J Neurosurg Sci
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The objective of this study was to assess the effect of locally administered ibuprofen (IBU) on transected peripheral nerve regeneration and functional recovery. ⋯ Ibuprofen accelerated and improved functional recovery and morphometric indices of sciatic nerve. This study is expected to set a stage for testing the ibuprofen in the human patients.
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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common cause of permanent disability for which clinical management remains suboptimal. Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) is a common sequela following TBI leading to death and permanent disability if not properly managed. While clinicians often employ stepwise acute care algorithms to reduce ICP, a number of patients will fail medical management and may be considered for surgical decompression. ⋯ The current state of DC - including appropriate injury classification, surgical techniques, concurrent medical therapies, mortality and functional outcomes - is presented. We also report on the recent updates from large randomized controlled trials in severe TBI (Decompressive Craniectomy [DECRA] and Randomized Evaluation of Surgery with Craniectomy for Uncontrollable Elevation of ICP [RESCUEicp]), and recommendations for early DC to treat refractory ICP elevations in malignant middle cerebral artery syndrome. Limitations for DC, such as the equipoise between immediate reduction in ICP and clinically meaningful functional outcomes, are discussed in support of future investigations.
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Congenital hypoplasia or absence of the A1 segment of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) has been associated with increased incidence of berry aneurysms at the anterior communicating artery (Acom) complex. It is not known, however, whether this anatomic variant also predisposes patients to complications after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. ⋯ Our results suggest that a hypoplastic or absent A1 segment is associated with cerebral infarction following subarachnoid hemorrhage from ruptured Acom aneurysms, indicating a potential need for heightened vigilance and a reduced threshold for therapeutic intervention in patients harboring this abnormality.
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Cervical spinal compression is a serious and rare complication of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) that can occur using leads placed via open surgical approach. The present report describe a case of cervical plate lead implant that developed spinal and radicular compression symptoms after seven years due to the growth of fibrotic epidural mass at the level of lead. A review of literature is provided. ⋯ The patient underwent C4-C5-C6 laminectomy and a thick scar was removed from the dura. After surgery there was progressive and incomplete improvement of neurological signs but symptoms related to algodystrophy recurred partly. The formation of hypertrophic epidural scar tissue at the level of lead implant must be taken into consideration in presence of the onset of progressive cervical myelopathy in patient treated with SCS using laminectomy lead.
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Managing neurogenic shock following acute traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is challenging. Current guidelines target mean arterial pressure (MAP) above 85-90 mmHg to maintain cord perfusion and reduce ischemia/secondary injury. While early vasopressor utilization has been associated with improved outcomes, recent updates regarding indications of specific vasopressors for refinement of existing guidelines are needed. ⋯ Class III evidence has been augmented regarding vasopressor usage following acute SCI, however comparative benefits between vasopressors remain in need of elucidation due to small sample sizes and/or inadequate specificity to spine injury levels. Large prospective multicenter studies targeting age cohorts, and characterizing associated comorbidities and complication profiles, are of high priority in order to determine judicious use criteria of specific vasopressors for relevant subpopulations.