Journal of clinical neuroscience : official journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia
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Spinal cord infarction is a rare entity of varying etiology although most often associated with atherosclerotic aortic disease. Definitive diagnosis of (idiopathic) spinal cord infarction in the acute stage and in the absence of demonstrable predisposing factors is not always possible even with MRI. Diffusion-weighted MRI (dwMRI) may provide valuable information in the evaluation of spinal cord ischemia. ⋯ Apparent diffusion coefficient values were significantly low in the lesion, suggesting cytotoxic edema compatible with acute ischemia. The clinical course and other radiographic findings were also compatible with idiopathic spinal cord infarction. Diffusion-weighted MRI is an important diagnostic tool for examining patients with suspected spinal cord ischemia.
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We report a case of massive intracerebral air embolism after cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a patient with a fatal head injury. There was no pneumothorax or extravascular pneumocephalus, however, air was found in the internal carotid artery. Massive cerebral air embolism may occur after entrance of air into the circulatory system via ruptured pulmonary vessels during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
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Alpha2-agonists have been extensively used and studied in anaesthesia and intensive care medicine. A list of benefits includes anxiolysis, blood pressure stabilization, analgesia, anaesthetic sparing effects and sedation without respiratory depression or significant cognitive impairment. ⋯ The two readily available agents, clonidine and dexmedetomidine have already been used in many different anaesthetic situations, for a wide variety of surgical procedures. We believe that both of these alpha2-agonists are useful adjuncts for the management of the neurosurgical patient during surgery, and in the intensive care unit.
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To evaluate the outcome and complications of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for chronic neuropathic pain in an Australian population. ⋯ SCS is an effective treatment in the control of chronic neuropathic pain, particularly in combination with comprehensive medical management within a multidisciplinary pain management centre.
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To define the clinical characteristics of cystic acoustic neuroma, we retrospectively analyzed 22 patients with cystic acoustic neuroma and reviewed the literature with regard to clinical manifestation, imaging features, diagnosis, surgical procedures and prognosis. An acoustic neuroma was defined as cystic according to the following criteria: the presence of hypodense/hypointense areas on CT or MRI, the identification of cystic elements at operation and histological verification. ⋯ Complete removal of the tumor was achieved in 18 cases (81.8%). We conclude that patients with cystic acoustic neuroma need prompt surgery with special attention paid to the preservation of the facial nerve.