British journal of neurosurgery
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Decompressive hemicraniectomy has been used increasingly in recent years to treat malignant middle cerebral artery territory infarction. This review examines functional outcome data, with the novel analysis of outcomes according to temporal periods post-surgery. Case series data were pooled to determine significant correlates of outcome. ⋯ Time and rehabilitation were later reflected, with fewer deaths and the emergence of mild to moderate disability increasing in prevalence. Mortality and severe disability were consistently more probable with increasing age. Presurgical clinical status in the form of additional cerebral artery involvement and midline shift also correlated with mortality within the 30-day period post-stroke.
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Review
Is there a role for vagus nerve stimulation therapy as a treatment of traumatic brain injury?
This paper aims to review the current literature on vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) use in animal models of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and explore its potential role in treatment of human TBI. A MEDLINE search yielded four primary papers from the same group that demonstrated VNS mediated improvement following fluid percussion models of TBI in rats, seen as motor and cognitive improvements, reduction of cortical oedema and neuroprotective effects. ⋯ Although this data unequivocally shows that VNS improves outcome from TBI in animal models, it remains to be determined if these findings translate clinically. Further studies are warranted.
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Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive type of primary brain tumor. It is a rapidly progressive, highly recurrent, fatal intracranial neoplasm, and the demand for novel treatment is urgent. Valproic acid (VPA) is a potential anticancer agent that belongs to a class of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, targeting the epigenetic control of gene functions in cancer cells. This drug has been administered for the prevention or treatment of seizure disorder in GBM patients; therefore, a retrospective analysis may further our understanding of the effect of VPA on GBM patients. ⋯ VPA treatment, when administered according to a protocol targeting seizure control, may result in HDAC inhibition in a small subset of patients, but does not significantly affect overall patient survival. Early administration of VPA as an adjunct to temozolomide chemotherapy may have its merits, but the optimal dosing schedule and target serum level require further investigation.
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A 74-year old gentleman with a cranio-cervical abscess failed to improve after incision and drainage and standard intravenous antibiotic therapy. Imaging demonstrated thrombosis of the internal jugular vein, sigmoid sinus and transverse sinus; and microbiological analysis isolated Fusobacterium nucleatum. The diagnosis of Lemierre's syndrome was confirmed, and he was effectively treated with appropriate antibiotics and anti-coagulation.
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Aneurysms at nonbranching sites in the supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA), known as blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs), are rare entities and differ from saccular aneurysms. In this study, we attempt to describe our clinical experience and the outcome of treatments for BBAs. ⋯ BBAs of the supraclinoid ICA have special neuroradiological and clinicopathological characteristics. Direct clipping or endovascular coil embolization along may not be sufficient and sometimes have undesirable results. ICA trapping or ligation including the lesion segment can be considered an alternative choice if the balloon occlusion test (BOT) is successful. However, if the patient does not tolerate the BOT, EC-IC bypass surgery with ICA ligation or trapping is another option.