World Neurosurg
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This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of pediatric neurosurgery in Nigeria, since 1962, by assessing epidemiological data, management strategies, and case outcomes. ⋯ This review provides significant epidemiological data which emphasizes the country's enormous burden of pediatric neurosurgical cases. The findings can help guide clinical decisions as well as future research and policy development.
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Review Biography Historical Article
Carl Wernicke of "Wernicke's Area": A Historical Review.
The Wernicke area, also known as Brodmann area 22, is located in the posterior segment of the superior temporal gyrus in the dominant hemisphere. Carl Wernicke, a German neurologist, described this area in 1874. ⋯ We explore his remarkable ability to turn his many setbacks into steps forward, his controversial foray into psychiatry, and his wide-ranging set of contributions, including his work on external ventricular drainage for hydrocephalus and encephalopathy; his description of the eponymous Wernicke area; and his field-defining work on aphasia. This historical review attempts to bring to life a seminal figure in the neurosciences, providing an insight into his visionary thought process.
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Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in neurological deficits below the level of injury, causing motor dysfunction and various severe multisystem complications. Rehabilitative training plays a crucial role in the recovery of individuals with SCI, and exoskeleton serves as an emerging and promising tool for rehabilitation, especially in promoting neuroplasticity and alleviating SCI-related complications. ⋯ Meanwhile, we discuss their mechanisms for enhancing neuroplasticity and functional remodeling, as well as their palliative impacts on secondary complications. The potential trends in exoskeleton design are raised according to current progress and requirements on SCI rehabilitation.
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Implantable devices are increasingly more common for management of movement disorders, pain, and epilepsy. These devices are often complex and constructed of nonbiodegradable or hazardous materials. Therefore, proper postmortem handling of these devices is exceedingly important. Unfortunately, there is no consolidated resource available for postmortem neuromodulation device protocols. Thus, we surveyed and catalogued the protocols for implantable devices to summarize proper postmortem device protocols for implantable neurosurgical devices currently on the market. ⋯ Evolution in therapies and growth in functional neurosurgery has expanded the range of implantable neurosurgical devices. We provide an educational document summarizing their postmortem protocols. This resource aims to aid health-care providers and encourage proper disposal practices during burial or cremation.
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For patients with medically refractory epilepsy, newer minimally invasive techniques such as laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) have been developed in recent years. This study aims to characterize trends in the utilization of surgical resection versus LITT to treat medically refractory epilepsy, characterize complications, and understand the cost of this innovative technique to the public. ⋯ The present study highlights LITT's advantages through its association with lower costs and shorter length of stay. The present study also highlights the associated predictors of LITT versus resection, such as that most LITT cases happen at academic centers for patients with private insurance. As the adoption of LITT continues, more data will become available to further understand these issues.