Neurosurgery
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The addition of subcutaneous heparin (SQH) to mechanical prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) involves a balance between the benefit of greater protection from VTE and the added risk of intracranial hemorrhage. There is evidence that the hemorrhage risk outweighs the benefits for patients undergoing craniotomy. We investigated the safety of SQH in patients undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. ⋯ Our findings suggest that SQH for VTE prophylaxis in patients with movement disorders undergoing DBS surgery is safe. SQH protects against VTE in this patient population and merits further investigation.
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After a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), the primary cause of mortality is secondary brain injury occurring within the first 48 hours after the initial bleeding. Because of the unknown pathophysiology of these early events, therapeutic approaches are scarce. Because mild hypothermia (33 degrees C) is among the strongest neuroprotectants known so far, the aim of this study was to investigate acute and delayed effects of hypothermia if applied after SAH. ⋯ The current results show that mild hypothermia (33 degrees C) exhibits sustained neuroprotection if applied up to 3 hours after SAH. Overall, mild hypothermia seems to be an effective neuroprotective strategy after SAH and should therefore be evaluated as a treatment option for SAH in patients.
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Bilateral effects of unilateral subthalamic deep brain stimulation on Parkinson's disease at 1 year.
To quantify the benefit of unilateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) on contralateral, ipsilateral, and axial symptoms of advanced Parkinson's disease. ⋯ Considering the bilateral effects and tolerability of unilateral STN DBS, unilateral stimulation followed by a contralateral procedure later, if necessary, is a reasonable option for patients with advanced Parkinson's disease, especially with prominent asymmetry.