Neurosurgery
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A case of cerebellar hemorrhage complicating the postoperative course of a patient who had undergone a cervical laminectomy in the sitting position is presented. The drop in cerebrospinal fluid pressure accompanying the procedure is thought to have had some role in the development of the hemorrhage.
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This paper describes a treatment protocol for threatened stroke in patients to carotid endarterectomy. The protocol includes the use of perioperative anticoagulation, intraoperative electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring, and hypertension or barbiturates to protect the brain against documented ischemia intraoperatively. The rational and methods for protecting the patient from the threat of thromboembolism and cerebral ischemia during each of the periods of specific risk are discussed. The most unique feature of this protocol is the use of thiopental-induced EEG burst suppression for ischemia unresponsive to hypertension during carotid clamping, which has obviated the use of a potentially dangerous and cumbersome in-line arterial shunt.
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In cases of Cushing's syndrome, unusual amounts of fat may accumulate in the spinal epidural space, similar to centripetal fat deposits elsewhere in the body. The mass of excessive epidural fat may be responsible for neurological symptoms referable to compression of the spinal cord or cauda equina. ⋯ The diagnosis may be confirmed by computed tomographic scanning in conjunction with myelography. Therapeutic considerations are discussed.
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In 16 patients with severe head injury and 2 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) ventilation was required to maintain adequate oxygenation. The effects of PEEP on intracranial pressure (ICP) were evaluated with respect to the volume-pressure response (VPR), an indicator of intracranial compliance, and the static lung compliance (CL). ⋯ In addition, however, decreased lung compliance may buffer these effects in patients who have decreased intracranial compliance. We propose that ICP monitoring and intracranial compliance determination are necessary in the management of brain-injured patients requiring PEEP ventilation.