World Neurosurg
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Vertebral artery injury is known to potentially occur in conjunction with blunt cervical spine trauma. Rarely, these injuries present bilaterally as complete occlusions. Twelve cases of bilateral vertebral artery occlusions after closed cervical spine trauma have been described in the reported data, nearly all of which demonstrated signs and symptoms of vertebrobasilar insufficiency and ischemia. ⋯ We present our patient's case as a rare illustration of a bilateral vertebral artery occlusion after blunt cervical spine trauma without clinical vertebrobasilar ischemic sequelae.
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To determine association between electrolyte disturbances and mortality in patients with severe traumatic brain injury. ⋯ Hypochloremia could be an important prognostic factor to determine mortality risk and to improve treatment in patients with severe traumatic brain injury.
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Intracranial germ cell tumors are a rare group of neoplasms constituting 1% to 2% of primary intracranial tumors in North America and Europe. Germinomas of the corpus callosum are exceedingly rare, accounting for only 0.7% of all intracranial germ cell tumors. ⋯ This is a case of germinoma arising in the corpus callosum that presented clinically with an eating disorder manifested as restrictive anorexia.
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Hemicraniectomy is a commonly performed neurosurgical procedure used in the setting of medically refractory malignant intracranial hypertension. Complications from cranioplasty after hemicraniectomy can be significant, including infection and wound issues. Difficulty with scar tissue during exposure for cranioplasty can be challenging and can lead to prolonged surgical time and increased bleeding. We describe a surgical technique, termed the "dural sandwich," that could provide a significant benefit during cranioplasty as compared with traditional single-layered dural closure. ⋯ By layering bovine pericardium above and below the dura during initial hemicraniectomy, an artificial plane is created that improves ease of exposure during cranioplasty. This technique could reduce surgical time and blood loss during subsequent cranioplasty, and potentially reduce recovery time and postoperative complications.