Neurological research
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Neurological research · May 2011
Clinical TrialPreliminary experience with the use of self-expanding stent as a thrombectomy device in ischemic stroke.
Stent-based techniques may allow rapid arterial recanalization in acute stroke. We present our experience using a self-expanding stent to achieve transient bypass, and then as a thrombectomy device, with no permanent stent implantation, in acute stroke. ⋯ The presented approach allowed three desired effects: rapid endovascular revascularization, clot removal, and no need of leaving a permanent implant. In our preliminary experience this simple and rapid stent-based mechanical thrombectomy technique has had an unprecedented success rate.
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The pathogenesis of widespread pain and increased tenderness in Fibromyalgia (FM) are still unknown. Recently, the role of central nervous system hyperexcitability is emphasized in pathogenesis of FM. The central sensitization was demonstrated with decrease in nociceptive flexion reflex (NFR) threshold in patients with FM. The NFR and cutaneous silent period (CuSP) are excitatory and inhibitory parts of the same spinal protective reflex, respectively. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in CuSP in FM. ⋯ The latency elongation of the CuSP shows that there is some delay in the development of the inhibitory part of the spinal protective reflex in patients with FM. The observed changes in CuSP of the patients with FM may suggest some abnormalities in the circuits of sensorimotor integration at spinal and supraspinal levels. The results regarding the changes observed in the CuSP in patients with FM should be confirmed by further studies.
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Neurological research · May 2011
Historical ArticleTechniques of intraoperative monitoring for spinal cord function: their past, present, and future directions.
The authors discuss the use of intraoperative monitoring of spinal cord function as an essential part of operations in which the spinal cord is at risk. Although early documented cases of intraoperative monitoring were during operations to correct spinal deformities such as scoliosis, intraoperative monitoring has also increased safety during other operations, such as tumor resection and arteriovenous malformation ablation. ⋯ Intraoperative spinal cord monitoring is safe, cost-effective, and valuable in reducing post-operative sensory and motor deficit. This technique should continue to be refined and its use consistently applied in any procedure where injury to the spinal cord is possible.
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Neurological research · May 2011
Experimental subacute spinal cord compression: correlation of serial S100B and NSE serum measurements, histopathological changes, and outcome.
To correlate serial measurements of serum S100B and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) with histopathological changes of the spinal cord and to assess their prognostic significance in a set-up of experimental spinal cord compression. ⋯ The initial degree of paresis is not a prognostic factor to predict outcome. Despite timely decompression, pronounced structural lesions of the cord may develop, resulting in an unfavorable outcome. In cases with favorable outcome, sufficient tissue is preserved to maintain function regardless of the initial extent of paresis. This different reaction of the cord may be followed indirectly with serial measurements of S100B serum levels. Thus, S100B is a reliable biochemical marker allowing for prediction of outcome. NSE does not have this prognostic significance.