Neurosurgery
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Titanium aneurysm clips have superior imaging characteristics and have been supplanting their stainless steel counterparts. We report the case of a 36-year-old woman with a histologically demonstrated cell-mediated reaction to a cobalt alloy aneurysm clip. ⋯ Stainless steel surgical implants in the head can cause diffuse, severe pruritus in susceptible individuals. Although the role of the aneurysm clip, as opposed to the more superficial wires, in the genesis of the patient's symptoms is not certain, this case demonstrates that a cobalt alloy aneurysm clip can activate T cells and cause an immunological reaction in the central nervous system.
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Biography Historical Article
The beginnings of neurosurgery in California during the pre-Cushing era: 1850-1900.
The end of the present millennium marks the centennial of Harvey Cushing's European study year, after the completion of his surgical residency under William Stewart Halsted at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and just before beginning his surgical practice in Baltimore, Maryland. The year 2000 marks the sesquicentennial of California's admission to the Union as the 31st state. ⋯ This foundation would serve as a cornerstone for surgeons trained by Harvey Cushing (including Howard Naffziger, Carl Rand, and Edward Towne) who would arrive in California early in the 20th century and would define the specialty of neurosurgery. The legacy left by these physicians enhances the celebration of the closure of the millennium.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Thiopental and desflurane treatment for brain protection.
Thiopental produces cerebral metabolic depression and cerebral vasoconstriction. However, the effect of thiopental on brain tissue oxygen pressure (PO2), carbon dioxide pressure, and pH is not known. In a prospective study, we measured brain tissue gases and pH during thiopental or desflurane treatment that was administered for brain protection during brain artery occlusion. ⋯ Thiopental has a metabolically neutral effect on brain tissue gases and pH, even though it is known to decrease cerebral oxygen consumption. The metabolic depressant and vasodilator effects of desflurane enhance tissue oxygenation and attenuate tissue PO2 reductions produced by artery occlusion. Both thiopental and desflurane inhibit ischemic lactic acidosis and decreases in pH.
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This study was undertaken to examine the pathophysiological characteristics of trigeminal neuropathic pain. ⋯ This clinical study provides evidence that the pathophysiological mechanisms of trigeminal neuropathic pain after nerve injury involve impaired function of both small unmyelinated fibers and large myelinated fibers. An explanation for the finding of abnormal temporal summation of pain may involve hyperexcitability of central wide-dynamic range neurons. The results suggest that other mechanisms are involved in trigeminal neuropathic pain of spontaneous origin. Reduced heat and cold pain thresholds indicate heat and cold hyperalgesia, which possibly may be explained by sensitization of peripheral C nociceptors.
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The role of chemotherapy in the treatment of low-grade oligodendrogliomas and oligoastrocytomas is still unclear. A Phase II study was conducted to determine the benefits and toxicity of the procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine (PCV) regimen in patients with low-grade oligodendrogliomas and oligoastrocytomas recurrent after surgery alone or surgery with radiotherapy. ⋯ These results suggest that chemotherapy with PCV is effective in the treatment of recurrent low-grade oligodendrogliomas and oligoastrocytomas.