.
Sarcoidosis most commonly presents as a systemic disorder. Infrequently, sarcoidosis can manifest itself in the central nervous system, with granulomas involving the leptomeninges and presenting with facial nerve weakness. Sarcoid of the trigeminal nerve is exceedingly rare and can mimic trigeminal schwannoma. We review the literature on sarcoid granulomas of the trigeminal nerve and compare their radiological features with the more common schwannoma. ⋯ The differential diagnosis of contrast-enhancing lesions in the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus should include inflammatory conditions such as sarcoidosis. We recommend that surgery for biopsy or decompression be used only for those patients in whom a diagnosis cannot be confirmed with noninvasive testing. If surgery is performed, intraoperative frozen pathology is very useful in guiding the extent of resection.