Neurosurg Focus
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The human insular cortex, or the lobus insularis, is considered the developmentally most primitive lobe of the telencephalon. Covered by an overlying cortical lid, the insula has functions that are distinct from yet related to those of the adjacent temporal lobe and deep limbic structures. ⋯ Using the understanding gained from the development of the insula they then address implications of insular development for cortical development and connection as well as for tumorigenesis and tumor spread from the insula to other cortical structures, most notably the temporal lobe. An understanding of cortico-insular development and interconnection allows for both a better understanding of insular pathology and also facilitates planning of resection of cortico-insular gliomas to avoid damage to eloquent structures.
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In this paper, the authors' goal was to summarize their experience with the surgical treatment of gliomas arising from the cingulate gyrus. ⋯ Gliomas arising from the cingulate gyrus are rare. A gross-total resection is often possible and acceptably safe; intraoperative monitoring and neuronavigation are helpful adjuncts. In case of resection of gliomas arising from the anterior cingulate gyrus a supplementary motor area syndrome has to be considered, particularly when the tumor extends to the supracingular cortex.
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An increasing number of neural implantable devices will become available in the near future due to advances in neural engineering. This discipline holds the potential to improve many patients' lives dramatically by offering improved-and in some cases entirely new-forms of rehabilitation for conditions ranging from missing limbs to degenerative cognitive diseases. The use of standard engineering practices, medical trials, and neuroethical evaluations during the design process can create systems that are safe and that follow ethical guidelines; unfortunately, none of these disciplines currently ensure that neural devices are robust against adversarial entities trying to exploit these devices to alter, block, or eavesdrop on neural signals. The authors define "neurosecurity"-a version of computer science security principles and methods applied to neural engineering-and discuss why neurosecurity should be a critical consideration in the design of future neural devices.
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The notion that a computer can decode brain signals to infer the intentions of a human and then enact those intentions directly through a machine is becoming a realistic technical possibility. These types of devices are known as brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). The evolution of these neuroprosthetic technologies could have significant implications for patients with motor disabilities by enhancing their ability to interact and communicate with their environment. ⋯ To date, this classic motor physiology has been an effective substrate for demonstrating the potential efficacy of BCI-based control. However, emerging research now stands to further enhance our understanding of the cortical physiology underpinning human intent and provide further signals for more complex brain-derived control. In this review, the authors report the current status of BCIs and detail the emerging research trends that stand to augment clinical applications in the future.
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Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been used to treat various neurological and psychiatric disorders. Over the years, the most suitable surgical candidates and targets for some of these conditions have been characterized and the benefits of DBS well demonstrated in double-blinded randomized trials. This review will discuss some of the areas of current investigation and potential new applications of DBS.