Neurosurgery
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Chiari I malformation (CIM) is characterized by descent of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum, potentially causing symptoms from compression or obstruction of the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. Diagnosis and treatment of CIM is varied, and guidelines produced through systematic review may be helpful for clinicians. ⋯ Four Grade C recommendations were made based on Class III evidence, and 1 question had insufficient evidence. The full guidelines can be seen online at https://www.cns.org/guidelines/browse-guidelines-detail/2-symptoms .
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The prognosis of moyamoya disease (MMD) in young children (younger than 4 years) is worse than that of older adults. The effectiveness of surgery is still inconclusive. ⋯ Indirect bypass could provide a satisfactory long-term outcome and prevent recurrent stroke in young children with MMD.
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The literature on athletes with positive head computed tomography (HCT) findings in the setting of sport head injuries remains sparse. ⋯ Among athletes seen at a regional concussion center who underwent an acute HCT, positive findings were seen in 4%. Although athletes with a positive HCT had longer RTL and RTP, symptom resolution was similar between those with a positive and negative HCT. All athletes with a positive HCT successfully returned to play. Despite a more conservative approach to athletes with a positive HCT, clinical outcomes are similar between those with and without a positive HCT.
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Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a widely accepted treatment modality for brain metastases. The role of SRS in patients with higher numbers of metastases remains controversial. ⋯ Single-session SRS is a well-tolerated palliative treatment option even in patients with ≥20 brain metastases, achieving local control rate >90% with low risks of neurotoxicity while continuing concurrent systemic oncological care.
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Observational Study
Interdisciplinary Infection Prevention and Control Bundle in Neurosurgical Patients: Results of a Prospective Cohort Study.
Surgical site infections (SSIs) account for one of the most common causes of nosocomial infections. Bundle approaches for infection prevention and control do not capture the full complexity of neurosurgical interventions. ⋯ Introducing an interdisciplinary IPCB in neurosurgery leads to a significant reduction of sepsis and decreased in-hospital mortality while a pathogen switch toward gram-negative bacteria was observed. Minimizing diagnostic gap of pathogen detection toward a more efficient anti-infective treatment may be the main reason for the substantial decrease in morbidity and mortality.