Surg Neurol
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The objective of this study is to provide a retrospective analysis using an NIS database to examine national trends in outcomes for CSM from 1993 to 2002. ⋯ Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is one of the most common disorders treated by spine surgeons. There was a nearly 7-fold increase in the number of spinal fusions for CSM from 1993 to 2002. Despite continued increases in patient medical comorbidities, overall complication rates have remained stable at approximately 10.3% and mortality rates constant at 0.6%.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
A prospective randomized trial comparing the technique of spinal and general anesthesia for lumbar disk surgery: a study of 100 cases.
General anesthesia and regional anesthesia have both been shown to be suitable techniques for patients undergoing lower thoracic and lumbar spine surgery; however, GA is the most frequently used method. The purpose of this study was to conduct an acceptable RCT to compare the intraoperative parameters and postoperative outcome after SA and GA in patients undergoing elective lumbar disk surgery. ⋯ Contrary to previous studies, the findings of the present study revealed that SA has no advantages over GA. Moreover, it was showed that GA can reduce the related risks and complications in several aspects.
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The brain exhibits neuroplasticity, the capacity to be modifiable by experience. Over the last decade there has been an explosion of knowledge in the field of neuroplasticity. ⋯ An understanding of neuroplasticity is essential for the practicing neurosurgeon since a lot of the drugs neurosurgeons prescribe affect neuroplasticity and a lot of neurosurgical diseases will be treated by therapies which modulate plasticity. In this article we review fundamental concepts of neuroplasticity for the practicing neurosurgeon.
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With improvement in imaging, CVT is being diagnosed more frequently. Early diagnosis and rapid institution of remedial measures such as anticoagulation, anticonvulsants, hydration, and treatment of underlying abnormality will aid in salvaging life. ⋯ Blood-fluid level in CVT may be an early radiologic sign in the absence of any other imaging abnormality. The presence of this sign in the early stages warrants an aggressive treatment because this probably suggests a large bleed with raised capillary and venous pressures. The case is discussed in view of the unusual radiologic sign in CVT in the absence of anticoagulant therapy.