Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Nov 1999
Comparative StudyNeuronal damage in gerbils caused by intermittent forebrain ischemia.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of preventing cumulative neuronal damage after repetitive severe ischemia. ⋯ The authors conclude that cumulative neuronal damage may be avoided by adopting an intermittent ischemia approach. The implications of these results for human surgery requiring temporary occlusion of the cerebral arteries are discussed.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Nov 1999
Clinical TrialLocalization of language-specific cortex by using magnetic source imaging and electrical stimulation mapping.
In this paper the authors demonstrate the concordance between magnetic source (MS) imaging and direct cortical stimulation for mapping receptive language cortex. ⋯ Information provided by MS imaging can be especially helpful in cases of atypical language representation, including bihemispheric representation, and location of language in areas other than those expected within the dominant hemisphere, such as the anterior portion of the superior temporal gyrus, the posteroinferior portion of the middle temporal gyrus, the basal temporal cortex, and the lateral temporooccipital cortex.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Nov 1999
Case ReportsStereotactic radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of gelastic seizures associated with hypothalamic hamartoma. Case report.
The author presents the case of a patient with gelastic seizures associated with a hypothalamic hamartoma, in whom partial resection of the hamartoma followed by temporal lobectomy and orbitofrontal corticectomy failed to reduce the seizures. Subsequent stereotactic radiofrequency ablation of the hamartoma resulted in progressive improvement in the seizure disorder during a 28-month follow-up period. There is support in the literature for the concept that gelastic seizures originate directly from the hamartoma; however, direct surgical approaches to these lesions pose significant risks. It is proposed that the technique of radiofrequency ablation provides a minimally invasive, low-risk approach for the treatment of hypothalamic hamartomas.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Nov 1999
Clinical TrialFunctional brain mapping using positron emission tomography scanning in preoperative neurosurgical planning for pediatric brain tumors.
The purpose of this report is to demonstrate the value of functional brain mapping using the positron emission tomography (PET) method for preoperative neurosurgical planning in children with brain tumors. Brain maps were used to characterize the relationship between potentially resectable tumors and functionally eloquent brain areas. ⋯ Functional brain mapping using PET scans and coregistered MR images provided the neurosurgeon with precise definitions of structural and functional cortical areas; this altered surgical management in some cases and/or was used to predict outcome. The combination of PET imaging with FDG and/or CMET and measurements of [15O] water uptake was useful in characterizing and grading tumors and instrumental in achieving effective neurosurgical planning. Postoperative results in the five cases suggest that preoperative functional brain mapping has the potential to improve outcome by defining a surgical plan to maximize resection and minimize the risk of neurological sequelae.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Nov 1999
Partial myotomy/myectomy of the trapezius muscle with an asleep-awake-asleep anesthetic technique for treatment of cervical dystonia. Technical note.
The authors describe a technique for performing partial sectioning and myectomy of the trapezius muscle in patients with severe cervical dystonia that is unresponsive to conservative treatment. Asleep-awake-asleep anesthesia allows intraoperative control of the sectioning procedure to avoid causing postoperative weakness of arm elevation above the horizontal plane. ⋯ There were no new deficits. This technique can be used as an adjunct to other peripheral surgical procedures in patients with marked laterocollis and dystonic elevation and ante-version of the shoulder.