Neurosurgery clinics of North America
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Although the first publications on clinical use of peripheral nerve stimulation for the treatment of chronic pain came out in the mid-1960s, it took 10 years before this approach was used to stimulate the occipital nerves. The future for occipital nerve stimulation is likely to bring new indications, devices, stimulation paradigms, and a decrease in invasiveness. As experience increases, one may expect that occipital nerve stimulation will eventually gain regulatory approval for more indications, most likely for occipital neuralgia, migraines and cluster headaches. This process may require additional studies, at least for approval from the US Food and Drug Administration.
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Neurosurg. Clin. N. Am. · Apr 2019
ReviewEvolving Techniques and Indications in Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Pain.
Peripheral nerve stimulation is the direct electrical stimulation of named nerves outside the central neuraxis to alleviate pain in the distribution of the targeted peripheral nerve. These treatments have shown efficacy in treating a variety of neuropathic, musculoskeletal, and visceral refractory pain pathologies; although not first line, these therapies are an important part of the treatment repertoire for chronic pain. With careful patient selection and judicious choice of stimulation technique, excellent results can be achieved for a variety of pain etiologies and distributions. This article reviews current and past practices of peripheral nerve stimulation and upcoming advancements in the field.
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Neurosurg. Clin. N. Am. · Oct 2018
ReviewIntraoperative Blood and Coagulation Factor Replacement During Neurosurgery.
Intraoperative blood and coagulation factor transfusion is of particular importance to neurosurgeons. Maintaining the hematologic and coagulation parameters of the patient within normal limits during surgery is critical to facilitate normal hemostasis, reduce transfusion requirements, and prevent complications associated with excessive blood loss. In this article, the authors review topics relevant to intraoperative transfusion during neurosurgery, including laboratory studies and other diagnostic modalities available to help with decision making, blood components and coagulation factors currently available for transfusion, and indications for intraoperative transfusion during cranial and spinal neurosurgical procedures.
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Neurosurg. Clin. N. Am. · Oct 2018
ReviewManagement of Intracranial Hemorrhage in the Anticoagulated Patient.
Antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs (antithrombotic drugs) can cause or be associated with intracranial hemorrhage. Patients who take antithrombotic drugs are at higher risk for intracranial hemorrhage after trauma and are neurologically worse acutely compared with patients not on antithrombotic drugs. Treatment of patients on antithrombotic drugs who have intracranial hemorrhage includes reversal of anticoagulant drugs in almost all cases. This article is a synopsis of the data pertaining to intracranial hemorrhage and antithrombotic drugs and methods to diagnose the pharmacologic effects and to reverse the effects of these drugs in patients with traumatic or spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage.
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Intraoperative bleeding can be minimized with optimal preoperative preparation but cannot be completely prevented. There are circumstances when patients need emergent operative intervention, and thorough hemostatic evaluation and preparation is not possible. ⋯ The authors review the potential causes for intraoperative bleeding and the methods for rapid and accurate diagnosis. The authors summarize the current evidence for treatment options, including transfusion of platelets and coagulation factors and the use of topical agents, antidotes to direct-acting anticoagulants, antifibrinolytics, and desmopressin.