Clinical neurology and neurosurgery
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Clin Neurol Neurosurg · Dec 2011
Review Meta AnalysisDiagnostic performance of iodine-123-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy in differential diagnosis between Parkinson's disease and multiple-system atrophy: a systematic review and a meta-analysis.
This study was designed to review the diagnostic performance of iodine-123-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy in differential diagnosis between Parkinson's disease (PD) and multiple-system atrophy (MSA). ⋯ MIBG scintigraphy is an accurate test for PD detection and differential diagnosis between PD and MSA; this method shows high sensitivity and adequate specificity in this field. Nevertheless, possible causes of false negative and false positive findings should be considered when interpreting the scintigraphic results.
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Clin Neurol Neurosurg · Dec 2011
Case ReportsAnatomical studies on the temporal bridging veins with Dextroscope and its application in tumor surgery across the middle and posterior fossa.
To evaluate the application of virtual reality technology in neurosurgical anatomy we compared the virtual three-dimensional (3D) microanatomy of the temporal bridging veins as part of the resection of tumors across the petrosal crest in 25 patients against the actual microanatomy of the temporal bridging veins on 20 cadaveric head sets. ⋯ Virtual reality technology can accurately simulate the anatomical feature of the temporal bridging veins which facilitates the planning of individual operations in neurosurgery.
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The aim of this study was to objectively assess the patients' acceptance for awake craniotomy in a group of neurosurgical patients, who underwent this procedure for removal of lesions in or close to eloquent brain areas. ⋯ Previous studies have shown good patients' acceptance for awake craniotomy, but only a few times using formal approaches. By utilizing a formal questionnaire we could verify good patient acceptance for awake craniotomy for the treatment of brain tumors in or close to eloquent areas. This is a novel approach that substantiates previously published experiences.
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Clin Neurol Neurosurg · Dec 2011
ReviewMicrovascular decompression surgery for trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm: naunces of the technique based on experiences with 100 patients and review of the literature.
Microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery for trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm offers a relatively low-risk opportunity to treat cranial nerve hyperactivity-compression syndromes, which are associated with severe, disabling facial pain and spasm. Although a number of publications have described the technique in detail, combining the technical nuances from different schools of thought or neurosurgical training in an effort to increase the safety and efficacy of this procedure would be beneficial to the surgeon. ⋯ In the presence of alternative methods of therapy, microvascular decompression operations should be performed with low risk to the patient. There is a learning curve involved with this operation and the surgeon should remain always critical of his/her performance and aspire for a "perfect" result.
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Clin Neurol Neurosurg · Dec 2011
Facial motor evoked potentials in cerebellopontine angle surgery: technique, pitfalls and predictive value.
To obtain information on functional integrity of the facial nerve by transcranial electrical motor evoked potentials independent of nerve visualization and to improve prediction of postoperative function. ⋯ As an adjunct to intraoperative EMG, FMEP are superior in two respects, first in identifying pre-surgical latent nerve lesions and second in monitoring nerve integrity without direct nerve visualization. FMEP are highly reliable in predicting early and late postoperative function.