Neurosurgery
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Health disparities related to traumatic brain injury (TBI) have focused on socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity. We sought to characterize TBI patterns and outcomes based on undocumented status. ⋯ Undocumented immigrants presented from farther distances with increased TBI severity, likely from both more severe trauma and delayed presentation, requiring more neurosurgical intervention. They also had greater length of stay, charges, and nearly double the mortality rate. Importantly, undocumented status was a strong predictor for mortality. Despite worse outcomes, they were discharged to a health care facility at a lower rate. Advocacy efforts should be directed at increasing health care coverage and migrant community engagement and education.
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Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is effective for patients with medically refractory trigeminal neuralgia with a 75%-90% response rate. Consideration of the integral dose (ID) to the target nerve within the 50% isodose line was reported to help select prescription doses to maximize effectiveness and minimize bothersome numbness. The objective of this study was to externally validate the ID as a predictor of outcomes after SRS. ⋯ The ID did not predict recurrence-free survival or sensory dysfunction. Our observations suggest improved nerve coverage by the most powerful area of the isocenter, for instance, by targeting a narrower segment if feasible, could result in more durable pain relief. Further studies to validate these findings are needed.
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There remains significant debate regarding the performance of deep brain stimulation (DBS) procedures for Parkinson disease (PD) under local or general anesthesia. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the clinical outcomes between "asleep" DBS (general anesthesia) and "awake" DBS (local anesthesia) for PD. ⋯ There was no significant difference in the primary motor outcomes and LEDD improvement between asleep vs awake DBS. The variables of target selection and MER use had no statistically significant impact on outcome. We find that asleep techniques are both safe and effective compared with the awake technique.