Clinical neurology and neurosurgery
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Clin Neurol Neurosurg · Oct 2019
Effect of constant-current pallidal deep brain stimulation for primary dystonia on cognition, mood and quality of life: Results from a prospective pilot trial.
Knowledge on the effects of DBS on cognitive functions is limited and no data exists on the effects of constant-current DBS (CC-GPi-DBS), which appears to prevail over constant-voltage stimulation. Our aim was to prospectively assess the effect of Constant-Current-GPi-DBS, using an 8-contact lead, on cognition, mood and quality of life. ⋯ CC-GPi-DBS for primary dystonia has no discernible negative impact on cognition and mood. If anything, we noted an improvement of certain cognitive functions.
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Clin Neurol Neurosurg · Oct 2019
Differentiating pseudo-occlusion from true occlusion of proximal internal carotid artery in acute ischemic stroke on CT angiography.
A lack of visualization of the proximal internal carotid artery (ICA) on computed tomography angiography (CTA) in acute ischemic stroke may be caused by an atherosclerotic occlusion or a pseudo-occlusion by a massive thrombus in the ICA. Pseudo-occlusion of the proximal ICA is caused by stagnant flow from a distal ICA occlusion. The purpose of this study aimed to use imaging findings of CTA to differentiate pseudo-occlusions from true occlusions of the proximal ICA. ⋯ On CTA, imaging patterns of the proximal ICA can be differentiated between true occlusions and pseudo-occlusions.
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Clin Neurol Neurosurg · Oct 2019
ReviewBrain death: Radiologic signs of a non-radiologic diagnosis.
Brain death is a clinical diagnosis characterized by the irreversible loss of neurologic function caused by global injury to the brain, including the brain stem. This is often caused by trauma and subarachnoid hemorrhage amongst other etiologies. This injury results in extensive cerebral edema, a rise in intracranial pressure, and eventual cessation of cerebral blood flow. ⋯ Cerebral angiography, transcranial Doppler, and cerebral scintigraphy are the only imaging studies to have been validated by the American Academy of Neurology for diagnosis of brain death. However, characteristic findings on computed tomography, computed tomography perfusion, computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic resonance angiography may suggest the diagnosis. In this article, the clinical criteria, pathophysiology, pathology, and variations in current practice of brain death diagnosis are discussed, and the imaging findings of brain death are reviewed.
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Clin Neurol Neurosurg · Oct 2019
Radiographic and clinical outcomes of huge lumbar disc herniations treated by transforaminal endoscopic discectomy.
Large Central disc herniations (occupying more than 50% of canal area) are notorious as they are generally associated with worse outcomes and are technically difficult to manage. Transforaminal endoscopy (TELD) has evolved to become an interesting alternative for lumbar disc herniations. The aim of the paper is to review our technique of transforaminal endoscopy in large central disc herniations and describe the clinical and radiographic results. We also describe an innovative technique of intraoperative epidurography to assess the adequacy of decompression in some cases with severe canal compromise. ⋯ TELD may be considered as an alternative to microdiscectomy or fusion procedures for huge central disc herniations with favourable outcomes. However, sufficient expertise with the procedure is necessary. Intraoperative decompression may be confirmed with intraoperative epidurography. The patient acceptability of the procedure is good and causes minimal disruption of the normal anatomy.