J Neurosurg Sci
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Spinal trauma is a leading cause of destabilization of the vertebral column. Balloon kyphoplasty is one among several surgical treatment methods for restoring spinal stability. This series included 25 patients (10 [40%] males and 15 [60%] females) over the age of 50 years who had undergone balloon kyphoplasty for traumatic compression fracture and were retrospectively evaluated to determine the success of this technique in terms of restoration of spinal stabilization. ⋯ The study results suggest that balloon kyphoplasty may be used in the surgical treatment of vertebral compression fractures in selected cases.
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Spinal cord stimulation has evolved since its inception. It has been used as a treatment option since 1967 with a concentration on chronic pain syndromes. ⋯ Focused attention is on evolving technology and the direction of the field. This focus leans on the technology to keep pace with the evolving clinical needs.
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Occipital nerve stimulation may be effective for primary headache disorders. Four studies, including two double-blind show, stimulation-controlled studies that were performed for chronic migraine showed evidence of benefit. ⋯ In chronic cluster headache, several case series have shown improvement, which, combined with the safety of occipital nerve stimulation relative to deep brain stimulation, have led to published reports supporting this as the preferred surgical technique for chronic cluster headache. A few case reports suggest a possible benefit in short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection tearing and short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache.
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As the population of many countries ages, disorders of cognition and memory-such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and dementia associated with Parkinson's Disease-will become a major societal burden. At present, few effective medical therapies against these conditions are available. ⋯ In this article, we review the scientific literature to address some of the mechanisms by which DBS may impact memory and cognition. We then summarize the results of recent clinical experience with DBS in AD and Parkinsonian dementia.
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Electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves is an established modality in treatment of chronic pain. Although introduced half a century ago, it has enjoyed rapid growth in popularity and acceptance over the last decade or so. The spectrum of clinical situations where peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) has been successfully used includes chronic pain in extremities, neck, lower back, chest and abdominal wall, and head and face regions. ⋯ Such administrative recognition of clinical value of PNS necessitates update on PNS status for interested readers. The goal of this article is to provide a comprehensive overview of the different types of peripheral neurostimulation that are used today and providing the most updated information on the current state of the modality. As clinical interest and experience with PNS continue to grow, we expected steady accrual of objective evidence in terms of safety, efficacy, best indications and optimal stimulation parameters, all of which will be necessary for worldwide regulatory approval of PNS and for the benefit of patients who are still suffering from chronic neuropathic pain.