Neurosurgery
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Function recovery is related to cortical plasticity. The brain remodeling patterns induced by alterations in peripheral nerve pathways with different nerve reconstructions are unknown. ⋯ Entorhinal cortex is a key brain area in recovery of limb function after nerve reconstruction. Nerve transfer related brain remodeling mainly involved contralateral sensorimotor areas, facilitating directional "shifting" of motor representation.
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Some patients suffering from intractable epileptic seizures, particularly drop attacks (DAs), are nonremediable by curative techniques. Palliative procedure carries a significant rate of surgical and neurological complications. ⋯ Gamma Knife callosotomy is safe and accurate with comparable efficacy to open callosotomy in this cohort of patients with intractable epilepsy suffering from severe drop attacks.
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Epidural cement leakage (CL) is a common complication in cement-augmented fenestrated pedicle screw fixation (CAFPSF) with the potential for neural injury. However, there are no reports discussing basivertebral vein morphology and pedicle screw placement, which are critical in the analysis of the risk of epidural CL after CAFPSF. ⋯ In osteoporotic patients receiving CAFPSF, epidural CL is relatively common. The morphology of basivertebral foramen should be taken into account when planning a CAFPSF procedure. It is important to try and achieve a deeper screw implantation, especially when a magistral type of basivertebral foramen is present.
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Posterior fossa midline epidermoid tumors (PFMETs) include the epidermoid tumors of the cisterna magna (CM) and fourth ventricle (FV). ⋯ PFMETs can be classified into 3 subtypes based on tumor epicenter having clinical and surgical implications. Less aggressive dissection and near total excision in the presence of brainstem adhesion yield favorable outcomes.
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Persistent hydrocephalus requiring a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) can complicate the management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Identification of high-risk patients may guide external ventricular drain management. ⋯ Cisternal blood clot quantification on admission noncontrast head computed tomography scan is feasible and can be used in predicting persistent hydrocephalus with VPS requirement in patients with aSAH. Future prospective studies are recommended to further validate this tool.