World Neurosurg
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Review Case Reports
Neurosurgical and Scalp Reconstructive Challenges During Craniotomy in the Setting of Cutis Verticis Gyrata.
Cutis verticis gyrata (CVG) is a rare condition of the scalp in which thickening of the dermis induces rigid folds and furrows resembling the cerebral cortex. Two forms of primary CVG exist: essential, in which CVG is the only presenting problem, and nonessential, in which the scalp condition occurs along with neuropsychiatric ailments. CVG can also occur secondary to a variety of causes including inflammatory, neoplastic, and metabolic conditions or drug use. A review of the available literature, including description of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, histology, and typical management of CVG, is provided. However, we identified no literature describing the complications of CVG in the setting of a craniotomy. ⋯ Despite its rarity, CVG is an important issue for neurosurgeons to understand as it can present complications in performing craniotomy, most notably during the scalp exposure and closure. CVG may also complicate the postoperative course if adequate approximation of the tissues cannot be achieved, resulting in wound infection and/or cerebrospinal fluid leak. The presented patient benefited from a combined neurosurgical and plastic surgical approach that was implemented intraoperatively and continued through the postoperative stages and the subsequent cranioplasty.
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Review Case Reports
Deep Brain Stimulation of the Caudal Zona Incerta/Motor Thalamus for Post-Ischemic Dystonic Tremor of the Left Upper Limb. Case Report and Review of the Literature.
Dystonic tremor is defined as a tremor occurring in a body region affected by dystonia. The pathophysiologic mechanisms behind dystonic tremor supposedly involve anomalies affecting the pallidothalamic-receiving area (for the dystonic component) and the ventralis intermedius-cortical loop (for the tremor component). Interest in posterior subthalamic area stimulation for various types of involuntary abnormal movements has arisen owing to positive results in patients affected by tremor refractory to ventralis intermedius deep brain stimulation. ⋯ Stimulation of motor thalamus and caudal zona incerta could be a viable treatment for patients affected by tremor of various origins, including dystonic tremor, refractory to medical therapy.
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The aim of the present review was to describe the evolution of the damage control concept in neurotrauma, including the surgical technique and medical postoperative care, from the lessons learned from civilian and military neurosurgeons who have applied the concept regularly in practice at military hospitals and civilian institutions in areas with limited resources. ⋯ Damage control in neurotrauma is a therapeutic option for severe traumatic brain injury management in austere environments. To apply the concept while using an appropriate approach, lessons must be learned from experienced neurosurgeons who use this technique regularly.
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Review
The Management of Hypertension in the Pre-Aneurysmal Treatment Sub-arachnoid Haemorrhage Patient.
Management of hypertension in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients within the preaneurysmal treatment period remains ambiguous, in part due to the lack of high-level, evidence-based guidelines. Despite this, current recommendations offer guidance regarding certain parameters (e.g., mean arterial pressure, systolic blood pressure). However, managing hypertension within this critical period is difficult because a fine balance must be achieved between lowering blood pressure enough to minimize the risk of rebleeding and preventing reduced cerebral perfusion and subsequent ischemic damage. Furthermore, the different causes of hypertension within the preaneurysmal treatment period are polyfactorial and include pathophysiologic responses, sympathetic nervous system activation, and iatrogenic from hyperdynamic therapy and vasopressors, which requires consideration for these patients to receive optimal management. Other factors including loss of autoregulation and concomitant conditions must also be considered when deciding whether to start antihypertensive therapy. ⋯ It is clear that further, larger studies are warranted in order to clarify the effect of antihypertensive therapy on patient outcome and what the BP thresholds are, along with establishing the best treatment, for commencing antihypertensive therapy.
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Brain metastases occur in a large portion of patients with cancer. Although advances in radiotherapy have helped to improve survival, they have also raised questions regarding the best modality for retreatment in the context of recurrent disease. ⋯ We have comprehensively reviewed the existing data on the efficacy and toxicity of the various reirradiation treatment modalities. We examined the key clinical considerations that guide patient selection, such as dose, tumor size, interval to retreatment, and local control and survival rates.