Neurosurgery clinics of North America
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Current data suggest that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has the potential to be an effective and complimentary treatment modality for patients with chronic neuropathic pain syndromes. The success of TMS for pain relief depends on the parameters of the stimulation delivered, the location of neural target, and duration of treatment. TMS can be used to excite or inhibit underlying neural tissue that depends on long-term potentiation and long-term depression, respectively. Long-term randomized controlled studies are warranted to establish the efficacy of repetitive TMS in patients with various chronic pain syndromes.
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Neurosurgeons and hospitalists are turning to comanagement arrangements to address medical problems in surgical patients. Compared with traditional medical consultation, comanagement lets the hospitalist share authority and responsibility for patient care. It is associated with improved provider satisfaction and more efficient care, but impact on clinical outcomes is uncertain. Shared responsibility for patient care requires careful planning to avoid conflicts and fragmentation of care.
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Neurosurg. Clin. N. Am. · Jan 2014
ReviewNeuromodulation for depression: invasive and noninvasive (deep brain stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, trigeminal nerve stimulation).
Major depressive disorder is among the most disabling illnesses and, despite best practices with medication and psychotherapy, many patients remain ill even after several treatment trials. For many of these patients with treatment-resistant or pharmacoresistant depression, treatment with neuromodulation offers an alternative. ⋯ This review surveys recent literature to update readers on 3 particular interventions: deep brain stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and trigeminal nerve stimulation. Additional comparative research is needed to delineate the relative advantages of these treatments, and how best to match individual patients to neuromodulation intervention.
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Neurosurg. Clin. N. Am. · Jan 2016
ReviewThe Role of Stereotactic Laser Amygdalohippocampotomy in Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy.
Stereotactic laser amygdalohippocampotomy (SLAH) uses laser interstitial thermal therapy guided by magnetic resonance thermography. This novel intervention can achieve seizure freedom while minimizing collateral damage compared to traditional open surgery, in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. An algorithm is presented to guide treatment decisions for initial and repeat procedures in patients with and without mesial temporal sclerosis. SLAH may improve access by medication-refractory patients to effective surgical treatments and thereby decrease medical complications, increase productivity, and minimize socioeconomic consequences in patients with chronic epilepsy.
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Neurosurg. Clin. N. Am. · Apr 2014
Review Comparative StudyMinimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF): surgical technique, long-term 4-year prospective outcomes, and complications compared with an open TLIF cohort.
Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is an important surgical option for the treatment of back pain and radiculopathy. The minimally invasive TLIF (MI-TLIF) technique is increasingly used to achieve neural element decompression, restoration of segmental alignment and lordosis, and bony fusion. This article reviews the surgical technique, outcomes, and complications in a series of 144 consecutive 1- and 2-level MI-TLIFs in comparison with an institutional control group of 54 open traditional TLIF procedures with a mean of 46 months' follow-up. The evidence base suggests that MI-TLIF can be performed safely with excellent long-term outcomes.