Neurosurgery
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Retrospective studies have shown high rates of sleep disordered breathing in children with myelomeningocele. However, most patients included in those studies underwent polysomnography because of symptoms, so the prevalence of sleep disordered breathing in this population is unknown. ⋯ Over 40% of a sample of children with myelomeningocele, who underwent screening polysomnography, had significant sleep disordered breathing. Routine screening polysomnography may be indicated in this population.
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Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Focused Ultrasound Thalamotomy for Refractory Essential Tremor: A Japanese Multicenter Single-Arm Study.
Several feasibility studies and a randomized, controlled, multicenter trial have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of unilateral transcranial magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (FUS) lesioning of the ventral intermediate thalamic nucleus in treating essential tremor. ⋯ Unilateral FUS thalamotomy allowed significant and sustained tremor relief and improved the quality of life with an outstanding safety profile. The observed safety and efficacy of FUS thalamotomy were comparable to those reported in a previous multicenter study with a low SDR, and inclusion of the low SDR group did not affect effectiveness.
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Neurosurgery is male dominated with women representing only 12% of residents and 5% of practicing neurosurgeons. The conflicting demands of training versus pregnancy and motherhood are significant deterrents to women entering the field. We examined pregnancy incidence and timing, perinatal complications, and the perceived career impact of motherhood on female neurosurgeons using an anonymous survey of 643 training, practicing, and retired female neurosurgeons from the United States. ⋯ Female neurosurgeons face challenges surrounding family planning different from those faced by male practitioners. Higher perinatal and fetal complications, backlash from colleagues, and demanding workload are significant issues. Progress requires institutional support and mentorship for women to create a more diverse field of practitioners.