World Neurosurg
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The risk for developing posttraumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) is higher when patients undergo decompressive craniectomy as part of their treatment. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of PTH after decompressive craniectomy in pediatric patients and determine associated risk factors that may lead to PTH. ⋯ Longer time to cranioplasty was associated with an increased likelihood of PTH. We recommend performing cranioplasty as soon as possible to reduce hydrocephalus development.
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Case Reports
Patient with Epilepsy Caused by the Spontaneous Rupture of an Intracerebral Dermoid Cyst: A Case Report.
This is a rare case of a patient presenting with epileptic seizures and headaches who was diagnosed with spontaneous intracerebral dermoid cyst rupture via radiographic imagery, and rupture was confirmed via a pathology report. ⋯ We discuss the clinical and radiologic features, as well as the treatment of this patient.
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The majority of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia develop disease relapse in the central nervous system in the absence of central nervous system-directed prophylactic therapy. In the past, prophylactic cranial irradiation was commonly used in the form of whole-brain radiotherapy in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia to prevent the development of intracranial diseases. However, in addition to the inherent risk of toxicity, this type of therapy has several delayed side effects including the development of secondary intracranial tumors. ⋯ This case report highlights the unusual case of a patient with 3 concurrent intracranial lesions of distinct pathologies after prophylactic cranial irradiation therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
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Case Reports
Functional Activation Patterns of Deep Brain Stimulation of the Anterior Nucleus of the Thalamus.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus (ANT) is a recently approved therapy for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. To date, there is a poor understanding of the mechanism of action and lack of in vivo biomarkers. We propose a method for investigating the in vivo stimulation effects using blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and present the brain activation pattern associated with ANT DBS. ⋯ Using block-design BOLD MRI, we were able to show widespread activation resulting from ANT DBS. Overlap with multiple areas of both the default mode and limbic networks was shown, suggesting that these nodes may modulate the effect of seizure control with ANT DBS.