Surg Neurol
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The effects of subarachnoid hemorrhage on platelet-derived vasoconstriction of the isolated rabbit basilar artery were examined using an isometric tension recording method. The subarachnoid hemorrhage was induced by injecting arterial blood in the cisterna magna. ⋯ The present experiments suggest that both serotonin and thromboxane A2 contribute to vasoconstrictions induced by the platelets, before and after subarachnoid hemorrhage. The platelet-derived contraction response is potentiated after subarachnoid hemorrhage and serotonin is responsible for the increased reactivity.
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Fifty-three of 236 consecutive patients (22.5%) who suffered a proved aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and who were admitted within 72 hours after subarachnoid hemorrhage to a primary emergency hospital had at least one rebleed within 6 months after the primary bleed. Two patients later had a rebleed within a mean of 3 years follow-up. ⋯ The rebleed mortality rate was 74%, and only 19% of patients with a rebleed had a good outcome. The grade on admission, age, and sex do not affect the incidence nor the time of rebleeding.
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A series of 32 patients with posterior fossa epidural hematoma treated after the introduction of computed tomography scanning between 1975 and March 1988 is presented. Sixteen patients harbored "pure" epidural hematomas, whereas 16 had other infratentorial or supratentorial traumatic lesions. Glasgow Coma Scale on admission was 7 or less in 10 patients, 8-12 in 11, and 13-14 in 11. ⋯ Overall mortality was 15.6%, with 0% for "pure" and 31.2% for "complicated" posterior fossa epidural hematomas. The value of routine computed tomography scanning is emphasized in cases with occipital skull fracture or when such fracture is found in patients undergoing emergency evacuation of supratentorial hematomas. The pertinent literature is addressed with special regard to the delayed occurrence, associated lesions, and mortality of posterior fossa epidural hematomas and to the role of computed tomography scanning.
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Case Reports
Schwannoma of the facial nerve in the cerebellopontine angle presenting with hearing loss.
Schwannomas of the facial nerve in the cerebellopontine angle are unusual. The authors describe a 43-year-old woman with progressive hearing loss and dizziness who had a small schwannoma of the facial nerve in the cerebellopontine angle without extension into the internal auditory canal. The tumor was completely removed with preservation of facial nerve function. The diagnosis and management of facial nerve schwannomas are discussed.