Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Feb 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialRapid and selective cerebral hypothermia achieved using a cooling helmet.
Hypothermia is by far the most potent neuroprotectant. Nevertheless, timely and safe delivery of hypothermia remains a clinical challenge. To maximize neuroprotection yet minimize systemic complications, ultra-early delivery of selective cerebral hypothermia by Emergency Medical Service (EMS) personnel in the field would be advantageous. The authors (W.E. and H.W.) have developed a cooling helmet by using National Aeronautics and Space Administration spinoff technology. In this study its effectiveness in lowering brain temperature in patients with severe stroke or head injury is examined. ⋯ This helmet delivers initial rapid and selective brain cooling and maintains a significant temperature gradient between the core and brain temperatures throughout the hypothermic period to provide sufficient regional hypothermia yet minimize systemic complications. It results in delayed systemic hypothermia, creating a safe window for possible ultra-early delivery of regional hypothermia by EMS personnel in the field.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Feb 2004
Comparative StudyCerebral hemispherectomy in pediatric patients with epilepsy: comparison of three techniques by pathological substrate in 115 patients.
Cerebral hemispherectomy for intractable seizures has evolved over the past 50 years, and current operations focus less on brain resection and more on disconnection. In addition, cases involving cortical dysplasia and Rasmussen encephalitis are being identified and surgically treated in younger individuals. Few studies have been conducted to compare whether there are perioperative differences based on hemispherectomy technique and/or pathological substrate in pediatric patients with epilepsy. ⋯ The authors found differences in perioperative risks and hospital course but not postsurgery seizure control, which vary by hemispherectomy technique and/or disease process. The modified lateral hemispherotomy approach offers various advantages related to operative blood loss and reoperation compared with anatomical and functional hemispherectomies that are especially relevant in younger patients with cortical dysplasia and Rasmussen encephalitis with small and/or malformed ventricles.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Feb 2004
Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical TrialEfficacy of scheduled nonnarcotic analgesic medications in children after suboccipital craniectomy.
The authors performed a study to evaluate the efficacy of a regimen of scheduled minor analgesic medications in managing postoperative pain in children undergoing intracranial procedures. ⋯ A regimen of minor analgesic therapy, given in alternating doses every 2 hours immediately after craniotomy and throughout hospitalization, significantly reduced postoperative pain scores and LOS in children in whom suboccipital craniotomy was performed. Narcotic and antiemetic requirements were also decreased in association with this regimen. Application of this postoperative analgesia protocol may benefit children and adults in whom various similar neurosurgical procedures are required.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Feb 2004
Comparative StudyMarked reduction of cerebral vasospasm with lumbar drainage of cerebrospinal fluid after subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) continues to be a major source of morbidity in patients despite significant clinical and basic science research. Efforts to prevent vasospasm by removing spasmogens from the subarachnoid space have produced mixed results. The authors hypothesize that lumbar cisternal drainage can remove blood from the basal subarachnoid spaces more effectively than an external ventricular drain (EVD). This non-randomized, controlled-cohort study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of a lumbar drain in patients with SAH compared with those in whom an EVD or no form of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage was used to prevent the development of clinical vasospasm and its sequelae. ⋯ Shunting of CSF through a lumbar drain after an SAH markedly reduces the risk of clinically evident vasospasm and its sequelae, shortens hospital stay, and improves outcome. Its beneficial effects are probably mediated through the removal of spasmogens that exist in the CSF. The results of this study warrant a randomized clinical trial, which is currently under way.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Feb 2004
Cortical dysplastic lesions in children with intractable epilepsy: role of complete resection.
The authors conducted a study to determine seizure-related outcomes in a group of pediatric patients with pathologically proven focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) treated by focal cortical resections and multiple subpial transections (MSTs). ⋯ Complete resection of FCD results in good seizure outcome in a majority of children. When conducted in conjunction with incomplete cortical resection, MSTs do not improve seizure outcome in patients with FCD. Focal cortical dysplasia located outside of eloquent cortex and complete excision of the lesion are the most important predictors of seizure outcome.