Neurosurgery
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The prevalence of intracranial aneurysms among female cigarette smokers was shown to be high in previous studies, yet the cost-effectiveness of screening them has never been explored. ⋯ Screening female smokers for intracranial aneurysms once at younger age is most optimal. However, in clinical practice, the duration and intensity of exposure to cigarettes should be taken into consideration.
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Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) became the "gold-standard" treatment for most patients with acute ischemic stroke due to anterior circulation large vessel occlusion. With such a remarkable paradigm shift, it is important that this modality of treatment becomes widely and homogeneously available throughout the United States and other countries. ⋯ The current situation in the United States regarding MT access is marked by geographic and socioeconomic disparities. We provide an overview of current challenges and solutions in achieving more universal access to MT for the population.
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Low-grade cerebral neoplasms are commonly associated with medically intractable epilepsy. Despite increasing evidence that epileptogenic brain regions commonly extend beyond visible tumor margins, the utility of extended surgical resections leveraging intraoperative electrocorticography (ECoG) remains unclear. ⋯ These findings provide support for the utilization of ECoG-guided surgery to improve postoperative seizure freedom in cases of refractory epilepsy associated with low-grade neoplasms. However, this effect may be attenuated in the presence of concomitant cortical dysplasia, highlighting a need for improved presurgical and intraoperative monitoring for these most challenging cases of localization-related epilepsy.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Does a Screening Trial for Spinal Cord Stimulation in Patients With Chronic Pain of Neuropathic Origin Have Clinical Utility (TRIAL-STIM)? 36-Month Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial.
Screening trials before full implantation of a spinal cord stimulation device are recommended by clinical guidelines and regulators, although there is limited evidence for their use. The TRIAL-STIM study showed that a screening trial strategy does not provide superior patient pain outcome at 6-month follow-up compared with not doing a screening trial and that it was not cost-effective. ⋯ The long-term results show no patient outcome benefit in undertaking an SCS screening trial.