Can J Neurol Sci
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Ultrasonic assessment of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) as a non-invasive measure of intracranial pressure (ICP) has been evaluated in the literature as a potential valid technique for rapid ICP estimation in the absence of invasive intracranial monitoring. The technique can be challenging to perform and little literature exists surrounding intra-operator variability. ⋯ Utilizing the standard linear array ultrasound probe for ONSD measurements in our model provided realistic images comparable to in vivo. This provides an affordable and exciting means to test intra- and inter- operator variability in a standardized environment. Knowing this, we can further apply this novel model of ONSD to ultrasound teaching and training courses with confidence in its ability and the technique's ability to produce consistent results.
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Review Case Reports
Vasospasm post pituitary surgery: systematic review and 3 case presentations.
Vasospasm is a known complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and is a major cause of neurological morbidity and mortality. It is infrequently associated with pituitary adenoma surgery. We report three cases and present a systematic review of the literature with a view towards guiding neurosurgeons in the prevention and management of this complication. ⋯ Vasospasm should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients demonstrating altered mental or neurological status following pituitary surgery, particularly if there has been postoperative hemorrhage of any degree. Prompt treatment should be instituted to optimize outcome.
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Chronic migraine is a significant cause of disability world-wide and occipital region stimulation (OS) has been proposed to treat it. While participating in an industry-sponsored pilot trial of OS, we aimed to collect data regarding our surgical complications and long term usage of OS in our chronic migraine patients. ⋯ Complication rates with OS are higher than those seen with other stimulation techniques, despite identical hardware and similar surgery. The location of migraine pain did predict outcome, and suggests that only those with primarily occipital region headache are candidates for this therapy.
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The benefits of intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) in acute ischemic stroke is time dependent. Guidelines recommend a door-to-needle (DTN) time of less than 60 minutes. ⋯ Dramatic improvements in DTN times and in the percentage of patients receiving rt-PA treatment within 60 minutes were observed in 2011 after feedback was provided regarding the suboptimal performance. Prior to receiving feedback, DTN times were similar to national median DTN times. All centres administering rt-PA for acute ischemic stroke should monitor their clinical performance and give feedback on a regular basis.
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Computed tomogram (CT) imaging is often used for immediate postoperative assessment of transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma resection while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used for follow-up. The residual mass is known to decrease in size over time but the difference between the two imaging modalities has not been quantified. Our objective was to quantify the size difference of the residual mass on immediate postoperative CT compared with delayed MRI. ⋯ A significant reduction in residual mass is noted on delayed MR imaging compared with immediate postoperative CT. Therefore, from a resource management and prognostication point of view, CT should be used for immediate postoperative assessment while delayed MRI should be used to assess operative success and for communication with patients.