Neurosurgery
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The optimal refinement in nerve repair techniques has reached a plateau, making it imperative to continually explore newer avenues for improving the clinical outcome of peripheral nerve regeneration. The aim of this short review is to discuss the role and mechanism of brain plasticity in nerve regeneration, as well as to explore the possible application of this knowledge for improving the clinical outcome following nerve repair.
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Low-grade glioma (LGG) patients have increased life expectancy, so interest is high in the treatments that maximize cognition and quality of life. ⋯ Most LGG patients in this series presented with normal neurological examinations and cognitive screening, but showed subjective cognitive and mood concerns and cognitive decline on neuropsychological testing, suggesting the importance of comprehensive evaluation. After awake mapping, language tended to be preserved, but memory demonstrated decline in some patients. These results highlight the importance of establishing a cognitive baseline before surgical resection and further suggest that awake mapping techniques provide reasonable language outcomes in individuals with LGG in eloquent regions.
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Endovascular Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) placement for intracranial aneurysms is performed under general anesthesia at most centers because of perceived improved image quality and patient safety. ⋯ In our experience, CS for PED placement for intracranial aneurysm treatment is feasible and safe. Procedure and fluoroscopy times and amount of radiation exposure are similar to or less than described in reports of PED placement under general anesthesia. CS allows direct neurological evaluation and earlier detection of and response to intraprocedural complications.
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Supplementary motor area (SMA) syndrome occurs after surgery involving the SMA and is characterized by contralateral hemiparesis with or without speech impairment (dependent on involvement of the dominant SMA), which is transient and characteristically resolves over the course of weeks to months. Recurrent SMA syndrome after repeat craniotomy has not been previously described. ⋯ This series demonstrates that recurrent SMA syndrome occurs in patients undergoing repeat resection of tumors involving the SMA. The presence of recurrent SMA syndrome provides support for reorganization of SMA function to adjacent ipsilateral cortex after resection. Patients with recurrent neoplasms of the SMA should be counseled on the possibility of recurrent SMA syndrome.
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Endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke has changed remarkably over the past decade. Beginning with IA thrombolytic administration, endovascular strategies have evolved to include aspiration, self-expanding intracranial stents, and now retrievable stents. With the recent publication of 5 randomized, controlled studies (MR CLEAN, EXTEND-IA, ESCAPE, SWIFT PRIME, and REVASCAT), mechanical thrombectomy, when used in combination with IV tPA, has demonstrated a significant radiographic and clinical benefit over traditional strategies with IV tPA alone. These results have placed endovascular therapy at the forefront of stroke treatment, redefining the standard of care.