Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Dec 2008
Gamma Knife surgery for trigeminal pain caused by benign brain tumors.
The authors report the effects of Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) on benign tumor-related trigeminal pain in patients who underwent follow-up for a mean 57.8 months. ⋯ Gamma Knife surgery appears to be an effective tool to treat benign tumor-related trigeminal pain and control tumor growth. Repeated GKS targeting the trigeminal root or ganglion can be considered a tool to enhance the efficacy of pain management if pain persists or recurs, but the optimum treatment dose needs further investigation.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Dec 2008
Controlled Clinical TrialManagement of hypertensive emergencies in acute brain disease: evaluation of the treatment effects of intravenous nicardipine on cerebral oxygenation.
Inappropriate sudden blood pressure (BP) reductions may adversely affect cerebral perfusion. This study explores the effect of nicardipine on regional brain tissue O(2) (PbtO(2)) during treatment of acute hypertensive emergencies. ⋯ Intravenous nicardipine is effective for the treatment of hypertensive neurological emergencies and has no adverse effect on PbtO(2).
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Journal of neurosurgery · Dec 2008
Gamma Knife surgery used as primary and repeated treatment for idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia.
The purpose of this study was to assess the outcome of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (TN) treated with Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) as a primary and repeated treatment modality with a mean follow-up of 5.7 years. ⋯ Gamma Knife surgery established durable pain relief when used as a primary and repeated surgery. Treatment was successful for a total of 91% of patients at a mean follow-up of 5.7 years, but facial numbness was also relatively higher.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Dec 2008
Comparative Study Clinical TrialA prospective cohort study of microvascular decompression and Gamma Knife surgery in patients with trigeminal neuralgia.
The aim of this study was to analyze 1 surgeon's 4-year experience with microvascular decompression ([MVD], 36 patients) and Gamma Knife surgery ([GKS], 44 patients) in 80 consecutive patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN). ⋯ In this nonrandomized prospective cohort trial of selected patients with potentially relevant intergroup differences, MVD was significantly superior to GKS in achieving and maintaining a pain-free status in those with TN and provided similar early and superior longer-term patient satisfaction rates compared with those for GKS. The complications of wound cerebrospinal fluid leakage, hearing loss, and persistent diplopia (1 case each in the MVD group) were not seen after GKS.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Dec 2008
Posttraumatic stress disorder in the family and friends of patients who have suffered spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Significant others (SOs), such as spouses and life partners, of patients who have survived subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) can experience psychiatric symptoms and psychosocial disability. The cause of such symptoms has not been established. Authors of the present study analyzed whether posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) subsequent to a loved one's SAH is a plausible explanation for these symptoms. ⋯ The elevated incidence of PTSD in SOs helps to explain why these persons report concerning levels of psychiatric symptomatology and psychosocial disability. Greater attention must be given to an SO's adjustment to the experience of having a loved one suffer an SAH. This need is all the more pertinent given that SOs often act as informal caregivers and that PTSD could interfere with their ability to effectively minister. Because bad coping skills seem to be the main cause of PTSD, teaching SOs better strategies might prevent the disorder and any resulting psychosocial disability.