Neurological research
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Neurological research · Dec 2014
Randomized Controlled TrialNeurosurgical tactile discrimination training with haptic-based virtual reality simulation.
To determine if a computer-based simulation with haptic technology can help surgical trainees improve tactile discrimination using surgical instruments. ⋯ Virtual computer-based simulators with integrated haptic technology may improve tactile discrimination required for microsurgical technique.
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Neurological research · Apr 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialVagus nerve stimulation to augment recovery from severe traumatic brain injury impeding consciousness: a prospective pilot clinical trial.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has high morbidity and mortality in both civilian and military populations. Blast and other mechanisms of TBI damage the brain by causing neurons to disconnect and atrophy. Such traumatic axonal injury can lead to persistent vegetative and minimally conscious states (VS and MCS), for which limited treatment options exist, including physical, occupational, speech, and cognitive therapies. More than 60 000 patients have received vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for epilepsy and depression. In addition to decreased seizure frequency and severity, patients report enhanced mood, reduced daytime sleepiness independent of seizure control, increased slow wave sleep, and improved cognition, memory, and quality of life. Early stimulation of the vagus nerve accelerates the rate and extent of behavioral and cognitive recovery after fluid percussion brain injury in rats. ⋯ If this study demonstrates that VNS can safely and positively impact outcome, then a larger randomized prospective crossover trial will be proposed.
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Neurological research · Sep 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialPositive and negative predictors for good outcome after decompressive surgery for Chiari malformation type 1 as scored on the Chicago Chiari Outcome Scale.
Posterior fossa decompression (PFD) is commonly applied as treatment for Chiari malformation type 1 (CM1), an entity which is associated with a variety of presenting symptoms but little data correlating symptoms to surgical outcome. We applied the Chicago Chiari Outcome Scale (CCOS), a novel 16-point tool for evaluating outcome, to a consecutive series of CM1 patients to identify specific factors or symptoms that predispose to a better or worse surgical outcome. ⋯ Our results identify specific presenting factors that correlated with a better or worse outcome after CM1 decompression. These data also demonstrate that CCOS scoring allows for a rigorous comparison of outcome in different patient populations and between variable operative techniques. Application of CCOS scoring to a larger patient population undergoing a variety of operative CM1 treatments should allow for better-informed decisions regarding patient selection and treatment options for CM1.
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Neurological research · Nov 2011
Randomized Controlled TrialLong-term antalgic effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of motor cortex and serum beta-endorphin in patients with phantom pain.
To assess the long-term analgesic effect of repetitive transcranial stimulation (rTMS) on chronic phantom pain using high frequency stimulation and to measure the serum beta-endorphin level pre- and post-rTMS. ⋯ These results confirm that five daily sessions of rTMS over motor cortex can produce long lasting pain relief in patients with phantom pain and it might be related to an elevation of serum beta-endorphin concentration.
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Neurological research · Jul 2011
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyFlexor reflexes elicited by magnetic and electric stimulation of the sural nerve.
We have investigated whether magnetic stimulation of the sural nerve can evoke a flexor reflex recorded from the ipsilateral short head of the biceps femoris muscle. ⋯ Findings indicate that flexor reflexes can easily be evoked from the short head of the biceps femoris muscle by magnetic stimulation of the sural nerve. The late component of the flexor reflex may not only be elicited via nociceptive afferents but may also involve non-nociceptive afferents.