Neurosurgery
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Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) represents an effective treatment for severe Parkinson's disease (PD), but little is known about the long-term benefit. ⋯ STN DBS is a safe and effective treatment for patients with advanced PD. This study based on the long-term follow-up of large patient populations can be used to elucidate the long-term fate of patients who underwent bilateral STN DBS for PD.
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Nonunion remains a concern in multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), yet there are limited data on nonunion after 4 to 5-level ACDF. In fact, the largest series on 4-level or 5-level ACDF focused specifically on the swallowing outcomes. ⋯ The nonunion rate for 4-level and 5-level ACDF may be higher than previously reported. Symptomatic nonunion remains a major reason for reoperation after multilevel ACDF. Baseline characteristics that negatively affect fusion may be obviated by careful patient selection.
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Endovascular treatment (EVT) for cerebral vein thrombosis (CVT) has not been proven to be more effective than anticoagulation based on recent results of the Thrombolysis or Anticoagulation for Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (TO-ACT) randomized clinical trial. ⋯ In this large observational cohort, there was no evidence of benefit with EVT for CVT. These findings corroborate the results from the TO-ACT trial.
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Meta Analysis
Seizure Outcome of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Surgery in Adults and Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) surgery is associated with the best seizure outcome in adults, although its long-term results remain suboptimal. Retrospective pediatric studies suggest better figures whose determinants are poorly understood. ⋯ The proportion of seizure freedom after TLE surgery was higher in children, although not significantly. Histopathology and the surgical approach can influence seizure outcome, with age-related variability.