Neurosurgery
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Comparative Study
Treatment of elevated intracranial pressure in experimental intracerebral hemorrhage: comparison between mannitol and hypertonic saline.
Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) is related to mortality after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). To develop effective strategies for the medical treatment of ICP in cases of ICH, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of mannitol and hypertonic saline in a canine model of ICH. ⋯ Hypertonic saline, in both 3 and 23.4% concentrations, is as effective as mannitol in the treatment of intracranial hypertension observed in association with ICH. Hypertonic saline may have a longer duration of action, particularly when used in 3% solution. None of three treatment regimens influence regional cerebral blood flow or cerebral metabolism.
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Basal ganglia and thalamic arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) show a poor natural history and have proven difficult to treat. We report the safety and efficacy of presurgical and preradiosurgical embolization of these deep central lesions and describe the contribution of embolization to multimodality treatment. ⋯ Endovascular embolization plays an important role in multimodality treatment of AVMs involving the basal ganglia and/or thalamus. Embolization can result in obliteration of a significant volume of the AVM and may allow complete obliteration of the AVM when combined with microsurgical resection and/or stereotactic radiosurgery.
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The source of fluid and the mechanism of cyst enlargement in syringomyelia are unknown. It has been demonstrated that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) normally flows from the subarachnoid space through perivascular spaces and into the spinal cord central canal. The aim of this study was to investigate whether this flow continues during cyst formation in an animal model of syringomyelia and to determine the role of subarachnoid CSF flow in this model. ⋯ In this animal model, noncommunicating syringes continue to enlarge even when there is evidence that they are under high pressure. There may be an increase in pulse pressure rostral to the block of subarachnoid CSF flow, causing an increase in perivascular flow and contributing to syrinx formation. The source of fluid in noncommunicating syringomyelia may be arterial pulsation-dependent CSF flow from perivascular spaces into the central canal.
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We evaluated the specific pattern of pre- and postoperative neurological signs and symptoms and functional results in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy who underwent anterior decompressive operations. Additionally, we sought to determine which findings had predictive value for surgical outcome. ⋯ Strength improved at rates of approximately 80 to 90% in individual muscle groups after anterior cervical decompression. However, fewer than half of all patients experienced functional improvement in the lower extremities, a discrepancy that was probably caused by persistent spasticity rather than muscle weakness. Postoperative dysfunction in the upper extremities was caused by residual weakness as well as sensory loss. Recurrent symptomatic spondylosis at unoperated levels was calculated to occur at an incidence of 2% per year.
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To illustrate how an understanding of the basic biological responses of peripheral nerves to injury is important in formulating a rational treatment plan. ⋯ The diagnosis and treatment of peripheral nerve injuries follow logically from an understanding of the biological responses of peripheral nerves after injury and during recovery.