Journal of neurosurgery
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The etiology of spontaneous cervical artery dissection is poorly understood; however, it may involve genetic and environmental factors. The purpose of this study was to determine whether seasonality of spontaneous cervical artery dissection exists. ⋯ A seasonal pattern of spontaneous cervical artery dissection exists with a peak occurring in October. The cause of the seasonality remains to be explained; however, weather- or infectious disease-related factors may provide etiological leads.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jun 1998
Neuroprotective effects of NPS 846, a novel N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, after closed head trauma in rats.
The authors sought to determine whether 3,3-bis (3-fluorophenyl) propylamine (NPS 846), a novel noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, alters outcome after closed head trauma in rats. ⋯ In this model of closed head trauma, NPS 846 improved neurological outcome, delayed the onset of brain edema, and improved brain tissue ion homeostasis.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jun 1998
Intrathecal baclofen infusion and subsequent orthopedic surgery in patients with spastic cerebral palsy.
Intrathecal baclofen infusion (IBI) is an effective treatment for spasticity secondary to cerebral palsy (CP). ⋯ The authors conclude that IBI for treatment of spastic CP reduces the need for subsequent orthopedic surgery for the effects of lower-extremity spasticity. In patients with spastic CP and lower-extremity contractures, spasticity should be treated before orthopedic procedures are performed.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jun 1998
Comparative StudyTympanic membrane displacement testing in regular assessment of intracranial pressure in eight children with shunted hydrocephalus.
The authors assessed the accuracy and repeatability of the tympanic membrane displacement (TMD) test, an audiometric technique that is used to evaluate changes in intracranial pressure (ICP) in children with shunted hydrocephalus. ⋯ The TMD test can be used on a regular basis as a reproducible investigative tool in the assessment of ICP in children with shunted hydrocephalus, thereby reducing the need for invasive ICP monitoring. The equipment necessary to perform this testing is mobile. It will provide a useful serial guide to ICP abnormalities in children with shunted hydrocephalus.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jun 1998
Comparative StudyCombined supra/infratentorial-transsinus approach to large pineal region tumors.
The authors sought to confirm that the combined supra/infratentorial-transsinus approach offers a safer means of resecting large pineal region tumors than other approaches currently being used. The aforementioned method provides a wider exposure of the pineal region with less brain retraction than the infratentorial-supracerebellar or the occipital-transtentorial approach alone and is applicable to some large and giant tumors of this area. This combined approach was used in six patients to remove large pineal region tumors including four tentorial meningiomas, one pineocytoma, and one epidermoid cyst. ⋯ The combined supra/infratentorial-transsinus approach is preferred for the resection of certain large pineal region tumors.