Neurosurgery
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The "double hemorrhage" model in the rat is frequently used to simulate delayed cerebral vasospasm (CVS) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in humans. However, an exact neurological and angiographic characterization of the CVS is not available for this model so far and is provided in the present investigation. Additionally, perfusion weighted imaging (PWI) at 3 tesla magnetic resonance (MR) tomography was implemented to assess the reduction in cerebral blood flow (CBF). ⋯ A valid and reproducible CVS simulation was proven by neurological score, DSA, and PWI on Day 5. Furthermore, our data demonstrate the practicability and validity of MR PWI for the monitoring of CVS in a rat SAH model.
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The value of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (INM) during intramedullary spinal cord tumor surgery remains debated. This historical control study tests the hypothesis that INM monitoring improves neurological outcome. ⋯ The applied motor evoked potential methods seem to improve long-term motor outcome significantly. Early motor outcome is similar because of transient motor deficits in the INM group, which can be predicted at the end of surgery by the neurophysiological profile of patients.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Intravenous magnesium versus nimodipine in the treatment of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a randomized study.
The prophylactic use of nimodipine in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage reduces the risk of ischemic brain damage. However, its efficacy seems to be rather moderate. The question arises whether other types of calcium antagonists offer better protection. Magnesium, nature's physiological calcium antagonist, is neuroprotective in animal models, promotes dilatation of cerebral arteries, and has an established safety profile. The aim of the current pilot study is to evaluate the efficacy of magnesium versus nimodipine to prevent delayed ischemic deficits after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. ⋯ The efficacy of magnesium in preventing delayed ischemic neurological deficits in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage seems to be comparable with that of nimodipine. The difference in their pharmacological properties makes studies on the combined administration of magnesium and nimodipine seem promising.
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Comparative Study
Outcome of oculomotor nerve palsy from posterior communicating artery aneurysms: comparison of clipping and coiling.
Recovery of posterior communicating artery aneurysm-induced oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP) after aneurysm coiling has been reported. However, the coil mass may compromise recovery of the nerve. Therefore, we compared the outcome of coiling and clipping for this indication. ⋯ Clipping posterior communicating artery aneurysms was associated with a higher probability of complete recovery from ONP than coiling. Degree of preoperative ONP also affected recovery. If patients can tolerate surgery, it should be considered the treatment of choice.
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The incidence of spinal infections has increased in recent years, and vertebral osteomyelitis and epidural abscess are issues of great concern for spine surgeons. We retrospectively reviewed our cases treated by two-stage management for vertebral osteomyelitis and epidural abscess. ⋯ Without denying the efficacy of the single-stage surgery, two-stage management can be a reasonable alternative for carefully selected patients who have spinal infection.