Neurosurgery
-
Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Gamma knife thalamotomy for Parkinson disease and essential tremor: a prospective multicenter study.
No prospective study of gamma knife thalamotomy for intractable tremor has previously been reported. ⋯ GK thalamotomy is an alternative treatment for intractable tremors of PD as well as for ET. Less invasive intervention may be beneficial to patients.
-
Review Case Reports
Trigeminal schwannomas: skull base approaches and operative results in 105 patients.
Trigeminal schwannomas make up 0.8% to 8% of all intracranial schwannomas. ⋯ The present series demonstrates acceptable results using microsurgical treatment to remove trigeminal schwannomas. Pain and diplopia may be relieved after surgery; however, hypesthesia frequently remains or may be worsened by surgery.
-
The relation of the pelvis to the spine has previously been overlooked as a contributor to sagittal balance. However, it is now recognized that spinopelvic alignment is important to maintain an energy-efficient posture in normal and disease states. The pelvis is characterized by an important anatomic landmark, the pelvic incidence (PI). ⋯ Sagittal balance, pelvic incidence, and all spinopelvic parameters are easily and reliably measured on standing, full-spine (lateral) radiographs, and it is essential to accurately assess and measure these sagittal values to understand their potential role in the disease process, and to promote spinopelvic balance at surgery. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the literature regarding the implications of abnormal spinopelvic parameters and discuss surgical strategies for correction of sagittal balance. Additionally, the authors rate and critique the quality of the literature cited in a systematic review approach to give the reader an estimate of the veracity of the conclusions reached from these reports.
-
Free radicals and lipid peroxidation are thought to be related to the vasospasm generation after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Plasma platelet-activating factor-acetyl hydrolase (PAF-AH) degrades phospholipids with an oxidatively modified fatty acyl chain. ⋯ Oxidized lipids of lipoproteins and blood cell membranes produced by reactive oxygen species in CSF when SAH occurs may be the main source of lipid peroxidation. Plasma PAF-AH can hydrolyze oxidized phospholipids, and may attenuate the spreading of lipid peroxidation and participate in defense mechanisms against vasospasm after SAH.
-
Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Comparison of the diagnostic utility of electromyography, ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging in idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome determined by clinical findings.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common nerve entrapment syndrome. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose, and a late diagnosis may result in permanent nerve damage. Electromyography (EMG), ultrasonography (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) may be performed for the diagnosis. The diagnostic accuracy of these tests is well documented, but most of these studies accept EMG as the gold standard. ⋯ EMG or US could be used as the first-step test in most cases. If they are both available, EMG should be the first choice. They may be performed together when diagnosis is challenging. CT may especially be preferred for bone-related pathological conditions, whereas MRI may be preferred for soft tissue-related pathological conditions. Even though imaging studies have been proven to be powerful diagnostic tools for CTS, no conclusive information currently exists to support replacing EMG with imaging studies.