British journal of neurosurgery
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Purpose: To depict the specific brain networks that are modulated by deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in Parkinson's disease (PD), using diffusion tensor imaging-based fibre tractography (DTI-FT). Materials and methods: Nine patients who received bilateral STN-DBS for PD were included. Electrodes were localized by co-registering preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and postoperative computed tomography. ⋯ Conclusions: The connectivity patterns observed in this study suggest that the therapeutic effects of STN-DBS are mediated through the modulation of distributed, large-scale motor networks. Specifically, the depiction of projection neurons connecting the stimulated area/STN to the (pre)motor cortex, reinforce the growing evidence that the HDP might be a potential therapeutic target in PD. If further replicated, these findings could raise the possibility that DTI-FT reconstruction of the HDP may critically improve DBS targeting and stimulation parameters selection, through the development of programming tools that incorporate VTA modelling and patient-specific DTI-FT data.
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Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most common cause of death and disability in young adults in industrialised countries. Post-TBI hypopituitarism (PTHP) is thought to occur in one-third of patients, however the natural history and predictive factors are not fully understood and as such guidelines for surveillance vary. The aim of this study was to assess the variations in current surveillance practices across the Neurosurgery Centres within the United Kingdom. ⋯ There was wide variation in the criteria used to determine which patients were screened. Conclusions: Our survey suggests that few Neurosurgeons routinely screen for PTHP and those that do use a wide variation of clinical parameters to guide surveillance practice. A UK-wide prospective cohort study may help identify patients at risk of developing PTHP.
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Background: The clinical symptoms and signs of Cauda equina syndrome (CES) are non specific and poorly predictive of cauda equina compression on MRI. We aimed to establish whether a history of lumbar spine surgery predicts cauda equina compression on MRI in those presenting with suspected CES. Methods: A retrospective electronic record review was undertaken of 276 patients referred with clinically suspected CES who underwent a lumbosacral spine MRI. ⋯ Twenty six (9%) patients presented more than once with suspected CES. Patients with a history of lumbar surgery were more likely to re-present with suspected CES (χ2 - p = .002). Conclusions: Prior lumbar surgery was associated with a higher frequency of re-presentation with clinically suspected CES but a lower frequency of radiological cauda equina compression.
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Background: Cranioplasty (CP) of autologous bone flap after decompressive craniectomy (DC) is known to be associated with a high complication rate, particularly bone flap resorption (BFR). In a retrospective study, we used a novel virtual reality (VR) visualisation technique to identify and evaluate risk factors associated with CP. Method: Twenty-five patients underwent early autologous CP. ⋯ Therefore, it is relevant to identify and quantify probable risk factors for the most common complications, such as BFR. Here, we found that the extent of osteoclastic extension may impair the patient's healing process. Our investigation was made considerably easier by using the novel VR visualisation technique, which allows parallax free measurements of distances in 3D space.
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Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a challenging multifactorial disorder with the highest mortality rate among all psychiatric disorders. Due to the low rate of long-term treatment success, new treatment options are needed. Here, we review Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) as a treatment of Severe Intractable AN. ⋯ DBS is a promising treatment modality for AN and comorbid OCD or MDD. These results highlight promise and hope for patients with AN. However, further studies with larger patient populations are needed to shed light on the long-term outcomes of DBS and its effects in AN treatment.