World Neurosurg
-
Seizures are relatively common in patients harboring cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Because the pathogenesis of AVM-associated epilepsy is not well-defined, we aim to determine the factors associated with seizure presentation in AVM patients. ⋯ Large, unruptured, cortical nidi are most prone to seizure presentation in patients referred for radiosurgery. Further investigations of the molecular biology, neuronal and glial physiology, and natural history of AVM-associated epilepsy appear warranted.
-
We studied a poorly known form of cerebrospinal fluid hypotension characterized by cervical myelopathy, a considerable growth in volume of the venous plexus of the cervical spine, and absence of headache. This form was first described by Miyazaki. We reported a case brought to our attention, reviewed the literature, and formulated etiopathogenic theories that might explain all the various clinical aspects of this pathology.
-
Total brachial plexus avulsion injury (BPAI) results in the total functional loss of the affected limb and induces extensive brain functional reorganization. However, because the dominant hand is responsible for more cognitive-related tasks, injuries on this side induce more adaptive changes in brain function. In this article, we explored the differences in brain functional reorganization after injuries in unilateral BPAI patients. ⋯ Our results revealed that right BPAIs induced greater extents of brain functional reorganization than left BPAIs, which reflected the relatively more extensive adaptive process that followed injuries of the dominant hand.
-
The publication of the COSS (Carotid Occlusion Surgery Study) trial in 2011 concluded that the addition of external carotid to internal carotid (EC-IC) bypass to a medical regimen "did not reduce the risk of ipsilateral ischemic stroke at 2 years" for patients with symptomatic internal carotid artery occlusion. This has resulted in decreasing referrals for surgical management under the guise of "evidence-based" medicine. The conclusions drawn from a study can only be as good as the selected end points. COSS did not consider important end points such as the effects of long-term cerebral ischemia or recurrent debilitating transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). However, the study is often quoted as "proof" that EC-IC bypass has no role in the treatment of these patients. ⋯ The public perception of the results of large randomized clinical trials is significantly altered by their ubiquitous dissemination and broad generalization without adequate understanding of the details. Careful assessment of the methodology and end points of a trial are essential when applying the results for evidence-based medicine to individual patients. This patient would have been considered a medical "success" in COSS, but her outcome with surgical intervention will never be known.
-
Refractory temporal lobe epilepsy due to spontaneous temporal pole encephalocele is a rare but increasingly recognized condition. Optimal surgical management is complicated by the lack of knowledge regarding both the extent of the epileptogenic area and the need for repair of the encephalocele. ⋯ These two cases support the view that the epileptogenic area is confined to within the temporal pole for spontaneous temporal pole encephalocele. Temporopolar disconnection represents one surgical option for this entity that achieves seizure cessation without requiring extra repair procedures.