Stereotactic and functional neurosurgery
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Stereotact Funct Neurosurg · Jan 2017
ReviewInterplay between Cortical Spreading Depolarization and Seizures.
Cortical spreading depolarization (CSD) is an electrophysiologic phenomenon found mostly in the setting of neurologic injury resulting in the disturbance of ion homeostasis and leading to changes in the local vascular response. The bioelectric etiology of CSD shares similarities to those in epileptic disorders, yet the relationship between seizures and CSD is unclear, with several studies observing cortical depression before, during, and after seizure activity, thus obscuring our understanding of whether CSD activity potentiates or limits seizures and vice versa. Cortical sampling has exhibited how the redistribution of ion concentrations in the intra- and extracellular environments interplay between the excitation of seizures and the electrical depression of CSD. ⋯ Further studies have underscored the role of the vascular response and subsequent ischemia in CSD that contributes to epileptogenesis. Investigations in migraine, traumatic brain injury, and other neurologic injuries suggest that several drugs may target CSD. Manipulations in the occurrence and nature of CSD can potentially alter the threshold for seizure activity, and perhaps minimize immediate and long-term sequelae associated with epilepsy.
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Stereotact Funct Neurosurg · Jan 2017
Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (Motor and Somatosensory Evoked Potentials) in Dorsal Root Entry Zone Lesioning for Brachial Plexus Avulsion Pain.
To address the feasibility and importance of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) in dorsal root entry zone (DREZ) lesioning for brachial plexus avulsion pain. ⋯ Significant events on IONM were common during DREZ lesioning for brachial plexus avulsion pain and were closely related to the occurrence of postoperative neurological deficits.
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Stereotact Funct Neurosurg · Jan 2017
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Petroclival Meningioma: Long-Term Outcome and Failure Pattern.
Total removal of petroclival meningioma is difficult, and aggressive extirpation is often associated with significant surgical morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome and failure pattern of treatment with Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) in patients with petroclival meningiomas. Eighty-nine consecutive patients with petroclival meningiomas underwent GKRS between 1998 and 2013. ⋯ A regrowth pattern was present in all 4 patients of the primary treatment group, whereas cyst formation (3 patients) and regrowth (1 patient) were observed in the secondary treatment group. GKRS is an effective and reasonable option as a primary or secondary treatment for petroclival meningioma. Further studies of failure patterns after GKRS for petroclival meningioma are mandatory.
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Stereotact Funct Neurosurg · Jan 2017
Evaluating Critical Brain Radiation Doses in the Treatment of Multiple Brain Lesions with Gamma Knife Radiosurgery.
Treatment of patients with multiple brain metastases has shifted to stereotactic radiosurgery, withholding whole-brain (WB) radiation therapy. However, radiation toxicity to the brain is a concern when treating multiple brain lesions with single-fraction stereotactic radiosurgery. ⋯ Our results suggest that multiple small to mid-sized lesions could be safely treated with a single-fraction gamma knife.
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Stereotact Funct Neurosurg · Jan 2017
Deep Brain Stimulation for the Treatment of Dejerine-Roussy Syndrome.
Patients who suffer from Dejerine-Roussy syndrome commonly experience severe poststroke hemibody pain which has historically been attributed to thalamic lesions. Despite pharmacological treatment, a significant proportion of the population is resistant to traditional therapy. Deep brain stimulation is often appropriate for the treatment of resistant populations. In this review we aim to summarize the targets that are used to treat Dejerine-Roussy syndrome and provide insight into their clinical efficacy. ⋯ Due to technological advancements in deep brain stimulation, its therapeutic effects must be reevaluated. Despite a lack of controlled evidence, deep brain stimulation has been effectively used as a therapeutic in clinical pain management. Further clinical investigation is needed to definitively evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of deep brain stimulation in treating the drug-resistant patient population.