Neurosurgery
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Multiple studies have established the safety and efficacy of surgical intervention for degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). Although the main goal of surgery is symptom stabilization, a subset of patients achieves remarkable improvements. ⋯ In this study, T1W-hypointensity on MRI and longer walking time were found to predict a less likelihood of achieving return to normal neurological function after surgery for moderate or severe DCM. These findings may provide useful information for patient counseling and perioperative expectations.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Double Blinded Randomized Trial of Subcutaneous Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation as Adjuvant Treatment for Major Unipolar Depressive Disorder.
More than 30% of major depressive disorder patients fail to respond to adequate trials of medications and psychotherapy. While modern neuromodulation approaches (ie, vagal nerve stimulation, deep brain stimulation) are yet to prove their efficacy for such cases in large randomized controlled trials, trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) has emerged as an alternative with promising effects on mood disorders. ⋯ This study protocol is designed to define efficacy of a novel adjuvant therapy for TRD. We must strive to develop safe, reproducible, predictable, and well-tolerated neuromodulation approaches for TRD patients impaired to manage their lives and contribute with society.
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Multicenter Study
Multicenter Validation of the Survival After Acute Civilian Penetrating Brain Injuries (SPIN) Score.
Civilian penetrating traumatic brain injury (pTBI) is a serious public health problem in the United States, but predictors of outcome remain largely understudied. We previously developed the Survival After Acute Civilian Penetrating Brain Injuries (SPIN) score, a logistic, regression-based risk stratification scale for estimating in-hospital and 6-mo survival after civilian pTBI with excellent discrimination (area under the receiver operating curve [AUC-ROC = 0.96]) and calibration, but it has not been validated. ⋯ This multicenter pTBI study confirmed that the full SPIN score predicts survival after civilian pTBI with excellent discrimination and calibration. Admission INR significantly adds to the prediction model discrimination and should be routinely measured in pTBI patients.
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Neurological surgery practice is based on the science of balancing probabilities. A variety of clinical guidance documents have influenced how we collectively practice our art since the early 20th century. The quality of the science within these guidelines varies widely, as does their utility in positively shaping our practice. ⋯ The guidelines development process identifies areas, issues, and strategies for which little medical evidence exists, as well as topics that need focused scientific investigation and future study. The production of evidence-based practice recommendations is a vital part of furthering our specialty. Guidelines development advances our science, augments the resident education process, and protects our practice from undue external influence.
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The unique anatomy and biomechanical features of the cervical spine and sacrum may impact treatment outcomes following spine stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Current data for spine metastases are not specific for these locations. ⋯ Although high rates of LC were observed, strategies specific to the sacrum may require further optimization.