Neurosurgical review
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In this study, we present a retrospective analysis of 107 cases due to civilian craniocerebral gunshot wounds that were treated by the medical faculty of Dicle University during a period of 7 years (January 1993 to January 2000). Twenty patients died at the hospital, and the deaths were determined to result from direct effects of brain damage. Coma was the best prognostic guideline. Diffuse brain damage and ventricular injury, particularly infections, were associated with poor outcome.
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Neurosurgical review · Aug 2002
Continuous intrathecal infusion of baclofen in patients with spasticity caused by spinal cord injuries.
The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of intrathecal baclofen therapy delivered by a programmable pump for the chronic treatment of spinal spasticity. Twelve patients with intractable spasticity caused by spinal cord injuries underwent implantation of a programmable continuous infusion pump after significant reduction in spasticity following an intrathecal test bolus of baclofen. No deaths or new permanent neurological deficits occurred following surgery or chronic intrathecal baclofen therapy. ⋯ In two cases, we observed postoperative catheter dislocation, a complication which could be corrected surgically. This study demonstrates that chronic intrathecal baclofen infusion is a safe and effective form of treatment of intractable spasticity in patients with spinal cord injury. There is considerable reduction in the risk of infection in view of the fact that interrogation and programming of the implanted programmed pumps is noninvasive.