Neurosurgery
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Brain mapping is a quintessential part of neurosurgical practice. Accordingly, much of our understanding of the brain's functional organization, and in particular the motor homunculus, is largely attributable to the clinical investigations of past neurosurgeons. ⋯ Collectively we refer to these as passive mapping modalities. Here we review the spectrum of passive mapping used by neurosurgeons for mapping and surgical planning that ranges from invasive intracranial recordings to noninvasive imaging as well as regimented task-based protocols to completely task-free paradigms that can be performed intraoperatively while under anesthesia.
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Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) is well-established. Radiographic advantages exist for 3-dimensional rotational digital subtraction angiography (3DRA) over 2-dimensional digital subtraction angiography (2D DSA) in delineating AVM nidus structure for SRS treatment planning. However, currently there is limited to no data directly comparing 2D DSA versus 3DRA in terms of patient outcomes. ⋯ The 3DRA over 2D DSA in SRS treatment planning for AVMs may result in improved TTO and 3-yr obliteration rates. Further investigation and prospective study are warranted.
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Microvascular decompression (MVD) and vagoglossopharyngeal rhizotomy (VGR) are effective treatment for glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GN). However, surgical choice is controversial due to the need to maximize pain relief and reduce complications. ⋯ Although VGR resulted in lower postoperative QOL due to a high complication rate, most of these complications were mild. The overall satisfaction rates for the 2 surgeries were similar.
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Brain metastases (BM) are the most common type of brain tumor malignancy in the US. They are also the most common indication for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). However, the incidence of both local recurrence and radiation necrosis (RN) is increasing as treatments improve. MRI imagery often fails to differentiate BM from RN; thus, patients must often undergo surgical biopsy or resection to obtain a definitive diagnosis. ⋯ These results suggest that DVI could be a useful diagnostic tool to differentiate recurrent BM from RN using a minimally invasive blood sample.
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Opioid misuse in the USA is an epidemic. Utilization of neuromodulation for refractory chronic pain may reduce opioid-related morbidity and mortality, and associated economic costs. ⋯ Patients undergoing SCS were able to reduce opioid usage. Given the potential to reduce the risks of long-term opioid therapy, this study lays the groundwork for efforts that may ultimately push stakeholders to reduce payment and policy barriers to SCS as part of an evidence-based, patient-centered approach to nonopioid solutions for chronic pain.