Journal of clinical neuroscience : official journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia
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Primary intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) refers to spontaneous bleeding from intraparenchymal vessels. It accounts for 10-20% of all strokes, with higher incidence rates amongst African and Asian populations. The major risk factors are hypertension and age. ⋯ Elevated intracranial pressure may be treated medically or surgically. Although the latter definitively lowers elevated intracranial pressure, the optimal patient selection criteria are not clear. Aggressive treatment of hypertension is essential in the primary and secondary prevention of ICH.
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Current treatment of acute stroke remains unsatisfactory. This review presents experimental and clinical data which suggest that mild induced hypothermia could be a potent and practicable neuroprotective treatment of acute ischaemic stroke and intracerebral haemorrhage. Hypothermia, if proven to be safe, effective and widely practicable in patients with acute stroke, could have an enormous positive impact on reducing the burden of stroke worldwide. Critical issues that will need to be considered in a well designed randomised controlled trial of induced hypothermia in acute stroke patients are discussed.
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The principles of management of civilian gunshot wounds (GSWs) to the head and spine have evolved directly from the experience gained in war by military neurosurgeons. The type of craniocerebral wounds being produced in urban gang warfare and suicide at tempts using handguns or rifles at close range vary considerably from the lower velocity fragment injuries which are common in modern warfare. Civilian craniocerebral GSWs are often devastating. ⋯ The indication for acute spinal cord decompression is deteriorating neurological status. Steroids are not indicated for these injuries. Neurosurgeons should take an active role in formulating and supporting public policy which aims to reduce possession and usage of firearms and therefore the prevalence of gunshot injuries.
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Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic disorder characterised by the presence of multiple noncaseating granulomas. Clinically recognisable nervous system involvement occurs in 5-16% of patients with sarcoidosis. ⋯ The following article presents a review of the disease, including its pathophysiology, clinical and radiological characteristics and treatment. Neurosarcoidosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of infectious and noninfectious neurological syndromes.