Latest Articles
-
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has significantly revolutionized spine surgery by reducing morbidity, minimizing tissue damage, and improving postoperative outcomes compared with traditional open surgeries. Although MIS is well-documented for degenerative spine diseases, its full scope and limitations in spine trauma remains underexplored. Thus, this review aims to address this gap by examining relevant literature on the evolution, current practices, and future directions of MIS applications in spinal trauma care. ⋯ Based on a literature review of 85 studies, the following manuscript focuses on the indications, complications, current literature, clinical outcomes, future directions, and limitations of MIS in managing thoracolumbar and cervical spine injuries with particular emphasis on percutaneous pedicle screw fixation, lateral thoracic and lumbar corpectomies, anterior thoracoscopic/endoscopic approaches, and treatment algorithms. Although MIS for spinal trauma offers numerous advantages, continuous research and data collection are crucial to developing clear treatment algorithms and improving clinical outcomes. However, the future of MIS in spine trauma care remains promising, with advancements in technology and surgical techniques anticipated to enhance safety, efficacy, and patient satisfaction.
-
Med. Clin. North Am. · Mar 2025
ReviewEvaluation and Management of Acute Transient Loss of Consciousness.
Transient loss of consciousness (TLOC) is among the most common complaints encountered by clinicians across specialties. Possible etiologies of acute TLOC can be classified as neurologic, systemic, and functional. ⋯ Functional neurologic disorders (also known as conversion disorders or psychogenic spells) refer to clinical conditions in which clinical presentation can mimic but does not completely fit with any specific neurologic or systemic disorder and conventional diagnostic testing reveals normal neurologic and systemic structures. The focus of this review will be on the diagnostic process and tools to differentiate between the multitudes of causes of TLOC.
-
Cognitive dysfunction is regarded as one of the most severe aftereffects following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Eye movements, controlled by several brain areas, such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and frontal-thalamic circuits, provide a potential metric for assessing cortical networks and cognitive status. We aimed to examine the utility of eye movement measurements in identifying cognitive impairments in long COVID patients. ⋯ Our findings suggest impairments in frontal subcortical circuits among long COVID patients who report subjective cognitive complaints. Eye-tracking, combined with machine learning, offers a novel, efficient way to assess and monitor long COVID patients' cognitive dysfunctions, suggesting its utility in clinical settings for early detection and personalized treatment strategies. Further research is needed to determine the long-term implications of these findings and the reversibility of cognitive dysfunctions.
-
Med. Clin. North Am. · Mar 2025
ReviewUrgent Issues in Multiple Sclerosis: A Practical Guide for Non-Neurologists.
This review provides essential knowledge for internists regarding multiple sclerosis (MS). It begins with an overview of the different types of MS, guidance on recognizing early symptoms, and criteria for referral to a neurologist based on commonly used diagnostic standards and epidemiologic data. The authors then summarize the most used disease-modifying therapies, including their side effects, monitoring requirements, and guidelines for inpatient and pre-procedural management. Finally, the authors address the management of common MS-related symptoms that may require the attention of an internist.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
A novel cricoid pressure sensor device enhances the efficacy of oesophageal occlusion during Sellick's manoeuvre: A randomised controlled trial.
The inability to measure the force applied during cricoid pressure is an important limitation in clinical practice. We developed a novel device to measure this force and provide real-time feedback to the operator. ⋯ The use of the novel sensor device achieved a significantly high rate of oesophageal occlusion during application of cricoid pressure.